June 2021 Sweeping bill seeks to eliminate all pro-life protections nation-wide By Jennifer Popik, NRLC Federal Legislative Director See “Mobilize,” page 19

On Tuesday, June 8th, the to hear oral argument in so-called “Women’s Health the Mississippi case of Dobbs Protection Act” (WHPA) was v. Jackson Women’s Health introduced in the 117th Session Organization, on whether of the U.S. Congress. This prohibitions on sweeping legislation seeks performed pre-viability are to enshrine into federal law unconstitutional. abortion-on-demand and This session’s bill was require taxpayer funding of introduced in the U.S. House abortion. of Representatives by Reps. While similar dangerous Judy Chu (D-CA) and in the legislation has been introduced U.S. Senate by Sen. Sydney for decades, a record number Blumenthal (D-CT). of pro-abortion co-sponsors The WHPA has a total of have signed on in 2021. Bill 48 Democratic Caucus co- advocates have claimed there sponsors in the Senate—all is a renewed urgency to pass the WHPA in the wake of the See “Sweeping,” page 37 U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Nine days and counting until the start of the 50th National Right to Life Convention in Herndon, Virginia Rev. Gregory Seltz will address Prayer Breakfast, Sen. Tom Cotton, will speak at Closing Banquet

By Dave Andrusko

The deadline mentioned in the headline, referring to June 25, is very important but so, too, is the fact that Early Registration has been extended to June 21! Please go here [https://nrlconvention. com] to register. We very much want you and your family and friends to attend the June 25-26 convention which will be held at the Hilton Washington Dulles hotel in Herndon, Virginia, near Dulles Airport. 2021 will be our 50thconvention! That is a special landmark for the nation’s oldest and most representative single-issue pro- See “Convention,” page 25 life organization.

See “Convention,” page 25 Editorials A shrewd analysis of how pro-lifers are hemming in Roe on the way to its extinction

When you read articles by pro-abortionists such as “How the Anti-Abortion Movement Used the Progressive Playbook to Chip Away at Roe v. Wade,” your first thought (or at least my first thought) is that likely the authors will suggest that the usage is somehow illegitimate. Tainted, as it were. How could those people (aka us) be allowed to get away with using (as the subhead states) “The tactics that advanced civil rights and gay rights have been put to work against abortion.” But Profs. Mary Ziegler and Robert L. Tsai give every appearance of having a kind of grudging admiration for the genius of our Movement--incrementalism—perhaps because that was at the core of the successful “multi-decade strategy” employed by the civil rights and gay rights movements. (In the case of the former, the beginning of the “strategy” goes back over a hundred years.) However to jump ahead to the very end of their essay in Politico Magazine, I confess I also anticipated a stronger explanation of #1. Ziegler and Tsai understand that the Supreme Court both why they believe the wheel will turn again. That is, why pro-life makes changes and reflects them. They go into depth in many successes, including a potential victory in the Mississippi case areas but not about what may be the most telling. Courtesy of the Supreme Court has agreed to hear, will spark a “backlash that ultrasounds in particular, pictures/representations of the one-time ultimately writes abortion rights into black-letter law.” largely invisible unborn child are on refrigerator doors, in albums, I would strongly encourage you read the piece [www.politico. and in tons of advertisements. “Fetus” always was a clunky term, com/news/magazine/2021/06/13/anti-abortion-progressive-roe- v-wade-supreme-court-492506], so allow me to highlight four See “Analysis,” page 25 considerations. Future prospects for pro-abortion Democrats continually grow bleaker

Last November, after most of the dust had settled, some pro- be, any more than the large (and growing larger) number of pro- abortion strategists were frank enough to acknowledge that the life Republican women taking their seats in Congress and the future did not look good for their party—the Democrats. At the statehouses. So, let me revisit and update what we wrote last time, borrowing from a piece that appeared in Slate magazine November, which is even more true today than seven months ago. (decidedly not our friend), we wrote about that grim scenario (for The title for Mary Harris’ piece in Slate, which was “an excerpt Democrats) under the headline, “‘It’s the statehouses, stupid.’ Pro- of a conversation from Slate’s daily morning news podcast, ‘What abortion publication acknowledges how well pro-life Republicans Next,’’ is “Democrats Have a Much Bigger Problem Than the did in the states.” Senate or the Electoral College: It’s the statehouses, stupid.” Why is this worth mentioning in June 2021? Simply because It’s a long post [https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/11/ even those anti-lifers most determined to bury their heads in democrats-statehouses-republican-control-gerrymandering- the sand can’t miss the import of this recent headline from their redistricting-census.html], but let’s start with the conclusion that house newspaper, the Times. It read “Republicans win appears at the very end of the excerpt: two Texas mayoral races, including one in McAllen, which is 85 Mary Harris: The Democrats seem to lack the percent Hispanic.” organizational knowhow, the infrastructure to If you didn’t bother to keep track on what was going on last year, these are hugely surprising setbacks. But they shouldn’t See “Bleaker,” page 30 From the President Carol Tobias The Biden-Harris Budget, with no Hyde Language, Must be Defeated

We knew it was The damage the Biden budget would plan offered through the Obamacare coming -- we knew inflict doesn’t just impact the exchanges. (pg. 24) Biden promised during there would be a program, the initial intent of the Hyde his campaign that any public option would concerted effort to Amendment. For your information, I’m cover abortion on demand. make you and your including a summary from the office of *Increases the funding floor earmark for neighbors pay for pro-life Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). Sen. international family planning/reproductive abortion. Daines chairs the Senate Pro-Life Caucus. health by $8.7 million to $583.7 million As Memorial This is the most thorough analysis I’ve seen from $575 million (pg. 916). This is a Day weekend was of how the Biden budget would dismantle slush fund for international pro-abortion beginning, President Biden released his 40+ years of anti-funding protections for organizations including International proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022. He babies and taxpayers. and Marie Stopes is asking Congress to approve a budget As you may have seen, President Biden’s International, which can now receive these that removes language, FY22 budget calls for the elimination of funds due to Biden’s rescission of Protecting thus allowing your tax dollars to be used to the Hyde Amendment (pg. 807) – which Life in Global Health Assistance. pay for abortion. Prior to enactment of the would allow taxpayer funding for abortion *72% increase in funding for the United Hyde Amendment, federal dollars, mostly on demand through Medicaid, Medicare Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) by Medicaid, paid for 300,000 abortions a year. disability, and other programs funded $23.5 million to $56 million from $32.5 How did we know such a budget was under the Labor/Health & Human Services million (pg. 125 of State Dept request). coming? In 2019, once Biden realized appropriations bill. The UNFPA promotes abortions around the that his chances of winning his party’s The Hyde Amendment has saved an world and supports China’s forced abortion presidential nomination were non-existent estimated more than 2.4 million lives and sterilization regime. if he did not roll over, he sold out the babies since it first became law in 1976, and it *Eliminates conditions on U.S. funds to and the taxpayers. He flipped on his 45-year routinely saves more than 60,000 lives in the UNFPA, including requirements that the history as a senator who opposed taxpayer the United States every year. Nearly 6 in 10 UNFPA not fund abortions and that funds funding of abortion. Biden and the abortion Americans oppose using tax dollars to pay not be directly used for country programs industry were now one. for abortions (Marist/Knights of Columbus in China (pg. 916) It was very different back in 1977 when poll, 2021). *Adds a sweeping notwithstanding then-Senator Biden wrote an open letter to Other pro-abortion provisions in Biden’s authority for funding “to promote gender his Delaware constituents, stating that he FY22 budget: equality” overseas, which would bypass has consistently opposed the use of federal *Eliminates the Dornan Amendment the Helms Amendment and Siljander funds to pay for abortion “unless the life of (pg. 1272), which would allow the District Amendments, to potentially allow taxpayer the mother is in danger.” of Columbia to fund abortions through funding for abortion or abortion lobbying Throughout the years, the pro-life its Medicaid program. When the Dornan overseas. (pg. 916) movement has faced its up and downs. amendment was last gutted in FY2010, D.C. *Eliminates the application of the Helms We’ve had pro-life presidents and pro- funded 300 abortions through Medicaid. Amendment to the Complex Crises Fund abortion presidents. We’ve had Republican- *Eliminates the Aderholt Amendment (pg. (pg. 832), which could allow those funds to controlled congresses and Democrat- 188), which would lift the Federal ban on pay for abortions controlled congresses. There was one gestating gene-edited , such as *Eliminates provisions removing time constant: the Hyde amendment prevailed. three-parent embryos. limitations on storage for IVF Why? Because a strong majority of *19% increase in funding for the Title X procedures funded by the Department of Americans do not want their tax dollars family planning program by $53.521 million Defense (pg. 329) being used to kill preborn children. Most to $340 million from $286.479 million (pg. We must make sure that everyone elected officials, even Democrats, respected 438). Once the Biden administration finalizes knows what this militantly pro-abortion those desires. its new Title X rules, this funding will serve administration is trying to do. Many of our No more. The abortion industry and as a slush fund for Planned Parenthood and friends and neighbors may support abortion the leadership of the Democrat party have the abortion industry. Biden promised on the but they do not want their tax dollars used in pulled back the curtain. They no longer campaign trail that the public option would this way. Talk to them. Educate them. And attempt to hide their true goal-- no limits cover abortion on demand. urge them to contact their U.S. Senators and on abortion throughout all nine months of *Calls for making permanent the Representative. And, certainly, every one pregnancy paid for by taxpayers. Unborn expanded Obamacare premium tax credits of our pro-life friends and neighbors must children are to be treated like a tumor, and (which subsidize abortion coverage) under be motivated to act. any laws that provide some safeguards the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Washington must hear from us. If Hyde for women seeking an abortion need to be creation of a so-called “public option” language is not added back into this budget, repealed. for a government run health insurance the budget must be defeated. 4 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Democrats’ Exclusion of Protections for the Unborn Breaks With Commonsense, Bipartisan Precedent ‘So President Biden’s decision to abandon the Hyde Amendment aligns him with an increasingly radical consensus among elected Democrats. But it puts him way out of step with the clear majority of Americans who oppose taxpayer-funded abortion.’– U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell

By Sen. Mitch McConnell

Editor’s note. Sen. of Health and Human Services Here in the Senate, our among elected Democrats. But McConnell delivered these confirmed that the President’s colleagues have repeatedly it puts him way out of step with remarks June 10th on the Senate change of heart was no mistake: blocked efforts to limit elective the clear majority of Americans floor regarding protections for “The budget is a reflection of abortion after the 20th week. who oppose taxpayer-funded the unborn. what the President has said…” Their opposition keeps abortion.

Unfortunately, the Administration’s radical left turn touches much more than just infrastructure policy. In fact, it includes an unprecedented new threat to the basic dignity of human life. On the campaign trail last year, President Biden announced that he would abandon a mainstream position he had held for decades – that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund abortions. It was an alarming reversal. But, under immense pressure from the far Left, President Biden kept his radical campaign promise, shrugged This new, fringe stance on the United States in rather Mr. President, the off a commonsense precedent taxpayer-funded abortions inglorious company alongside Administration’s budget upheld by Administrations aligns much more closely with China, North Korea, and just request continues to make of both parties for more than the Secretary’s own views, as four other countries that fail to headlines for all the wrong 40 years, and proposed a our colleagues may recall from offer this basic protection to the reasons. budget that entirely erases his confirmation process. unborn. But its plan to sell out on the protections of the Hyde Now, it’s no secret that the So President Biden’s longstanding protections for Amendment. Democratic Party has been decision to abandon the Hyde the most vulnerable Americans When asked about it at a hurtling to the left on abortion Amendment aligns him with an might just be the lowest of the hearing yesterday, the Secretary in recent years. increasingly radical consensus low.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 5 Clara’s Story

Editor’s Note: Clara is the and when I was strong enough, to live what you might call a life movement, and have done 11-year-old daughter of Joleigh I went to live at an orphanage. normal life. Sort of! so. I am writing this essay so Little, the Region 5 & 6 Field I was adopted from the I mentioned my mom. She everyone will know that it is Representative at Wisconsin orphanage, and now I have an works for Wisconsin Right so important to choose life for Right to Life. Her story below kids like me. was originally shared in the May I have many, some might say, 2021 Teen Impact Subscription odd looks about me. I have Box, which focused on creating that half a leg I told you about. a culture of life for people with I also have fingers that are disabilities. braided together like a braid in your hair. I have a Leggie for Some would say I was doomed my half leg that helps me walk when I was born. Others would and run. When I do not have my say I was born to shine. My leg on I hop around on one foot. world ended up shining. This is The exercise is great for me! I how my world began… guess you could say I have come My birth mom understood a long way since I was born. I my needs so she said “no” ride horses, I walk our dogs, I to aborting me. She had me run, I swim – I can do anything when she was very young, in a any other kid can do. country called Bulgaria. While I hope you know that it’s so I was growing inside her, part important to choose life. Just of the amniotic sac came loose because kids like me look and wrapped around my leg, different or we have special causing it not to grow. The needs that might take more same thing happened to some time and care, doesn’t mean we of my fingers. I was born early should be killed. All of us have – about eight weeks before my things that make us different and due date. My birth mom knew awesome mother. I was a little to Life and I have been able we all need care – young or old. she couldn’t take care of me, so too pleased to leave that place! to travel with her to events. As human beings we need to she walked out the door, leaving I have pretty simple needs that When I heard my own story stand on many legs to survive. me with doctors I didn’t know. are easily taken care of. Once I from my mom, I wanted to I’m glad that I get to stand with But they took good care of me came home to America, I began become involved with the pro- people who love life! 6 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Major Pro-Life Opportunities in Upcoming Governor Races By Karen Cross, National Right to Life Political Director

There will be gubernatorial points of winning the race. One on the President. After 4 years distinction of being the first elections in Virginia and of the major reasons he lost was of Ralph Northam’s abortion Asian American ever elected to New Jersey in 2021, as well McAuliffe’s huge fundraising extremism it is time to take the the Arizona Legislature. as a special recall election in advantage. Commonwealth back. Karrin Taylor Robson, a . In addition, there With that in mind, another member of the Arizona Board of are 20 Republican and 15 factor working in Youngkin’s Arizona Regents and the president and Democrat governor seats up favor is his ability to self-fund Pro-life Governor Doug founder of Arizona Strategies, for election in 2022. Following his campaign. As a successful Ducey is limited by state law to a land-use strategy company, are highlights of some of those businessman, Youngkin has only two consecutive terms. As has also entered the race for the elections. been able to invest large sums a result, Arizona will have an Republican nomination. of his personal wealth into the open race for governor in 2022. On the Democratic side, pro- Virginia abortion Marco Antonio Lopez, The first major midterm the former mayor of Nogales, election during the Biden- has thrown his hat in the ring. Harris era comes to the More candidate announcements Commonwealth of Virginia on both sides are expected. in November 2021. There will be a pro-life versus pro- Georgia abortion showdown in the two Like Arizona, Georgia was major candidates with pro- one of the closest states of the life Republican businessman 2020 election with President Glenn Youngkin taking on Biden narrowly eking out a pro-abortion former Governor win. Pro-life Governor Brian Terry McAuliffe. Kemp (R) is running for The Cook Political Report has reelection and Republicans categorized the race as Likely are looking to reverse recent Democrat. However, there are a trends in the Peach State after number of factors that point to also losing two Senate seats to a very competitive race. pro-abortion Democrats in the One is historical trends. Apart January runoff elections. from the 2017 gubernatorial On the Democratic side, pro- race, the party which does abortion former House Minority not hold the presidency has [Left to right] NRLC Political Director Karen Cross; Pro-life Virginia Leader Stacey Abrams may traditionally won the Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate Glenn Youngkin; and Virginia Society for seek a rematch from her 2018 Human Life President Olivia Gans Turner. governor’s race. That bodes race against Kemp, a race she well for Youngkin with pro- race allowing him to go toe- In the 2020 elections, has never officially conceded. abortion President Biden in to-toe with McAuliffe who President Biden carried Another potential candidate is office. previously served as DNC Arizona by one of the narrowest pro-abortion former Atlanta While Virginia has been Chair and was a top fundraiser margins in the country: just mayor Kasim Reed. trending blue, midterm for Bill and Hillary Clinton. 10,000 votes--or 0.3%. But elections have been much How close is the race less in 2018, Governor Ducey Pennsylvania closer than in presidential than five months out? A poll won reelection in what was Pro-abortion Governor Tom years. In the 2014 Senate race, from WPA Intelligence put the considered a Democratic wave Wolf (D), a former Planned for example, Republican Ed candidates neck and neck with year with 56% of the vote. Parenthood clinic escort, Gillespie came within 0.8% of McAuliffe leading 48% over On the Republican side, is term-limited, leaving an defeating incumbent Senator Youngkin at 46%. pro-life State Treasurer open race for governor in Mark Warner. Winning in 2021 will require Kimberly Yee has announced Pennsylvania. Pro-life former In 2013, the last time Terry maximum effort from pro-life her candidacy. Prior to her McAuliffe was on the ballot for advocates who understand that role as treasurer, Yee served governor, pro-life Republican “off-year elections” are often as the Majority Leader of the See “Races,” page 36 Ken Cuccinelli came within 2 interpreted as a referendum Arizona Senate. She bears the www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 7 Attorney General Cameron Files U.S. Supreme Court Brief in Kentucky’s Live Dismemberment Abortion Case High court will hear case this fall

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June abortions involve tearing the values of Kentuckians and against the law in a split vote, 14, 2021) – Attorney General unborn child apart, in the demonstrates the respect we and the Beshear Administration Daniel Cameron today filed a womb, while he or she is still have for the dignity of life,” said refused to appeal and continue brief before the United States alive. The General Assembly Attorney General Cameron. defending the law. Attorney Supreme Court in support of “These values, set forth in our General Cameron attempted his defense of House Bill 454, laws, must be defended at every to intervene in the case two Kentucky’s law prohibiting turn, and it’s my job to step in, days later to ensure the law live-dismemberment abortions. especially when other state continued to receive a full In March, the U.S. Supreme officials refuse. This brief is the defense, but the Sixth Circuit Court agreed to hear Attorney next step in this process, and we denied his motion. General Cameron’s appeal in look forward to presenting our The brief argues that as the the case of Cameron v. EMW case to the U.S. Supreme Court “chief law officer” for the Women’s Surgical Center, in this fall to ensure Kentucky’s Commonwealth, the Attorney which the Attorney General laws can always be defended General must be allowed to argues that he should be by our office.” intervene in the case given how allowed to defend HB 454 on Kentucky Attorney General Attorney General Cameron’s quickly he acted. behalf of Kentuckians. Daniel Cameron team defended HB 454 on Attorney General Cameron’s HB 454 prohibits the behalf of the Secretary of the office is expected to argue the gruesome live dismemberment passed HB 454 in 2018, and it Cabinet for Health and Family case before the Supreme Court abortion procedure, also known was challenged by a Kentucky Services before the United this fall. To view a copy of the as Dilation and Evacuation abortion clinic and two of its States Court of Appeals for brief, click here [https://ag.ky. (D&E), from being performed abortion providers. the Sixth Circuit. The Sixth gov]. on a living unborn child. D&E “HB 454 represents the Circuit upheld an injunction Sen. Hyde-Smith continues push for thorough FDA review of dangerous chemical abortion pills At Hearing, Senator Questions FDA Inconsistencies in Regulating Abortion Pill vs. COVID Vaccines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – reporting of adverse effects of and CDC imposed a pause reported to the FDA. So let me U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde- the drug on women. on the Johnson and Johnson look into that, but it may well be Smith (R-Miss.) on Thursday “The FDA decision is COVID vaccine after reports that if a person has a headache continued a push for the Food alarming because this drug is of blood clots in some women. after using this drug that that and Drug Administration dangerous. The limited data we At the same time, FDA is may not have to be reported (FDA) to conduct a thorough expanding the approval for because it’s a non-serious, self- review of the risks to women’s chemical abortion pills that limited event,” Woodcock said. health from a chemical abortion have much, much higher risks Hyde-Smith responded, pill made more widely available of blood clots than the J&J “Twenty percent, though, during the pandemic. vaccine,” she said. that’s pretty serious for life During a Senate Agriculture More than 20 percent of threatening or resulting in Appropriations Subcommittee reported complications from death.” hearing to review the FY2022 use were life In January, Hyde-Smith FDA budget request, Hyde- threatening or resulted in death, and Congressman Bob Smith questioned FDA and over 70 percent of reported Latta (R-Ohio) introduced regulatory inconsistencies complications required follow companion legislation, the regarding the Risk Evaluation up surgery, including total Support and Value Expectant and Mitigation Strategy hysterectomy, Hyde-Smith (SAVE) Moms and Babies Act (REMS) for mifepristone, the reported. of 2021 (S.78 and HR.554), chemical abortion drug. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith Acting FDA Commissioner to prevent labeling changes In April, Hyde-Smith led Dr. Janet Woodcock, in her for already-approved abortion a bipartisan, bicameral letter do have shows unacceptable response at the hearing and drugs; prevent providers to the FDA that expressed rates of complications for in a letter, said the agency from dispensing these drugs concerns about the agency’s women and girls,” Hyde-Smith will undertake a review of the remotely, by mail, or via tele- decision not to enforce the said. REMS for mifepristone. medicine; and prevent FDA mifepristone REMS during “I am particularly struck by “I will have to look at the approval of new chemical the pandemic and requested the inconsistency of FDA’s conditions of the REMS. All abortion drugs. the agency mandate complete actions. For instance, the FDA serious events need to be 8 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org NRLC 2021 will open with Prayer Breakfast Speaker The Rev. Gregory Seltz explaining “Standing Up for Life Matters To Us All”

By Holly Gatling, Executive Director, South Carolina Citizens for Life

The Rev. Dr. Gregory P. Seltz, witness (especially when you The Lutheran Hour, he said, deeply religious Lutheran the first executive director of the are even doing it for those with “was the hardest decision of my parents and grandparents. He Lutheran Center for Religious whom you disagree).” life because I thought that was began his college career at Liberty in Washington, D.C., Standing up means opposing the pinnacle of my work.” the University of Michigan believes the pro-life message legislation such as the so-called He made his decision to leave in the six-year medical and traditional family values are “Equality Act” that passed the based in part on an incident that school program and played “under siege” by what he calls U.S. House and is pending in goes all the way back to 1938 basketball. He soon found his a “secular puritanism” bent on faith to be the object of ridicule outlawing those who advocate in the science classes and that for the biblical view. He will propelled him into changing expand on that fundamental his career path to the ministry. insight as the featured speaker “I learned there is a secular at the National Right to Life movement in our country, Convention Prayer Breakfast and they laughed at our faith on Friday, June 25, 2021, in an in my biology classes. I was address titled “Standing Up for a straight A student. I can do Life Matters To Us All.” all the science, but I have a Dr. Seltz says secular puritans whole different world view,” “don’t think they are religious, he recalled. “That’s when I but they are way more religious began to realize there is a than you would imagine,” he clash of world views in our said. For example, you can go The Rev. Gregory Seltz culture.” to jail for violating the “Ethnic As a Lutheran pastor Agitation Laws” of Finland. the Senate. Among other threats when overtly liberal religious beginning in 1988, Dr. Seltz’s “Having a bible perspective on to religious liberty, the Equality groups filed a complaint ministry took him and his things will get you thrown in Act could be interpreted as against The Lutheran Hour wife, Marie Yvette, to many jail in Finland.” creating a right to demand that and demanded it be taken off interesting places including With religious liberties under health care professionals and the air. Dr. Walter Maier, then inner city evangelization and assault, the Lutheran Church- institutions provide abortion The Lutheran Hour speaker, “church planting” ventures Missouri Synod recognized procedures regardless of any fought back using Jeffersonian in areas where the church the need to have a presence moral objection to killing Freedom Principles of free wasn’t always welcome. in Washington, D.C., the very unborn members of the human speech and freedom of religion. In New York, , epicenter of where a compelling family. He “defended the church’s and Dallas he started to get Christian witness will be Dr. Seltz said, “Our [political] right to be on the radio,” involved with political realities needed most in years to come. leaders are in some ways Dr. Seltz said. The Federal in neighborhoods in hopes As Dr. Seltz wrote last month, saying to Christians, ‘We’re Communications Commission of getting the unchurched under the headline, “When done with you people.’ I think sided with Dr. Maier and his into church. In New York he Faithfulness Calls Believers the Christian Church is saying, supporters. worked with the late John to Stand up and Stand Firm,” ‘No! You work for us.’ That’s “That was part of The Cardinal O’Connor, a pro-life “Is this a “Shadrach, Meshach, the tension of our culture right Lutheran Hour work to be role model for him. To counter and Abednego” moment for now.” both the person to keep the the absurdly false narrative that Christians in America? It’s In 2017 The Lutheran Center government in its place and the pro-life movement doesn’t time for believers to realize that for Religious Liberty hired Dr. proclaim the Gospel freely,” care about women, Cardinal the Church isn’t ‘politicizing’ Seltz away from his position Dr. Seltz said. “Now I’m in DC O’Connor created programs everything, it is merely with the popular radio program, taking up that legacy.” that “pay for everything” defending its right to exist. The Lutheran Hour, where he The oldest of five boys, Dr. Standing up and standing firm presented the Gospel message Seltz was born in Detroit, See “Prayer,” page 9 are also part of our mission and from 2011 to 2017. Leaving Michigan, and raised by www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 9 Powerful pro-life video encourages women to choose life By SPUC—the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children

Choice42, a Canadian pro-life “Abortion is probably going young enough, not experienced 12 hours. group led by Laura Klassen, has to be suggested – even pushed enough, not financially stable A SPUC spokesperson said produced a heartfelt animated on you by the people closest to enough, not educated enough. “This video video, encouraging women to illustrates the real fear choose life over abortion. and pressure women A short video has been posted are facing today. on social media promoting life “Abortion is being over death, hope over despair, pushed on women, yet empowering women who might this video’s impactful be considering an abortion. message empowers At the beginning of the video, women to make the a pregnant woman, uncertain best decision, to choose and worried, holds her belly. life.” “You didn’t plan this. You “Short films such didn’t want it. And now you as this hold a massive have a choice to make. Take a capacity to turn the breath… you can do this”, the tables on the typical video says. pro-abortion messages A voice is then heard saying: that infiltrate society.” “For whatever reason, this baby was given to you. You were chosen to be this child’s you… They’ll tell you it’s the They might even threaten you.” mother, and, no matter what’s best option. They’ll tell you to The video has gone viral, going on in your life, you can think of your future. They’ll gaining more than 100,000 rise up and take this on… say you’re not old enough, not views on Facebook in less than NRLC 2021 will open with Prayer Breakfast Speaker The Rev. Gregory Seltz explaining “Standing Up for Life Matters To Us All” From page 8 for a woman experiencing a going to see the squashing of legalized abortion on demand because you had to say the No crisis pregnancy. Whether the religious liberty. You’re going through all nine months of first.” The pro-life yes, he said, woman chose to parent or place to see churches made illegal pregnancy and for any reason. is promoted in such a way “that the child for adoption was overnight. The question is, will He said the pro-life movement even people who disagree with immaterial. “We didn’t ask. We the people of our country push went beyond a “No” message you say that’s a pretty positive just got her on her feet.” back against that or not.” and brilliantly created a “Yes” message.” The Founding Fathers created Dr. Seltz said the pro-life message. “We started to talk a system of limited government movement is an example of about the positive things of the to free people to live religious effective political engagement pro-life movement with the lives, but, Dr. Seltz says, “That’s that must say “No” to Roe ‘abundance of life God wants being flipped upside down. If v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, for us no matter what,’” Dr. secular progressive puritans the twin 1973 U.S. Supreme Seltz said. “That messaging get in charge, then you’re Court decisions that effectively was genius. It took courage 10 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute worries “2021 is on Track to Become the Most Devastating Antiabortion State Legislative Session in Decades” By Dave Andrusko

To be honest, I really did damaging antiabortion this world can avoid or minimize states may try to pass similar think that the Guttmacher state legislative session the impact of laws already legislation in the near future.” Institute, Planned Parenthood’s ever. passed. An example would be So, let me get this straight. former “special affiliate,” had passing follow-up legislation Pro-abortionists never learn gone about as far as it could in So Nash and Cross roll out to prior laws that banned from one another, nor do they promoting the conclusion that the laundry list of “abortion allowing abortion survivors to attempt pass legislation in states 2021 was, for pro-abortionists, restrictions” like a dirge. Note D, E, and F that were enacted in the legislative equivalent of the when Guttmacher is busy states A, B, and C? 1929 stock market crash. “Tallying the Damage in 2021 so What pious poppycock. I was wrong. far,” their numbers never match One other thought. Here’s the latest measured, up with ours. They are always The pro-abortion ethos is built restrained, just-the-facts larger because they break out on an inversion. They do not headline: “2021 Is on Track to any given law’s components and honor the most crucial bond in Become the Most Devastating add them up. So one law counts human culture, that between a Antiabortion State Legislative as four “abortion restrictions.” mother and her unborn child, Session in Decades.” It’s the same technique, only rather they celebrate that the So, how have the last five in reverse, that allows Planned bond is one they can dissolve at months prefigured Apocalypse Parenthood to pretend that the flip of suction machine. Now? Guttmacher’s Elizabeth abortion is “only 3% of its Justice is not treating the Nash and Lauren Cross tell us services.” As National Review’s die unattended but had lacked lives of the helpless vulnerable “Right-wing ideologues are Rich Lowry explained it enforcement mechanisms. with special reverence but engaging in a shock and awe By Planned #2. “As our earlier analysis obliterating them with casual campaign against abortion Parenthood’s math, predicted, state policymakers ruthlessness because they are rights that is largely getting a woman who gets are testing the limits of what powerless to stop us. This lost against the background of an abortion but also the new U.S. Supreme Court brings to mind the Rev. Dr. a broader attack on other basic a pregnancy test, an majority might allow and laying Martin Luther King Jr.’s June rights…” STD test, and some the groundwork for a day when 1965 Commencement Address Those other “basic rights” contraceptives has federal constitutional protections at Oberlin College. Dr. King do not fall within our single- received four services, for abortion are weakened or famously observed that, “Yes, issue bailiwick, but they remind and only 25 percent of eliminated entirely.” we shall overcome because the us again that the Abortion them are abortion. This Guttmacher just figured that arc of the moral universe is long, Industry is now, more than ever, is a little like performing out? We have been “testing but it bends toward justice.” comfortable ensconced within an abortion and giving a the limits” since 1973. Roe But in the very next sentence, the broader Left coalition. woman an aspirin, and v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton Dr. King added, “We shall Their dire summary is right saying only half of what were abysmally reasoned overcome because [Thomas] there in the first paragraph: you do is abortion. decision, untethered to the Carlyle is right: “No lie can live The number of abortion text of the Constitution and forever.” restrictions—and What does Guttmacher have totally disdainful of the states’ “No lie can live forever” specifically bans on correct? legitimate right to pass their own because (as Rev. King said in abortion designed to #1. “The 2021 abortion laws on abortion. We are simply his very next sentence] “James directly challenge Roe restrictions largely build on assisting the Supreme Court Russell Lowell is right”: v. Wade and the U.S. earlier ones” in “states already to wake up to these realities. Truth forever on the scaffold, constitutional right to considered to be hostile or very And… Wrong forever on the throne, abortion—that have hostile toward, abortion rights.” #3. “Because of the Yet that scaffold swiftly been enacted Put positively (our perspective), coordinated and creeping sways the future, over the past five months pro-life legislatures continued to [‘coordinated and creeping’? And behind the dim unknown is unprecedented. If this pass laws that protect mothers Wow!] nature of these tactics, Standeth God within the trend continues, 2021 and unborn children by limiting it can be anticipated that shadow, will end up as the most the way in which the PPFAs of antiabortion lawmakers in other Keeping watch above his own. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 11 Eleni’s story: “You are going to work for a pro-life organization and tell your story. And that’s what I ended up doing.” By Holly Gatling, Executive Director, South Carolina Citizens for Life

At barely 22-years-old, Their faithfulness and to write five reasons you love NRLC, Eleni met her future Eleni Mastronardi has a courage was rewarded at the your mother. Eleni listed as #1, husband, Matthew Mastronardi, a unique perspective on her own third ultrasound appointment: “You didn’t abort me.” medical technician with the U.S. existence and an amazing story the images showed no problem Eleni’s journey to working Air Force. They married and are to tell that goes back to her life with Eleni’s brain. Whether at the National Right to Life now the parents of their first child, in the womb. she was miraculously healed in Committee is another story in Anastasia, born May 14, 2021. Eleni’s mother was 41 and pregnant with her fifth child. The doctor announced at her mother’s first ultrasound there were brain anomalies including a large cavity abnormally filled with either fluid or air. She advised Eleni’s parents, Ann and Peter Demos, to abort the baby so they wouldn’t have to raise a child with “a long list” of mental and physical disabilities. Eleni says her father, a physician, is “the king of making bad jokes at inappropriate times” and, as the story goes, he told the doctor abortion was out of the question. “That’s not what we’re going to do,” he said. “Now we know who the real airhead is in the family.” The family sought prayers “everywhere” for their baby, Eleni says, but at the second ultrasound, the diagnosis was the same. The doctor pressed Matthew, Eleni, and Anastasia Mastronardi for abortion and then insisted on doing riskyprenatal tests utero, or the pro-abortion doctor itself. When she was working Given her degree in Russian -- until Dr. Demos asked a made egregious mistakes in on her undergraduate degree in and Russian Literature, Eleni question: “What is the rate of interpreting the ultrasound is Russian and Russian Literature said she imagined a different death [to the unborn child] unknown. at Virginia Tech, she applied career path than pro-life work. from these tests?” Eleni was born healthy on for several internships that Yet all her life her mother told “The doctor got really May 30, 1999, the youngest didn’t come through. A friend her, “You are going to work for mad,” Eleni says her father of five siblings. She grew suggested that she apply with a pro-life organization and tell recalls. “Dad thinks he saw up in West Springfield, National Right to Life. She did your story. And that’s what I something in her eyes. She Massachusetts, and excelled in and was accepted. ended up doing.” knew what he was talking school. “Mistakes can happen That internship quickly led about.” The implication was the or a miracle can occur,” she to part-time employment, And that’s exactly what Eleni doctor would deliberately do says. “God always has a plan.” and in 2020 to full-time work will be doing later this month at something to cause an abortion For as far back as she can with Jacki Ragan, the NRLC the June 25-26 National Right because she was so strongly remember, Eleni knew the story director of State Organizational to Life Convention in Herndon, pressuring Dr. and Mrs. Demos of her pre-natal life. Recently Development and NRL Virginia. She’ll be conducting to abort Eleni. Her parents her mother sent her something Conventions, Inc. workshops on how state refused the test and said, “We Eleni wrote in the second That’s still not the end of organizations can effectively will take the airhead.” grade. The assignment was the story. While an intern with use social media. 12 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org A Father’s Day reflection on Men and Abortion

Understandably, in financially and ideologically about judgment from others, the heroic men who step up to conversations about abortion, driven abortion industry whether she is capable of being the plate to support the women we most often discuss the and a society that prioritizes a mother, how she is going to and children in their lives. But mother, the unborn child, and convenience over compassion. finish school or pursue higher we cannot forget the fathers even the abortionist and clinic We also know from experience workers. But there is someone that they are deeply scarred. too often forgotten, the father. One man anonymously Every counselor at a wrote to the Silent No More Women’s Helping Center will Awareness Campaign, a group tell you fathers can and do that helps men and women play an absolutely pivotal role seeking healing after abortion, in whether a mother chooses saying, life for their unborn child. “My role in two abortions Employers, doctors, counselors, has been long-lasting. I friends, and relatives may can tell you the mental and suggest, or sometimes even emotional effects on a man are pressure, a mother to end the real and devastating. I really life of her unborn child. But don’t let anyone get close to the support of a courageous me because I don’t want to let father who is willing to stand them down. I’ve had a divorce, by her and their unborn child no current relationship with has a huge impact. It sends my two living sons, countless an unmistakable message: unfinished projects, and this is our baby and we will several jobs left before true work through any difficulties success--mainly because I together. never felt I deserved it.” Abortion ends the life of an unborn child and that loss affects His story is just one of each member of the family, millions. There have been 63 including the father. However, million abortions in the United they often suffer in silence. They States since the Supreme are told their grief is invalid Court’s Roe v. Wade decision because abortion is strictly a legalized abortion on demand in woman’s “choice.” They are 1973. That is 63 million unborn told they have no stake in this babies lost and millions of life-and-death decision. But in parents left to navigate feelings every abortion, the unborn child of sadness, guilt, shame, and and their mother are not the only loss. education, or whether she can who suffer in silence whose victims. Both mother and father This need for support applies still pursue the career she has children never got a chance at are left with the heartbreak that to grandfathers as well as the always dreamed of. She needs life due to abortion. can follow abortion. baby’s father. His compassion to know her father will shower Each father’s journey is In the pro-life movement, and support can also make all her in unconditional love and different but every father has a we do not condemn these men the difference when his teenage do all he can to help her in a role to play as we work to build and women. We recognize daughter faces an unexpected time of uncertainty. a culture that truly respects the that they too are victims of the pregnancy. She is worried On Father’s Day, we celebrate life of every human person. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 13 What can men do to help end abortion? By Paul Stark, Communications Director, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

Editor’s note. With Father’s a woman’s decision about up, and when women receive the harm that abortion often Day just around the corner, whether or not to have an the support they need, lives causes—not just to unborn Paul’s story is particularly apt, abortion. A study in BMC are saved. Men can make that children, but to women and as I think you will agree. Women’s Health, for example, happen. men—and can inspire others found that 31 percent of women to protect and defend life. Isn’t abortion a “women’s seeking abortion cited factors (2) Tell stories. issue”? That’s what people say. related to their partner as a With more than 62 million (3) Get involved in the pro- Many men feel powerless. They reason for abortion. abortions in the United States life movement. are often told that they aren’t And according to a major alone. abortion has personally Men, no less than women, even allowed to speak about it. Guttmacher Institute study, impacted tens of millions of should advocate respect The truth is that men are “More than half of the men in various ways. “Whether and protection for unborn absolutely essential. Abortion women [having abortions] married or single, in casual or children and support for their can’t be stopped without them. … cited concerns about committed relationships, some mothers. That might mean Here’s how men can make a their relationship or single men have a very difficult time having conversations and difference. motherhood as a reason to end after abortion,” writes Dr. seeking to inform, persuade, or motivate others. It might mean volunteering at a pregnancy care center. It might mean getting involved with pro-life organizations that educate the public. It might mean supporting pro-life legislative or political work. Some people say that men have no right to speak out like this. And it’s true that pregnancy and abortion affect women in a unique way. Women have a special relationship with the children they alone can gestate—the children who grow inside their own bodies. Men don’t and can’t have those experiences and challenges. But it’s also true that someone’s experience (or lack of experience) doesn’t change the fact that unborn children (1) Support women and the pregnancy. … Many of Catherine Coyle in a review of are human beings, or that all children. these women were disappointed abortion’s impact on men. human beings matter, or that Too often, fathers don’t because their partner had Some fathers have intentionally attacking and support women and value their reacted to the pregnancy by encouraged, coerced, or just destroying them is unjust. unborn children. Too often, they denying paternity, breaking off gone along with abortion— Millions of women believe think that because they have no communication with them or and are now filled with regret. all of those things, and for legal say, they should stay out saying that they did not want a Some saw their unborn children good reason. Men must join of it. Too often, women are left child.” aborted against their wishes. them. Abortion is a human feeling alone. And abortion is There’s simply no denying Some helped the mother of catastrophe, and it calls all of much more likely as a result. the huge role that fathers their child reject abortion, even us to do something about it. Indeed, research shows that often play—and the unique in difficult circumstances. the attitude of the father is opportunity they have to make All of these men have stories frequently a major factor in a difference. When fathers step to tell. These stories illustrate 14 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Tell Congress:YES, We wantWE WANTto keep TOthe HydeKEEP Amendment! This just may be the most important thing you do today. Please go to prolifepetition.com and read the message, then sign the petition and get as many others to do theTHE same. Thank HYDE you for being a partAMENDMENT of saving lives. Dear Members of Congress, The popular and decades-long Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayer funding of elective abortion in federal programs, is at risk. President Biden supports using tax dollars to pay for abortion and now says that he supports elimination of the Hyde Amendment. Also, Speaker Pelosi has publicly endorsed the push to do away with the Hyde Amendment this year.

Print Name Address Phone E-Mail Print Name Address Phone E-Mail Print Name Address Phone E-Mail Print Name Address Phone E-Mail Print Name Address Phone E-Mail Print Name Address Phone E-Mail Print Name Address Phone E-Mail national RIGHT TO LIFE Please return immediately to National Right to Life. 1446 Duke Street For more copies, visit www.nrlc.org/getinvolved OR call (202) 378-8842. Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 626-8800 www.nrlc.org www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 15 Latest attempt to eliminate parental notice in Illinois fails once more By Dave Andrusko A tremendous victory in It is difficult to find any new The latest onslaught was aided the minor emotionally, Illinois, where pro-abortionists polling on the issue of parental by a report issued in March by humanly or materially have tried for decades to notice or consent, but in 2011 The American Civil Liberties at a critical moment in eliminate a law requiring Gallup asked Union of Illinois, in partnership her life. teenagers to notify a parent Next, do you favor with Human Rights Watch, before undergoing an abortion. or oppose each of the which (of course) concluded The Bishops go on to argue The Belleville News- following proposals? the law is “dangerous for that Democrat‘s Sarah Mansur A law requiring youth in the state, violates their Simply put, the reported that “A bill to repeal women under 18 to get human rights, and threatens Parental Notice of the parental notification parental consent for their health and safety.” Abortion Act works. requirement for young girls any abortion Opponents of the repeal According to statistics seeking an abortion didn’t come effort vigorously responded, gathered by the Illinois up for a vote.” Naturally, the A whopping 71% were laying out how effective the Department of Public bills were filed by pro-abortion in favor. Parental consent law has worked in practice. For Health, since the law’s Democrats. final enactment by the According to Mansur Illinois Supreme Court House and Senate in 2013, abortions Democrats filed bills performed on minors in — House Bill 1797 and Illinois have decreased Senate Bill 2091— to over 30 percent. The repeal a 1995 abortion lives saved by this law law that requires girls are real and present under the age of 18 who among us. are seeking an abortion These are the reasons to notify their parents every state in the at least 48 hours before Midwest and 37 states the procedure, with overall have laws some exceptions. requiring some form of parental involvement In fact, the law has numerous is different than parental example, in a March 16th call in the decision of a exceptions, which undercut the notification, and approval for to action letter, the Catholic minor to have an notion that it was essential to the latter would presumably be bishops of Illinois warned that abortion. Illinois has eliminate a law that has been even greater. repeal would lead to “tragic and been among those on the books for 26 years Pro-abortionists have fought irreversible outcomes.” states for 8 years and and in effect since 2013. For Illinois’ “Parental Notice of In every other facet no obvious problems example, as Mansur writes, the Abortion Act” without letup of life, we are taught– or detriments have law has a judicial bypass that since its passage in 1983 (over and we teach–that been publicly exposed. “allows for minors to obtain a the veto of then-Gov. James parental involvement The repeal of Parental court waiver, if the minor can Thompson) and its update in is key to the child’s best Notice of Abortion is show she is mature and well- 1995. The law did not go into interest. Repealing the a tragic solution in informed enough to make the effect until 2013, following a Act is nothing less than search of a problem. decision to obtain an abortion, host of legal challenges up to an invasion into the Congratulations to or that it is not in their best and including the state Supreme sacred space of family Illinois pro-lifers. interest to notify an adult Court which unanimously ruled life by the state, with family member.” in its favor. no provision to support 16 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Another victim of abortion: Grandfathers By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

My paternal grandfather was a volunteer told me a story an amazing man. An immigrant about his granddaughter. The from Italy, he established 75-year-old was bursting with himself in the U.S. as a barber energy as he described the little and raised seven children with girl’s latest exploits. his lovely wife while running Seldom do we discuss his small business. the impact of abortion on He would cut my bangs, grandfathers in particular. make the spaghetti, and offer Theirs is a silent suffering me cold drinks on blistering which is often hidden from summer days. view. These are the men who But when I recall my were robbed of the experience grandfather, the thing I of holding a precious grandbaby remember most is the big hug in their arms. They never got to he would offer me as soon as he impart a lifetime of wisdom to saw me. I felt so comforted in their grandchildren. They never that kind embrace, and I knew I had a chance to play catch, was safe in his arms. play croquet, or share tales of In this month dedicated to their youth with their son or fathers, I have been thinking a daughter’s child. great deal about grandfathers Our families are impoverished and the incredible role they play by abortion. There are so many in families. I was on a video dinner tables that are missing call recently, and a grandfather members because of the cruel was enthusiastically relating court decision known as Roe v. how his grandson jubilantly Wade. That is why this death sang a hymn. The great pride knell for the family needs to he held for his offspring was be reversed. That one ruling evident in the smile that lit up has done a colossal amount his face. of damage to generations of Meanwhile, at a radio station people. It is time for the cruelty where I do pro-life recordings, to be brought to a peaceful end. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 17 “Silent Witness” star Liz Carr speaks out against assisted suicide By Right to Life UK The actress and disability and the idea of an assisted opposed to changing their the court said: “In our judgment rights campaigner, Liz Carr, has suicide law terrifies us”. stance on assisted suicide. Only the courts are not the venue for spoken out against introducing The Sunday Times, in its 7% were in favour of changing arguments that have failed to assisted suicide to the UK. statement in support of a change the law. convince parliament.” Carr starred in BBC crime in the law on assisted suicide The Sunday Times chose to Right To Life UK thriller series Silent Witness on 23 May, used the tragic case begin their public campaign for spokesperson, Catherine from 2013 to 2020. In 2019, of a WWII veteran who took assisted suicide ahead of when Robinson, said: “The voices she starred in The OA. In 2020 his own life in part because she appeared in the miniseries he was unable to socialise. Devs. In March 2021, it was Campaigners against a change announced that Carr had joined in the law argue that ‘hard the cast of Polish-American cases make bad law’ and Carr drama The Witcher. argues that the consequences Writing in The Sunday Times, of mistakes are so severe that which, only a week earlier a change in the law is not safe. had announced its support for “Then, as now, supporters legalising assisted suicide, Carr of assisted suicide said that argues that since the issue was the current law was broken. last brought before Parliament The current law is exactly in 2015 nothing has changed where it needs to be when Liz Carr and that MPs should reject any the consequences of abuse or further attempts to change the mistakes are fatal”. Baroness Meacher’s private of disability rights groups and law. “Then, as now, the safety of member’s bill to legalise people with disabilities must be Pointing out that the majority the many had to overrule the assisted suicide had its First listened to. As Liz Carr points of doctors who are most desires of the few. MPs must Reading in the House of Lords out, no disability rights group is intimately involved in the care again vote against legalising last Wednesday. advocating for the legalisation of patients at the end of their assisted suicide.” of assisted suicide. They lives do not want a change in Assisted suicide in Britain recognise how dangerous such the law, Carr said: “[In 2015], Most doctors working in Assisted suicide remains a a law is for vulnerable people as now, the majority of doctors palliative care opposed criminal offence in the UK already in ill health”. who would be licensed to assisted suicide under the Suicide Act 1961. If a “In 2015, The Times itself provide the lethal drugs did The majority of British doctor assists in the suicide of a argued against the legalisation not want a bill passed. This doctors working in palliative patient, they could spend up to of assisted suicide. The included the Association for care – the medical field that 14 years in prison. paper emphasised advances Palliative Medicine and the focuses on optimising quality Since their Bill’s resounding in palliative care and the British Geriatric Society, the of life for the seriously and defeat in 2015, assisted suicide psychological pressure that experts on end-of-life care”. terminally ill – continue to supporters have since attempted sick and dying people who Carr, who herself has a oppose the legalisation of to pass assisted suicide think themselves a burden can disability, goes on to point assisted suicide. In 2020, the legislation through the courts. experience. These were good out how frightening assisted British Medical Association All such attempts have so far arguments against assisted suicide law is for people with (BMA) surveyed its members failed. In 2019, the High Court suicide in 2015, and they are disabilities. asking whether it should change said the courts were not the still good arguments now”. “Then, as now, no organisation its stance on assisted suicide place to decide moral issues. In of disabled people supported from ‘opposition’ to ‘neutral’. a ruling concerning a man with Editor’s note. This appeared assisted suicide. Many of us 70% of doctors working in motor neurone disease who at Right to Life UK and is have degenerative conditions palliative care stated they were wanted to be assisted in suicide, reposted with permission. 18 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Viable: A Life-Changing Story of Post-Abortive Redemption Will be performed June 24 at NRLC convention

By Jessie Morgan, Intern

Playwright John Hoover carried with him for 25 years. children to abortion. However, are involved. The cycle that remembers a moment long ago, In 2019, he finally put it on everything changed on the very passes down when abortion is when a spark was ignited inside paper. first night of the production, in a family, not just one person him. Little did he know that According to the play’s during a scene when Judy having more than one abortion, years later, that spark would website, “The Viable storyline rushes through the audience in but also family members blossom into the life-altering captures an unforgettable a dramatic exit. following in the footsteps.” reality known as Viable the confrontation as an aborted Gisele Gathings, who To Gathings, the theme of play. child visits her mother nearly plays Judy in the production, Viable is not abortion, but In 1984, when attending a pro- 30 years later. The mother has remembers seeing a man redemption through Christ. life symposium in California, carried guilt and grief for all walking out of the audience in “It is bigger than abortion. Hoover listened to a woman that time, trying all the while to tears. By the time she rushed This (abortion) can lead to speak out about her experiences protect her emotional stability out of the theater, the man was various different issues and as a former abortionist. This pain where people need woman was from the Middle healing. Jesus is about life East and had been performing more abundantly, but also abortions for years before about us choosing him and the her eyes were opened to the choices we have to make. For painstaking reality of abortion. me, Viable touches on dealing “God took the scales off with and bringing up the pain her eyes,” said Hoover. “She that needs to be healed and realized what she was doing addressed.” and quickly became a pro-life Both Gathings and Hoover advocate”. hope that this play may be The woman described that what inspires families to begin in early days, abortion failures conversations about their own were common, which resulted abortion experiences, so that in physically impaired and feelings of hatred, betrayal and developmentally-challenged regret might be replaced with children being born alive. To forgiveness, grace and love. prevent potential lawsuits, Hoover is also excited to procedures were developed announce that the Viable tour is to ensure that the baby in the back in action. After months of womb would be undoubtedly show dates being cancelled due dead. by professing the mantras that standing in the lobby, sobbing. to the COVID-19 pandemic, After listening, Hoover abortion providers originally “I wanted to comfort him!” Viable plans to resume its tour couldn’t help but wonder: used to comfort her”. Gathings recalled. “But I had to across the United States, with “what would the world be like With nothing but three get to my next scene.” new dates and locations being if women were told the truth of actors and two chairs, Viable Gathings has observed that added every day. The play abortion?” invites viewers on a journey of an abortion does not just will also be performed at this He remembered reading a continued healing as Judy, the affect women. Rather, all year’s National Right to Life survey which first informed mother, searches for a ray of family members—fathers, Convention in Herndon, VA, on women about the procedures hope after walking for decades grandparents, children, Thursday, June 24th. For more done to abort an unborn child. in post-abortive shame and husbands, are part of the story, information, visit http://www. Afterwards, they asked if the regret. too. viableplay.org/. women would still obtain an When asked about the “Delving into the emotions, abortion. 90 percent of women primary audience, Hoover said the negative emotions of how Editor’s note: This was responded “no.” that when writing the play, abortion doesn’t just affect the posted on the Pennsylvania This alarming response gave he assumed that it would be woman that is post abortive, but Pro-Life Federation Blog and Hoover an idea, one that he targeted at women who had lost also the family members that is re-printed with permission. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 19 Hey Jane is one of the latest on-line pharmacies and virtual clinics now selling and shipping abortion pills By Randall K. O’Bannon, Ph.D. NRL Director of Education & Research

Specialty online pharmacies shipping pills to patients Who is “Hey Jane”? Hey Jane tells women that and virtual abortion clinics are directly (Ms Magazine, The group’s name, origin, they can receive their “FDA- popping up everywhere offering 11/16/20). Virtual abortion leadership, the names or approved abortion pills to sell and ship abortion pills clinics such as “Choix” and credentials of their prescribers, delivered to your door in 1-3 by mail in the wake of a recent “Just The Pill” began offering the location of their offices, business days,” and assures Biden administration decision “medication [chemical] etc., are never really offered them that “They’ll arrive in an to drop enforcement of a abortions” via telemedicine. or explained on its website. unmarked box to protect your government requirement that Choix focused on California The Hey Jane website links to privacy.” the abortifacient mifepristone while Just the Pill was set a 10/2/20 online article by Fast They promise that their be delivered only in person on service “Costs 60% less than site by certified prescribers. average abortion care,” that Hey Jane, or Hey Jane Health, there is “No need to travel to is just one of the latest, offering appointments, treatment or “fast, safe and affordable follow up,” that there is “Free abortion care from home” for 1-3 day shipping” on the pills just $199. and “Support during and after Currently, the website your treatment.” says that the service is only If the $199 fee (about $300 available to women in New less than what clinics normally York and Washington state, charge for chemical abortions though articles linked on the initiated on site) is still too website say Hey Jane has plans high a cost, they helpfully note for distribution in California that “Financial assistance is available for those who need How we got here it.” Rebecca Gomperts and Aid up for women in Minnesota. Company which says the name Access have been defying Hey Jane joined the fray is one “that evokes the Jane Double Talk on Safety regulations of the U.S. Food around the same time. Collective, an underground Hey Jane assures women that & Drug Administration These new on-line abortion group that operated “Relief starts here,” that they (FDA) for years, making “providers” appear to have during the early 1970s in can “Get the care you need from foreign-made abortion pills suspended operations once the Chicago” [before the Supreme home – safe, fast and effective.” available by mail to women Supreme Court reinstated FDA Court declared abortion legal]. “Abortion, regardless of in all fifty states while fending restrictions on distribution Without specifying the the type you have,” Hey Jane off government regulators in January of 2021. Sales credentials or the training of tells women, “is very safe.” in court. Beverly Winikoff resumed in a matter of weeks, the prescribers, the website Repeating unwarranted denials helped bring mifepristone however, when the new Biden assures women that they can pushed by the abortion industry [“RU-486”] to the U.S. when administration took charge will consult with a “licensed against studies that actually she worked at the Population and the FDA declared it would provider” by “secure text chat.” demonstrate the contrary, Hey Council in the 1990s. The last not enforce those regulations That “provider” is available Jane wants to make clear that five years, she’s been offering during the pandemic. around the clock, 24 hours “abortion does not cause breast abortion by mail to women in Though the original limits on a day, but only on Monday cancer or mental health issues” several states as part of her distribution were supposed to through Friday. and “does not make it harder to TelAbortion “study” with her be reinstated once the pandemic Additional research shows have children in the future.” new group, Gynuity. lifted, the Biden administration that Hey Jane has an office in As for the safety of chemical But once lower courts has given clear indications Boston, is headed by Harvard or “medication” abortions, Hey temporarily lifted FDA that it will review and consider Business School grad Kaitlin Jane says that “Complications restrictions on distribution of dropping these regulations Freedman, and has New York from this treatment are very abortion pills in the summer permanently (Endpoints, physician Kate Shaw Baron as uncommon – they occur in of 2020 for the pandemic, on- 5/10/21) its Medical Director. line pharmacies Honeybee Clearly, Hey Jane, Choix, They tell women that a video Health and American Mail and Just The Pill expect to be visit is available if they’d like, See “Hey Jane,” page 20 Order Pharmacy began around for the long term. but it is not required. 20 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Hey Jane is one of the latest on-line pharmacies and virtual clinics now selling and shipping abortion pills From page 19 less than 1% of patients.” pregnancy may be increased, women can text or call if they Whether “Possible Health” This may be what standard but assures women that ectopic have “urgent concerns,” Hey is the legal name of Hey Jane industry propaganda states. pregnancies are rare. But their Jane’s “Terms of Service” or just the entity hosting its However, actual studies found advice in this regard seems makes the following disclaimer website the message is clear to complication rates for chemical at odds with their marketing (emphasis ours): women relying on Hey Jane for abortion in California to be model. Possible Health does not their health and safety – “you’re much higher – 5.19% – more They say that by “very rare” provide medical services on your own here.” than four times higher than they they mean that these occur in or medical advice. Possible At least two dozen women were for standard first trimester 1-2% of pregnancies. While Health does not make any who have taken mifepristone suction abortions! that might spare most women, representations or warranties have died and thousands more The group mentions, almost it seems self serving to readily about the training or skill of women have suffered serious, casually, that a woman’s self- dismiss something that is likely any Providers who provide potentially life threatening dating of her pregnancy “could to occur to perhaps every 50th services via the Services. You complications. And this be inaccurate.” But this is very patient of yours. are ultimately responsible was with nearly all of those important. Their advice–“You can make for choosing your particular patients coming into the clinic, The FDA originally approved sure that your pregnancy is Provider, if any. All Providers meeting and being screened, mifepristone for pregnancies inside the uterus by having an are independent of Possible counseled and physically no more than 7 weeks after a ultrasound”–seems to undercut Health. Any information or examined by a trained medical woman’s last menstrual period their claim that women can get advice received from a Provider professional – that is,a trained (LMP) because the drug’s “fast, safe, affordable abortion comes from the Provider medical professional who “effectiveness” dropped off care from home” (emphasis alone, and not from Possible could confirm their pregnancy, after that. While the FDA added). Health. Possible Health is verify their gestational age, extended that to ten weeks Mifepristone does not not responsible or liable for eliminate the possibility of LMP in March of 2016, the work in circumstances of any advice obtained from a ectopic pregnancy, and ensure reality of the drug’s reduced ectopic pregnancy. However, Provider or any other user of that they had no disqualifying effectiveness as the pregnancy mifepristone and its companion the Services. You acknowledge medical conditions that could progressed did not change. drug misoprostol does prompt that your reliance on any make these drugs deadly for A woman visiting a doctor or pain and bleeding that look information provided by any them. clinic might have her pregnancy very similar to the normal side Provider or any other user via Women are not only putting the properly dated by an ultrasound. effects of a ectopic pregnancy the Services is solely at your lives of their unborn children at However, the possibility of that is growing in and rupturing own risk. No doctor-patient risk, but their own as well every mistakes in self-dating—or a mother’s fallopian tube. Even relationship is created by use time they get these pills from deliberate misreporting of dates an attending physician may not of the Services. Information unidentified, unaccountable to the “licensed provider”— be able to tell the difference until you receive via the Services strangers, salespeople having obviously not only increases it is too late to repair the damage is not a substitute for a perhaps only minimal medical the likelihood that the abortion and save the mother’s life. formal diagnosis or physical background or qualifications, will “fail,” but also that a examination, and should not exploited by activists ready subsequent surgical procedure Not our problem be used to treat a medical to write off the loss of a few will be required to address Despite promises that condition. Do not ignore or patients for the sake of the complications or complete the “Throughout your treatment, delay obtaining professional “cause,” bought from a website abortion. we’re here to support you” medical advice because of built by slick entrepreneurs Hey Jane tells women that the and the provision of telephone information you obtain through who see the chance to make a risk for an undiagnosed ectopic numbers or website where the Services. quick buck. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 21 Sex-selective abortion in India keeps claiming more victims By Michael Cook On March 4, 2010, The sex ratio of 950 million and 22 million Indian pronounced for third- Economist ran one of its girls per 1000 boys. girls went “missing” between order births than most memorable covers: a Missing female births 1987 and 2016 due to sex for second-order completely black page, except increased from 3.5 selective abortion. births after an earlier for a pair of tiny pink shoes million in 1987–96 to The gendercide holocaust is daughter or daughters. with frilly bows the bottom. 5.5 million in 2007– not for lack of social messaging Sex-selective abortion The headline was “Gendercide: 16. Contrasting the and feel-good feminist- continued to be more what happened to 100 million conditional sex ratio friendly rhetoric. Politicians, common in richer and baby girls?” from the first decade of bureaucrats, activists, educators more educated families Good question. The answer is than in poorer and less that they were aborted or killed, educated families, in mainly in China and India, contrast to differences but in other countries, too. It in childhood survival painted a picture of a tragedy: and health-care access. the intersecting violence of The main determinant lower fertility, more accurate of missing female births pre-natal testing, and son in second-order and preference. third-order births was A few years later, in 2017, an earlier daughter The Economist was more or daughters. The optimistic: “In India, and in the unfavourable trends in world as a whole, the war on missing female births baby girls seems to be winding are in marked contrast down.” It concluded with observation (1987–96) are all singing from the same to the substantial characteristic aplomb: “Asia to the last (2007–16) song sheet: do not abort girls. improvement in female has engaged in a demographic showed worsening It hasn’t worked. child mortality in the experiment with disastrous for the whole of In 1994, the Pre-Conception past two decades in consequences. It will surely not India and almost all and Prenatal Diagnostic India. repeat it.” states, among both Techniques Act banned the use Ooops, sorry. Spoke too soon. birth orders. Punjab, of prenatal sex diagnosis which According to a study by According to an article in The Haryana, Gujarat, enables sex-selective abortions an Australian researcher, Lancet Global Health, the sex and Rajasthan had the – but it has had little impact. Richard Egan, son preference ratio in India, at least, keeps most skewed sex ratios, The researchers found that the and a willingness to resort widening. The natural ratio at comprising nearly a sex ratio stabilised between to sex-selective abortion are birth is about 950 girls per 1000 third of the national 2007 and 2013, but thereafter it also present in immigrant boys. The researchers found totals of missing has worsened. Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese that: second-born and third- Female infanticide seems to communities around the world. 13.5 million female born females at birth. have vanished, but ultrasound births were missing diagnosis followed by abortion Editor’s note. Michael Cook during the three If the natural ratio is actually is becoming more common. is editor of BioEdge where decades of observation 975 to 1000, 22 million girls The researchers write: this appeared. Reposted with (1987–2016), on the are missing. Sex-selective abortion permission. basis of a natural In summary, between 13 appeared to be more 22 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-abortion NYTimes opinion writer calls on corporations to blackmail states that pass protective abortion laws

By Dave Andrusko Before we dissect the latest the “progressive” stands on to a Texas law but no doubt [Speaking of political theater, pro-abortion harangue by other issues taken by a segment applicable to all protective I wonder if pro-abortionists ’ Linda of corporate America are but laws), she tells us, “Much of have any idea how absurd Greenhouse [“The Sound of “a fleeting suspension of the this activity might have been they look protesting “dressed Silence on Abortion”], it’s business of making money.” shrugged off as just so much in red robes and blinkering instructive to read what follows her plea/threat for corporate pro-abortion activism– or else. It reads, “The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor.” Of course, any “diverse” letters against the Times’ stridently pro-abortion stance (as personified by Greenhouse) would be as welcomed as ants at a picnic. Now a “contributing Opinion writer,” Greenhouse, for nearly 30 years, contributed anti- life opinions in the form of the wholly one-sided “news stories” as the Times’ Supreme Court correspondent. The gist of her 1,216 word long op-ed piece, posted at 5am, is straightforward. We live in a time when “the country is drowning in antiabortion fanaticism. “(While you’re at No matter. political theater” unless… white bonnets” described by it, tell us how you really feel.) She is not subtle: Greenhouse Unless what? one sympathetic writer as And if [a thin slice] of wants economic blackmail of had the Supreme Court “the uniform of reproductive “corporate America” has taken those states that are engaging not agreed last month slavery in Margaret Atwood’s “progressive” stands on other in “anti-abortion fanaticism.” to hear Mississippi’s dystopian novel” –aka, “The issues, well, how about taking And she names [corporate] defense of its ban on Handmaid’s Tale.”] another big step? “And this names, complaining “Who abortion after 15 weeks To Greenhouse, for brings us to a subject that will speak up for your female of pregnancy…. corporations to make life corporate America would customers and your female miserable for states that don’t evidently prefer not to talk employees” if you don’t? Of In other words, what if toe her line is a profile in about: abortion. It’s possible,” course, in Greenhouse’s world, the Supreme Court takes courage. To the rest of us, Greenhouse laments, “I’ve all “female employees” are another look at its abortion it spells economic disaster missed something, but I’ve pro-abortion. jurisprudence and gives states for corporations, a ruinous been listening hard, and so far After listing what are, to additional leeway to protect misreading of public opinion all I’ve heard is the sound of Greenhouse, examples of “a unborn babies and their on abortion, and a potentially silence.” perversion of the legal system mothers? To Greenhouse, it calamitous backlash from the To be clear, Greenhouse as Americans have traditionally would be “a ‘Handmaid’s public. concedes that, for the most part, understood it” (a reference Tale’ dystopia come to life.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 23 Becoming that “one person” who assists a woman through an unplanned pregnancy By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

Whenever I contemplate the of women and children she has abort their precious offspring. women, offering them the effect of abortion on women, I helped through her outreach. Certainly we can show them chance at hope and healing think of a friend I will refer to And Jessica is far from alone that there is, in fact, a better following their abortions. as “Jessica.” now. Many, many women way. Let us never forget the terrible A boyfriend pressured Jessica who have had abortions are into an abortion when she was channeling their pain into a young teenager. She felt she positive action, trying to had no say in the matter, and assist other women facing she believed she was powerless. challenging pregnancies. Years after that tragic event, A number of post-abortive she firmly believes that if a women have key leadership single person had supported a roles in the pro-life movement, decision for life on the day of demonstrating that the abortion, her baby would not movement is incredibly have died. empowering for women. A noteworthy national poll Meanwhile, with research bears that out. The survey showing as many as 60% of post-abortive women of abortions are coerced, it indicated that the vast majority is more important than ever of respondents would have to show pregnant women decided against abortion if just in difficult circumstances Mothers are the second wounds inflicted on women by one person had offered support. that they do, indeed, have victims in any abortion. They abortion trauma. Roe v. Wade, Just one! options other than abortion. are left to grieve their children– the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Jessica has now dedicated her Women are being pressured often alone and in silence. I case legalizing abortion, was life to being that “one person.” by boyfriends, husbands, even thank all the dedicated pro- an assault on both women and I have lost count of the number parents and grandparents to lifers who reach out to these children which cannot stand. Post-abortion woman: “To this day I still hear that haunting suction sound.” By Sarah Terzo

Luana, a postabortion woman, later find out this was a lie. wishing I were someplace else. in my heart and mind. The type tells her story: I remember laying on the It seemed to last forever and the of abortion I had was the vacuum “My first abortion was done in cold table with no anesthetic for pain was unbearable. No amount aspirator method. I could hear by Madison, Wisconsin. I was 17 the pain, staring at the ceiling, of anesthetic could dull the pain the increased labor of the suction years young and my boyfriend machine what part or limb of my told me if I didn’t have the baby was being extracted. Each abortion that he would leave time I tried to look at the jar with me. I thought I loved him, and my baby’s remains they would I knew I could not have a baby push me back down. To this day without his help and support. I still hear that haunting suction So I did what I was told and sound.” went through with the abortion. When going in for my “Personal Stories” Wisconsin abortion I was told by the Right to Life. ‘professionals’ that it was only a blob of tissue, and it would be Editor’s note. This appeared safer and easier to abort than to at Clinic Quotes and is reposted carry my baby to term. I would with permission. 24 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Nation’s Strongest Regulation of Chemical Abortions Approved by Legislature; Governor Stitt Signs Bills into Law

By Tony Lauinger, State Chairman, Oklahomans For Life and Kevin Calvey, State Vice Chairman, Oklahomans For Life The Oklahoma legislature patients have died after taking requirements that will provide even though chemical abortions last week gave final approval these abortion drugs, and essential protections, oversight, have higher complication to a pair of critically important thousands of women have and safeguards involving rates than surgical abortions. pro-life bills. The last step in suffered “adverse events,” chemical abortions. Oklahoma Chemical abortions now the legislative process for SB including life-threatening is the first state to provide such account for approximately half 778 and SB 779 was passage hemorrhages, infections, or comprehensive oversight of this of all abortions in Oklahoma. one final time by the Oklahoma ruptured ectopic pregnancies. dangerous abortion method. Our sincere thanks go to House of Representatives. The Biden Administration Senator Julie Daniels and Governor Kevin Stitt has has been dismantling various Representative Mark Lepak for signed the bills into law. pro-life policies of previous leading the effort to enact this In a devastating display of administrations, and the vital legislation. We thank also tragically misguided priorities, abortion industry has been the other pro-life legislators in not a single House Democrat aggressively lobbying for the Leadership, on committees, voted for either of the pro- FDA regulations on chemical and in the full Senate and life bills. In the Senate, only abortions to be revoked. On House who supported these one Democrat, J.J. Dossett April 12th, the Biden FDA critically important bills. And of Owasso, voted for these began doing exactly that. The we thank Governor Kevin Stitt critically urgent pro-life bills. politicized FDA will now allow for his unwavering support for Opponents of the legislation abortionists to ship abortion the right to life and for signing put the profits, convenience, pills directly to women’s homes these bills into law. and lethal efficiency of the without ever seeing the patient Finally, we thank all of you abortion industry ahead of the in person or doing a physical who contacted legislators lives of unborn children and the Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt exam. and urged, persuaded, and lives, health, and safety of their Chemical abortions are more encouraged them to vote mothers. SB 778 and SB 779 will profitable and more efficient pro-life. Your faithful and One of the foremost experts codify in Oklahoma law safety for the abortionist than surgical positive support for the right on chemical abortions, regulations that had previously abortions, especially when to life provides inspiration and National Right to Life Director been, but are no longer, required the abortionist doesn’t even reinforcement for legislators of Education & Research, by the federal Food and Drug examine the patient. An ever- and ultimately leads to pro-life Dr. Randall K. O’Bannon, Administration (FDA). The bills increasing percentage of first- bills becoming law. Thank you! Ph.D., has pointed out that will implement a wide range of trimester abortions are now approximately two dozen regulations, restrictions, and chemical rather than surgical, www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 25 A shrewd analysis of how pro-lifers are hemming in Roe on the way to its extinction From page 2 but hearing it now is to be and abortion—the Democrats person in non-abortion different car:Doe v. Bolton. reminded of the squeal chalk were solidly on the other side: homicide cases. We understand both the makes as it skips across a pro-slavery and pro-abortion. legal and ethical incongruities chalkboard. They are, far more It’s not as if abolitionists or Which, if you think about, and the soft underbelly of the often than not, “unborn child” pro-lifers necessarily preferred is both profoundly practical “right” to abortion. Ziegler and or “your baby.” one party over the over. But and deeply insightful. In Tsai write #2. In a particularly insightful Democrats were wedded to the abortion context, we are By flooding the field of paragraph, Ziegler and Tsai these shameful practices and rolling back the absurd notion action with abortion maintain did everything possible to shore that the unborn is a nothing. restrictions based on In a campaign up slavery and abortion. Simultaneously we are busy on different standards to shift the scope #3. They write every other non-abortion front over the years, of constitutional Anti-abortion forces to establish that the little ones abortion opponents rights, marrying a have employed the are somebodies. have forced courts to wrestle with difficult and often murky medical questions, and given judges with more favorable ideological leanings maximal opportunities to revisit legal rules and frameworks.

One other consideration very social movement exact same strategy by There is legal schizophrenia much worth mentioning. Roe to formal power is convincing legislatures to be sure but that merely never made any sense, which always a critical step. to enact laws that heightens the tension. A man is why wiser pro-abortionists Nineteenth-century reject the assumptions can and will be punished for have long sought a backstop— anti-slavery activism and values contained killing a woman’s unborn an alternative foundation. and 20th- century in Roe. In the 1980s, child in the midst of a crime As Ziegler and Tsai observe, anti-segregation efforts anti-abortion leaders committed against her. But that that other possible footing is were grounded in focused on the idea same child—that same exact “characterizing abortion rights churches and civic of establishing “fetal child—has zero rights in the as a matter of sex equality.” groups, but truly took personhood” as abortion context? That is patently absurd but off once their goals a national norm, #4. Each legal challenge some courts have bought it were incorporated into pushing for fetal to prevailing abortion hook, line, and sinker and is the reform agenda of a protection well jurisprudence—even when why pro-abortionists, like Dr. major political party. outside the abortion it has failed—ultimately has Frankenstein, are desperately So too anti-abortion context: in homicide compelled the Justices to trim trying to bring the pro-abortion activism has been laws, personal injury back the absolute right to ERA monster back from the sustained by a potent law, even child abuse abortion. Abortion on demand dead. union with the modern law. These efforts –the very results Harry Take a few minutes and read GOP. proved remarkably Blackmun and Chief Justice their piece at politico.com successful: 38 Warren Burger insisted Roe Which is true—absolutely states now treat an did not usher in—had, in fact, true. In both cases—slavery unborn child as a arrived on the same train in a 26 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org How we blend appeals to the heart and to the mind to persuade the undecided to join us in defending unborn children By Dave Andrusko On page one we remind you I want you to listen to Pat’s abortion: “She firmly believes fire that we are barely a week away song for yourself [youtube.com/ that if a single person had I see clearly now from the 50th National Right watch?v=OcDRp0zWGIw] supported a decision for life to Life Convention, a two-day so let me discuss just two on the day of abortion, her It’s a beautiful sung song gathering I have affectionately additional considerations. baby would not have died. that is powerful, inspirational, described as an educational #1.None of us is a “mistake”; A noteworthy national poll true to life, and touches heart smorgasbord. perfection is an illusion. bears that out. The survey and head. And the end of I have the privilege of of post-abortive women our time together, I always participating in a workshop I know nothing indicated that the vast majority ask my adult Sunday school with two other people who has been wasted of respondents would have class, “What is the most are among the absolutely best No failure or mistake decided against abortion if important takeaway?” What pro-life communicators. In a sense what the three of us will offer will resemble music you hear on Sirius FX’s “Cover Channel.” That is, our remarks will be a tribute to the leader of the band, the late Jean Garton, who was the first person I ever asked to join the group in this workshop on persuasion. Jean was the master communicator and taught us by word and deed how persuasion ingeniously blends an appeal to the head and to the heart. I mention this because I recently heard a song –“Canvas and Clay”–by Pat Barrett, one of my favorite artists. Somehow, You’re an artist and a potter just one person had offered I will remember most from although I had listened to half I’m the canvas and the clay support. Just one!” “Canvas and Clay” is the a dozen times, I had totally A woman with an unplanned most important takeaway ( in missed the significance of What about that most awful pregnancy could very much this case from “Canvas and what he was singing. I listened of words: “wantedness”? That use help from many people but Clay”)? For me, that would be through “Canvas and Clay” says everything about us and without that one person…. You make all things rather than listening to it. nothing about the unborn child. When Pat sings this, he may work together The beginning is familiar to #2. Pro-lifers, by experience be referring specifically to trials For my future and for pro-lifers. Pat sings about how and because of the values we and tribulations overcome or to my good God not only formed each and live by, fully understand that an when a woman has given into You make all things every one of us in our mother’s unplanned pregnancy presents the pressure but subsequently work together womb but loved us before we tremendous challenges. finds spiritual hope and For Your glory and for took our first breath. And Maria V. Gallagher wrote reconciliation: Your name When I doubt it, Lord, this for us the other day about There’s a healing light remind me a young woman who had Just beyond the clouds I’m wonderfully made been pressured into having an Though I’ve walked through www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 27 A thorough overview of one pro-life state’s successes from a pro-abortion newspaper By Dave Andrusko As readers of NRL News Pro-abortionists label this a One pro-life advocate explains effect Jan. 1, 2023. know, Arkansas is not only ‘trap law.’ Not at all. that laws such as the “Arkansas The legislation among the most pro-life states “This is not to shame the Unborn Child Protection Act” mandates that the in America, it continues to victims,” but rather to may take years to litigate, Health Department pass protective legislation that hold accountable those which is not uncommon given establish the hotline, as much as possible hedges in who are victimizing how much money and legal though it doesn’t the “right” to abortion while someone, the sponsor, muscle pro-abortionists have at include funding for the enacting measures to protect agency to do so. and inform abortion-minded The law’s sponsor, women. Rep. Jim Dotson, Earlier this month, R-Bentonville, has Rachel Herzog provided an estimated the cost exceptionally thorough review of implementing the of what pro-lifers in the state, program at $1.2 million led by Arkansas Right to Life, Sen. Blake Johnson, their disposal. But, as Herzog to $1.5 million, based have accomplished. R-Corning, told a observes, on the figures of similar It’s a lengthy overview but legislative committee Barring enjoinment by programs in other whether you live in Arkansas in March. “This helps the courts, laws passed states, while Health or not, it is very much worth us in our reporting and in the 2021 session that Department officials told reading. Why? data collection.” don’t have emergency a legislative committee Some reasons are obvious, clauses [meaning that it would cost $4 beginning with how Or the new ultrasound law. they went into effect million to $5 million. encouraging it is to read how The new law, Herzog explains, immediately] or specify Dotson said the law Arkansas has circumscribed requires the doctor to another effective date was inspired by an abortion in such a creative and provide a simultaneous will go into effect July organization that does thorough manner. Put another verbal explanation and 28, according to an something similar in way, it’s good to know creating a medical description of opinion issued May 20 Texas. pro-life legislative environment what the ultrasound is by Arkansas Attorney can be accomplished in a depicting, including the General Leslie Cross-fertilization, in other multifaceted way. presence and location Rutledge. words. One pro-life state learns Another reason is that the of the fetus, the number from another and vice-versa. story allows sponsors of of fetuses depicted, In other words, of the array of Can’t get much better than that. various laws to explain what the dimensions of laws, some will go into effect “The success of pro-life was behind their thinking. Pro- the fetus and the soon, or have already taken legislation is due to the broad abortionists get to misrepresent presence of external effect. Each of those pieces of grassroots support of prolife the law, both its impact and members and internal legislation tackles a different groups, pro-life lawmakers potential effect, but pro-lifers organs if present and component of the Abortion and pro-life network working can counter with the truth. For viewable. The doctor Industry. together in defense of innocent example, Herzog writes also must document Here’s one illustration from unborn babies in our state,” Act 787 requires an in the patient’s Herzog: said Rose Mimms, executive abortion provider to medical record that Act 90, officially director of Arkansas Right report a rape or incest the ultrasound images titled the “Every Mom to Life. “Our united goal is to law enforcement were displayed. Matters Act,” aims to protect both mother and officials if a patient to reduce the number child from the tragedy of legal attempts to terminate According to Herzog, Sen. of abortions in the abortion. We won’t rest until all a pregnancy resulting Cecile Bledsoe, R-Rogers, state by requiring are saved.” from the crime. It also said in March, “This is for her women seeking an Take a few minutes out and adds the reporting edification, for her knowledge, abortion to first call read “Array of new Arkansas requirement to sections because there are so many a hotline informing laws focus on abortion.” at of the code dealing with myths and misnomers out there them of services they www.arkansasonline.com/ exemptions in state law about abortion.” In addition, can receive if they news/2021/jun/06/array-of- that allow abortions in “The patient has the option to remain pregnant. The new-laws-focus-on-abortion/ cases of rape or incest. look away, Bledsoe said.” requirement goes into You’ll be glad you did. 28 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Nine days and counting until the start of the 50th National Right to Life Convention in Herndon, Virginia From page 1

An important addendum. You Sandoval will be our guest. Her offer. Holly Gatling’s interview Closing the convention do not have to be registered testimony is a tremendous with Wesley will appear this Saturday night is 100% pro-life for the convention to attend story of hope for this week in NRL News Today. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) the special showing of the generation. Maria V. Gallagher Wesley has written After a clerkship with the U.S. play “Viable,” along with a wrote about this remarkable numerous books, several of Court of Appeals and private dinner that will begin at 6:30 law practice, he left the law Thursday, June 24. Tickets because of the September 11th are $35 each. We’ve reviewed attacks. Tom served nearly this powerful play here [www. five years on active duty in nationalrighttolifenews. the United States Army as an org/2019/07/abortion-and- Infantry Officer. hidden-pain-viable-the-truth- Sen. Cotton has spoken presented-in-one-act]. eloquently about the inalienable The featured speaker for right to life, stating on many the 7:30 am June 25 Prayer occasions that life begins at Breakfast that opens the conception. In the February convention is The Reverend Dr. 2020 Senate debate over the Gregory P. Seltz. Rev. Seltz Pain-Capable Unborn Child is Executive Director of the Protection Act, he told his Lutheran Center for Religious colleague, “This week we have Liberty in Washington, D.C. another choice to live up to our Holly Gatling interviewed nation’s highest principle-that Rev. Seltz. If you take just a every person has the right to few minutes to read her story life-or stoop down to a narrow [www.nationalrighttolifenews. vision of humanity peddled by org/2021/06/nrlc-2021-will- Pro-life Sen. Tom Cotton the abortion industry and its open-with-prayer-breakfast- cronies.” speaker-the-rev-gregory-seltz- woman for NRL News. As Maria them reviewed at NRL News, But there is much more when explaining-why-standing-up- explained, Patricia’s “powerful including “Culture of Death: you attend NRL 2021. There for-life-matters-to-and-for-us- testimony is contained in the The Assault on Medical Ethics are 54 workshops on all the all], you’ll know why being book Transfigured, a story in America.” In addition he has topics of interest to pro-lifers. present for “Standing Up for of redemption following the published hundreds of articles And, as NRLC has for many Life Matters To and For Us All” profound despair of working in and opinion columns nationally years, there is also a separate is a must. the abortion industry.” and internationally on issues National Right to Life Teens Tickets are just $35 each. Eventually she found her way such as the importance of being convention, along with Pro- Following the Prayer to a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat, human (human exceptionalism), Life Exhibits, and Childcare Breakfast, in Friday morning’s which brought her to a place of assisted suicide, bioethics, the so your children have a great General Session, a panel of healing and hope. The title of [im]morality of human cloning, time while you are equipping experts will discuss a multitude her Friday evening session is, legal ethics, medical ethics, and yourself to go spread the word of crucial political and legal appropriately, “Relentless.” public affairs. and the knowledge you have issues, including the Mississippi Day Two–Saturday morning, You will not want to miss learned in your own city and abortion case the Supreme June 26– begins at 9 am with this! state. Court has agreed to hear this one of our favorite speakers, Another general session Stay tuned. And there will be fall. James Bopp, Jr., J.D. Wesley J. Smith, J.D., author, focuses on APR—Abortion still more. To keep on top of General Counsel for National and one of the very few pro- Pill Reversal--one of the what to expect and to register, Right to Life, will address the life bioethicists. The title of most important new pro- visit https://buff.ly/1UBg3xk question, “Is this Case the First his session is “There’s No life initiatives. Dr. Matthew for the latest information! Step to Overturning Roe?” Such Thing as ‘Just a Little’ Harrison, who performed the We really hope to see you in On Friday evening, Euthanasia,” an allusion to first recorded abortion pill Herndon, Virginia in just nine author, global speaker, all the phony “safeguards” reversal, will speak at a General days. and EWTN show host Patricia proponents pretend to Session on Saturday, June 26. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 29 Facing a crisis pregnancy, this woman’s beautiful example of moral courage will warm your heart By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

Cyberworld is full of amazing direction of death. The doctor tiny breath, and again responds Letting out another deep testaments to the beauty of says, “Having a child with “yes.” It is as if she has passed breath, the woman eagerly life—if only we have eyes Down syndrome means you a test, something out of Greek nods her head in agreement and to see and a heart ready to be won’t have a normal life, are mythology. Her reward is to be presses “yes.” filled. you sure?” asked, “Okay, would you like to In the next segment, we see I was reminded of this The woman pauses, exhales a see your future?” a beautiful baby, with a smile truism when a colleague sent that lights up the screen. In a me a TikTok video labeled @ series of clips, we see the baby tellmethenewsjohnny. You see crawling, standing, playing, and a sorrowful woman who is walking—each milestone met being asked a series of question with abundant encouragement by a doctor. It’s as if she has by his real-life mother. a computer screen in front on The ending is a true tear- which she can respond. You jerker: A message which reads, can see her expressions and “I wouldn’t change you for the how she answers life-and-death world.” questions. It is not the life-affirming First, she is told by a doctor, ending alone that makes this “You know you can abort this less than one-minute-long video pregnancy?” The woman, so powerful. The woman’s face, who is crying, is left with two the pain in her eyes, the intake options: “yes” or “no.” and exhale of breath (as if to Spoiler alert: If you want summon her courage) as she to see the dramatic response contemplates her answers speak yourself, stop reading and view volumes. You really sense a the video now. woman facing a genuine crisis The woman, with an almost who overcomes her fears. imperceptible shake of her If you haven’t already done head, presses “no,” and lets so, give yourself a gift today and out a breath. But that is just the watch the video. Chances are it beginning. will capture your heart—and She is then confronted with a remind you of the incredible second question. Like the first, joy that can be found in raising it is intended to steer her in the a child with Down syndrome. 30 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Future prospects for pro-abortion Democrats continually grow bleaker From page 2

compete with not competing as with rare exceptions, pro- Democrats,” Berman says— Republicans in these strongly as they should abortion Democrats enjoyed that will come back to haunt states they see as be in states that are unified support from the entire Democrats. battlegrounds. Is my red or haven’t flipped media complex, in addition “[T]his year you had Joe perception right here yet from red to purple. to Hollywood, academia, and Biden on the ticket, you had high or am I just being And a lot of the seats virtually unlimited funding Democratic turnout, and they cynical? that needed pickup from pro-abortion billionaires were still unable to flip these Ari Berman: I don’t were in the redder . That, and some (such as state legislative chambers,” know if that’s totally parts of purple states. President Trump) would say, a reference to Pennsylvania, true when it comes to It was about the more dishonest ballot counting in a Michigan, Minnesota, and state legislative races, conservative suburban number of key battleground Texas where Democrats had because Democrats areas, the rural areas? states. hoped to assume control of the state legislature. So how did what took place on November 3rd come to pass? Berman argues, “Republicans basically held all of their vulnerable chambers and seats” which means “right now it looks like, with a few exceptions, the post- 2020 redistricting cycle is going to look very similar to the post-2010 redistricting cycle, when Republicans dominated the process.”Berman adds, “So you just raised more money That’s where the All this going for pro- wonder, when are they than Republicans did Democratic Party abortion Democrats. What going to get a better with state legislative really underperformed. a huge advantage. Granted, opportunity?” races. They had really Donald Trump ran up eventually did high-profile figures like huge margins there. win by the skin of his teeth, As we have written many Eric Holder [President That was enough for but Democrats also suffered times, President Trump will Obama’s Attorney Republicans to be able major losses in the House of never, ever be given credit General] working on to hold control of all of Representatives; finished with a for the rallies that help turn these races. I don’t these state legislative 50-50 Senate saved only by the out enormous numbers of think it was for lack chambers. vote of the Vice President who Republican voters. And, of of effort or for lack of is President of the Senate; and course, pro-lifers will never, organization. I just Democrats spent hundreds suffered losses in many, many ever be given credit for the think these were really, and hundreds of millions legislatures. massive work done by NRLC really difficult places to of dollars on state and Harris and Berman never and state pro-life organizations. win seats. And I think congressional races, aided quite say it so bluntly, but But looking ahead, these Democrats have a red and abetted by pro-abortion clearly they believed 2020 victories at the state level that America problem. It’s financial powerhouses such was a huge loss—“This year you helped make possible are very, very clear they’re as EMILY’s List. Moreover, was the best opportunity for incredibly important. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 31 Canadian Parliament Defeats Bill to Ban Killing Babies in Sex-Selection Abortions By Mike Schouten, We Need a Law

On June 2nd Members of stages, and MPs missed an abortion, elected lawmakers MP Wagantall and her Parliament voted against important opportunity to do seem unprepared for it. Most colleagues introduced dozens sending Bill C-233, the Sex that today.” Canadians support common of petitions representing Selective Abortion Act to During the debate on this sense abortion restrictions, thousands of signatures over committee for further study. the past year in support of Introduced by Saskatchewan Bill C-233. During the lead- MP Cathay Wagantall, the up to the debate, MP’s offices bill would have prohibited were flooded with thousands physicians from knowingly of empty pink envelopes performing sex selective from Canadians, each one abortions – a practice that representing a pre-born girl lost is disproportionately used to abortion. Pink flag displays to target girls. Despite Erin and lawn signs popped up O’Toole’s emphatic pro-choice around the country in support stance and commitment to vote of this bill. against this bill, exactly two- “This is clearly an issue that thirds of his caucus voted in resonates with Canadians,” favour of it. said Ewert. “The debate “MP Wagantall is to be around sex selective abortion commended for bringing the is necessary and will continue. issue of sex selective abortion bill, speakers from all parties including a restriction on sex Women’s rights cannot include into the open,” said Tabitha indicated they opposed the selective abortion. There can be targeting women before they Ewert, legal counsel for We practice of sex selective nuance in restricting abortion in are born. Sex selective abortion Need a Law, which actively abortion, yet, in the name of a way that many in Parliament is antithetical to Canada’s supported the bill. “This is women’s rights, they were do not yet acknowledge,” commitment to equality and an ugly reality in Canada, unwilling to take a stand that continued Ewert. “We look needs to be prohibited as an where girls are aborted simply would limit abortions that forward to when Parliament unacceptable practice. Until because they are girls. We target women. catches up to where Canadians MPs have the courage to need to address sex-based “It was evident in the debates are already at and accepts a prohibit this practice, it remains discrimination in every form, that while Canadians are having prohibition on such an overtly legal and will continue to including at life’s earliest ongoing conversations about sexist practice.” happen in Canada.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News

32 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Mother graduates from college 10 years after becoming mom at age 14 By Nancy Flanders Danielle Yonemura was only nursing, and was nominated by to have failed,” she said in a through just shows how strong 14 years old when she became her class to speak at the virtual pre-recorded version of her she is and how proud I am of a mother. While abortion commencement. Though there commencement speech. “I’m her.” advocates believe that abortion were times of struggle and thankful for those experiences Abortion is not a necessary would have been necessary in hardship, and even some time because it made me stronger in tool to help women achieve their order for Danielle to achieve spent homeless, Danielle made the end.” dreams, though the message of her goals and graduate from the abortion industry to women college, it was her baby girl, is so often ‘you can’t do this.’ Leilani, who inspired her to On the contrary, women can build a better life. be both mothers and earn a “Wow, I really need to get degree or advance in a career. my stuff together because I’m Countless women have shown about to be a mom,” she told the that mothers are capable, strong, local CBS station KCCI of the and can overcome obstacles. realization she was pregnant. “I This includes Lamyrical Harris, need this child to grow up and a teen mom who received more have a good life, a better life than $1 million in academic than I did.” scholarships, and Brianna Hill, Danielle proved to herself and who went into labor during her those around her that teenage bar exam and passed. girls and young women can Women do not have to choose earn a degree and be mothers between their goals and the when she graduated from high good on her promise to her Leilani, right by her lives of their children. They can school in the top 10% of her baby girl, now age 10 — whom mother’s side through all of do both and succeed. class. Next, she went on to she called, “my light in the the challenges and triumphs, earn her associate’s degree. darkness” — to create a good is proud of everything her Editor’s note: This article This month (May 2021), she life for them. mom has accomplished. “She’s was published by Live Action graduated from the University “I know what it has been worked so hard for this,” she News and is reprinted with of Iowa with a degree in like to have struggled and said. “The journey she’s been permission. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 33 Sisters of Life celebrates 30 years of ministering to abortion-vulnerable women By Anne Marie Williams, RN, BSN

30 years since Sisters of Eight women answered the over 1,000 women every year, that, she will wrestle Life — a religious order newspaper ad he placed, which spoke to The Tablet about their with that and need to of Roman Catholic sisters simply read: “Help Wanted: ministry to women considering walk toward healing. dedicated to protecting Sisters of Life.” Thirty years abortion. She commented, “We That’s a big grace innocent preborn life and later the Order has grown to have encountered in our mission that we love to share. guiding post-abortive women 116 members. In addition to vulnerable, pregnant women, We love to share that towards God’s healing mercy the traditional vows of poverty, those who might be feeling there is healing after — was founded. chastity, and obedience, each so alone in an unexpected abortion. There is hope. The Sisters of Life was formed Sister of Life takes a fourth pregnancy. We offer material We love to push aside in 1991 as a direct response to vow to protect and enhance support. We don’t offer them the veil that covers the mercy of God. “Look, look at God’s mercy!” It’s like a lighthouse. So many women that we’ve served in the past, now they’ve been able to trust God through the hardship of coming back to Him after suffering an abortion. She becomes this big lighthouse of knowing that there’s a way through the pain. [Women who’ve healed after abortion are] the most gorgeous women, ’cause they know that there’s been suffering but they also know the absolute truth in a moving experience founder the sacredness of human life. just diapers and a stroller, but trusting God through Cardinal John O’Connor of The sisters serve in a variety love, so that they know that this. New York had while visiting the of locations across the United they’re not alone.” Dachau concentration camp. States and now in Canada. In an interview with EWTN’s In pursuit of their mission, In the crematorium where the The two biggest ways they Pro-Life Weekly, Sr. Magdalen the Sisters have also released bodies of Jews and others who seek to promote human life Teresa, who serves as head of several children’s books, host had been gassed to death were are through their work with the Visitation Mission, spoke a podcast, speak at various reduced to ashes, Cardinal vulnerable pregnant women, about the Sisters’ other primary retreats and events across the O’Connor mourned the evident to whom they provide housing, emphasis- helping women heal country, and engage in outreach lack of respect for human life. help with rent or utility after abortion. She explained: to college students at several Understanding that a lack payments, and more, and by Because maternity campuses in Colorado. Their of respect for human life in ministering to hurting post- is forever, that’s a big most recent venture is the his own time was leading to a abortive women through their principle that we live creation of a webpage regarding tragic loss of life each year to Hope and Healing program. by, a woman will feel End-of-Life issues. abortion, he resolved to found Sr. Gianna, who serves at a huge loss after she an order of religious sisters the Sisters’ Visitation Mission has…lost her baby to Editor’s note. This appeared whose mission would be to pregnancy resource center in abortion. So when she at Live Action News and is promote life. lower Manhattan that serves comes to understand reposted with permission. 34 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Missouri AG to appeal decision by appeals court panel not to reinstate law banning abortions based solely on diagnosis of Down syndrome

By Dave Andrusko

On June 9th, a split three- “Governors in Arizona and Casey v. Planned Parenthood that reason. Consider judge panel of the 8th Circuit South Dakota recently signed decision. Judge Kelly, her words carefully. Court of Appeals upheld U.S. such bills into law, and similar who wrote the opinion and In addition to never District Judge Howard F. measures are pending in North who was joined by Judge identifying any women Sachs’s injunction of “Missouri Carolina and Texas,” Jim Wollman, “agreed with who sought abortions Stands For the Unborn Act,” Salter of the Planned Parenthood that the “solely because of” passed in 2019, which, reported. “Meanwhile, a federal Down syndrome provision is a Down Syndrome among other provisions, bans a ban rather than a restriction,” diagnosis, she goes on abortions when the sole reason according to Joe Harris of to say that “there is is a prenatal diagnosis of Courthouse News. generally no medical Down syndrome. The lawsuit Judge David Stras began by need for [her], or was filed by the American noting that any other physician Civil Liberties Union and the A preliminary in- providing abortion care Reproductive Health Services, junction is hard to at [the clinic,] to know which operates the St. Louis get, all the more so a patient’s reason for abortion clinic. when the target is a seeking an abortion or Missouri Attorney General democratically enacted to distinguish between Eric Schmitt immediately state law. The court one particular fetal issued a statement vowing that makes it easy, however, diagnosis or another the state will appeal to the U.S. by relaxing the rules in order to provide Supreme Court. Missouri Attorney General to let Reproductive compassionate, safe “My son Stephen has Eric Schmitt Health Services have abortion care.” If there shown me the inherent one, despite its failure is no medical reason to beauty and dignity in appellate court said Ohio could to show a “threat of ask, and no evidence all life, especially those begin to implement a 2017 law irreparable harm” that the reason for with special needs,” that has been on hold. from Missouri’s Down seeking an abortion is Schmitt said. “While During the September 24 Syndrome Provision. I routinely volunteered, we’re disappointed in hearing, which took place via would apply the usual then the statute itself the Eighth Circuit’s videoconferencing, Missouri rules and vacate the cannot create the decision, their decision State Solicitor General John injunction. “threat of irreparable does provide an avenue Sauer told the panel , “A harm.” for this case to be heard radical reduction in the number Later Judge Stras elaborates by the Supreme Court, of the class of people with on the key requirement of the The future? As noted, Missouri and we plan to seek Down syndrome would inflict law — that the abortionist Attorney General Schmitt said review in the Supreme an incalculable loss in our has “knowledge that a Down he will appeal the appeals court Court. I have never society.” Syndrome diagnosis is the decision to the Supreme Court. and will never stop Sauer also told Circuit Judges sole reason for an abortion.” In addition, Salter ends his fighting to ensure that Jane Kelly, Roger Wollman, [Dr. Colleen McNicholas is a account by writing, “Last month, all life is protected.” and David Stras, “People with Planned Parenthood abortionist the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to Down syndrome are literally who testified against the law.] take on a case about whether In the 2021 legislative session, one generation away from Dr. McNicholas all states can ban abortions before a number of states passed laws complete elimination.” but admits in her a fetus can survive outside the against “discrimination-based” Planned Parenthood declaration that she womb. Experts say the case abortions, including those attorney Claudia Hammerman has no idea how many could dramatically alter nearly based solely on a prenatal maintained that HB 126 is women, if any, seek 50 years of rulings on abortion diagnosis of Down syndrome. incompatible with the 1992 an abortion solely for rights.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 35 Police officer saves newborn’s life: ‘I just know that God put me there that day’ By Laura Nicole

A Pennsylvania couple is her out of the car seat,’ and parking lot, and as soon as he and the Schleichers stood by, grateful for the efforts of a we were sitting at a red light did, she jumped into action terrified. police officer, who saved their at that point,” Schleicher said, doing chest compressions on When the baby let out a nine-day-old baby’s life. according to WKRC. the baby. cry a few minutes later, the Joe Schleicher and his That’s when Schleicher saw While this was going on, a Schleichers let out a sigh of wife were driving their Officer Kristin Mitrisin. He bystander also pulled over and relief while Officer Mitrisin newborn daughter Olivia to beeped to gain her attention and offered to help. “I asked him described it as “the best cry” she had ever heard. Olivia was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she is doing well but will require surgery for a heart condition. That Olivia made it that far is all thanks to Officer Mitrisin being in the right place at the right time. “She saved my baby’s life. I’m very thankful. Words can’t even explain how I feel and how thankful I am,” said Ms. Schleicher. Mitrisin felt duty-bound to assist. “I’m a mother of two children so I would hope someone could help me,” Mitrisin said. For Officer Mitrisin, the life-saving encounter with the Schleichers the hospital because she had shouted that his baby needed ‘sir can you please get the AED was not merely luck or good been very fussy. When they help. “I heard beeping next to out of my car.’ He said, ‘yes I’m timing. “I just know that God were stopped at a red light, me. I saw a male driver waving a corrections officer, I’ll help put me there that day,” she said. his wife suddenly shouted to me. I put down the window,” you,’” Officer Mitrisin stated. to her husband. “She said, said Mitrisin, according to The AED analyzed the baby’s Editor’s note. This appeared ‘She’s not breathing. She’s WXPI. Mitrisin instructed heart rhythm while Mitrisin at Live Action News and is not breathing. I have to get him to pull over into a nearby continued to do compressions, reposted with permission. 36 June 2021 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Major Pro-Life Opportunities in Upcoming Governor Races From page 6

Congressman Lou Barletta has the state legislature. She is Florida seek a second term, although announced his candidacy on the endorsed by EMILY’s List, Pro-life Governor Ron most political pundits believe Republican side while former a political action committee DeSantis (R) is up for reelection she will. She is also backed by State Treasurer Joe Torsella, that seeks to elect Democratic in the Sunshine State in 2022. EMILY’s List. Attorney General Josh Shapiro, women who support abortion DeSantis has an impressive list On the Republican side, and Philadelphia mayor Jim without limits. of pro-life accomplishments James Craig, the Chief of the Kenney (all pro-abortion) are On the Republican side, during his first term. Another Detroit Police Department, is considered potential candidates pro-life former Governor Jeff term would mean even more expected to announce a run for the Democrats. Colyer, who narrowly lost the progress in protecting unborn against Whitmer. Already President Trump won GOP nomination in 2018, has children and their mothers in announced Republican the Keystone State in 2016 declared his candidacy. Kansas Florida. candidates include businessman but it flipped back into the Attorney General and former There are handful of Austin Chenge, conservative Democratic column in 2020. Senate Majority Leader Derek Democratic candidates already media personality Tudor Pro-life Republicans control Schmidt and Businessman in the race, including former Dixon, Allendale Township the Pennsylvania House and Chase LaPorte have also Governor and Congressman Planning Commission member Senate but their pro-life efforts announced that they intend to Charlie Crist and Florida Ryan Kelley, Pastor Ralph have been stymied by Governor run. All three candidates hold Agriculture Commissioner Rebrandt, Vice President Wolf’s veto. Electing a pro-life pro-life positions. The race is Nikki Fried. Both Crist and of the Evangelical Alliance governor could mean success considered a pure tossup. Fried support a policy of Ministerial Association Bob for pro-life priorities in the abortion on demand. As a Scott, and businessman Garrett state including protections Wisconsin member of Congress, Crist Soldano. against dismemberment Pro-abortion Governor Tony holds 100% pro-abortion voting The large Republican abortion and protections for Evers (D) is up for reelection record, supporting taxpayer field demonstrates just how unborn babies diagnosed with in Wisconsin. His extreme funding of abortion and even vulnerable Whitmer’s position Down syndrome. The race is position on abortion drove voting against legislation to is in the state. Still, the Cook considered a pure tossup. him to veto even the most protect unborn babies who can Political Report gives Whitmer commonsense legislation feel pain from late abortions an edge, listing the race as Kansas such as the bill to protect and legislation to safeguard Leans Democrat. Kansas is one of the pro-life infants who survive abortions. newborn infants who survive While Biden carried the state movement’s biggest pick-up Defeating Evers is crucial for failed abortions. The Cook in the 2020 election, it remains opportunities in 2022. Pro- advancing life-saving measures Political Report ranks the race a top prize for both parties. abortion Governor Laura Kelly in Wisconsin once again. as Leans Republican. Michigan is a state to keep an (D) is seeking reelection in a Potential challengers on the eye on. The governor’s race is state that voted for President Republican side include former Michigan winnable in 2022! Trump in 2020 by a 15-point Congressman Sean Duffy, Pro-abortion Governor Be sure to pay attention margin. Prior to Kelly’s former Lieutenant Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is up to the gubernatorial race in victory, Kansas had been on the Rebecca Kleefisch, former for reelection in Michigan, your state! Having a pro-life cutting edge of passing pro-life White House Chief of Staff a state that has been a major governor makes a world of initiatives. Reince Priebus, Wisconsin political battleground since difference to preborn babies, Since taking office, Kelly Senate President Chris President Trump’s unexpected their mamas and to those who has been a roadblock to pro- Kapenga, and more. All are win there in 2016. Whitmer are vulnerable! life legislation advanced by pro-life. has not yet indicated if she will www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2021 37 Sweeping abortion bill seeks to eliminate all pro-life protections nation-wide From page 1 except Sens. Manchin (D-W. “Tragically, the only ones to reflection periods the U.S. Supreme Court entirely Va.) and Casey (D-Pa.)—and benefit from such a law would (waiting periods); repudiates Roe v. Wade and the 181 total co-sponsors, in the be abortionists and abortion • Laws allowing medical other rulings that were built House of Representatives, all providers such as Planned professionals to opt-out on Roe. The bill authorizes of whom are Democrats. Parenthood, the nation’s of providing abortions; lawsuits by both federal “The so-called Women’s largest abortion provider. This • Laws limiting the officials and private parties to Health Protection Act would legislation endangers women performance of enforce its provisions. essentially remove all legal and their unborn children, abortions to licensed According to Alexis McGill protections for unborn would expand taxpayer funding physicians; Johnson, president & CEO, children on the federal and of abortion, and would no • Bans on elective Planned Parenthood Federation state level,” said Carol longer require that a woman abortion after 20 weeks of America, “Abortion is safe, Tobias, president of National be given information about when an unborn child is essential health care. Yet state Right to Life (NRLC). “The the development of her unborn capable of feeling pain; politicians across the country Women›s Health Protection child.” • Bans on the use of have been doing all they can Act is, in effect, a no-limits- Among the protective laws abortion as a method to block people from this care, on-abortion-until-birth bill. that WHPA would nullify: of sex selection. These and our nation’s highest court is Pro-abortion Democrats have • Requirements to anti-sex selection about to hear a case that could yet to hear of an abortion- provide women seeking laws generally have undermine our constitutional expansion bill they didn’t like abortion with specific broad public support right to abortion...The Women’s and they are more than willing information on their in the states in which Health Protection Act would to push it on to the American unborn child and on they are enacted, bring us one step closer to a people.” alternatives to abortion; including support from world where everyone can take Tobias continued, • Laws providing substantial majorities full control of their bodies and of women. their futures.” The WHPA seeks to strip The bill would also invalidate away from elected lawmakers most previously enacted federal the ability to provide even the limits on abortion, including most minimal protections for federal conscience protection unborn children, at any stage laws and most, if not all, limits of their pre-natal development. on government funding of Elective abortion would abortion since they would be become the procedure that must regarded as reducing access to always be facilitated, never abortion. delayed, never impeded to the The WHPA has sweeping slightest degree. consequences on not only settled This radical legisla- law, but contemplates nullifying tion must be stopped in its potential positive Supreme Court tracks. rulings in the future. The bill would nullify even To view an always-current specific types of abortion- list of co-sponsors of either S. related laws that have been held 1975 or H.R. 3755, arranged by the U.S. Supreme Court not by state, go to the National to violate any constitutional Right to Life Legislative Action right – indeed, the prohibitions Center at https://cqrcengage. in the bill would apply even if com/nrlc/legislation?0