Life Advocacy Briefing

In Tribute to the Heart of Nellie Gray

MARCH FOR LIFE FOUNDER, THE LATE NELLIE GRAY, WILL BE MEMORIALIZED in the new National Garden of American Heroes, to be built as a memorial to “scores of historical figures,” reports Calvin Freiburger for LifeSiteNews.com.

The new memorial park was ordered created last July by then-President Donald Trump, “announcing,” writes Mr. Freiburger, “it would be a ‘vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live.’” The park is, in part, a response to last summer’s culture-canceling melee of statue destruction carried on by Leftwing anarchic rioters.

Nellie Gray left our midst in 2012 at the age of 88. Her legacy continues in the ever-growing annual January gathering in the nation’s capital to mark the tragic injustice of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton edicts and to call America to fulfill her own historic commitment to the right to life of all human beings.

March Called Off

IN A VICTORY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TURNED OUR NATION’s CAPITAL CITY into an armed camp – and for those who have shut down our society in fear of a flu-like Chinese virus – the annual March for Life will not occur this year. It will be replaced by a so-called “march” by “just a ‘small group of pro-life leaders,’” reports Michael Haynes for LifeSiteNews.com. A “livestream” presentation of a few speeches and music by Christian songwriter and singer Matthew West will be offered to pro-life Americans who take the time to tune in – not on Jan. 22 but on Jan. 29. Those who wish to observe the offering are invited to register online at marchforlife.org/2021-virtual-events.

For the first time in more than 25 years, Life Advocacy Briefing’s editor does not expect to publish transcriptions of March for Life speeches in 2021. We sincerely hope the organizers of the annual March will return next year to summoning Americans to our capital to advocate for justice for the unborn and concern for their vulnerable mothers.

Some of the pro-life events which traditionally coincide with the annual March did occur last Friday, the 48^th anniversary of Roe/Doe. We thank Priests for Life, Students for Life of America and the Stanton Public Policy Center for their prayer assemblies and peaceful rallies and congregant vigils marking the tragic date.

Organizers of the annual March for Life in Chicago, denied permits by local authorities, transformed their annual downtown rally into a caravan last Saturday (Jan. 23) visiting various stops in Chicago and replicated in Madison, Wisconsin; Omaha, Nebraska; Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana; and Mundelein, Illinois. The rallies would be amplified by a diaper drive for pregnancy care centers, and the Chicago rally would feature former US Rep. Dan Lipinski.

The annual and growing Walk for Life in SanFrancisco, California – among the most hopeful burgeonings of the pro-life movement in a truly hostile environment – was scheduled, as of this writing, to go on this year, with a Saturday rally in Oakland, California, and a Sunday walk down SanFrancisco’s Market Street.

Sad But Not Surprising

THE PRESS SECRETARY OF THEN PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN (D) announced just before inauguration day a series of executive actions to be taken that day or completed soon thereafter.

“‘In the coming days and weeks, we will be announcing … executive actions that … deliver on the President-elect’s promises to the American people,’ [then-]incoming press secretary Jen Psaki [said],” reports Calvin Freiburger for LifeSiteNews.com, “noting that those actions would include allowing gender-confused soldiers to serve openly in the military and rescindment of the Mexico City Policy, allowing foreign aid to directly fund abortion once again. …

“Shortly after taking office in 2017, [Pres.] Trump’s Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA) policy not only reinstated the Mexico City Policy, which bars the United States’ $8.8 billion in foreign aid from being distributed to entities that perform abortions, but took the additional step of expanding it to groups that promote or discuss abortion.

“Bitterly opposed by Democrats,” notes Mr. Freiburger, “the action resulted in international abortion providers Planned Parenthood and Marie Stopes losing millions because they refused to drop abortion in order to qualify for the money. Marie Stopes also had to close hundreds of operations across Africa. At the same time, reviews by the US State Department found that most recipients have complied with the new rules without issue, leaving the administration of legitimate foreign aid unharmed.”

Even Before the Inauguration

PLANNED PARENTHOOD WAS AMONG THE BENEFICIARIES of donations made for flags which lined the National Mall for the inauguration of the 46^th President. A “field of flags” featured about 191,500 US flags replacing the customary spectators, and Americans were urged by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, notes Michael Haynes for LifeSiteNews.com, “to become a ‘symbolic sponsor of the Field of Flags in exchange for a donation to PIC’s partners in service.’” So guess who the “partners in service” were?

Planned Parenthood Federation of America is in the list, amid a plethora of perversion promotion groups.

“Below the rules for contributions to the field of flags,” notes Mr. Haynes, “is an explanation informing donors that by giving money, they will be automatically entered into Planned Parenthood’s e-mail list.”

For its part, Planned Parenthood is in the midst of a grand celebration of political victory. “Planned Parenthood issued a press release shortly after the 2020 Presidential elections,” LSN reports, “expressing great excitement at the prospect of a Biden-Harris administration: ‘We can’t contain our excitement (and relief) that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the 2020 election. Here’s to a new beginning!’”

New Faces Join the Senate

THREE NEW, RADICAL SENATORS WERE SWORN INTO OFFICE last week by newly inaugurated Vice President Kamala Harris (D), among them her successor, Sen. Alex Padilla, appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). 

Sen. Padilla resigned as California Secretary of State to take the post. As Secretary of State, he oversaw many of the distortions in the state’s election system. He has previously served in the state senate and as acting mayor of LosAngeles. He will face voters in the 2022 elections.

Also taking office were Sen. Jon Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock, both Georgia Democrats who won run-off elections on Jan. 5. Sen. Warnock’s term also expires with the 2022 elections; Sen. Ossoff was elected to a six-year term, defeating one-term Sen. David Perdue (R).

With these three new Democrats installed, the party margin in the Senate now stands at a 50-50 tie. Motions requiring 51 votes will be decided by Vice President Harris, who is the constitutional presiding officer of the body.

Speaker Pelosi’s Angst

AMONG THE SICKENING DRIVEL emitting from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-SanFrancisco) during a “podcast” session with Leftist icon Hillary Clinton last week was “an attack on Catholics for their support for [Pres.] Trump’s pro-life policies,” reports Michael Haynes for LifeSiteNews.com, “claiming that they were selling out ‘democracy’ due to their opposition to the murder of the unborn. … The Speaker of the House,” notes Mr. Haynes, “made her attack upon Catholics shortly after declaring Joe Biden to be a ‘unifier’ for the country, saying that ‘women and minorities and LGBTQ people can thrive.’”

She went on to express her belief, reports Mr. Haynes, “that Pres. Trump had been elected due to his pro-life stance: ‘I think that Donald Trump is President because of the issue of a woman’s right to choose.’ She then proceeded,” he adds, “to attack pro-lifers for not supporting the impeachment of the President.

“‘When he signed that paper saying, “These are the judges that I will appoint,” that was the dog whistle to the evangelicals, to the Catholics and all the rest. A woman will not have the right to choose,’ [Ms.] Pelosi continued, never identifying the “choice” she advocates so fiercely.

“‘They were willing to sell the whole democracy down the river for that one issue,’” [Rep.] Pelosi said, reports LSN.

Call to Justice & Mercy

Presidential Proclamation, issued Jan. 18 by outgoing President Donald J. Trump

            Every human life is a gift to the world. Whether born or unborn, young or old, healthy or sick, every person is made in the holy image of God. The Almighty Creator gives unique talents, beautiful dreams and a great purpose to every person. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we celebrate the wonder of human existence and renew our resolve to build a culture of life where every person of every age is protected, valued and cherished.

            This month, we mark nearly 50 years since the United States Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision. This constitutionally flawed ruling overturned state laws that banned abortion and has resulted in the loss of more than 50 million innocent lives. But strong mothers, courageous students and incredible community members and people of faith are leading a powerful movement to awaken America’s conscience and restore the belief that every life is worthy of respect, protection and care. Because of the devotion of countless pro-life pioneers, the call for every person to recognize the sanctity of life is resounding more loudly in America than ever before. Over the last decade, the rate of abortions has steadily decreased, and today more than three out of every four Americans support restrictions on abortion.

            Since my first day in office, I have taken historic action to protect innocent lives at home and abroad. I reinstituted and strengthened President Ronald Reagan’s Mexico City Policy, issued a landmark pro-life rule to govern the use of Title Ten taxpayer funding and took action to protect the conscience rights of doctors, nurses and organizations like the Little Sisters of the Poor. My Administration has protected the vital role of faith-based adoption. At the United Nations, I made clear that global bureaucrats have no business attacking the sovereignty of nations that protect innocent life. Just a few months ago, our Nation also joined 32 other countries in signing the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which bolsters global efforts to provide better health care to women, protect all human life and strengthen families.

            As a nation, restoring a culture of respect for the sacredness of life is fundamental to solving our country’s most pressing problems. When each person is treated as a beloved child of God, individuals can reach their full potential, communities will flourish and America will be a place of even greater hope and freedom. That is why it was my profound privilege to be the first President in history to attend the March for Life, and it is what motives my actions to improve our nation’s adoption and foster care system, secure more funding for Down syndrome research and expand health services for single mothers. Over the past four years, I have appointed more than 200 federal judges who apply the Constitution as written, including three Supreme Court Justices – Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. I also increased the child tax credit, so that mothers are financially supported as they take on the noble task of raising strong and healthy children. And recently I signed an Executive Order on Protecting Vulnerable Newborn and Infant Children, which defends the truth that every newborn baby has the same rights as all other individuals to receive life-saving care.

            The United States is a shining example of human rights for the world. However, some in Washington are fighting to keep the United States among a small handful of nations – including North Korea and China – that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks. I join with countless others who believe this is morally and fundamentally wrong, and today I renew my call on the Congress to pass legislation prohibiting late-term abortion.

            Since the beginning, my Administration has been dedicated to lifting up every American, and that starts with protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our society – the unborn. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, we promise to continue speaking out for those who have no voice. We vow to celebrate and support every heroic mother who chooses life. And we resolve to defend the lives of every innocent and unborn child, each of whom can bring unbelievable love, joy, beauty and grace into our nation and the entire world.

            Now, therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Jan. 22, 2021, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. Today I call on the Congress to join me in protecting and defending the dignity of every human life, including those not yet born. I call on the American people to continue to care for women in unexpected pregnancies and to support adoption and foster care in a more meaningful way, so every child can have a loving home. And finally, I ask every citizen of this great nation to listen to the sound of silence caused by a generation lost to us, and then to raise their voices for all affected by abortion, both seen and unseen. …

Where We Go from Here

Jan. 19, 2021, Washington Update commentary by Family Research Council president Tony Perkins

            It’s been a long time since Planned Parenthood had such a good friend in the White House. And CEO Alexis McGill Johnson is making sure they cash in on every moment.

            On the eve of Joe Biden’s swearing-in, the head of America’s biggest abortion business said, “We have a ton of work to do to undo the harm over the last four years, but knowing we have champions there who understand what needs to happen in the first 100 days is tremendously exciting,” she told NBC News. “We are ready to hit the ground running on Day 1,” she has insisted, pointing out that filling key posts with abortion extremists is one of the group’s biggest goals.

            So far so good, based on Biden’s picks – not the least of whom is his Vice President. Kamala Harris, as even Newsweek has noted, is to the Left of even Bernie Sanders, voting – not once but twice – to destroy babies born alive.

            Now, the focus turns to other vacancies, where the most radical pro-abortion administration in history can solidify its deadly goals. “We know that personnel is policy,” Johnson said. “So we’re making sure that those positions are filled with sexual and reproductive health champions.”

            Another way they plan to force Biden’s hand is with their “Blueprint for Sexual & Reproductive Health, Rights & Justice,” where they spell out “first priorities” that would roll back Pres. Trump’s pro-life accomplishments. Together with other groups, Planned Parenthood demands immediate action that shows Biden’s commitment to abortion-on-demand.

            Of course, Joe Biden (who NBC was careful to label as a “devout Catholic”) seems more than willing to comply – making several controversial picks to lead Health & Human Services (HHS), among other things.

            But the irony of this conversation all comes back to the shame-game Never Trumpers want to play with conservatives now. They argue that Christians should all be so embarrassed for supporting Donald Trump, pointing to the fallout from the Capitol riot. It’s a convenient and disingenuous argument, considering that before Jan. 6 – or even as far back as Nov. 3 – the church had literally hundreds of reasons to vote for Trump. Even now, Planned Parenthood is making our point for us. These last four years of pro-life policy are exactly why no Christian should regret their support for the Trump Administration.

            If his policies were so hollow, so inconsequential, then is the Left so committed to overturning them? The reality is, Donald Trump and his Administration did more to protect the unborn in America and around the world than any President in US history. And if that’s something some evangelicals think we should be ashamed of supporting, then shame on them. They’ve clearly lost their moral equilibrium.

            Right now, the church should be focused on one thing. And one thing only – and that’s prayer. It’s time to stop pointing fingers over events none of us could control and start getting on our knees in a humble posture for our nation. America and the incoming Biden Administration desperately need God’s guidance. We need to plead His protection over this nation and ask for His wisdom to permeate and direct our new leaders.

Passing of a Pro-Life Giant

Jan. 19, 2021, Obituary of Joe Scheidler, written by Thomas More Society president Tom Brejcha and reprinted from McHenry County blog

            It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that Joe Scheidler passed away yesterday morning at the age of 93. As many of you know, Joe Scheidler was a pioneer in the pro-life movement.

            Shortly after the infamous Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, Joe became a pro-life activist – ultimately founding the Pro-Life Action League in 1980 with his wife, Ann. Joe’s groundbreaking work inspired a generation of sidewalk counselors and pro-life advocates. His 1985 pro-life activists’ manual, Closed: 99 Ways to Stop Abortion, put pro-lifers throughout the United States and the world to work effectively fighting abortion.

            Because of his hard work and ultra-effective advocacy, the National Organization for Women and two abortion clinics filed a RICO racketeering lawsuit against Joe. The resulting legal saga in NOW v. Scheidler saw that founding of the Thomas More Society to defend Joe against a lawsuit that lasted for nearly 30 years and went before the Supreme Court three times, finally resulting in a unanimous victory for Joe and the pro-life movement.

            Joe Scheidler was truly a larger than life leader for nearly 40 years – working each and every day to save the lives of the unborn. Joe will be deeply missed by all those who knew him and those whose lives he saved.

            Without Joe, the Thomas More Society likely wouldn’t exist, and the pro-life movement certainly wouldn’t look the same. On behalf of the Thomas More Society, I’d like to offer my condolences to Joe’s family, including his wife Ann, who still serves as the chairman of our board.

            Joe’s contributions were unmatched, and the world has been changed because of his work. May he rest in peace.