Our Own Holocaust

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One week ago, Wednesday, January 27th , was International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Poland in 1945 where over a million people died.

It IS however, more than a little providential that this day of remembrance falls so closely on the heels of the anniversary of the beginning of our own holocaust here in the United States…the legalization of abortion in Roe vs. Wade. While we mourn the lives of the million people who were killed in the death camps, it’s equally important to remember the almost 58 million who have died here in the United States since 1973.

What makes the proximity of the dates even more providential is how the same illogic that was used to justify the murder of Jews in the 1940s is being used today by pro-abortion advocates to promote the genocide of the minority community. Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood, and many other pro-abortionists supported the idea of eugenics—the purification of the human gene pool, and argue even to this day that abortion is one way to do that. Perhaps that’s why almost 80% of Planned Parenthood facilities are so close to (if not in) minority communities. For more information about the black genocide, visit www.blackgenocide.org.

One week from today we head into another period of remembrance of our own holocaust here in the United State, 40 Days for Life. I encourage each of you to find a location near you at which you can participate here. Thank you for all you do to support choosing life!

Richards Wrong Again

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Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards is featured in an article for the February edition of Esquire Magazine. Besides feeling the need to spend some time in a decontamination unit after reading the article, there are a few particular points of sadness.

In the article, Richards several times references highlights of her childhood and even states at one point “It was a pretty wonderful childhood”. While it’s good to know she had such a great childhood, as pro-life advocates, it’s sad to think of the MILLIONS of pre-born babies who won’t get to enjoy such wonderful childhood experiences.

Richards also reminisces about organizing migrant workers in Los Angeles and says the women she organized are the same ones who count on Planned Parenthood. What she doesn’t address is the history of eugenics her organization (particularly its founder Margaret Sanger) has and their role in wiping out generations of minority pre-born babies.

Finally, Richards talks about how pro-life efforts by Congress are simply designed to put women in their place. She is wrong again…the pro-life movement is about empowering women so they don’t think of their pre-born child as a burden and ensuring they are empowered to choose life.

Overall, this interview can engender feelings of disgust, anger, or sadness. All one can really do is pray for Miss Richards that she will see the errors of her way and become an advocate for choosing life.

MEET THE NEW EDUCATION DIRECTOR, MATTHEW WAGNER

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Hello!  I thought I would take a minute and introduce myself as the new Education Director (hence chief blogger) for the PA Pro Life Federation.  Since you’ll be reading a lot from me, I thought it would be a good idea to know a little about me, my background, and why I’m pro-life.

First, a little about me…

I have a lot of titles, although the most important are “Father” to my two boys Russ (9) and Nathaniel (4) and “Husband” to my beautiful wife of 13 years Lisa.  We live in Mechanicsburg with our dog Odie (the REAL master of the house).  I am active in my church, Trinity United Methodist in New Kingstown), my son’s cub scout pack (Pack 180), a local nonprofit organization called New Digs Ministry that is committed to helping people who are rebuilding their lives by providing furnishings and household goods, absolutely free of charge.  I also do what I can to support pro-life candidates of all parties.

How I got here…

I grew up in a very conservative Christian household as the oldest of 4 (two brothers and a sister).  We were all homeschooled most of our early education, and I finished up at Harrisburg Christian School in Linglestown.  Growing up with that background, there was never any question in my mind of the definition of “right” and “wrong” or of when life began, but my first real exposure to the abortion issue was in high school when for our Social Studies class we had to write a research paper on the Roe VS. Wade decision from a judicial, moral, and ethical perspective.  I went on from there to college, first at Harrisburg Area Community College, and then at Bloomsburg University.  I have since spent my life in various professional roles, most recently running my own business doing communication and political consulting for various nonprofits and public figures.

Why I’m pro-life…

Most of it has to do with my religious background and beliefs.  I believe life begins at conception, and it deserves to be protected the whole way to natural death.  I also believe we have a moral and ethical, if not biblical, obligation to stand up and defend those who can’t defend themselves.  Now, as a father, I understand even better the miracle of life, and I feel a deep personal obligation to making this a better world for my boys…and to me that starts with making sure we choose life!

That’s enough about me for now.  I look forward to meeting each of you, and working with you in the weeks, months, and years ahead.  If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us either by email at lifelines@paprolife.com, or by calling us at 717-541-0034.  I hope you enjoy my future blog posts (which I guarantee won’t be this long) and I look forward to your feedback!

Do You Know How Many Babies from Your County Were Aborted?

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The annual Pennsylvania Department of Health report about abortion statistics may look like just a bunch of numbers to some people, but to those of us who are pro-life, each number represents an innocent life lost to abortion.

In 2014, Pennsylvania lost 18 more babies to abortion than it did in 2013, according to the report. That’s a 0.1-percent increase – a tiny number to statisticians; but to us, it’s almost a whole kindergarten class of children who were denied their right to life.

The state statistics show 32,126 abortions occurred in the Keystone State in 2014. The vast majority of the abortions occurred in four counties: Allegheny, Dauphin, Northampton, and Philadelphia.

But every county lost babies to abortion in 2014. Whether you live in a big city or in the backwoods, your neighborhood is missing babies because their moms had abortions. Below are the numbers of abortions reported, based on the county where the woman lives:

PAabtn1

PAabtn2PAabtn3Click here to find the full state abortion report for 2014.

The good news is that the 2014 total represents a 51.2 percent decrease from the record high number of 65,777 in 1980. The dramatic decrease in abortions over the past few decades can be attributed to a number of factors, including protective laws such as the Abortion Control Act, which provides for informed consent, parental consent, and 24-hour waiting periods for abortion.

Much work still remains. Please consider getting involved with one of our pro-life chapters in a county near you. You could help save a baby’s life. Click here to find a chapter in your area.

Report: 18 More Babies Die in Abortions in 2014; 32,126 Total

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HARRISBURG, Pa. – Abortions increased slightly statewide in Pennsylvania in 2014, according to figures released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

“Even a slight increase in the abortion totals is troubling,” said Maria Gallagher, legislative director for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, the state affiliate of National Right to Life. “Eighteen more preborn children lost their lives to abortion in 2014, compared with the previous year. That’s nearly the equivalent of one kindergarten class,” said Gallagher.FIG6

The DOH statistics show 32,126 abortions occurred in the Keystone State in 2014. The vast majority of the abortions occurred in four counties: Allegheny, Dauphin, Northampton, and Philadelphia.

Still, the 2014 total represents a 51.2 percent decrease from the record high number of 65,777 in 1980. The dramatic decrease in abortions over the past few decades can be attributed to a number of factors, including protective laws such as the Abortion Control Act, which provides for informed consent, parental consent, and 24-hour waiting periods for abortion.

The closing of abortion centers, the advent of 4D ultrasound technology, and the rise of social media have also had an effect in lowering abortion totals over the last decade.

“The abortion rate in Pennsylvania would also be much higher were it not for the state’s Alternatives to Abortion program, which is administered by Real Alternatives, Inc. (www.realalternatives.org ),” Gallagher added. “This ground-breaking program provides women with comprehensive counseling and material aid so that women are fully supported during their pregnancies.

“Real Alternatives centers, along with other pro-life pregnancy help centers throughout the Commonwealth, are offering a much-needed lifeline to women and their families. Women can receive everything from diapers to day care referrals, and from mentoring to maternity clothes, thanks to these incredible centers,” Gallagher said.

January Events to Mark 43 Years of Roe, Mourn 58 Million Aborted

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January is a busy month in the pro-life world. This January 22 will mark the 43rd year since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade.

ErieMarchforLife16

Erie March for Life on Jan. 9

The infamous abortion decision opened the doors to abortion on demand through all nine months of pregnancy. In the past 43 years, more than 58 million preborn babies have been aborted in the U.S.

ErieMarchforLife2-16To recognize this massive tragedy and to call for renewed protections for life in the womb, pro-lifers across the state are planning events in January. Please consider joining your fellow Pennsylvania pro-lifers this month.

March for Life
Many Pennsylvanians will travel by bus to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., joining hundreds of thousands of others in front of the U.S. Supreme Court steps to call for Roe v. Wade to be overturned. If you are looking for a bus to the March, contact our office at 717-541-0034 or lifelines@paprolife.org.

Gosnell Movie in Annville
The Lebanon County Republican Committee will host a free screening of the award-winning documentary film, “3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the historic Allen Theatre, 36 E Main St, Annville.

The film documents the events surrounding the Kermit Gosnell abortion clinic tragedy in Philadelphia. Gosnell was convicted of murdering three newborn babies and contributing to the death of a female patient.

Pro-life Senator John Rafferty, who is featured in the film, will be on hand to greet viewers and comment on the Gosnell case. Running time for the movie is approximately one hour.  The screening is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.

Pro-Life Breakfasts
Three of the Federation chapters will host special pro-life breakfasts near the anniversary of Roe. Please consider joining one of these special events:

ERIE PEOPLE FOR LIFE 38TH ANNUAL PRO-LIFE BREAKFAST — 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. January 16, 2016 at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier Erie. Special guest speaker is Steven Mosher, President, Population Research Institute.

SCRANTON RESPECT LIFE PRAYER BREAKFAST — Saturday, January 30 hosted by the Pennsylvanians for Human Life Scranton Chapter. Lori Kehoe from the National Right to Life Committee will be the guest speaker.

MERCER COUNTY ANNUAL PRO-LIFE BREAKFAST – 9 a.m., Saturday, February 13 at the Park Inn by Radisson, 3377 New Castle Rd, West Middlesex. The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children and students.  The keynote address will be given by Wesley J. Smith, a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute’s Center on Human Exceptionalism.  The event is sponsored by Pro-Life of Mercer County.  For further information and to reserve a seat, please call Joanne Schell at 330-448-4577, Susan Wallace 724-588-0775 or Brian O’Malley at 724-854-5433, or email Brian at prolifemercer@gmail.com .

Pro-Life Rallies in Pennsylvania
Several of our chapters also are hosting rallies and marches this month to mark the anniversary of Roe and the deaths of millions of preborn babies. People for Life, our Erie chapter, held its annual Erie March for Life on Jan. 9. Check out photos from the event on People for Life’s Facebook page.

Upcoming rallies include:

GETTYSBURG ANNUAL RALLY FOR LIFE — Noon on Friday, Jan. 22 at the Adams County Courthouse, 111 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg.  All are welcome. The Rally is sponsored by Adams County Chapter, Pennsylvanians for Human Life.  For further information, email ruthsantino@yahoo.com.

LEBANON ANNUAL RALLY FOR LIFE – Noon on Friday, Jan. 22 at the intersection of 8th and Cumberland Streets in downtown Lebanon.  All are welcome.  Members of the Lebanon County Chapter, Pennsylvanians for Human Life, will participate in the event. For further information, email sandrapav@verizon.net.

Check our Chapter Events page for more upcoming pro-life events in Pennsylvania.

Saving Mothers and Unborn Babies from Violence

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By Maria Gallagher, Legislative Director
gallagher@paprolife.org

I was reading a health insurance newsletter when an alarming statistic caught my eye: according to a study, each year–each year!–324,000 pregnant women are battered by their intimate partners. That means more than a half million people are at risk, when you consider that each of those women is carrying a vulnerable baby.

SadwomanAdd to that the fact that the number one cause of traumatic death for pregnant women and women who have recently given birth is murder. Of those women killed, a sizable percentage are murdered by their intimate partners.

Abused women are also more likely to suffer from depression, pregnancy complications, and substance abuse. Also, keep in mind that statistics show that 60 percent of abortions are coerced. In many of those cases, the abuser may do the coercing, threatening a woman with violence, loss of shelter, or loss of income if she does not agree to abort her child.

Domestic violence poses a profound threat to preborn children. In many cases, the violence in the home can lead women straight to an abortion facility.

This is one of the reasons pregnancy support centers are so valuable. They can serve as first responders, attending to the needs of a battered pregnant woman. They can help empower a woman so that she leaves her violent situation, thereby protecting both herself and her preborn baby.

If you suspect a pregnant woman you know is being abused, it is important that you provide her with support, a listening ear, and make her aware that she has options to get to a place of safety. For some tips on how to talk to a woman in such a situation, click here.

And for the nearest pregnancy help center in Pennsylvania, click here.

Domestic violence is undeniably a contributing factor to abortions in this country. When we empower pregnant women to seek freedom from abuse, we provide a critical lifeline to both mother and child. There are many reasons the heartbreaking tragedy of abortion remains legal in this country. Domestic violence is one of them.

Baby who defied the odds and lived sends a touching Christmas card to the world

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In the spirit of Christmas, one Florida family is sharing a special message of hope and life with the world.

Brandon and Brittany Buell posted a series of Christmas photos on social media this week to celebrate their son Jaxon’s first holiday at home.

jaxon8Jaxon, who is just a year old, almost never had the chance to sit on Santa Claus’s lap or send a Christmas card. Before he was born, doctors diagnosed him with an incurable brain malformation and advised his parents to abort him.

The Buells refused, but they said they later faced criticism for their decision to choose life for their son.

LifeNews.com shares more about Jaxon’s miraculous story:

A few days ago, the family posted photos of Jaxon around their Christmas tree on social media. One photo shows Jaxon with a special message written on a giant Christmas card. It reads, “I wanted to send a Christmas card to the entire world from me, my mama & my dada. Thank you for supporting me! From my family to yours … Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!! #JaxonStrong”

On Sunday, Jaxon “had one of the best days of his life” when he met Santa Claus for the first time, his father told Fox 29 News. The family also watched the movie “Rudolph.”

“More big milestones for our little guy!” his father said.

Jaxon, who celebrated his first birthday this summer, is beginning to walk and speak, the Buells told the news station. He can say “Momma”, “Daddy” and “I love you.”

“Jaxon has already shown how strong, smart and special he is, accomplishing feats that doctors doubted he’d ever be able to do, shows improvements each and every day, and just reached a miraculous milestone in celebrating his first birthday,” his family shared on Facebook. “Ultimately, Jaxon will need a miracle long-term.”

The family said Jaxon still needs prayers for his continued medical treatments.

This precious little boy’s story holds the warmth of hope and love that are so common around the holidays. His story and his parents’ decision to choose life is something to celebrate all year long.

Federation, NRLC Condemn Violence in Colorado Planned Parenthood Shooting

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Three people are dead and nine more injured after a crazed gunman shot at people Friday from a Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Colorado Springs.

Pro-lifers across the nation quickly condemned the horrific violence, which does not appear to be motivated by abortion politics. While the alleged gunman Robert Lewis Dear’s motives remain unclear, he was certainly not pro-life.

According to LifeNews.com, Dear appears to have no association with the pro-life movement and those who know him say he is an awkward man who never discussed religion or abortion. The profile they paint is far from a caricature of a pro-life activist who has an issue with the Planned Parenthood abortion business and more of a loner or renegade who may have mental health issues and, at a minimum, is a bit “off.”

We at the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation and our national affiliate, the National Right to Life Committee, condemn the violence that happened in Colorado Springs and at all abortion facilities across the U.S.

Our official position on violence is this: We support only peaceful efforts to restore the right to life and strongly condemn any acts of violence against advocates of abortion.  Such violent acts are not “pro-life” and only hurt the cause of generating respect for human life. We do not take part in or condone any illegal activity in the fight against abortion.

Carol Tobias, president of NRLC, also issued a statement immediately after the shooting, condemning the violence. She said: “National Right to Life, which represents 50 state affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters, unequivocally condemns unlawful activities and acts of violence regardless of motivation. The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal.”

Every loss of life is tragic, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Colorado Springs victims and their families.

The Man Behind the Myth That Abortion Is Empowerment

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By Maria Gallagher, Legislative Director
gallagher@paprolife.org

SubvertedYou may have heard of Larry the Cable Guy. But do you know about Larry the abortion guy?

In a recently released book entitled Subverted, writer Sue Ellen Browder tells her personal, emotionally riveting story of how she “helped the sexual revolution hijack the women’s movement.” Browder’s personal biography — a writer for Cosmo magazine who eventually saw the light and abandoned the darkness of the culture of death — is fascinating. But here, I want to focus on the individual who might be described as the man behind the modern pro-abortion women’s movement — Larry Lader.

According to Browder’s detailed account, Larry was an atheistic magazine writer whose first foray into the world of book publishing was an account of the life of Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger. Larry was one of the founders of the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, now known as the abortion lobbying group NARAL.

Browder notes that it was due to Larry’s influence that the woman who might be called the mother of the women’s rights movement, Betty Friedan, inserted abortion into the National Organization for Women’s political platform. This turn of events came about even though Betty originally opposed legal abortion.

As Browder tells it, Larry was on a drive to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with Dr. Bernard Nathanson (an abortionist who converted into a pro-life champion later in life) in 1967 when Larry stated, “If we’re going to move abortion out of the books and into the streets, we’re going to have to recruit the feminists.”

At a NARAL strategy meeting, Larry told Dr. Nathanson, “We’ve got to keep the women out in front. You know what I mean…and some blacks. Black women especially.”

Interestingly enough, Browder reports that Larry’s commitment to abortion formed a wedge between him and Margaret Sanger, who had called abortion “barbaric.”

Larry ultimately wrote a book on abortion, which was subtitled, “The first authoritative and documented report on the laws and practices government abortion in the U.S. and around the world, and how — for the sake of women everywhere — they can and must be reformed.” Still, as Browder writes, Larry’s book “was laced with poisonous half truth, limited truth, and truth out of context.”

And yet, Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmunn cited Larry’s abortion book at least seven times in writing the tragic decision Roe v. Wade and its companion case, Doe v. Bolton, which brought us abortion on demand for any reason during all nine months of pregnancy.

It is impossible to solve a problem unless we know its origins. Please read Subverted to learn how abortion became the law of the land. History can be difficult to handle, but we owe it to the 58 million and counting abortion victims who have become Larry’s legacy — and to the mothers who are still grieving their children’s deaths.