Voices for Life Is a blog dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. Our focus is to protect the sanctity of all human life from conception until natural death.
Philadelphia City Council member Kenyatta Johnson. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
The following is from an email sent out by PA Family Council regarding HB 300 which is currently in the PA state house.
If you haven’t heard about the threat to religious freedom and rights of conscience in the bill being fast-tracked by PA House Democratic leadership, please read this full post. While some claim it’s a simple bill, the reality is a host of negative consequences.
Here are just three of those consequences, as said by co-sponsors of the legislation.
HB300 could require certain medical professionals to prescribe puberty blockers or perform “sex-reassignment” surgeries, or face penalties for “discrimination.”
HB 300 would force women’s shelters to accept biological males who identify as women.
HB300 would “redefine freedom” by punishing people for not using someone’s preferred pronouns.
Sadly, these are not the only harms HB300 would cause. Laws like this proposed bill have removed a significant number of freedoms in other states. Here are three more areas that are threatened by House Bill 300:
Religious schools and ministries face lawsuits for hiring based on their shared mission. It’s already happened to a Catholic school in Massachusetts due to an HB300-type law. Here in Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia targeted Catholic Charities based on Philadelphia’s HB300-type law.
Women and young girls are forced to share women-only spaces with biological males, including locker rooms, dorms, and overnight accommodations on school trips.
Force creative professionals to communicate messages that go against their beliefs. People like cake artist Jack Phillips are being targeted for lawsuits because of laws like HB300.
Some of your elected leaders understand what’s at stake and oppose the bill. BUT WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ACTION: Contact your State Representative and State Senator TODAY and respectfully ask them to vote NO on Rep. Kenyatta’s House Bill 300. Click here to email.
40 Pro-lifers took part in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 12th.
The weather was perfect with spring-like temperatures. Those who marched wore green scarves. This has been an annual tradition going back to the leadership of the late John Stanton.
Even many of the attendees cheered on pro-lifers along Market Street.
It was a day to honor a great saint who emphasized the trinity with the shamrock and ensured the pro-life message was spread to the thousands who were in attendance
A local pro-lifer has been a format that all pro-lifers are encouraged to send to their pastors. The time for passiveness is over. We need more heroic priests who are willing to preach the truth from the pulpit without sugarcoating it.
Thank you for your priesthood. I encourage you to read the article below and pray and act.
I realize the USCCB writes and emails those of us who subscribe to great material on pro-life with action items like prayer and more.
I ask you to do more. Please speak from the pulpit often against the atrocity of abortion. Please speak this not only during weekday daily mass but during all Sunday liturgy.
Are you aware that now somewhere in the state of New Mexico has a new satanic Temple with an abortion facility in it?
I will go as far as to say our current President of the USA who is obviously all for proclaiming the destruction of innocent human life in the womb is then a Satanist whether he realizes it or not. Furthermore, he proclaims to be a good and practicing Catholic. He needs to be denounced and informed he has excommunicated himself from the Church by his actions and words.
I am personal friends with and a ministry partner to Mark Houck and the Catholic Vote chapter leader of SWFL.
Your flock needs to hear from you on this. I ask you to reach out to Mark Houck to thank him. Mark is a hero. I ask you to speak publicly from the pulpit denouncing our current political administration’s weaponization in unjustly abusing great Catholic men and pro-life leaders like Mark Houck with intimidation tactics and more. Wasting taxpayer dollars for ridiculous arrests like this.
I ask you to proclaim from the pulpit that the Church has had enough and that abortion is a grave sin and to explain we now have more pregnancy centers of life rather than abortion centers of death and to find one if in need. I ask you to explain that if anyone has been involved in abortion to seek forgiveness in the sacrament of confession and healing in Rachel’s vineyard.
We need to hear all this often and publicly from priests and bishops.
The time has come and it’s now!
I pray for you daily and ask you please pray for me.
Please ask your congregations to no longer give any business to CVS/Walgreens/Rite Aid and any pharmacy or organization that dispenses abortion pills or that supports abortion.
I have copied in my pro-life friends and asked you to write a similar message as this to all your clergy members.
After a week of testimonies and a deadlocked jury, Mark Houck was found not guilty of violating the FACE Act. This comes after a horrifying scene in September 2022 when the FBI raided Mark’s home for violating federal law and causing trauma to his wife and seven children at his home.
In a press release from the St. Thomas More Society, Peter Breen stated that they are “thrilled by the outcome” of the blockbuster case.
“Mark and his family are now free of the cloud that the Biden administration threw upon them. We took on the Goliath – the full might of the United States government – and won. The jury saw through and rejected the prosecution’s discriminatory case, which was harassment from day one. The Biden Department of Justice’s intimidation against pro-life people and people of faith has been put in its place.”
Even Ashley Garecht, a spokeswoman for the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, stated that pro-lifers, “rejoice and celebrate that Mark Houck has been found not guilty on all counts.”
“This case was always about a father’s right to protect his son, and never had anything to do with the FACE act,” she said. “We are grateful to the judge for his integrity, and to the jurors for their thoughtful deliberations. We are grateful to Mark’s attorneys who labored so diligently in his defense. And we are grateful for all of those who surrounded and supported Mark and his family in prayer through this challenging ordeal.”
“Most of all we praise and thank God for his protection and provision,” Garecht added. “To Him be all the glory.”
Defense attorney Brian McMonagle, who is working in tandem with the Thomas More Society, also told the jury during his Friday closing argument that Houck had “a right to be on that sidewalk” and argued that the case centers around the First Amendment.
Even McMonagle told the jury that the case was all about politics after waiting one year after the altercation occurred and was twice dismissed by the municipal court.
Even Fr. Frank Pavone celebrated the monumental victory.
“Congratulations, Mark, congratulations to the entire pro-life movement, congratulations to the St. Thomas More Society for the legal defense, Peter Breen, Tom Brejcha, and all our friends there,” Pavone said.
After this week’s disappointing election results, I’m sure many of you are as bummed out as I am. Living in Pennsylvania I am especially disappointed, and I can’t imagine so many people from my state voting for candidates who want to impose their immorality and perversions on the rest of us. How can they vote for a man who can’t put a coherent sentence together? How can so many people vote to keep their so-called ‘right’ to kill their unborn children?? How can they think it’s okay to mutilate and sterilize their children or someone else’s child because ‘they’ have determined that child should be another sex? I just can’t get my head around this kind of thinking.
Since election day a hymn has been going through my head that I know most have sung or at least heard. The hymn is ‘We Will Rise Again’ by David Haas. I’m posting the refrain below as I think we all need to remember these words and keep in mind that God is in charge. We just need to keep doing what we have been doing to stop the insanity in our nation, and trust that God will continue to be our strength, and one day, hopefully in the near future, we will rise again.
The children of the United States of America, especially the unborn are depending on us.
“Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” Thomas Paine
It is no surprise that our unalienable rights, laid out in the Declaration of Independence, will once again hang in the balance by eligible voters 18 and over who are U.S. citizens.
The events of the past few months give all of us an indication that their vote matters now more than ever. Our country has been decaying by immoral leadership under a “Catholic” president who is lost, confused, and arrogant.
In many of my walks around my home city, I have been concerned and appalled at the hypocrisy of the signs that talk about choice, freedom, and racism. It makes one wonder what has happened to society.
Let us be clear there has been a radical and progressive group that has stirred the pot in racism, guise choice as mercy, and claimed that there is no room for hate. That same group has embraced socialism, communism, and woke ideology while placing the blame on others yet not themselves.
The issue of life is under constant attack. Despite the Supreme Court sending the abortion issue back to the states, many pro-lifers across the country have a lot of work to do. This goes to those who are in the states that have barred abortion to some degree.
Conservatives, particularly pro-lifers, have been canceled by a rogue agency under Biden’s watch. Many dedicated pro-lifers have a target on their backs, yet we have a chance to stand tall.
The family helps glue society. Sadly, we are seeing a father missing in a household because of the lack of commitment. We were warned of how imminent the final battle can be decided by the family.
Voters, on November 8th, you have a choice to make. Life or death? Freedom or tyranny? protect the family or watch it suffer?
Let’s get to the polls and help pro-life, pro-God, pro-American candidates get into office. Your vote matters. If you can stand in line to get groceries during the lockdowns last year, you can surely do the same to protect life. Mail-in ballots are a scam.
“Vote for life. It may be your own.” Mother Angelica
The Senate Bill Women’s Health Protection Act was defeated today. Along with 50 republicans that stopped it from codifying Roe v Wade into federal law, one lone Democrat crossed party aisles to prevent this so-called “healthcare bill” from being passed… Joe Manchin of West Virginia.
The bill would’ve wiped out 500 pro-life bills passed on the state level while expanding abortion to the point of coercing medical staff against their moral conscience and even allowing non-medically licensed people to perform the procedure.
We have another pro-life victory, despite a deadlock in the senate and a razor-thin pro-death majority in the House of Representatives.
Pray. Fast. Hold the line. Hold your elected officials accountable. We’re not done yet.
Bear in mind, that this debate will be decided when we make abortion unthinkable and it begins in our community. Continue changing hearts and minds.
Like many people, I heard of the leak on the news about the possibility of Roe v Wade not making it to its 50th anniversary. (I think my sister and brother in law have a better shot at that). Even Justice Samuel Alito believes that the issue should be decided by the people, not the high court.
Since the news of the leak, pro-aborts have acted unhinged. There was a protest in Los Angeles that turned violent that law enforcement had to intervene. Even elected Karens, like Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, (I’m surprised she didn’t suffer a stroke after her agonizing rant). Wait a second, Sen. Karen of Massachusetts is angry? *Eye roll*. She is so angry that a snickers bar can’t turn her into a conservative.
Even Catholics for Choice (oxymoron name for a group) are up in arms with the leak that they are planning to protest during Catholic Masses nationwide on Mother’s Day weekend.
WHAT CAN CHRISTIANS DO
Regardless of the imminent outcome and ruling that will be casted by nine judges, pro-lifers must remain vigilant. Yes, Roe v Wade has been a controversial court decision for five decades, and there is light at the end of the tunnel for many pro-lifers to see this issue return to the states as it should have from the beginning.
The first and foremost thing to do is pray. Hold Holy Hours for an end to abortion and for the conversion of those who turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the cry of the most vulnerable of our society. Pray the rosary. Learn about the Flame of Love rosary that has been effective during several prayer vigils here.
Continue attending prayer vigils. This idea speaks for itself. The presence of pro-lifers has a powerful and profound impact on the number of people entering the facility. Your presence matters. 40 Days for Life Campaign may have came and went, but murders are still happening.
Participate in the 2022 elections. Primary season is heating up. Pennsylvania’s primary is Tuesday, May 17th. Be sure to vote with a clear conscience and in person. Visit here for all state primaries.
Speak up! This goes for laity and clergy alike. The only way hearts and minds will change in this ongoing debate to have these hard discussions. Indeed, we have seen the videos of a bunch of grown up kindergartners wanted to silence speech of people they don’t agree with. Bishops, Pastors, and Deacons, preach the message of life from the pulpits. We need more engaging homilies and sermons that pierce the hearts and minds of church-goers every given Sunday.
Laity, share the message of life on social media. Get louder on the platform if big tech tries to silence you. The truth can never be silenced or censored. The Minister of Lies can’t stop the movement that has gained momentum the last fifty years. This is our time! Let’s seize the moment!
The PA Family Institute held a gubernatorial debate among Republican candidates. Seven of the candidates were in attendance at Cairn University in Langhorne. They were Lou Barletta, Joe Gale, Charlie Gerow, Melissa Hart, Bill McSwain, Dave White, and Dr. Nche Zama. Jake Corman and Doug Mastriano were invited, but they decline due to being afraid of facing one of the candidates head-on. Their loss. Let alone the fact that they are both sellouts after helping in the passing of Act 77. Pennsylvania needs a proven man or woman of character willing to stand up to woke ideology and the progressive mob while getting the job done.
Voters in Pennsylvania got to hear firsthand what the candidates can do to address many hot-button issues facing our commonwealth and country today. Here is a breakdown of each issue pertaining to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
Abortion
As Rich Zeoli made aware, the Supreme Court may potentially send Roe v Wade back to the states. Every candidate welcomes that idea and hopes it does happen. Here is a breakdown of what each candidate says about abortion.
White: protect men and women. Gift from God especially in 33-year-old son, Brian with special needs. Abortion should not happen at any time. Pass Brian law. Fight at every moment of life.
Zama: Suicide is No.1 among children in PA thanks to COVID. Decisive. Life begins at conception when sperm and egg meet. You can’t deny biology.
Gerow: More action. Unbelievable opportunity. Fetal heartbeat and Down syndrome would be law. Sanctity of life. Take specific actions
Barletta: voted to defund PP. called out UPItt for harvesting baby parts in its medical school. Veto anti-life bill.
McSwain: Protect life when the majority wins in all state offices.
Gale: moral obligation to protect the vulnerable. The issue must be sent back to the state. Murder stops in Harrisburg when elected. Push for a strong life agenda.
Hart: sponsored Safe Haven Law and Personhood on state and federal. Compassion to protect both mother and child.
In addition to the issue of abortion, many hot-button issues surface. One, in particular, was transgenderism.
Transgender Issue
Trans
Biological males in their own gender sports
Males will not share locker with females
Gale: men play men sports. Women play women sports. Let down by the establishment.
Zama: Sperm and egg meet no return. Gender is biology. Psychological issue. Speak against transgenderism. Where are the Christians standing up to woke ideology?
Hart: only candidate to play women’s sports. she will protect women.
Gerow: Human aspect. Women are under assault. Total nonsense from woke culture. Women must be protected.
Barletta: Why should we talk about the trans issue? The world upside down since Roe v Wade. Protect women.
McSwain: It’s about protecting women and girls. 50th anniversary of Title IX. Enforce high ideals.
White: Protect women.
A notable quote from Dr. Zama: “You are still the same person you were born no matter how much you can your original biological makeup”
Religious Liberty was another issue that was brought to the debate floor. Each candidate slammed Josh Shapiro on attacking the Little Sisters of the Poor even his war with the Catholic Church. Here are some lines from the candidates.
Zama: It must be protected. Focus on greater agenda
Hart: Called out Shapiro for suing Little Sisters of the Poor. Why immigrants came to the United States, a haven for freedom. Foundation
Gerow: Founded by Penn in the commonwealth. Grills Shapiro on attacking religious groups. One Nation Under God to be free.
Barletta: Protect religious liberty.
McSwain: Vetoes bills attacking religious groups. Freedom of Religion not freedom from religion
White: Religion is under attack. Will push back once elected.
Gale: Faith-based nation. Do everything to protect this freedom. Religious exemption. Proud Catholic and will protect all faiths. Shapiro is anti-Catholic, will stand up to Shapiro.
Overall, each candidate seem promising and we enjoyed listening to what they can bring to the commonwealth when elected. Pennsylvanians, it is time to look at this race like it depends on everything.
Voices for Life 