MARK HOUCK RETURNS TO THE SIDEWALK, PRO-LIFERS JOIN IN SOLIDARITY

After beating bogus charges from the FBI and Biden Administration Department of “Justice”, Mark Houck returned to the sidewalk of Planned Parenthood.

In addition to his son, his whole family joined him. Moreover, two dozen pro-lifers throughout the surrounding area and region joined him for witness and prayer.

It was a sense of calm yet one of awareness of what a peaceful presence can mean in the fight to build a culture of life.

Those gathered even prayed over Mark and his family as he returns to pro-life activism. He also intends to sue the FBI for violating his rights.

Lent 2023 40 Days for Life

Pro-lifers are asked to come out as we are approaching another Lenten campaign. All that it entails is peaceful, loving people willing to sacrifice two hours or more a week to help save lives, change hearts and minds, and just be present

Sign up today at 40daysforlife.com

One Month Until National March for Life

Believe it or not, the National March for Life will continue in Washington, DC.

Be ready to attend on Friday, January 20th. For many, they will make a week or days-long stay in our nation’s capital. The good news is Roe v Wade will not celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The event will continue to become an annual event for all to recommit to the cause. Many states will see the issue be decided by their state legislature. At the same time, we must continue to educate the weak and mediocre minds on why abortion should be unthinkable.

Here are the details about the March for Life.

CONTINUE ATTENDING THE MARCH FOR LIFE

Abortion & 2022 Election Debacle: Eyes-Wide-Open

John Pisciotta, Founding Director of Pro-Life Waco
prolifewaco@gmail.com

       I am stunned and saddened this morning.  The election did not turn out as many life-defenders hoped and expected.  A wave of Republican support did not happen, and we lost ALL state-level abortion ballot propositions.

       As of mid-morning of November 9, majority control of the House of Representatives has not been determined, but will likely be Republican by a small margin. Control of the Senate could go to either side. Abortion propositions were on the ballot in 5 states: Vermont, California, Michigan, Kentucky, and Montana. We lost in all 5 states. In Montana, the modest proposition would have required medical care for a baby born in the process of abortion. In the other states, the propositions were broader and stronger affirmations of abortion access.

       The State of Texas held strong for Republicans and pro-life. There were other bright spots, such as the huge victory of Governor DeSantis in Florida and Republican gains broadly in Florida.

       Nevertheless, big Republican gains did not happen even with a highly favorable environment relating to inflation, the economy, crime, education, and immigration.

       I have two takeaways.

1. The fall of Roe v Wade and subsequent pro-life policy initiatives will be viewed by some as one of the reasons why Republicans failed to deliver on reasonable and predicted expectations. We should not think that all critical perspectives are wrong and hostile. Tactical errors on our side are a possibility.

2. The pro-life movement must be strong, wise, and effective to hold on to the pro-life gains of 2022. Complacency will take us nowhere but in reverse. All branches of the pro-life movement must be effective and also appreciate the roles of the other branches: I see these branches: church fidelity, tilting from the sexual revolution toward chastity, education, sidewalk counseling, pregnancy support centers, adoption,  public-square outreach and penetration, and politics. The importance of politics can actually be overstated. Our gains in politics will rest on the foundation we build through the broader movement.

       Let’s go to work, fully grounded in solidarity,  prayer, and Christian fidelity.

NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE ANNOUNCES THEME

The first National March for Life in a Post-Roe society will take place on Friday, January 20th, 2023 in Washington, DC.

During a live press conference, the organization announced the theme and have two speakers in the lineup for the event. The theme is Next Steps: Marching Forward in A Post-Roe Society. It comes as we navigate the aftermath of the Dobbs v Jackson decision last June, which sent the abortion issue back to the states with nearly half of them banning abortion.

“There’s a lot of confusion about the inherent dignity of the unborn child,” said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Foundation. Mancini shared that the route will now be different unlike marches past. Instead of the route to the steps of the Supreme Court, it will end on the steps of the capitol building that houses the House of Representatives and Senators.

“Your testimony marching in Washington, D.C., shutting down this city every year for the largest annual human rights demonstration worldwide has borne fruit,” she said. “It’s absolutely borne fruit in the overturn of Roe.”

In addition to announcing its theme and the new march route, a band and two speakers have been confirmed for the rally on the National Mall. The speakers (so far) are Jonathan Roumie, the star of The Chosen series, and former NFL Head Coach and analyst Tony Dungy. We The Messengers will provide music during interfaith praise and worship with an 11:30 AM start.

Now is the time to begin planning to attend this annual event. It is a great way for pro-lifers to converge and renew their commitment to building a Culture of Life from womb to tomb.

Are you ready to march forward in the post-Roe society?

TWO PRO-LIFERS FEATURED IN PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

In the days following the Dobb v Jackson case, a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer reached out to activists on both sides of the debate.

In the article (see here) they shared their conversations with friends, family, and at time co-workers on how they engaged on the issues before and after the decision.

Local activists Pete and Mickey were featured in the article for the pro-life side. Kudos to both taking time to do this, particularly Mickey, one of the many young adults involved in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Corporate America and Roe V Wade

(Provided by Yale School of Management Chief Executive Leadership Institute)

In listening to CNBC financial news, I have been hearing more and more about companies that are offering travel benefits to women who opt to go to another state so that they can fulfill their abortion plans.  Also, I have heard questions posed to corporate management representatives asking why they are not joining the fray and stating their position and/or supporting employees with regard to the   recent overturn of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court.  Pressure – whether self-imposed or by the media – is forcing corporate America to state publicly where they stand on issues such as abortion, gun control, police brutality, immigration, etc.    One of the guidelines now for selecting a financial investment is an ESG rating (Environmental, Social, Governance).  Gone are the days when we bought something or invested in something and had no idea what the CEO and Board of Directors thought.  Over the years we have probably all taken a stand on a particular company or product and boycotted purchases for a personal reason. 

With this in mind, here is a snapshot of companies that currently do provide travel benefits for employees seeking abortions (or in some cases other medical treatment) not offered in their state.   This information may offer an opportunity to think twice before purchasing from these commercial icons.  I would be hypocritical to say I denounce Amazon while I use them for everything, including purchasing diapers for a local pregnancy center but I do not need to buy a SONY brand television, or visit a CVS Pharmacy or get pulled into the middle of the ferocious cyclone known as Disney.  Public and private companies can do what they want as long as their board and investors agree.  And we their customers can take the time to evaluate where best to spend our dollars as it relates to our core beliefs.

ANTI-HOPE BRIGADE ATTACKS PREGNANCY CENTERS

The following is from Brooke Nearman of Alpha Pregnancy Center.

The leaked draft majority opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson case has fueled attacks of vandalism and firebombing against pregnancy centers throughout the nation. As of last week, more than 40 attacks have occurred against pregnancy centers and churches since May.

AlphaCare serves the community by offering much-needed support to women and children without bias. Our mission is to empower pregnant women and families by providing health and social services, and serving as a bridge to community resources. I’m so saddened by the uneducated, misdirected aggression by those threatening the free services we provide to the women who come to us for hope and help.

Just this month there was an attack against our friends at the HOPE Center, a fellow pregnancy center in Philadelphia. A group called “Anti Hope Brigade” claimed responsibility anonymously saying:

“We smashed out all of the windows of the ‘Hope’ pregnancy center on Broad St. We are tired of your ‘family values’ and you forcing families, and your values onto our bodies. This fake clinic spread lies and is part of a broader attempt to strip away body autonomy from hundreds of women and people. We are inspired by the actions of comrades in Wisconsin, Colorado, New York, and a growing list of places. If the attack on abortion does not stop, our attacks will broaden…”

The radical group Jane’s Revenge has issued a statement of revenge and declared “open season” on pregnancy centers, including a “night of rage” across the nation on the night of the decision and possible overturn of Roe v. Wade.

To date AlphaCare has not experienced any direct physical attacks related to the Dobbs decision, although we’ve received several nasty, threatening phone calls. National and local pro-life groups have been sharing information regularly and providing advice for security. Currently we’re taking the following measures:

Local Police

Regional pregnancy centers in the suburbs have shared their police departments have been very supportive, even providing special security details. Unfortunately, while I have contacted our local police department, they are so overwhelmed with crime they responded by saying, “We’ve made a note for our officers.” Likely they will not be providing much preventative support, if any.

Armored Glass Film

On Thursday, June 23rd, protective film will be installed on our windows as a security measure ahead of the court’s decision. It’s commonly used by banks and jewelry stores to protect against vandalism or small bombs. This film will prevent flying glass and it seems like a wise move to protect our building and limit any possible damage. It comes at the recommendation of other local pregnancy centers.

Nighttime Security

I am currently exploring the presence of physical security guards in our building for the late evening and early morning hours. Please pray for wisdom as we consider this precaution.

Prayer and Worship

We’re contemplating an all-night prayer meeting and worship service in our office the evening the Dobbs decision is released. This will be logistically complicated because we will not know until the day of (likely the 23rd, 28th, or 30th). Considering the direct threats across our country for that evening the need for prayer is an imminent need. If you have an interest in participating or helping to organize the prayer and worship night, please contact Kathleen Chappell at kchappell@alphacarephilly.org or call our office at (215) 735-6028.

HOPE PREGNANCY CENTER VANDALIZED; NEVER GIVE IN

As the Dobbs v. Jackson decision is pending, the recent leak has propelled violent acts by unhinged pro-abortion terrorist organizations.

Unfortunately, Philadelphia was not immune to these attacks. Hope Pregnancy Center, located on Broad Street and a mile south of Temple University, was vandalized this past Saturday.

The details have not been released. The director asks for prayers and will update the pro-life community on what we can do.

It is clear that those who advocate for abortion and claim that pro-lifers don’t care about women are total hypocrites of this myth. They’re the ones who have been anti-woman. They’re the ones who see women as dollar signs. They’re the ones who do not want to help women with their pregnancies. They’re the ones who choose which science to follow while dismissing the claim that life begins at conception.

The real people since the half a century of the debate who care for women are those who work in pregnancy centers and are targets of domestic terrorists. Those who work or volunteer for the abortion industry lack love and mercy while carrying years of regret deep down their heavy, suffering hearts who are in need of Jesus.

To paraphrase Winston Churchill: We shall not be afraid nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in our communities, the public square, and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing perseverance in the faith that God is on our side. We shall never surrender. Never give in.

JOE MANCHIN DOES IT AGAIN

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.

PRO-LIFERS, STAND FIRM. PRAY HARDER!

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!

Pray, Fast, and Give Alms!