Author Archives: Katrina Gallic

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

Every January since 1974, thousands upon thousands have made a pilgrimage to Washington D.C., sometimes in the frigid cold, to march against the abhorrent decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, to March for Life.

Our marching and our year-round advocacy for the unborn would not be possible without the generosity of many pro-life people from across the country. As we approach the 2020 March for Life on January 24^th, we’d like to recognize a March for Life benefactor whose life testifies to the power of embracing her personal mission in the battle for the right to life for the unborn and compassionate care for women, our friend Mary Ann St. Cloud.

Written below is a short biography of Mary Ann authored by her daughters Mary Pat and Antonia.

We hope her life inspires you to continue fighting for the unborn!

“Mary Ann St Cloud was a lifelong defender of the humanity, rights, and lives of the unborn. Even in her final years and illness her passion for the prolife cause never wavered.

When Mary Ann moved to the Sacramento area in the early 1970’s she and a small group of like-minded women began to meet to strategize ways to fight the pro-abortion laws and culture.  Various pro-life groups were in their founding stages at this time. These ladies formed a group called The Committee to Defend the Unborn. They would strategize on how they could be an effective voice. While these ladies were supporters of the early Sacramento Life Center and Sacramento Right to Life they were also their own pro-life voice. Knowing that their state was one of the first to legalize abortion six years before Roe v Wade, they became educated and knowledgeable of the legislative process; they wrote letters to legislators, stayed aware of pending legislation and were a presence at the state capital as bills came forward. They participated in demonstrations to be a presence to the general public. The committee periodically put out a newsletter. An edition always went out during an election season with information about the candidates so voters would be informed.  The group also corresponded with local spiritual leaders and pastors to keep the pro-life cause alive in the nearby religious communities. Through all these endeavors Mary Ann was involved from the very beginning and at the forefront.  As other pro-life organizations grew and expanded their influence and services, committee members became volunteers for these groups while carrying on their personal missions.

Mary Ann was always proud and forthright about her pro-life support. She was never defensive or apologetic for her views and activism. She instilled this passion in her two daughters who are actively pro-life; including one who has been active for over forty years in a myriad of pro-life activities and is now an officer and board member of the Sacramento Life Center. (The SLC founded in 1972, was the fourth of now 3,000 pregnancy medical clinics established across the country starting as a resource center working out of a member’s home.)

Mary Ann was a great admirer of Nellie Gray.  She was impressed with her eloquence, commitment and ability to bring about a national voice for the unborn. She was thrilled with the growth of the March for Life into the remarkable organization that it is today. She appreciated the importance of this national voice and assemblage recognizing the importance of all our communities coming together as one great voice for the defenseless unborn. The National March for Life has a proven record that inspired confidence in Mary Ann. It was no surprise to the family that Mary Ann chose the National March for Life to be a benefactor of her trust.

Mary Ann Taylor was born in Sacramento on July 2, 1932. Mary Ann graduated from St Francis High School and went on to Stanford University where she met Charles Martell. After she graduated, they were married in 1954. Mary Ann was widowed in 1969 and raised her two daughters alone until she remarried in 1979. She passed away on February 18, 2019.”

The pro-life movement continues to save lives because of thousands, like Mary Ann, who confidently say “yes” to their own unique, unrepeatable mission to uphold the inherent dignity of life. Thank you, Mary Ann St. Cloud, for your generosity to the pro-life movement and to the March for Life!

The post Remembering a Pro-life Heroine: Mary Ann St. Cloud appeared first on March for Life.

“March for Life applauds the Administration for halting funding for research that requires aborted fetal organs and tissue. Most Americans do not want their tax dollars creating a marketplace for aborted baby body parts which are then implanted into mice and used for experimentation. This type of research involves the gross violation of basic human rights and certainly, the government has no business funding it.”

Jeanne Mancini

President, March for Life

The post March for Life Applauds Administration for Halting Aborted Fetal Tissue Research Funding appeared first on March For Life.

A beautiful video from America’s Got Talent is currently circulating the internet. It opens with a young man named Kodi, who is blind and autistic, being led to the front of the America’s Got Talent stage by his mom. Life in Kodi’s world has many challenges, his mom shares with the judges; but, she continues, “through music and performing he was able to stand living in this world, because when you’re autistic it’s really hard to do what everybody else does. It actually has saved his life playing music.”

Then, when his mom steps away from the piano after whispering an encouraging word to him – the moment of truth – Kodi starts to play and, well, you should hear for yourself:

As headlines swirl with strong agreement or rejection of Justice Thomas’s recent opinion on the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the lawsuit against an Indiana law that bans abortions being sought solely on the basis of the sex, race, or diagnosed fetal anomaly of the child, it seems this video gets to the heart of the entire debate.

In Thomas’s spectacular opinion, he details abortion’s eugenic roots, pointing to how the African American community and disability community are disproportionately targeted for abortion and that millions of girls are missing because of sex-selective abortions.

Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood

In page after page, he calls attention to the eugenic agenda of Planned Parenthood founder, Margret Sanger.

Sanger wrote: “the unbalance between the birth rate of the ‘unfit’ and the ‘fit’ [is] admittedly the greatest present menace to civilization…the most urgent problem today is how to limit and discourage the over-fertility of the mentally and physically defective.”

In Margaret Sanger’s view, pre-born babies who, like Kodi, are blind and/or autistic, ought to never be born. They are, to her, “unfit” and therefore unwelcome. Watching the joy on every audience member’s face as they witness the miracle of Kodi’s musical gift, and seeing the tears in Kodi’s eyes when Gabrielle Union hits the golden buzzer, it is hard to believe that anyone could actually agree with Sanger. It’s hard to imagine how someone could believe that pre-born babies like him shouldn’t be given at least a shot at life, a chance to reach his or her full potential. And yet, only a few years ago Iceland boasted of “eradicating Down syndrome”, and by “eradicate” they meant abort every child with Down syndrome, of course. Even in the United States, a child diagnosed in the womb with Down syndrome is more likely to be aborted than born. Shouldn’t it be common sense, and part of our common understanding of humanity, that no person because of race, sex, or health should ever be condemned as unfit and sentenced to abortion?

Amidst this dark situation, Kodi’s well-deserved standing ovation and the overwhelmingly positive reaction from all sides of the political spectrum can give us hope. Perhaps we have not totally forgotten that, as Mother Teresa put it, “we belong to each other.” Our tearful reaction to Kodi and his mother reveal that we know deep down, what Sanger and eugenicists like her cannot understand – our dignity doesn’t come from arbitrary standards of fitness or “wanted-ness”, rather our dignity, our ultimate value, comes from our shared humanity. Only by reclaiming this belief will we be capable of making abortion, the intentional taking of innocent unborn life, not just illegal, but unthinkable.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with the world, Kodi.

The post Kodi Lee And The Blindness of Margaret Sanger appeared first on March For Life.

“Every human life has inherent value and dignity. We welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling today in favor of a provision requiring more dignified treatment of human remains following the tragedy of abortion. We look forward to the day, too, when the Court will consider the use of abortion to eliminate persons on the basis of race, sex, or disability. No one deserves to lose her life just because she was born with Down syndrome or because of the color of her skin. As Justice Thomas commented in his concurring opinion, laws like this that bar such discrimination ‘promote a State’s compelling interest in preventing abortion from becoming a tool of modern day eugenics.’”

Jeanne Mancini

March for Life, President

The post Supreme Court Weighs in on Indiana Abortion Laws appeared first on March For Life.

About one million babies are killed through abortion every year in the United States – an estimated 60 million since the Roe v Wade decision in 1973. It is hard to imagine what our world would be like, how different our lives would be if these children were given a chance to live.

You might be surprised to learn that not all victims of abortion are killed, some do miraculously survive. One of these survivors, Claire Culwell, is bringing her testimony to major television networks, audiences across the country, politicians on Capitol Hill, and the March for Life Facebook page.

Watch our full Facebook Live interview with Claire:

The post WATCH: Abortion Survivor Shares Her Story appeared first on March For Life.

We asked our marchers why they loved their mothers. Their replies will move you to tears!

“I love my mom for so many reasons. She taught me how important the gift of life is and what it means to be a true feminist. When I was 5 years old my mother became pregnant with my little brother. She was told by the doctors that my brother would be born with down syndrome and that she should just abort him because he would not live a normal life. She refused, and changed doctors immediately. When she came home that night she sat me and my brother down and told us that God had given us a special baby brother who would fill our lives with so much joy. She said it was our job to protect him because people wouldn’t understand him. When he was born, our mom took such good care of him. She learned how to sign, she set routines, danced and sang with him, went to doctors’ appointments, and loved him like no other.  There was nothing she wouldn’t do for our family, and especially for him. I would often hear her say, “Love transcends all obstacles” when she was asked how she did it all. She became sick with Lupus when I turned 15 and sadly passed away a year later.  To me, she was the example of the superwoman, and even though she is gone, I love her so much for teaching me how to be a true woman. I know she would be so proud of who my little brother has become and how smart and sweet he is. I am now a mom, and I always hope I’m at least half the woman she was.” – Silvia Gray, Richmond, VA

“Acts 17:26-28 teaches us that God created one human race; and places us in families. We are not color blind, we are not different races. So, it doesn’t matter what color you are, or how old you are, or where you are born. Everyone has a mother; sometimes the relationships are good, sometimes not.
I’ve always thought that my mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. When I was little, I wanted to be just like her. However, God saw fit for me to be born looking like my Daddy; a gift I’ve learned to appreciate.
In 1950, even though my parents were engaged, they weren’t married. Yet they decided to “do things that grown folks do,” so I showed up on their first date they had without a chaperone.
Mama was a freshman at Spelman College, and she wanted to wait to get married. Back then, pregnant women didn’t go to college, married or not. So, Mama got a flyer at school about new “birth control” methods and a procedure called a D&C which were alternatives to unwanted and unplanned pregnancies from the Birth Control League which was changing its name to Planned Parenthood.
Mama’s mother got wind of Mama’s plans and insisted that they get counseling from their pastor, Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. Granddaddy said: “Neenie, that’s not a lump of flesh. That’s my granddaughter. I saw her in a dream three years ago. She has bright skin and bright red hair and she is going to bless many people. There will be no abortion. We’re going to have this baby.”
Daddy and Mama got married, and I was born January 22, 1951; the first of their five children. The story of my rescue from abortion was a secret for many years. As a result, I misinterpreted family whispers and family secrets, and sometimes felt rejected and became insecure and rebellious at times. Along the way, I slipped off the golden path and had two abortions, a miscarriage, and three divorces. God is gracious. I repented and am the mother of six living children, and eleven grandchildren so far.
About ten years ago Mother told me the whole story. We cried and repented and rejoiced together. Today, she calls me her “Angel Daughter,” and I call her the Butterfly Queen because of her love for butterflies. Her favorite memory about butterflies is our trip to Callaway Gardens where a magnificent Monarch Butterfly landed on her outstretched finger.
Mama also has granddaughters and great-granddaughters. We spend many fun hours together; cooking, entertaining, shopping, worshipping and praying and just loving each other. I have learned the value of healthy family relationships; how to pray for them and receive them during my years here at BBCC. I thank God that our family relationships are whole and healthy. Amen.” – Evangelist Alveda C. King
www.alvedakingministries.com
www.adkingfoundation.com
www.civilrightsfortheunborn.org

“My mom is my rock and my motivation. She is a leader and caretaker at heart. Through the last years my life has been filled with stress and troubles, but she is the foundation of support. She strives every day to put her kids first and herself last. She loves each of us and shows it every day. I love my mom because she’s my best friend and guardian angel, I couldn’t do life without her!” – Lillian Brodeur, Estero, FL

“I love my Mom first and foremost because she chose to give me life. I was one of seven children, #6, with five before me, and one more after me.  Back in 1952, I can say with almost certainty, I was NOT a planned pregnancy.  I am sure when my Mom and Dad learned I was expected, they were a bit concerned about having one more mouth to feed, on a tight budget.  Fast forward almost three years later, my youngest sister is nearly fifteen months old, I am just over three years old, and the older siblings are stair steps apart when my father is killed in a train/truck accident on his way to work.

I could never imagine how my mother felt that day, when she received the news of my father’s death.  A stay at home Mom, seven children, and this tragedy to deal with.  Any woman in this situation would probably have gone into a deep depression and neglected her children.  My Mom, the strong, capable, faith-filled woman she was, drew us near to her and found various ways to get help and go to work, to raise us in her faith, love, and strength.  Although she re-married, she kept the memory of my father alive in her stories and pictures, she would share with us.

The year I was to be married, I came down with infectious hepatitis.  My Mom had me move back home so she could care for me around the clock, even though she was going through a painful, difficult divorce.  She nurtured me back to health and had my wedding and reception in her home, since my doctor advised against the church wedding we had planned, due to the contagiousness.

My Mom raised my brother, myself and my five sisters with determination, with knowing that life will throw many things at us.  She taught us we will not always have an easy life, but with our trust in God, knowing He is all loving and caring, we will survive whatever comes our way.  I was tested in this faith she taught me to know in 1990, when my mother died of heart failure.  I remember the strength she showed us when she lost her mother, I knew the pain she had to go through not having her mother, now that she no longer was here with me.  I still hear her voice, I see her smile, I hear her laughter, and most of all, I feel her love and presence with me every day.  As I have raised my three children to adulthood, and have been blessed with six grandchildren, I know that my Mom’s love, strength and faith have made me the mother/grandmother I am today.  I thank my Mom for not only giving me life, but for giving me my faith that sustains me through life. I love her with all my heart and know she is watching over me from heaven.  Thank you, Momma, for loving me, and teaching me what I needed to know, to go on without you.   Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven!” – Marie Reinhart, Toledo, Ohio

“My mom got pregnant at 18. She was unwed and working at a local retail store for minimum wage when she found out she was expecting. She chose life despite the odds stacked against her. She attended college shortly after giving birth to me. She worked a few jobs to put me in a Montessori preschool while also attending college herself (we even studied abroad together in Spain). She graduated from college as a single mom with a 5-year-old. She never stopped being the best mom to me. She was at every school function, in the PTA and overall very active in my life. She is a role model to me for the mother I’d like to be to my children. I’m so grateful for the decision she made to be my mother.” – Rachelle Eilers, Madison, Wisconsin

“Mom Maria Altamirano is 104 1/2 years old. She and my dad Enrique who past away 6 1/2 years ago at the age of 99 raised 4 children and took care of practically all her grandchildren and still lives in the home we all were raised. It’s now our turn to take care of her. That we have for the past seven years in the same loving way that she took care of us. Happy Mother’s Day! We all love you so much. God bless you!” – Henry  Altamirano

“My mom is the literal super mom. She has had eleven children, no twins, and natural births with no painkillers. She homeschooled all of her children from 1st grade through 12th grade (there are three still in high school), and sent eight of them off to accredited four-year universities. One is a lawyer, one is in federal law enforcement, one is an engineer, one is an accountant, two are nurses, and there are two still in college (one spent a year at WestPoint before transferring). She is the most patient person I know and is the woman I picture when I read Proverbs 31. She has carried our family through illness, including my dad’s cancer and my brother’s MS. She is an artist, a homemaker, an educator, a counselor, and so much more. She is truly the best human being I know.” – Elise Hegarty, Arvada, Colorado

From all of us at the March for Life, Happy Mother’s Day!

The post Mother’s Day Tributes 2019 appeared first on March For Life.

Just a few months ago, the Governor of New York had the Empire State Building lit up with pink lights to celebrate the passage of the extreme abortion law, the Reproductive Health Act. The law permits abortion up until birth with health requirements so broad and vague that abortion is available for virtually everyone. In most states when a pregnant woman is killed the accused is charged in a double homicide, for her life and the life of her child – under the RHA these murderers will no longer face charges for taking the unborn child’s life.

>>> Read Jeanne Mancini’s op-ed in the New York Post, “Times Square rally will show the callousness of NY abortion law.”

On Saturday, there was a much different celebration taking place. Thousands of people from across the country gathered in one of the busiest crossroads in America – New York City’s Times Square – to celebrate the sights and sounds of life.

The March for Life was honored to partner with Focus on the Family for the New York City celebration appropriately titled “Alive from New York” – an event featuring powerful pro-life stories and music, and most importantly, alive 4D ultrasound imaging of the 8-month unborn child of Abby Johnson. It was a bold event that was met with opposition at every turn, from digital billboard companies refusing to lease space to show the ultrasound images, to disruptive Planned Parenthood activists before and during the program; but the truth prevailed.

Alive from New York was a powerful reminder that our culture desperately needs truth. As I wandered the crowd, I overheard conversations sparked by the event. One young man said to an Alive from New York attendee that he was pro-choice but that he thought infanticide was clearly wrong and taking things too far. The ensuing dialogue allowed the pro-life person to gently question him about the difference between a newborn baby and a baby 8 months in the womb. I didn’t hear the end of the conversation, but I hope because of this encounter the young man has reconsidered his views.

Incredible to see live 4D ultrasound imaging of @AbbyJohnson’s baby! #AliveFromNewYork pic.twitter.com/zYOi0Qbln1

— March for Life (@March_for_Life) May 4, 2019

The ultimate revelation of truth came at the end of the program when 4D ultrasound imaging showed the incredible images of a baby 8 months along in the womb. From my vantage point, the entire crowd went silent as we were all mesmerized by the life we were seeing. Then the heartbeat was played and we all erupted with cheers.

How can this reaction be described? I think it boils down to this – when you truly allow your eyes to be opened to the truth, the beauty of life evokes awe, wonder, and celebration.

The most beautiful sound – the sound of life!!! #AlivefromNewYork #prolife pic.twitter.com/h4yjUvzjwd

— March for Life (@March_for_Life) May 4, 2019

There’s so much more that can be said about this incredible event – be sure to follow March for Life social media to read more about all the speeches and great moments.

Alive for Life concluded with a powerful song performed by Phil King and Francesca Battestelli. This line struck me: “They are not forgotten. We celebrate your heartbeat.”

A baby’s heartbeat is a beautiful sound of life; we cannot forget that a staggering 60 million of them have been lost to our country because of abortion since 1973. We must remember those lives as motivation to make abortion unthinkable in our future. I want to work towards and live in a world where every single heartbeat is loved and celebrated.

To honor their silenced heartbeats, we must be bold and faithful in defending and promoting life. That is why we march in freezing temperatures every January at the March for Life. I invite you to march with us again this year on January 24, 2020.

The post ‘Alive From New York’ Invites New Yorkers to See Life Clearly appeared first on March For Life.