Category Archives: March For Life

Today, Tim Kaine asserted that he intends to support the Hyde Amendment while his campaign is claiming he is for repealing it. In response Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund has issued the following statement;

“Tim Kaine has claimed that as a Catholic, he is personally opposed to abortion – but a NARAL approved ‘100 percent pro-choice voting record in the U.S. Senate’ tells a different story- the real story about where he stands,” said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. “If his own team can’t keep the facts straight, how are average Americans expected to do so?

“Anyone who is confused need only to look at the display in Philadelphia this week. The extreme positions voiced in the speeches of Cecile Richards, Ilyse Hogue and Hillary Clinton made it very clear how out of touch the abortion movement is with the American people.”

March for Life President Jeanne Mancini is available for commentary. For more information, please contact Andrew Shirley at Ashirley@SBPublicAffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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Standing with America’s Top Abortion Advocates, Catholic Senator and Democratic VP Pick Chooses Politics Over Life

 Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Tim Kaine’s remarks further solidified his disregard for pro-life values and support for the abortion industry. His speech, the same night as NARAL President, Ilyse Hogue, and the night after Planned Parenthood President, Cecile Richards, show his deep betrayal of previously professed pro-life convictions in the wake of his new campaign role.

“Sadly, the Democratic Party now calls for abortion on demand, at taxpayer expense and with no regard for the mother,” said Tom McClusky of March for Life Action. “The presumptive Vice Presidential nominee’s ‘change of heart’ in agreeing to overturn the Hyde amendment, which prohibits some taxpayer funding of abortion, coupled with the primetime speech last night from Cecile Richards, President of our nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, is a clear message to those who wish to protect life and defend the defenseless unborn – you have no home here in the Democratic Party.”

“Not only is this perspective lacking integrity but it is very much out of line with the American people. 78% of Americans wants restrictions on abortion, per a recent Marist poll.”

Pro-life Democrat, the late Governor Bob Casey, and the last pro-life Governor allowed to speak at a Democratic Convention said; “The advocates of abortion on demand falsely assume two things: that women must suffer if the lives of unborn children are legally protected and that women can only attain equality by having the legal option of destroying their innocent offspring in the womb.”

“Unfortunately, the Democratic Party no longer allows the sentiments of people such as Bob Casey Sr. to be heard and instead has moved to the extreme position of abortion on demand, without apology, espoused by Hillary Clinton, Cecile Richards, and Barack Obama,” said McClusky.

The March for Life in Washington, D.C., began as a small demonstration on January 22, 1974, the first anniversary of the now-infamous Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world. The peaceful demonstration that has followed on this somber anniversary every year since is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion.

March for Life Action Vice President Tom McClusky is available for commentary. For more information, please contact Andrew Shirley at Ashirley@SBPublicAffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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March for Life President Jeanne Mancini had an op-ed published in The Hill entitled, “Christian voters left wanting in Trump vs Clinton.” In it, she writes of the extreme nature of the abortion policies in the Democrat Party’s platform.

But perhaps most surprisingly, the Democratic Party is calling for a repeal of the Hyde Amendment, a longstanding regulation that prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion except in limited cases such as rape and incest.  The Hyde amendment is strongly favorable with the American people; 68% of Americans, including 69% of women and 51% of pro-choice supporters, oppose the use of public funds for abortion. And even many pro-choice Democrats are in favor of Hyde as well, including Democratic vice presidential running mate Sen. Tim Kaine. Pro-life Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin from West Virginia had this to say when told of the Hyde platform plans, “That’s crazy. It’s something that I know most of the Democrats in West Virginia and most West Virginians would not agree with. I don’t either.” Despite this, the Democratic Committee is intent upon the inclusion of repealing the Hyde Amendment, as this would open up the floodgates of the availability of abortion.

Click HERE to the full op-ed.

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Catholic SenAtor Tim Kaine’s Record on Life “Abysmal”

Washington, D.C. – Today, the March for Life Education & Defense Fund expressed disappointment in likely Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton’s choice for a running mate, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, who as a Governor and Senator has turned his back on common sense pro-life legislation.

“In her vice presidential pick Hillary Clinton had a chance to step back from the radical partnership she has made with the abortion industry,” said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life.  “By choosing Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) she has chosen a man who opposes even efforts to protect unborn babies at 20 weeks old and who doesn’t support efforts to ensure that babies born alive after a failed abortion get the treatment they need to live.

“Sen. Kaine speaks often of his Catholic faith yet ignores that faith’s dedication to the sanctity of human life.  He’d do well to heed the words of Pope Francis:

“Among the vulnerable for whom the church wishes to care with particular love and concern are unborn children, the most defenseless and innocent among us. Nowadays efforts are made to deny them their human dignity and to do with them whatever one pleases, taking their lives and passing laws preventing anyone from standing in the way of this. . . It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life…”  – Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium #213-214

“Sen. Kaine is not only Hillary Clinton’s choice for VP but also the choice of abortion giant Planned Parenthood. Clearly pro-lifers will have no voice in a Clinton presidency.”

The March for Life in Washington, D.C., began as a small demonstration on January 22, 1974, the first anniversary of the now-infamous Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world. The peaceful demonstration that has followed on this somber anniversary every year since is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion.

March for Life Action Vice President Tom McClusky is available for commentary. For more information, please contact Andrew Shirley at Ashirley@SBPublicAffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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The post Hillary’s Choice for VP Confirms Partnership with Big Abortion appeared first on March For Life.

Today marks exactly 6 months until the 2017 March for Life!

Don’t forget our date is different this year – Friday, January 27th – due to the Presidential Inauguration, which will be one week prior to the March for Life.

To get you started on planning your journey, download the 2017 March for Life Trip Planner!

The Planner has travel information and tips to get you started, and you will also be notified of updates in the coming months.

Thank you for your involvement in the March for Life. Our country and culture are at a critical moment and pro-life Americans like you are needed to make a difference.

We hope you’ll join us at the 2017 March for Life on Friday, January 27th, 2017 to make a stand for what’s most important!

The post 6 Months Until the 2017 March for Life! appeared first on March For Life.

Washington, D.C. – Today the Republican National Convention voted to pass the most detailed pro-life Platform ever – in direct sharp contrast to the draft Democratic Platform which is the most pro-abortion Platform ever.  On the ground in Cleveland to assist the pro-life delegates was March for Life Action Vice President Tom McClusky.  Tom was trained to work on the platform by pro-family champion Phyllis Schlafly, the original author of the pro-life plank for the Republican Party.  Tom has been working on platforms since 2000 and March for Life Action partnered with FRC Action and Concerned Women for America, LAC on the current platform.

“The delegates deserve a lot of credit for creating this document which, in great detail, explains what the pro-life movement is for and just how radical the pro-abortion position is,” said March for Life Action Vice President Tom McClusky.  “For the first time ever the Republican Platform calls out abortion giant Planned Parenthood by name and says tax dollars should not go to subsidize the death industry.  In addition support for bans on dilation and extraction abortions as well as bans on sex selection and abortions based on disability are, for the first time, in the Platform.

Language defending the conscience rights of individuals and institutions was included as well, fitting after the successful vote on the Conscience Protection Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.  In addition, the Republican Platform calls for protection against attacks on the Hyde Amendment.  Since the 1970’s the Hyde amendment has been the firewall preventing certain tax dollars being used to pay for abortions.  The current draft for the Democratic Platform actually calls for the elimination of any restrictions to direct taxpayer funding of abortions, a position opposed by a large majority of people of both parties.

The Democratic Platform delegates, scheduled to meet in a few weeks, should take the cue from their Republican opponents and embrace the election winning pro-life position.

”The March for Life in Washington, D.C., began as a small demonstration on January 22, 1974, the first anniversary of the now-infamous Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world.  The peaceful demonstration that has followed on this somber anniversary every year since is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion.

March for Life Action Vice President Tom McClusky is available for commentary. For more information, please contact Andrew Shirley at Ashirley@SBPublicAffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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Conscience Protection Act Passes House

Washington, D.C. – Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass the Conscience Protection Act of 2016. This bill will protect healthcare providers and other entities who have moral or conscience objections to providing abortion coverage from being penalized for refusing to do so.

“During this time in our country’s history when Americans’ moral and conscience protections are under direct attack from the Administration and Supreme Court, we thank the House of Representatives for passing this just and necessary bill which will protect healthcare providers, small businesses, non-profits, and churches from being forced to cover abortion.” said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. “Not only is this the right thing to do but a poll conducted over the weekend showed that the majority of Americans are not in favor of forcing healthcare workers or providers to perform or cover abortion (56% to 37%).”

The March for Life in Washington, D.C., began as a small demonstration on January 22, 1974, the first anniversary of the now-infamous Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world.  The peaceful demonstration that has followed on this somber anniversary every year since is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, abortion.

Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education & Defense Fund is available for commentary. For more information, please contact Andrew Shirley at Ashirley@SBPublicAffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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The post Congress Affirms Religious Freedom for Healthcare Providers appeared first on March For Life.

As we prepare for Independence Day weekend, I want to share with you some of my thoughts on the events that have transpired this past week.

Not all of it has grabbed headlines, but several significant legal and legislative actions took place this week, which will impact the causes of life and freedom of conscience for years to come.

Here’s what happened:

• In a decision striking down parts of Texas’ abortion legislation, HB 2, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that clinics that perform abortions don’t have to follow standard health and safety codes that any other healthcare facility is required to follow.

>>> Read the March for Life’s full press release reacting to the Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt decision.

• By refusing to hear a case about a Washington state pharmacist who objected to prescribing abortion-inducing drugs, the Supreme Court opened the door to pharmacies across the country being forced to provide abortion-inducing drugs and devices regardless of personal or faith-based objections.

>>> Read the March for Life’s full press release reacting to Stormans v. Weisman.

• On Capitol Hill, the Senate Democrats defeated the House-passed Zika Prevention legislation that would have provided emergency funds to prevent the spread of this dangerous virus for women and babies. They objected because only hospitals and community health centers in Puerto Rico would receive funding, not Planned Parenthood.

>>> Read the March for Life’s statement regarding the bill’s defeat.

>>> Read an op-ed about the Zika Prevention bill by our Assistant Director, Bethany Goodman.

The Whole Women’s Health decision threatens other pro-life state legislative initiatives and indicates the hostile territory the Supreme Court has become to the rule of law when it comes to abortion-related decisions.

Furthermore in the Stormans decision, the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists shared this dire reflection: “This Court has set the stage for unfettered state coercion; a coercion that extends even to forcing American citizens to have to participate in the killing of other human beings.” In his dissent, Justice Samuel Alito wrote, “If this is a sign of how religious liberty claims will be treated in the years ahead, those who value religious freedom have cause for great concern.”

This is especially troubling as we prepare to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s birth. Freedom of conscience, and the protection of life and liberty were paramount to the founding of the United States of America.

While this turn of events is disheartening, we know that there are millions of pro-life Americans who still hold those values dear. Here at the March for Life we are unequivocally committed to protecting life. Furthermore, we must remember that the fight for life is not just a political/legal/legislative battle, but it is more deeply a cultural and spiritual battle. We must remain relentless in praying for a culture of life and working to build a culture where abortion is unthinkable.

We have the truth on our side and we will not back down. We will not stop fighting for what is right for women, babies, and our country.

The post Reflections on Recent Decisions appeared first on March For Life.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley recently signed a law restricting abortion after 19 weeks of pregnancy. Citing fetal pain science, South Carolina joins 16 other states that have passed legal protections for unborn babies halfway through pregnancy. The first state to pass such a law was Nebraska, in 2010.

The immediate impact of this first fetal pain law was that the notorious late-term abortionist, Leroy Carhart, moved his practice from Nebraska to the less abortion restrictive state of Maryland. For the past six years, he has conducted abortions on babies that are fully five months of gestation or more at nearby Germantown Reproductive Health Services, about a twenty-minute drive from the Nation’s Capital.

In the early 2000s, Leroy Carhart became a “hero” and the “face” of partial-birth abortion and late term abortion as the plaintiff in two lawsuits, Stenberg v. Carhart and Gonzales v. Carhart. He has been quoted saying, “I … feel like I’m doing God’s work.” He once told a Kansas TV reporter: “I see the anti-choice movement as nothing different from the Taliban.”

The March for Life Education and Defense Fund exists to build a culture of life and love. Our goal is to defend and protect life at any stage, acknowledging that abortion takes the life of one and wounds the other. That said, late term abortion is physically much harder on women for obvious reasons; as the baby develops and the pregnancy progresses, the more difficult and risky the procedure becomes.

To that point, Carhart is currently under congressional investigation after reports recently became public that five women from his clinic over the course of six months needed to be hospitalized. Subpoenas have been issued to both Carhart and Germantown Reproductive Health Services so that more information can be ascertained.

Who is impacted by measures similar to South Carolina’s fetal pain bill? The large majority of abortions in our country occur before 12 weeks of gestation.  While the U.S. does not have abortion reporting requirements, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collects voluntary data. The general estimate is that approximately 15,000-18,000 abortions occur after 21 weeks in the U.S. annually.

Why do women have abortions so far along in the pregnancy? The lack of government reporting requirements translate to very little hard public data but one source, Ron Fitzsimmons, former Executive Director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, in an interview with the New York Times estimated that in the majority of cases, abortions performed at 20 weeks or later are on a healthy baby and healthy mother.

Another important aspect of these laws is that they are reflective of what Americans want. Late-term abortion is not at all popular with the American people, even those who identify as pro-choice. A Marist poll from earlier this year revealed that as many as 8 out of 10 Americans believe that abortion should be limited to the first three months of pregnancy. And even for those who self-identify as pro-choice, a large majority —66%– agree that abortion should be limited at most to the first three months of pregnancy.

As the work of Leroy Carhart continues to come to the light through the congressional investigation, and as more states continue to enact laws limiting late-term abortion, let’s be honest that fetal pain laws are common sense – they protect women and babies and have the support of the majority of Americans.

Sometimes people ask if incremental laws have an impact. The proof is evident.

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