January 2022 - National Right to Life
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January 2022
Pro-lifers are brimming with optimism as
Roe v. Wade anniversary approaches
By Dave Andrusko
In eight days, we will eloquently dissented in Roe,
somberly commemorate so, too, did two Justices– John
the 49th anniversary of a McLean and Benjamin R.
heartless assault on unborn Curtis –passionately dissent
babies, a lawless attack on our in Dred Scott.
Constitution, and a colossal Dred Scott held that all
lapse in moral judgment that African Americans living in
has cost the lives of over the United States — slaves as
63,000,000 Americans. Yet at well as free persons — could
the same time, optimism that never become citizens. It
this historical aberration will be also invalidated the Missouri
righted has never been higher. Compromise of 1820, thereby
January 22, 1973 will forever permitting slavery in every
be a date etched in the hearts federal territory. Roe held that
of pro-life champions. Roe v. whether unborn babies live or
Wade was decided by 7-2, and, die was a matter of “choice.”
perhaps it is no coincidence, Every statute—whether very
Dred Scott v. Sandford , a liberal or very protective of the
similar stain on our national little ones—was vanquished.
honor, was also decided 7-2.
And just as Justices Byron See “Optimism,” page ??
White and William Rehnquist
One Year of Democrat-driven pro-abortion advocacy
By Jennifer Popik, J.D., Director of Federal Legislation
As the Biden Administration Court as a decision in Dobbs
and Democrat-controlled v. Jackson Women’s Health
Congress have now been Organization is expected later
governing a full year, abortion this year.
advocacy has proven to be a The Dobbs case concerns
driving priority. Mississippi’s “Gestational Age
The Biden Administration has Act” which bans abortions
issued numerous orders ranging after 15-weeks gestation. The
from international funding of Court’s decision later will
abortion to easing requirements address the question of whether
for dangerous chemical a state has a compelling interest
abortion drugs. In addition, in protecting the right to life
Congress has voted on some of prior to viability.
the most extreme legislation to The key question seems to
ever be considered. be how far the Court is willing
With Congressional elections to go. Will their decision be
approaching in less than a year, to just reject the viability line,
important fights still remain in
the 117th Congress. In addition,
See “Advocacy,” page 23
all eyes are on the Supreme
Editorials Biden’s approval ratings sink to 33% Buried in the latest Quinnipiac poll on page three is an acknowledgement that at 33%, President Biden’s approval ratings have hit an all-time low. “President Biden’s job approval rating has tumbled to 33 percent in the latest Quinnipiac University poll, a whopping 17 percentage- point dropfrom February,” writes Brett Samuels. According to the poll of 1,313 adults, “Americans give President Joe Biden a negative 33 – 53 percent job approval rating, while 13 percent did not offer an opinion.” In a tweet, CNN’s Ryan Struck tracks the relentless downward spiral: “President Biden’s overall approval rating in the last seven Quinnipiac polls: 49%, 46%, 42%, 38%, 37%, 36%, 33%.” President Biden’s job approval numbers have sunk among all political categories: Democrats (75%, down from 87% in November), Republicans (2%), and, most devastating, Independents (25%). Biden’s falling approval ratings are taking his party down with him. “In the generic congressional ballot, 43% of American adults said they want to see Republicans in control of Congress compared to 42% who said they prefer Democrats,” USA Today’s Joey Garrison reported. According to the Real Clear Politics average of polls, 42% of Americans approve of Biden's job performance and 53% disapprove.” The New York Post’s Mark Moore noted that Biden’s numbers are down on every metric. “Biden also received failing marks for his handling of the economy (34 percent approve, 57 percent disapprove), the pandemic (39 percent approve, 55 percent approve) and foreign policy (35 percent approve, 54 percent disapprove),” he wrote. A poll taken for CNBC in December and published last week found Biden scores worse on personal favorability: 38/56. Ed Morrissey writes, “Even worse for Biden, there isn’t a policy area in which he doesn’t get majority disapproval. In several areas, as you’ll see, Biden gets majorities who strongly disapprove of his performance.” The picture these numbers paint for the elections this fall are grim. “While the president’s party typically loses seats in Congress during a first-term election, present polling about Biden and Democrats suggest they could face a rout in November,” CNBC’s Thomas Franck writes.
From the President
Carol Tobias
Honoring our Founders
Two phrases have of the day. Fellow pro-lifers were recruited, pills from the doctor. They may be mailed
been going around in NRLC state affiliates and chapters grew, into her home, making the entire procedure
my head recently-- and the foundation of the movement was much easier. Hence, we will likely see
“The only thing begun. an increase in the number of chemical
necessary for the There is no doubt the pro-life movement abortions.
triumph of evil is is, today, a powerful force for human The Biden administration is using every
for good men to do rights--educating as to the humanity of avenue available to fund abortion with our
nothing” and “standing the unborn child, caring for mother and tax dollars, both here and in other countries.
on the shoulders of child, identifying fellow pro-lifers, electing States with pro-abortion majorities will
giants.” candidates, passing legislation, challenging move to pass legislation protecting abortion
The first quote, usually attributed to court precedence, and so much more. and abortion providers. In states where
Edmund Burke, may not have actually come We owe thanks and gratitude to these legislatures are strongly pro-life, and if
from him. The second has been around for giants who were not going to let evil ballot measures are allowed, the abortion
centuries and is maybe attributable to 12th triumph. While many have passed on industry will put ballot measures before
century philosopher John of Salisbury. to glory, others are still working hard, the voters in an effort to enshrine abortion
What the words have in common is that wondering if the Supreme Court, this year, within state law.
both describe the incredible actions and just might reward their years of effort with There is no doubt that NRLC’s structure
foresight of early workers in the pro-life good rulings for the babies. at the national, state, local level has us
movement. They were determined not to
let evil triumph. And they are the giants on
whose shoulders we now stand.
As we come upon the 49th anniversary of
Roe v Wade, I have been thinking about the
thousands of men and women around the
country who, back in the late 1960’s and
early 1970s, knew what would happen if
abortion became “mainstream” as a routine
medical procedure.
They knew it would mean death for
countless innocent, vulnerable human
beings, and it would create an overall
lack of respect for human life that would
manifest in a variety of ways.
Before 1973, these early heroes (giants)
fought against efforts in their state
legislatures to legalize abortion. After the
1973 Supreme Court rulings in Roe and
Doe, they set up chapters to educate their
fellow citizens, they motivated churches
to take a stand on behalf of God’s little
ones, and they encouraged elected officials Whatever the Court does, our work will well positioned to take advantage of every
to defend the babies to whatever extent not end because the purveyors of death will situation and prepared to fight every battle.
possible. not give up easily. They will use any and You can be sure NRLC is watching
These giants awakened the conscience of every avenue available to make sure the events closely and is prepared no matter
the nation, determined that Roe and Doe killing continues. what the Court does. We can do no less
would never be “settled” law. The Food and Drug Administration as we remember the early pioneers of the
The kitchen table often served as the desk, (FDA) has relaxed standards for the movement who persevered and laid the
pen and paper was the computer, and a chemical abortion method, including no groundwork so that we might continue on
landline telephone constituted social media longer requiring that the woman receive the to victory.
4 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-Life Movement Mobilizes to Retake House and Senate Majorities in 2022 By Karen Cross, National Right to Life Political Director “The right to abortion far outside the mainstream the over a well-established former term in 2022. When he ran in nationwide hangs by a thread” Democratic majority stands, governor by two points in a 2020, Warnock was a first-time reads the first sentence on the pro-life candidates can make state that Biden won by ten candidate without a voting endorsed candidates webpage significant gains and retake the points, a twelve-point swing. record. Now, he carries the of Planned Parenthood, the House. While Biden won Colorado by baggage of voting in favor of nation’s largest chain of abortion The following is an overview thirteen points in 2020, Hillary taxpayer funding of abortion clinics. The pro-abortion of the Senate states generally movement understands just deemed competitive in 2022 by how critical the 2022 elections political observers and pundits. will be. But so do we. The pro- With about eleven months life movement is in a strong to go, this could change, and position to regain majorities additional states could be in both the U.S. House and the added. U.S. Senate. Pro-life victories in November can stop the Arizona radical Biden-Harris abortion Pro-abortion Senator Mark agenda dead in its tracks. Kelly (D) is up for a full term The House majority is up for in 2022. In his two years in grabs in 2022 with Speaker office, he maintained a 0% Pelosi clinging to her gavel by voting record with National only a handful of seats. A huge Right to Life. Among his pro- Clinton only carried the state and against commonsense factor in many states will be abortion votes, Kelly voted in by five points in 2016. In a legislation to protect unborn the results of the redistricting favor of taxpayer funding of political climate that favors babies at 20 weeks when they process in which each state must abortion, and he voted against Republicans, Colorado could can feel pain. To put it plainly, redraw their Congressional protecting unborn babies at very well be in contention. Sen. Warnock is out of touch district lines based on data from 20 weeks when they can feel Polling commissioned by with Georgia voters. There are the 2020 Census. While some pain. In addition to his extreme one of Bennet’s Republican number of pro-life Republicans states have finalized their maps, pro-abortion voting record in challengers found that “a who have thrown their hats in some are still being drawn and a traditionally pro-life state, generic Democratic Senate the ring, including football others remain in litigation. Kelly also must contend with candidate would face a legend Herschel Walker. “I am Pro-life Congressional underwater approval numbers close race against a generic 100% pro-life. As Georgia’s candidates across the country for President Biden and the Republican candidate, the next senator, I will vote for any are in a strong position in Democratic Party broadly. A pollster found, with 44% legislation which protects the 2022. The current Democratic recent Morning Consult poll favoring the Democrat and sanctity of human life, even if majority has pursued an found Biden with a net approval 42% picking the Republican.” the legislation is not perfect. extreme pro-abortion agenda rating of -9 in Arizona, the All these factors considered, Every human life is valuable that is out of touch with most worst numbers among states he the argument can be made and absolutely worth saving,” Americans. This agenda won in 2020. Pro-life Attorney that Colorado is not a state Walker said in a statement to includes forcing Americans General Mark Brnovich leads to ignore, especially with the NRLC affiliate Georgia Life to have their tax dollars used the GOP field in early polling. balance of power in the Senate Alliance. State Agriculture to pay for abortions. It also split evenly. One net gain by Commissioner Gary Black, includes the passage of the Colorado either party wins the majority. military veteran Kelvin King so-called Women’s Health Many political observers and former Navy SEAL Latham Protection Act, which would currently categorize Colorado Georgia Saddler, all three of whom enshrine into law abortion-on- as Likely Democratic or Safe After two intensely hold pro-life views, have also demand and would overturn Democratic. But pro-abortion competitive Senate races thrown their hats in the ring. existing pro-life laws and Senator Michael Bennet (D)’s last cycle culminating in two prevent new protective laws reelection should not be seen Democratic wins, Georgia from being enacted at the as foregone conclusion. Just is back in the spotlight with state and federal levels. In months ago, pro-life Republican pro-abortion Senator Raphael See “Retake,” page 35 educating voters about just how Glenn Youngkin was victorious Warnock (D) seeking a full
www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 5
Sign up early for NRLC 2022 to be held
in Atlanta June 24-25
By Jacki Ragan
With January 22 only eight
days away, what better way
e
to inform, motivate, and
encourage pro-lifers than to
ve th
remind them registration is
now open for #NRLC2022 in Sa
Date
Atlanta? Just click here for
details [https://nrlconvention.
com/product-category/
register].
This two-day pro-life
educational event of the year
will take place June 24-25 at the
Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel.
J UNE 2 4-2 5, 20 22
Focus on the Family President
and CEO Jim Daly will speak 2022 NATI ONAL RI GHT TO LI FE C ONVENTION
at our Saturday night closing ATLANTA, GA
Banquet.
Mr. Daly hosts Focus on the
Family daily radio broadcast
which is heard by more than The essential pro-life
5.6 million listeners a week.
He has also been honored
educational event
as Program of the Year
2022
by the National Religious Where: Atlanta Airport Marriott
Broadcasters. He will be
joined by the winner of the Atlanta, Georgia
National Right to Life Oratory
Contest who will deliver his or When: June 24-25, 2022
her winning speech.
To make it easier for more
people to attend the entire
NATIONAL Why: Because YOU can impact
convention, the annual
gathering of the pro-life family RIGHT TO LIFE your community
will be two days long. You will
have your choice of nearly
50 workshops in addition to
CONVENTION Speakers to be announced Spring 2022
four general sessions, a Prayer Save Your Spot Starting in
Breakfast, in addition to the January 2022 at
banquet.
nrlconvention.com!
Please check back often as
more speakers are confirming Co-hosted by:
regularly! Workshops will be
posted as soon as we can get the
schedule confirmed.
6 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Where Texas’ Heartbeat Law should go next hotly debated by 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Panel By Dave Andrusko According to virtually all only state medical licensing that it was a necessary step for Court eventually disagrees with media accounts, the January officials as possible lawsuit the Texas Supreme Court to their ruling,” the Texas Tribune 7th hearing before a three-judge targets because they can revoke weigh in “because state courts reported. panel of the 5th Circuit Court At issue in Whole Woman’s of Appeals was contentious and Health v. Jackson “is whether tense. At issue was a highly the Fifth Circuit should ask technical but equally important the Texas Supreme Court to question: Where should the decide if S.B. 8 gives sufficient challenge to S.B.8—Texas’ enforcement power to members Heartbeat Law—go next? of Texas’ professional licensing The Center for Reproductive boards to make them the right Rights wants it returned to Judge defendants in a suit seeking Robert Pitman who impatiently to block the law,” Bloomberg (but briefly) enjoined the law. News reported. Texas wants the case to go the While Klibanoff believe it Texas Supreme Court because “seems likely that the 5th Circuit they believe there are state will rule to send the case to the law questions that must first be Texas Supreme Court, Jones resolved first. did raise another option that CRR argues this is merely would be no better for abortion a stalling tactic. “If the case providers. She asked whether is sent to the Texas Supreme the court should wait to rule on Court, it could take months this case until the U.S. Supreme to return to the federal level, Court had weighed in on Dobbs leaving the law in effect,” v. Jackson, another abortion according the Texas Tribune’s case on their docket.” Eleanor Klibanoff. a doctor, nurse or pharmacist’s ultimately have the authority “In December, the U.S. license if they violated the to decide state law, and the Supreme Court threw out most law,” Klibanoff wrote. judges would have ‘egg on our challenges to the law and left Judge Edith Jones argued faces’ if the Texas Supreme
www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 7 Having begun a chemical abortion, women do change their minds. APR can save their babies By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation A quiet revolution has taken lifeatrisk.org/ and find a want to reverse it. That’s where inches long! Every day I think place in the abortion industry in provider who can save her abortion pill reversal comes in. how glad I am that I found the Pennsylvania. child’s life using the Abortion “Using the natural hormone abortion pill reversal hotline Chemical abortions now Pill Reversal protocol. Women progesterone, medical and thank God for the chance outnumber surgical abortions in can also call a hotline number at professionals have been able to be his momma.” the Keystone State, according 1-877-558-0333 for assistance to save 64-68% of pregnancies The upsurge in chemical to statistics recently released by in reversing the tragic effects of through abortion pill reversal.” abortions in Pennsylvania and the PA Department of Health. the abortion pill. As evidence, you can read elsewhere make stories such The stats show that, of the 32,123 abortions that occurred in the Commonwealth, 16,349 were nonsurgical. The figures do not come as a surprise. Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion operation, has been aggressively marketing chemical abortions to vulnerable women. Go to the Planned Parenthood Keystone website, and a graphic advertises, “Now you can get the abortion care you need from the comfort of your own home. Find out if getting your abortion medication shipped directly to your home is right for you.” Planned Parenthood Keystone has a goal of expanding abortions in PA—so much for the old pro-abortion rhetoric that abortion should be “safe, According to https:// numerous testimonials from as Sara’s all the more relevant. legal, and rare.” abortionpillreversal.com, “the women who have successfully The fact is, women do change Thankfully, however, there abortion pill is the common had their chemical abortions their mind about abortion. is an opportunity for women to name for a chemical process that reversed. Consider Sara’s story: Thanks to modern medical change their minds after taking combines two medications… “My little superhero was born breakthroughs, their babies can the first abortion pill. Pregnant After taking the first pill, some happy and healthy on 6-15- not only survive, but thrive, women can visit https:// women regret their choice and 20 weighing 6.1 lbs. and 18 through abortion pill reversal.
8 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org
Whole Woman’s Health unapologetically says
“abortion is good, we like abortion”
By Dave Andrusko
Many of our readers may do. We’ve provided sweet spot. One respondent fallback “healthcare” excuse.
recognize the name Whole countless abortions to said She chimed in
Woman’s Health. It was the patients who went on I like availability to I love abortion.
litigant in Whole Woman’s to live their best lives. necessary healthcare.
Health v. Hellerstedt, the I’d wager a pretty penny
20l6 Supreme Court decision that Whole Woman’s Health
which struck down a Texas law studiously avoided saying
requiring abortion providers they “love” abortion. It’s one
to have admitting privileges thing to treat the deliberate
at a hospital within 30 miles, destruction of a helpless baby
and that they meet the same as a “necessary evil.” The
standards as ambulatory Abortion Industry left that
surgical centers. judgmental mantra in the dust
It is big and growing bigger. As years ago.
it says on its web page, “We’re It’s another thing to “like”
an independent, abortion abortion when you’ve
provider & advocacy leader, persuaded yourself it’s no
giving people compassion & different than having an
quality care in our 8 clinics in appendectomy. But it’s quite
6 states (also meds by MN, NM a leap to flat-out celebrate—
& VA).” Med refers to chemical “love”—a “procedure” that
abortions. Abortion is safe and it Another added uses forceps with sharp metal
So imagine my total lack of gives people control of I like abortion. I like jaws to grasp parts of the
surprise when Whole Woman’s their futures. Abortion appendectomies. I developing baby, which are
Health tweeted the following is good. We like like all necessary then twisted and torn away.
yesterday: abortion. healthcare. What an abandonment of
“Nobody ‘likes’ unborn children and their
abortion.” Wrong. We Ah, talk about hitting the And, a third avoided the mothers.
www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 9 Here’s to making 2022 the Year of the Unborn Child! By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation 2022 will be a busy year in Currently, Republicans legislation that would benefit this bureaucratic logjam. politics in Pennsylvania. control both the state House preborn babies and their To discover more about More than a dozen candidates and Senate, and bipartisan mothers. Pennsylvania’s pro-life laws are running for the U.S. Senate pro-life majorities control both While the Pennsylvania state and how you can become part of seat being vacated by pro- life Republican Senator Pat Toomey. A number of political analysts have said that the contest will be among the closest-watched races in the country and could decide which party controls the Senate. In the meantime, more than a dozen other candidates are vying for the Pennsylvania Governor’s office. Because of term limits, pro-abortion Democratic Governor Tom Wolf is not running for re- election. The Republican field is hotly competitive, but only one Democratic candidate has emerged—pro-abortion state Attorney General Josh Shapiro. In addition, Pennsylvanians will elect representatives to Congress, to the state House of Representatives, and to one- chambers. If Pennsylvania can legislature has passed a number our grassroots activist network, half of the state Senate. Party elect a pro-life Governor and of pro-life bills in recent years, please visit the Pennsylvania control of the U.S. House, if pro-life members maintain Governor Wolf’s veto pen has Pro-Life Federation website at along with the state legislature, control of the state legislature, prevented their enactment. www.paprolife.org . will be determined by these the Keystone State could Pennsylvania’s abortion totals Here’s to making 2022 the critical races. resume enacting protective would be lower, were it not for Year of the Unborn Child!
10 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org What a joy to find a couple so wholly given over to the idea that all people— regardless of ability or disability— can be a blessing to others! By Laura Echevarria, NRL Director of Communications and Press Secretary Our culture embraces people “moderate” is related to his struggled to see the parallel: helping him by cutting up his with disabilities more readily ability to communicate—Peter she wasn’t under someone chicken. than it has in the past but has the communication skills of else’s guardianship like my son These are normal behaviors many of those same supportive a 4-year-old child. and then stripped of her rights for us, and we count Peter as voices claim that only those I could barely contain my ire, to marry, vote, drive, etc. She a blessing. Neither he nor his with disabilities can speak but Peter put his mask back on certainly didn’t struggle to brother Nathan (who is also on out regarding their particular as she demanded and diffused communicate. the spectrum but with a milder disability. condition) have ever been a The downside to this is that “burden” people who have more severe But this slightly older couple forms of a disability can’t speak apparently were watching us out and can’t advocate for and felt blessed by what they themselves. This creates a two- saw. They called our waitress tiered system of acceptance over and told her that they and to some degree diminishes were going to pay for our meal. the condition of those with a We’ve never had this happen more severe physical or mental before and we were stunned. condition. It turned out that both the Case in point. husband and wife were retired My family and I traveled teachers, and he was in the by plane over the Christmas National Guard in Puerto Rico. holidays and on our layover to The gentleman spoke of Peter’s our destination, a woman in the existence as a blessing and a seat in front of us stood up to gift. And he was pleased to see disembark. She turned to check how we treated Peter and his her seat and saw that my son’s presence in our lives. face mask was partially off. She What a joy to find a couple so immediately became irate and wholly given over to the idea wanted to know if he had been that all people— regardless of unmasked during the flight (he ability or disability— can be hadn’t, he had just let his mask the situation by asking her what But then another event on our a blessing to others! This is drop below his nose after we her name was and where she trip made up for all of that. something we firmly believe had landed, and I didn’t realize lived. After an eventful day in, and I have the privilege to it). But as she turned to leave, sightseeing on our trip, we work with wonderful people Peter is eighteen and has she announced that she was stopped to eat. The restaurant every day who are dedicated mild/moderate autism. He is on the spectrum, “too,” as if had a live band playing songs in to advancing the right to life. very sweet and compliant but that somehow made her Peter’s Spanish and, while we all ate, But it was wonderful to find is under the guardianship of peer. Peter was also moving to the that Peter’s presence and our my husband and me because Acting independently as music in his seat, and we were attitudes toward him was a he cannot advocate for himself. an adult and always needing encouraging him. My husband blessing to perfect stranger! His diagnosis classification as an aide are not the same. I was sitting next to Peter and
www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 11
On the first day of the legislative session, Florida
introduces law to protect unborn babies after 15 weeks
By Dave Andrusko
Florida began its 60 Pro-life Gov. Ron DeSantis at the state Capitol, “Having asking the Supreme Court to
day legislative session by signaled his support. protections make a lot of overturn Roe by supporting the
introducing a bill, modeled on “I think there’s a lot of pro- sense.” Mississippi law.”
Mississippi’s Gestational Age The pro-life legislation
Act now before the Supreme “would allow exceptions if
Court, that would protect the mother’s life is at risk or
unborn babies after the 15th if the unborn baby has a fatal
week. anomaly,” Micaiah Bilger
The state House and Senate explained. “It also would create
“rolled out identical legislation new requirements for hospitals
spelling out the policy, which and abortion facilities to report
is similar to one approved by data to the Florida Department
lawmakers in Mississippi in of Health, including measures
2018,” according to Politico’s to help identify victims of
Arek Sarkissian. human trafficking, to keep track
Pro-life stalwarts State Sen. of babies who are born alive in
Kelli Stargel and Rep. Erin abortions and to reduce infant
Grall filed the legislation mortality.”
Tuesday, the first day of the The High Court heard oral
session. “I am proud to support arguments December 1 on
this legislation as a capstone to life legislation, and we will Sarkissian added, “DeSantis Mississippi’s law.
my fight for life in the Florida be welcoming it,” DeSantis joined five other governors
House,” Rep. Grall said. said during a press conference in signing a July amicus brief
National Right to Life Congratulates
Former Spokesperson, Kay Coles James,
on Her Appointment as Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Virginia
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Virginia Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin announced that he has appointed
Kay Coles James as the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
James served as a National Right to Life spokesperson in the 1980s followed by prominent positions
in the administrations of both Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush as well as serving
in various capacities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“We are extremely proud of and wish to congratulate Kay Coles James on her appointment as
Secretary of the Commonwealth,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “During her
time at National Right to Life, Kay Coles James exhibited the same outstanding qualities that have
made her such an exceptional leader. The compassion, vision, and aptitude she brought to her role at
National to Right Life will certainly be an asset to the Youngkin Administration.
Kay Coles James
Photo: Gage Skidmore12 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-abortion Guttmacher says 2021 “the Worst Year for Abortion Rights in Almost Half a Century” By Dave Andrusko If you want an uplifting experience, paradoxical as it may seem at first, read the latest summary of state legislation as compiled by the very pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute. The headline tells all: “State Policy Trends 2021: The Worst Year for Abortion Rights in Almost Half a Century.” The “worst”? “Buoyed by the Supreme Court’s 6–3 anti-abortion majority, state legislators raced to enact abortion restrictions,” writes Elizabeth Nash. “As of December 1, 106 abortion restrictions had been enacted in 19 states. This is the highest total in any year since abortion rights were affirmed by the US Supreme Court in 1973.” With an emphasis on “the South, the Plains and the Midwest,” Nash quickly pivots to the South which is “a particular concern: The Supreme Court has allowed Texas’ ban on abortion starting at six weeks of pregnancy to remain in effect—and it is possible that the Court, which in December heard arguments in Mississippi’s ban on abortions after 15 weeks, might uphold that prohibition and use the opportunity to overturn Roe v. Wade.” Nash tells us that the previous high for “restrictions” was in 2011 when 89 were passed which was “far surpassed” by the 106 abortion restrictions in 2021. “A total of 1,336 abortion restrictions have been enacted since Roe v. Wade was handed down in 1973—44% of these in the past decade alone,” she writes. ”In addition to abortion bans of all types, restrictions on medication abortion were passed by many state legislatures.” Of course, there were setbacks—victories in Nash’s eyes: “Some state legislatures expanded access to reproductive health services.” That would include Illinois which, unfortunately, ended its successful parental notification law. But Guttmacher’s lament remains reason for pro-life optimism. On to 2022!
www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 13
Prenatal test results for rare genetic anomalies often
wrong, perfectly healthy unborn babies aborted
By Dave Andrusko
I’d wager a pretty penny that baby had been misled back positive for to pregnant women and their
the New York Times thought by a wondrous promise Ms. Geller’s son– doctors as near certain. They
long and hard about publishing that Silicon Valley has for Prader-Willi advertise their findings as
“When They Warn of Rare made to expectant syndrome, “a condition ‘reliable’ and ‘highly accurate,’
Disorders, These Prenatal offering ‘total confidence’ and
Tests Are Usually Wrong.” As ‘peace of mind’ for patients
pro-life bioethicist Wesley J. who want to know as much as
Smith wrote, “Prenatal-testing possible.” Their very lengthy
companies are making a lot of analysis shows the record of
money selling early-gestation, inaccuracies has not slowed
prenatal blood tests that search down the rush to promote sales.
for rare genetic conditions National Review Online’s
beyond Down syndrome. Alexandra DeSanctis put it
Moreover, their test results are succinctly:
often wrong.” In a culture where
First example, Ms. Yael Geller abortion is the quick
who was told her “prenatal and easy “solution” for
blood test indicated her fetus a baby who is deemed
might be missing part of a mothers: that a few that offers little chance unfit or less than
chromosome, which could lead vials of their blood, of living independently normal and therefore
to serious ailments and mental drawn in the first as an adult. Studies unwanted, how much
illness.” Fortunately, she had trimester, can allow have found its positive more seriously should
another test taken and “now has companies to detect results are incorrect we take this report
a 6-month-old, Emmanuel, who serious developmental more than 90 percent from the Times, which
shows no signs of the condition problems in the DNA of the time.” suggests that doctors
he screened positive for.” of the fetus with with But Kliff and Bhatia found are wrong far more
Sarah Kliff and Aatish Bhatia remarkable accuracy. that “Nonetheless, on product often than not when
were blunt in their conclusion: That includes the brochures and test result sheets, diagnosing a serious
“Ms. Geller whose screening that came companies describe the tests fetal disorder?14 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org
Woman encouraged to abandon daughter with
Down syndrome at the hospital
By Cassy Fiano-Chesser
A United Kingdom woman roused me from the fog of negativity of the world around disabilities appears to be deeply
is telling the world about the shock and worry I’d been in you. embedded into UK culture.
terrible advice she received after since giving birth ‒ when it was After going home, friends Charlotte, now 22, has
giving birth to a daughter with immediately obvious Charlotte expressed sympathy or avoided graduated from high school
Down syndrome. In an article wasn’t the baby I thought I was interacting with her. Others and obtained a Bachelor of Arts
written for the Daily Mail, she having ‒ and fired up in me a blamed her for not undergoing degree in inclusive performance.
outlined how staff reacted to fierce sense of protectiveness testing during the pregnancy so “I cried tears of immense
the surprise diagnosis, and how that has never left me,” she she could have had an abortion. pride at her graduation,” she
little compassion was shown said. She often felt that people pitied said. “Beautiful, confident
for her baby — or for her.
Nicky Laitner, 53, was just
29 when she gave birth to her
oldest daughter, Charlotte.
Through the pregnancy, she
chose not to undergo any
testing. “I wouldn’t have had a
termination so I didn’t see the
point; and because of my age
I’d no reason to think I was
having anything but a ‘normal’
pregnancy,” she said.
Yet she could tell the
moment she saw Charlotte that
something was different about
her, and the reaction of medical
staff confirmed her suspicions
right away.
“[T]he midwife ran out
of the room in tears,”
she recalled. “I turned
to Steve in confusion,
and he told me he Laitner already felt deep love her, but it led her to feel even and happy, it’s hard to believe
thought our daughter for her daughter, but was still more determined to do the expectations of her were so low
had Down’s syndrome. scared. Then, a meeting with a best she could for Charlotte. it was suggested I abandon her
In that moment, I felt pediatrician the next day began “I knew she was as valuable or, even worse, that I should
like my whole world to allay some of those fears: as any other child, and hoped have ended her life before she
had come crashing The next day we took her in time other people would see was born.”
down.” home with the words of a that too,” Laitner said. Charlotte works at a movie
wise paediatrician ringing in Last month, a Telegraph theater, and wrote that one of
Things only got worse from our ears. ‘Charlotte is healthy investigation exposed how her favorite things is to take her
there. “Charlotte was just a few and will do what Charlotte “do-not-resuscitate” orders mom out to lunch, and pay the
hours old when a maternity will do,’ he’d told me when I were being given to teens with bill herself. “It’s just a small
nurse suggested to me I could naively asked how ‘bad’ her autism and learning disabilities thing, but it matters a lot to me,”
leave her at the hospital and Down’s syndrome was. He throughout the COVID-19 Charlotte wrote. “To work, to
return home to carry on my life encouraged me to take each day pandemic, during routine earn my own money, to treat
without my baby,” Laitner said. as it came, never put limits on medical appointments. A report Mum – it all reminds me I’m
“It was the first but not the last her and simply enjoy my baby. released early in 2021 found the a grown woman, making my
time I felt pitied to have a child As any mother of a child with same results, as did previous own way in life, no different
with Down’s syndrome.” this syndrome will tell you, no investigations before the
Yet her advice had the matter how much you cherish pandemic. The discriminatory See “Abandon,” page ??
opposite reaction. “Her words them, it’s hard to block out the mindset against those withwww.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 15
Factsheet: Reported Annual Abortions 1973-2019
ABORTION Reported Annual Abortions
statistics
1973-2019
United States Data and Trends
1973 744,610 615,831
1974 898,570 763,476
1975 1,034,170 854,853
1976 1,179,300 988,267
1977 1,316,700 1,079,430
1978 1,409,600 1,157,776
1979 1,497,670 1,251,921
1980 1,553,890 1,297,606 There are two basic sources on abortion data in the U.S.:
1981 1,577,340 1,300,760 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) publishes
1982 1,573,920 1,303,980 yearly, but relies on voluntary reports from state health
1983 1,575,000 1,268,987 departments (and New York City, Washington, D.C.). It has
1984 1,577,180 1,333,521 been missing data from California, New Hampshire, and at
1985 1,588,550 1,328,570 least one other state since 1998.
1986 1,574,000 1,328,112 • The Guttmacher Institute (GI) contacts abortion clinics
1987 1,559,110 1,353,671 directly for data but does not survey every year.
1988 1,590,750 1,371,285 • Because it surveys clinics directly and includes data
1989 1,566,900 1,396,658 from all fifty states, most researchers believe
1990 1,608,600 1,429,247 Guttmacher’s numbers to be more reliable, though
1991 1,556,510 1,388,937 Guttmacher still believes it may miss some abortions.
1992 1,528,930 1,359,146 Both the CDC and Guttmacher show significant recent
1993 1,495,000 1,330,414 drops and sustained declines over the last 25 years.
1994 1,423,000 1,267,415 • Total abortions dropped 28.8% from 1998 to 2019 with
1995 1,359,400 1,210,883 the CDC, and fell 46.4% from 1990 to 2017 with GI.
1996 1,360,160 1,225,937 • Total abortions fell below 1 million for the first time in
1997 1,335,000 1,186,039 the 2013 GI count and have continued downward to
1998 1,319,000 884,273* 862,320 in the most recent GI figures for 2017.
1999 1,314,800 861,789* • The abortion rate for 2017 for GI was 13.5 abortions
2000 1,312,990 857,475* for every 1,000 women of reproductive age (15-44),
2001 1,291,000 853,485* less than half that of 1981 (29.3) and lower than when
2002 1,269,000 854,122* abortion was legalized in the U.S. in 1973 (16.3).
2003 1,250,000 848,163* • GI says there were 18.3 abortions for every 100 preg-
2004 1,222,100 839,226* nancies ending in live birth or abortion in 2016, 18.4 for
2005 1,206,200 820,151* 2017, lower abortion ratios than any since 1972.
2006 1,242,200 846,181* • Guttmacher says that abortion “providers” have dropped
2007 1,209,640 827,609* from a high of 2,918 in 1982 to 1,587 in 2017.
2008 1,212,350 825,564* • According to the CDC, the percentage performed with
2009 1,151,600 789,116* chemical abortifacients like mifepristone rose from 9.6%
2010 1,102,670 765,651* in 2004 to 43.7% in 2019.
2011 1,058,490 730,322*
2012 1,011,000 699,202*
2013 958,700 664,435* The Consequences of Roe v. Wade
2014 926,190 652,639*
63,459,781
2015 899,500 638,169*
2016 874,100 623,471*
2017 862,320 612,719*
2018
2019-21
871,806§
886,677§
619,591*
629,898*
*excludes NH, CA
and at least one
other state
Total abortions since 1973
Based on numbers reported by the Guttmacher Institute 1973-2017,
with 3% added for GI estimated possible 3-5% undercount for 1973-2014.
§ NRLC projection Another 12,000 per year added for 2015-2021 for abortions from “providers”16 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org
A total of 63,459,781 unborn babies
have been lost to abortions since Roe v. Wade
By Dave Andrusko
As we approach the 49th that “In 2019, in the reporting to 2019, the abortion rate be lower if women were told
anniversary of Roe v. Wade areas included in the report, the decreased an amazing 21% the truth about the deaths
and Doe v. Bolton, NRLC’s CDC found an abortion rate of (from 14.4 abortions per l,000 and injuries associated with
Dr. Randall K. O’Bannon has 11.4 abortions per 1,000 women women ages 15-44 to 11.4 chemical abortion methods.
compiled a factsheet estimating aged 15–44 years.” In addition, per 1,000), and the abortion Instead, the abortion industry
that 63,459,781 babies have “The CDC found a ratio of 195 ratio decreased 13% (from 225 peddles lies about the ease
been aborted since 1973. of the method and pushes for
The numbers continue to fewer and fewer protections for
ORTION show a steady decline in
abortions since 2009, although
the 2019 Center for Disease
Reported Annual Abortions
women undergoing a chemical
abortion.”
Dr. O’Bannon continued,
atistics
1973-2019
Control (CDC) survey shows a “Promoters of these pills like
slight increase in abortions. to trumpet high safety rates,
Dr. O’Bannon, NRLC’s but neglect to mention how that
tes Data and of
director TrendsEducation & with hundreds of thousands of
Research, draws his numbers women taking these pills, even
from the two main sources: a couple of percentage points of
44,610 the CDC and the pro-abortion
615,831 women hemorrhaging, dealing
98,570 Guttmacher
763,476Institute. Both show with infections, and ectopic
34,170 significant drops and sustained
854,853 pregnancy, represents thousands
79,300 declines988,267
over the past 25 years. of women desperately seeking
16,700 Each1,079,430
source has advantages. treatment, which may or may
09,600 Guttmacher
1,157,776 contacts abortion not be nearby.”
97,670 clinics1,251,921
directly but does not One recent study showed
53,890 publish numbers each year. By
1,297,606 There are two basic sources on abortion data in the U.S.: that emergency room visits
77,340 contrast the CDC publishes
1,300,760 abortions
The U.S.per 1,000 live
Centers for births.” abortions
Disease Control per 1,000
(CDC) live births
publishes by chemical abortion patients
73,920 each 1,303,980
year but depends on However,
yearly, but“the
relies2019 numbers reports
on voluntary to 195 from
abortions
stateper 1,000 live
health increased by 500% from 2002
75,000 voluntary reports from state
1,268,987 are still a decrease
departments of New
(and 1.3% York
from City,
births).
Washington, D.C.). It has to 2015. Those numbers would
77,180 1,333,521
health department. In addition, the 638,169
been missingabortions recorded
data from “The
California, Newuse of the chemical
Hampshire, and at only be expected to grow with
88,550 1,328,570 the
California, nation’s inleast
2015, one
andother
nearlystate
18% since
lower1998.
abortion method using more lax safety regulations.
74,000 1,328,112
most populous state, New • The
than whatGuttmacher
was recordedInstitute
in 2010 (GI) contacts abortion
mifepristone appears clinics
to be on The full report from the
59,110 1,353,671
Hampshire, and Maryland did directly for
(765,751),” data but
according to does
Carol notthe
survey every
rise in manyyear.
states,” said CDC can be found at www.
90,750 1,371,285
not report abortion data at all. • Because
Novielli. it surveys clinics directly
Dr. O’Bannon. “Thedata
and includes number cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/ss/
66,900
Dr. 1,396,658
O’Bannon pointed out from
For all fifty states,
perspective, from most
2010researchers
of chemical believe
abortions might ss7009a1.htm
08,600 1,429,247 Guttmacher’s numbers to be more reliable, though
56,510 1,388,937 Guttmacher still believes it may miss some abortions.
28,930 1,359,146 Both the CDC and Guttmacher show significant recent
95,000 1,330,414 drops and sustained declines over the last 25 years.
23,000 1,267,415 • Total abortions dropped 28.8% from 1998 to 2019 with
59,400 1,210,883 the CDC, and fell 46.4% from 1990 to 2017 with GI.
60,160 1,225,937 • Total abortions fell below 1 million for the first time in
35,000 1,186,039 the 2013 GI count and have continued downward to
19,000 884,273* 862,320 in the most recent GI figures for 2017.
14,800 861,789* • The abortion rate for 2017 for GI was 13.5 abortions
12,990 857,475* for every 1,000 women of reproductive age (15-44),
91,000 853,485* less than half that of 1981 (29.3) and lower than when
69,000 854,122* abortion was legalized in the U.S. in 1973 (16.3).
50,000 848,163* • GI says there were 18.3 abortions for every 100 preg-
22,100 839,226* nancies ending in live birth or abortion in 2016, 18.4 for
06,200 820,151* 2017, lower abortion ratios than any since 1972.
42,200 846,181* • Guttmacher says that abortion “providers” have dropped
09,640 827,609* from a high of 2,918 in 1982 to 1,587 in 2017.
12,350 825,564* • According to the CDC, the percentage performed with
51,600 789,116* chemical abortifacients like mifepristone rose from 9.6%
02,670 765,651* in 2004 to 43.7% in 2019.www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 17 Eliminating FDA safeguards mean putting more women undergoing chemical abortions at risk By Dave Andrusko Let’s compare and contrast this abortion process safer for for the abortion industry, indeed might make use of the differing responses to the women. What these changes do it is its stock and trade. There the pills particularly FDA’s December 16 decision is make the process easier for is a reason to see a doctor in dangerous). to make permanent its April the abortion industry.” person before swallowing These are not insignificant 2021 order that removed the precautions. That is, they are required in-person doctor’s visit not insignificant if you care for women seeking a chemical about happens to women. abortion. Forget for the moment One other thing. The Abortion that we always knew it was Industry has chafed about a ruse and that Biden’s hand “restrictions” since RU-486 picked commission “studying” was first approved. Number of the question would inevitably visits; the number of the pills allows the abortion pills, used; how far into pregnancy mifepristone and misoprostol, women could endure chemical to be distributed by mail after abortions, etc. etc. etc. a woman has a telehealth call Let me end with another with an abortion provider. quote from Dr. O’Bannon: “The FDA’s decision If telemedicine means eliminating its unnecessary pills being sold to in-person requirement did not She added, “The FDA knows mifepristone, starting with women that are come a moment too soon,” the dangers of this abortion screening her. not fully screened ACLU attorney Julia Kaye said drug combination, but in the As Dr. Randall K.O’Bannon for disqualifying in a statement.” “This decision name of political expediency, has written, the screening medical conditions, follows the science, something has lifted the safety measure determine gestational taking pills far past we could only hope for from requiring an in-person doctor’s age (the pills the recommended our nation’s regulatory body on visit.” effectiveness drops the deadline, effectiveness medications,” said Dr. Jamila You look at the numbers of farther along the child’s will most certainly Perritt, president and chief death—26–and the “adverse development), check decline further. As executive of Physicians for events” –which numbered for ectopic pregnancy consequence at least Reproductive Health.” in the thousands–and how (the pills do not work hundreds, probably By contrast, “The FDA’s can you say, as does Perritt, in circumstances where thousands more women decision today places women that “the science shows that the child has implanted will be left stranded, at risk,” said Carol Tobias, medication abortion care is safe outside the uterus), or desperate for help, and President of the National to administer via telehealth”? other contraindications maybe scrambling for Right to Life Committee. Taking shortcuts with (allergies, other emergency surgery. “These changes do not make women’s health is nothing new conditions that
18 January 2022 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org
Pro-abortionists laments that 95% of abortions are
performed in free-standing clinics “largely isolated
from other medical institutions”
By Dave Andrusko
Carole Joffe is a veteran which “are largely isolated from Is that the only or even In other words, Joffe writes,
pro-abortion apologist whose other medical institutions.” the primary reason “Nearly “That this scenario would
writings are welcomed in the The result is that “the embattled 50 years after legalization typically involve a female
pages of publications such status of abortion care, and its nationwide, the majority of patient dictating a course of
as the Washington Post. I failure to become accepted as obstetrician gynecologists and treatment to a male doctor only
remember once reading the a routine part of reproductive primary-care doctors do not compounded the discomfort in
following at rhrealitycheck. health services.” provide abortions “? an era when medical authority
org [now renamed https:// Interestingly she tells us that She cites other factors. was almost entirely reserved
rewirenewsgroup.com] where “Before 1973, people needed “Beyond their discomfort with for men and motherhood was
she wrote and accessed abortion despite abortion providers, the largely considered normative for
The specifics of it being illegal in most of the White, male and conservative women.” Sexism by any other
abortion methods can country.” She tells us that there medical profession of that name.
be unpleasant to the I have another reason:
lay public. However, aborting an unborn child—a
this is true of most physician’s second patient—is
operations that remove diametrical opposed to what an
tissue from the body. ob-gyn is trained to do. Even
Joffe partially concedes this
“Specifics” such sawing truth:
off limbs from living unborn Even after Roe,
children, suctioning arms and a physician who
legs, etc., etc. Just like any supported freedom of
other “operation.” choice, commenting on
Her latest contribution the small number of
appears in the aforementioned doctors doing abortions
Washington Post under the in New York City,
headline “Failing to embed remarked: “The rest of
abortion care in mainstream the staff regards these
medicine made it politically was over a million abortions era was ambivalent about doctors with esteem
vulnerable: Actions by the per year, a number we—and incorporating abortion care for not markedly higher
medical profession in the 1970s many others—have debunked a other reasons.” Meaning? than that previously
still reverberate today.” million times. “Abortionist” has Joffe quotes a doctor reserved for the back
In a nutshell, her thesis the connotation it does because “complained at an American street abortionist.”
is that the male dominated, of “back alley abortionist,” Medical Association (AMA)
conservative, don’t-rock-the- Joffe adds. “Though this last meeting in 1970, where Take a few minutes out to read
boat medical establishment group made up only one legalization was under “Failing to embed abortion care
that existed at the time of Roe segment of providers, they discussion, ‘Legal abortion in mainstream medicine made it
and years after wanted little to left an indelible mark on makes the patient truly the politically vulnerable: Actions
nothing to do with abortion. medical colleagues at the time physician: she makes the by the medical profession in the
That why 95% of abortions of nationwide legalization.” diagnosis and establishes the 1970s still reverberate today.”
occur in free-standing clinics [Emphasis added.] therapy.’”www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News January 2022 19 Media outlet asks for abortion stories, gets tons of pro-life responses By Charlotte Pence Bond On Christmas Day, the If so, how affordable was it for had Down Syndrome three women that have had analysis and data site you?” and her heart was abortions. All three were talked FiveThirtyEight posted a It also asked: incompatible with life. into it by someone else. All question on Twitter asking Where did you live at They encouraged us three say it’s the biggest regret for abortion stories, and the time, and how far to end the pregnancy. they have in their lives.” many of the responses they from where you lived She’s completely The Daily Wire’s Ben Zeisloft received were not in support did you have to go to healthy. responded, “Because Christians of abortion. get the procedure? showed up at Planned The site tweeted, “Do you About how far along Another woman responded: Parenthood Philadelphia one have an abortion story? We were you in your “I found myself unexpectedly cold Saturday in February want to hear from you,” with a pregnancy when you pregnant at the age of 22 in 2020, this young man had a link to an article on the site. had the abortion? my last semester of college wonderful Christmas today The article explained: “Nearly What were some of with my daughter. Her father with his family. And there are 1 in 4 American women will many others like him—both have an abortion before the age in Philadelphia and across the of 45. But over the past decade, country.” access to abortion in America Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R- has changed dramatically. TX) tweeted a response, There are fewer clinics and writing, “Here’s a story: every more restrictions. And now it Christmas we celebrate the seems likely that the Supreme unexpected birth of a child that Court will limit the right to saved the world.” abortion even further. As we Another user responded: document the impact of these “Yes, I do. I experienced an shifts, we want to include the unplanned pregnancy at 18 and voices of people who have had the most important and I decided to marry, and chose to have an abortion. It abortions in the U.S.” factors in your decision she is still the most unexpected was a traumatic experience and It went on to ask people to to get an abortion? blessing in our lives. I cannot I still wonder all the time who complete a form if they have imagine a world without her my son would be today. Stop “had an abortion and are willing On Twitter, the responses joyful presence.” telling women abortion is their to share [their] experiences.” poured in, but a vast number of Some shared stories about ultimate freedom. I never felt The article concluded, “We them were stories about people rape and sexual assault, empowered by it.” know that this can be a sensitive who had either had an abortion describing how the woman Crenshaw also posted the topic, so none of your personal and regretted it, or had chosen chose to give birth instead of responses to FiveThirtyEight’s information will be published life. abort her child. People also tweet on Instagram, writing, without your consent.” One of the most popular shared stories about adoption “Look at the replies to this The form that users are meant responses was a photo of an when the mother had chosen tweet. Will warm your heart.” to fill out included questions adolescent girl, along with a to give her child to another such as, “How did your decision description: family who then discussed their Editor’s note: This article was to have an abortion affect your At the ultrasound gratitude to her for not choosing published by the Daily Wire and life?” and “Did you have to pay for my 2nd pregnancy abortion. was reprinted with permission out of pocket for the abortion? we were told our baby One person wrote: “I know at Pregnancy Help News.
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