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April 2010 |
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| HOT DATES! |
| Save the Date
April 17, 2010
“Partnership for Life Tour” Featuring pianist Eric Genius
7pm
Lady of Perpetual Help
Scottsdale
April 27, 2010
3rd Annual ASU Campus Women’s Fair
Tempe, AZ
September 17-18, 2010
AZRTL 32nd Annual
Pro Life Conference in Scottsdale
September 22nd, 2010
40 Days for Life
Fall Campaign
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| Dear Mark,
Dear Friends,
 Many, many thanks to all who supported our recent banquet in honor of the lives and legacies of Drs. Carolyn Gerster and Michael Rock. Both honorees are Phoenix area Physicians who have served diligently in the defense of life for decades! The passionate pro-life video greeting, from Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, reaffirmed the importance of electing pro-life legislators to our state and national offices in the battle against the horrendous attack on the unborn. During the meet and greet reception, prior to the dinner, attendees had a chance to visit with those representatives that supported the event with their presence. A powerful video message from Congressman Trent Franks given on the floor of the House of Representatives on the occasion of the 36th Anniversary of Roe v Wade prompted a standing ovation from our guests closing out the evening’s event.
Through your generosity this 6th Annual Benefit Banquet was most successful and the funds generated will help us tremendously with our daily lifesaving efforts!
A Death Threat to All Americans – Born and Unborn! The will of the American people was ignored by both houses of Congress as the majority of the House of Representatives recently passed (HR 3590) the federal takeover of our healthcare system.
Senior citizens fear this bill will be their death knell – mandating “Advance Care Consults” that may include an ORDER for end of life plans (death panels). In addition, this bill provides an “approved” list of end of life resources guiding one in death, also called “assisted suicide” putting the elderly on a fast track to the cemetery!
Regardless of the content of the executive order, used as part of a “deal” to push this bill through, this bill contains massive abortion funding that even the president’s executive order cannot mitigate. Make no mistake, this executive order was issued only for political effect, it changes nothing! It does not correct any of the serious pro-abortion provisions contained in this deadly bill.
Fortunately, there are no permanent victories or defeats in Washington! For millions of Americans and Arizona Right to Life we are now entering round two in this fight to save innocent lives! Will you join our fight and become a part of our Mission in helping us to educate our lawmakers as well as those who aspire to become future lawmakers on the sanctity of human life with your continued financial support? As lives stand in the balance we must continue onward!
A Heartfelt Goodbye. After nearly three and a half years of dedicated service to Arizona Right to Life, Sherry Welsch, our Office Manager has retired from the workforce. As we sadly say good-bye to Sherry we welcome in two new staff members to the Arizona Right to Life family.
Welcome to the Team! Charles Ryan, a 23 year Army veteran has come to us fully experienced in Administrative and Office Manager skills and has assumed a full time position in the capacity of office manager. Charles is a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus and is active with the Chandler Right to Life Chapter.
Karen Williams has recently joined the staff as the Arizona Right to Life Director of Education. Her expertise is in sidewalk counseling, training on the Abortion: Inside the Choice and is an accomplished speaker with our Speaker’s Bureau. Karen’s greatest joys in life are God, family and service.
We are so pleased to have these dedicated pro-lifers on board. Please join us in welcoming them when you have a chance!
Save the Date! Please mark your calendars for September 17th and 18th and plan to join us for our annual pro-life educational Conference – the only state-wide conference centered on contemporary life-related issues featuring nationally acclaimed speakers. Visit the azrtl.org website often for further updates!
For Life,
Virginia (Jinny) Perron
President, Arizona Right to Life
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Save The Date
Arizona Right to Life 32nd Annual Pro-Life Conference
September 17th and 18th, 2010 in Scottsdale
More information to follow in the coming months.
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 Arizona Will Join Multi-State Health Care Lawsuit
 Phoenix, AZ — April 7, 2010-
The State of Arizona has begun the process to join 14 other states to challenge the constitutionality of recent national healthcare reforms.
Joseph Kanefield, Brewer’s general counsel, will represent the state in court. ”By passing this onerous federal mandate, Congress has exceeded its authority and left the State of Arizona no option but to challenge this unconstitutional act in court.” Brewer wrote in a press release dated March 29, 2010.
Brewer has expressed many concerns over the bill, many of them citing the cost to the state in adopting this program. The cost to America’s unborn is even greater, as the bill has provisions to publicly fund and promote abortions across the country and our state.
Brewer also used the statement to challenge Attorney General Terry Goddard for not filing the lawsuit himself, claiming he is “defending his political allies in Washington.” instead of “defending the citizens of Arizona.
Arizona Right to Life, while remaining neutral in the budget battle, supports any opposition to the health care reforms passed by Congress and signed by President Obama. We encourage everyone to support your lawmakers in opposition of the reforms.
To read Governor Brewers full letter click HERE
Bill to Strengthen Abortion Reporting Requirements Passes State Senate
Phoenix, AZ — March 22, 2010
The Arizona State Senate passed SB 1304, which strengthens Arizona’s reporting laws on abortions. The bill would put into law current requirements set by Department of Health Services rules for confidential reports submitted by abortion providers. It also requires court reports on how many times judges bypass parantal consent requirements. The bill passed the Senate 17-12 with one senator not voting. It next moves to the House of Representatives.
From the Local Right to Life Chapters
The AZRTL SW Chapter under the direction of Margaret and Jesus Simental hosted guest speaker Jason Walsh, from the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, at their March 16th meeting. Chapter members also actively participated in the recent 40 Days for Life Campaign. Margaret, Jesus, and Debbie had the opportunity to attend sidewalk counseling training with Monsignor Reilly. Members of the chapter also served as volunteers at the AZRTL booth for the recent youth group rally in Avondale. For more information on this very active Chapter contact Margaret at jmsimental@yahoo.com
SE CHAPTER (Chandler)-
The AZRTL SE Chapter (Chandler) sponsored a booth at the annual Chandler Ostrich Festival held at Tumbleweek Park from March 12-14. The booth, sponsored in concert with the local Knights of Columbus Council, was supported by a collaboration of local organizations under the direction of Paul and Marie Fordtner. These supportive groups included: the Chandler chapter of Right to Life, the RTL state office, St. Mary’s Respect Life and Legion of Mary, and Council 3121 of the Knights of Columbus. The event served as an excellent vehicle in which to get our message out to the public and get maximum visibility. The booth collected donations and 15 pages of signatures for the petition condemning “The Obama Healthcare Plan.” The booth also entertained with a ‘Test Your Abortion Knowledge’ game and free candy. Special thanks to the state office of AZRTL and the K of C for their donated equipment such as a canopy, fetal development display, educational literature, tables, chairs and tootsie rolls. We hope to see one and all at next years’ event. For more information on the Chandler Chapter contact Charles Ryan at charles@azrtl.org.WHAT IS A RIGHT TO LIFE CHAPTER……… A Right to Life Chapter is the heart of the pro-life movement connecting the national, state and local level.
It is the building block of the pro-life movement. Just as a building cannot stand without its bricks, neither can the pro-life movement succeed in its educational and legislative goals without the work of chapters on the local level.
As an extension of Arizona and National RTL, a chapter is a group of people in a local community who are committed to working to spread the message of life. Together, we keep the issue before society and blanket the nation in pro-life action!
Chapters are non-denominational and work with all people to advance the pro-life message in a community.
While the core purpose of all chapters is the same, the structure and appearance of a RTL chapter can vary tremendously. Some chapters are large with many opportunities for member involvement, monthly meetings, fundraising, and many large events . Other chapters are smaller, consisting of a few people who serve as a contact point between the state office and their local area.
A Chapter subscribes to the mission of the Arizona Right to Life and takes part in our state events and quarterly State Board meetings.
Imagine – an active pro-life chapter in every community of our state, all working to the same goal of passing pro-life legislation, electing pro-life officials, educating the community, serving those in time of pregnancy, and bringing in all churches………abortion could not survive!
Arizona Right to Life has numerous chapters across the state dedicated to making a difference and saving lives in their own communities.
Please consider joining us so we can have a chapter in every community!
For more information please contact:
Joe Perron
Chairman of Chapter Development
480-216-7217 or e-mail at jjkp4life@cox.net
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 Arizona Right to Life PAC Announces Endorsement of David Schweikert
In a Press release dated April 5th 2010 the Political Action Committee for Arizona Right to Life announced its endorsement of David Schweikert for the GOP primary of Congressional District 5.
AzRTL PAC endorses David Schweikert based on his strong pro-life voting record while in the Arizona legislature along with a long history of support and involvement in the pro-life movement.
“While other candidates for this office have indicated they are pro-life in an AzRTL questionnaire. David Schweikert’s personal story and his strong pro-life voting record [make] David the unquestionalble choice for pro-life voters.” Said Walter Opaska, chair of the PAC.
Click HERE to read the full release. Click HERE to hear David’s personal commitment to the sanctity of life.
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 AZRTL Names New Chairman of Education- The Arizona Right to Life Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Candida Kirkpatrick as their new Chairman of Education. Candida has served on the Board for three years and will be spearheading the organization’s Education Committee, the AZRTL Speaker Bureau and will work closely with Karen Williams, our new Education Director. New and exciting programs and training to enhance the Mission of Arizona Right to Life in the preservation, protection and promotion of the sanctity of innocent human life will be forthcoming!
Meet these awesome ladies at the upcoming pro-life event co-sponsored by Arizona Right to Life and OLPH Respect Life Committee ”Partnership for Life Tour” with the nationally renowned pianist Eric Genius at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3801 North Miller Road, Scottsdale on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at 7:PM where they will be hosting the Arizona Right to Life booth. A $10.00 suggested donation for this event will support the Hope Mobile that offers free pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds to women on the streets in a proactive and effective way. Tickets may be purchased at fatimawomenscenter.org or at the door.
MAAFA 21 – A MUST SEE DOCUMENTARY- Produced by a Texas-based pro-life organization, “Maafa” painstakingly documents the racist history and actions of Planned Parenthood. Maafa is the Swahili word for “great disaster”.
Many claim that the abortion issue is about privacy, women’s rights and reproductive freedom.
The documentary counters that in reality, it was eugenics that drove the legalization of abortion.
This chilling film exposes the plan to create “racial purity” that began 150 years ago and is still being carried out today.
For a limited time this 2 hour film may be viewed FREE followed by a one-hour discussion forum.
Viewers are cautioned due to the graphic nature and explicit detail of the documentary and is inappropriate for those under age 18.
For more information for the showing schedule or to schedule a showing at your church or in your neighborhood please contact:
Maria Birnbaum – 480-510-8704
Or call the Arizona Right to Life Office @ 602-285-0063
Message from Life Education Corp. On April 22nd Melanie Pritchard, Director of Education for the Life Education Corporation will be the keynote speaker at the Bourgarde High School in Phoenix. Melanie will address the students at a school-wide assembly on the effects of abortion and the choices they make.
Directly following this engagement Melanie will attend the St. Thomas 8th grade girl’s retreat where she will teach thirty young girls on their dignity and self-worth – reminding them that every person’s worth, including the unborn, begins the day they are conceived and will last until natural death.
On Tuesday, April 27th ASU Students for Life will host its 3rd campus women’s fair. Many pro-life organizations and abortion healing organizations are invited to set up tables to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for the students answering their questions and providing resources to help them make informed and healthy choices.
In addition the ASU Students for Life are planning to set up a display of babies’ shoes with letters from both men and women who have lost a child to abortion hoping this powerful display will make a lasting impact on the students at ASU. If you would like to donate baby shoes or write a letter for this display please contact Corrie Graves, Vice-President, ASU Students for Life at corrie.graves@asu.edu40 Days for Life- Spring Campaign – 40 DAYS FOR LIFE SAVES BABIES………By March 24th just days before the end of the Spring 2010 campaign, the total number of babies saved from abortion reached nearly 400 nationwide.
Organizers in Arizona, one of the strongest most organized pro-life states in the country, say about 20-30 women who were seeking an abortion at two local clinics in Phoenix and Tempe ( near the campus of ASU) changed their mind after seeing the prayerful presence of those on the sidewalks just outside Planned Parenthood’s doors.
40 Days for Life Fall Campaign is scheduled to begin September 22nd through October 31, 2010.
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Arizona Teens for Life and its Phoenix chapter continue to grow, and is getting more and more interested teens involved in becoming champions for life! On April 10th the group gathered a large number of teens together for a movie event and watched “The Human Experience”. Attendees even had the opportunity to meet with the filmmakers and ask questions after the movie!
Expect other great events to continue throughout the summer. Contact Randi or Mary at azteens4life@gmail.com to become a member or get more information about events.
CALLING ALL TEENS EVERYWHERE! This year we are actively trying to establish a solid foundation for Teens for Life by creating as many chapters as possible throughout Arizona. This will help us to grow and expand our influence on behalf of all human life. If you are a teen and want to get involved in our exciting efforts, please become a Chapter Head for your school, church, or community today! Get some likeminded friends together and form a chapter! Snacks and drinks for your first chapter meeting will be provided FREE! Contact Mary or Randi to register at azteens4life@gmail.org.
AZT4L is proud to support the Spring 40 Days for Life campaign with “Teen Wednesdays” at the Tempe Planned Parenthood and “Teen Thursdays” at one of the Planned Parenthood locations in Phoenix. Check our facebook page or email us for times and exact locations, and join us for an hour of vigil and fellowship for teens and their families.
Teens, more exciting service and social events are planned for the coming months, so join us today! Check out AZ Teens for Life on the Ning Network and Facebook!
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 National Right to Life Issues Statement on Abortion “Deal” on Healthcare Legislation
Washington, DC–March 21, 2010 – In response to the announcement of an agreement between Rep. Bart Stupak (D- MI) and President Barack Obama on the Health Care Reform bill (HR 3590) the NRLC issued a statement reaffirming its opposition to the bill in its entirety and that the “deal” changes nothing and was used just for “political effect.”
NRLC remains committed to opposing the bill and educating legislators and decision makers as to the real consequences of the bill.
To read the full release click HERE. Stay up to date on this important issue by visiting www.nrlc.org regularly.
Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Announces Retirement
Washingon, DC – April 10,2010 — In a letter dated April 9, 2010, to President Barack Obama, Senior Associate Justice John Paul Stevens announced his decision to retire when the Court concludes its work for the summer in late June or early July. Justice Stevens, 90, was an appointee by President Gerald R. Ford in 1975 and was the senior most member of the court. Often called “The Liberal Lion” or “Leader of the Liberals,” he often spoke for the more liberal members of the High Court. The decision gives President Obama the unusual opportunity to appoint back to back Supreme Court justices in just his first two years in office. He appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor to replace David Souter in 2009.
The debate over the new appointment is expected to be heated, as it coincides with an election year. A new justice will have the ability to influence this country and its legal precedents for decades. A liberal justice who does not support the Right to Life message could lead to millions of deaths of the most innocent Americans. Please visit www.azrtl.org and www.nrlc.org often to find out how you can voice your opinion of who should be the appointee for the vacant justice position. We must make our voices heard, for those who cannot raise their voices in opposition.
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Support and Protect Life!!!
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