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May 2010 |
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Save the Date
May 15th, 2010 1pm
Sidewalk Counseling Training
Diocesan Pastoral Center
Phoenix, 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 Friends,
The last year has been a momentous one in the battle to support and protect life. We have seen great opposition, with the passing of the federal healthcare reform package and its abortion funding mandate.
We have also seen great success with the signing into law of several key pieces of state legislation including: opting Arizona out of the abortion insurance coverage mandate and requiring strict reporting guidelines on abortions giving us the information we need to fight abortions and influence policy.
With these peaks and valleys in our ongoing battle, it is now more important than ever that we recommit and strengthen our resolve to protect the sanctity of life and do our part to fight all those who attack it. Arizona Right to Life continues to be the premier life-education organization in the state. We work to inform and mobilize the people of this state to stand in defense of our most precious gift… life.
We stand as shepherds to the unborn, protecting them against countless wolves who would do them harm. These unborn children, just like sheep, need protection and if we do not answer the call, then who will?
Join us as shepherds and protectors of life. There are many, many things you can do in support. You can join a local chapter of Right to Life and help out in local causes to advance our mission. You can volunteer your time and talents, Arizona Right to Life always has volunteer opportunities of all kinds available for anyone. Or you can donate whatever you can to the cause. Whether it is $25, $100, $500 or $1000 every dollar helps us continue the fight to protect life from conception to natural death.
If you can help in any of these ways please contact our office, or use this newsletter to make a donation. We have made a difference, and with your help can continue to make an even greater difference for innocent men and women of all ages in our state. Join the cause for life… It’s a gift worth fighting for.
Arizona Right to Life Welcomes Another New Staff Member
The State Office of AZRTL has welcomed aboard Mark Baer to serve as Programs Specialist. Mark comes to us with a wealth of experience in communications and government affairs. He will oversee the organization’s communications efforts, as well as assisting with events, fundraising and working with the legislature and or political action committee.
Mark originally hails from Oregon, but now calls Laveen home. He and his wife are also newly licensed Foster Parents! Please join us in welcoming Mark to the AZRTL Family.
For Life,
Virginia (Jinny) Perron
President, Arizona Right to Life
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AZRTL Wishes to Thank all Mothers for Choosing Life.
Arizona Right to Life’s Mission is the educate and advocate for the unborn and protect life from conception to natural death. This month we celebrate Mother’s Day, and all of us at AZRTL would like to take the time to thank all those women who chose to support life and give the gift of life to us all. Mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, aunts, grandmothers and all those special women who sacrifice their time and talents to improve the life of a child, we honor you and say a heartfelt thank you.
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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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Pro-Life Cause Gains Victory with Two Bills Signed Into Law
Within days of each other Governor Brewer gave pro-life supporters a great victory by signing two key pieces of legislation.
On April 20th, the governor signed SB 1304, requiring statistical data on abortions be kept and recorded. The information will include general information on the numbers of abortions performed, age etc. It will also record whether or not parental notification was waived by judicial order. The information will be compiled in an annual report by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services. Pro-life advocates will use this information to educate legislators and work toward more victories in the future.
 Just four days later, on Saturday, April 24th Brewer signed SB 1305 into law. Opting Arizona out of the abortion insurance coverage mandate included in the federal health care reform package. Her signature made Arizona one of the first states to have a signed law in place, with as many as 28 others considering similar bills.
Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
The 49th Legislature, Second general session adjourned Sine Die April 29, 2010 at 11:29pm. It was the first time the legislature adjourned in April since 2000. The lawmakers made a late night push to finish business and end the 2010 session. With an election year looming there will be a great deal of change the next time the legislature meets for a regular session as 39 of the state’s 90 lawmakers will be retiring or leaving to seek another office. With this much change it will be imperative to elect candidates who support life. Stay up to date throughout the election process as the Arizona Right to Life Political Action Committee endorses candidates, to find out who will best represent pro-life values and issues at the legislature.
AZRTL Announces Newly Elected Slate of Officers
The Arizona Right to Life Board of Directors elected a new slate of officers at their annual meeting, May 1st. The New officers for 2010-2011 are:
Chairman of the Board and National RTL Representative: Dr. Carolyn Gerster
Alternate National RTL Representative: John Jakubczyk
President: Virginia (Jinny) Perron
Vice-President: R. Richard Newhouse
Secretary: Rachel Alexander
Treasurer: Anne Debratto
PAC Chairman: Walter Opaska
Education Chairman: Candida Kirkpatrick
Chapter Development Chairman: Joseph Perron
Members-at- Large
Dennis Wales
Herb Maddock
John Jakubczyk
John Garcia
Easton Kelsey
Mark Williamson
From the Arizona Right to Life Chapters
Chandler Right to Life
The Chandler chapter held it’s annual election on April 20th, 2010. The Chapter chose to re-elect Paul Fordtner as Chapter President and Marie Fordtner as Treasurer. Charles Ryan was newly elected to serve as chapter Vice President. Chandler Right to Life is actively seeking new members in the SE valley to join us in supporting and defending life. The chapter meets often and has many great events. Anyone interested should contact Charles Ryan at charles@azrtl.org or come to a chapter meeting. Chandler Right to Life will be meeting Monday, June 14th at 7:00 pm in the Knights of Columbus Hall. The address is 644 E. Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85225. The chapter is also looking for new venues to hold chapter meetings. Please call Paul & Marie Fordtner at 480-963-5561 or Charlie Ryan at 480-330-8537 if you have any venue ideas, questions or would like more information. Thank you!
Mesa Right to Life
In a recent election, the Mesa chapter re-elected Joe & Jinny Perron as their chapter leaders and Genny Jones as the secretary for the annual term beginning in May.
Mesa Right to Life will be hosting a educational booth at the Knights of Columbus State Convention May 21-22nd at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort.
Tucson Northeast Right to Life
Tucson NE Chapter Treasurer, Ann Downey coordinates a prayerful witness five days a week by the two remaining abortion clinics that remain active in Tucson, both are only one block apart.
In April the chapter sponsored a booth at the Pima County Fair. During the six days of our booth the lively, outgoing volunteers at the booth shared pro-life literature and messages with the fair goers. The volunteers informed the public of of the negative spiritual, psychological, social and physical aftermath following an abortion. We had several interested persons sign up to receive more information about how to become informed of Pro Life projects and be involved. Our medical representative will continue to be active in providing alternatives for pregnant mothers, who feel unsupported, in choosing LIFE at the newly dedicated Fatima Women’s Center. For more information, or to get involved in the Tucson NE chapter contact thecactustax@aol.com.
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 Andrew Thomas for Attorney General
In a Press release dated April 16th 2010 the Political Action Committee for Arizona Right to Life announced its endorsement of Andrew Thomas for Arizona Attorney General. Thomas becomes the second candidate endorsed by AZRTL joining David Schweikert for the GOP primary of Congressional District 5.
AZRTL PAC endorses Thomas based on his long involvement and commitment to Arizona Right to Life and the pro-life movement.
“Andrew Thomas has shown a dedication to the prolife cause unmatched by most in public office. He and his wife have both served on the board of Arizona Right to Life, and he has lobbied for Arizona Right to Life at the legislature. As County Attorney, he has demonstrated a dedication to the protection of innocent human life,” said Walter Opaska, Chair of AZRTL PAC.
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Education Director Karen Williams mans the AZRTL booth at the ASU Women’s Fair.
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Arizona Right to Life’s new Education Director, Karen Williams has hit the ground running in her mission to raise awareness about life issues, and support life at education events throughout the state.
April was a busy month as the Arizona Right to Life sponsored a booth at the ASU Women’s Health Fair in Tempe on April 27th. AZRTL joined with other pro-life groups to champion the voice for life at the fair. The Memorial for the Unborn was a a touching display of 20 pairs of baby shoes with emotional testimonials of the sorrow that endures even years after an abortion takes place. AZRTL hopes to expand the memorial to increase awareness of the heartbreak of abortion, and let women know that 94% of women regret their abortions and this heartbreak can be avoided.
Many Pro-Life Groups including ASU Students for Life joined in creating a strong united pro-life presence at the fair.
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April also had many opportunities to increase awareness of life issues, including a concert by the very talented Eric Genius, and the showing of Maafa 21 an eye-opening documentary on the atrocities of abortion in our country. Special thanks go to the host locations for the movie showings and Maria Birnbaum for her work in bringing the film to local audiences.
AZRTL will be involved in many educational and outreach events throughout the summer, stay tuned to our newsletter and visit www.azrtl.org to get the latest information on how you can get involved.
Arizona Right to Life Proudly Presents: Sidewalk Counselor Training
AZRTL is pleased to announce training for anyone interested in being a sidewalk counselor. The training is open to anyone interested in intelligently, graciously and effectively saving women, men and their unborn children from the horrors of abortion. The training will be held on May 15th at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix (400 E. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ). The training begins at 1pm, refreshments will be provided. To register,or if you have any questions, please contact Karen Williams at karen@azrtl.org or 602-708-8809. Please feel free to forward this information to all of your contacts. Click HERE to see the flyer!
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AZ Teens 4 Life At ASU Women’s Fair in April
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Arizona Teens for Life has reached an all-new high in members — more than 700 teens have decided to stand up in defense of human life by joining forces with AZT4L! And there’s never been a better time for it. With the recent passing of the healthcare bill, opposition to abortion is really starting to grow, and every one of us should have a desire to be a part of it, especially because we are the next generation! There is no cause worthier of our attention than this one.
This past April, teens from Arizona Teens for Life joined together at a local movie theatre to watch “The Human Experience” and “Letters to God,” both very life-affirming movies! Attendees were able to meet the filmmakers of “The Human Experience”, Michael Campo and Jeffrey Azize. Arizona Teens for Life will be holding events throughout the summer, to participate visit www.azteens4life.org for more information.
Arizona Teens for Life is nearing its first anniversary and is ready to celebrate. The AZ Teens for Life’s Birthday Bash is planned for the week of July 14th, and the organizatiion is seeking input on its celebration plans. If you have any ideas for how the group should celebrate this momentous occasion contact them at azteens4life@gmail.com, invite all your friends, and save the date! This is going to be a party that you won’t want to miss! For more information about this event or to stay tuned for upcoming details, visit www.azteens4life.org.
If you’d like to get involved with AZT4L, visit their website or join them on social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter, and Ning! Thank you for your support!
Check out AZ Teens for Life on the Ning Network, Facebook and Twitter!
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 A Great April for Pro-Lifers in State Legislatures
April has been a landmark month in the support and approval of pro-life legislation across the country. Many states including Arizona, Oklahoma and Nebraska have seen unparallelled success in enacting laws that restrict and regulate abortions.
Dave Andrusko, of National Right to Life, chronicles the latest successes in Oklahoma and other areas and notes there may be a movement across the country to support pro-life legislation.
In Oklahoma the legislature was able to garner enough votes to override two gubernatorial vetoes by Gov. Brad Henry on a pair of pro-life bills. The bills require that a woman would be shown a picture of an ultrasound before deciding to have an abortion, and disallows the practice of “wrongful life” lawsuits stemming from the premise that children with disabilities would ”be better off aborted.”
This coupled with the two laws signed by Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer, and pro-life legislation being considered in roughly 28 other states, shows that this is not an isolated incident, but an advance of the pro-life legislation nationwide.
To read Andrusko’s full article Click HERE
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Support and Protect Life!!!
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