March for Life

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March for Life announces ‘longtime marcher’ as new president

(EWTN) — The March for Life announced Thursday that longtime president Jeanne Mancini will pass the torch early next year to Jennie Bradley Lichter, a leading pro-life legal advocate and scholar.

“Leading the March for Life has been the honor and opportunity of a lifetime, one for which I will be forever grateful. There have been countless highlights during my time as president of March for Life, including the momentous overturn of Roe v. Wade,” said Mancini, who has led the pro-life organization for the past 12 years.

“I’m convinced that building a culture of life through compassionate public witness to the inherent dignity of the unborn and their mothers is as critically important today as it was the tragic day abortion was first legalized in the United States — or at any time since,” she said.

“I am more than delighted to watch how the organization will continue to grow under Jennie Bradley Lichter’s leadership.”

Catholic pro-life activist Nellie Gray founded the March for Life in Washington, D.C., in 1974 following the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

The organization, which now bills its march as the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration, celebrated its 51st anniversary with this year’s gathering, which took place in late January and attracted tens of thousands.

Mancini was only the second person to serve as president of the March for Life, after Gray herself, who died in 2012. Mancini’s tenure of a dozen years was marked by “consistent and extraordinarily fruitful growth,” the group says, which includes the establishment of a “rapidly expanding” state march program, already present in 16 states.

Other major milestones under Mancini’s leadership include hosting for the first time the sitting vice president and president of the United States at the national March in 2020 as well as the landmark 2022 Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which returned the power to legislate on abortion to the states.

(Originally published in EWTN)

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On the anniversary of Dobbs, we must continue the fight for life

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) — As we celebrate the second anniversary of the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, I find myself reflecting on the history of the pro-life movement while also dreaming of the future ahead.

Despite years of hard work and dedication, many people believed that Roe v. Wade would never be overturned. But by remaining focused on our goal to protect life at all stages, the pro-life movement witnessed the end of a precedent that had darkened our nation for 50 years.

As we know, with such a monumental victory comes great change and, of course, new challenges. Fortunately, the pro-life community is equipped with all the necessary resources.

Perhaps the biggest challenge confronting our movement is ensuring that women facing unexpected pregnancies know they are loved, they are strong, and there are resources available to them so that they do not have to walk alone.

Tragically, the vast majority of women who chose abortion say they would have preferred to parent if they had received requisite emotional and financial support. Nearly 70% say their abortions were coerced, unwanted, or inconsistent with their preferences.

They were repeatedly told the lie that they had to choose between their child and their happiness and fulfillment. There is so much more in store for these women.

For decades, the pro-life community has empowered women in these difficult circumstances by serving as a source of refuge, solace, and hope. Since Roe was overturned two years ago, these efforts to encourage women have only grown. A nationwide network of over 3,000 pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes exists to provide round-the-clock care and support to pregnant women, no matter their situation, background, or story.

These centers and homes are changing lives. In 2022 alone, they served nearly 975,000 women with approximately $358 million in free services, including ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, as well as physical and emotional resources such as diapers, food, formula, financial aid, counseling, and so much more.

Yet just as important as the physical items provided by these centers are the simple gifts of unconditional love and support they offer. In crisis circumstances, women need to hear that they are strong and capable. They need to hear that they can be great mothers while simultaneously reaching for greatness in all their hopes and dreams. Pregnancy resource center staff assure these women they are not alone in their journeys.

Through the selfless hard work of pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across the country and the devoted support they receive from pro-lifers in their communities, it is clear the pro-life movement stands with every woman and for every child.

Sadly, pro-abortion politicians are on the opposite track with a profoundly anti-woman mission that seeks to slash the direct support offered to mothers by these charitable organizations. Across the country, pregnancy resource centers have faced threats, vandalism, and political persecution simply because of their efforts to defend the lives of both women and unborn children.

Abortion activists are seeking to eliminate these centers, striking at the heart of women’s health and well-being while contributing to pro-abortion legislators’ broader plan of imposing the nation’s most radical abortion agenda upon all people. Both President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) have announced intentions to eliminate the filibuster if Biden is reelected in order to enshrine on-demand abortion through all nine months of pregnancy into federal law. Meanwhile, numerous efforts are underway to amend state constitutions so they, too, enshrine access to unrestricted elective abortion while also abolishing state pro-life laws.

How incomprehensible it is that abortion is being sold as the catch-all “solution” to the challenges women face. Today, abortions are tragically occurring throughout all nine months of pregnancy. In fact, more than 55,000 abortions occur annually at or after 15 weeks gestation, past the point at which babies can feel pain. Pro-abortion members of Congress oppose any protections for these children.

It is imperative that we continue to fight against this unprecedented extremism in defense of the most vulnerable among us. In this quest for life, we must remain hopeful for what lies ahead, especially considering that a majority of people oppose abortion extremism and instead believe in offering tangible support and resources to women in need.

It took half a century of dedicated and passionate marching before the victorious overturn of Roe v. Wade. If it takes another 50 years to live in a nation in which innocent life is cherished and protected at all stages, then we will face each day, each battle, and each year with the same love embodied by those who came before us.

Let the Dobbs decision be a reminder of the glorious things we can achieve when the pro-life community is united and determined in the fight for life. The torch has been passed to us, and it is up to us to ensure it continues to burn with more light for the next 50 years and beyond.

(Originally published in Washington Examiner)

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The world’s toughest, yet most rewarding job: Moms are heroes

(FOX NEWS) — A few years back, I watched a powerful video.

A company interviewed potential employees for a “Director of Operations” position. The job responsibilities included constant work on their feet (even overnight) and excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills.

The company was seeking someone with degrees in medicine, finance and the culinary arts. The shocked interviewees soon lost interest in the role when they were told there would be no compensation for the job, no breaks and no vacation days. The work was 24/7, 365 days a year. In fact, on holidays the employee’s workload would increase and it was required to be done in a cheerful disposition.

It turned out that the job posting was fake. The job description was that of being a Mom.

The interviewees quickly agreed that being a mom is the most challenging yet rewarding job in the world. This message is needed now more than ever in a world that so often takes mothers for granted.

People may think “moms don’t have a real job” or assume that their work requires no special talent or skills. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Mothers across the world and for all time have worked tirelessly to ensure that her child feels loved and taken care of, and that her child will live a life better than she did.

This Mother’s Day, I want to highlight the strength of three mothers who have inspired me during my time in the pro-life movement. 

Rose was diagnosed with endometriosis and told she could never have kids. As she was grieving this news with her husband, a young woman nearby named Elizabeth was grieving for a different reason. Elizabeth just found out she was pregnant, but she was unmarried and terrified to raise a child on her own.

By the grace of God, the two women met and formed a deep, trust-filled relationship. Soon, Elizabeth would entrust Rose and her husband with adopting her baby. Their daughter, Maria Elizabeth grew up in a loving household, even having a strong relationship with her birth mom.

Later, Rose and her husband adopted another little one named Joe. Maria is now a 24-year-old, ninth-grade algebra teacher in Georgia, and 19-year-old Joe is working as a plumbing apprentice and personal trainer.

Rose and Elizabeth chose motherhood in different but equally beautiful ways, and their lives show how the choice for adoption rather than abortion can produce more joy and love than anyone ever imagined.

When Beverly was 18 weeks pregnant with her and her husband’s ninth child, she got a call that turned their lives upside down. Their child was diagnosed with “Trisomy 18,” a life-limiting prenatal diagnosis.

She was told by her doctor that her baby would be a “drain on [her] family” if she lived at all. Still, she decided to love her baby girl, no matter what conditions she may have. Her beautiful daughter, Verity, is now 7 years old and her family’s “most precious blessing.”

Beverly recently said, “True love puts others first. It requires self-sacrifice, not self-interest. True love invites us to serve others, especially the most marginalized and helpless in society. This is our calling, and yes, it sometimes involves hardship.”

 In Beverly, I see the unfathomable love and sacrifice characteristic of mothers across the world… no matter their child’s ability.

Francesca’s path to jail began at a young age. She was addicted to drugs and had been abused in her marriage. After losing custody of her four children, she despaired and spent the next 17 months of her life stealing cars and drugs for a living.

One day after being robbed at gunpoint, she decided to quit this hopeless lifestyle. She turned herself into the local jail where she served 10 months.

Soon after being released from jail, Francesca sat awaiting her psychiatric drug prescription. She was shocked when the doctor instead sent her home with prenatal vitamins. The child’s father was her former drug dealer.

Francesca turned in desperation to a local maternity home where she found love, support and hope. She stayed at that maternity home for two years and during that time turned her life around. She is now a thriving mom to her son, Brandon and found her calling as a manager at a mechanic shop.

It’s incredible what can happen when we invest in women and love them, no matter their circumstances. Francesca’s story makes it clear that motherhood empowers women to overcome deep brokenness and suffering and realize their dreams.

As these stories highlight, motherhood can look different for every woman, but one thing stands out among all moms: Women are incredible, and when we encourage and empower them in their motherhood, even in the most difficult situations, they become the world’s greatest heroes.

This Mother’s Day let’s all celebrate moms for all they do. A mother’s job never stops, and far too often their work goes unnoticed. No matter the circumstances of her motherhood, she is needed and loved by her child in a unique and beautiful way.

Moms deserve to be honored and celebrated today and every day for the heroes they are.

(Originally published in Fox News)

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‘Leave it to the states’ won’t work: Why we need a federal abortion law

(THE HILL) — Over the last few weeks, we have seen intense debate reignite over the role the federal government plays in limiting abortion. The backdrop to such debates is the upcoming presidential election, as well as the cultural reverberations around the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

There has been some confusion about the Dobbs decision. It did not simply “return abortion to the states.” Rather, it returned the power to protect the unborn to the voters, who can exercise this power through both their state and federal elected officials.

The Dobbs decision empowers states to enact pro-life laws that cover the period before viability — that is, approximately 22 weeks into a pregnancy or earlier. Under the Roe regime, states were not able to enforce such laws. Thankfully, many states have now implemented life-protective laws since the decision came down. To date, 24 states protect women and unborn children prior to viability. (Three of these are currently in litigation.)

Of course, the reverse is also sadly true. Twenty-six states currently have few or no protections for unborn babies, even at the stages where their hearts are beating, where they suck their thumbs or where they can feel pain. Seven of these states, along with Washington, D.C., have virtually no limits on abortion — not even a prohibition on painful dismemberment abortions.

This is why the U.S. must enact some form of a federal limit that protects unborn children nationwide. Otherwise, we continue on our deadly path, where over half of the country is exposed to the harms of abortion, and the human rights of the unborn are ignored.

It can be hard to comprehend that the most developed country in the world, the U.S., permits late term abortion in more than half of our states, even though 65 percent of Americans consistently believe that abortion should be illegal at least after the first trimester (about 12 weeks), and 80 percent believe that it should be illegal after the second trimester (about 24 weeks).

Our nation is in shameful company with its lack of protections for the unborn. Only seven other countries allow late-term abortions, including some of the worst international violators of human rights such as China and North Korea.  In comparison, 47 out of 50 European countries have stronger protections for the unborn, limiting elective abortion to 15 weeks’ gestation or earlier.

Even pro-choice Americans know that a seven-pound baby, almost fully formed, who has not yet been born, deserves the right to live. But the law does not reflect this reality.

(Originally published in The Hill)

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Appeals court restricts access to abortion pill, setting up potential Supreme Court review

(OSV News) — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit in New Orleans ruled Aug. 16 to restrict access to an abortion pill nationwide, finding that the government may not have followed its own rules when it loosened regulations on the drug. This ruling will not take effect unless the Supreme Court weighs in, meaning the drug will remain on the market for now.

A coalition of pro-life opponents of mifepristone, the first of two drugs used in a chemical abortion, filed suit in an effort to revoke the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the abortion pill, arguing the government violated its own safety standards when it first approved the drug in 2000. However, proponents argue mifepristone poses statistically little risk to women using it for abortion early in pregnancy, and claim the drug is being singled out for political reasons.

The FDA in 2016 and 2023 expanded the availability of the drug beyond the 2000 standard, increasing the gestational limit on the drug from seven to 10 weeks, and making the drug available via telemedicine.

The appeals court’s ruling — if implemented by the Supreme Court — would roll back those expansions to their original limits.

“In loosening mifepristone’s safety restrictions, FDA failed to address several important concerns about whether the drug would be safe for the women who use it,” Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote in the court’s ruling. “It failed to consider the cumulative effect of removing several important safeguards at the same time.”

Erin Hawley, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom and vice president of the ADF Center for Life and Regulatory Practice, told reporters on an Aug. 16 press call that “the district rightly required the FDA to do its job and to restore crucial safeguards for women and girls, including ending illegal mail-order abortions.”

“The FDA will finally be made to account for the damage it has caused and help countless women and the rule of law by unlawfully removing almost every meaningful safeguard from the chemical abortions drug regimen,” added Hawley, who also is the wife of Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.

In a statement attributed to drugmaker GenBioPro, which manufactures generic mifepristone tablets, the company said that “we remain concerned about extremists and special interests using the courts in an attempt to undermine science and access to evidence-based medication as well as attempts to undermine the US Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory authority.”

“We will continue to use our company’s legal and regulatory tools to ensure access to mifepristone, which is essential to the health of many in the United States,” the statement said.

Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life, said in a statement the group “is encouraged by the 5th Circuit’s acknowledgment of the FDA’s reckless decision to lift critical safeguards related to the administration of powerful drugs used in chemical abortion.”

“Most Americans oppose (63%) mail-order abortion which lacks any sort of meaningful medical oversight and places women in danger of serious, life threatening complications, and ends the lives of unborn children,” she said. “The FDA has a solemn duty to prioritize health and safety over politics and should be held accountable for failing to do so.”

The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred and must be respected from conception to natural death and as such opposes direct abortion as an act of violence that takes the life of the unborn child.

Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement that mifepristone “remains FDA-approved and available in many states across the country, including via telehealth.”

“But the 5th Circuit’s opinion makes it clear that mifepristone’s approval is very much still at risk, as is the FDA’s independence,” McGill Johnson said. “Pregnant people should be the ones who make decisions about their own health care, and medical professionals should be the ones who make evidence-based decisions about the safety of medications — not judges. The Supreme Court should reject this clearly baseless and political attempt to interfere with our ability to get health care.”

A statement from the American Association of Pro-Life OB/GYNS, one of the groups behind the challenge to the drug, called the ruling “a victory for our patients.”

“Over the past two decades, the FDA has repeatedly removed necessary safeguards on the chemical abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol,” the statement said. “These deregulations have placed women and girls at greater risk of life-threatening complications, as well as coerced abortion by abusers and traffickers.”

“Today’s ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstating these basic safeguards and stopping the dangerous practice of mail-order abortions is a first step towards reprioritizing women’s health over the interests of the abortion industry and its allies within our profession,” it continued. “As physicians, we will continue to fight for all our patients to be able to receive the best fully informed and evidence-based healthcare possible.”

Even if mifepristone is pulled from shelves, another drug used in combination for chemical abortions, called misoprostol, would still be available. Misoprostol is sometimes prescribed by doctors for early miscarriage, and the FDA has not approved the drug for inducing an abortion by itself.

In January, the FDA eased restrictions on the sale of mifepristone, permitting its sale at retail pharmacies for the first time. The decision followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision last year that struck down its previous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, after which states moved to restrict or broaden abortion access.

The FDA states on its website that the drug’s approval was “based on a thorough and comprehensive review of the scientific evidence presented and determined that it was safe and effective for its indicated use.”

On its website as of Aug. 17, the FDA states that mifepristone “is safe when used as indicated and directed” through 10 weeks gestation. The agency’s adverse reaction guidelines for the drug state that “serious and sometimes fatal infections and bleeding occur very rarely.”

But opponents of mifepristone say those risks are more common and more dangerous than proponents of the drug say.

(Originally published in America Magazine)