March for Life

BREAKING: March for Life Welcomes New President-Elect, Jennie Bradley Lichter

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BREAKING: March for Life Welcomes New President-Elect, Jennie Bradley Lichter

Washington, DC, September 12, 2024 – Today, March for Life Education and Defense Fund is delighted to introduce the organization’s new president-elect Jennie Bradley Lichter. She was most recently Deputy General Counsel at The Catholic University of America and has a broad range of legal and policy experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including at the highest levels of the federal government.  Lichter is a married mother of three and a longtime Marcher. In addition to her legal and policy work, she founded an initiative at Catholic University to provide tangible resources and support to expectant mothers and their children.

“The March for Life is a storied organization that for 50 years has given the pro-life movement and our nation the great gift of a massive, peaceful, joy-filled annual witness to the dignity of unborn human life. When I first began attending the National March as a college student over 20 years ago, I never could have dreamed that someday I would have the honor of leading it,” said Jennie Bradley Lichter about her new role. “I am humbled by the Board’s confidence in me and thank them for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the great Jeanne Mancini, whom I deeply admire, and the indefatigable founder of the March for Life, Nellie Gray. I can’t wait to get to work alongside the terrific team at the March for Life, and committed pro-life Americans across the country, to do our part in building a nation where the unborn are protected, mothers are supported, and abortion is unthinkable.”

The new president-elect looks forward to putting her years of experience in law and policy in service to the organization and committed Marchers across the country, to all who are participating in the ongoing public conversation about the dignity of every human life, and, most of all, to mothers and their babies.

Jennie Bradley Lichter will succeed Jeanne Mancini who is only the second president of the organization founded and led by Nellie Gray in 1974 as a response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade the year before. Jeanne Mancini’s 12-year tenure has been marked by consistent and extraordinarily fruitful growth, including at the National March which has become the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration and the establishment of a rapidly expanding state march program already in 16 states. Major milestones under Jeanne Mancini’s leadership include hosting the first sitting Vice-President and President of the United States at the National March for Life in Washington, DC as well as the monumental Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

Jeanne Mancini commented, “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. The heroes I have been able to work with along the way have made this all possible—from our amazing Board to our supporters to our wonderful staff to, last but definitely not least, the collective millions of Marchers I have walked with over 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. I am more than delighted to watch how the organization will continue to grow under Jennie Bradley Lichter’s leadership.”

March for Life Chairman of the Board Timothy Saccoccia added, “It is impossible to express properly the gratitude the Board of Directors has for Jeanne Mancini’s 12 years of leadership during some of the most historic moments for our movement. Her visionary leadership conceived of a state march program years before we heard of Dobbs, and her joyous demeanor has helped to change hearts and minds across America. I’m delighted that Jeanne will also remain with us on the Board of Directors. At the same time, it gives me great joy to welcome Jennie Bradley Lichter at this time of great potential for our movement. She will truly be a leader in the tradition of her amazing and dedicated predecessors at a time when the need to march in Washington and our state capitals has never been more important. I know marchers across the country will enjoy the opportunity in the years ahead to meet Jennie and march with her until abortion is unthinkable.”

Jennie Bradley Lichter will come on board in November as President-elect and will officially assume leadership of the organization on February 1, 2025. Jeanne Mancini will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for March for Life.

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March for Life is a non-sectarian, non-partisan organization that promotes the beauty and dignity of every human life by working to end abortion – uniting, educating, and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square. It hosts the world’s largest annual human rights demonstration in Washington, DC every January.

 

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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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The Supreme Court’s Summer Term: Life Impacting Cases

THIS SUMMER: The Supreme Court of the United States released 3 decisions that are particularly relevant to us as we seek to protect unborn lives from the horrific reality of abortion. 

Case #1: On June 13, 2024, the Supreme Court released a decision in Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine,  deciding that that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would not have to reinstate critical safeguards for abortion drugs. It is important to note that the decision was procedural in nature, and not decided on the merits. But in this instance, the Court found the Plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the Food and Drug Administration’s regulatory actions regarding the abortion drug, mifepristone.

For context, in 2016, the FDA retracted one of its safeguards that prevented chemical abortions after 7 weeks, allowing women to take these drugs up to 10 weeks gestation. In addition, in 2021, the FDA recklessly removed a safeguard that required women take these drugs with in-person care, thereby leaving more women to take these drugs alone.  

The FDA’s own label notes that about 1 in 25 women who take these drugs go to the emergency room, experiencing complications such as hemorrhaging and infection.  

Because of the reckless removal of these chemical abortion drugs, doctors asked the Supreme Court to reinstate these necessary safeguards in order to better protect women from life-threating complications.  

Just in June, the Supreme Court decided that the FDA does not have to reinstate these important protections as the court found the Plaintiffs/doctors had no standing to challenge the FDA’s regulatory actions.  However we are encouraged that the Court did  find that ‘[f]ederal law fully protects doctors against being required to provide abortions or other medical treatment against their consciences.’”  

Ultimately, we are disappointed by this decision as this will cause more women to take dangerous chemical drugs without the in-person care of a doctor and will continue to end unborn lives, the very lives we seek to protect. But we are confident that it increased awareness on the dangers of abortion drugs and further proved we must continue to fight for life.  

Case #2: In Moyle v. United States of America, the Biden/Harris administration sued Idaho to override their Defense of Life Act, a law aiming to protect unborn lives. 

The Biden/Harris administration initiated the lawsuit, alleging that the federal law, Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), requires doctors to perform abortion in order to ensure people receive ample care in emergency situations in accordance with EMTALA.  EMTALA requires hospitals that accept Medicare to determine if the person has an “emergency medical condition” through providing “an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the hospital’s emergency department.” EMTALA explicitly accounts for the health of both the mother and her “unborn child” throughout the text. If it is determined that an emergency medical condition is present, under EMTALA, the hospital must either treat them or transfer them to another facility that can provide the necessary care. 

Therefore, the Idaho law does not conflict with EMTALA, as it ensures that both mom and baby’s health are prioritized. The Idaho law protects unborn children from abortions that are not critical to saving the life of the mother and would not stop treatment for miscarriage management, ectopic pregnancy, etc.  Doctors under EMTALA and Idaho’s law can treat both mom and baby, relying on good-faith medical judgment to care for both. 

EMTALA should not be distorted as a tool to push abortion access, but the Biden/Harris administration argued that their pro-abortion interpretation of EMTALA should reign supreme. On June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court decided to send the case back to the 9th Circuit for further consideration, asserting that the case should not have reached the Supreme Court.  

We hope the 9th Circuit will recognize the Biden/Harris Administration’s radical misstep and preserve Idaho’s ability to protect the life of both mom and baby.  Americans should be able protect the lives of women and their unborn children without fear of the government pushing an unjust pro-abortion agenda.  

Case #3: In Loper Bright v. Raimondo, Atlantic Herring faced an unfair financial burden placed upon them by a federal regulatory agency, leading them to initiate the lawsuit to highlight the agency’s overreach. 

Plaintiffs argued that regulatory agencies should not have as much power to determine how laws are carried out if not clearly outlined by the law, taking aim at agencies that would seek to mandate according to their understanding and political agenda. 

On June 28, the Supreme Court decided that the regulatory state cannot enforce unreasonable regulations outside of their designated authority, thereby overturning “Chevron deference”—a doctrine that granted agencies the ability to interpret statutes. Courts now rightfully have the responsibility to determine whether an agency has overstepped in its interpretation of a law instead of allowing agencies to exercise unconstitutional authority and overreach in its implementation of a statute. 

This decision will help prevent pro-abortion unelected bureaucrats from using agencies as a mechanism to push the abortion agenda in ways not explicitly designated by Congress.   

A recent example of this agency overreach was seen in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The EEOC interpreted the PWFA to mandate that private employers must provide “reasonable accommodations” for elective abortions, which was contrary to clear legislative intent, and the plain meaning of the statutory text is an example of the an administration distorting existing laws to push their own agenda. 

We are grateful for this decision as federal agencies will now be held accountable for abusing their power to push anti-life policies and principles.   

As the Summer draws to a close, we thank you for your partnership as we continue to educate fellow Americans on the need to protect life, whether it be before Congress or the Supreme Court of the United States.  

 

 

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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)