Week in Review – A look at pro-life principles, while our judicial system changes
Once again, another week has gone by without the Supreme Court of the United States announcing its decision in the June Medical Services LLC v. Russo case. This case is about Louisiana’s law requiring physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. Much attention is being paid to the case as it is the first abortion case in which Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch will participate. Earlier this week, American Life League’s president, Judie Brown, released a commentary, Polling for Babies, in which she calls on pro-life Americans to stop trying to regulate abortion and put all our efforts into stopping the killing.
It was a tough week for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s chief executive officer. An internal fight in the affiliate concerning her leadership style and accusations of racism became public with the publication of an article in The New Republic on June 18. The article quickly went viral. The fallout was felt in the boardroom of PPGNY, and it was announced by the New York Times on June 23 that “Facing mounting complaints about abusive behavior and unfair treatment of black staff members, the chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Laura McQuade, has been ousted from her job. The organization’s board of directors had supported Ms. McQuade as recently as last week. On Tuesday, however, the group reversed course, sending an email to staff members saying the board had ‘parted ways’ with her the previous day.”
In our own research on racism and severe management problems at Planned Parenthood affiliates across the United States, it is clear that the problem exists at many of the organization’s 49 affiliates. American Life League will issue a report on our findings as soon as the research is completed. We’ll let you know in a future issue of Pro-Life This Weekwhen the report is available. If you have any information to share with us, please e-mail jsedlak@all.org and put “PP Information” as the subject line.
Pro-lifers know that the fight against abortion is not only fought in the streets, in pregnancy resource centers, and in legislatures, but also in the courts. Too many times we witness Planned Parenthood running to judges to force its values on American society. Since 2017, there has been a major push from the Trump administration and the Unites States Senate to fill vacancies on the courts with conservative judges. This week, the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed President Trump’s 200th judge. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell commented: “With today’s confirmation, not a single circuit court vacancy exists anywhere in the nation for the first time in at least 40 years.” The president has appointed 53 appeals court judges (out of 179), 143 district court judges (out of 677), two US Court of International Trade judges, and two justices to the Supreme Court (out of 9)—Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. All are life-time appointments. Trump has been able to influence over 20 percent of each of the courts. Obviously, his impact will grow significantly if he has four more years and Republicans maintain control of the Senate.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: Next weekend we celebrate the 4th of July. It is, of course, Independence Day in the United States. Because the date falls on a Saturday, the official national holiday will be on Friday, July 3. Because of the holiday, there will NOT be a Pro-Life This Week that day. The next PLTW will be issued on Friday, July 10. In the midst of all the craziness that is going on in our country, we ask that you take some time next weekend and reflect on life in the United States and thank God for the opportunity to live here and to work to help stop the slaughter of His innocent preborn babies—of all races and colors.
ALL in the News – Jim ALL VP Interviewed by Former Presidential Candidate Alan Keyes
This week, American Life League vice president Hugh Brown was interviewed by political commentator and former presidential candidate Alan Keyes. The interview will appear on the show “Let’s Talk America with Alan Keyes.”
Judie Brown’s weekly commentaries and press statements continue to be featured as a column on Renew America. This week’s Tuesday commentary, Polling for babies, was featured on the site’s front page.
Jim Sedlak’s Pro-Life Activism from Creation to Death is a weekly talk-radio program on the Radio Maria USA network. The show can be heard live every Friday at noon (Eastern Time) and is repeated on Saturdays (10 PM).
Video of the Week – Planned Parenthood Accepts Racist Donations
On this Re:Stream we discuss the incompatibility of Christianity and Black Lives Matter, which COVID vaccines in development are unethical, and why Planned Parenthood’s racist history qualifies it for cancellation.
Action Item of the Week – IT’S TIME FOR PRAYER
I don’t have to tell you that our nation is in a time of trouble. There does not seem to be a “normal” anymore. We live in an imperfect world that is often ruled by hate and violence. The devil is clearly at work spreading lies and urging even good people to accept that which is not good. As we close out another week of painful events, and are approaching the anniversary of the birth of our nation, we need to spend some time communicating with Him Who made us. It’s time to pray. As I was searching for the “right” prayer, I came across the website of St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. The prayer below is adapted from the prayer on that website. PLEASE PRAY IT FREQUENTLY FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
A Prayer for the United States of America
Our Father in Heaven, Who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, Who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, Who chose Mary as your Mother; in union with Mary we adore Your majesty and acknowledge Your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.
Most Holy Trinity, as we witness the many problems facing our nation today, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate so she may present the country to You. Through her we thank You for the great blessings You have bestowed on this land and for the freedom that has been our heritage.
Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace and immunity from harm. Have mercy on Your people as we react to ever changing circumstances, that we may act according to Your will for the good of all. Grant us a fruitful economy, born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation, and instill within all the people of this great country a love and respect for all life—born and preborn. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the poor, the sick, the tempted, sinners—on all who are in need.
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from all harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.
Pro-life Social Media – ‘This is Gold.’ Satirical Site, Babylon Bee, Hits Planned Parenthood Where it Hurts.
Planned Parenthood’s racist history continues to be ignored by cancel culture. Perhaps its supporters are too invested in its services. The Babylon Bee created a headline that reminded the largest abortion company how It came into existence.
'I Think We've Found All The Institutions Founded By Racists And We Can Just Stop Looking For Them Now,' Says Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Nervouslyhttps://t.co/dnABCcgx2U
— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) June 24, 2020
It must be awkward to be pro-Planned Parenthood and anti-racism.
As the world quickly descends into Hell I know I can always count on The Bee to make me choke on my coffee, bringing the end that much nearer.
— Ash DeP (@AshleyBDePalma) June 24, 2020
Awesome! I was looking alphabetically for racists that founded organizations. I’m on last names S-A-N-G-E-? … but, since they’ve all been found … I can quit.
— Billy Rigby (@BillyBearkat) June 24, 2020
You've done it! You've won the internet! pic.twitter.com/o4iFYUm3zY
— Lisa Klint-Thimsie (@Kes_VL) June 24, 2020
Oh, this is gold. Well done, Bee.
— Terry Maggert (@TerryMaggert) June 24, 2020
This is how you shift the culture. Well done. Well done
— mostly peaceful riot fire (@knowlyno) June 24, 2020
HAHAHA
— Olivia Rondeau (@rondeaulivia) June 24, 2020
No wonder the Babylon Bee calls itself Fake News you can trust.