Thursday, May 15, 2014
Our Blog Has Moved!
For our latest posts, please go to http://ncrtl.org/blog/, or look on our website under the "about us" tab.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Registration for Camp Joshua is Open!
Registration for our second annual Camp Joshua, held at the Short Journey Retreat Center in Smithfield, is now open!
What is Camp Joshua? Quite simply, an exciting pro-life weekend camp for high school students! At Camp Joshua, we train teens to be pro-life leaders now and in the future. We know that college-age women are the largest demographic receiving abortions, and it's essential that we teach our teens what being pro-life means, why being pro-life is important, and how they can be effective pro-life leaders in their communities. In short, they need to be able to defend their pro-life beliefs.
Our goal is to teach the basic facts of pro-life issues like abortion and euthanasia, as well as the skills to communicate these facts well. As our website says, "Just as Joshua brought down the walls of Jericho, the young men and women of Camp Joshua will lead their generation in bringing down the walls of the culture of death. They will be Be Joshua to our world in need."
So what can you do to help these young leaders-in-training?
What is Camp Joshua? Quite simply, an exciting pro-life weekend camp for high school students! At Camp Joshua, we train teens to be pro-life leaders now and in the future. We know that college-age women are the largest demographic receiving abortions, and it's essential that we teach our teens what being pro-life means, why being pro-life is important, and how they can be effective pro-life leaders in their communities. In short, they need to be able to defend their pro-life beliefs.
Our goal is to teach the basic facts of pro-life issues like abortion and euthanasia, as well as the skills to communicate these facts well. As our website says, "Just as Joshua brought down the walls of Jericho, the young men and women of Camp Joshua will lead their generation in bringing down the walls of the culture of death. They will be Be Joshua to our world in need." So what can you do to help these young leaders-in-training?
- Promote! Do you attend a school, church, or homeschool group that would be willing to send students to Camp Joshua? Promoting our camp in your community is a great way to help us expand this awesome program. We can provide posters, flyers, and even a speaker!
- Attend! Send your teens to Camp Joshua! They'll learn a lot, make new friends, and have a wonderful time. We're also in need of college-aged volunteers to help as counselors at the camp.
- Donate! Unfortunately, camps don't run themselves, and your generous donations ensure that we can continue this program now and in the future. All funds raised go towards student scholarships, basic materials like binders and T-shirts, and overhead administrative expenses.
If you have any questions about Camp Joshua, our mission, the camp schedule, or how to be more involved, please don't hesitate to contact Erin at ncrtl.erin@gmail.com.
Camp Joshua 2014 will be July 18-20 in Smithfield, NC. Cost is $95 per student, which includes food and lodging, materials, and a T-shirt.
Friday, April 11, 2014
NRLC, Representative Stam Endorse Tillis for Senate
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| Rep. Thom Tillis |
In a statement released by National Right to Life, president Carol Tobias describes Tillis as "an outspoken leader in the fight to protect innocent human life in North Carolina, and . . . the only candidate with a proven record of leadership who can defeat pro-abortion Sen. Kay Hagan this fall.
Representative Stam also notes Tillis' excellent pro-life accomplishments as Speaker of the House in the General Assembly. He additionally comments on his solid conservative leadership and ability to work with Democrats and Republicans alike to pass commonsense legislation on the state level.
Representative Tillis and several other Republican candidates will be on the May 6 primary ballot. Please encourage your pro-life friends to vote!
Friday, April 4, 2014
Oratory Contest for High School Students
The annual Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest (Regional Competition) will be May 17, 2014, in Greensboro!
To participate, interested high school juniors and seniors should fill out the registration form and prepare a 5-7 minute speech on a pro-life topic. Appropriate issues include abortion, infanticide, euthanasia/assisted suicide, and stem cell research.
The winner of the regional competition will receive admittance to Camp Joshua NC, as well as a chance to compete in the national competition at the National Right to Life Convention in June. As the national competition is in Louisville, KY, our regional winner will receive up to $300 to be used for travel expenses to the convention.
At the national competition, regional winners from each state compete for the $1000 prize and the opportunity to give their speech at the popular closing banquet.
For more information or to register, please visit http://ncrtl.org/ncrtl-oratory-contest/.
To participate, interested high school juniors and seniors should fill out the registration form and prepare a 5-7 minute speech on a pro-life topic. Appropriate issues include abortion, infanticide, euthanasia/assisted suicide, and stem cell research.
The winner of the regional competition will receive admittance to Camp Joshua NC, as well as a chance to compete in the national competition at the National Right to Life Convention in June. As the national competition is in Louisville, KY, our regional winner will receive up to $300 to be used for travel expenses to the convention.
At the national competition, regional winners from each state compete for the $1000 prize and the opportunity to give their speech at the popular closing banquet.
For more information or to register, please visit http://ncrtl.org/ncrtl-oratory-contest/.
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| Stephen Holly, 2013 Regional Winner |
Friday, March 21, 2014
Academy Deadline Extended!
It's not too late! College students interested in receiving an outstanding education from the leaders of the pro-life movement still have time to apply to the National Right to Life Academy.
The NRL Academy is a five week summer program located in Washington, D.C., at National Right to Life's headquarters. Students spend their days studying with the country's experts on abortion, euthanasia, and
medical ethics; by completing the course, students can earn three college credits through the Franciscan University of Steubenville's Human Life Studies program.
Although the Academy's curriculum is challenging, the summer is not without fun! Attendees have ample time in the evenings and on the weekends to explore the city and visit its many attractions. Best of all? You're guaranteed to make solid pro-life friendships with people from all over the country.
North Carolina has had the privilege of sending a total of five students to the NRL Academy since its founding in 2007. This is, in part, due to the Scholarship for Life, a full-tuition scholarship for one NC student each year.
Still need convincing? Here's what some of our graduates have to say about the Academy:
"This summer has reaffirmed and strengthened my knowledge and hope of the pr-life movement. I have made connections that I will cherish for a lifetime. I am truly blessed to be chosen to this lifetime opportunity." -Will Moore, 2013
"The Academy has made me more aware of how much we have accomplished in the movement and how much work that needs to be done. It renewed my enthusiasm to protect the vulnerable among us." -Teresa Pincus, 2012
"My five weeks at the Academy gave me a greatly expanded knowledge about various life issues, but more importantly, I learned how to effectively implement that knowledge by practicing lobbying, debating, and giving speeches. I still use these important skills in discussions today.... The Academy is a place where pro-life students can meet each other and form lasting friendships in support for life." -Sarah Urdzik, 2012
To apply to the Academy, simply send in the form found here. Then, fill out the Scholarship for Life application and inform our office of your interest in attending the Academy.
The NRL Academy is a five week summer program located in Washington, D.C., at National Right to Life's headquarters. Students spend their days studying with the country's experts on abortion, euthanasia, and medical ethics; by completing the course, students can earn three college credits through the Franciscan University of Steubenville's Human Life Studies program.
Although the Academy's curriculum is challenging, the summer is not without fun! Attendees have ample time in the evenings and on the weekends to explore the city and visit its many attractions. Best of all? You're guaranteed to make solid pro-life friendships with people from all over the country.
North Carolina has had the privilege of sending a total of five students to the NRL Academy since its founding in 2007. This is, in part, due to the Scholarship for Life, a full-tuition scholarship for one NC student each year.
Still need convincing? Here's what some of our graduates have to say about the Academy:
"This summer has reaffirmed and strengthened my knowledge and hope of the pr-life movement. I have made connections that I will cherish for a lifetime. I am truly blessed to be chosen to this lifetime opportunity." -Will Moore, 2013
"The Academy has made me more aware of how much we have accomplished in the movement and how much work that needs to be done. It renewed my enthusiasm to protect the vulnerable among us." -Teresa Pincus, 2012
"My five weeks at the Academy gave me a greatly expanded knowledge about various life issues, but more importantly, I learned how to effectively implement that knowledge by practicing lobbying, debating, and giving speeches. I still use these important skills in discussions today.... The Academy is a place where pro-life students can meet each other and form lasting friendships in support for life." -Sarah Urdzik, 2012
To apply to the Academy, simply send in the form found here. Then, fill out the Scholarship for Life application and inform our office of your interest in attending the Academy.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Save the Date!
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This year's speakers include National Right to Life President Carol Tobias; Kathryn Jean Lopez, editor-at-large of The National Review Online; Bobby Schindler, executive director of the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network; and many more!
Registration is now open, with many different rates to choose from (adult, senior, student, couple, etc). Teenagers who would enjoy learning more about pro-life issues are also welcome to attend, as the Teens for Life Convention meets at the same time. For families with small children, complete childcare services are available.
Special events, such as the Prayer Breakfast and Closing "Stand for Life!" Banquet, require additional tickets.
Visit the convention website for more information!
Friday, March 7, 2014
National Right to Life Releases Report, "The Affordable Care Act and Health Care Access in the United States"
From the National Right to Life Committee:
“THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AND HEALTH CARE ACCESS
IN THE UNITED STATES”
National Right to Life Releases New Report
Examining the Effect of the Affordable Care Act in the United States
IN THE UNITED STATES”
National Right to Life Releases New Report
Examining the Effect of the Affordable Care Act in the United States
WASHINGTON – With a March 31, 2014, deadline impending for open enrollment in the insurance exchanges established by “The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (also known as Obamacare), the Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics at the National Right to Life Committee today issued a new report, “The Affordable Care Act and Health Care Access in the United States.” The report analyzes four fundamental policy areas of Obamacare and concludes that they will drastically limit access to life-saving medical treatment under the law. These four areas include: the “excess benefit” tax coming into effect in 2018, the current exclusion of adequate health Insurance plans from the exchanges, present limits on senior citizens’ ability to use their own money for health insurance, and federal limits on the care doctors give their patients to be implemented as soon as 2016.“For pro-life Americans concerned about the impact on innocent human life—both born and unborn—the policies of Obamacare couldn’t be worse,” said Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “Americans are just as concerned with the law’s impact on our ability to access life-saving medical treatment for ourselves, our family members, and our loved ones as with Obamacare’s funding of abortions. Obamacare is bad medicine for America.”
Since it was first debated in Congress, National Right to Life’s Powell Center for Medical Ethics has argued that key provisions of Obamacare would limit what Americans could spend—out of their own funds—to access life-saving medical treatment. As the Center’s new report concludes, Americans will see a significant shift in how they are able to access health care, and just what types of treatment they will be able to obtain.
As documented by media reports and the language of the law itself, Obamacare will limit access to life-saving treatment in four different ways:
1. Obamacare imposes a 40% excise tax on employer-paid health insurance premiums above a governmentally imposed limit that does not keep up with medical inflation. Consequently, insurance companies will be forced to impose increasingly severe restraints on policy-holders’ access to medical diagnosis and treatment—limits that will make it harder to get often-expensive treatments essential to combatting life-threatening illnesses.
2. Under Obamacare, consumers using the exchanges may only choose plans offered by insurers who do not allow their customers to spend what government bureaucrats deem an “excessive or unjustified” amount for their health insurance – regardless of whether the insurers offer such plans inside or outside of the exchanges established by the law.
3. Most senior citizens know that the law will significantly cut government funding for Medicare, but they may not be aware of the law’s provision allowing Washington bureaucrats to prevent them from making up the Medicare shortfall with their own funds by limiting their right to spend their own money to obtain insurance less likely to limit treatments that could save their lives.
4. The “Independent Payment Advisory Board” is directed to recommend measures to limit spending on health care to a growth rate below medical inflation – not just for Medicare, but also for all private, nongovernmental health care spending. The federal Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is then authorized to implement these measures by placing limits on the treatments providers may give their patients by requiring them to abide by so-called “quality and efficiency standards” imposed by HHS.
The report is available from the National Right to Life Communications Department here:www.nrlc.org/communications/healthcarereport.
Founded in 1968, National Right to Life, the federation of 50 state right-to-life affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters, is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement, NRLC works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Friday, February 28, 2014
February Recap
February was a short month, but there was a lot going on!
1. Attorney General Confirms State Will Appeal Abortion Ultrasound Law
On February 7, Attorney General Roy Cooper said the state will appeal the recently rejected abortion ultrasound law. This provision, part of the 2011 Women's Right to Know Act, would require an abortionist to display and describe the ultrasound to each woman seeking an abortion. Although ultrasounds were previously required by the state and are already standard procedures before abortions, in January Judge Catherine Eagles issued a permanent injunction against the provision, stating that requiring doctors to describe the images violated their freedom of speech rights.
Ultrasounds are high on the list of controversial sub-topics when it comes to abortion, but they are vital to an expectant woman's decision-making process. Too often, mothers are ignorant of their unborn babies' development, and having the opportunity to witness for themselves what their children look like at 8 weeks could influence their decision. What they see on the screen is not someone else's opinion, but a factual representation of pre-born life. Many post-abortive women say that if they had only known the truth about their baby, they would not have chosen abortion.
NCRTL president Barbara Holt expressed her approval of the Attorney General's decision. "We are pleased that Attorney General Roy Cooper has decided to defend NC's ultrasound law in spite of his opposition to the pro-life provision. A mother has the right to an opportunity to see an ultrasound image of her unborn child and to hear her baby's heartbeat in advance of an abortion. How else can she make a fully informed decision to have the abortion, which will take the life of her unborn child? This is critically important information about her developing unborn child which many mothers who later regret their abortions say they wish they had been given at the time of their abortions."
2. Thanks
Our February 8th campaign to thank our pro-life legislators was a success! Almost 500 people saw our Facebook post, and many others saw our tweets.Thank you to everyone who shared our graphic on Facebook, tweeted #NC4Life and #ProLifeNC, and contacted your pro-life elected officials in support and appreciation. We know they were grateful to hear from us!
Please continue to support your pro-life legislators in the coming year, and remember to vote pro-life!
3. Choose Life Plates
On February 11, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that North Carolina's "Choose Life" license plate is unconstitutional because a pro-abortion plate was not also permitted. North Carolina Right to Life and other pro-life groups remain hopeful that a "Choose Life" plate will eventually be offered in North Carolina.
Barbara Holt commented, "The 'Choose Life' plate simply affirms childbirth, in which the state has legitmate interest. Thanks to our current legislature, to help vulnerable mothers, the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship is receiving $250,000 through a special budget apppropriation to make up for those funds being lost from the sale of the plates because of the litigation and this ruling."
1. Attorney General Confirms State Will Appeal Abortion Ultrasound Law
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| Image Source: National Right to Life |
Ultrasounds are high on the list of controversial sub-topics when it comes to abortion, but they are vital to an expectant woman's decision-making process. Too often, mothers are ignorant of their unborn babies' development, and having the opportunity to witness for themselves what their children look like at 8 weeks could influence their decision. What they see on the screen is not someone else's opinion, but a factual representation of pre-born life. Many post-abortive women say that if they had only known the truth about their baby, they would not have chosen abortion.
NCRTL president Barbara Holt expressed her approval of the Attorney General's decision. "We are pleased that Attorney General Roy Cooper has decided to defend NC's ultrasound law in spite of his opposition to the pro-life provision. A mother has the right to an opportunity to see an ultrasound image of her unborn child and to hear her baby's heartbeat in advance of an abortion. How else can she make a fully informed decision to have the abortion, which will take the life of her unborn child? This is critically important information about her developing unborn child which many mothers who later regret their abortions say they wish they had been given at the time of their abortions."
Our February 8th campaign to thank our pro-life legislators was a success! Almost 500 people saw our Facebook post, and many others saw our tweets.Thank you to everyone who shared our graphic on Facebook, tweeted #NC4Life and #ProLifeNC, and contacted your pro-life elected officials in support and appreciation. We know they were grateful to hear from us!
Please continue to support your pro-life legislators in the coming year, and remember to vote pro-life!
3. Choose Life Plates
On February 11, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that North Carolina's "Choose Life" license plate is unconstitutional because a pro-abortion plate was not also permitted. North Carolina Right to Life and other pro-life groups remain hopeful that a "Choose Life" plate will eventually be offered in North Carolina.
Barbara Holt commented, "The 'Choose Life' plate simply affirms childbirth, in which the state has legitmate interest. Thanks to our current legislature, to help vulnerable mothers, the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship is receiving $250,000 through a special budget apppropriation to make up for those funds being lost from the sale of the plates because of the litigation and this ruling."
Friday, February 21, 2014
It's That Time of Year Again!
The National Right to Life Academy is once again accepting applications! If you are a college student interested in a summer in Washington, D.C. and a life-changing pro-life education, this is for you! What is the Academy? From the website:
The National Right to Life Academy is a unique, five-week academic summer course for college students who are eager to put their pro-life passion to work. Students have the opportunity to earn 3 college credits through the Human Life Studies Program from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
$3600 tuition includes lodging at a university residence in downtown Washington, D.C., registration, room and board at the 2014 National Right to Life Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, and five weeks of the most comprehensive pro-life education around
If you're looking at the tuition cost and thinking, "I could never afford that," that's okay. Every year, North Carolina Right to Life offers the Scholarship for Life, which covers tuition for one student. When you apply to the Right to Life Academy, contact our office and let us know you're interested. We'll be happy to work with you through the application process.
Since 2007, five students have represented North Carolina at the Academy. Their enthusiasm for the Academy is unparalleled, and if you'd like a student's perspective of the program, check out what they have to say here.
Applications for the Summer 2014 course are due by March 15th, so hurry and apply today!
Friday, February 14, 2014
7 Quick Takes!
1. Sometimes it's easy to take technology for granted, but we think that images of life in the womb never grow old! These are so beautiful.
2. Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards got a lot of attention when she posted a video saying that #WhatWomenNeed for Valentine's Day is access to abortion. For obvious reasons, people took issue with that. We saw lots of great responses, including this article from National Right to Life, Women Speak for Themselves' photo album, and this "What Women REALLY Need" photo album from New Wave Feminists. Great work, everyone!
3. Attention aspiring filmmakers! National Right to Life's annual video contest is now accepting submissions. This is a fun way to use your talents to give voice to the voiceless, and the prizes are great!
4. Speaking of exciting opportunities from National Right to Life, the annual Right to Life Academy is just around the corner! College students have another month to apply for this life-changing summer training camp. Don't forget, if you're a student in North Carolina, you can apply for our Scholarship for Life, too!
5. National Right to Life recently released a report on "The State of Abortion in the United States." Packed full of facts, charts, and images, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this controversial issue.
6. Would you believe that a lingerie company is making some of the most beautiful pro-woman, pro-life videos ever? Titled "My Beautiful Woman," each celebrates the strength of women. This is one. Grab a few tissues and prepare to be moved.
7. Happy Valentine's Day! Remind someone that you love them!
2. Earlier this week, Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards got a lot of attention when she posted a video saying that #WhatWomenNeed for Valentine's Day is access to abortion. For obvious reasons, people took issue with that. We saw lots of great responses, including this article from National Right to Life, Women Speak for Themselves' photo album, and this "What Women REALLY Need" photo album from New Wave Feminists. Great work, everyone!
3. Attention aspiring filmmakers! National Right to Life's annual video contest is now accepting submissions. This is a fun way to use your talents to give voice to the voiceless, and the prizes are great!
4. Speaking of exciting opportunities from National Right to Life, the annual Right to Life Academy is just around the corner! College students have another month to apply for this life-changing summer training camp. Don't forget, if you're a student in North Carolina, you can apply for our Scholarship for Life, too!5. National Right to Life recently released a report on "The State of Abortion in the United States." Packed full of facts, charts, and images, it is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this controversial issue.
6. Would you believe that a lingerie company is making some of the most beautiful pro-woman, pro-life videos ever? Titled "My Beautiful Woman," each celebrates the strength of women. This is one. Grab a few tissues and prepare to be moved.
7. Happy Valentine's Day! Remind someone that you love them!
Friday, February 7, 2014
We're Saying Thanks
The legislature may not be in session, but it's never a bad time to say "thanks" to the men and women who do so much to protect the dignity of life in North Carolina.
On Saturday, Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups will have a "Moral March" in Raleigh. Not only are they busing in NC college students, they're also bringing in people from out of state. Why? Because North Carolina is one of the leading states in protecting babies and mothers from abortion, and they don't like that. Let's take advantage of this to remind our pro-life legislators that we're PROUD of their hard work!
On Saturday, Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups will have a "Moral March" in Raleigh. Not only are they busing in NC college students, they're also bringing in people from out of state. Why? Because North Carolina is one of the leading states in protecting babies and mothers from abortion, and they don't like that. Let's take advantage of this to remind our pro-life legislators that we're PROUD of their hard work!
In recent years, our General Assembly has passed the following pro-life laws:
- Woman's Right to Know
- Unborn Victims of Violence Act (Ethen's Law)
- SB353
-Opt out of abortion in Obamacare and the city/county employee health plans
-Ban sex selection abortions
-Ban webcam abortions
Do your part. Thank your pro-life General Assembly members*. Please take a few moments to write a note, send an email, or make a phone call. Representatives' contact information can be found here, and senators' contact information is here. These elected officials face a great deal of criticism for their defense of the unborn, and they need to hear our appreciation!
You can also join us as we tweet #NC4Life and #ProLifeNC on Saturday in recognition of all their efforts to stand for life! When you tweet, be sure to use @thomtillis, @PatMcCroryNC, or @SenatorBerger, as well as the names of any other pro-life legislators on Twitter.
Unsure who to contact? Here are some suggestions:
- Speaker of the House Thom Tillis
- President Pro Tempore Phil Berger
- Governor Pat McCrory (signed SB353 into law)
- Those who voted "aye" on SB353
-Senators
-Representatives
*All Republican members, with the exception of Representative Charles Jeter and Senator Bill Rabon, voted pro-life. Unfortunately, no Democrats voted for our newly-passed 2013 laws.
Friday, January 31, 2014
H.R. 7, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, Passes House
On January 28, 2014, the U.S. House passed H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act with a 227-188 vote. The following commentary is taken from National Right to Life's commentary on the bill's passage:
North Carolinians should be proud of the nine House members who voted "yes" on the bill. Congressman Mark Meadows (R-11), one of the bill's supporters, gave a short but moving pro-life testimony during the debate. You can watch that speech here and see the votes below. Please contact your representatives to thank them for their "yes" votes! Being pro-life in Congress isn't easy, and they need your support.
H.R. 7, sponsored by Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Dan Lipinski (D-Il.), would codify the principles of the Hyde Amendment on a permanent, government-wide basis, applicable to both longstanding federal health programs and to the new programs created by Obamacare. Under the bill, health plans that cover
elective abortions would not qualify for federal subsidies, although such plans could still be sold to those who wish to purchase them with personal funds.
On today’s vote on passage, the bill was supported by 221 Republicans and six Democrats. It was opposed by one Republican and 187 Democrats, many of whom echoed attacks on the bill found in a veto threat issued by the White House.
“The White House veto threat demonstrates yet again that President Obama is engaging in establishing massive federal subsidies for abortion on demand, notwithstanding his evasions and denials,” said National Right to Life President Carol Tobias. “The 188 House members who voted against the bill will be firmly marked as supporters of federal funding for elective abortion.”
Further details on specific components of H.R. 7 are found in NRLC’s January 24 letter to the House of Representatives (http://www.nrlc.org/uploads/ahc/NRLCToHouseHR7.pdf). More extensive documentation on the abortion-expanding provisions of Obamacare, and the overall history of limitations on federal subsidies for abortion, are found in NRLC’s congressional testimony at http://www.nrlc.org/uploads/ ahc/ ProtectLifeActDouglasJohnsonTe stimony.pdf.
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Friday, January 24, 2014
What a Week!
It's been quite the busy week for pro-lifers in North Carolina!
On Saturday, January 18th, hundreds of people joined NCRTL for the Prayer Breakfast, Rally, and March for Life in downtown Raleigh. Just a few days later, thousands more from all over the country gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C., for the national March for Life. At the Prayer Breakfast, we were pleased to be joined by three hundred grassroots supporters, as well as the Lieutenant Governor and many of the pro-life legislators who helped make the passage of SB353 possible. Our featured speaker, Steven Mosher of The Population Research Institute, spoke about "Overpopulation, a Myth that Kills (Little Girls in Particular)." It was a fascinating account of the growing problem of gender-selection abortions, including in the United States, and he praised North Carolina for passing legislation against it here. He shared this video as an illustration of the myth of overpopulation, as well.
Approximately 2,000 people joined us for the Rally in Nash Square, followed by the March for Life. At the rally, NCRTL President Barbara Holt praised the legislators and the grassroots supporters for the success of the past year. “Much has been accomplished over the past year and we take this time to share these successes and encourage the faithful to help us realize even greater successes in the future. Too many unborn children continue to die through abortion,” she explained. “We particularly want to see the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act passed both on the state and federal level.” Check out our Facebook page for more pictures and details!
 Despite temperatures in the teens and snow on the ground, thousands of pro-lifers from all over the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the national March for Life on Wednesday.
While the March for Life marks a sobering event--the tragic passage of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court case responsible for the deaths of millions of unborn children--the energy and excitement in the crowd was a reminder that we celebrate the great good that is life. We are blessed to be a movement of young people, something quite evident at the March for Life. Whether marchers are chanting, singing, praying, or walking in silence, their presence makes an impact.
Though the weather did deter some groups from coming, many North Carolinians braved the trip. After the March, Senator Richard Burr welcomed his constituents with a reception in the Russell Senate Office Building. The hot drinks and cookies were much appreciated after being outside for so long! We are very grateful to have a supportive pro-life senator from North Carolina.
If you have never attended the March for Life, we at NCRTL encourage you to do so! It's truly an inspiring, motivating experience, and you will not regret it.
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Friday, January 10, 2014
Upcoming Student-Friendly Events
Have you ever wanted to get your teens more involved in pro-life activities? North Carolina Right to Life offers many opportunities for you and your family to learn about and participate in the pro-life world. Below are descriptions of some of our upcoming events, and we’d love to see you at some!
Prayer Breakfast for Life (January 18): Every January, NCRTL sponsors a morning of fellowship and prayer in Downtown Raleigh on the day of the local March for Life. Guests enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, hear from a featured speaker, and are led in prayer for an end to abortion. This is a great opportunity to meet other pro-lifers, hear from famous speakers, and receive inspiration for the coming year. This year’s featured speaker is Steven Mosher, President of The Population Research Institute.
Tickets are required for this event, and can be purchased here. Guests will have the opportunity to buy a resource book, which can also be purchased here (order soon, as quantities are limited). Books will also be available after the March for Life.
Rally and March for Life (January 18): Washington, D.C. is famous for its huge annual March for Life, but for those who can’t or don’t want to travel, we have one in downtown Raleigh! Join us at Nash Square at 1 o’clock (right after the prayer breakfast, and only 3 blocks away) for a short rally, followed by a march through the streets. Families, youth groups, and church groups especially enjoy this event. Of course, the national March isn’t until the 22nd, so you can come to both if you like!
Pro-Life Essay Contest (deadline January 22): Attention students in grades 7-12! The annual National Right to Life Pro-Life Essay Contest is accepting submissions through January 22nd. Each essay should address the subject “Why I Am Pro-Life” in 300-500 words. Not only is this a great chance to practice writing skills, it’s also a good time to learn how to articulate one’s pro-life beliefs. As an added bonus, the top three essays in each category receive monetary prizes! What’s there to lose?
Pro-Life Oratory Contest (May 17): Every May, NCRTL sponsors a statewide oratory contest in Greensboro. Winners receive a certificate, free admittance to Camp Joshua, and the opportunity to attend the National Right to Life Convention to compete on the National level. Please note that a short application must be submitted by April 15th in order to participate.
Camp Joshua NC (July 18-20): Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to attend this fun weekend camp to learn more about pro-life issues and meet like-minded peers. Students attend educational workshops on abortion, euthanasia, and stem cell research, as well as leadership sessions to learn how to share the pro-life message effectively. The goal of Camp Joshua NC is to send young people back to their communities with the knowledge and confidence to promote the pro-life message.
NRL Academy (Summer 2014): College students interested in furthering their pro-life education should seriously consider attending the Right to Life Academy, a five-week program held at National Right to Life’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. A self-described “pro-life boot camp,” the NRL Academy gives students the unique opportunity to learn from some of the country’s top pro-life leaders and earn college credit. Every year, students attend the Academy and come back with the knowledge, education, and support necessary to make a difference. North Carolina is privileged to offer the Scholarship for Life; this scholarship covers the Academy tuition and lodging for one NC student each year.
As you can see, there's lots going on for young people in North Carolina!
As you can see, there's lots going on for young people in North Carolina!
Friday, January 3, 2014
Guest Post: NCSU Students for Life
**Thanks to Teresa Pincus, president of NCSU Students for Life, for submitting this post!**
This past semester has certainly been an eventful one for
our pro-life group on campus despite the usual business of obtaining a college
degree and the difficulties associated with it. Students for Life started the
semester with a bang by participating in recruitment fairs to promote our
message and our club. We were able to meet many people and had some good
discussions.
Our first impactful activity was participating in National Pro-life Chalk Day. We
wrote loving, truthful messages around the more populated spots on campus. The next day, we were in for a surprise. Our
messages were defaced in support of “women’s choice.” The same tired rhetoric of bodily autonomy and
scare tactics of illegal abortions where used to justify the dismemberment of
tiny human beings. No one cared to address the issue at hand. The abortion is
the intent to kill human beings at early stages of development
As the semester progressed, we held some
meetings that discussed the pro-life movement and reviewed pro-life arguments.
Then, we were invited to join pro-lifers around the state at the North Carolina
Right to Life Banquet. There, we had the
pleasure to meet Lt. Governor Dan Forrest and Carol Tobias, the President of
National Right to Life Committee. Both
of these great pro-life leaders inspired us to continue to be unapologetic
voices for those who cannot speak for themselves. It was a great opportunity to
mingle and connect with the pro-life community in North Carolina.
Soon, the pro-life month of October was upon us. This month
is very busy for us and the pro-life movement. We participated in the national
campaigns of Life Chain, Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity, and 40 Days for Life. Also, we volunteered
to run the NC Right to Life education booth at the state fair. At the booth, we
were able to talk to people and raise awareness about the humanity of the
unborn. The best part was watching children marvel at the tiny babies in the
fetal development display.
One of the biggest
events we held on campus was the Planned Parenthood Project.
We borrowed a display from Students for Life of America that described how
Planned Parenthood profits from the most vulnerable people of society: unborn
children. Along with the signs, we set up roughly 915 crosses that represented
the 915 lives that Planned Parenthood takes daily.
While the weather was anything but ideal (note the
umbrellas), we still made waves on campus. Some students who stopped by learned
that Planned Parenthood performs abortions, a fact that they did not previously
know. Some stopped by just to spew profanities. A few stopped to have a
dialogue with us and others stopped by in support of this project. Not only
were people upset about our group being vocal about our pro-life beliefs, but they
were upset that we were exposing truth about Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood only cares about its
bottom line and not women.
To end the semester, we held our first ever diaper drive. These diapers were donated to the Gabriel Project, who
helps parents with young children. We are proud to support the Gabriel Project
because not only do we care about children in utero, but we care about
children’s wellbeing once they are born.
It is very important for us to engage in many of the
different aspects of the pro-life movement, not only on our campus, but in our
community. The movement is so diverse that there is a place for everyone. By
exposing ourselves to the variety of approaches the movement takes, we can find
our niche and work to further advance the culture of life. If you are a student
at NC State or intend to become a part of the Wolfpack in the fall, I encourage
you to get in touch with us or follow us on Facebook. We have accomplished so much and we look
forward to the following semester of activism.
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