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.  Assistant Director Erin Karlovich, 2013 NRL Academy graduate Will Moore, and local college students pose with the NCRTL banner before the March for Life. Photo credit Elizabeth Foley. 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. The March for Life ends in front of the Supreme Court. 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.

NCRTL News, Delivered to Your Inbox

Did you know NCRTL sends out email alerts and web newsletters? We do! Our e-alerts are great for keeping up to date with the latest pro-life happenings in North Carolina. 

When the General Assembly is not in session, we send out biweekly email newsletters packed full of news, information about upcoming events, blog posts, and anything else we think you should know. It's an easy way to stay informed, and because we only send them every two weeks, you won't feel overwhelmed with emails. 

During the legislative sessions, we send out action alerts so that you know exactly what's happening with our pro-life legislation. You'll learn about the bills we're supporting or opposing, as well as what you can do to help. Sometimes all we need is for our grassroots supporters to call their legislators about a particular bill, but if something really important is happening, we may ask you to come to the Legislative Building for a pro-life presence!

Last summer, our legislation drew so much attention that Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups rallied and lobbied in pink T-shirts, so we asked our supporters to come in wearing blue. We sponsored a Pro-Life Information and Lobby Day in April, and when our bills were up for vote later in the summer, we urged everyone to show their support by sitting in the galleries during debates. 

Signing up for e-alerts is a simple first step in becoming more acquainted with NCRTL's life-saving work. If you've ever wanted to be more knowledgeable about North Carolina's pro-life activity or more active in the movement, consider signing up!

We're Publishing a Resource Book!

Do you ever wish you had a list of all the pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, or adoption agencies at your fingertips? Want to read the text of a pro-life law and see whether your representative voted for it? Need a chart of statistics related to abortion in North Carolina, or maybe some fact sheets to study up on an issue?

Look no further! In January 2014, NCRTL will be releasing its updated Resource Book, a helpful and handy compilation of all kinds of pro-life information. Everything you may need to educate yourself or a friend will be bound into one convenient book available to anyone who wants one. 

It's cheap, too! We're only asking a donation of $10 for each book. Not only does this money go to a great cause, it also buys you a valuable resource that you can use for years! 

Another great feature of the NCRTL Resource Book is that it features ads from local businesses and organizations, so you can find other pro-life members of your community to support. If you know of a church, business, or individual you think would like an ad in our book, tell them to contact us. Advertisers get a free copy! 

So if you're interested in finding out more, pre-ordering a book, or advertising your organization, check out our website! http://ncrtl.org/resource-book/

Forty Years of Pro-Life Work!

While 2013 marks the 40^th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision, this year also marks 40 years of life-saving work in North Carolina. On Saturday, September 28, NCRTL celebrated the occasion with 160 friends and supporters at a banquet in Greensboro. 

Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest

The evening began with a reception with Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, who greeted guests and posed for pictures with them. Forest is only the second Republican lieutenant governor to be elected in North Carolina since 1897, and he has been active in pro-life work for many years, including acting as former chairman of the board of Wake Forest Pregnancy Support Services.

Following the reception, guests were seated for dinner and the evening’s program began. After leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, Allen Morris, director of Concerned Methodists, presented Barbara Holt with the group's Trooper for Christ Award. Morris explained that while the award traditionally goes to members of the Methodist church, the organization felt that Holt deserved recognition for her years of devotion to pro-life ministry.

Guests waiting for the program to begin

Holt then gave some updates about NCRTL’s progress in recent years. As you know, North Carolina has passed some important pro-life legislation, including the Woman’s Right to Know/informed consent law, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, a ban on sex-selection abortion and webcam abortions, opting out of federally funded abortion in the health care exchange, and increased regulation of abortion facilities. Holt also talked about the success of NCRTL's first Camp Joshua and our increased presence on social media sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

NRLC President Carol Tobias

Guests were then treated to an address from special guest Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. Tobias commended NCRTL for not only the laws passed, but also for the number of pro-life members elected to Congress. Tobias encouraged North Carolinians to keep up the good work, noting that the pro-life movement is one characterized by love. Even though we may never meet the people we work so hard to save, she said, the fruit of our efforts is important nonetheless.

Lieutenant Governor Forest, the featured speaker, also spoke positively about the progress made in North Carolina. He recognized the legislators in attendance, saying that although he is the one often in the spotlight, the citizens owe their gratitude to the hard-working members of the General Assembly who face so much opposition for being pro-life.  Forest focused much of his speech on the need to return America to her roots. The misrepresentation of separation of church and state, he said, is responsible for the culture today because once you remove God from the public sphere, you lose respect for human life, too.

The evening’s program ended with a benediction, but many people stayed afterward to chat with one another. It was truly wonderful to see so many pro-life people enjoying each other’s company, and we at NCRTL are blessed to have all of your support!

Celebrating 40 Years of Protecting Innocent Lives!

This year marks North Carolina Right to Life's 40th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than a party?

Please join us on September 28th as we commemorate this special occasion! Our banquet, featuring Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest and National Right to Life President Carol Tobias, will begin at 7 o'clock in the evening at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro.

For guests with VIP tickets, there will be an hors d'oeuvres reception with an opportunity to meet and get a complimentary photo with the lieutenant governor at 6 o'clock. 

Seating is limited, so visit our website for tickets and pricing soon!

Texas, North Carolina, and Pro-Life Legislation

It was a crazy week in Texas. On June 25, the Texas legislative session was winding down, but the Senate had yet to vote on a bill that would greatly increase regulations on abortionists and their facilities. Senator Wendy Davis became an overnight celebrity when her 10-hour filibuster, combined with the noise of the pro-abortion audience, pushed the final vote til after midnight. Because the legislative session ended at midnight, the vote was invalid.

The story doesn’t end there, though; Governor Rick Perry called a special session in order to give the bill another chance. Since Monday, July 1, thousands of Texans have swarmed Austin to voice their opinions of the bill. Supporters of HB2 wear blue; opponents wear orange. After hearing hours of testimonies, the House State Affairs Committee voted in favor of the bill, 8-3. Next week, HB2 will continue to the House, while its companion bill, SB1, will likely be discussed in committee on Monday.

In part due to the dramatic end to the legislative session, Texas has received national attention and attracted support, criticism, and debate from all over the country. However, North Carolina is fighting a similar battle, and it’s important for North Carolina citizens to be actively involved in what’s going on at home.

On Wednesday, July 3, in spite of hundreds of pro-abortion supporters who flooded the Legislature, the NC Senate passed H695.  This bill includes provisions seeking to prohibit sex selection abortions, to require physicians to be physically present during an abortion, and to opt out of abortion coverage in the federal exchange.  To pro-lifers, these measures seem obvious. Why wouldn’t people want to ban sex selective abortions, or to ensure that a doctor is in the room when a mother takes a deadly pill with risky side effects? To abortion rights supporters, though, such measures are merely obstacles between a woman and her “right” to choose, and they are desperate to protect that “right” to abortion for any reason, any time.

While H695 has passed in the Senate, it still has a long way to go before it becomes law. On Tuesday, July 9, there will be a vote to concur in the House Health and Human Services Committee, and the bill could possibly be on the House floor later that day for the full House vote.  If the committee and full House concur then it will be on its way to the governor’s desk. YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL! These measures will save lives, but our legislators need to hear from their pro-life constituents immediately. You can be sure they are hearing from those who want abortion to be legal without any restriction.  Please visit our website, www.ncrtl.org, and look under “Action Alert” to see how you can help!

North Carolina Right to Life Celebrates Another Year of Pro-Life Activity

As the country approaches the 40 year anniversary of Roe v. Wade, North Carolina citizens continue to demonstrate an ongoing determination to speak for the vulnerable unborn children, their mothers, and the elderly.  This past Saturday, January 19^th, an estimated 1,500 people gathered in downtown Raleigh to protest abortion, celebrate life, and reaffirm their commitment to the cause.

The day’s activities began with the 14^th Annual Prayer Breakfast for Life. Among the 300 attendees there were people of all ages, including families, legislators, college students, and representatives from numerous religious traditions.  Pastor Perry Tankard, founder of Power in the Word, gave the Invocation, describing the joy his nine children have brought into the world and praying that more people would realize that children are blessings. Ramona Timm sang America the Beautiful and God Bless America as the participants sang along with her. Olivia Gans Turner, director of American Victims of Abortion and president of Virginia Society for Human Life, was the featured speaker. She noted that abortion leaves no one untouched, and emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who have been injured by, or are considering, abortion. Finally, she encouraged everyone to continue to speak the truth, no matter what the obstacles.

Later, a crowd gathered at Nash Square in downtown Raleigh for the Rally and March for Life. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, gave the Invocation and remarked upon the number of young people at the event. Ramona Timm sang the National Anthem after the Knights of Columbus Color Guard presented the colors and Dave Onofrio led everyone in the pledge. Featured speakers Sarah Urdzik and Teresa Pincus, leaders of their respective Students for Life groups at UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University and recent graduates of the National Right to Life Academy in Washington, D.C., also addressed the youth specifically. Urdzik described the Academy experience and expressed her gratitude for the knowledge she accumulated, especially the confidence that she gained. She told the young people they are not only future leaders, they are also current leaders of the pro-life movement. Pincus also talked about the benefit of her Academy education, explaining how it encouraged her to begin sidewalk counseling at a local abortion facility. She reminded the audience that they have a duty to be educated pro-lifers, and ended her speech with a call to action. Olivia Gans Turner followed, repeating her message of perseverance in the face of adversity.

After the rally, the crowd marched through the streets of Raleigh, waving signs, chanting pro-life slogans, and praying for an end to abortion. The day’s activities concluded at Sacred Heart Cathedral, where participants enjoyed refreshments, socialized with one another, and perused pro-life literature. 

(Contributor: Erin Karlovich, NCRTL Assistant Director)

To see the photos taken by the News and Observer, visit http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/01/19/2618498/first-look-nc-right-to-life-rally.html. For more information about North Carolina Right to Life, visit http://ncrtl.org/.

Ten Reasons to Attend the North Carolina Rally and March for Life

Some pro-lifers think that there are better ways to spend our time, money, and energy in the fight to defend human life than to hold and participate in a March for Life.  They argue that we should be spending more time in prayer, not waving signs. Others say that if we really wanted to make a difference, we wouldn’t be marching down a street. If marching is all pro-lifers did, I might tend to agree with them. But, the March for Life in NC and DC has purpose and meaning in relation to all other pro-life work. Here are ten reasons why you should participate in a March for Life:

1. Show the world
Even if the mainstream media chooses to ignore the presence of thousands of people choosing to represent life, whoever sees you in the city won’t! This is a good way of showing others that people really do care about the cause of life.  Our lawmakers take note of our presence. After all, we want them to see that the pro-life movement is alive and growing.  The more pro-lifers that attend, the bigger the impact for the pro-life legislation we want to pass.

2. Spend time with friends
This can be a great bonding experience with like-minded people. Bring a friend and enjoy supporting a shared cause together. Encourage your youth group or church to march under its banner and make it a group function. 

3. Be encouraged
Abortion is a tragedy, and it can be easy to get discouraged. However, seeing crowds of enthusiastic young people, hearing some inspiring talks, and hanging out with thousands of other passionately pro-life people might be just what you need to recharge your hope. 

4. Learn something new
Between the multitude of signs, speakers, and free materials, chances are you’ll pick up a fact or two to help your knowledge of the pro-life world grow.

5. Network
Events like these bring out all kinds of people, and you never know who you’ll meet . Opportunities to make connections abound—and pro-lifers are typically excited to know and support people within the cause. 

6. It's fun!
We’re not just protesting abortion, we’re celebrating LIFE! So smile and enjoy yourself. We’re not crazy right wing terrorists who want to take away “rights,” we’re people who care deeply about other people, and the smile on your face will do more than all the anger in the world ever could. 

7. Everybody's doin' it
There are Marches for Life held across the country and internationally every January. Ours in North Carolina draws about 1,500 pro-lifers from across the state. The Washington, D.C. March attracts upwards of 250,000 people every year, and estimates place the 2011 attendance at 400,000! 

8. Peaceful but powerful
The D.C. March for Life, which is the inspiration for the NC March for Life and others across our country, is the longest-running peaceful protest in history. Every step you take is part of a historical event, and joining thousands of others in peaceful and prayerful demonstration is incredibly moving.

9. You never know who will see you
Sometimes our efforts feel fruitless, but you never know who will see you and be influenced for the better. Maybe that woman watching from a coffee shop is facing an unplanned pregnancy and needs to be reminded she’s not alone. Maybe six months from now the young man driving by will remember your “Men Regret Lost Fatherhood” sign when his girlfriend gets pregnant. Who knows whose life you can change, just by being there? 

10. It's a good cause
Ultimately, it’s all about the unborn babies and their mothers. They need our help, our support, our prayers, and our protection. Take some time to join others in this March for Life, and know that it’s not about you.

As for all those people who complain about the March for Life as an inefficient use of resources, they’d be right if this was all we did. But it’s not. The overwhelming majority of participants are those who live their pro-life convictions, and their attendance at the March is only one day out of the year. So don’t feel bad about taking time out of your day to attend—the babies will thank you. 
(Contributor: Erin Karlovich, NCRTL Assistant Director)

Some Notable Changes in the 2011 NC Reported Abortions

North Carolina Right to Life (NCRTL) recently updated the abortion information on its website to reflect the 2011 statistics. This resource, which is derived from the current State Center for Health Statistics data, is an excellent tool for learning and sharing the facts about abortions in North Carolina.

The 2011 trends in abortion continue to reflect the same patterns that have developed over the last several years. The majority of North Carolina residents who seek abortion are young and unmarried, and women under the age of 24 account for 45% of abortions. Minorities, 20% of whose total pregnancies end in abortion, obtained sixty percent of the state’s abortions.

One striking difference between the 2010 and 2011 numbers is the overall decline in abortions, which have decreased by 15%. In 2010, there were 25,808 abortions performed on North Carolina residents; in 2011, there were 22,370. This marks the greatest drop in abortion numbers within the past five years. There was also, however, a decrease in the total number of pregnancies, so while there were fewer abortion deaths, there were fewer live births, as well. Other factors affecting this total might include population changes, cultural shifts regarding childbearing and life issues, and more effective pro-life legislation.

Also of interest is a change in abortion procedures. In 2010, suction curettage abortions and dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortions, both surgical methods, were the most frequently performed. In 2011, suction curettage remained as the most frequently used (52%), but medical (chemical/nonsurgical) abortion narrowly topped D&E abortion as the second most common procedure.  Since the majority of abortions take place during the early stages of pregnancy, these chemical abortions are becoming more popular.  This also reflects the growing emphasis that abortion advocates, most notably Planned Parenthood, are placing on quicker and “easier” forms of abortion, as chemical abortions are nonsurgical and require only brief visits to the abortion facilities, unless the chemicals do not work. Then, the mother has to return for a surgical abortion.  
 

While the continual decline in total abortions is a cause for hope and celebration, 22,370 lives are still too many. North Carolina Right to Life is as devoted as ever to working to protect unborn children and their mothers in the coming years.

For more information about the 2011 statistics, visit NCRTL's web page.

Post written by Erin Karlovich, NCRTL Assistant Director.

Elective Abortion is a Covered Benefit in a UNC System Wide Student Health Plan

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has contracted with Pearce and Pearce to provide a system wide student health insurance plan, containing elective abortion as a covered benefit, for those students who do not have insurance through their parents, through an employer, or individually. Abortion is listed under the benefits' summary for the plan and says that elective abortion will be covered up to a $500 maximum benefit with 80% of PPO Allowance (in network) and a 70% of R & C (out of network).

The affected students will have to pay a student fee up to $750/year or $375/semester for the university provided plan.

North Carolina Right to Life contends that the UNC System, as a state supported system, should not be providing a student health plan that includes elective abortion as a covered benefit. Surely Pearce and Pearce would be very happy to exclude elective abortion as a covered benefit if the University made such a request.

Pro-life students, affected by this new policy, and parents of these students should protest this requirement and formally request that the benefit for elective abortion coverage should not be part of the student health insurance plan required by the University system. Pro-life alumni of the university system should lend their voices to those of the affected students to request that the benefit be excluded from the plan.

North Carolina Right to Life will continue to monitor this plan and bring updates as they are available. Those who have any contact with the UNC University system concerning this matter are encouraged to email us at ncrtl73@aol.com to let us know if the university demonstrates its willingness to opt out of the elective abortion coverage for the student health plan required under their policy.

Hagan still undecided about her Kagan vote

Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) is still undecided about how she will vote on the Elena Kagan nomination to be an Associate Justice to the U. S. Supreme Court. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) is planning to vote "NO."

National Right to Life sent a 4 page letter to all U. S. Senators explaining why it is imperative to oppose her nomination.

In their letter, "NRLC noted that recently released documents from a period (1995-99) in which Kagan was an aide to President Clinton 'reveal Ms. Kagan to have been a key strategist -- perhaps, indeed, the lead strategist within the White House -- in the successful effort to prevent enactment of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act during the Clinton Administration. . . . Ms. Kagan played a key role in keeping the brutal partial-birth abortion method legal for an additional decade.' The documents also show Kagan taking objectionable positions on such issues as assisted suicide, human cloning, and political free speech."

The Senate should be voting soon on this nomination, so time is short to make your voice heard. If you wish to send an email, you can visit the NRLC Legislative Action Center where you can easily send your message.

A phone call is an excellent way to communicate your opposition to the Kagan nomination. Senator Kay Hagan's DC phone number is 202-224-6342. To thank Senator Richard Burr, call 202-224-3154.