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/. 

Stephen Holly, 2013 Regional Winner

Save the Date!

The 44th Annual National Right to Life Convention is just around the corner! This year, join pro-lifers from all over the country in Louisville, Kentucky, from June 26-28 for informational workshops, inspiring speeches, and an all-around great time! 

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!

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! 

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. 

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.

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 22^nd, 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 22^nd. 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 15^th 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!

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. 

Prayer Breakfast, Rally, and March for Life Coming Soon!

On Saturday, January 18th we will be commemorating the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade with our annual prayer breakfast, rally, and March for Life. 

The Prayer Breakfast for Life, founded in 2000, brings together committed pro-lifers who are eager to celebrate our victories and become energized for another year of life-saving work. 

Steven Mosher

This year's featured speaker is Steven Mosher, president of The Population Research Institute, an internationally recognized authority on China and population issues, and an acclaimed author and speaker. He was worked tirelessly since 1979 to fight coercive population control programs and has helped hundreds of thousands of women and families worldwide. 

This year, the Prayer Breakfast for Life will be held at the Sheraton in downtown Raleigh. The doors will open at 9 in the morning, with the buffet opening at 9:30 and the program beginning at 10 o'clock. Ticket pricing, directions, and more details about the program can be found on our website here. 

The Rally for Life will begin at 1pm in Nash Square. Confirmed speakers include Barbara Holt, president of NC Right to Life, Steven Mosher, president of The Population Research Institute, the Very Rev. Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh, and William Moore, 2014 Scholarship for Life recipient and NRL Academy graduate. 

This event is most effective when lots of people attend, so bring a crowd! Families, church groups, and youth groups are especially encouraged to attend. Your presence has an influence on all who see you, and you will be making a stand for life! 

Following the rally there will be a March for Life through the streets of Raleigh, with refreshments at the end. NCRTL will also provide literature and pro-life materials for anyone interested. 

Pro-Life Essay Contest!

Attention students! Are you pro-life? Have you ever thought about why? This is your chance! 

The annual National Right to Life Pro-Life Essay Contest is accepting submissions beginning December 16, 2013 and ending January 22, 2014. Each essay should address the subject "Why I am Pro-Life" in 300-500 words (1-2 typed pages). The competition is open to students in grades 7-12, and participants are split into categories based on their grade level. 

This essay competition may not strike you as important, but there are several reasons why students should participate. 

On the most basic level, this is a great opportunity to practice and improve writing skills. Not only will this help students excel in their classes at school, it will also help them on college aptitude tests and beyond. Even if you don't plan to enter a field that requires frequent papers, you should still have a solid foundation in writing. Oftentimes, people will see your writing samples before they meet you; do you want their first impression to be, "This person doesn't write well?" Whether you're writing a resume, an email, or a dissertation, you need to know how to formulate your thoughts clearly. 

From the pro-life perspective, the ability to express opinions well is vital. Did you know that college-aged women are more likely to have abortions than any other demographic? Too many young men and women grow up never thinking about why they are pro-life, making them vulnerable to the cultural mentality that abortion is just another choice. Students should think through the "whys" behind their pro-life beliefs before they're faced with a challenging situation. This essay contest requires students to think critically on the subject--500 words may sound like a lot, but people have written entire books on why they're pro-life! To do this assignment well, students will have to work to find and express the heart of their pro-life beliefs. 

This is also a chance to learn and share with your family and friends. Part of fostering a pro-life culture is allowing our pro-life education to grow with us. Young children may not need to know the graphic details about abortion, but they are fascinated by fetal development. Kids often look up to older siblings, and if they witness you openly sharing your thoughts on pro-life issues, they will remember. Someone who grows up knowing a baby is a baby and who takes the time to understand why he or she is pro-life is much more likely to make life-affirming decisions or counsel others to do so when they are older. You never know what seeds you may plant in someone's heart. 

Finally, what a great opportunity to learn something new, write about something you care about, and possibly win some money! You have to admit, it's a pretty good deal.

For more details about the requirements for the competition, please visit our website. 

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!

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)

Nikita Chintalapudi Wins 2012 Oratory Contest

Left to right: Abigail Reimel, Nikita Chintalapudi, Nathan Wilson

Nikita Chintalapudi, a homeschooled junior high schooler from Cary, NC, is the 2012 winner of the North Carolina Right to Life (NCRTL) Oratory Contest. Nikita will represent NCRTL at the Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest being held in conjunction with the National Right to Life Convention on June 30 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, just outside DC. Abigail Reimel from Wilmington, NC is the 2nd place winner.

Nathan Wilson from Raleigh was one of the three contestants.  Although he did not place, he gave a very good speech. All three contestants received a Precious Feet Pin, an Abortion Stops a Beating Heart bumper sticker, a Choose Life magnet, a pro-life ring and bracelet, a Rose lapel sticker, as well as several pro-life brochures.


The three judges for the competition are all members of the NCRTL Board of Directors: Nancy J. R. Wells (Greensboro), Melinda Snyder, M. D. (Butner), and Amy Huffman (Burlington). The judges were very impressed by the speeches of each of the three contestants.