Dear John,

The value of life, particularly vulnerable lives in the womb, has been back in national headlines -- especially with the first debate of presidential candidates set for Wednesday night.

Our stance at Family Research Council (FRC) has been consistent since our founding: If you're not standing for life, you don't have a leg to stand on.

That was the crystal-clear message at a townhall event held in Des Moines, Iowa, hosted by FRC in late June. Pro-life leaders from across the nation and state issued a clarion call -- just as presidential candidates began to crisscross the critical heartland state.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision last summer to overturn Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) was a milestone moment for the pro-life movement.

It only took one constitutionally correct ruling to open the doors for the defense of life. It has resulted in at least 24,000 lives in the womb being saved so far, with other estimates noting well over 100,000 babies born who otherwise wouldn't have been.

The fight for life has entered a new phase and it's important for each of us to be aware of how the battleground is shifting.

FRC has been at the forefront of pushing back against radical pro-abortion forces for the past 40 years. When you partner in our mission, it enables FRC to voice your values at this critical moment -- through our daily radio and TV program, news outlet, and events that draw national attention.

"Abortion has not been eliminated," was the message I shared at the Iowa event, describing the effects of the Dobbs court decision. "It is simply now in the hands of the people and their elected representatives. We've got to keep doing what we've been doing."

Following the Dobbs decision, 14 states have been able to enforce laws protecting life from conception. Four more states have passed legislation significantly advancing protections for the unborn that are currently blocked pending litigation.

Knowing the "state of the states" regarding life matters. It's just as important to elevate caring, principled voices whose testimony can reach people who are undecided on this debate.

Former abortion-industry worker Mayra Rodriguez powerfully related her personal story. "I sold abortions for 16 years," she said. "Then I became the director of an abortion facility. I realized what I had been promoting and selling, and I realized there's no such thing as a safe abortion."

Sometimes, it only takes one voice to change hearts and minds.

Rodriguez, who previously worked for years at Planned Parenthood, linked her story to the primary election drama playing out in Iowa, noting the importance of Hispanic voters who participated at record levels in recent elections.

"The message always to my people when I go around speaking is: if that politician is not willing to protect the most vulnerable person in your family, he does not care about you," she stated.

Together we can educate and mobilize Americans on behalf of the most vulnerable lives. When you give today, it supports FRC's effective work -- from grassroots activists to the halls of power.

At the Iowa event, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) observed how pro-abortion factions in Congress have taken extreme positions over the past year.

"Our Democratic colleagues have introduced legislation in Washington that would create a national standard. It would overrule every state law," said Graham. "It would allow abortion on demand, taxpayer-funded, literally up to the moment of birth."

He contrasted this position with a current proposed federal law to ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks. It's a standard that Graham said all candidates should embrace: "You should want to talk about abortion, not be afraid of it."

At the conclusion of the event, I offered a big-picture view of the cause of defending vulnerable lives: We need to realize that this is a spiritual battle -- abortion comes from the pit of hell.

And we must stand against the darkness in this hour.

FRC's bold leadership is presenting the facts about life in a way that resonates with people who are "on the fence" about pro-life policies -- among other controversies in society.

Your financial support enables FRC to communicate truth about the value of every life.

Thank you in advance for your faithful support!

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.