Dear John,
It’s only July, and it’s already been such a busy summer for Oregon Right to Life and the pro-life movement!
Just over a week ago, Celebrate Life Month wrapped up with an amazing showing of pro-life action:
On Saturday, June 28, pro-life advocates in six Oregon cities joined thousands nationwide in peaceful “Defund Day” demonstrations outside of abortion facilities. The rallies were organized by Live Action to call for the federal defunding of Planned Parenthood.
The six Oregon demonstrations were among 200 events across the country.
Event leaders here in Oregon told us the demonstrations were successful and very positive. In Salem alone, an estimated 50 people took part!
“The demonstration in Eugene felt very joyful,” Live Action Development Operations Manager Laura Rose told us. “We were there out of love for the babies and love for the mothers and fathers who feel abortion is the solution. This love really showed in our prayers, our conversations, and even in how we responded to angry people who drove by. The pro-life movement is one of love and joy, and I really felt that at the demonstration.”
Days after the demonstrations took place, Congress voted to defund Planned Parenthood for a year, a move expected to cause hundreds of abortion facility closures across the country.
Then, on July 4, President Trump signed the bill into law.
Of course, Planned Parenthood – a multimillion dollar abortion business – immediately filed a lawsuit. And a radical judge quickly moved to temporarily block enforcement of the defunding.
It’s unfortunate… but not surprising.
Thankfully, the Trump Administration isn’t backing down.
"The Trump Administration is ending the forced use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion – a commonsense position that the overwhelming majority of Americans agree with,” a White House official told CBS in response to the lawsuit.
The pro-life work to defeat Planned Parenthood clearly isn’t over – but we’ve made huge strides toward becoming a nation that provides and promotes real, life-affirming support for moms and families, not abortion-on-demand.
We’ll keep working toward that goal (and keeping a close eye on the ongoing litigation) and I know you’ll be right there beside us.
Thank you for all you do to protect the most vulnerable in this human rights movement.
Because everyone deserves an advocate,
Lois Anderson
Executive Director
P.S. The conclusion of Celebrate Life Month means it’s time for our prize drawing! One lucky winner will receive a vacation stay in Sunriver, Oregon, thanks to a generous donor. Make sure to follow us on social media and stay tuned for an update about our winners!
