AUL

Good Morning,

When asked recently about health care reform legislation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “…we will go through the gate. If the gate is closed, we will go over the fence. If the fence is too high, we will pole vault in. If that doesn't work, we will parachute in. But we are going to get health care reform passed for the American people....”

Well, let's be honest. While her determination is meant to be inspiring, Speaker Pelosi's doggedness is actually on behalf of the abortion lobby. And that's troubling for the vast majority of Americans who don’t want to see public funds bankrolling abortion. I make this commitment to you: we will match Ms. Pelosi's determination every step of the way -- whether we need pole vaults or parachutes.

While the news may have shifted elsewhere for now, I want to assure you that we are keeping a close eye on Capitol Hill. We will keep you informed as the health care battle continues.

In the meantime, we can be encouraged because we are making progress in states across our nation this week. Our Americans United for Life legal team is working in 20 states right now to advance pro-life measures including ultrasound requirements for abortion, rights of conscience protections, parental involvement laws, protection for unborn victims of violence, and limits on biotechnologies.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is a good example.

Denise Burke, a senior AUL attorney, presented written testimony in both the Virginia House and Senate opposing legislation filed at the instigation of NARAL Pro-Choice America (the group formerly known as the "National Abortion Rights Action League.") This insidious legislation was written to rob Crisis Pregnancy Centers of precious financial resources by shutting down the popular and voluntary "Choose Life" license plate program. Denise testified that several provisions of the legislation are unconstitutional. Committees in both chambers refused to advance the bills, effectively killing them.

This is a clear win for life, and this weekend’s much-anticipated Super Bowl gives us another reason to take heart.

Last week, I asked you to join me in supporting Focus on the Family as they prepare to air a Super Bowl commercial about the incredible story of college football superstar Tim Tebow. In partnership with LifeNews.com, we started a Facebook page called “Support Tebow’s Superbowl Ad” and the outpouring has been unbelievable. More than 125,000 people have joined this cause online and more are joining every day.

CBS has responsibly agreed to air the ad, and even the Washington Post and the New York Times have published pieces critical of groups like the National Organization for Women for their extremism and intolerance on this issue. The Tebow ad, which encourages a culture of life, is one I cannot wait to see. America is an overwhelmingly pro-life nation, and every day we are advancing the cause.

Thank you for all that you do for life.

For Life,

Charmaine Yoest


Charmaine

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
President & CEO