. . . because action speaks louder than words.
League history, NOW v. Scheidler, Action News, Joe Scheidler, League staff
Q & A on abortion, the unborn child, where we stand on the issues and more
Helping abortion-bound women choose life for their babies
Unmasking the truth about abortion in the public square
Our youth outreach, raising up a new generation of pro-life leaders
Abortion industry converts tell the inside story
News and commentary from the Pro-Life Action League
News and commentary from the Pro-Life Action League
Today a terrible bill, which will potentially shut down—or at the very least substantially prevent Pregnancy Resource Centers from operating—passed out of committee in Baltimore. This bill would require PRCs to post signs saying they do not provide abortions or dispense contraceptives. If they do not post this sign, they have ten days to comply, or they will face a fine of $150 per day and civil charges. Generously, this was decreased from the original $500 per day and criminal charges that was proposed in the original bill.
According to One News Now, pregnancy centers in Baltimore are already required to put this information on their client intake sheet. This new law is just another push by Planned Parenthood and NARAL to increase their profits by weaning away some of the thousands of clients who go to PRCs each year.
Mark, our tipster out in Baltimore, tells us that 10 of the 14 members of the council are co-sponsors of this bill. Our God is powerful, though, and our cause it just. So, just so she knows how we feel, call the president of the city council—who urged that this bill be brought before them—and tell her what you think. Call 410-396-3100 and ask for the office of the President of the Council, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The full council is set to vote on this bill on Monday, November 16. There will then be another vote around Thanksgiving, and if it is passed both times, it will go before Mayor Sheila Dixon, who will either sign it or veto it.
Parental Notification for abortion on a minor was finally set to be enforced on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 14 years after it was passed by the Illinois legislature.
Unfortunately, according to attorneys at the Thomas More Society, strange things have been happening. Apparently the Medical Board, who was one of the defendants in this case, is now joining with the Plaintiffs, the ACLU, to complain about the bill. The Medical Board will be meeting Wednesday, November 4 at 9am to discuss the bill. With any luck they will realize that they do not have the authority to hold this bill up, and will let it finally be enforced.
In the words of a Chicago Tribune editorial: “This had better be a routine hearing. The legislature passed this law in 1995. Enough with the delays.” They also describe Parental Notification as “a measure that represents an intelligent middle ground on a deeply divisive issue.”
Keep your eyes open for media appearances from our National Director, Joe Scheidler, who has been interviewed by NBC 5 Chicago, Fox News, and a variety of local and national papers about this issue.
[Back to Top]