On Tuesday, July 21, Pro-Life Action League national director Joe Scheidler offered a moving reflection on his good friend and pro-life pioneer Dr. Jack Willke during a tribute reception at the Washington, D.C. offices of Americans United for Life.
Dr. Willke, who passed away in February, was known as the “Grandfather of the Pro-Life Movement” for his tireless efforts since the 1960s to defend the lives of unborn children. He and his wife Barbara traveled the world advancing the pro-life cause, and their Handbook on Abortion helped launched the pro-life movement after Roe v Wade.
Pro-life leaders from across the country gathered to remember Willke and his legacy, and JoeY—as the “Godfather of the Pro-Life Movement” was the first to speak. He focused especially on Willke’s gracious appearance as a character witness during his NOW v. Scheidler RICO trial.
In concluding his remarks, Joe declared, “I loved Jack dearly, I loved Barbara; they were friends. I miss them like family, because they were family to us all, and they brought so many families into the world.”