Here's Your Monday Update

DANE COUNTY JUDGE RULES 1849 ABORTION BAN APPLIES ONLY TO FETICIDE, NOT CONSENSUAL MEDICAL ABORTION

On Friday, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Diane Schlipper ruled that the whole of Wisconsin Statute 940.04 applies to feticide, the intentional killing of preborn child without maternal consent, and not to consensual medical abortion. Writing “There is no such thing as an ‘1849 Abortion Ban’ in Wisconsin,” Judge Schlipper rejected a motion by defendant Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski to dismiss the challenge to s.940.04 brought by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul last summer shortly after the Dobbs SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Accordingly, Kaul’s lawsuit will continue in Schlipper’s county courtroom.

Judge Schlipper interpreted (or rather misinterpreted) a 1994 Wisconsin Supreme Court case to make her erroneous conclusion. In State of Wisconsin v. Glenndale Black, in which a loathsome defendant had punched his wife in the abdomen five days before her due date killing her baby, Black was charged under s.940.04(2)(a) (titled “Abortion”) which applies to “Any person, other than the mother, who . . . intentionally destroys the life of an unborn quick child.” Mr. Black contended that the statute was impliedly repealed by the legislature when it later enacted s.940.15 (also titled “Abortion”) in response to and conforming to the dictates of Roe v. Wade. The Court was unpersuaded that the legislature intended to repeal s.940.04 when it enacted the Roe-conforming 940.15. It said, “Implied repeal of statutes by later enactments is not favored in statutory construction.”

So, to be clear, the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Black only interpreted Section 2 of s.940.04 as applicable to feticide, stating Section 2 described no abortive-type medical procedure but rather the killing of an unborn quick child absent the mother’s consent, “quick” meaning the gestational age at which the unborn child moves in utero. In so ruling, the Court tacitly acknowledged that Section 1, Section 5, and Section 6 of s.940.04 do describe a consensual medical abortion. After all, the statute itself is entitled “Abortion,” it makes an exception for a “therapeutic abortion” to “save the life of the mother” that is “performed by a physician” and “(u)nless an emergency prevents, is performed in a licensed maternity hospital.” To rule that all of s.940.04 has nothing to do with a consensual, medically induced abortion defies the plain wording and meaning of the statute. It is an extraordinary leap in logic.

Whatever the outcome of Attorney General Kaul’s lawsuit, likely to be resolved by a new liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court, Pro-Life Wisconsin will continue the fight to outlaw abortion without exception and pass a personhood amendment enshrining the right to life in our state constitution. We will also continue to change hearts and minds through social media, billboard campaigns, educational outreach, support of pregnancy resource centers, and sidewalk counseling in front of abortion centers.

Please click HERE for a news story on Fox 6 Milwaukee and HERE for a news story on NBC 15 Milwaukee, both featuring PLW Legislative Director Matt Sande.

PRO-LIFE BRIDGES DAY: JULY 21

Join Pro-Life Wisconsin as we continue this simple yet effective outreach. The group will be gathering on the I-94 overpass on Sunnyslope Rd. in Brookfield, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to assist with holding our pro-life banners! We hope to change the hearts and minds of those driving by that day!

Parking is available on Bishops Drive, on the north side of the freeway. Banners will be provided. Please RSVP to Celia.B@ProLifeWI.org, if you are interested in being a part of this event. Questions? Call 262-796-1111. We hope to see you there!

*Participants coming approaching from the east I-94 are encouraged to take the HWY 100 exit (Exit 304) or find an alternate route as the North Moorland Rd. exit is closed due to construction.

Join Pro-Life Wisconsin for our annual Love for Life Gala on Thursday, September 21, 2023, as we raise funds to keep fighting for life! This is our largest fundraiser of the year!

The Brookfield Conference Center
(325 South Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI 53005)

Formal Attire (suits for men, dresses for ladies)

5:30 PM Drinks, Hors d'oeuvres, and Raffle
6:30 PM Dinner Program
7:30 PM Live Auction
8:00 PM Keynote Speaker, Dr. Anthony Levatino, Former Abortionist

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Anthony Levantino will share his powerful story on why a physician trained to give life would instead take it away.  Before his conversion, Dr. Levatino performed over 1,200 first and second-trimester abortions as part of his OBGYN practice in upstate New York. He has since become a pro-life advocate, speaking about the dangers of abortion. His story is filled with practical advice on what we can do to increase our effectiveness in advocating for the preborn. We hope you will join us for Dr. Levatino's compelling testimony and an unforgettable night of supporting life!

MARCH WITH US IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Join us for the 2024 March for Life in Washington DC! Take advantage of summer savings, and get $100 off your ticket through Labor Day (Monday, September 4, 2023)! No promo code is necessary. Discount automatically applied at checkout.

Travel to our nation's capital, and march alongside hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers! Pro-Life Wisconsin buses will leave Wisconsin on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, and return on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The March will take place on Friday, January 19, 2024.

ALL SUMMER: BILLBOARDS ON THE BORDERS

Thanks to a tremendously generous donor, Pro-Life Wisconsin is covering the Wisconsin borders and major cities with the pro-life message all summer long! The intent of this campaign is to reach abortion-bound women leaving Wisconsin to obtain an abortion with the pro-life message of compassion, care, and abundant help.

Many women seeking an abortion are desperately hoping for a sign to keep their baby and reject the coercive pressure of family, friends, or their partner. “We know from working with women and men in their struggle to choose life for their child, many are making deals with God,” said Dan Miller, State Director of Pro-Life Wisconsin. “Some simply ask God to show them a sign to not have the abortion. We decided to give them a really big sign!" Pro-Life Wisconsin’s billboards will be that beacon of hope for women, offering them real help in their time of need.

Coming home to Wisconsin from out of state, women will also be met with Pro-Life Wisconsin billboards offering post-abortive healing help and Abortion Pill Reversal information should they regret their abortion and seek to save their baby. Dan Miller, State Director of Pro-Life Wisconsin commented, "If they are having second thoughts about their abortion, help and hope is available. There is a group of medical doctors trained in safe protocol to reverse the effects of the first pill in the chemical abortion regimen. The first 24 hours are critical, so a billboard on the way back from the neighboring state is the best way to reach these women in time.” No woman should feel as though they are alone or abandoned. Visit ProLifeWI.org/help for a glimpse of the tender care these women are met with!

If you’d like to financially support this campaign and extend the life of these billboards, please give to the True to Life Media Campaign fund here today.

Since late October 2017, Choose Life license plates have been available to Wisconsin motorists, and every penny earned through the sale of the plates directly aids Wisconsin's incredible pregnancy resource centers and initiatives. Choose Life Wisconsin license plate sales have resulted in over $279,508 granted to Wisconsin pregnancy resource centers to date.

With a greater need to serve pregnant women in our state, be a part of the mission to save lives and aid women, get your Choose Life Wisconsin license plate today! For more information call Pro-Life Wisconsin at 262-796-1111 ext. 110.

For a list of pregnancy resource centers in Wisconsin, visit CrisisPregnancies.org

OHIO’S RADICAL ABORTION AMENDMENT SUBMITS ENOUGH SIGNATURES TO REACH NOVEMBER BALLOT: (LifeSiteNews) – “A proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution that critics say would enshrine a ‘right’ to effectively unlimited abortion in the Buckeye State has secured the requisite number of petition signatures and is now being reviewed for placement on the November ballot. Drafted by the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and backed by the Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights (OPRR) advocacy arm Protect Choice Ohio (PCO), the proposed Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety Amendment posits a ‘right’ to make ‘personal reproductive’ decisions, ‘including but not limited to decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing one’s own pregnancy, miscarriage care, and abortion,’ which the state ‘shall not, directly or indirectly, burden, penalize, prohibit, interfere with, or discriminate against.’ Fox News reported that the 400,000 signatures collected by supporters are now being reviewed by the state for any technical errors, after which the issue will be put to the voters this fall.” Read the full story here.

MAINE SET TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST EXTREME PRO-ABORTION STATES IN THE US: (Live Action) – “Maine’s Senate has voted for a second time to pass a bill allowing abortion up to birth for any reason. It will now head to the desk of Gov. Janet Mills, who introduced the bill and is expected to sign it. Once signed, Maine will have one of the most expansive and extreme abortion laws in the nation. The bill reportedly ‘changes the standard for when an abortion may be performed after viability to when a licensed physician determines that it is necessary instead of when it is necessary to preserve the life or health of the mother.’ Yet, the bill also removes any penalties for committing an abortion without being licensed as a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. ‘It basically allows for the abortion of a baby in the third trimester for any reason whatsoever, with no guardrails except for a physician has to sign off that it’s necessary. Necessary for what purpose? They never really explain,’ said Senator Eric Brakey.” Read the full story here.

AUGUST 28, WAUKEGAN – Join us for the Life Witness Training Seminar from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Dismas Catholic Church (2600 Sunset Ave., Waukegan, IL 60087). Learn how to save babies from abortion on the front lines of the battle for life! Join Ann Scheidler of Pro-Life Action League and Dan Miller of Pro-Life Wisconsin as they share their stories and practical tips for sidewalk counseling. Register here.

SEPTEMBER 21, BROOKFIELD – Mark your calendars for our annual Love for Life Gala on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. Join fellow pro-life Wisconsinites for an evening celebrating life at the Brookfield Conference Center! Register here for early-bird pricing.

JANUARY 2024, WASHINGTON DC – Travel to our nation's capital, and march alongside hundreds of thousands of pro-lifers for the national March for Life! Pro-Life Wisconsin buses will leave Wisconsin on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, and return on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The March will take place on Friday, January 19, 2024. Register here for $100 off your ticket now through Labor Day!

CRAWFORD COUNTY: Life Guardians pro-life group meets monthly in Boscobel. Email Heather at heatherkramer79@gmail.com for more information or check out the Facebook page here.

GREEN BAY: Pro-Life Green Bay is an active pro-life ministry in Northeast Wisconsin and meets regularly throughout the year. For more information, contact prolifegreenbay@gmail.com

LA CROSSE: We would like to see at least two people pray every day of the week outside Planned Parenthood. If you can commit to this weekly prayer, please let Marie Allen know. We encourage people to pray in groups of two if possible. You may choose your own time, and sidewalk counseling and signs are optional. Pro-Life literature is available if anyone wishes to distribute it. Questions? Call 608-784-5189.

MILWAUKEE: Join us every Tuesday at 6:00 PM (rain or shine) to pray the Angelus followed by the Rosary in reparation for sins of ingratitude at the Fatima Shrine (141 N 68th St Milwaukee, WI 53213).

Pro-Life Students of Milwaukee (PRISM) is an affiliate for high school students in the greater Milwaukee area. PRISM meets monthly and hosts pro-life events throughout the year. Email PRISM@ProLifeWI.org for more information.

ROCK COUNTY: For meeting times and other information, please email Miriam at

plwrcc@charter.net

WINNEBAGO COUNTY: Please join us in prayer every first Monday of the month from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. to exercise your 1st amendment free speech rights in the public right of way (nearest to Marcus Cinema) in Oshkosh, near Planned Parenthood (378S Koeller St, Oshkosh, WI 54902). Bring your own sign, or use one of ours! Contact Don Doro at 920-279-3496 or at ddurawa1@yahoo.com

WISCONSIN RAPIDS: Please join us in prayer on the 2nd Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. along 8th Street near Planned Parenthood. Gather in the parking lot at 3:45 p.m.

JULY 16, MADISON – The Catholic Medical Guild of the Diocese of Madison will be hosting its annual White Mass in honor of medical professionals. Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will be celebrating the Mass on Sunday, July 16th, 10:30 a.m. at Holy Name Heights Oratory (702 S. High Point Rd., Madison, WI 53719). All medical professionals from throughout the diocese are invited to attend. Following Mass, there will be a brunch and a presentation by Father Justin Kizewski, MS, MA, PhL, STD. He will speak on the topic: Go with the flow or stand your ground? Why respect for conscience matters in Health Care. For more information, or to sign up please contact Mark Lehman RN, BSN, BBA: markalanlehman@gmail.com by July 9th, to allow for food planning.

JULY 22, MENOMONEE FALLS – Join us for our annual Arise Family Fay! With live music, kid-friendly activities, and more, this entertaining day of faith will have fun for the whole family. Located at Menomonee Falls Village Park (N87W16749 Garfield Drive, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051). Pro-Life Wisconsin will have a table at this event – come by and say hi! More information here.

JULY 22, HARTFORD – Join the Knights of Columbus Unity Council #12743 from St. Lawrence & Resurrection Parishes for the annual "Drive for the Unborn" golf outing at Hartford Golf Club (7072 Lee Rd, Hartford, WI 53027). The cost is $80 per person, and the format is a 4-person team scramble with a shotgun start at 8:00 am (check-in by 7:30 am). Funds are donated to the Seed of Hope Center in West Bend, the Women’s Support Center of Milwaukee, several local K-C Ultrasound initiatives, projects sponsored or promoted by Pro-Life Wisconsin, and other similar Culture of Life causes and organizations in southeast Wisconsin. Payment is due at event check-in. Checks should be made payable to Knights of Columbus #12743. To sign up, contact Russ Koth at roscoerr@charter.net or call 262-224-3112. The signup deadline is Monday, July 17th. This is NOT restricted to Knights of Columbus members – ALL ARE WELCOME.

AUGUST 5, GENESEE DEPOT – First Saturday Traveling Rosary for Life. Join us for Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration on Saturday, August 5, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Paul Church (S38 W31602 Wern Way, Waukesha, WI 53189). Each month a different parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will host a Rosary for Life on the First Saturday of the month. For a complete listing, please email Deacon Jim Matthias at matthiasj@archmil.org.

SEPTEMBER 2 – First Saturday Traveling Rosary for Life. Details to be announced. For a complete listing, please email Deacon Jim Matthias at matthiasj@archmil.org.

OCTOBER 7, MILWAUKEE – First Saturday Traveling Rosary for Life. Join us for Mass, Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, and Reconciliation on Saturday, October 7, at 8:00 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Josaphat (2333 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215). Each month a different parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will host a Rosary for Life on the First Saturday of the month. For a complete listing, please email Deacon Jim Matthias at matthiasj@archmil.org.

NOVEMBER 4, MILWAUKEE – First Saturday Traveling Rosary for Life. Join us for Rosary and prayer on Saturday, November 4, 9:00-10:00 a.m. outside Planned Parenthood (435 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204). Each month a Rosary for Life is held on the First Saturday of the month. For a complete listing, please email Deacon Jim Matthias at matthiasj@archmil.org.

DECEMBER 2, GRAFTON – First Saturday Traveling Rosary for Life. Join us for Mass and Rosary on Saturday, December 2, at 8:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church (1619 Washington St, Grafton, WI 53024). Each month a different parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will host a Rosary for Life on the First Saturday of the month. For a complete listing, please email Deacon Jim Matthias at matthiasj@archmil.org.

JANUARY 6, 2024, MILWAUKEE – First Saturday Traveling Rosary for Life. Join us for the Rosary on Saturday, January 6, at St. Matthias Church (9306 Beloit Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53227). Each month a different parish in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will host a Rosary for Life on the First Saturday of the month. For a complete listing, please email Deacon Jim Matthias at matthiasj@archmil.org.

ONGOING – Help America Pray the Rosary Bumper Stickers Available at No Cost: A generous Pro-Life Wisconsin supporter wants to help you promote devotion to the Rosary! Help America Pray the Rosary Bumper Stickers are available to you and/or your organization. They come in packets of 250 and will be sent to you free of charge. Questions and requests for bumper stickers should be directed to the Mazza Family at RosaryBumperStickers@gmail.com. God bless!

ONGOING – Walking with Moms in Need: The Catholic Church has a long history of service to those who are most vulnerable. From pregnancy care centers, to foster care and adoption agencies, and from maternity homes to parish-based ministries, the Church consistently bears witness in word and deed to the beauty and dignity of every human life—including both mother and child. This program asks parishes and parishioners to adopt and support those centers and agencies that are actively helping moms in need. View the flyer here or visit the website here.

ONGOING, KENOSHA – Participate in the Rosary in Kenosha at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday at Saint Therese Catholic Church (2020 91st Street Kenosha, WI 53143). Bring family and friends!

ONGOING, OCONOMOWOC – Public Prayer of the Rosary to entrust the whole world to Our Lady and ask her to intercede for our state, country, and world. Join us at Village Green Park (104 E Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc, WI 53066) every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. View the flyer here.

ONGOING – Toda America con Cristo and Family Life Council, Inc. has created pro-life resources for the latino community. If you or someone you know would benefit from these resources please view the web pages here and here.

POST-ABORTIVE VIDEO – There is hope and healing for mothers and fathers who now regret their abortion and deeply grieve the loss of their little child. A new day is dawning; be not afraid. Seek the help you need. Your wounded heart can be healed through the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Go to Him, seek Him, and receive the help you desire to be healed and live in hope once again. Watch this video for more information on where to find help. There are millions and millions who regret their abortions. You are not alone.