Here's Your Monday Update

JOIN PRO-LIFE WISCONSIN TO SAVE LIVES THIS #GIVING TUESDAY

Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away, and that means it’s almost time for #GivingTuesday! The days surrounding Thanksgiving are chock full of consumerism (Black Friday, Cyber Monday). #GivingTuesday takes place the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and is a day where charities across the world invite us to give back selflessly to our communities. This #GivingTuesday at
Pro-Life Wisconsin, we are excited to continue to invite you into the mission of saving lives, born and preborn!

Beginning tomorrow, each Tuesday for the next three weeks we will share stories of how your donation impacts the fight for life in our state across different PLW programs. We hope these stories will encourage you to stand strong in support of life, help educate our fellow Wisconsinites, and give from the heart!
-Teresa Wolfe, Development Director

SAVE THE DATE – EMPTY MANGER CAROLING

In the Christmas story, hope enters the world through the birth of a child, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Join us as we share this Christmas hope where it is needed most – the abortion facility right here in our community.

Pro-Life Wisconsin will gather at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, for Empty Manger Christmas Caroling on the sidewalks outside of Planned Parenthood Milwaukee (435 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204). A group will also host Empty Manger Christmas Caroling at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2023 outside of Planned Parenthood Kenosha (3601 Roosevelt Rd, Kenosha, WI 53142). Please join us! Carol booklets are provided. For more information contact September (Milwaukee) at 262-751-0142 or Leslie (Kenosha) at
847-951-1064.

WEEK IN REVIEW – November 5-11, 2023

Pro-Life Wisconsin staff were out and about this last week to support the pro-life efforts of you, pro-life Wisconsinites. Here are some of the highlights of our week:

VOTHI MEETING (Voices of the Holy Innocents) – thirty-odd teens gathered for a presentation by PLW at their pro-life club, VOTHI (Voices of the Holy Innocents) on Friday night, November 10, 2023. Students listened to a presentation by PLW, asked good questions, and received pro-life educational materials. One young woman approached PLW staff after the meeting and explained she was a college student attending the meeting with her younger brothers. She was eager to know how she could volunteer within the pro-life movement and explained that she is studying to be a medical technician and is bilingual. We eagerly explained that there are Pregnancy Resource Centers that help women choose life with free ultrasounds and counseling, and that her skills with helping greet people and get them seen in a medical setting would be very helpful! She was grateful to learn more and left empowered.

SEED OF HOPE GALA – PLW staff joined hundreds of pro-lifers in West Bend for an evening to support the local Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC), Seed of Hope. Seed of Hope is one of nearly 50 PRCs serving the State of Wisconsin and pregnant women and their children. Pro-Life Wisconsin was proud to sponsor and attend this event and encourages pro-lifers to promote our website listing PRCs in our state at crisispregnancies.org/free-help.

INHERITANCE CONFERENCE – 250 plus enthusiastic young adults attended the conference brought to us by Brew City Catholics. This gathering gave these adults a new perspective on how to grow in their faith through prayer, discussions and encountering other Catholics. Pro-Life Wisconsin supported the attendees in their pro-life convictions with support materials and resources for increasing their understanding of how each life needs to be preserved.

ARCHDIOCESE CHURCH HALL – Over fifty pro-lifers from churches around Southeastern Wisconsin gathered at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in New Berlin Wisconsin for a pro-life “church hall” meeting on Saturday, November 11, 2023. Multiple groups presented how they are addressing pro-life issues, from a new women’s home slated to come to Milwaukee, to a baby boutique run by a team of grandma, granddaughters, and other friends at a local church. Pro-Life Wisconsin had a table and was able to provide our educational materials for attendees to bring back to their local churches.

SPEAK OUT AND SAVE LIVES

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has been performing abortions illegally for six weeks despite Wisconsin still having an abortion ban on the books. At this very moment, more than ever, your voice is needed as we work together to save preborn lives! Take five minutes today to make your own complaint to those with the authority to shut down Planned Parenthood's and Meriter Hospital's illegal activities!

You can file your complaint with the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board. When you do, tell them: "Planned Parenthood and Meriter Hospital are breaking the law by performing abortions and prescribing abortion-inducing drugs in violation of Wisconsin's abortion ban, state statute 940.04." File your complaint here or call the WI Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112.

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, please be a part of the mission to save lives and aid women, and 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

WISCONSIN SENATE EXTENDS STATE TAX EXEMPTION TO PREBORN CHILDREN, PASSES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROHIBITING CHURCH CLOSURES: (ProLifeWI.org) – "On November 7, 2023, the Wisconsin Senate passed the final bill in a legislative package, entitled Embrace Them Both, that protects and supports pregnant mothers and their preborn children. Authored by Senator Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron), Senate Bill (SB) 344 increases the current state income tax exemption for dependents from $700 to $1,000 and extends the coverage to preborn children whose fetal heartbeat has been detected. The tax emption may not be claimed for a pregnancy that ends in abortion, defined in state law as the intentional killing of a preborn child. SB 344 passed on a 20-11 vote. […] The Wisconsin Senate also passed Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 54, legislation authored by Senator Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee) guaranteeing the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency. Specifically, SJR 54 amends the Wisconsin Constitution to prohibit the state or a political subdivision of the state from ordering the closure of or forbidding gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health. SJR 54 passed on a 21-10 vote.” Read the full story here.

OHIO GOP LAWMAKERS CALL TO BLOCK COURTS FROM IMPLEMENTING NEW ABORTION AMENDMENT: (The Hill) – “Several Ohio Republican lawmakers are proposing to strip courts of the authority to review cases related to implementing the newly passed Issue 1 abortion amendment. In a statement released Thursday, four GOP lawmakers claimed without evidence that there was ‘foreign election interference’ in the vote to pass Issue 1 and threatened to block the ability of courts to interpret the new constitutional amendment. ‘To prevent mischief by pro-abortion courts, Ohio legislators will consider removing jurisdiction from the judiciary over this ambiguous ballot initiative,’ the lawmakers said. ‘The Ohio legislature alone will consider what, if any, modifications to make to existing laws based on public hearings and input from legal experts on both sides.’ Issue 1 passed Tuesday with 57 percent of the vote. It creates a constitutional right to reproductive freedom in the state, which protects decisions on contraception, fertility treatment, continuing a pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion up to the point of fetal viability. It allows the state to prohibit abortion after fetal viability, which is generally between 22 and 24 weeks into pregnancy, except when necessary to protect the life or health of the mother. But Republicans in the General Assembly have vowed to fight the measure.” Read the full story here.

PRO-LIFE ACTIVIST MARK HOUCK SUES BIDEN DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: (Live Action) – “Pro-life activist Mark Houck, who was arrested last year at his home by federal agents in tactical gear, announced Wednesday that he has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the traumatizing experience. On the morning of September 23, 2022, FBI agents stormed Houck’s home with guns drawn, arresting him and charging him with a FACE Act violation for his previous encounter with an abortion activist outside a Philadelphia abortion facility. Houck was later acquitted of all charges. Mark and his wife, Ryan-Marie, contend that the arrest traumatized their seven young children.” Read the full story here.

THOMAS MORE SOCIETY MARKS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEFENDING LIFE, FAMILY, AND FREEDOM: (LifeSiteNews.com) – “Yesterday, the Thomas More Society celebrated 25 years of defending life, family, and freedom. Thomas More Society’s first quarter century has been marked by critical national cases, heroic clients, a growing roster of staff and special counsel – beginning in 1998 amid defending pro-life advocates in the NOW v. Scheidler lawsuit. That victory, conclusively achieved in 2014, paved the way for Thomas More Society’s 2023 vindication of Mark Houck in a decisive triumph over the Biden Department of Justice’s aggressive campaign against innocent pro-life Americans. Today, the national not-for-profit public interest law firm is managing more than 150 cases at any given time.” Read the full story here.

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 p.m. (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).

All are welcome to come and pray at Planned Parenthood in Milwaukee on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10am. Exact location is 425 S. Water Street. Songbooks will be provided, so your presence would be greatly appreciated. For further details, contact September at 262-751-0142.

PRICE COUNTY: Join Pro-Life Wisconsin Price County for our monthly meetings. We meet every second Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at First National Bank in Phillips. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Patti McCormick at jandpmac6@gmail.com.

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.

NOVEMBER 18, OCONOMOWOC – Join the Milwaukee Guild of the Catholic Medical Association for their last presentation of 2023 on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at St. Jerome Parish (995 S. Silver Lake Street Oconomowoc, WI 53066). The morning begins with 8:00 a.m. Mass followed by coffee and pastries, with presentation and Q&A from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Fr. Justin Kizewski of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will present on "Go with the Flow or Stand your Ground? Why Respect for Conscience Matters in Health Care." For more information view flyer here.

NOVEMBER 18, BROOKFIELD – You're invited to attend the annual Women of Christ Conference. New location and date for 2023! The conference will take place on Saturday, November 18, from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Brookfield Conference Center (325 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield). More info and registration can be found here.

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.

DECEMBER 11, KENOSHA - All are welcome to meet up at Planned Parenthood to sing and pray for the unborn. We will commence at 3pm that day. The exact address is 3601 Roosevelt Road. Hymnbooks will be available for all in attendance. To learn more, contact Leslie at 847-951-1064.

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 – Rachel's Vineyard of the Diocese of Madison offers Healing from Abortion. Whether recent or long ago ... Rachel’s Vineyard retreats offer hope and healing for anyone, women or men who have struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain after abortion. Confidential and private. Contact Mary: call 608-821-3177, text 608-215-0061 or email at rachel@madisondiocese.org.
Visit: www.madisondiocese.org/rachel or www.rachelsvineyard.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 are free of charge. All questions and requests for bumper stickers should be forwarded to 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.