Here's Your Monday Update

2024 MARCH FOR LIFE DC TRIP
REGISTRATION ENDS AT MIDNIGHT

Today is the day!

It is the last day to register for the March for Life! If you have been waiting to sign up, wait no more! We still have a few spots available for you and some of your closest buddies! Come join us and let Washington know we are the culture of Life! We stand in unity with the national theme for the March for Life in D.C.: “With every Woman and for every Child." Dates for the March are January 17-21, 2024. Your purchase includes round trip fare on a charter bus and two-night hotel stay. There are many pro-life activities occurring in D.C. that weekend. Come be part of it and stand up for every Woman and every Child.

Please forward any questions or group sign-up inquiries to our Outreach Director, Lesley Chisholm. She can be reached at: Lesley.C@ProLifeWI.org or 262-796-1111 ext. 116. We truly hope and pray you decide to participate. Link to secure your seat is here: prolifewi.org/march-for-life-dc.

We need your help to bring pro-lifers to the national march! Many of them receive tickets at a reduced price, and we provide pro-life apparel and other promo items free of charge. Attendees are emboldened to be active participants in the pro-life movement.

Will you help us cover the costs of this trip? Sponsors will be recognized in our trip program and verbally on our buses. Any questions should be directed to Development Director, Teresa Wolfe, at Teresa.W@ProLifeWI.org or 262-796-1111 x115. Thank you for your generosity!

GOVERNOR EVERS SIGNS
SAFE HAVEN “BABY BOX” BILL

On December 6, 2023, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed Senate Bill (SB) 369 into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 79. Act 79 permits the installation of newborn infant safety devices under Wisconsin’s safe haven law. Authored by Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Rep. Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), SB 369 passed the Wisconsin Assembly on November 15, 2023, and the Wisconsin Senate on October 17, 2023.

“Pro-Life Wisconsin supports efforts to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborn infants, often resulting in their tragic demise, by offering ways to hand over newborns lawfully and safely to proper authorities, said Matt Sande, Pro-Life Wisconsin Legislative Director. “Act 79 gives localities and new parents in crisis the option of safe haven baby boxes. A ‘baby box’ avoids the visible, face-to-face contact that might dissuade an otherwise willing parent from safely relinquishing his or her newborn child. We thank Senator Ballweg and Representative Schutt for their dedicated work in passing this critical legislation with bi-partisan support, and we thank Governor Evers for signing it into law. We know that it will save lives.”

Enacted in 2001, Wisconsin’s safe haven law, s.48.195, allows in-person, anonymous relinquishment of newborn infants 72 hours old or younger to law enforcement officers, emergency medical services practitioners, or hospital staff members. Act 79 enhances Wisconsin’s safe haven law by increasing the anonymity of the parent relinquishing his or her child. It does so by authorizing the installation of newborn infant safety devices, also known as "safe haven baby boxes," in hospitals, fire stations, and law enforcement agency buildings and allowing a parent to relinquish a child under 72 hours of age in such a device.

Act 79’s safety criteria governing the baby box itself is extensive. For example, a baby box located at a hospital or law enforcement agency building must be staffed 24 hours per day. Baby boxes located at a fire station must also be staffed 24 hours per day with an emergency medical technician onsite. Furthermore, the device must be physically part of the hospital, fire station, or law enforcement agency building, must be temperature controlled and ventilated, and must be equipped with an alarm system that automatically triggers an alarm inside the building when a newborn infant is placed in the device.

“In Jefferson County, WI, a newborn infant was left for dead last March in a field near a Whitewater trailer park,” said Sande. “Perhaps if the mother had known of a baby box nearby in which to place her baby boy silently and anonymously, he would be alive today and she would not be facing charges in Jefferson County Circuit Court. We must do all we can to help prevent such awful and avoidable human tragedies.”

With Act 79, fifteen states allow both face-to-face and baby box relinquishment of newborns: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Safe Haven Baby Boxes of Woodburn, IN has had over 140 legal safe haven surrenders, with thirty-six babies having been surrendered in their baby boxes.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

International Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This document was created to protect the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of age or birth status. Sadly, in the many years since its inception, the rights listed within this document are becoming less accessible or available to all.

We here at Pro-Life Wisconsin believe that human rights should be revered on a regular basis, especially the right to life which exists from the moment of conception and extends until natural death. The right to life is the foundational right upon which all other rights depend. We attempt, on all levels, to use our hearts, minds and voices to protect the rights of all humanity.

Typically, this day is celebrated across the country by way of various cultural events and performances; public meetings or seminars and educational activities which promote human rights. In years past, citizens also chose this day to publicly protest or demonstrate as a means to get their message heard on a higher level. Will you take part in helping to recognize that the unborn do indeed have human rights? Here are some ways to do so:

1. Choose to volunteer for organizations that fight for human rights, including Pro-Life Wisconsin!

2. Write and publish an article or blog that focuses on human rights.

3. Organize an event or fundraiser benefitting a human rights organization. We can assist you with this endeavor.

4, Conduct a private or public vigil which would include singing, prayers, short speeches, and moments of silence for those who no longer have rights.

5. A simple prayer for all souls; especially the unborn.

Enjoy and embrace this day!

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

ABORTION ACCESS RESUMES IN WISCONSIN AFTER DANE CO. JUDGE'S RULING: (WTMJ4-TV Milwaukee) – “A new court ruling has restored abortion access across Wisconsin. A judge in Dane County ruled a state law enacted back in 1849 is not a ban on abortions. Leaders with Planned Parenthood say they will resume abortion services in Wisconsin as soon as possible. They say the services are already available in Milwaukee and Dane Counties. […] Pro-Life Wisconsin State Director Dan Miller says the fight is far from over, and he looks forward to seeing an appeal. ‘What we're looking for is a win for babies inside of the womb.’ A Dane County judge sided with Kaul Tuesday. She ruled the 1849 law refers only to ‘feticide’, not abortion. Feticide is defined as ‘the act of killing a fetus by assaulting and battering the mother.’ Abortion opponents like Miller read it differently, ‘The state legislature's website right next to 940.04, it says ‘abortion,’ so I mean it couldn't be more clear.’” Read and watch the full story here.

SHEBOYGAN COUNTY ABORTION SERVICES CAN RESUME AFTER CIRCUIT COURT DECISION: (WBAY-Green Bay) – “The court battle isn’t over, but for now, those supporting abortion rights in Wisconsin are celebrating a big win. Just one day after a Dane County judge upheld her previous ruling, citing that a law passed in 1849 doesn’t apply to consensual medical abortions, the state’s Attorney General says abortion providers can now be assured of operating legally, even though an appeal is expected. […] Conservatives in the state have interpreted the 1849 law as banning abortions, since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June of 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, giving individual states, like Wisconsin, the power to regulate the procedure. ‘She (Judge Diane Schlipper) has ruled that it does not apply to consensual medical abortions, the whole statute has nothing to do with a consensual medical abortion which is an extraordinary leap in logic. She is saying it only applies to feticide,’ said Matt Sande of Pro-Life Wisconsin.” Read and watch the full story here. Read PLW's Press Release here.

SENATE GOP LEADER WANTS SHEBOYGAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO ENFORCE ABORTION BAN; DEFY COURT RULING: (CBS Channel 58-Milwaukee) – “A Republican district attorney said he will abide by a judge's ruling and not enforce the state's 1849 abortion ban pending an appeal, a decision the GOP leader of the state Senate wants him to ignore. Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski said he plans to appeal Dane County Judge Diane Schlipper's ruling that makes abortions legal again in Wisconsin. On Tuesday, Schlipper reaffirmed her ruling from July that the state's 1849 abortion ban applies to feticide, not consensual medical abortions. ‘I am obligated to comply with that ruling unless the decision is stayed pending appeal or ultimately reversed,’ Urmanski said in a statement. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), whose district represents Sheboygan County, suggested he wants Urmanski to defy Schlipper's ruling and enforce the ban when asked about the lawsuit. ‘It's a law. Yes,’ LeMahieu said during an interview with CBS 58. ‘I'm not sure how these judges dream up ways of striking down law even if they are 150 years old, but it's the law on the books.’” Read and watch the full story here.

BOY WITH DOWN SYNDROME ADOPTED FROM SERBIA ‘COMPLETES OUR FAMILY,’ SAY PARENTS OF SIX: (Live Action) – “For Matt and Sarah Effhauser, adoption wasn’t necessarily the life they had pictured. The Effhausers had five children, and what many would call the ‘perfect’ family as it was. Then, the words of a family priest changed everything: ‘What is going to be the thing in your life that defines you, your ‘yes?’ For Sarah, her ‘yes’ was the desire to adopt a child with Down syndrome from outside the U.S. For Matt, the answer wasn’t quite so clear. ‘We already had five incredible children, whom we loved with all our hearts,’ Matt explained. ‘And growing up in the 80s and 90s – where the culture emphasized having ‘healthy’ children and a ‘perfect’ family – I felt unprepared to embrace the responsibilities of adoption, much less the adoption of a child with a so-called ‘disability.’ But Sarah’s conviction was strong and persistent, so Matt began praying.” 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.

PLW-DANE COUNTY: Empty Manager Caroling will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11:30 am in front of the Planned Parenthood in Madison (3706 Orin Road, Madison, WI 53704).

Vigil for Life uses its unique spiritual focus to build the culture of life in cooperation with other pro-life groups. Our "365 for Life" initiative brings peaceful witness and prayer to Madison's Planned Parenthood on a daily basis. For those wishing to sign up and pray with us outside of Planned Parenthood, please do so using this link: Vigil for Life - Madison, Wisconsin. For additional information, contact Gwen at (608) 393-8545 or info@vigilforlife.org.

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 (1201 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI 54603). 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 preparation for sins of ingratitude at the Fatima Shrine (141 N. 68th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53213).

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 (366 N. Lake Drive, Phillips, WI 54555). Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Patti McCormick at jandpmac6@gmail.com.

Price County Respect Life, St Therese of Liseux Catholic Church, and the Phillips Area Clergy Association, would like to invite you to attend an evening of reflection, comfort, hope and forgiveness. The evening's main events include dinner and a screening of the made for TV production, 'Tilly" - which brings Frank Peretti's novel to life and gives you a new perspective on the preciousness of an unborn child. All ages are welcome. The event is being held at St. Therese of Liseux Catholic Church, Highway 13 North, Phillips, WI.

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 First Amendment Free Speech rights in the public right of way (nearest to Marcus Cinema) in Oshkosh, near Planned Parenthood (3768 Koeller Street, 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 (1355 S. 8th Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494). Gather in the parking lot at 3:45 p.m.

DECEMBER 11, KENOSHA - All are welcome to meet up at Planned Parenthood (3601 Roosevelt Road, Kenosha WI, 53142) to sing and pray for the unborn. We will commence at 3:00pm that day. 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.