Here's Your Monday Update

STATE DEMOCRATS REINTRODUCE
ASSISTED SUICIDE LEGISLATION

Democrats have reintroduced companion legislation legalizing killing at the end of life. Authored by State Senator Diane Hesselbein (D-Middleton) and State Representative Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha), Senate Bill 739 / Assembly Bill 781, also known as the “Our Care, Our Options Act,” would contravene current Wisconsin law prohibiting assisted suicide.

Specifically, SB 739/AB 781 would permit an individual to “request and obtain a prescription for medication […] that the qualified individual may self-administer to bring about his or her peaceful death.” It would legalize assisted suicide for people over the age of eighteen who have a “terminal disease” and who make an oral and written request to their attending provider for “medication” to kill themselves. Under the legislation, an attending provider must be a licensed physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant.

Assisted suicide is decidedly unethical; it offers death as a final solution to elderly, disabled, depressed or terminally ill people, and thwarts the very meaning of care. Killing is not caring, and the Wisconsin Legislature should not allow it!

There is no dignity in death by suicide. Assisted suicide, no matter how compassionate it may seem on the surface, is nothing more than a cruel lie. To the terminally ill, it tells them that there is no meaning to their life and suicide is the easiest answer for everyone. It also robs them of something integral to the human spirit – hope. Real compassion takes time and commitment. It means standing by someone and bearing their burden. So often that is what a suffering or disabled person is truly yearning for: love, inclusion, and reassurance that their pain can be medically controlled.

In a stark denial of reality, SB 739/AB 781 states that requesting and taking prescribed medication to end your life does not constitute “suicide.” Moreover, the use of the term “medication” for lethal drugs taken to kill oneself is Orwellian. The common dictionary definition of “medicinal” is “tending or used to cure disease or relieve pain” – the antithesis of its use in this legislation.

Prominent national disability groups, including Not Dead Yet, and medical groups, including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (CMDA) oppose physician-assisted suicide. In November 2023, the AMA reaffirmed its long-standing opposition to assisted suicide, stating in its code of medical ethics: “Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks. Instead of engaging in assisted suicide, physicians must aggressively respond to the needs of patients at the end of life.”

Human beings, no matter their state of health or ability, have intrinsic worth, inestimable value, and inviolable dignity. The message of Wisconsin’s pro-life community to you, our elected representatives in the state legislature, is simple: Have courage! Do not take the low and hopeless road proffered by assisted suicide. Together, Wisconsin’s Republican legislators and the pro-life community will defeat this deadly legislation. Please read compelling op-eds from Wisconsin pro-life physicians HERE and HERE.

TWENTY SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR OUR MARCH FOR LIFE TRIP!

We are very pleased and profoundly grateful to report that our March for Life Trip has become so popular that we have had to book an additional bus! It is simply inspiring to feel the hand of God working through so many others.

Twenty seats need to be filled before we are at full capacity. Do you have any neighbors or friends that could participate? This march makes a perfect last-minute gift for a special someone! The trip is great for students to experience their pro-life convictions on a higher level. Help us spread the word TODAY. The absolute final day to register is Friday, December 22, 2023 at midnight.

Buses leave Wisconsin on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, and return on Sunday, January 21, 2024. A ticket provides you with a roundtrip ride on a charter bus and accommodations for two nights. We can accommodate groups as well.

Use this link to purchase your trip now: https://www.prolifewi.org/march-for-life-dc

YOUR DONATION DOUBLED THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023

Here at Pro-Life Wisconsin, we know that every life is precious! That is why we are continuing to work alongside pro-lifers like YOU to make sure that all human life is protected from conception to natural death.

When *Ivy’s parents *Thomas and *Anna were considering abortion, friends pointed them in our direction. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide the help and essentials they needed in order for Thomas and Anna to be able to provide for Ivy.

Can you help us finish the year strong financially so we can continue to help save children like Ivy from abortion? Now through December 31, 2023, your financial gift to Pro-Life Wisconsin will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000!

When you give:

And so on… Any amount is doubled up to a grand total of $100,000!

Don’t miss out! Donate safely and securely online or send your check postmarked by Saturday, December 30, 2023 to 15850 W Bluemound Road, Suite 311, Brookfield, WI 53005.

*names changed for privacy

2024 PRAYER CARD ART CONTEST

Do you have a child at home that is an artist? Someone who enjoys painting, drawing, photography, or graphic design? Starting January 1, 2024, we are accepting submissions for our 2024 Prayer Card Art Contest. Children in grades 1-12 are eligible to participate, and one winner will be chosen from each grade level. All entries must be postmarked no later than April 10, 2024, and finalists will be announced on May 31, 2024.

Further requirements for participation include:

1. Only one 8.5 ̋ x 11 ̋ size entry per person.
2. Theme must be either pro-life and/or Christian.
3. All artwork must be original in nature.
4. No copies are allowed.
5. Entries will not be returned.

6. Mediums for submission include: acrylic, marker, crayon, pencil, oil, watercolor, photography or graphic design.

Winners will be announced in June of 2024. All will receive the following: their design featured on a prayer card, three tickets to the 2024 PLW Gala and 500 prayers cards for their church. One grand prize winner will receive $100 and all of the above listed items.

To learn more, go to: Prayer Card Contest

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

U.S. SUPREME COURT WILL HEAR CHALLENGE TO ABORTION PILL ACCESS: (The New York Times) – “The Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it would decide on the availability of a commonly used abortion pill, the first major case involving abortion on its docket since it overturned the constitutional right to the procedure more than a year ago. The Biden administration had asked the justices to intervene after a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit favored curbing distribution of the drug, mifepristone, appearing skeptical of the Food and Drug Administration’s regulation of the pill in recent years. In its ruling, the panel said that the pill would remain legal, but with significant restrictions on patients’ access, including prohibiting the medication from being sent by mail or prescribed by telemedicine. […] Alliance Defending Freedom, the group that is representing those challenging the F.D.A.’s authority, said in a statement that the court would help settle whether ‘the F.D.A. has harmed the health of women and undermined the rule of law by illegally removing every meaningful safeguard from the chemical abortion drug regimen.’” Read the full story here.

PRO-LIFE GROUPS WIN MAJOR VICTORY AGAINST ILLINOIS DEMOCRATS’ ATTACK ON PREGNANCY CENTERS: (LifeSiteNews, written by Thomas More Society) – “Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has agreed to an order permanently prohibiting the state of Illinois from enforcing a law that declared pro-life speech to be a ‘deceptive business practice’ and defined as ‘consumer fraud’ the sharing of certain information about the risks of abortion. Thomas More Society attorneys today filed, together with the attorney general, a joint motion to enter an agreed order, imposing a permanent injunction on the attorney general. The joint motion was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, for the signature of U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston. In July, Thomas More Society attorneys sued the attorney general over the law – known as Senate Bill 1909, or SB 1909 – representing the pregnancy center umbrella group National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA), along with Illinois pregnancy centers Women’s Help Services and Relevant Pregnancy Options Center and sidewalk counseling organizations Pro-Life Action League and Rockford Family Initiative. The agreed order provides for a full recovery of attorney’s fees by Thomas More Society.” Read the full story here.

TRISOMY 18 IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC DEATH SENTENCE. THESE CHILDREN ARE PROOF. (Live Action) – “Media has been abuzz this week with the story of Kate Cox, the Texas woman who sued the state so she could abort her preborn child who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Cox sought to end her pregnancy simply because of her baby’s diagnosis, as doctors are saying the child has virtually ‘no chance of survival.’ This claim has been parroted by many who believe that Cox should be allowed to get an abortion on the basis that Trisomy 18 is ‘incompatible with life.’ Many parents are told that Trisomy 18 is a ‘fatal’ condition. Unfortunately, it is the label itself that often leads to a short life span; once a child is given the diagnosis, doctors are generally unwilling to provide substantial medical care. However, if the child receives proper medical attention, there is a chance. A 2017 study from researchers at Stanford and the University of Arkansas revealed that children with Trisomy 18 diagnosis are more likely to survive if they undergo pediatric heart surgery. In addition, this 2019 study reveals a 90% discharge rate for children with Trisomy 18 after having their hearts repaired. These medical studies call the bluff of naysayers. Even more compelling are the stories of the Trisomy 18 survivors themselves. They are living proof that Trisomy 18 is not an automatic death sentence.” 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 19, KENOSHA - All are welcome to meet up at Planned Parenthood (3601 Roosevelt Road, Kenosha WI, 53142) for Empty Manager Christmas Caroling. 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.