Here's Your Monday Update

ACTION ALERT: HEAL WITHOUT HARM COALITION TO TESTIFY AGAINST AB 975 TODAY

On Friday, Assembly Bill 975 was introduced, relating to: prohibiting abortion if the probable postfertilization age of an unborn child is 14 or more weeks and requiring a referendum. The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care is holding a public hearing on AB 975 TODAY at 2:00 pm, January 22, 2024, in Room 417 North (GAR Hall) in the State Capitol Building. The Heal Without Harm Coalition will testify against AB 975, legislation being fast-tracked through the State Assembly this week.

The Heal Without Harm (HWH) Coalition, comprised of Wisconsin Right to Life, Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Family Action, and the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, will testify in opposition to AB 975 this afternoon. The HWH Coalition opposes the introduction of an abortion referendum during a time when the current state abortion ban, Wisconsin Statute 940.04, continues to proceed through the state court system. The Coalition will continue to defend s.940.04, a lifesaving law which has saved over 1,500 lives since the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022. We ask the Wisconsin Legislature to wait until the court challenges are resolved before proposing new abortion limits.

The past three decades, the four organizations comprising the Health Without Harm Coalition have defended Wisconsin’s pre and post Roe criminal abortion statute, s.940.04, from multiple attempts by pro-abortion Democrats to repeal it. We intend to sustain our defense of Wisconsin’s abortion ban as Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski moves forward with his appeal of the Dane County Court’s recent ruling overturning it. We are urging the Wisconsin Legislature to do the same.

Dane County Judge Diane Schlipper’s ruling 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. This grossly erroneous ruling must be appealed, and the legislature’s premature support for a new abortion ban, AB 975, signals to the state court system that the judge was correct in her ruling. This is the wrong message for Wisconsin’s lawmakers to send.

It is paramount that the Wisconsin Legislature does not act before our courts make a final ruling on s.940.04, which bans abortion from conception. That would be anticipatory surrender. And it would have zero practical effect as the Governor has stated his firm intention to veto any bill that would place any limits on abortion. Importantly, over 90 percent of abortions in Wisconsin occur before 14 weeks gestation.

ACT NOW!

The Heal Without Harm Coalition will defend s.940.04. With your help, we will defeat AB 975!

The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care is holding a public hearing on Assembly Bill 975 TODAY at 2:00 pm, January 22, 2024, in Room 417 North (GAR Hall) in the State Capitol Building. Matt Sande, Pro-Life Wisconsin Legislative Director, and other members of the HWH Coalition will testify against AB 975.

Please ATTEND the public hearing and testify or register IN OPPOSITION TO Assembly Bill (AB) 975.
If you are unable to attend the public hearing, please CALL or EMAIL your state representative TODAY and urge him/her to “OPPOSE AB 975.” Tell them to “protect preborn children from conception by defending our current state abortion ban, Wisconsin Statute 940.04.”
Don’t know your State Representative? Visit legis.wisconsin.gov and type in your home address under “Who Are My Legislators” or call the Legislative Hotline: 1-800-362-9472. Thank you for making your pro-life voice heard!

PRO-LIFE WISCONSIN RETURNS FROM THE
2024 NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE

This week, 116 pro-lifers from around Wisconsin traveled with Pro-Life Wisconsin on our annual pilgrimage to the national March for Life in Washington, D.C. Three buses carrying individuals, families, and groups of high school students made this 5-day trip to continue to bring the issue of life to the national level. While in D.C., pilgrims participated in the March for Life, attended the Vigil for Life Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and prayed outside of Planned Parenthood. Happily, a baby was saved from abortion the second time individuals from our group prayed outside of the notorious downtown Washington D.C. abortion center.

On Saturday, January 20, at 11:53 am, Dan Miller spoke with a pregnant woman from Gabon, Africa, named *Renata, and asked her if she was keeping her baby. She said, "Yes. I can do it." Dan and sidewalk counselor September then prayed with the woman and reassured her that her and her child are a blessing!

This year's theme for the national march was "With Every Woman, For Every Child, reflecting the need to continue to walk with moms in need in a post-Dobbs America. Those at the March for Life were inspired by the speakers, including Jean Marie Davis. Jean Marie is a survivor of human trafficking and was helped by a pregnancy resource center when she was pregnant with her son. Now she is the executive director of Branches Pregnancy Resource Center in Brattleboro, Vermont, where she is helping to save lives (read more here). Other speakers included former NFL Tight End Benjamin Watson, father to seven, and Antonio de Mello, founder of the Child Jesus Community that cares for disabled young people who have survived abortions (read more here).

We know the battle for life is far from over, and the March for Life trip reminds us that we are not alone in this fight. Moreover, participating in this national event helps us raise up our youth as the next Pro-Life Generation. Thank you to all who prayed for us on our trip and to all who participated. Photos from the trip will be posted on our social media platforms.

*name changed for privacy reasons

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. One from each grade level 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 Art 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

WISCONSIN GOP PROPOSAL; ABORTION BAN AFTER 14 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY: (Fox6 Milwaukee) – “Wisconsin Republicans are proposing a bill that would ban abortion after 14 weeks of pregnancy except in the case of a medical emergency, if also approved in a statewide referendum. The bill was introduced on Friday, Jan. 19, and it's already being fast-tracked for a hearing, as Republican sponsors of the bill say they want the statewide vote to take place in April. On Monday, Jan. 22, an assembly committee will have a hearing on the abortion ban and referendum, and the same day the vice president comes to battleground Wisconsin. […] It's not just Democrats who are opposed, it's also groups like Pro-Life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Right to Life. ‘It’s grossly premature to be doing this,’ said Matt Sande from Pro-Life Wisconsin. ‘If and when there’s a decision on 940.04, if it is in fact over-ruled or ruled unenforceable. Then the legislature would have to establish a new abortion ban. And that’s when we can have those discussions, but to do it now is grossly premature.’ The group's reasoning is Wisconsin's abortion laws are in legal limbo. After Roe v Wade's reversal, both sides in Wisconsin said a state law from 1849 (940.04) banned abortion. The question at the time was whether it was still enforceable or had been superseded by the state's later post-Roe laws. A Dane County judge ruled the old law didn't in fact apply to abortion, but feticide. Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanski is appealing that ruling.” Read and watch the full story here.

TIME-LAPSE VIDEOS SHOW IMPRESSIVE TURNOUT FOR 2024 MARCH FOR LIFE: (LifeSiteNews) – “Tens of thousands of pro-lifers braved the cold Friday to march in the nation’s capital for the 51st annual March for Life, and now time-lapse videos show the impressive size of the turnout. Pro-lifers from across and beyond America gathered at the National Mall and marched a 2-mile route to a concluding spot between the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, celebrating the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade and building on that victory by urging Congress to take further action. Those who addressed the March, whether in person or via messages of support to the media, included Bishop Joseph Strickland, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh, Republican presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, and others, with speakers discussing both the political and cultural aspects of the fight for life, including the power of pregnancy resource centers and adoption.” Read the full story here.

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL COACH JIM HARBAUGH PRAISES MARCH FOR LIFE ATTENDEES FOR SETTING A ‘GREAT EXAMPLE’: (LifeSiteNews) – “Coach Jim Harbaugh of the University of Michigan football team hyped up the crowd at the U.S. March for Life in Washington D.C. today. Amid heavy snowfall, which he called ‘football weather,’ Harbaugh enthusiastically thanked the thousands of activists in attendance. ‘Thank you all for being here. It’s a great example that you’re setting — it’s testimony for the sanctity of life.’” Read the full story here.

DISTURBING: DUTCH POLL FINDS MAJORITY SUPPORT ASSISTED SUICIDE IF LIFE IS SEEN AS ‘COMPLETE’: (Live Action) – “In a recent poll of 200,000 people in the Netherlands, a whopping 80 percent indicated that they support assisted suicide for anyone who feels that their life is ‘complete.’ According to the NL Times, the Kieskompas poll found that only 10% of respondents disagreed that those who feel their life is complete should be able to end their life with professional help (assisted suicide). Another 10% stated they have no opinion. The poll was issued in response to legislation pushed by the Democrats 66 party that would apply to those aged 75 and older. The NL Times noted that the legislation would allow those who feel their life is ‘complete’ to be given the option to end their life at the time of their choosing. The law would require these people to meet with an ‘end-of-life counselor’ three times for at least six months — a stipulation that was added only after considerable pushback. The bill was submitted to Parliament in November 2023.” 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.

DANE COUNTY: 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 Lisieux Catholic Church, Highway 13 North, Phillips, WI on February 13, 2024 at 6:00pm.

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.

JANUARY 22, 2024 – St. Robert’s will be hosting a Mass for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, followed by Eucharistic adoration. Their address is 4019 N. Farwell Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211. The mass will be held at 7:00 a.m., with the Eucharistic adoration until 4:00 p.m. All are encouraged to attend the Mass and/or pray before the blessed sacrament for the legal protection of our innocent unborn brothers and sisters. As of Tuesday morning, there will be sheets for adoration on the back table in the gathering area.

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 - The Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Respect Life Office started a traveling rosary program in November of 2023 that will run through September of 2024. On the first Saturday of every month, different parishes shall host a prayer service. The next gathering is on February 3, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. Location is St. Alphonsus, which is at 6060 Loomis Rd., Greendale, WI 53129. They may include Mass and/or Adoration - but will always include the Rosary. We ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede with her son, Our Lord, for the continued protection of the unborn and support for mothers and fathers facing difficult pregnancies. All are welcome to attend. For additional information, contact Deacon Jim Matthias via phone at (414) 769-3454, or through his email: matthiasj@archmil.org. If anyone wishes to see the full schedule, click here.

FEBRUARY 6, 2024 - Milwaukee Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is hosting a talk led by Father James Kubicki entitled "Living a Eucharistic Life". Fr. Kubicki will reflect on what we believe about the Eucharist and how our belief is expressed in the way we celebrate Mass and how we live our ordinary, daily lives. Fr. Kubicki, born and raised in Milwaukee, is the former National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer Network, and recently served as director of the St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.

Location for said event is St. Leonard’s Parish, W173S7777 Westwood Dr., Muskego 53150. No fee to attend, however, a free will offering will be accepted to cover expenses. All will gather at 8:30am, with a continental breakfast being served. Fr. Kubicki will speak at 9:00am, and Mass is then being held at noon. For questions or more information, contact Diane Oakland at dianeoak@gmail.com or call 414-617-0721.

ONGOING UNTIL MARCH 17, 2024 - Registration is now open for Virtue Baseball Club! Join a growing group of families from throughout the Lake Country and greater Milwaukee area who seek to honor Christ by encouraging our sons and families to heroically live out virtues through the sport of baseball. This summer, the tradition of promoting excellence, creating a fun environment, and building strong bonds of friendship through the sport of baseball continues through the Virtue Baseball Club, an apostolate of the Men of Christ Movement. No previous playing experience required. T-ball is offered for those in K5, coach-pitch for 1st/2nd grade, or player pitch to anyone in 3rd-12th grade. Registration ends on March 17, 2024. To sign up. visit their website: www.VirtueBaseball.com. Additional questions can be sent to their email: connect@VirtueBaseball.com.

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, DELAVAN – Participate in the Rosary in Delavan at 3:00 p.m. every Monday in front of Planned Parenthood. (312 S 7th St, Delavan, WI 53115).

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, WAUKESHA – Come pray the Rosary in West Bend at 10:00 a.m. 1st and 3rd Saturdays in front of Planned Parenthood. (532 Shepherd's Drive, West Bend, WI 53090).

ONGOING, WEST BEND – Come pray the Rosary in West Bend at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday in front of Planned Parenthood. (426 W. Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186).

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.

If you find yourself facing a difficult or unexpected pregnancy, your local Pregnancy Resource Center is here to provide you with support, medical care, and resources to assist you with your immediate and ongoing needs. You deserve to be empowered with options and provided with the utmost care.

Pregnancy Resource Centers are committed to providing you with essential services on a free or low-cost basis, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, medical exams, prenatal care, STD testing, and treatment. Staff at PRC’s listen and ensure that you are provided educational resources on parenting, adoption, and abortion. They work alongside you to provide services as needed such as material assistance, sexual risk avoidance education, and post-abortion recovery support.

Please visit our website to learn more about pregnancy resources, free help, and more: CrisisPregnancies.org