Here's Your Monday Update

GOVERNOR EVERS VETOES OMNIBUS
COVID-19 RELIEF BILL, INCLUDING PROVISIONS PROHIBITING COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATES AND CHURCH CLOSURES

On Friday afternoon, within an hour of the state Senate passing an omnibus COVID-19 relief package, Governor Evers vetoed the measure, Assembly Bill (AB) 1, in its entirety. The legislation included critical provisions supported by Pro-Life Wisconsin that would have:

prohibited the state Department of Health Services (DHS) and local public health officers from requiring individuals to receive vaccination against the 2019 novel coronavirus;
prohibited employers from requiring employees or prospective employees to receive vaccination against the 2019 novel coronavirus, or show proof of having received such vaccination as a condition of an offer of employment or continued employment; and
prohibited local health officers from closing or forbidding gatherings in places of worship to control outbreaks and epidemics of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

The above provisions were introduced as stand-alone bills (Senate Bills 4, 5, & 7) that were ultimately placed back into AB 1, the omnibus COVID-19 bill. They made it on to the Governor’s desk Friday where he promptly and callously vetoed them along with the whole bill. In his veto message, Governor Evers highlighted the vaccine coercion and church closing measures as the primary reason for his veto, stating, “AB 1 takes away existing tools available to public health officials and employers.”

Thank you to all of you who called and emailed your state senators in support of SB 4, SB 5, and SB 7 in the last few weeks. The Wisconsin Legislature did indeed pass the language in these bills! We commend the Assembly and Senate Republicans for doing so, and we look forward to a new governor in 2022 who will respect our constitutional freedoms and the inalienable right to life.

SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON BILL ALLOWING PHARMACISTS TO PRESCRIBE CONTRACEPTIVES

Legislation has been reintroduced by State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) permitting pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches (the Patch) and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives (the Pill) to persons 18 years of age and older. Currently, the Pill and the Patch may only be prescribed by a physician. Senate Bill (SB) 30 is co-authored by State Representatives Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) and Gae Magnafici (R-Dresser).

Pro-Life Wisconsin OPPOSES legislation in whatever form that makes hormonal contraceptives more easily accessible or widely available. Please view our legislative memo HERE opposing SB 30.

Studies demonstrate that the bill authors’ means to achieving lower unplanned pregnancies (easy contraceptive access and use) is unworkable. A significant percentage of unintended pregnancies are in women using contraceptives, generally over 40% and in some studies up to 68%.

At the core of our opposition to SB 30 is the abortifacient effect of hormonal contraceptives. It is a medical fact that the morning-after pill (a high dosage of the birth control pill) and most if not all hormonal birth control drugs and devices including the intrauterine device (IUD), Depo Provera, the Patch, and the Pill can act to terminate a pregnancy by chemically altering the lining of the uterus (endometrium) so that a newly conceived child (human embryo) is unable to implant in the womb, thus starving and dying. This mechanism of action is termed a pre-implantation chemical abortion.

When the Pill was first introduced it contained high estrogen levels with severe side effects. Today’s pills contain dramatically lower hormone doses which allow for breakthrough ovulation, embryo formation in the fallopian tube, and then blockage of implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall.

The bill authors contend that hormonal contraceptives have no “potentially harmful side effects that require a physician’s oversight.” We strongly disagree. Hormonal contraceptives have been proven dangerous to women’s health. The Pill is a known Group 1 carcinogen for breast, cervical and liver cancers according to the UN’s International Agency on Research of Cancer (IARC). Users of the Pill have an increased risk of blood clotting and ectopic pregnancy, both of which can be fatal. Lawsuits have been filed blaming the Patch for several deaths due to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

ACT NOW!

With your help, Pro-Life Wisconsin will lead the fight against SB 30 in the Wisconsin Senate. The Senate Health Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 30 tomorrow Tuesday, February 9, at 1:00 p.m. in Room 300 Southeast of the State Capitol. Matt Sande, Pro-Life Wisconsin Legislative Director, and Elizabeth Anderson, MD, Assistant State Director of the Wisconsin Catholic Medical Guilds, will testify against SB 30.

Please ATTEND the public hearing and testify or register against SB 30.
If you are unable to attend the public hearing, please CALL or EMAIL your state senator TODAY and urge him/her to OPPOSE SB 30. Tell them, “Hormonal contraceptives can kill embryonic children, are dangerous to women’s health, and do not reduce unplanned pregnancies!”
Don’t know your State Senator? Go to 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!

VICTORY FUND PAC ENDORSES CANDIDATES FOR STATE ASSEMBLY SPECIAL ELECTION

The Pro-Life Wisconsin Victory Fund Political Action Committee (PAC) has proudly endorsed four candidates in the 89th Assembly District (AD) special election: Elijah Behnke (R-Oconto), Debbie Jacques (R-Green Bay), David Kamps (R-Coleman), and Michael Kunesh (R-Marinette). Wisconsin’s 89th AD covers parts of Brown, Marinette, and Oconto counties including the cities of Marinette, Peshtigo, and Oconto, part of the Village of Howard, and the villages of Suamico, Coleman, and Pound.

The special primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 16. The endorsed candidates’ recognition of the personhood of the preborn baby, and their commitment to protect each and every innocent human being from the moment of conception, make them the only candidates for pro-life voters in the upcoming special election. Each would be a welcome addition to the State Assembly.

So for those of you who live in the 89th AD, the February 16th Republican primary election is too important to miss! Plan to exercise your right to vote, and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Vote for life, and may God bless Wisconsin!

JUNEAU COUNTY MARCH FOR LIFE

Left to Right: Fr. Letona (New Lisbon, Tomah, Camp Douglas Catholic Churches), Fr. Potaczek (Mauston – St. Patrick’s Catholic), Rev. Erdman (Necedah – St. James Lutheran), Deacon Heinzl (Necedah – St. Francis Catholic), Matt Sande (Pro-Life Wisconsin), State Representative Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc), and Scott Southworth.

Pro-Life Wisconsin’s Juneau County affiliate organized a March for Life, as they have done for decades, with over 95 persons present. They gathered in Mauston at the Juneau County Courthouse on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. The March was to last 48 minutes, one minute for every year that our nation has been living under the Roe regime.

Pro-Life Wisconsin’s legislative director, Matt Sande, was one of the speakers at the event. Matt spoke about the personhood of the preborn child and how our laws need to change in order that those brothers and sisters in Christ deserve the same legal protection under the 14th amendment as you and me. As born Americans, we are legal persons, whereas the personhood status of the preborn child has never been affirmed.

State Representative Tony Kurtz lamented the loss of our pro-life president, Donald Trump, but exhorted the crowd to push onward in the fight for life. He described, with deep emotion, viewing the ultrasound of his first child and the mystery and miracle of life it revealed to him. We thank Rep. Kurtz for his pro-life witness and leadership both at home and in Madison.

Dan Miller, Pro-Life Wisconsin’s state director commented, “We thank God for our county affiliates who do so much in their own communities to cultivate a culture of life. We know that abortion does not happen on the Supreme Court steps, nor at the State Capitol, but right here in our own communities. When we say NO to abortion at the local level, it echoes throughout our great state and nation.”

4TH ANNUAL PRAYER CARD
ART CONTEST IS OPEN NOW!

Do you know someone who loves painting, drawing, photography, or graphic design? We are accepting artwork until April 30, 2021. Students (Grades 1-12) have a chance to win the 2021 PLW Art Contest for their grade!

Winning entries will receive the following:

- Their design featured on a prayer card
- 500 prayer cards for their church
- 3 tickets to 2022 March for Life Chicago
- 3 tickets to the 2021 PLW Love for Life Gala

One Grand Prize Winner will receive all the above and $100 cash.

PURCHASE YOUR CHOOSE LIFE WISCONSIN PLATE, AND SAVE LIVES FROM ABORTION!

Choose Life license plates have been available to Wisconsin motorists since late October 2017. Pro-Life Wisconsin and Wisconsin Family Council partnered to underwrite all the administrative costs of Choose Life Wisconsin, which allows us to give to give every penny that comes from the sale of the plates to Wisconsin’s incredible pregnancy care centers!

With over 1,500 of these plates on cars in the Badger State, sales have resulted in a total of nearly $100,000 which has been granted to over twenty-five Wisconsin pregnancy resource centers in a little over two years.

If you would like to be a part of the mission to save lives, get your Choose Life Wisconsin license plate today! For more information call Pro-Life Wisconsin at 262-796-1111 ext. 110.

TOYOTA PREMIERES POWERFUL PRO-ADOPTION AD DURING SUPERBOWL LV: (YouTube) – "Jessica Long’s story is one of an unsinkable spirit. From double amputee to Paralympic champion. 13-time Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long and Toyota show that there is hope and strength in all of us." View the ad here.

HONDURAS MAKES ITS ABORTION BAN PERMANENT: “ALL HUMAN BEINGS HAVE A RIGHT TO LIFE”: (LifeNews.com) – “The Honduran National Congress strengthened pro-life laws last week by amending the national constitution to declare that unborn babies have the same rights as born human beings under the law […] They amended the Honduran Constitution to read: ‘The unborn shall be considered as born for all rights accorded within the limits established by law. It is prohibited and illegal for the mother or a third party to practice any form of interruption of life on the unborn, whose life must be respected from conception.’” Read the full story here.

TEXAS JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS STATE FROM ENDING PLANNED PARENTHOOD’S MEDICAID FUNDING: (Live Action News) – “On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, a Texas judge blocked the state from removing Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood, after it filed a last-minute lawsuit against the state. The new rule was set to go into effect on February 4 after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the state could defund the abortion corporation.” Read the full story here.

APRIL 22 – Join Pro-Life Wisconsin for the 2021 Living Courage Awards Dinner on April 22, 2021 at the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center. Stay tuned for invitation details coming soon!

PRINTING OPPORTUNITY – PLW is looking to add another full-service printer to our supplier list. The printer should be able to handle small jobs and bigger jobs that might require multiple pieces. Mailing capabilities would be a plus. Printer should support our mission and view your assistance to us as serving the needs of the most vulnerable. Please contact Jim Matthias (office@prolifewi.org) if you would like to be considered.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY – Do you have a pro-life heart and want to do more for the movement? Pro-Life Wisconsin has an opening for a part-time internship effective immediately, with 32 hours per week as a maximum. Enjoy a flexible schedule and a wage that is commensurate with your skillsets. Applicants should be conversant in all Microsoft Office products and able to type. If your active faith life animates your pro-life convictions, and you would like to work with a team committed to ending abortion, not regulating it, please submit your resume to Jim Matthias - office@ProLifeWI.org

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. 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).

ROCK COUNTY: Pro-Life Wisconsin, Rock County Chapter meets monthly at the Beloit Public Library. For further information, contact Miriam at: plwrcc@charter.net.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY: Please join us in prayer every first Monday of the month from 5:30pm-6:30pm 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 920-279-3496 or ddurawa1@yahoo.com.

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

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

ONGOING, KENOSHA – Participate in the Rosary in Kenosha at 6:00 p.m. every Sunday at St. Therese Parish (2020 91st Street Kenosha, WI 53143) in reparation to Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. View flyer here.

HIRING, BEAVER DAM – Pregnancy Support Center of Dodge County, Inc is located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The center currently has two part-time positions open: 1) Executive Director and 2) Client Advocate. If interested, please contact the center via e-mail: pscdc16@gmail.com with your name, e-mail, phone number, and the interested position. A job description and the instruction of the application process will be emailed to you.

FEBRUARY 8, STEVENS POINT – Similar to past years, we have a kick off rally for 40 Days for Life. Due to one of our co-leaders having to isolate due to Covid-19, we will only have this event online via Zoom. Our keynote speaker (via Zoom) will be Sue Thayer, Director of Outreach from the national staff of 40 Days for Life. Hear her story of how she was the long-time center manager for the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Storm Lake, Iowa. Then a direct push from God had her lead a 40 Days campaign that closed that facility. Her journey since has focused on pro-life activities and exposing the evils of abortion. Please RSVP your name(s) to stevenspoint40daysforlife@gmail.com and we will send the join Zoom link. View details here.

FEBRUARY 13, MADISON – Join Vigil for Life on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. as we gather in front of Planned Parenthood (3706 Orin Road Madison, WI 53704) to kick-off the spring 40 Days for Life campaign, the first Lenten campaign in 10 years! It's time to gear up for the campaign, sign up for hours, sign your Statement of Peace, and pray for our preborn brothers and sisters. Former Planned Parenthood manager and 40 Days for Life headquarters team member, Sue Thayer will inspire us as we begin this important work! View details here.

FEBRUARY 13, WAUKESHA – Join the Waukesha 40 Days for Life as we welcome former Planned Parenthood manager and 40 Days for Life headquarters team member, Sue Thayer for our Spring Kick-Off outside of Planned Parenthood (426 W. Main St Waukesha, WI 53186) at 2:00 p.m. View details here.

FEBRUARY 14, SHEBOYGAN – Join us at 1:00 p.m. outside of Planned Parenthood (909 S. Taylor Drive Sheboygan, WI 53081) for Sheboygan's 40 Days for Life Kick-Off Rally where former Planned Parenthood Manager, Sue Thayer, will speak. View the flyer here.

FEBRUARY 14, GREEN BAY – Join us for the 40 Days for Life Kick-Off event at Life Bridge Church (2496 Glendale Road Green Bay, WI 54313) at 4:00 p.m. The Knights of Columbus will lead an opening prayer, Pastor Mike Tappa will welcome all, Jim Ball will give a keynote speech, and Sue Thayer will be available for a Q&A session. Thank you to Tallulah Caulfield and Kaitlin Wentzel for getting the site and for working with Kathy Cain, Director 40 Days/365.

FEBRUARY 17 - MARCH 28 – 40 Days for Life. Join us on the sidewalks outside of local abortion facilities to pray for an end to abortion. Find a location near you here.

FEBRUARY 18, GREEN BAY – Learn more about foster care at Life Bridge Christian Church (2496 Glendale Ave, Green Bay WI 54313) on Thursday, February 18, at 6:00 p.m. Some are called to foster, some are called to help others foster. We’re all called to care for the fatherless. Over 50% of foster parents stop fostering after their 1st placement; they feel overwhelmed & unsupported. But 90% keep fostering if they have a care team of friends and family committed to helping them with small things like dropping off a meal, offering childcare, or being a listening ear. This meeting will explain how to become a licensed foster parent as well as how to join a care team to support foster families if you can’t foster yourself.

FEBRUARY 20, WAUKESHA – Join parishioners from St. Paul's and St. Bruno's on Saturday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. in the public space outside of Planned Parenthood in Waukesha (426 W. Main St Waukesha, WI 53186) for a Rosary for Life's Connection and Prayers to End Abortion.

MARCH 6, WAUKESHA – Join parishioners from St. Paul's and St. Bruno's on Saturday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. in the public space outside of Planned Parenthood in Waukesha (426 W. Main St Waukesha, WI 53186) for a Rosary for Life's Connection and Prayers to End Abortion.

MARCH 20, WAUKESHA – Join parishioners from St. Paul's and St. Bruno's on Saturday, March 20, 10:00 a.m. in the public space outside of Planned Parenthood in Waukesha (426 W. Main St Waukesha, WI 53186) for a Rosary for Life's Connection and Prayers to End Abortion.

APRIL 3, WAUKESHA – Join parishioners from St. Paul's and St. Bruno's on Saturday, April 3, 10:00 a.m. in the public space outside of Planned Parenthood in Waukesha (426 W. Main St Waukesha, WI 53186) for a Rosary for Life's Connection and Prayers to End Abortion.

For inclusion on this list, please send a PDF or JPEG of the event flyer along with a short write-up about your event to info@ProLifeWI.org