Babies and Their Mothers Need Your Help

I’ve never witnessed a hearing like the House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday.

The 9-member committee was considering the CAP-supported Mother’s Health and Safety Act, HB 2838. This legislation would ban abortions after 20 weeks of a pregnancy. Without a doubt this bill would save the lives of preborn children because there were 210 abortions at 20 weeks or later in 2011 in Arizona.

Planned Parenthood pulled out all the stops to block this bill from passing. After attacking me in an email to supporters, they brought a dozen or more pro-abortion doctors and activists to this hearing to distort the facts of the bill, and tell members to vote against it.

Unfortunately, our medical expert who was scheduled to testify was unable to attend the hearing because he was doing what great pro-life OB/GYN doctors do – deliver babies!

Because our doctor was not able to testify, and because of the outrageous claims made by Planned Parenthood’s “experts,” the committee’s chairman decided to hold the bill until next week. Yet, as of today, he has not put the bill on the agenda.

While I am confident the bill will get a hearing and the committee will ultimately pass the legislation, the pro-life community has to make their voice heard now.

Going to vote on Election Day is not enough to ensure that pro-life bills pass. Your legislators need to hear from you and be supported to stand for life.

You better believe that Planned Parenthood’s backers are making their opinions known. It is all of our responsibility to counter their attacks with truth and encouragement.

Please, click here to respond to our Action Alert to support HB 2838.

Never Giving Up on Life
The most moving part of our hearing on Wednesday came from Rep. Justin Pierce. Following Planned Parenthood testimony about the importance for parents to be able to abort their children who have “little chance of surviving after birth,” Representative Justin Pierce shared a personal story about his nephew, who was given little to no chance of surviving outside of the womb. Click here to see the rest of the story. This is a must-see video for everyone involved in the abortion debate.

Women Speak Out: Defund Planned Parenthood
The House Health Committee did pass HB 2800 to end backdoor funding of abortion. On Thursday, I joined our friends from Susan B. Anthony List at a press conference outside the Glendale Planned Parenthood. Visit our Facebook page to view some of the photos from the event.

School Choice Victory!
The Arizona House gave final passage to SB 1047 to expand Arizona’s scholarship tax credit program so children on waiting lists have a chance to attend the private schools chosen by their parents. This critical CAP-supported and negotiated bill should reach Gov. Brewer’s desk next week. There was so much more that happened at the Legislature this week. We’re posting regular updates to our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as keeping our Bill Tracker up-to-date so you can follow all the action.

7/10, 419, 101, 1500: 2011 by the Numbers


7/10, 419, 4, 101, 1,500 – The 2011 highlights for Arizona families can be painted by the numbers. Here are five victories I’m most grateful for:
1) 7 Out of 10
Yavapai County Planned Parenthood that no longer offers abortion
Following our victory in the State Court of Appeals upholding the Abortion Consent Act, Planned Parenthood announced they would end abortion services at 7 of their 10 Arizona locations. This led to our next unexpected success…

2) 419 Lives  

The combination of Planned Parenthood ending abortion services at 7 of their 10 clinics with the new informed consent provisions in the Abortion Consent Act led to 419 fewer abortions performed from August to October of 2011, compared to the same time in 2010. This work is saving lives!

3) Winning in Court – 4 MAJOR Cases  

Cathi Outside Court of Appeals after ACA
Me outside the State Court of Appeals following oral arguments in the
Abortion Consent Act

 

  • The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the Abortion Consent Act. Now in Arizona, minors must have notarized parental consent before an abortion, women must have an in-person consultation with a doctor at least 24 hours before an abortion, health care workers are protected from being forced to participate in abortions against their religious beliefs, and non-doctors cannot perform surgical abortions.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the CAP-supported Scholarship Tax Credit Program which provides tens of thousands of scholarships every year to ensure children can attend the school of their parent’s choice.
  • In a CAP-defended case, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Ninth Circuit ruled the City of Yuma violated the religious liberty rights of a church when the city forced the church out of their downtown location because Yuma felt the church “didn’t fit in” with what they wanted downtown.
  • A U.S. District Court dismissed a baseless lawsuit against Governor Jan Brewer filed by the “Freedom From Religion Foundation.” The Foundation filed the lawsuit against the governor for her proclamation of the Arizona Day of Prayer.

4) 101 Bills  

At our spring dinner, Gov. Brewer signs CAP-supported legislation ensuring that an ultrasound is performed before an abortion.
Sixteen CAP-supported bills were signed into law in 2011, bringing the total number of CAP-supported bills enacted into law to 101. Thirty-eight of these bills were signed into law in the last three years alone. In 2011, a CAP-supported resolution honoring pregnancy care centers and a CAP-supported judicial reform ballot measure also passed.

5) 1,500+ Come to Put Their Faith in Action

                      Dr. Del Tackett speaking at the Faith in Action Tour
More than 1,500 people attended our Faith in Action Tour at Bethany Bible Church to discover how to be a part of the movement to transform our state through service.


Meeting the Challenge 

These are just a few of the highlights of 2011 – I could go on and on about how God equipped our work this year, enabling us to meet many challenges and opportunities. But we still have one major challenge to overcome this year and we need your help.

With less than two weeks remaining in this year, we still have not met our 2011 budget needs. Our team has been meeting this week to prepare to take on the many challenges and opportunities that await us in 2012. To forge ahead in a strong position, it’s essential that we finish this year in a strong financial position.

CAP is entirely funded by generous families like yours that believe in our work and want to partner with us – we receive no government grants or funding. Would you help us meet this final challenge of 2011 by giving an online gift today? Any support you can provide would be sincerely appreciated.

Contribute

(Or you can send us a gift in the mail: PO Box 97250, Phoenix, AZ 85060)

We all know what’s on the line in 2012, especially with the upcoming election. At Center for Arizona Policy, we are prepared and more than willing and ready to accomplish so much more in the months and years to come. Thank you for your support! 

The Turning Point

The Turning Point 
A new study by the National Conference on Citizenship reports that Arizonans have become more engaged in the political process. Since 2006, voter turnout has surged, raising Arizona’s ranking from 33rd to 18th in the nation. The spike in voter registration is even steeper – boosting our rank from 48th to 27th.Consider what’s happened in our state to understand why this is so significant. In 2006, Arizona became the only state to vote against a state constitutional amendment to protect marriage. This wake-up call was a turning point for values voters. In 2008, Arizonans passed Proposition 102 to define marriage in Arizona’s constitution as only the union of one man and one woman. The victory resulted from a strong campaign to register those who supported one man, one woman marriage and to turn out those voters. The victory also resulted from a strong coalition of Arizonans from differing faiths, ethnicities, and political persuasions coming together around a shared value.But that’s not all. Those same voters elected a pro-life, pro-family legislature in 2008 and again in 2010. In the last three years alone, 38 CAP-supported bills that promote and defend foundational principles have been signed into law, raising the total number of CAP-supported bills that have become law to 101. People are waking up in Arizona to the fact that what happens at the polls and at the state Capitol impacts their family. You can make a difference! As we look ahead to the 2012 elections, the stakes are even higher than before. It’s critical that we all are registered to vote, are informed, and turn out to make sure our voice is heard.
New Lawsuit Attacks School Choice 
The Arizona School Boards Association and Arizona Education Association (the teachers union) have sued to overturn Arizona’s new law establishing empowerment scholarships. The law, advocated for by CAP and our school choice allies, provides parents of children with special needs the opportunity to redirect state funds for the education and educational services that best meet their children’s needs. The facts are parents know what’s best for their children, and the state should empower them to make decisions about their education. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen school board members allow your taxpayer dollars to be used to fight school choice measures. CAP is committed to standing with school choice and parents’ rights advocates to defeat this lawsuit.

Congress Investigating Planned Parenthood 
The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee will be investigating Planned Parenthood Federation of America for improprieties regarding how Planned Parenthood uses federal dollars. This is a great first step to holding America’s largest abortion franchise accountable. Click here to read the letter Rep. Cliff Stearns sent to Planned Parenthood. Click here to read Americans United for Life’s report on Planned Parenthood.

Maricopa County Community College’s Bad Move  
In a 3-2 decision this week, the Maricopa County Community College Board approved adding “gender-identity” to their non-discrimination policy. In a letter I sent to the Board prior to the vote, I explained why this vague policy should be rejected. You can read my letter here.It’s important to realize that the Maricopa County Community College Board is accountable to the voters. We see again why every election matters, especially when it comes to promoting and defending foundational principles.
Gov. Brewer Fights Back Against Radical Ninth Circuit Court Decision  
Also earlier this week, Governor Brewer filed a petition requesting all of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to review a recent ruling by a three judge panel that would essentially force the state to provide health insurance benefits to domestic partners. Domestic partnerships devalue marriage – the cornerstone of our culture. The legislature and Governor Brewer were acting within their authority when they said that only spouses should receive health benefits from the state, and I applaud Governor Brewer for not allowing this bad decision from the Court to stand.

If You’ve Been Through The Truth Project  
For those of you who have been through The Truth Project, you won’t want to miss two big events featuring some familiar faces from the small group study. First, on October 16, Ravi Zacharias is speaking at the new Grand Canyon University Arena. Click hereto get your tickets.Then on October 29, CAP and Truth in Action Ministries are bringing in Dr. Del Tackett for the Faith in Action Tourto help you discover how to transform your community through service.If you haven’t experienced The Truth Project, these are great opportunities to hear from two of the country’s most inspiring and thought-provoking teachers.

Another Step Closer

Another Step Closer
This week’s announcement that Planned Parenthood will not appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court a Court of Appeals ruling which upheld the Abortion Consent Act is one more step in the right direction for our state.

This doesn’t mean that the court battles over the protection of women’s health and safety and preborn children are over, but it does mean that some significant safety standards will be going into effect.

Along with the Abortion Clinic Regulations that took effect last November, here are some of the protections for women with crisis pregnancies:

  • Non-doctors cannot perform an abortion or distribute the dangerous abortion pill.
  • A parent’s signature must be notarized before an abortion can be performed on a minor-child.
  • Medical professionals can’t be forced to perform abortions against their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.
  • Women must have an ultrasound and the opportunity to view the image before an abortion.
  • Doctors cannot distribute the abortion pill via webcam also known as telemedicine.
  • Women must have an in-person consultation with a doctor at least 24 hours before an abortion.

For a complete explanation of all the abortion litigation, click here.

The only remaining litigation regarding CAP-supported pro-life legislation concerns the distribution of abortion medication. All aspects of these regulations are in effect, except a provision saying women must be monitored at the clinic after taking the abortion pill.

Planned Parenthood Caught in Another Lie
The Arizona Republic ran a fact check on statements made by Planned Parenthood Arizona’s CEO Bryan Howard this week and, not surprisingly, found the statements to be completely false. Planned Parenthood’s smear campaign against the common sense provisions in the Abortion Consent Act included a claim that the standards would force doctors to read a state-mandated script to women before an abortion.

The Republic cited the actual law, and showed how the regulations say nothing about reading a script. Instead, the law provides guidelines with certain aspects of an abortion that must be discussed with a woman, in order to ensure she is able to give full and informed consent. Read the fact check here.

40 Days for Life in Phoenix
You may recall that in a June 5 Minutes for Families, I told you about a Phoenix Magazine story about Camelback Family Planning and their head abortionist, Gabrielle Goodrick. The article claimed that Goodrick shockingly performs an average of 40 abortions per week.

The next 40 Days for Life campaign here in Phoenix will be outside Ms. Goodrick’s clinic. 40 Days for Life is a pro-life effort that consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils outside abortion clinics, and community outreach. Lives have been saved thanks to 40 Days for Life. This campaign will run from September 28 – November 6. Click here for details and to find out how to get involved.

BREAKING NEWS: Another Life Victory! Planned Parenthood Won’t Appeal Abortion Consent Act to State Supreme Court

Arizona’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, announced today that they would not appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court the Court of Appeals ruling which upheld the 2009 Abortion Consent Act.

This is yet another victory for those who care for women and preborn children. Lives will be spared now that these common sense health and safety standards will be going into effect.

The new provisions include:

  • The state will require a notarized parental signature before an abortion can be performed on a minor child.
  • Women will be provided with full and accurate information by a doctor in person at least 24 hours before an abortion.
  • Medical professionals cannot be forced to perform abortions if it contradicts their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.
  • Non-doctors will not be permitted by law to perform surgical abortions.

Planned Parenthood said they will continue to challenge parts of the Arizona’s abortion clinic regulations as applied to the distribution of the dangerous and deadly abortion pill.

Arizona’s women deserve better than Planned Parenthood’s “quantity over quality” standard of care for women considering abortion. Center for Arizona Policy remains committed to seeing all aspects of the Abortion Consent Act and Abortion Clinic Regulations fully enacted.

For more information on the Abortion Consent Act visit CAP’s information page: http://bit.ly/qDCDpv

To read the decision from the Court of Appeals click here: http://bit.ly/r2m5QU

Teachers, Planned Parenthood, and Candidate Recruitment

Teachers, Planned Parenthood, and Candidate Recruitment
You may or may not be surprised to hear that the union representing Arizona teachers – Arizona Education Association – and Planned Parenthood once again are teaming up to recruit and train “progressive” candidates. Planned Parenthood’s opposition to our work to protect life and the health and safety of women is well documented. So is the Arizona Education Association’s opposition to letting parents choose the best school setting for their children. It’s outrageous, though, for a union representing teachers to be aligned with an organization that exhibits little regard for human life. I also doubt that many rank and file teachers support their union’s position.

True Tolerance in Schools 
Our friends at Focus on the Family and CitizenLink have published a new resource for parents and teachers facing “tolerance” issues in schools. Over the past few years, we’ve seen how the homosexual lobby has worked through the public schools to undermine a parent’s right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. They use words and phrases like “tolerance” and “anti-hate” to advance their agenda. Yet this isn’t an issue of tolerance or hate; it’s about parents’ rights, and what’s appropriate for a classroom setting.
The resources at TrueTolerance.org will equip you to know your rights this school year. On the site, you’ll find:

  • Tips on how to respond to homosexual activism in schools.
  • Dos and don’ts for parents on approaching school officials with concerns.
  • Examples of homosexual-themed books and classroom materials parents should know about.
  • Model anti-bullying policy that provides strong protection for kids without unnecessarily sexualizing and politicizing the issue.
  • Legal memorandums on parental rights and religious freedoms that individuals can email directly to their school officials.
  • Latest statistics for parents to help communicate their viewpoint in a loving and fact-based way.

Also, be sure to consult the Arizona parents’ rights law or call CAP Legal Counsel Deborah Sheasby should you face public school issues.

A Fruitful Fall
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend then plan to join us at these fall evens to make a difference in our state. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar!

  • Faith in Action Tour with Dr. Del Tackett: So you’ve gone through The Truth Project, but now what? How do you take what you learned and turn it into action that can transform our community? CAP, in collaboration with Truth in Action Ministries and Dr. Del Tackett, is hosting a special event on October 29 to equip you to transform our state through service. Even if you haven’t experienced The Truth Project small group, this is a great opportunity to hear from an inspiring teacher and connect with local community service organizations. Click here for more and to register.
  • Eleven11, Bringing Prayer to Public High Schools: Starting September 2nd, eleven11 will be traveling to eleven different public schools hosting 26 hours of prayer at each location. They are gathering to pray for the students and families of Arizona. Click here to sign up for an hour and to find a school near you.
  • 9-11 Remembrance Event: You are invited to a special 9-11 remembrance event at Peoria Sports Complex. The event will start at 2 p.m. on September 11 and ends at 9 p.m. Click here for details.
  • Arizona Right to Life Conference: On Friday and Saturday, September 23-24, join Arizona Right to Life for their education conference. You’ll connect with 300+ pro-life men and women all who support the dignity of life from conception to natural death. You will also get the latest updates on the battle for life at the legislature and in the courtroom, interact with pro-life elected officials, and learn more about the new 40 Days for Life prayer campaign in Phoenix. CAP Legal Counsel Deborah Sheasby and I both will be presenting workshops. Get more details and register online.
  • Family Research Council’s Values Voter Summit: Consider joining me at FRC’s annual Value Voter Summit October 7-9 in Washington D.C.  This year, confirmed attendees include Michelle Bachman, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, and John Boehner. You’ll find details online.

VICTORY FOR ARIZONA’S WOMEN: PLANNED PARENTHOOD ENDS ABORTION SERVICES AT SEVEN ARIZONA LOCATIONS

Victory for Arizona’s Women: Planned Parenthood Ends Abortion Services at Seven Arizona Locations

Statement from Center for Arizona Policy President Cathi Herrod

PHOENIX – “Planned Parenthood has chosen to end their services rather than raise the standard of care they provide women to be at the same level as all other medical care in the state. For years, life advocates at the legislature have been saying that Arizona women deserve better than the substandard care Planned Parenthood provides.

The fact that Planned Parenthood can’t find doctors to work at their clinics is telling. Caring healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, don’t want to be a part of an industry that harms women and takes the lives of preborn children.

Thanks to the many pregnancy care centers throughout our state, women in rural Arizona will be able to find the support they need from loving individuals.”

For more information, visit www.azpolicy.org or contact Aaron Baer, 602.424.2525.

 

Center for Arizona Policy promotes and defends the foundational values of life,

marriage and family, and religious liberty.

###

The Case for Marriage

The Case for Marriage

Throughout July, we’ve featured a series of posts on the Foundations blog titled, “Why Protect Marriage.” Here’s a recap of the posts:

Dale Schowengerdt went on Tom Brown’s new show on KPXQ, Koinonia, to discuss his post. Listen to it here and be sure to follow our blog for more in this series.

Now is not a time to grow weary or discouraged. Don’t listen to media reports or predictions from others that same sex “marriage” in New York means the debate is over. Now is the time to redouble our prayers and efforts to stand for marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

More Fallout from “Obamacare” 

This week, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the latest from the nationalization of health care the federal government will force virtually every employer to pay for emergency contraception in their employee healthcare plan. Emergency contraception can work to cause an abortion.

Along with the dangers this poses for the preborn and women, this mandate has severe implications for the rights of conscience of business owners. National Review Online writes about this decision will mean for you and me here, The Misguided Birth-Control Crusade Continues. The Heritage Foundation also provides some good insight in this article, HHS’s New Health Guidelines Trample on Conscience.

It’s That Time Once Again

Early voting has begun in four key Arizona city elections. These elections often are decided by less than 20% of the electorate. Values voters have a unique opportunity to impact city leadership by voting!

CAP’s Voter Guide website, azvoterguide.com, features survey results from Phoenix, Tucson, and Prescott. Be sure to check it out before you vote. If your town isn’t holding elections, you can still make a difference by making sure your friends and family are informed and turn out to vote.

If a candidate hasn’t responded, we’ve provided their email address and phone number so you can contact the candidate directly and ask them to answer the survey. You can also contact them on Facebook and Twitter. We’ve compiled a list of their usernames for your convenience.  Yuma friends – note that no candidate for your city has responded!

The Ongoing Court Battles with Planned Parenthood

CAP continues to closely monitors two cases filed by Planned Parenthood challenging CAP-supported pro-life laws. On the Foundations blog, I posted two resources that explain our ongoing fight to enact key aspects of the Abortion Consent Act and abortion clinic regulations.

Looking for Fall Interns

CAP currently has openings for fall semester interns. Read more about the qualifications and how to apply.

Planned Parenthood’s Lawsuit Endangers the Health & Safety of Arizona Women

Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit yesterday against two Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) supported bills – House Bill 2416 and Senate Bill 1030 in superior court. This suit is an outrageous affront to the women of Arizona. The nation’s largest abortion provider is proving once again that they are more concerned with selling abortions than protecting vulnerable women with crisis pregnancies.

Medication abortions are not a safer alternative to surgical abortions, and clinics dispensing abortion medication should be properly licensed and equipped to handle complications. Planned Parenthood is challenging these basic provisions of HB 2416.

The Arizona Legislature considered the many medical risks of medication abortion in passing HB 2416 and SB 1030.Dr. Allen Sawyer, an experienced and respected Arizona ob-gyn, submitted written testimony that women are at a ten times greater risk of death from infection from medication abortions than surgical abortions.

The pill’s own FDA label states that nearly all women who take the medication will experience an adverse reaction, and at least eight women have died from complications of medication abortion. Based on all of the medical evidence, the Legislature acted within its constitutional authority to protect the health and safety of Arizonans.

In their lawsuit, Planned Parenthood also says it is “medically inappropriate” to provide women with a physical examination before an abortion, keep intravenous drugs available in case of an emergency, and give women a follow up phone call twenty-four hours after taking the abortion pill. Planned Parenthood claims that they will have to shut down rather than offer women the same standard of care that they receive for every other medical procedure. These are unconscionable examples of their “quantity over quality” business model.

Arizona women deserve better, and Center for Arizona Policy is committed to seeing these important health and safety standards enforced.

For more information, visit www.azpolicy.org.

Arizona’s Roe v Wade?

Arizona’s Roe v Wade?

On Tuesday, the CAP policy team will attend the Arizona Court of Appeals hearing on the 2009 Abortion Consent Act in Planned Parenthood v Horne. This case could decide if there is a greater right to an abortion in the Arizona Constitution than in the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade decision.

The Abortion Consent Act, which was signed by Governor Brewer but challenged in court soon after, includes provisions to:

  • Ensure that a parent’s signature authorizing an abortion for their minor daughter be notarized before the abortion can happen.
  • Provide women with greater informed consent protections.
  • Protect health care professionals from being forced to perform abortions if they have sincerely held moral or religious pro-life beliefs.

Guarantee that non-doctors cannot perform surgical abortions.

Follow me on Twitter or CAP on Twitter and Facebook to get up-to-the-moment updates from the hearing. Please be in prayer for a favorable outcome.

The Eggsploitation of Women

There are just a handful of seats for Monday night’s screening of Eggsploitation at Arizona Christian University at 7:00 p.m. Immediately following the screening there will be a panel discussion with some of the nation’s leading experts on egg donation:

  • Jennifer Lahl, Executive Producer of Eggsploitation and President of the Center for Bioethics and Culture.
  • Nik Nikas, President and General Counsel of the Bioethics Defense Fund.
  • Brett Harvey, Senior Legal Counsel for Alliance Defense Fund.

Deborah Sheasby, CAP’s Legal Counsel, and I will also be on the panel. To guarantee your seat you must RSVP. We won’t be able to take walk-ups and you won’t want to miss this unique event!

Elections are Closer Than You Think!

Election season is right around the corner – and I’m not talking about the Presidential primary. Throughout Arizona, city elections will be held in August and November. CAP is currently working on compiling a City Voter Guide for Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Prescott, and will post the responses at azvoterguide.com.

But first things first: You have to be registered to vote! June 26 and July 3 are Voter Registration Sundays, and we have plenty of Voter Registration Kits to help you start your drive at your church.

CAP Policy Intern, Michal Ann Morrison, wrote a blog post this week about how just a few votes have made the difference in some very important elections. Check it out; then order your Voter Registration kit here.