Scheidler/Operation Rescue Vindicated

Washington, DC — The United States Supreme Court issued an unanimous ruling today finally clearing pro-life protesters of a 20-year old suit brought by NOW under the Federal Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) laws. Joseph Scheidler, a long-time pro-life activist from Chicago, took the lead in defending the case on behalf of over 20 defendants, including Operation Rescue.

In an historic third trip to the nation’s highest court, Justice Stephen Breyer issued the unanimous opinion clearly stating that the case is over and that pro-lifers may not be sued under RICO. This decision also puts an end to a nationwide injunction against the protesters.

“We are very excited to finally see this case put behind us once and for all,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “This is a victory not only for pro-lifers, who can now exercise their First Amendment rights to speak out about abortion without fear of a RICO suit, but it is also a victory for the women and babies who are entering our nation’s abortion mills, who now will have greater access to more information and practical assistance that can help them spare the lives of their pre-born children.”

“This is a victory that is a long time in coming, but whose arrival was never in doubt,” said Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition. “Every American owes Joe Scheidler a debt of gratitude for fighting this battle over two decades to preserve freedoms for all Americans.”

Pro-lifers are urged to call, email, and write Gov. Rounds encouraging him to sign South Dakota’s historic abortion ban.

Pierre, SD — The State Legislature today put its final stamp of approval on HB1215, the Women’s Health and Human Life Protection Act that will virtually ban all abortions in South Dakota. The legislation has been sent it to Gov. Mike Rounds and currently awaits his signature.

Gov. Rounds, who campaigned on a strong pro-life platform, is expected to sign the abortion ban into law. Gov. Rounds was quoted earlier today in an Associated Press article, “I’ve indicated I’m pro-life and I do believe abortion is wrong, and that we should do everything we can to save lives. If this bill accomplishes that, then I am inclined to sign the bill into law.”

“Operation Rescue applauds the hard and courageous work of the South Dakota legislators, particularly Rep. Roger Hunt, sponsor of HB1215,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “Now we encourage Gov. Rounds to complete his moral obligation and fulfill his pledge to protect innocent children by signing HB1215 into law.”

The pro-life community is invited to contact Gov. Rounds and tell him that the pro-family, pro-life community stands shoulder to shoulder with him in support of his heroic stand against abortion.

Governor Mike Rounds
Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
605.773.3212 (If no one answers, leave a message.)
Email: Click Here

Courageous admission not enough to stop amendment to water down clinic regulations

Topeka, KS — As the Kansas House of Representatives debated amending a bill that would tightly regulate abortion mills in the state, Wichita Representative Brenda Landwehr surprised lawmakers with a tearful account of her own abortion.

“How many of you have sat down and really talked to a young woman who’s gone through with an abortion, and what she’s living with today?” asked Landwehr as her voice choked with emotion. “You live with a lot. I’m one of those women. I live with that pain every single day. Because I killed a baby… It’s more than just a surgical procedure, having a knee repaired or a hip replaced.”

Landwehr tearfully argued that because of the emotional pain that abortion causes women, abortion clinics should be especially accountable.

“We want to express our deepest gratitude for Rep. Landwehr’s courage in publicly admitting her abortion pain,” said Operation Rescue spokesperson Cheryl Sullenger, who has counseled women facing abortions for over 22 years. “We understand how painful such an admission can be for a woman who has suffered with the memory of an abortion, and we commend her for her brave attempts to spare other women from having to live through the same tragedy.”

Landwehr’s emotional statement of her own abortion pain left the House Chamber in silence. However it was not enough to block an amendment that would apply the clinic regulations to all out-patient clinics and significantly reduce the strength of the legislation.

A final House vote on the amended bill, HB 2829, is expected today. The legislation will then move on to the Kansas State Senate for approval.

Similar legislation applying only to abortion mills was twice vetoed by pro-abortion Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who has accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Wichita’s notorious late-term abortionist George R. Tiller.