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| ENDORSEMENTS FOR INITIATED MEASURE 11 |
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David Barton, President, Wallbuilders
Initiated Measure 11 protects the right to life, and it also indirectly protects all other inalienable rights. Significantly, the right to life is the first of the three specifically enumerated inalienable rights set forth in our founding documents, and American government was established on the thesis that inalienable rights come from God and must be protected inviolable. As John Quincy Adams explained: “The Declaration of Independence will tell you that its authors held for self-evident truth that the right to life is the first of the unalienable rights of man – and to secure and not destroy that right, governments are instituted among men.” History demonstrates that when protection for the right to life diminishes, government will soon begin to regulate, alter, and even repeal other inalienable rights. All of us have personally witnessed that as the right to life has been weakened in recent years, so too has been the protection for private property (as guaranteed in the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution), the Biblical right of self defense (the right to keep and bear arms guaranteed in the Second Amendment), the right of religious expression (guaranteed in the First Amendment), the sanctity of the home (guaranteed in the Third Amendment), and other rights. Our Founding Fathers wisely placed the right to life as the first and most important of all rights to be protected by government, and Initiated Measure 11 helps restore that right to its position of preeminence; I heartily endorse that effort to protect innocent unborn human life.
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Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Protecting the unborn is a cause that we fully support. It was so near to my father’s heart that he founded the Liberty Godparent Home for unwed mothers, and he never wavered in his fight against abortion. It is our responsibility as Christians to speak out for those who cannot yet speak for themselves, and VoteYesForLife.com is committed to that purpose. Some victories have already been won, but the stakes in this fight have never been higher. As Chancellor of Liberty University, I want to encourage Christians to stay informed and get involved in this culture war. One great way to do that is by supporting the VoteYesForLife.com Campaign and the wonderful work they are doing.
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Brad Bright, President, CEO, Bright Media
ABORTION IS NOT WRONG—unless God exists. In fact, if the God of the Bible does NOT exist, Right and Wrong are silly concepts suitable only for children and fools. The issue is, do we or don’t we really believe in God? If we do, it is time to act like it. If we don’t, then human life has no real value and we should throw our support behind aborting children, prisoners, the infirm, the poor, the deluded, the obnoxious, and anyone else whom we personally find inconvenient.
I support the South Dakota VoteYesForLife.com campaign because it in effect acknowledges that God’s opinion really is the most important issue, and because it is one of those potential watershed moments in history where we have a realistic opportunity to actually turn the tide. The only question we need to answer is whether or not we want to be on God’s side. Today you have a choice—to do nothing or to honor, by your actions, the God who created us in his image.
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Pastor Steve Hickey, Church at the Gate, Sioux Falls, SD
Busy as I am, rationalizing as we all do, still there is really nothing on my schedule this spring, summer and fall that I could honestly stand before God and say trumps the passing of a law in South Dakota that prohibits abortion from being used as a form of birth control. There is this delusion that this is a “political” issue and I’ve traveled the state telling pastors this is no more “political” than slavery was a century ago. This is a moral issue and the Church will be held accountable for not taking the lead this fall in South Dakota. My testimony is that I preach the LIFE message boldly and frequently and people thank me - they want moral leadership. Post-abortive women in my church come into a greater healing. God has blessed our church in every way, yet I’ve watched churches that sit on the sidelines on the LIFE issue struggle in subsequent years. This effort doesn’t just get my nod, my endorsement means I’m enlisting with all my energies. Leslee Unruh and her team at VoteYesForLife.com know the entirety of our church is at their disposal – dollars, volunteers, buildings, vehicles, tables, prayer, the pulpit, etc…
South Dakota is better poised than any state this fall to directly challenge Roe v. Wade and the other side doesn’t have congregations full of good people who supposedly know right from wrong. Pastors and priests are the key to mobilizing this army. I hope you will join me and many other church leaders in South Dakota in ridding our state of the shedding of innocent blood by actively supporting VoteYesForLife.com.
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Gary Bauer, American Values
For 30 years, as the leader of American Values, I have been engaged in fighting the culture war for the heart and soul of America. The courts in the last year have made horrendous decisions that are undermining the foundational principles that made this country great. It’s high time that citizens draw a line in the sand and say, “Enough is enough!” We simply have to take action home by home, city by city and organization by organization to instill back into our people the values of character and responsibility that are the bedrock of American government. The fine people of South Dakota are doing just that with their courageous action in the VoteYesForLife.com initiative. There is no question that the desensitization of many Americans to the unrestrained destruction of the unborn is responsible for the devaluation of human life for all of us. Government or the courts should never make decisions that create an incentive for people to engage in immoral and irresponsible behavior. Roe V Wade did just that and our country has reaped the whirlwind. The first duty of government is to protect innocent human life. Now is the time for every pro-life person in America to come to the aid of SD to obtain freedom for the unborn and expose the lies and deception that resulted in the Roe V Wade decision. What happens in South Dakota has the potential to be like the shot heard around the world. American Values is 100% behind your efforts. We praise God for your courage, and selfless devotion to a cause that can change the course of history. I urge all my pro-life friends to be informed and be involved by going to the VoteYesForLife.com website and learning how you can be a part of the solution. South Dakota has the greatest opportunity since 1973 to turn the tide. This experiment in self government demands individual responsibility and moral restraint. Without it we will self destruct. You have my prayers and support for victory in November.
Gary Bauer, American Values
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Dustin Luper, Professional Rodeo Cowboy
I believe God predestined Life before the creation of the world. In Ephesians Chapter 1:4-5 reads, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…” Life is so very precious, Psalms Chapter 139:13 reads, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” God has a very special and important plan for every living soul. It is our choice whether we speak life or death, Deuteronomy 30:19. Jeremiah chapter 1:5 reads, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” Let us Celebrate life not destroy it!
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Eileen Smith
"I thank God for the people in South Dakota who have risen up to fight for
precious LIFE and will not be intimidated by Planned Parenthood and those
who support it. Let SD be the first link in a chain of many states to come,
that say "NO MORE". One voice for a righteous cause can accomplish much
with the help of God. He is with you! South Dakota, you are that ONE
VOICE!"
God bless you all,
Eileen Smith
(READ EILEEN SMITH'S STORY HERE)
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Joel Dykstra
I am pleased to offer my endorsement for the Initiative.
I believe that life begins at conception and that the developing embryo is a unique human life. This Initiative moves us forward in protecting unborn citizens of this nation who I believe are entitled to the rights and equal protections afforded to any other person.
Count me among the supporters.
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Rev. Eugene A. Anderson
After studying the S.Dak. Abortion Petition and the ELCA Social Statement
concerning abortion, I have been encouraging my South Dakota members to sign
the petition and vote for limiting abortions in the upcoming election. While
the ELCA Social Statement is not doctrine, it is meant to guide ELCA
Lutherans in how they live out their faith. I encourage all South Dakota ELCA
Lutherans to study the Abortion Petition and the ELCA Social Statement on
abortion.
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Mathew D. Staver, Founder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel, Dean and Professor of Law, Liberty University School of Law
I strongly support the efforts of South Dakotans to pass a state
constitutional amendment protecting the right to life. All of our rights
and liberties are illusory and meaningless if the right to life is not
secure. The Declaration of Independence, which Thomas Jefferson called a"reflection of the American mind," declares that it is the duty of
government to protect the right to life, a right which the Founders
considered to be inalienable.
Some may argue that the time is not now. I
say, we have waited too long to pass such a law. We cannot continue to
throw away innocent human life as though it has no value.
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Lutherans For Life of South Dakota
VoteYesForLife.com is currently circulating an initiative petition to enact a law that seeks to stop abortion from being used for birth control in South Dakota. Over a dozen attorneys came together, including Larry Long, South Dakota Attorney General, to write this act to ensure the strongest language that would be protected in the court of law. The title of this proposed law sums up its scope and substance:
An Act to Protect the Lives of Unborn Children, and the Health of Pregnant Mothers, by Prohibiting Abortions Except in Cases Where the Mother’s Life or Health Is at Risk, and in Cases of Rape and Incest In order to place this proposed law on the ballot for the South Dakota general election on November 4, 2008 at least 18,000 qualified signatures are needed. This initiative is not the same as the referred law in 2006, which banned abortions in all cases. This proposed law contains the following exceptions:
- Life of the Mother
- Health of the Mother
- Rape of the Mother
- Incest
At the suggestion of President Sattgast and on behalf of the Lutherans For Life of South Dakota, I have reviewed this proposed law. I find that it is in keeping with our theological and moral understanding of the sanctity of all human life. To be sure, it is not a perfect law, but it is a good law. While it grants some exceptions to a total ban on abortions, it does speak clearly on the sanctity of human life, including life in its earliest stages. In no way does it suggest that the exceptions do not end a human life or than human life has greater or lesser value based on the circumstances of that life’s beginning.
Some would say these exceptions make the initiative petition impossible to support. Using the same logic, we would not be able to support any legislation that only limits abortion, but does not totally outlaw it. Taking this argument to an extreme, we would not be able to support legislation outlawing late-term partial birth abortions, because it doesn’t deal with all abortions. If passed this initiative would apply to well over 90% of the abortions that are currently performed in South Dakota.
I urge you to check out this initiative petition for yourself. A full copy of this proposed law may be found here. If you also find that you agree with this initiative, I would ask you to join in the petition drive, and encourage the members of your congregation to do the same. Feel free to share this information in the way you deem best in your location. I know that with Lent, you are very busy now, but time is of the essence, so please don’t delay.
In Christ’s service
Rev. Robert E. Moeller, Jr.
Pastoral Advisor
Lutherans For Life of South Dakota
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Rev. Dale L. Sattgast, President, South Dakota District, LC-MS
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod teaches that every human life is a divine creation and precious gift, from its first moment at conception, to be valued and protected, and mourned whenever it is lost. That even includes lives that are conceived as a result of rape and incest. While the proposed law allows abortion in the cases of the mother's life and health and rape and incest, it goes a long way in protecting the life of the smallest members of our society and will save many lives. While I would not counsel any voter to go against conscience, I strongly encourage every voter to examine this proposed law and give consideration to its support.
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Janet L. Folger, President, Faith2Action
If you will help, I predict:
- South Dakota WILL vote "yes for life."
- The abortion mills WILL close.
- Children WILL be protected.
- Roe WILL crumble.
- & The nation WILL follow your lead.
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American Association of ProLife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG)
The American Association of ProLife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG)
represents 2000 ObGyns and associated members from across America. We support the
South Dakota initiative to attempt to save approximately 99% of babies who would
otherwise be killed by abortions done for reasons other than rape, incest, and lifethreatening
maternal conditions. In so supporting the initiative, AAPLOG wishes to
make clear that we are opposed to abortions done for reasons of rape or incest. These
women deserve excellent and ompassionate prenatal care. And their babies are innocent
human beings who have done nothing to deserve the death penalty. As physicians, we
realize that there are instances where treatment of certain life-threatening conditions in
pregnancy may result in adverse outcomes, even death, for the baby. In this context we
accept the 3rd exception, “to save the life of the mother,” but would make clear that our
intent would be to preserve the life of both mother and baby, if at all possible. And
finally, we realize that legislation seeking significant change often must be done in
incremental fashion.
As physicians, we are very aware that the unborn infant is not the only casualty of
elective abortion. Women bear an enormous burden from this procedure. The medical
literature attests to a rather marked increased incidence, after elective abortion, of suicide.
Depression, substance abuse, and relational difficulties are increased. In subsequent
pregnancies, there is an increase of preterm birth, especially extreme preterm birth (those
before 28 weeks). “Extreme premature birth” babies suffer a huge associated increase
in cerebral palsy ncidence—about 38 times higher than term births. Placenta previa in
subsequent pregnancies is increased about 50%. There is also evidence of a future
increase in breast cancer incidence, particularly from the loss of the “protective effect”
against breast cancer conferred on the woman by a full term pregnancy. (Unfortunately,
the American system of abortion provision makes data gathering on long-term
complications associated with abortion all but impossible. Most of our information
comes from European countries which have government health systems that require
complete record keeping.)
If this legislation preventing most abortions is successful, future generations of the babies
saved from death, and the mothers spared from psychological and/or physical suffering, and even death,
will benefit immeasurably. Especially on their behalf, thank you for your bold initiative.
Joseph L DeCook, MD, VP, in consultation with the AAPLOG Board of Directors
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Rev. Dan Carlson, Minnesota Baptist Conference, Executive Minister, Former Senior Pastor, Faith Baptist Fellowship, Sioux Falls, SD
South Dakota again has the opportunity to lead the way in doing what is right to support life and stop abortion. The VoteYesForLife.com initiative answers the objections of past bills. It paves the way to life for countless numbers of babies in South Dakota. I wholeheartedly endorse and support the work of the voteyesforlife.com initiative team and encourage you to do the same. Let our generation be the generation that says enough is enough and do the right thing by voting for life.
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Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life, President, National Pro-life Religious Council, Pastoral Director and Chairman, Rachel's Vineyard
An essential step to the end of abortion in America is that states reassert their rights to protect their unborn children. South Dakota is doing precisely that, and every citizen of South Dakota who wants children protected should sign on to the VoteYesForLife.com effort. We often wonder what we can do to end this holocaust. The citizens of South Dakota have an amazingly simple and direct way to take the next good step in that direction. Right now, no unborn children in America are protected from abortion. To have most of them protected is a goal we are both permitted and required to work for. I urge Churches in particular to put the full weight of their influence behind the VoteYesForLife.com campaign.
As National Pastoral Director of Rachel’s Vineyard, I see every day the damage abortion does to the mothers and fathers of aborted children. It is out of love for these men and women, as well as for their children, that the VoteYesForLife.com effort should be supported!
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Four Prominent Catholic Moral Theologians
Four of the Most Prominent Catholic Moral Theologians Conclude that the Best Moral Choice for Catholic Voters in South Dakota is to Vote Yes on the November Ban Bill Initiative.
Four of the most prestigious and influential orthodox Catholic moral theologians from the United States have examined South Dakota's Abortion Ban Initiative Bill and the history of South Dakota's effort to prohibit abortion and all have concluded that it is not only morally permissible for a Catholic to vote in favor of the initiative, but that it is the best and the superior moral option. Two conclude that it is the only moral option.
Read the essays:
William E. May, Ph.D., Michael J. McGivney, Professor of Moral Studies, Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family at The Catholic University of America
Brian V. Johnstone, C.SS.R., Professor of Moral Theology, The Catholic University of America
Rev. J. Daniel Mindling OFM Cap., S.T.D., Academic Dean, Mount Saint Mary's Seminary
Msgr. Stuart W. Swetland, S.T.D., Vice President for Catholic Identity and Mission
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Carmen Pate, Co-host of Point of View Radio Talk Show
It is an honor and privilege for me to endorse the 2008 VoteYesforLife.com initiative. South Dakotans have taken the lead once again to protect the lives of unborn children and the interests and health of pregnant mothers.
As a post-abortive woman, I know first hand that abortion is a devastating choice for an unplanned pregnancy. The child loses their God given right to life through one of the greatest human rights violations of our time. The woman, in many ways, loses the legal protection of her relationship with her children. In addition, women’s lives are often shattered physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Families are destroyed and communities suffer from the overall disrespect for life that ensues.
The legacy of Roe v Wade after 35 years of killing nearly 50 million babies, and devastating the lives of nearly as many men and women, is indeed a culture of death in America. The implications of ending legal abortion in South Dakota, except in the cases where the mother’s life or health are at risk, and in cases of rape and incest, is a step in the right direction to change our nation’s culture to one of life. As other states follow suit and the nation unites in the protection of mother and child, America can once again be proud to export our culture throughout the world. My prayers are with you South Dakota. May God grant you victory in this battle.
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Marie Bowen, Executive Director, Presbyterians Pro-Life
Presbyterians Pro-Life is grateful that the citizens of South Dakota are standing together to say “NO!” to abortion. Every abortion takes a human life. Every world culture understands that to take the life of another person is morally wrong. At the moment of fertilization, a new life is begun within the womb of a woman. Abortion ends that unique, human life.
American society has suffered the loss of more than 47 million persons (and their children) since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in 1973. The wisdom of 47 million minds is missing from our knowledge pool. Among those persons may have been doctors and scientists intended to discover a cure for AIDS, cancer or diabetes. Imagine 47 million more students in our schools or 47 million more consumers for our businesses! Our government is missing over 47 million taxpayers and workers to provide the social security benefits for the baby boom generation. Our economy suffers the loss of 47 million laborers producing domestic product. We are diminished by the absence of inspired composers, visionary politicians and gifted authors. Globally, European and Asian nations experiencing negative population growth are paying families to have more children.
Death is not abortion’s only holocaust. In abortion’s wake are left a sexually immoral culture, disintegrating family structures and women suffering an array of post-abortion traumas. Abortion is commonly used as birth control when pregnancy results from pre-marital and promiscuous sex among younger generations. Such practice allows irresponsible behavior to continue unchecked by the natural consequence of parenting responsibility. Particularly for men, abortion allows a pattern of sexual activity without commitment that has negatively impacted American families, especially in African American communities. Many children are growing up without a father in the home—sons with no role model for fatherhood. Women who have had abortions suffer increased risk for depression, anxiety, guilt, substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction and suicide. Additionally, studies show that abortion increases a woman’s risk for breast, cervical and liver cancers, future pre-mature births and sterility.
South Dakota, we pray that God will grant you good success for your efforts and end abortion in your state and in our nation.
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Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council
Since 1973, thirty five long years ago, millions upon millions – well over 40,000,000 - babies have been slain under the guise of “choice.” Choosing death is never a good or acceptable option, and the good folks of South Dakota have worked hard to give women real choices that favor life. Immediately after the Supreme Court decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton in 1973, the South Dakota legislature passed a resolution calling upon Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution to provide equal protection for the unborn. While the Congress refused to act, the legislature of South Dakota year after year passed additional laws that protected women, parents and the unborn. The VoteYesForLife.com campaign furthers that cause.
Other states should draw inspiration from the commitment and perseverance of South Dakota. This is not about Republicans or Democrats, right or left, liberal or conservative. This is about recognizing the sanctity of human life and citizens’ obligation to enact laws to protect it. I applaud the VoteYesForLife.com campaign for not sitting idly by, and instead, taking action to protect those who cannot defend themselves.
Thank you, South Dakota, for never giving up.
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Norma McCorvey, Former Roe of 'Roe vs. Wade' and President of Crossing Over Ministries
Roe vs. Wade was erected upon the shifting sands of a terrible lie. Nobody knows that vivid fact more than I, the former "Roe" of Roe vs. Wade. Once my eyes had been illuminated to the horrible facts of abortion I renounced the rotting core of deceit that is the crumbling foundation of Roe vs. Wade.
VoteYesForLife is the wrecking ball of truth poised to annihilate Roe's infrastructure. I give my full and unwavering support toward this noble effort. I am certain that VoteYesForLife and it's accomplished leadership team has what it takes to bring home victory for the innocent.
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Don Wildmon, President, American Family Association
I proudly give my wholehearted endorsement of the VoteYesForLife.com campaign in South Dakota. We at the American Family Association are challenging 100,000 pastors in the United States to adopt a bold initiative to take back the culture in America. Our churches are full but the people are empty. They have not been taught what made America great. We have become indifferent to evil. We have become desensitized to the reprehensible. The VoteYesForLife.com campaign is a giant step in the right direction. Categorizing the unborn as non-humans has been the biggest blight on our culture since the Dred Scott decision said black people weren’t human, and since Hitler said Jews were not human. This will continue if Christians remain apathetic. Ignorance, apathy and indifference pave the road to tyranny. I commend the people of South Dakota for your bold initiative. South Dakota is a shining city on a hill for America. Freedom is not license. It’s very foundation is based on responsibility and moral restraint. Without each individual internalizing that concept, the entire experiment of self government will crumble. As John Adams said, “Freedom without virtue is madness.” Hijacking the word “choice” to justify killing 48 million people is an insult to the principles on what this country was founded. There is nothing more one can do for the Kingdom of God in South Dakota than getting signatures and educating the people of your state how this affects America. This is not just a South Dakota issue. What happens there will impact all of us as individuals and as a nation. We pray you are successful in protecting human life created in the image of Almighty God, the creator of the universe.
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Robert Knight, Writer, Director
Civilization does not crumble all at once; it falls under the weight of a thousand cuts. Likewise, rebuilding a culture of life does not happen all at once. It takes a lot of small steps in the right direction, and also some big ones. The South Dakota initiative is a giant step toward ending abortion on demand. The abortion industry rightly fears this proposed law because they know that it will dry up money for abortions and therefore the incentives to commit abortions. Enactment of the law will also expose the abortion industry’s lack of candor, since they have long opposed any restrictions on their deadly trade, even common sense precautions to protect mothers that are already required in other medical facilities.
The aim of any pro-life initiative should be to save lives, period. Some good people contend that anything less than a complete ban amounts to sacrificing some lives to save others. But that’s a little like saying that if firemen cannot get every single person out of a burning building, they shouldn’t begin rescuing those that they can save. A tiny percentage of abortions would still be allowed under the law, and each life lost is a tragedy. But each life saved is a victory. With this law in place, even those exceptions will be less likely to happen.
Partial-birth abortion laws, while outlawing only a relatively small number of “procedures,” opened many Americans’ minds to the reality that all abortions take an innocent human life. The laws, even while under legal challenge, have saved some lives, helped spur the rise in pro-life advocacy among young people and opened a debate that the media had thought was closed. Likewise, with passage of the VoteYesforLife measure, the abortionists will not be able to continue their gruesome business in South Dakota, and the harsh reality of abortions of any kind will become more readily apparent, paving the way for a more comprehensive law.
The abortion industry is counting on dissent in the pro-life community to capsize what could be the stone that begins a pro-life legal avalanche across the nation. Let’s pray that South Dakotans disappoint them.
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Frank Wright, Ph. D., President & CEO of National Religious Broadcasters
From the earliest days of the battle to defend innocent unborn babies, members of
the NRB have stood fast on the Biblical principle that these little ones are made in
the image of God and are precious in His sight.
This truth, that human beings at every stage of life have intrinsic value in the sight
of their Creator, is not only a biblical principle but a cornerstone of our American
system of government. The Founders proclaimed this boldly when they declared
as self-evident "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these (is) Life ..."
That the minds of so many have been hardened to this truth remains a cause of great sadness for us. We are sadder still that 35 years after Roe vs. Wade this blight on our national soul still hangs as a deathly shadow over the land.
Accordingly, NRB is greatly encouraged to see the valiant efforts of the people of
South Dakota in defending the lives of unborn children. As you labor diligently to
advance the VoteYesForLife.com initiative, please know that we stand with you in
spirit and pray that God will grant you success.
I trust that the efforts of South Dakotans, whose stalwart character is so much
admired across our land, will be shining examples that move the hearts of others
to become defenders of life.
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J. C. Willke, M.D.,
President,
Life Issues Institute, Inc.,Former President of National Right to Life
I am Dr. Jack Willke. I was President of the National Right to
Life Committee during the 1980s. I am President of Life Issues Institute, a
national and international educational foundation, as well as President of the
International Right to Life Federation. I have written extensively. My works
have been translated into 32 languages. I have lectured in over 80
countries. It was my privilege to testify before your legislative committee
when you were formulating your previous pro-life law, and I am willing to do
so again.
My long medical experience has convinced me that there is no
medical need to put an exception for the life of the mother in anti-abortion
law. Pregnancy from assault rape is extremely rare, there being fewer then
500 a year out of a total of 6.5 million pregnancies, over half of which
voluntarily carry to term. Even so, I understand the concerns that many
people have for these exceptions, and I am willing to testify for the need to
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