By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative/PAC Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation
Editor’s note. This appears in the June issue of National Right to Life News. Please share this story, and the remainder of stories that appear in this 49-page edition.
An honor and a privilege.
Those are the words that pop into my brain when I think about the fact that Pennsylvania is hosting this year’s National Right to Life Convention. This incredible event takes place June 23rd and 24th in Pittsburgh and, as a National Right to Life affiliate, the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation is eagerly awaiting the opening session.
We at the Federation have been touched by the enthusiasm of our chapter leaders for this gathering, which, appropriately enough, marks the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. In Pennsylvania, we are definitely in the mood to celebrate the fall of the disastrous court decision and the birth of the post-Roe era.
Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone State, and it has also been a keystone of the efforts to rebuild a culture of life. Way back in 1989, the Commonwealth passed the landmark Abortion Control Act, which provides for parental consent, informed consent, a 24-hour waiting period for abortion, along with protection against late-term abortion and sex selection abortions.
The Keystone State also gave birth to a groundbreaking Alternatives to Abortion program which has served more than 340,000 women in its storied twenty-seven year history. The program quickly became a model for the rest of the nation, providing financial and administrative support to pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, and adoption agencies. We are pleased that this year’s convention will feature workshops presented by the leaders of Real Alternatives, Inc., which administers what is now known as the Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services Program.
Pennsylvania is also known as a political swing state, and it is generally believed that it is tough to win the White House without first achieving victory in the home of Benjamin Franklin, Hershey’s candy, and shoefly pie. We expect that 2024 will be a critical election year in Pennsylvania, with not only the Presidency but the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives also at stake.
On behalf of our nearly 40 grassroots, county-based chapters and its leaders, I invite you to come to the convention and celebrate life with us. It is our honor and privilege to welcome you to the beautiful land we call home.