The Right-to-Life movement in Iowa has entered into a race for life.
Monday’s Senate subcommittee hearing that advanced Senate File 253 defines life at conception. Republican Senators Brad Zaun and Jason Schultz supported advancing the bill to the full Judiciary committee. Democrat Senator Janet Petersen refused.
On Tuesday morning the pro-life coalition held a press conference at the Capitol. Bob Vander Plaats of The FAMiLY LEADER talked about the significance of a couple dates in recent history.
On Jan. 11 a coalition of pro-life leaders in Iowa came together and signed a pledge to support life at conception. But it was a date in 2016 that set all of this in motion — Nov. 8.
Photo credit: Jacob Hall
“Yesterday in this room with all the supporters outside; that’s historic and it shouldn’t be missed,” Vander Plaats said. “But another thing that shouldn’t be missed is what gave birth to Jan. 11 and what gave birth to Feb. 27. That was Nov. 8. November 8 was when Iowans rose up and said (they) were done with politics as usual. (They) wanted bold and (they) wanted courageous leadership. So we applaud Senators Schultz and Zaun for their leadership on life yesterday. Now we encourage the full (Senate) Judiciary committee to follow their lead and to do what is right. As we tell our boys, you’re never right when you do what’s wrong.”
Vander Plaats announced that the pro-life coalition is launching its “She’s a Baby” campaign across the state.
The campaign engages video, radio and grassroots activism to inspire fellow Iowans in the defense of life.
They also released a video of She’s A Baby as part of the initiative. The video features Melissa Ohden, a pro-life activist who survived an abortion.
“Iowans have the opportunity right now to finally do something that will protect the lives of our most innocent,” said Jenifer Bowen of Iowa Right to Life. “With pro-life majorities in the House, Senate and the governor’s mansion, and SF253, the Life at Conception Act, not he table, it’s time for Iowans to stand united and declare that together, we will defend Iowa’s babies from death by abortion.”
Photo credit: Jacob Hall
Maggie DeWitte, of Iowans for LIFE, acknowledged the arguments used by both sides on the abortion debate. But she declared one truth that can’t be argued.
“By now we’ve all heard the arguments about abortion,” she said. “And people have understandable concerns. But there’s one truth no argument can argue away: That little girl in he rmother’s womb? She’s a baby.”
Photo credit: Jacob Hall
More details about #ShesABaby can be found at ShesABaby.com.
Watch the entire press conference below: