New Study Says 67% of Post-Abortive Women Report a Lack of Confidence in Their Decision
Even for women who believe that a fetus is not a human being, an abortion is still a heavy decision. Logically, it shouldn’t be if the fetus truly holds no value, however this is simply not the case in reality. … Continue reading
RELEASE: Illinois Right to Life Responds to FDA Chemical Abortion Rule Change
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Mary Kate Zander Executive Director Illinois Right to Life P: 312-422-9300 E: [email protected] RELEASE DATE: January 4, 2023 ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONDS TO FDA CHEMICAL ABORTION RULE CHANGE (CHICAGO, IL) – – On January … Continue reading
Youth Leading the Pro-Life Movement
This past Saturday, Illinois Right to Life sponsored the Simply Pro-life Teen event in Barrington, IL. I had the opportunity to speak at the event, to share the mission of our organization, and interact with many young people, some of … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONSE TO ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOBILE ABORTION CLINIC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director 312-422-9300 OR 414-248-0522 ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONSE TO ANNOUNCEMENT OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD MOBILE ABORTION CLINIC Oct 4, 2022 – Chicago The following statement may be attributed to … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TRAVEL FOR ABORTION
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TRAVEL FOR ABORTION The following statement may be attributed to Amy Gehrke, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life: Today’s Executive Order on abortion signed by … Continue reading
Speaking at the Dobbs Rally
This past Saturday I had the honor of speaking at the Dobbs Rally and March held in downtown Chicago. Illinois Right to Life was proud to partner with March for Life Chicago in helping to host this event. At the … Continue reading
Dobbs Rally and March
On Saturday July 9, Illinois Right to Life joined the March for Life Chicago to host the Dobbs Rally and March celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. It was warm and sunny in downtown Chicago … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BIDEN’S EXECUTIVE ORDER ON ABORTION
The following statement may be attributed to Amy Gehrke, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life: Today’s Executive Order on abortion signed by President Biden is a master class in the doublespeak and hypocrisy so often displayed by abortion advocates. … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE CELEBRATES LANDMARK PRO-LIFE VICTORY IN DOBBS V. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH
June, 2022 —- (CHICAGO) The following statement may be attributed to Amy Gehrke, Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life: Today, Illinois Right to Life joins millions of Americans in celebrating the end of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme … Continue reading
Pregnancy Resource Centers in Danger
This is what we’ve been worried about – the potential of a direct threat to our pregnancy resource centers.. Every year pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) give out millions of dollars in diapers, baby clothes, parenting classes, and more, to pregnant … Continue reading
Introducing: Emily Alcaraz!
The entire team at Illinois Right to Life is excited to introduce our newest member: Emily Alcaraz! Emily joined Illinois Right to Life on June 7 as our new development manager and we couldn’t be more excited to add her … Continue reading
The Repeal of Parental Notice Goes Into Effect
The absolute need to protect our children has been top of mind for countless individuals this past week. As the stories out of Uvalde, Texas have grown more and more unthinkable many parents, myself included, are realizing our children’s safety … Continue reading
Is Illinois Pro-Abortion or Pro-Life?
“The end of Roe.” That simple sentence evokes a mirage of emotions from different demographics of people in our country, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade is possibly the most controversial topic of our time, but today I want … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE STATEMENT ON CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT’S “CALL TO ARMS”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director 312-422-9300 ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE STATEMENT ON CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT’S “CALL TO ARMS” May 10, 2022 —- (CHICAGO) The following statement can be attributed to Amy Gehrke, Executive Director of … Continue reading
Sex Trafficking, The Repeal of Parental Notice, and Kelly Dore’s Story
On June 1st, the repeal of Parental Notice of Abortion will officially go into effect in Illinois. What does this mean? In short, young girls will no longer be protected from sex traffickers, abortion clinics will not be required to … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE CONDEMNS LEAKED DRAFT RULING OF DOBBS V. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director 312-422-9300 ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE CONDEMNS LEAKED DRAFT RULING OF DOBBS V. JACKSON WOMEN’S HEALTH May 3, 2022 —- (CHICAGO) The following statement can be attributed to Amy Gehrke, … Continue reading
Justice for the Five: We STILL Demand JUSTICE!
It has now been over one month since the bodies of five late-term abortion victims were discovered outside an abortion clinic in Washington, D.C. The bodies were discovered by members of the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising (PAAU) and then turned over … Continue reading
Secular Pro-Life: Crucial in the Abortion Debate
Why should a secular person- particularly an atheist- care about the abortion debate? In our latest Life Chat episode, Dr. Steve Jacobs interviews Monica Snyder, executive director of Secular Pro-Life, about this important question and her group’s place in the … Continue reading
We’re Hiring a Communications Assistant!
Communications Assistant Illinois Right to Life Chicago, IL 60606 Illinois Right to Life is seeking a communications assistant with a strong background in social media, who is an outstanding writer, and who is highly organized with strong attention to detail. … Continue reading
From Crisis Pregnancy Counseling With Let Them Live To Communications With Democrats For Life
Some people say that crisis pregnancy counseling and working on the legislative side of the pro-life movement cannot be combined. They take two different kinds of personalities, two different kinds of people, right? Well, not according to Jess Meeth! Jess … Continue reading
Learn More About Our Birthday Celebration!
It’s Coming Soon….… Here at Illinois Right to Life, we are getting ready to celebrate our 52nd birthday, and we would like you to celebrate right along with us! How? With gifts! For a friend, loved one, or even yourself. What’s … Continue reading
The Eradication of Women?
By now, most of us have heard the jokes and seen the memes regarding Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s “I’m not a biologist” comment at last week’s U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings. In case you missed it, when asked by Senator … Continue reading
Escaping the Abortion Industry
A story of so many of the difficulties of our world: child molestation, teen rape, repeated abortions, drugs, eating disorders- you name it. Kelly Lester’s story is one of experiencing the unimaginable in her life and ultimately finding her way … Continue reading
Dennis Prager at OUR Banquet!
Illinois Right to Life is excited to announce our keynote speaker for our 53rd annual Leaders for Life Banquet: Dennis Prager. Not only will he be speaking at our banquet, we also had him on our Life Chat podcast with … Continue reading
Kids Know.
Kids know. I love talking to people around Illinois about how we can save babies in our state as well as how we can best help women experiencing crisis pregnancies, but I most enjoy learning from the kids. Last week, … Continue reading
Making Time for Pro-Life Activism: Our Ground Zero Tour in SPRINGFIELD!
Every time we host a Ground Zero Tour, the team at Illinois Right to Life is always excited for the new opportunities we will encounter and people we will meet. Last Thursday’s event in Springfield was no exception. Among the … Continue reading
Abby Johnson: Fierce Mercy
Fierce Mercy: Those two words together might seem ironic. If you think about it, fierce doesn’t seem to be a good adjective to describe mercy, does it? Well, Abby Johnson disagrees. Our executive director Amy Gehrke interviewed Abby Johnson on … Continue reading
Ask Amy: How is it possible to obtain a free abortion?
Amy, If you are above the Medicaid poverty level, how is it possible to obtain a free abortion? –Maggie Maggie — Obtaining a taxpayer-funded abortion in Illinois is incredibly simple whether you’re an Illinois resident or not. Why? Illinois’s incredibly … Continue reading
Single Motherhood: What The Pro-Life Movement Has Done To Help Women Like Anna
Sometimes the most beautiful, inspiring stories seem the simplest from the outside. I met Anna Flock at our first-ever Ground Zero Tour last October. She had nothing but good things to say about the pro-life movement and Illinois Right to … Continue reading
Chocolate, Roses, Storybook Romance, and Respect for Life
It’s February, and we are awash in hearts, chocolates, roses, and the hope of storybook romance. While we can all appreciate starry eyes and moonlit nights, true love often doesn’t look like a Valentine’s Day greeting card. Sometimes love is … Continue reading
Over 10,000 Women Came to Illinois for Abortions in 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director 312-422-9300 [email protected] Over 10,000 Women Came to Illinois for Abortions in 2020 – An Increase of Approximately 29 Percent. The following statement may be attributed to Amy Gehrke, Executive … Continue reading
Backstage at the National March for Life
Stepping onto the stage and gazing out at thousands upon thousands of applauding people as far as the eye can see is not only indescribable, but also incredibly humbling. At the National March for Life in Washington D.C. this past … Continue reading
New Dates for the Illinois Primary and IRLA Voter Guides!
In a major departure from the norm, the Illinois Primaries will be held this year on Tuesday, June 28th, much later than their usual date in March. This is unprecedented for Illinois. Why the change of date? The short answer … Continue reading
The Final Winter March Before Roe is Overturned
“When I think of the pro-life movement, equality is the first thing that comes to mind”. On January 15th, hundreds gathered in Rockford for the second annual Rockford Walk for Life. In my speech at the rally, I tried to … Continue reading
A Rallying Cry to the Midwest
The beating of the drums, chilling winds and slick sidewalks, crowds of people as far as the eye can see. For anyone who grew up in the Chicagoland area and regularly attended the March for Life Chicago as a child, … Continue reading
Ask Amy: Was 2021 really such a great year for the pro-life movement?
Dear Amy, NARAL tweeted 2021 was the worst year ever for abortion rights. It seems like the pro-life movement has all the momentum. Doesn’t that mean Illinois is a disaster of an abortion haven? We’ve had two consecutive governors who … Continue reading
Ask Amy: What will happen with PNA and other pro-life issues this legislative session?
Dear Amy, “The Illinois General Assembly is going back into session this week. Now that they’ve overturned Illinois’s last pro-life law (the Parental Notice of Abortion Act), what can we expect to happen with abortion and other life issues this … Continue reading
Ask Amy: What Happened Last Week? Chemical Abortions and PNA
Dear Amy, I heard that last week was a bad week for preborn babies and their moms. What happened? What can pro-lifers in Illinois do to help? –Ready for Action in Alton Late last week, while millions of people across … Continue reading
Supreme Court Lets Texas Heartbeat Law Stand
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director 312-422-9300 [email protected] SUPREME COURT LETS TEXAS HEARTBEAT LAW STAND December 10, 2021 —- (CHICAGO) Today, the Court rendered its decision on whether Texas SB 8, the Heartbeat Law, can continue. Four … Continue reading
Ask Amy: Why Don’t Pro-Life People in Illinois Feel a Profound Sense of Defeat?
Dear Amy, In Illinois, why don’t pro-life people feel a profound sense of defeat? The previous governor lied to us and initiated (I don’t exactly recall) a giant leap forward for abortion in Illinois. The current governor is brutally pro-abortion … Continue reading
Illinois Right to Life is EDUCATING the Next Generation!
One of the elements of our executive director’s 3-pronged plan is “Education.” The past two weekends, Illinois Right to Life has been educating the youth on why it is so important to be outspokenly pro-life. Two weeks ago, our communications … Continue reading
What Have Our Social Media Ambassadors Been Up To?
What have our social media ambassadors been up to? Just take a look at the posts below to see how these incredible young people are taking their pro-life beliefs and sharing them across their social media! Make sure to follow … Continue reading
One Year at Illinois Right to Life: How Far We’ve Come and How We are Moving Forward!
It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since I first stepped off the Amtrak Hiawatha from Milwaukee for my first day at Illinois Right to Life. Thanks to the incredible work of my predecessor, Mary Kate Knorr, I’d been … Continue reading
The Stunning Moral Disconnect of Reps. Anna Moeller and Kelly Cassidy
As most of you know, on October 27 of this year, the Illinois House passed the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act (PNA), Illinois’s last pro-life law. What hasn’t received a lot of press is the Illinois House … Continue reading
Ask Amy: What does the Repeal of Parental Notice mean for Girls in other States?
Dear Amy, I live in southeast Wisconsin but follow the abortion issue in Illinois since we are so close to the border. I recently heard that your parental notice of abortion law was repealed. What does that mean for minor … Continue reading
Electa’s Story
Electa Measha radiates confidence, fulfillment, and enthusiasm. When she came into Illinois Right to Life’s office to record her podcast, the entire staff immediately loved her. “I was born for a reason. I give unconditional love naturally,” she explained, when … Continue reading
Reversing Roe: One Amicus Brief at a Time
On December 1st, the United States Supreme Court will hear the oral arguments for the Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens’ Health case. This case has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade and, because of this, December 1st is a momentous … Continue reading
Action Banquet 2021 Pictures
Thank you for attending our Illinois Right to Life Action Banquet on November 12th! To view the pictures, click here and here. Facebook Twitter Google+ Pinterest Email
Ask Amy: Are Medical Practitioners Required to Perform Abortions?
Dear Amy, SB0025 of 6/12/19 repealed the Illinois Abortion Law of 1975, the Partial-birth Abortion Ban Act, and the Abortion Performance Refusal Act. I have reached out to the bill’s author Melinda Bush several times to learn if the repeal … Continue reading
Pro-Life History in the Making: A Day of Dobbs
We are excited to announce that on December 1st, the day of the U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in the Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health case, Illinois Right to Life will be hosting a “Day of Dobbs.” This full day of events … Continue reading
Ask Amy: Can the State Violate our Right to Privacy?
Dear Amy, Abortion is purportedly justified under the aegis of privacy. As with contraception and sodomy, abortion ls a legally protected “privacy right.” But abortion advocates don’t stop there. We have Planned Parenthood (an NGO?) racketeering together with the State … Continue reading
The SCOTUS Hearing on Texas’s Heartbeat Law
On November 1st, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on two constitutional challenges to Texas’s Heartbeat Law (SB 8) on behalf of an abortion provider and the Biden administration. Arguing that Texas’s abortion ban undermines the Court’s holding in … Continue reading
The Repeal of Parental Notice: We Will NOT Give Up Hope!
Anyone who watched last week’s debate over the Parental Notice of Abortion Act (PNA) witnessed a parade of the abortion industry’s most misleading tropes. These included lots of passionate proclamations about a woman’s right to choose, that abortion is healthcare, … Continue reading
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE CONDEMNS PASSAGE OF HB 370 — THE REPEAL OF PARENTAL NOTICE OF ABORTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director, Illinois Right to Life 312-422-9300 [email protected] October 28, 2021 —- (CHICAGO) The Illinois House of Representatives voted late last night to repeal Parental Notice of Abortion, trampling the rights of … Continue reading
Join Illinois Right to Life to Protest the Repeal of Parental Notice in Springfield!
We need YOU in Springfield! The Illinois General Assembly is considering multiple ways to repeal Parental Notice of Abortion, undermining parental rights and putting our daughters at risk. This week, they will consider several pieces of legislation to repeal or … Continue reading
Live Action, L.A., and Defending Life
This past weekend, IRL Executive Director Amy Gehrke and I traveled across the country to the beautiful state of California to attend Live Action’s “Unite for Life” event. During this pro-life rally, which was attended by thousands from across the … Continue reading
Ground Zero Tour: A MASSIVE SUCCESS!
On Thursday, Illinois Right to Life put on our first-ever Ground Zero Tour: Preparing Illinois for a Post-Roe America. It was a MASSIVE SUCCESS with around 75 people attending: a sell-out! Our Executive Director Amy Gehrke explained the educational and … Continue reading
Fight for Parental Notice Ramps Up
Last legislative session, our Illinois Right to Life Action team along with other pro-life activists succeeded in thwarting the pro-abortion movement’s attempt to repeal Illinois’s Parental Notification of Abortion Act. Unfortunately, these efforts have been recently reignited after recent national … Continue reading
Introducing… Our SECOND FOUR Social Media Ambassadors!
We hope you enjoyed learning about our first group of passionate individuals last week! This week, we introduce to you four more of our social media ambassadors, from different backgrounds and walks of life, who are all united in fighting … Continue reading
Introducing… our FIRST FOUR Social Media Ambassadors!
We are so excited to introduce to you our first four social media ambassadors! In the next few weeks, we will be introducing them in groups of four so that you can get a better idea of the backgrounds of … Continue reading
Young Adults in the Pro-Life Movement: Speaking at the Life Symposium
This weekend, I spoke at the Life Symposium in Vermont. Presented by the Vermont Right to Life Committee Educational Trust Fund, this all-day event was designed to educate the public on “the issues impacting human life at the crossroads of … Continue reading
40 Days for Life: Walking Away From Death
With the annual 40 Days for Life campaign beginning this week, what better way to get a kick-start on your activism than to listen to the powerful story of an ex-abortion clinic worker? Sue Thayer—now the leader of the 40 … Continue reading
Become an Illinois Right to Life Social Media Ambassador!
Looking for a way to share what you are passionate about on social media? As we all know, social media is more than prominent these days: it’s where so many people get their news and entertainment, and it has allowed … Continue reading
In response to Texas’s Abortion Ban, Rep. Kelly Cassidy Puts Ideology over Country
After Texas passed and enacted their ban on abortions after a fetus’s heartbeat is first detected in the sixth-week of pregnancy, Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) filed a bill in response. First, let’s consider what the Texas law does. Texas’s S.B. … Continue reading
Science — Inconvenient for Abortion Advocates
In 2008, in the lead-up to the presidential election, then-Senator Joe Biden declared that a human’s life begins at conception. In 2015, he once again affirmed his view that at “the moment of conception is a human life and being”. … Continue reading
BREAKING: U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Texas’s Abortion Ban
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Amy Gehrke, Executive Director 312-422-9300 ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE REACTS TO U.S. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDING TEXAS’S ABORTION BAN September 2, 2021 —- (CHICAGO) Illinois Right to Life applauds the members of the U.S. Supreme Court on … Continue reading
Our Executive Director is Published in the Federalist!
We have exciting news: Our executive director, Amy Gehrke, has been published in the Federalist! In this piece, Amy explains how profoundly anti-woman Illinois’s abortion laws are, and that they pose an extreme danger not only to women in Illinois, … Continue reading
Let Them Live: A Powerful Witness to Compassion
There are countless approaches to turning a nation pro-life: from the important legislation that must be pushed, to the changing of hearts and minds, to providing resources to women in need. This is all extremely important and in my role … Continue reading
A Life Lived for Others
Nothing is more important in the pro-life movement than saving lives, and this is what Emily Berning does every day at Let them Live. Let them Live is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping women in crisis pregnancies, … Continue reading
JUSTICE BOB THOMAS, FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT, TO KEYNOTE ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE ACTION EVENT
For Immediate Release: August 13th, 2021 Media Contact: Amy Gehrke, Spokesperson, Illinois Right to Life Action 312-422-9300, [email protected] JUSTICE BOB THOMAS, FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT, TO KEYNOTE ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE ACTION EVENT Illinois Right … Continue reading
Announcing: The Illinois Right to Life Informer!
Welcome to the first edition of the Illinois Right to Life Informer! Our goal is to give a recap of the latest pro-life news both here in Illinois and on the national level. We’ll also use this space to update … Continue reading
Will the Supreme Court Recognize the Humanity of the Preborn?
By: Dr. Steve Jacobs Last summer, Illinois Right to Life was honored to have issued one of the eight briefs that urged the Supreme Court to agree to hear the case in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and to … Continue reading
IRL Files Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Case
On Thursday of this week, Illinois Right to Life and our program director, Dr. Steve Jacobs, filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. Aided by Thomas Olp and Rita Gitchell of the Thomas … Continue reading
Eric Scheidler: Executive Director of Pro-Life Action League
Eric Scheidler can’t remember a time when he was not pro-life. However, his ways of addressing the abortion issue have changed over the years and ultimately led him to taking over his father’s position as Executive Director of Pro-Life Action … Continue reading
“Fighting for Life,” and the Role of Young People in the Pro-Life Movement
“What makes your heart break for a broken world?” This is a question that every person must address at one time or another in his life. Essentially a question of purpose, Lila Rose pitches this question to her readers at … Continue reading
Rebekah Hagan: A Passionate Advocate for Women
“Within just a moment, just about 60 seconds, I saw my life plan… I saw it all just flash before my eyes.” In the latest episode of Life Chat Rebekah Hagan explains the utter fear and discouragement she felt when … Continue reading
Amy Gehrke: Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life
A shining light in the pro-life movement, our incredible new executive director Amy Gehrke shares her story, and how she finally ended up in Illinois. Her first pro-life memory is when her father suddenly announced he was going to start … Continue reading
ATTENTION: Project Love’s 25th Anniversary Breakfast
Looking to support an organization that helps women in need? Want to join friends, family, and others who share your passion for protecting women and their children, both born and preborn? Come join us for Project Love’s 25th Anniversary Breakfast … Continue reading
Terrible New Pro-Abortion bill is Introduced
A new, terrible pro-abortion bill was introduced in the U.S. Congress earlier this month with the misleading name, “Women’s Health Protection Act.” Tom McClusky, president of March for Life Action, told Catholic News Agency that the, “Misnamed Women’s Health Protection … Continue reading
Georgette Forney: Bringing Hope and Healing to Women
A dynamic hero for women, Georgette’s story is relatively simple: At 16, she got an abortion because it seemed like the simple solution. However, it wasn’t until she was in her mid-thirties that she finally found healing. What she did … Continue reading
Dr. Steve Jacobs is published in The Federalist!
Illinois Right to Life’s Program Director Steve Jacobs, J.D., Ph.D. appeared in Thursday’s issue of the online magazine, The Federalist. The article, entitled The Supreme Court Shouldn’t Return Abortion to the States, It Should Ban Abortion Altogether, examines Dr. Jacobs’ opinion regarding the … Continue reading
Woman in Need on the Streets of Chicago
Around ten o’clock this morning our development manager, Sarah Brown, came rushing back to the office from a coffee run. “There’s a woman outside who has a baby,” she explained, “And she needs our help.” On her way back to … Continue reading
There is a War on Women, but Paxton Smith has it all Wrong
There is a war on women. There is a war on my peers and myself. We are being told that we ‘can’t,’ that our lives will be ‘ruined,’ that our dreams will be ‘crushed.’ There is a war on women … Continue reading
Father’s Day Cards Available NOW!
With Father’s Day being just around the corner, we have the perfect way to celebrate all the courageous fathers you know. Customarily, at this time of the year, our grant program, Project Love, offers its beautiful Father’s Day cards. This … Continue reading
Serena Dyksen: She Found His Grace
A bright and cheery face in the pro-life movement, Serena Dyksen is the founder of the “She Found His Grace” ministries and the author of a new book, She Found His Grace. Dyksen is the embodiment of a woman who … Continue reading
Illinois Right to Life Program Director is PUBLISHED in Newsweek!
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s monumental decision to hear Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that will examine the constitutionality of Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban and has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade, Dr. Steve … Continue reading
Texas Heartbeat Act Signed into Law
On Wednesday, May 19, Texas signed the Heartbeat Bill into law. Many pro-lifers are saying that this is the “strongest pro-life legislation” that exists currently. The Texas Heartbeat Act (SB8) prohibits abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy since that … Continue reading
BREAKING: Supreme Court to Hear Direct Challenge to Roe v. Wade
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Steve Jacobs [email protected] 312-422-9300 U.S. SUPREME COURT AGREES TO HEAR MISSISSIPPI’S CHALLENGE TO ROE V. WADE MAY 17, 2021 — (CHICAGO) Illinois Right to Life applauds the United States Supreme Court on its decision to grant … Continue reading
BREAKING: Personal PAC Poll Spreads Lies About Illinois’ Parental Notification of Abortion Law
For Immediate Release: May 10, 2021 Media Contact: Amy Gehrke, Spokesperson, IRLA 414-248-0522, [email protected] Personal PAC Poll Spreads Lies About Illinois’ Parental Notification of Abortion Law Strong majority of voters support Parental Notice On Friday, May 7, Personal PAC … Continue reading
Anniversary Vigil TOMORROW!
On May 11th, it will be approximately a year since the grand opening of the mega-Planned Parenthood clinic in Waukegan, Illinois. Last year when the clinic opened, people from around Illinois gathered for a large protest, symbolizing how large the … Continue reading
Abortion by Mail Approved by the FDA
Doctors have made public their concerns about abortion clinics sending abortion pills to patients through the mail, without ever seeing the patient or confirming their pregnancy with an ultrasound. However, FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock has just declared it safe to … Continue reading
Rockford Residents Rally for Parental Notification
On Saturday, April 24th, the Rockford Family Initiative organized a rally against the pro-abortion lobby’s attempt to repeal Illinois’ Parental Notification of Abortion Act. In Springfield, our representatives are debating legislation that would allow a minor to get an abortion … Continue reading
Being a Young Ambassador for the Pro-Life Movement: A Life Chat Interview with Evita Duffy
A young, vibrant, staunchly pro-life woman is often like a unicorn to the general public — a mythical creature. To those of us in the pro-life movement, young pro-life women are not only incredibly admirable, they’re our future. Evita … Continue reading
The Steady Demise of Roe v. Wade: A Life Chat Interview with Clarke Forsythe
Clarke Forsythe, Senior Counsel for Americans United for Life, has been involved in the pro-life movement since 1985. He is the author of Politics for the Greater Good: The Case for Prudence in the Public Square and, most recently, Abuse … Continue reading
A Sex Trafficking Victim’s Message to the Illinois Legislature
There are many reasons to oppose the repeal of Illinois’ Parental Notification of Abortion Act. One leader in the fight against human trafficking, Dr. Brook Bello, PhD, has shared her personal experience to illustrate the importance of keeping the law … Continue reading
We’re Re-Launching Our Life Chat Podcast!
Life Chat, a podcast produced by Illinois Right to Life, is relaunching with a new host! Dr. Steve Jacobs, our program director, will be having conversations with prominent pro-life voices and leaders from Illinois and throughout the country–and you can … Continue reading
It’s Time to Stop Responding to Violence with more Violence
In response to a horrific shooting, one feminist recently responded by demanding even more killing. Although she didn’t frame it this way, Christina Cauterucci, writer for the news outlet Slate, expressed her outrage that “… in Georgia, it is easier … Continue reading
New Roe v. Wade Film to Tell the Untold Story of How Abortion Was Legalized in America
Roe v. Wade has often been referred to as “the case that legalized abortion” and “the worst case in American History.” However, beyond these descriptions of this major Supreme Court ruling, what do the young people of today really know … Continue reading
College Students Rise up to March for Life in their County
With all the disappointments people around the world have faced this year due to Covid-19, the cancellation of the National March for Life was perhaps one of the most significant for pro-lifers across America. This gathering of thousands upon thousands … Continue reading
Sidewalk Counseling: The Groundwork of the Pro-Life Movement
There is a school of thought among some pro-life advocates that those who work at Planned Parenthood, or any abortion clinic for that matter, are “raunchy and rude,” or have “so much hate in their hearts.” At the same time, … Continue reading
Mary Wagner Continues to Fight for Life
This past fall, the story of Mary Wagner and her pro-life work was made very public. A tremendous advocate for life, Wagner spent a total of six years in prison because of her work trying to help women and their … Continue reading
New Poll Results Reveal Wide Public Support of Parental Notice of Abortion Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Illinois Right to Life [email protected] 312-422-9300 ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONDS TO POLL RESULTS SHOWING PUBLIC SUPPORT OF PARENTAL NOTICE OF ABORTION ACT MARCH 15, 2021 – (Chicago) On Monday, Illinois Right to Life Executive Director … Continue reading
Join Us for Our Next Future of Illinois Politics Webinar!
Join Illinois Right for Life Action for our second Future of Illinois Politics Webinar on Thursday, March 11th at 6pm. During the evening our speakers will keep you informed about the politics of Illinois and the most current and urgent … Continue reading
WE ARE HIRING!
Communications Manager Illinois Right to Life Chicago, IL 60606 Illinois Right to Life is seeking a communications manager who is a consummate storyteller, thrives on challenges, is deadline-driven, keeps up with the latest communications trends, and is passionate about the … Continue reading
40 Days for Life Begins Its Largest Campaign Yet
40 Days for Life, a bi-annual pro-life activism event lasting 40 days, began again on February 17, 2021. The goal of 40 Days for Life is to encourage pro-lifers to, quite literally, stand for life by praying in front of … Continue reading
The Father of the Baby: What Rights Should He Have?
A newly proposed bill in Tennessee is taking a lesser-used approach to the abortion issue: what if fathers had some power to protect their child from being killed in abortion? What if the father, who had an equal part in … Continue reading
Because Everyone Deserves a Birthday…
Did you know that you can help save lives for your birthday? Two weeks before your birthday, you will see a message from Facebook in your News Feeds giving you the option to create a fundraiser for your birthday. You … Continue reading
A Powerful Pro-Life Message Where We Least Expected It.
Arguably the most touching and inspiring ad of this year’s Super Bowl was Toyota’s 60-second ad entitled “Upstream” which featured a remarkably pro-life message. In one short minute, it managed to tell the story of a woman, born with a … Continue reading
Honduras Amends Constitution to Permanently Ban Abortion
Last week, the Honduras National Congress amended their National Constitution to state that unborn children have the same rights as born children under the law. This is not a temporary fix, but a permanent statement in the National Constitution. It … Continue reading
Texas Judge Blocks Action to Defund Planned Parenthood
As Texas takes steps towards ending taxpayer funded abortion within its borders, some pushback has arisen. Last week, Democrat Judge Maya Guerra Gamble successfully blocked Texas from removing Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid plan. Just hours after Planned Parenthood filed … Continue reading
Action Alert: Abortion Advocates Are Attempting to Indoctrinate Our Children With this ISBE Rule
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has proposed a rule called the Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards for public school educators that would, in effect, require teachers to affirm, embrace, and encourage inclusive (or progressive) student viewpoints to … Continue reading
Sarah Huckabee Sanders to Host 52nd Annual Leaders for Life Banquet
SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, FORMER WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY AND GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, TO KEYNOTE ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE EVENT February 4, 2021—(Chicago) Illinois Right to Life recently announced that Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former White House Press Secretary and Arkansas gubernatorial candidate, … Continue reading
Missouri, the First “Abortion-Free” State?
Could Missouri be the first “abortion-free” state? As shocking as this might sound, Missouri is currently the only state in the United States with zero abortion clinics. According to Operation Rescue: Reproductive Health Services Planned Parenthood in St. Louis was … Continue reading
The Future of Illinois Politics
By Amy Gehrke, Executive Director On Thursday, January 21, I was happy to host four of Illinois’s top pro-life leaders for our “Future of Illinois Politics” webinar. This was a comprehensive, hour-long discussion of anti-life bills that will likely be … Continue reading
Seeking an End to Human Trafficking: A Life Chat Interview with Kelly Dore
In the pro-life movement, our work will never be finished until the dignity of every person is recognized and upheld. Right now, sex trafficking, especially the trafficking of minors, is one of the biggest assaults against the dignity of the … Continue reading
On This 48th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade…
Statement from Amy Gehrke, Executive Director, on January 22, 2021: Today we sadly commemorate the 48th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in America. This year, for many, hope has turned to sadness. It’s easy … Continue reading
Illinois Right to Life Mourns the Passing of Pro-Life Hero, Joe Scheidler
Illinois Right to Life mourns the death of Joe Scheidler, a true hero of the pro-life movement. Dubbed the “Father of Pro-Life Activism” by many, pro-life author, speaker, activist, father, and grandfather of many, Joe Scheidler passed this morning, January … Continue reading
Join Us for Our Future of Illinois Politics Webinar!
The political turmoil of 2020 has, unfortunately, spilled into 2021. With Democrats now in control of both our State and Federal Governments, those who understand the sanctity of all innocent human life are likely wondering, “What’s next?” No need to … Continue reading
BREAKING: Supreme Court Ruling Puts Stop to Mail-Order Abortions
ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE RESPONDS TO RECENT SUPREME COURT RULING WHICH RESTRICTS THE DISTRIBUTION OF CHEMICAL ABORITON PILLS JANUARY, 12–(CHICAGO) Illinois Right to Life applauds today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling which affirmed that the Trump Administration can enforce a Federal … Continue reading
Pro-Life for All Life: A Life Chat Interview with Mary Lenaburg
All of us who are pro-life know that standing for life in today’s world can be difficult. Despite the ridicule, anger, and insults we sometimes face we know, without a doubt, that we are on the side of joy, hope, … Continue reading
Suffering in the NICU and the Pro-Life Attitude: A Life Chat Interview with Emily Kelly
Suffering is a part of every person’s life. Although it is an inescapable element of the human condition, many–including those in the pro-life movement–still grapple with the proper response to suffering, one that reconciles it with the dignity of the … Continue reading
The Santorum Family’s Pro-Life Story: A Life Chat Interview with Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini
Many people are pro-life with their words, some are pro-life with both their words and actions, but for some, their pro-life beliefs are cemented after they’ve been tested in the fire. This is the case for the Santorum family, as … Continue reading
The Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines and Abortion
By Amy Gehrke, Executive Director & Steve Jacobs, J.D./Ph.D., Program Director, Illinois Right to Life With all of the news about the development of COVID-19 vaccines, which could soon be mandated by states and employers, many pro-life advocates are … Continue reading
Meet Amy – Our New Executive Director!
There’s someone special we would like you to meet. It is our pleasure introduce you to Amy Gehrke – our new executive director! We couldn’t be more excited and proud to welcome Amy to the IRL team! Amy brings with … Continue reading
Peace in the Womb Caroling: A Pro-Life Christmas Tradition that’s Bringing Light into the Darkness
This year more than ever people need to hear and see the joy of Christmas, and what better way to show them than the age-old practice of singing Christmas Carols? The Pro-Life Action League has been taking on the task … Continue reading
Meeting the Demand for Pro-Life Healthcare: A Life Chat Interview w/ Louis Brown
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. Pro-life healthcare is a highly contested issue in the pro-life movement, largely because of the highly politicized nature … Continue reading
Meet Mary Wagner, the pro-life woman who spent six years in jail for her advocacy work
Words can only do so much, and this is especially true in the pro-life movement. Many people are willing to say they are pro-life, they even will eagerly argue about it, but it takes true courage to be willing to … Continue reading
Two Pro-Life Country Songs on Top Charts Last Month
In the past few weeks, two (quite arguably) pro-life country songs have risen to the top of the charts in country music.“One of them Girls” and “One Beer” are numbers 4 and 6 on the Hot Country Billboard chart. “One … Continue reading
Signs from a Peculiar Institution: An Interview with Dr. Mark Waters
Dr. Mark Waters is a vibrantly pro-life professor who teaches English at McHenry County College. Recently, he published his first book, Signs from a Peculiar Institution, inspired by his experiences praying outside a local abortion clinic. In an interview with … Continue reading
Tennessee Bans on Abortion Partially Upheld
Last week, a Tennessee law banning abortion for a number of reasons was partially upheld in the appeals court as debates concerning this law continue. According to CNN the “6th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted part of a lower court’s … Continue reading
Pro-Lifers Sue on Basis of Discrimination
On November 18, the Frederick Douglass Foundation and Students for Life of America filed a lawsuit in federal court stating that the Washington D.C. police discriminated against their group’s pro-life views by preventing them from chalking pro-life messages on the … Continue reading
Pro-Life Activism During a Pandemic
On Saturday, November 14, an Illinois Right to Life employee went to pray by the Aurora Planned Parenthood and talk to the others who were there along with them. A few members of Pro-Life Action League were there leading some … Continue reading
Beauty from the Ashes of Rape: A Life Chat Interview w/ Tori Hope Petersen
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. One of the most prominent and perhaps most heartbreaking argument for abortion is in the case of rape. … Continue reading
Facebook Rejects IRL Ad to Help Women in Need
It’s no secret that social media outlets have been increasingly targeting conservative viewpoints in recent years. Facebook’s fact checkers are all too eager to hide information that does not coincide with their viewpoints–even when the information is true and credible. … Continue reading
Being Pro-Life on Instagram: A Life Chat Interview w/ Cecilia Pappas and Megan Wells
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. Instagram Influencers: a new way that our generation can bring light and love into the lives of those … Continue reading
Joe Biden Promises to Issue Executive Order to Force Americans to Fund Planned Parenthood
No matter the outcome of this election, the pro-life generation will never stop fighting for every human’s basic rights. Joe Biden, on the contrary, has a plan to fight against one of the most fundamental rights–that of the right to … Continue reading
Surprise Motherhood, Shame, and Men’s Influence on a Woman’s Decision: A Life Chat Interview w/ Alexa Hyman
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. For many women, the joy of life often overshadows the fear and doubts that arise from an unplanned … Continue reading
Amy Coney Barrett is Confirmed to the Supreme Court
52 to 48, the U.S. Senate voted on October 26th to confirm Amy Coney Barrett, a vibrantly pro-life mother of seven, to the Supreme Court. This confirmation pushes a rightward shift in the balance of power of the federal judiciary. … Continue reading
Poland Faces Opposition to Recent Pro-Life Victory
How pro-life is Poland? In the recent weeks, the fight to loosen the abortion restrictions is raging, but Poland continues to be one of the most conservative and Catholic countries. It has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in … Continue reading
Fatherhood, Responsibility, and Men’s Voice in the Abortion Debate: A Life Chat Interview w/ Dan Korenchan and Kevin Gregus
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. Men’s involvement in the abortion debate is one of the most controversial and taboo topics related to this … Continue reading
Palatine March for Life Draws Hundreds to Witness for the Right to Life
While the rest of the world is waiting anxiously for the upcoming election, the pro-life generation is voicing their opinion and their goal loud and proud for the world to hear. The Palatine March for Life, hosted on Saturday, October … Continue reading
Finding Healing After an Abortion: A Life Chat Interview w/ Nancy Kreuzer
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. Could someone still be mourning a decision they made thirty-plus years earlier? Could it have such an impact … Continue reading
Meeting the Demand for Honest Women’s Healthcare: A Life Chat Interview w/ Leah Jacobson
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. Leah Jacobson, founder and CEO of the Guiding Star Project has devoted her life to presenting college-aged women, … Continue reading
Northwest Families for Life to Host Palatine March for Life this Saturday
October is Respect Life month, and with this comes many pro-life activities and events to get involved in. It’s important that we have a pro-life mindset, but with that comes the responsibility to go out into the world, make our … Continue reading
Dressing to Dignify the Human Person: A Life Chat Interview w/ Nicole Caruso
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. The “M” word: Modesty. What does this have to do with being pro-life? According to Nicole Caruso, a … Continue reading
Pornography as an Assault on the Dignity of the Human Person: A Life Chat Interview w/ Dan Korenchan
The following article is a synopsis of an episode from our Life Chat Podcast series. To listen to the full episode, click here. In yet another Life Chat episode, Mary Kate Knorr delves deep into the destruction of pornography on … Continue reading
Baby Saved During 40 Days for Life Campaign in Downers Grove, IL
Already more than two weeks into the 40 Days for Life campaign, many lives have been changed and babies have been saved. Today, we know of 146 babies that have been saved in just around a dozen days. On day … Continue reading