Life

Trump Signs Executive Order Limiting Taxpayer Funds for Abortion

Shortly after addressing last Friday’s March for Life via video, President Donald J. Trump signed  an executive order enforcing the Hyde Amendment and a presidential memorandum reinstating the Mexico City Policy, both of which limit taxpayer funding for abortion.

The Hyde Amendment was passed in 1976, forbidding any federal funding for abortion. It was later amended to include exceptions to save the life of the mother and to allow for cases of incest and rape.

The Mexico City policy prohibits funds from federal departments going to organizations or programs that perform or promote abortions. The policy was first enacted by in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan.

In his video address last Friday, the President thanked marchers “for turning out once again to show your extraordinary love and compassion for the unborn.”

He added, “To all of the very special people marching today in this bitter cold, I know your hearts are warm and your spirits are strong because your mission is just very, very pure: to forge a society that welcomes and protects every child as a beautiful gift from the hand of our Creator.”

The executive order Enforcing the Hyde Amendment states, “For nearly five decades, the Congress has annually enacted the Hyde Amendment and similar laws that prevent Federal funding of elective abortion, reflecting a longstanding consensus that American taxpayers should not be forced to pay for that practice.”

It explains that the previous administration “disregarded this established, commonsense policy by embedding forced taxpayer funding of elective abortions in a wide variety of Federal programs.” The order revoked Biden administration executive orders that violated the Hyde Amendment.

Then, the executive order says, “It is the policy of the United States, consistent with the Hyde Amendment, to end the forced use of Federal taxpayer dollars to fund or promote elective abortion.”

The executive memorandum reinstating the Mexico City policy states:

I direct the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to the extent allowable by law, to implement a plan to extend the requirements of the reinstated Memorandum to global health assistance furnished by all departments or agencies.

I further direct the Secretary of State to take all necessary actions, to the extent permitted by law, to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars do not fund organizations or programs that support or participate in the management of a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.

A White House fact sheet about the executive order and the memorandum explained the significance of these two policies, saying, “Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force violations of faith and conscience or impede the ability of states to determine life policies through a vote of the people.”

Pro-life groups praised the president’s actions. Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Erin Hawley said in a press release:

Every innocent life deserves to be protected. Ensuring that taxpayer dollars don’t pay for abortions has saved lives, and it’s a policy that continues to receive bipartisan support from a majority of Americans. Government-compelled participation in abortion has no place in our country. American taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund abortions or to export and promote them abroad.

Religious freedom legal advocacy group Liberty Counsel also applauded the actions. Founder and Chairman Matt Staver stated, “Through these pro-life executive actions, President Trump is protecting the most vulnerable and returning the federal government to the side of pro-life.”

Every child is made in God’s image and precious. The Daily Citizen is grateful that federal funds will no longer be used to pay for abortions at home or abroad.

Related articles and resources:

House Passes Born-Alive Bill to Protect Babies Who Survive Abortions  

New Poll: 67% of Americans Support Limits on Abortion

Thank you, Jeanne Mancini

Trump, Vance, Other Republican Leaders All Speak at March for Life

VP Vance Addresses March for Life: ‘Every Child is a Gift From God’ WATCH: Teens Sing Hymn to Babies Lost From Abortion at Illinois State Capitol

Image from Shutterstock.

Thank you, Jeanne Mancini

“You just watch – the sun will come out, and just in time.”

Those were the words of outgoing March for Life president Jeanne F. Mancini as we parted ways on a cool and drizzly Saturday May morning back in 2019.

We were together for Focus on the Family’s “Live From New York” rally in New York City’s Time Square. In what would become the state’s largest pro-life rally ever, the image and sound of Abby Johnson’s preborn baby Fulton would soon be seen and reverberate from massive digital screens in the middle of Manhattan.

The outdoor event was scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but the weather was looking dreary and ominous that early morning. Jeanne had come to the Fox News building to participate in a joint interview on Fox & Friends with Focus president Jim Daly. Walking between the raindrops, we were lamenting whether the wetness would put a damper on the festivities.

As president since 2012 of the world’s largest human rights demonstration every January in Washington, D.C., Jeanne was accustomed to braving the elements – snow, ice, cold, wind – nothing ever stops or stalls the annual March for Life.

Maybe that’s why Jeanne was so optimistic, but maybe she wasn’t even referring to the physical sun in the sky.

A pro-life advocate for decades, Friday’s celebration is Jeanne’s final March as president.  Jennie Bradley Lichter will be taking her role – but there’s no way she can take her place.

Jeanne Mancini arrived at the March for Life well credentialed – she earned a degree in psychology from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in the theology of marriage and family from the Pope John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family.

But what first lit a fire under her to get involved, to try and right what many consider to be the greatest wrong of our time?

“Two women in my life had abortions, and they profoundly regretted those abortions, and they suffered the wounds of it,” Mancini said. “There’s always hope and healing. And so anyone who has been involved in that, if they have sadness around that or grief, it’s important to know there are so many ways to reach hope and healing.”

Prior to assuming responsibilities with the March, Mancini served with our friends at the Family Research Council (FRC) on a variety of efforts to champion the dignity of every life. She’s also served inside the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Secretary.

Focus on the Family has never had a better friend for life. Gracious, humble, indefatigable, Jeanne has paid no attention to titles or territory. Over the years she’s partnered with the ministry on various events, appeared on broadcasts, and regularly turned down honorariums, requesting that any personal remuneration be funneled back into the fight for life.

Jeanne Mancini has also been fearless, taking on some of the most ferocious pro-abortion zealots and propogandists. She’s testified before Congress to advocate for pro-life legislation and policies, conferred with heads of state, and waded into the many challenges of the now state-by-state battle to protect innocent life.

Jeanne and her husband David are not just pontificating, but also living the principles they preach.

In one of her final media interviews as president of the March, Jeanne shared:

“What I would say to someone who doesn’t see eye to eye, first of all–hopefully just have compassion and mercy and listen to them, and I pray that they would do the same with me, to hear me out. Mostly, I would do whatever I could in my power to help convince them that abortion doesn’t solve a problem, it just actually creates others.”

Whatever happened on that rainy New York City Saturday?

As if on cue from a Hollywood director, the rain stopped, and the clouds parted only minutes before “Alive from New York” was scheduled to begin back in 2019. And sure enough, the sun warmed Times Square, just as Jeanne had predicted it would. The show went on.

Jeanne Mancini’s steady hand of leadership has helped shepherd the pro-life movement through all kinds of physical and metaphorical weather. But she’s been successful because she’s been guided by the other Son – her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We’re indebted to her – and she will be missed.

Thank you and God be with you, Jeanne Mancini.

Image credit: Jeanne Mancini.

New Poll: 67% of Americans Support Limits on Abortion

Leading up to the National March for Life, Marist collaborated with the Knights of Columbus to releasea new poll, showing that the majority of Americans support limits on abortion.

That’s a narrative abortion activists don’t want you know, but it’s true.

When asked about support for limits on abortion in the last trimester of pregnancy, the time at which a baby can live outside the womb, support for abortion limits jumps to 72%.

Marist also found that most Americans, 57%, do not support taxpayer funded abortions.

When asked specifically about taxpayer funds going to abortions outside of the United States opposition grows to 73%.

Interestingly, for the second year in a row, the survey has also demonstrated that pregnancy resource centers are widely popular with Americans. 

The survey says 83% of Americans support these help organizations for women.

This is good news because pregnancy resources centers are growing in number and scope in the United States.

As reported by the Daily Citizen, there are about 2,750 pregnancy resource centers in the Unites States.

Collectively these centers provide nearly $368 million in free medical services, $83 million in education and support services and $78 million in material goods annually.

In the latest data available, pregnancy resource centers conducted more than 16 million sessions with clients.

Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound works hard to save babies and their mothers from the tragedy of abortion.

Option Ultrasound equips pregnancy resource centers across the nation with ultrasound machines to give mothers considering abortion the opportunity to see their child in the womb.

Since the program’s inception 21 years ago, 500,000 babies and mothers have been saved from the tragedy of abortion.

If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and want to learn more about your options, you can visit My Choice Network here.

When you need someone to talk to about your baby, or whatever else you’re going through, we’re here. Please reach out. 1-800-A-FAMILY.

Just $60 will save a life through Option Ultrasound. Will you partner with us to save a life from abortion here?

Image from Shutterstock.

Colorado March for Life: Save the Date!

Colorado pro-life friends, please save the date for the second annual Colorado March for Life on Friday, April 11th, at the state Capitol in Denver!

The event will be co-hosted by the National March for Life and Pro-Life Colorado.

The rally and the March aim to promote life-affirming values in our state.

It is a family-friendly event, so plan on bringing your kids and show them what it means to peacefully advocate for life.

The day will kick off with a pre-rally concert at 10 a.m., followed by an hour-long rally on the steps of the Capitol and the March at noon.

More details will be available closer to the event date, including speakers, marching route, and parking information.

You can RSVP now to let organizers know you plan on attending.

We hope to see you in April as we rally together and march for life in Colorado!

Image credit: March from Life

Pro-Life Wins in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, let’s take a moment to consider the pro-life wins we saw this year and thank God for His faithfulness to preborn babies and their mothers.

First, we celebrate the fact that 12 states remain abortion free.

Abortion free states include Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

Pro-life laws in those states save the lives of over 111,400 babies annually.

Another four states (Florida, Georgia, Iowa and South Carolina) have heartbeat laws in place that protect preborn babies beginning around six weeks gestation. And still, another two states (Nebraska and North Carolina) protect preborn babies from abortion at 12 weeks and beyond.

Laws in these six states protect another 83,700 babies from abortion every year.

Collectively, pro-life laws in these 18 states are protecting more than 195,000 babies from abortion every year!

Second, abortion amendments were defeated in three states this year.

Victories in Florida, South Dakota and Nebraska represent the first wins against extreme abortion amendments across the country since the fall of Roe in June of 2022.

As reported by the Daily Citizen, they also represent three different pathways to victory for future abortion amendment battles at the ballot box.

Third, pregnancy resource centers are growing in number and impact.

The Charlotte Lozier Institute released a report, A Legacy of Life and Love: Hope for a New Generation, cataloging the growth in services and people served by pregnancy resources centers.

The report analyzed data from 2022, the most up-to-date information available on pregnancy resources centers, and found that there are 2,750 centers in the United States, up 50 centers since 2019.

The report also found that the value of life-affirming pregnancy services and goods provided to clients was nearly $368 million, up from $266 million in 2019.

This includes about $206 million in free medical services, $83 million in education and support services, and $78 million in material goods.

Source: A Legacy of Life and Love: Hope for a New Generation

According to the report, pregnancy resource centers have provided more than 16 million sessions with clients.

The report estimates that ultrasound services were up 12% in 2022 compared to 2019, participation in educational offerings was up by 41%, abortion pill reversal services were up 16%, and material resource items provided were up 194%.

Pregnancy resource centers are the future of the pro-life movement, and it is exciting to see them thriving like never before.

Fourth, state funding for pregnancy resource centers is growing.

Since Roe’s reversal in 2022, it is estimated that nearly $500 million has been appropriated by as many as 21 states for pregnancy resource centers.

Some states have gone above and beyond in their support for pregnancy resource centers.

In Florida, state support for pregnancy resource centers increased from $4.5 million in 2022 to $25 million in 2023.

Tennessee’s spending increased from $3 million in 2022 to $20 million in 2023.

Fifth, 29 abortion clinics were closed in 2024.

According to a new report by Operation Rescue, 29 abortion clinics closed in 2024.

Abortion Care Network writes in its latest report that at least 11 of those closures were independent abortion clinics.

Since 2020, Operation Rescue noted that a total of 238 abortion clinics have closed.

Looking ahead to 2025, we already know there will be a multitude of challenges that face the pro-life movement as it seeks to make abortion unthinkable.

Today, let’s take a moment to be thankful for all the ways God has demonstrated his goodness and faithfulness in advancing the cause of life.

Image from Shutterstock.