Speaking on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum on December 5, Johnson made his stance clear. When asked directly if he aims to eliminate funding for abortion organizations like Planned Parenthood, he responded, “I’d like to, that’s for sure.” He emphasized that the process requires building consensus and securing the necessary votes in both chambers of Congress.

Pathway to Defunding

Johnson highlighted the possibility of using a reconciliation bill—a legislative tool that allows certain budgetary measures to pass with a simple majority in both the House and Senate—as a potential pathway to achieve this goal. However, he noted that even with this mechanism, success depends on meticulous planning and coordination.

“Part of this will involve executive actions by the White House,” Johnson said, referencing the incoming Trump administration. “The president-elect has significant authority to act on this front, but where Congress is involved, that’s where the hard work of legislating comes in.”

Strategic Planning for January

Johnson hinted at a broader legislative strategy set to unfold in the new year. While withholding specific details, he confirmed that efforts to defund Planned Parenthood would form part of a larger pro-life agenda. “We’re working on a plan of action that will roll out in January,” he stated. “There are many ideas in development, and we’re committed to advancing a unified strategy.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite his determination, Johnson faces an uphill battle. With no Democratic support for pro-life measures and a narrowly held Republican majority, passing such legislation remains a formidable challenge. Furthermore, even if a defunding measure were to clear Congress, it would likely face significant legal and political opposition.

A Symbolic Fight

Johnson’s stance underscores the enduring tension surrounding abortion rights in the United States. While his remarks resonate with pro-life advocates, they also highlight the complexities of governing in a deeply divided political landscape. Whether his vision for defunding Planned Parenthood can materialize will depend on the ability of Congress to navigate these divides and on the strategic priorities of the Trump administration in the months ahead.

For now, pro-life and pro-choice advocates alike will be watching closely as Johnson and his allies prepare their legislative agenda for the upcoming year.

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This global alliance was announced during the VI Transatlantic Summit held by the Political Network for Values (PNfV) at the Spanish Senate on December 1 and 2 of this year.

“Our Transatlantic Summit, more than a meeting, is a call to action. Speeches are not enough, we have to act in a global and increasingly articulate way so that the dignity of every human being is respected at all stages of his or her development,” said Croatian MEP Stephen Bartulica, the new PNfV president.

“I encourage you to stand firm and persevere in defending what is good and true. Your example inspires people all over the world. We must fight in the arena of politics, but winning elections is not enough, it is culture that will ultimately determine the fate of our nations. Here we must not give an inch. We are called to win the hearts and minds of the next generation,” he said.

A five-point agenda

The Madrid Commitment was read by a group of young leaders and establishes that over the next ten years the signatories will promote a five-point agenda.

The first is to ensure that laws and governments respect the exercise of freedom to defend the dignity of every human being and his or her right to life, from conception to natural death, and to express one’s convictions peacefully and respectfully.

Encourages the development of legislative initiatives and public policies that establish an environment conducive to family formation and stability, so that men and women can fully exercise their universal right to marry, found a family and freely educate their children.

It states that they will generate a culture that celebrates life, appreciates the family and affirms the responsible exercise of freedom: and affirms that they will work to ensure that governments subscribe to and assume the Declaration of the Geneva Consensus, which promotes women’s health, respect for the life that is born and the sovereignty of peoples.

Finally, the Madrid Commitment gives continuity to the New York Declaration, which proposes a World Alliance demanding that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights be interpreted according to its original meaning.

An instrument for joining efforts

For the Network’s leadership, the document is seen as an instrument that will broaden its advocacy capacity and bring together politicians and civic leaders from around the world.

The document was welcomed by delegations from Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, Uganda, Ukraine and Venezuela, among other countries.

Among the Summit participants were Nahuel Sotelo, Secretary of Worship and Civilization of Argentina; Márton Ugrósdy, Undersecretary of State in the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary; Members of the European Parliament Kinga Gal, of Hungary; Stephen Bartulica, of Croatia; Nicolas Bay, of France; Paolo Inselvini, of Italy; Margarita de la Pisa, of Spain; and Serban-Dimitrie Sturdza, of Romania.

Also U.S. Congressman Andy Harris; Paola Holguín, Senator and presidential pre-candidate from Colombia; Senator Eduardo Girão and Congressman Nikolas Ferreira from Brazil; Parliamentarians Stephan Schubert from Chile; Nicolás Mayoraz from Argentina; Rogelio Genao from the Dominican Republic; Ignacio Garriga, from Spain; Rita Maria Matias, from Portugal; Gudrun Kugler, from Austria; Krzysztof Bosak and Krzysztof Szczucki, from Poland; John Crane, member of the Indiana Senate; and Kerri Seekins-Crowe, member of the Montana House of Representatives, both from the United States.

Speakers from Africa included parliamentarians Lucy Akello of Uganda and Samuel Sam, peace ambassador for the Government of Sierra Leone, and there were seven delegations from the continent.

A new president of the Network

A change in PNfV’s leadership took place during the Summit. Croatian MEP Stephen Bartulica is the new president, taking over from José Antonio Kast, who served a term of two and a half years.

“José Antonio Kast’s period at the head of the Network has been full of fruits. His prestige, vision and personal integrity allowed us to move forward and generate greater synergies and increasingly effective articulations. Now, under the leadership of Stephen Bartulica, our network will continue to open new paths to broaden the impact of our agenda,” says Velarde.

Bartulica is 54 years old, was born in St. Joseph, USA, and is the son of Croatian parents. He is married and the father of four children. He holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri and a PhD in Political Philosophy and Ethics from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He is an associate professor of political philosophy at the Catholic University of Croatia.

Founder of the think tank Center for Renewal of Culture. He was a member of the Parliament of his country (2020) and is currently a member of the European Parliament (2024). He is co-founder and International Secretary of the DOMiNO party and member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).

The summit is made possible thanks to the support of partner organizations of the Network: The Heritage Foundation, Foundation for a Civic Hungary, Center for Fundamental Rights, International Organization for the Family, Family Watch International; Center for Family and Human Rights; Centro de Estudios, Formación y Análisis Social – CEU-CEFAS, Family Research Council, Fundación Neos, Ordo Iuris – Institute for Legal Culture; Talenting Group and Más Cinco.

***

THE MADRID COMMITMENT

On the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family and the 10th Anniversary of the Political Network for Values

From Madrid City for Life, (1) we, representatives of Governments, political leaders democratically elected, youth and civic leaders, from 45 countries in Europe, America and Africa, announce the beginning of a decade of action in favor of freedom, the family and a culture of life, aimed at turning the tide of our times.

At the VI Transatlantic Summit of the Political Network for Values, we have reaffirmed the recognition of the infinite dignity of every human life, on every stage, as the foundation of our civilization. And we have also affirmed the freedom to publicly express and promote our values, as an inalienable key to a democratic society.

For this reason, we commit to establish bonds of unity and collaboration among us to:

1. Guarantee that our laws and governments respect the exercise of freedom to defend the dignity of every human being and his or her right to life, from the moment of conception till the natural death, and to express one’s convictions in a peaceful and respectful manner.
2. Promote legislative initiatives and public policies that establish an environment conducive to family formation and stability, so that men and women can fully exercise their universal right to marry, found a family and freely educate their children, as an essential driver for a culture of life.
3. Work so that our governments subscribe and implement the Geneva Consensus Declaration. (2)
4. Foster the growth of a Global Alliance for the universally agreed human rights and fundamental freedoms, as proposed in the New York Declaration, (3) demanding that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights be interpreted according to its original meaning.
5. Be generators, in all the environments within our reach, of a culture that celebrates life, appreciates the family and affirms the responsible exercise of freedom.

By undertaking these commitments, we are working for the fulfillment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and, in particular, its preamble and articles 1, 2, 3, 7, 16, 18, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.

We are at a turning point of an era change. Therefore, we call upon our contemporaries, political, civic and intellectual leaders, to join us in this endeavor. It is time to bring forth a new spring for freedom, the family and a culture of life.

Madrid, December 2, 2024

1. Decision approved by the plenary session of the Madrid City Council in session 4/2024 on April 30 (Point 29).
2. Geneva Consensus Declaration(Doc. A/75/626, 75th session of the UN General Assembly).
3. New York Declaration, on the occasion of the V Transatlantic Summit of the Political Network for Values (Doc. A/78/639, 78th session of the UN General Assembly).

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A Protest Turned Legal Battle

The incident occurred on October 3, 2023, outside Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. Brennan, a devout Catholic and vocal pro-life advocate, stood within the restricted buffer zone established to shield womans seeking abortion services. Arrested alongside her partner, David Hall, Brennan’s actions were filmed and later shared online by the legal advocacy group Christian Concern, highlighting her peaceful stance and the subsequent intervention by authorities.

Brennan pleaded not guilty, arguing her religious convictions and actions were protected under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). However, District Judge Peter Kind upheld her conviction, referencing a 2022 UK Supreme Court decision that validated similar restrictions as a means to balance protest rights against the privacy and dignity of those seeking abortions.

“A Moral Duty to Protect the Innocent”

During her testimony, Brennan, 53, delivered an impassioned defense rooted in her Christian faith. Swearing on the Bible, she declared, *“I was fulfilling my moral duty to stand up for the smallest among us.”* Quoting Proverbs 24:11, she emphasized her responsibility to intervene for the unborn, likening her advocacy to the work of emergency responders saving lives.

Brennan’s testimony criticized both the government and the laws restricting protests around abortion clinics. “The government, in its arrogance, believes it can overrule God,” she asserted, condemning the legislation as contrary to Scripture.

She expressed concern over what she sees as an erosion of Christian freedoms, stating, “Today, they’re keeping Christians away from abortion centers. Tomorrow, it will be public squares and city centers.”

Wider Implications for Free Speech

Brennan’s case has become a rallying point for those opposing buffer zones and broader restrictions on public expressions of faith. Her comparison of the current government to a dictatorship reflects growing unease among religious communities, particularly as reports of arrests for street preachers increase across the UK.

While her conviction was framed as a matter of maintaining access to healthcare, critics argue it symbolizes a chilling effect on free speech. Brennan plans to appeal the verdict, stating, “I feel betrayed by my government, but I am proud to have spoken up for the unborn and for Christ.”

Support from Across Borders

The ruling has drawn international attention, with messages of support for Brennan pouring in from across Ireland and beyond. Her case has sparked renewed calls for dialogue on the balance between protecting individual freedoms and safeguarding access to medical services.

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(ZENIT News – Center for Family and Human Rights / Washington, 12.04.2024).- Over 100 Republican lawmakers asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to account for all the federal money flowing to domestic and international abortion groups.

“Proper oversight of public funds and programs is crucial for determining the value of the goods and services provided to and funded by American taxpayers,” wrote Republican lawmakers in a  bicameral letter.

The letter comes just days after Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-chairs of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, announced that $300 million of federal grants to Planned Parenthood were on the chopping block.

Led by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), the letter was supported by 31 Senators and 81 House members including the most senior members to lead the 118^th Congress; Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA).

The Members asked for a comprehensive accounting of all funding to abortion providers over a three-year period, from 2022-2024. Those operating domestically include Planned Parenthood and its affiliates, as well as FPA Women’s Health, American Women’s Services, All Women’s Health Center, and Whole Women’s Health.

They also asked for an accounting of all funding to global abortion giants International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and MSI Reproductive Choices and their affiliates. Both organizations have hundreds of affiliates operating in Africa, southeast Asia and Latin America. Lawmakers requested that the report include all funding amounts, activities, agency source of funding and whether the recipient received assistance directly or through a prime organization.

Writing in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Musk and Ramaswamy outlined goals for eliminating federal overspending and waste including $500 billion annually that is “unauthorized by Congress or being used in ways that Congress never intended.” Included in this they wrote is “$1.5 billion for grants to international organizations” and “$300 million to progressive groups like Planned Parenthood.”

Cuts to International organizations could include eliminating funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), embroiled in controversy for their work promoting abortion, and past involvement in China’s coercive family planning program. Funding to UNFPA averaged about $30 million annually in core funding under Democrat administrations with additional assistance being made for “voluntary” activities. The Biden administration has drastically increased this funding with over $350 million to UNFPA in 2022 and 2023, without Congressional approval.

During President Trump’s first administration, he tried to cut funding to domestic and international abortion providers to stop U.S. taxpayer complicity in abortion.

When Trump took office in 2017, he expanded the Mexico City Policy to all global health, around $10 billion. This prevented foreign abortion providers from receiving U.S. grants unless they abandoned all abortion activities. Abortion groups however have moved activities into sectors beyond global health, including humanitarian, climate, water and sanitation, and other programs. Pro-life advocates hope that when Trump takes office a second time he will extend the Mexico City Policy to all foreign assistance, roughly $50 billion.

Global abortion groups anticipating this move have been voicing opposition to the expected application of the Mexico City Policy since even before the election. The most vocal abortion groups, like IPPF and MSI have said they will not comply with abortion restrictions and that by forfeiting U.S. grants, women’s health will be impacted, especially those in rural areas.

In 2017, IPPF and MSI also refused to comply with the abortion restrictions failing the women they pledged to help signifying that first and foremost, abortion is their primary business. Abortion groups were among the most aggressive critics of the Trump administration throughout his first term.

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Escalating Prosecutions

The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, has been used by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute over 30 pro-life demonstrators in 2023 alone. Protests in Nashville, Mount Juliet (Tennessee), Washington, D.C., and Sterling Heights (Michigan) have led to federal charges against activists, many of whom are senior citizens.

Among those sentenced is Lauren Handy, 30, a leader in the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising, who received nearly five years in federal prison. Handy, undeterred by her sentence, vowed to continue her mission, stating that she would not let «fear or shame» prevent her from treating the unborn as equals.

Jonathan Darnel, who recorded a Washington, D.C., protest that temporarily shut down an abortion clinic, was sentenced to nearly three years for his role. Reflecting on the protest, Darnel said, «We hope that some of those children were saved.»

Elderly Activists Behind Bars

The case of Paulette Harlow, 75, underscores the DOJ’s aggressive stance. Footage from her demonstration shows peaceful prayer and hymn-singing, yet she now serves time for blocking clinic entrances. Similarly, 76-year-old Joan Bell, a mother and grandmother, was sentenced for her involvement, with her husband Chris offering their separation as spiritual reparations.

Jean Marshall, 74, also faces imprisonment despite widespread support from pro-life communities, many of whom see her as a symbol of sacrificial activism.

Historical Echoes and Persistent Disparities

Eva Ed, 89, a survivor of communist Yugoslavia’s concentration camps, was convicted for blocking a Michigan clinic entrance. Her case has drawn significant attention, as it highlights the stark contrast in enforcement: while over 100 attacks on pro-life pregnancy centers and churches remain unresolved, pro-life protesters face swift and severe legal action.

Attorney General Merrick Garland has attributed this disparity to the differing circumstances of the crimes, arguing that pro-life protests occur “in daylight,” making identification easier, while pro-abortion vandalism typically takes place “under cover of darkness.”

Trump’s Pledge

President-elect Trump has criticized the DOJ’s approach, describing it as driven by «Marxist and Stalinist ideologies.» He has pledged to pardon convicted activists, calling their protests acts of conscience rather than criminal behavior.

In a speech earlier this year, Trump referenced Harlow’s case and condemned what he sees as excessive sentencing: “Eleven years for peaceful prayer and protest? This isn’t justice.”

Republican Pushback

Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns about the DOJ’s priorities, urging transparency in its investigations into violence against pro-life institutions. Advocacy groups are also demanding answers about the perceived neglect of such cases, which they argue reflects systemic bias against the pro-life movement.

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(ZENIT News – Center for Family and Human Rights / New York, 11.28.2024).- Traditional countries removed a reference to “reproductive health” in the final draft of a resolution on the family. The resolution was unanimously adopted in the third committee of the General Assembly on November 20.

Work behind the scenes from Burundi and other delegations from Africa ensured the removal of the term and a unanimous adoption. Powerful Western countries howled and accused traditional delegations of acting in bad faith, but ended up joining the resolution, nonetheless.

Traditional countries were shocked when the first draft of the resolution in October contained the pro-abortion term “reproductive health.” The annual resolution on the observance of the International Year of the Family had never included abortion-related terms before. This year’s resolution had the added importance of marking the 30^th anniversary of the observance.

Nigeria called the resolution a “milestone achievement” describing Nigeria’s commitment to the “sanctity of the family.” “Family is not only the natural and fundamental group unit of society,” said the Nigerian delegate, “It is the building block of civilization.” She emphasized that, “All UN member states have an obligation to defend the family in line with international human rights law.”

Egypt’s delegate welcomed the removal of the controversial abortion-related language in the resolution. She said protection of the family was about more than just the “agenda of population and development” and that focusing on such controversial issues would “jeopardize” the attention the family deserved in this resolution. She also said that recognizing the role of women in the family was essential to realize “true empowerment of women and girls.”

A delegate from the Russian delegation praised the resolution for including a focus on the “international legal obligations of countries to the family as a unit” for the first time and for referring to the importance of maternal health for the family.

While traditional countries were elated by the outcome, Western countries were bitterly disappointed that the resolution did not include abortion language or recognition of homosexual couples as families.

A U.S. delegate accused traditional countries of promoting an “anti-LGBTQI+” agenda and “attempting to redefine the family.” “We must all acknowledge a simple truth. Diverse families exist. This is not a pollical statement, it is a fact,” he said.

The Hungarian Ambassador to the United Nations, speaking for Hungary and the entire European Union, complained that the resolution did not recognize same-sex couples. “Families have changed and continue to change,” she said, calling families “living evolving dynamic entities.” She also complained that the resolution referred to the “family-unit and its dynamic as a whole” because Western countries argue that only individuals possess rights but not the family unit.

A delegate from Mexico also lamented the lack of recognition of “diverse family forms.” She also complained that the abortion-related language was removed. “We were dismayed to discover that reproductive health had been deleted from final version,” she said, arguing that it is “impossible for families to prosper” without reproductive health because it is “an essential component for the wellbeing of families.”

A delegate of the United Kingdom complained that the resolution did not recognize the “changing needs and expectation of all families”, including “same-sex couples.” They said there were a “variety of definitions” of the family and that “All forms of family deserve support, dignity and respect.”

Delegates speaking on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand said that sexual and reproductive health care services were “critical to the wellbeing of families” and said that “families are represented in many forms, including… Children with same-sex families and many others.”

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The Controversial Broadcast 

The segment in question, part of the program “En quête d’esprit”, presented an infographic citing Worldometer data derived from World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, which state that 73 million abortions occur annually worldwide. The graphic placed abortion at the top of global mortality statistics, accounting for 52% of annual deaths, dwarfing fatalities from cancer (10 million) and smoking (6.2 million).

Host Aymeric Pourbaix and his guests, who included pro-life advocates, framed the discussion within a broader cultural critique. Yet the reaction was swift and severe, with progressive politicians and liberal media outlets condemning the broadcast for labeling abortion as a «cause of death»—a classification critics argued undermines the legal and ethical framework surrounding abortion in France.

A Politically Charged Fine 

Arcom’s justification for the fine stated that the broadcast violated the broadcaster’s “obligation of honesty and rigor in presenting information.” Specifically, it argued that describing abortion as a cause of death equated fetuses with living persons, which would challenge France’s legal framework. This reasoning has been denounced by critics as an Orwellian denial of biological and ethical realities.

Jean-Marie Le Méné, president of the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune, described the decision as “totalitarian,” accusing authorities of censoring inconvenient truths to maintain ideological conformity. Writing in “Valeurs Actuelles”, Le Méné asserted, “The system forbids acknowledging that abortion ends a life because doing so collapses the ideological scaffolding supporting its legality. But who truly believes this fiction?”

Broader Implications for Free Speech 

This episode raises troubling questions about the boundaries of free speech in modern France. The fine is part of a broader pattern, critics say, of targeting conservative media outlets. Notably, both CNews and its sister channel, C8—owned by Catholic businessman Vincent Bolloré—have faced sanctions in recent years for content deemed out of step with prevailing progressive ideologies.

Observers point out the irony of these developments in a nation that prides itself on reason and liberty. “In the country that claims to deify reason, we’ve lost it entirely,” remarked one commentator.

The Larger Context 

This controversy comes against the backdrop of France’s constitutionalization of abortion rights, a move seen by many as shutting down any remaining space for debate on the issue. The fine against CNews, therefore, is not just about one broadcast; it reflects a growing intolerance for dissenting voices in a society increasingly polarized on issues of life and ethics.

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In 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision Dobbs vs. Jackson which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Since the Dobbs decision, abortion policy is now determined at the state and federal levels. Some states have increased access to abortion and others are working to ensure stronger policies to protect preborn children and their mothers.

“Together, we must pray to change hearts and build a culture of life as we advocate for the most vulnerable. I look forward to opening our Vigil with Holy Mass together with many other bishops, hundreds of priests, consecrated religious, seminarians, and many thousands of pilgrims,” said Bishop Thomas.

The National Prayer Vigil for Life is hosted each January by the USCCB’s Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and The Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. The vigil has always taken place on the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

The Opening Mass will take place in the Great Upper Church at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 23. The principal celebrant and homilist for the Opening Mass will be Bishop Thomas.

After the Mass, there will be a Eucharistic Procession immediately followed by a National Holy Hour for Life, which will include Recitation of the Rosary and Benediction. The Opening Mass and Holy Hour of the National Prayer Vigil for Life will be broadcast on various Catholic networks and will be livestreamed on the Basilica’s website at www.nationalshrine.org/mass.

The vigil concludes at 8:00 AM on Friday, January 24 with the Closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn.

The full schedule of the 2025 National Prayer Vigil for Life is listed below. (All times are in Eastern Time.)

Thursday, January 23:
4:45 PM Chaplet of Divine Mercy
5:00 PM Opening Mass with Bishop Thomas
7:00 PM Holy Hour for Life

Friday, January 24:

8:00 AM Closing Mass with Bishop Brennan

The live television broadcasts on January 23 from 5:00-8:00 PM and on January 24 from 8:00-9:00 AM will be provided by the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and will be available via live-stream on the Basilica’s website. For more information about on-site attendance at the Basilica for the National Prayer Vigil for Life, please visit the information page on the Basilica’s website.

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A Life of Defiance and Sacrifice

Gibbons, who has spent over 11 years in prison for her peaceful protests against abortion, is currently incarcerated following her latest arrest in June 2024. Her crime? Standing silently outside Toronto’s Morgentaler Clinic, a site at the heart of Canada’s abortion debate. Despite facing legal repercussions for her actions, she remains unwavering in her convictions.

In her letter, Gibbons criticized Canada’s judiciary for what she perceives as its complicity in perpetuating abortion. She described the system as one that «silences dissent» and prioritizes property rights over the lives of the unborn. “The disdain of the court for life is palpable,” she wrote, lamenting what she called the nation’s “amnesia” about the sanctity of life.

The Legal Backdrop: A Battle for Free Expression

Ontario’s “Safe Access to Abortion Services Act,” enacted in 2018, prohibits pro-life activities, including silent protests and prayer, within 50 meters of abortion facilities. Gibbons has frequently clashed with this law, viewing it as a blatant suppression of free expression and a surrender to what she calls “the mills of death.”

The law, initially introduced by a Liberal government, remains unchallenged under the Conservative leadership of Premier Doug Ford. Gibbons’ resistance to this legislation has come at a personal cost—her repeated arrests and imprisonment.

A Message Rooted in Faith and Hope

Gibbons’ letter is not just a critique of Canada’s legal and political landscape but also a call to action for pro-life advocates. She exhorted supporters to reject complacency, warning that “a world where evil goes unchallenged is dying.” She urged individuals to confront injustice head-on, inspired by the “love of Christ” and a shared humanity with the unborn.

In her poignant words: “The Holy Spirit mobilizes us to defend our shared humanity with our unborn friends. Keep going! Peace of Christ.”

A History of Peaceful Resistance

Gibbons’ activism spans decades, marked by arrests, trials, and imprisonment. Her most recent legal battles began in May 2024, when she spent hours outside the Morgentaler Clinic before being arrested. Even when transferred to a mental health court for remaining silent during proceedings, Gibbons remained resolute, refusing to abandon her principles.

Her activism is deeply tied to Canada’s history of abortion legislation. Since the legalization of abortion in 1969, more than four million unborn children have been aborted, according to CLC. Gibbons sees her actions as a counterpoint to this grim statistic—a testimony to the value of every life.

The Broader Context: A Nation Divided

Gibbons’ case comes at a time of heightened tension around abortion rights in Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has doubled down on its pro-choice stance, while pro-life advocates like Gibbons continue to challenge the prevailing narrative.

Her letter serves as both a rallying cry and a reminder of the cost of conviction. For Gibbons, the fight for life is not merely a political issue but a moral imperative that transcends the courtroom and enters the realm of faith and humanity.

In a nation grappling with its identity and values, Gibbons’ voice, even from behind bars, resonates as a call to remember, resist, and persevere.

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A Legal and Ethical Crossroads

The newly passed reform defines abortion as “the interruption of pregnancy after the first 12 weeks” and introduces penalties for forced abortion, making it a criminal offense to terminate a pregnancy without the consent of the pregnant individual at any stage of gestation. While the legislative change focuses on expanding access to safe and legal abortion, it also underscores the complexities surrounding consent and autonomy in reproductive health.

With this decision, Zacatecas aligns with states such as Sinaloa, which allows abortion up to 13 weeks, and Coahuila, where abortion penalties have been nullified, though procedural guidelines remain undefined.

MORENA’s Influence in Shaping the Landscape

The political backdrop of this reform is closely tied to the governing party, MORENA. Since Andrés Manuel López Obrador assumed the presidency in 2018, and more recently under Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration beginning October 1, 2024, several states—Jalisco, Michoacán, San Luis Potosí, and now Zacatecas—have moved to legalize abortion within the first trimester.

Next Steps and Challenges Ahead

While the Zacatecas Congress has decriminalized abortion, the practical implementation remains a pressing concern. Lawmakers will now focus on amending the state’s Health Law to define how and where abortion services will be provided. Accessibility, funding, and education about these new rights will likely shape the success of the reform in practice.

Tensions in Other States: The Pushback

As progressive policies gain traction in some regions, others are entrenched in heated debates. In Guanajuato, Archbishop Jaime Calderón Calderón has voiced alarm over proposed measures that could permit abortion up to nine months of pregnancy. In his statement, Calderón described such initiatives as an attack on the dignity of human life, calling them “inadmissible discrimination against the unborn.”

Similarly, Chiapas has seen recent constitutional amendments that, while preserving the language of protecting life, introduce exceptions that critics argue undermine the original intent. Bishop Rodrigo Aguilar Martínez of San Cristóbal de las Casas has warned of the ethical and societal consequences of these changes, urging legislators to reconsider the broader implications for the moral fabric of the community.

A Divided Nation

Zacatecas’ move highlights the deep divides in Mexican society over abortion rights. For proponents, the reform represents a victory for autonomy, safety, and public health. For opponents, it raises questions about the moral and legal boundaries of life and human rights.

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