The North Dakota House of Representatives has passed the first personhood amendment in the United States, 57-35. Read more
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Pro-life Citizens Launch Initiative to Guarantee Personhood Rights in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, OK — 3/1/2012 — Oklahoma’s pro-life advocates have launched a citizen-led initiative to amend the state constitution and recognize the personhood rights of every man, woman, and child, born and preborn. Personhood Oklahoma and members of the pro-life coalition filed the measure on Thursday and must now collect 155,000 petition signatures in the next 90 days to get the measure on the November ballot.
The Oklahoma Personhood Amendment would define the term “person,” as used to ensure the inherent right to life in the Oklahoma Constitution, to include every human being from the beginning of life, at conception, to natural death.
Similar to the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution, Oklahoma’s new state constitutional personhood amendment will guarantee that the rights of persons are not “denied without due process of law” or “equal protection under the law due to age, place of residence, or medical condition.”
“Oklahomans for Life and the pro-life members of the legislature have our gratitude for attempting to recognize the God-given rights of the preborn,” said Dan Skerbitz, Director of Personhood Oklahoma. “Personhood of, by, and for all people is the best hope for protecting the lives of the preborn going forward. Oklahoma’s pro-life electorate will stop abortion. As supreme law of the state, the Oklahoma Personhood Amendment, guaranteeing the right to life of all people, will, necessarily, have the greatest impact to that end.”
Sponsors of the Oklahoma Personhood Amendment include Daniel Skerbitz, Director of Personhood Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Representative Mike Reynolds, and T. Russell Hunter, Director of the Abolitionist Society of Oklahoma.
The petition can be found at www.personhoodoklahoma.com.
Personhood Oklahoma is a grassroots coalition of local pro-life citizens and organizations campaigning for an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitutional recognizing the full human rights of every human being regardless of their size or age.
Following in the footsteps of 19th century abolitionists who brought the immorality and illegality of human slavery to the forefront of public discussion by forming local societies, holding public meetings, producing anti-slavery literature, and helping victims of its institutionalization, the Abolitionist Society of Oklahoma has adopted the same approach in their modern-day fight against the institution of human abortion. The Abolitionist Society of Oklahoma seeks to expose the destructive nature of abortion and arouse true compassion for its victims.
Pro-life Movement Super PAC Exposes Romney
Denver, CO — 2/27/12 — Personhood USA is applauding a Pro-Life Super PAC ad exposing Mitt Romney’s continued support of abortion.
“A person’s heart is known by his actions. Unfortunately, Mitt Romney’s actions do not show evidence of a true change of heart regarding legalized abortion. The Pro-Life Super PAC’s ad clearly shows that even after his pro-life ‘conversion’ Mitt Romney has been no friend to pro-lifers,” said Personhood USA Legal Analyst Gualberto Garcia Jones, J.D. “The days of the pro-life movement being used as a convenient political label with no accompanying accountability appear to be over.”
According to the Pro-Life Super PAC ad, as governor, Mitt Romney provided for state-sponsored abortions, forced Catholic Hospitals in Massachusetts to pay for abortion coverage for their employees, and appointed a notorious pro-abortion judge to the bench. The Pro-Life Super PAC clearly backs up these facts on its website, www.ProLifeSuperPAC.com.
As a presidential candidate, Mitt Romney has refused to sign the Susan B. Anthony List’s Pro-life Presidential Leadership Pledge and Personhood USA’s Republican Presidential Candidate Pledge. Mitt Romney also has turned down numerous invitations to appear at pro-life forums alongside the other presidential candidates.
“Pro-lifers deserve to know Mitt Romney’s track record, and Personhood USA applauds the Pro-life Super PAC for being an advocate of the unborn during this political campaign,” continued Garcia Jones. “Thankfully, the pro-life movement is developing its own, independent voice, a voice that insists candidates not only talk pro-life, but that they act pro-life.”
Gingrich: Personhood the “right question to ask and it’s moving in the right direction.”
Alabama Supreme Court Affirms Personhood in Wrongful Death of Preborn Child Case
Denver, CO — 2-22-12 — Personhood USA is praising Alabama Supreme Court Justice Thomas Parker’s opinion in a DeKalb County case affirming the personhood of preborn children before viability. Judge Parker pointed to advances in medical technology as a reason to abandon the viability test established by Roe v. Wade.
When Amy Hamilton’s baby died in utero at three months gestation due to what she alleges was negligent medical care, she sued her doctors under the wrongful death statute. In a unanimous decision, the Court maintained Ms. Hamilton’s right to bring a wrongful death suit, challenging the practice of denying personhood rights to preborn babies under state law.
“Advances in genetics and related fields make clear that a new and unique human being is formed at the moment of conception, when two cells, incapable of independent life, merge to form a single, individual human entity,” wrote Justice Parker.
“This decision is similar to the courageous decisions issued by state judges prior to the Civil War, ignoring what was clearly the unjust precedent established by the Dred Scott case. These judges were foreshadowing the 13th and 14th Amendments just as Judge Parker is, today, foreshadowing a constitutional Personhood Amendment,” said Gualberto Garcia Jones, J.D., Legal Analyst at Personhood USA. “Even though this decision only affects Alabama law, we are thrilled to see a unanimous decision by a state Supreme Court affirming the personhood of all preborn babies.”
Personhood Act Passes Overwhelmingly in Oklahoma Senate
Oklahoma City, OK – 2/16/2012 — Personhood USA is applauding Wednesday’s passage of a personhood-compliant bill through the Oklahoma Senate. The Oklahoma Personhood Act was approved by a vote of 34 to 8. Sponsored by Tulsa Senator Brian Crain, SB1433 recognizes the biological fact that life begins at conception and affords all unborn children “at every stage of development all the rights, privileges, and immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of this state.”
The measure defines the terms “unborn child” and “unborn children” to “include all unborn children or the offspring of human beings from the moment of conception until birth at every stage of biological development.” It now heads to the State House where it is expected to pass.
“Personhood has received broad-based support from Oklahoma citizens, lawmakers, and pro-life organizations alike,” said Personhood USA President Keith Mason. “What we’re seeing across America is a significant shift and a reinvigorated pro-life movement fighting to protect the right to life of every human being, at every age.”
Oklahoma’s Personhood Act received the backing of the state’s National Right to Life affiliate Oklahomans for Life. In recent months, the group circulated a petition throughout the state to build momentum and support for the measure. Oklahomans for Life Chairman Tony Lauinger commented, telling the AP, “We hope that as many lives can be saved as is possible to save, and not only does that benefit the child whose life is spared, but it benefits the mother who steps back from the irrevocable, lethal act of taking her child’s life.”
A similar measure passed the Virginia House on Tuesday, but contrary to the Oklahoma Personhood Act, the Virginia bill includes language preventing it from conflicting with current state or federal abortion law and limiting its legal effect.
“The people of Oklahoma are pro-life, and with their support the Oklahoma bill can end the senseless destruction of human life,” Mason continued. “We expect The Oklahoma Personhood Act to pass without amendments and receive the support of every pro-life legislator in the House.”
Virginia Personhood Bill Confirms Paradigm Shift in the Pro-life Movement
Richmond, VA – 2/13/2012 – A bill recognizing the personhood rights of the preborn passed the Virginia House of Delegates by a voice vote on Monday. A final vote is expected on Tuesday. However, Personhood USA, the national group advancing similar legislation around the country, says the bill won’t have the legal effect of ending abortion without an amendment.
Virginia’s HB1, introduced by Del. Bob Marshall, declares that “The life of each human being begins at conception,” that “Unborn children have protectable interests in life, health, and well-being,” and “The natural parents of unborn children have protectable interests in the life, health, and well-being of their unborn child.”
“The laws of this Commonwealth shall be interpreted and construed to acknowledge on behalf of the unborn child at every stage of development all the rights, privileges, and immunities available to other persons, citizens, and residents of this Commonwealth,” it reads.
“We are encouraged to see the pro-life movement uniting behind the personhood strategy,” said Personhood USA Legal Analyst Gualberto Garcia Jones, J.D. “The Virginia bill confirms what we have seen around the country this year. Every pro-life presidential candidate has signed the Personhood Pledge, and numerous states have begun efforts to amend their constitutions. Personhood is the legal strategy to end abortion now, which is why the section of HB1 which recognizes the legitimacy of Roe v. Wade must be amended.”
Garcia Jones is referring to the phrase which limits the bill’s scope and renders it incapable of conflicting with current state or federal abortion law. In its current form, HB1 is “subject only to the Constitution of the United States and decisional interpretations thereof by the United States Supreme Court and specific provisions to the contrary in the statutes and constitution of this Commonwealth.”
“This bill is almost amazing. But personhood rights are actionable, not symbolic,” said Personhood USA President Keith Mason. “Personhood USA is ready and willing to put the full weight of the nation’s fastest growing pro-life organization behind Virginia’s HB1 once it is amended to reject the tyranny of the judiciary.”
Personhood USA is a grassroots, Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the preborn.
Governor Romney to Skip Third Consecutive Social Conservative Event
After turning down requests to participate in Personhood USA’s Iowa Tele-Town Hall, then Personhood USA’s Live Presidential Prolife Forum, Governor Romney has dismissed yet another social conservative event, Florida Awake!, a Presidential Candidate Forum sponsored by Liberty Counsel and co-sponsored by Personhood USA.
Governor Romney was the only Republican presidential candidate who claimed to be prolife, yet refused to sign Personhood USA’s Personhood Pledge, which quoted and affirmed the Republican Party Platform on abortion.
http://www.personhoodusa.com/blog/personhood-republican-presidential-can…
The Iowa Tele-Town Hall, hosted by Personhood USA, included Senator Rick Santorum, Speaker Newt Gingrich, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, and Governor Rick Perry.
Personhood USA’s standing-room-only South Carolina Presidential Prolife Forum included Speaker Gingrich, Senator Santorum, Governor Perry, and Congressman Paul.
Speaker Newt Gingrich and Senator Rick Santorum are confirmed to participate in Florida Awake! Congressman Ron Paul regretfully declined, as he is not scheduled to be campaigning in Florida at that time. The event is already sold out, with over 1800 tickets reserved.
Governor Romney, again expressly invited, has again neglected to notify organizers of his willingness or disinclination to participate.
“Following President Obama’s statement celebrating the Roe v. Wade decision – effectively celebrating the deliberate killing of 54 million innocent American citizens – Personhood USA recognizes the urgency of ensuring that we know where our candidates stand,” stated Keith Mason, President of Personhood USA. “We need a president who values life, and will defend the innocent in word and in deed. We certainly don’t need a candidate who cares nothing for the Sanctity of Life, nor one who will join President Obama in celebrating the deaths of millions.”
What: Florida Awake! Presidential Candidate Forum and Audience Q&A
Where: Aloma Church in Winter Park, Florida
When: Saturday, January 28th, at 3:30pm
Who: Liberty Counsel and Personhood USA, Moderated by Mathew Staver of Liberty Counsel, with an appearance by Personhood USA’s Keith Mason.
Liberty Counsel™ is an international nonprofit litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. With offices in Florida, Virginia, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Jerusalem, Israel, Liberty Counsel has hundreds of advocates around the world.
Personhood USA is a grassroots, Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the pre-born.
Personhood USA Publicly Invites Governor Romney to South Carolina Pro-life Forum
After repeated attempts to request former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s participation in Wednesday’s Presidential Pro-life Forum, Personhood USA is publicly inviting the Republican presidential candidate to the in-depth and groundbreaking South Carolina pro-life town hall event.
Personhood USA is sponsoring the Presidential Pro-life Forum which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18th, at 6:45pm EST at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina. Four of the five remaining GOP candidates have confirmed their attendance including Texas Governor Rick Perry, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
“People need to understand that we extended an invitation to all of the candidates, and we’ve gotten a confirmation from all but Governor Romney,” said Keith Mason, President of Personhood USA. “We are publicizing the invitation and encouraging him to attend so that he can demonstrate that he will be a President with the strength and conviction to end abortion in the United States. South Carolinians and pro-life voters nationwide deserve to know exactly where he stands on the right to life before we cast our votes.”
The Presidential Pro-life Forum will be live streamed at: http://www.personhoodusa.com/live-stream
Personhood USA’s Live Presidential Prolife Forum Nearly Sold Out in South Carolina
Personhood USA’s Live Presidential Prolife Forum, featuring Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Congressman Ron Paul, and Texas Governor Rick Perry, nearly sold out within hours of open registration.
The Presidential Prolife Forum will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina this Wednesday, January 18th. The event was announced late Saturday afternoon, and seats were nearly completely booked by Sunday.
“We have among the largest grassroots bases in the nation, and our volunteers are eager to ask serious questions of these candidates,” explained Keith Mason, President of Personhood USA. “The popularity of the event is indicative of the importance of the issue. It is critical that we know how each Presidential Candidate would defend life if elected as President of the United States.”
The first-ever Presidential Prolife Tele-Town Hall on December 27, which attracted over 200,000 listeners, resulted in a flood of comments and requests for a longer, more thorough Presidential Forum dedicated solely to life issues. Personhood USA and Champion the Vote responded to the demand with a live and in-person Presidential Prolife Forum on January 18th.
The event will be held on January 18, 2012, at 6:45pm, at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina. The Prolife Forum will be organized as a town hall meeting, with questions for the candidates posed by South Carolina voters.
“The popularity of this event is indicative of the importance of the issue,” continued Mason.“There is no issue more important than the lives of innocent children, and the Presidential Prolife Forum will reflect that. Abortion is an epidemic in the U.S., and we are looking for a President who will protect and defend every innocent human life with no exceptions.”
All candidates were invited, but Former Governor Mitt Romney did not respond to invitations to participate in the Presidential Prolife Forum. Former Governor Romney is now the only Republican Presidential Candidate who is not participating in the Presidential Prolife Forum, and the only candidate who has not signed Personhood USA’s Prolife Presidential Pledge.
Personhood USA Announces First-Ever 100% Prolife Live Presidential Forum in South Carolina
Top Republican Presidential Candidates have confirmed participation in the nation’s first-ever live Presidential Prolife Forum hosted by Personhood USA.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Congressman Ron Paul, and Texas Governor Rick Perry are scheduled to participate in the Presidential Prolife Forum at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina this Wednesday, January 18th.
Following the success of the first-ever Presidential Prolife Tele-Town Hall on December 27th, which attracted over 200,000 people, Personhood USA has answered the public demand for a longer forum with more questions to the candidates, live and in-person on January 18th.
“In the past, abortion has been relegated as a side-issue, but no longer,” explained Keith Mason, President of Personhood USA. “Voters are dissatisfied with liberal Republican candidates who are prolife in word, but not in deed. We have already seen a tremendous outspokenness on the Sanctity of Life from these four candidates. Now voters are eager to ask serious questions about each candidate’s prolife position. Over 50 million innocent children have been killed by abortion since 1973, and we want a President who will not sit by and watch the death toll climb.”
The event will be held on January 18, 2012, at 6:45pm, at the Hilton Hotel in Greenville, South Carolina. The Prolife Forum will be organized as a town hall meeting, with questions for the candidates posed by South Carolina voters. Personhood USA is currently accepting registrations at www.personhoodusa.com.
“Personhood is raising the standard for politicians who claim to be prolife,” added Mason. “All of the candidates participating in this Forum have signed our Personhood Prolife Pledge. Our grassroots base in South Carolina was energized by the December Tele-Town Hall, and eager to participate in the Presidential Prolife Forum this Wednesday.”
Former Governor Mitt Romney did not respond to invitations to participate in the Presidential Prolife Forum.
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