Alaska Governor Hails Pro-Lifers But Planned Parenthood Expanding Abortions
by Joel Davidson
February 5, 2010
LifeNews.com Note: This article originally appeared in the Catholic Anchor newspaper and is reproduced here with permission.
Juneau, AK (LifeNews.com) — Last month, Governor Sean Parnell issued a statement praising the work of pro-life leaders in Alaska for their activism and prayers. A spokesperson read the governor’s statement at the annual pro-life prayer vigil at the Anchorage Memorial Cemetery on January 23.
“Today we gather, people of all faiths, to recognize the sanctity of each human life,” the governor wrote. “We recognize that each human child is a miracle and has a right to live. I thank you for making your voice and your prayer heard today.”
The governor’s statement was heard by more than 130 of Alaska’s pro-life advocates and leaders who were gathered for the 10th annual Interdenominational Prayer Service Jan. 23, the day after the 37th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade which legalized abortion throughout the country.
Gov. Parnell wrote that protecting Alaska’s children and families was important work.
“Alaska’s future rests with our youth,” he said. “We will ensure their safety and create opportunities that allow them to achieve their full potential. By strengthening our communities, engaging in political activism, and supporting those around us to choose life, we can protect the lives of Alaska’s future, our children.”
The annual vigil was sponsored by the Alaska Knights of Columbus and included prayers from Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz. Among the attendees were Protestant and Catholic clergy and laity as well as leaders from Alaska Right to Life, Anchorage Crisis Pregnancy Center, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Project Rachel post-abortive counseling and other groups.
Event organizer Ann Curro said the annual event is a chance to “come together to pray for all those who have been touched by abortion, whether they be fathers, mothers, grandparents, doctors, judges or people who have some kind of say in the abortion issue.”
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood is launching a systematic strategy in Alaska that aims to further the political goals of the abortion industry statewide.
In a Jan. 26 mass email to supporters, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest called on volunteers to staff phone banks every Thursday night, in an effort to contact Alaska residents with an assortment of political messages.
“We are asking you to call other supporters and get them activated — to help PP fight for the issues that will help women and increase access to important services in Alaska,” the email states. “We need you to help us call supporters!”
The email explains that Planned Parenthood aims to train Alaskan volunteers how to make calls, write letters to newspapers and talk to state legislators in an effort to influence the legislative process in Alaska
Nationally, Planned Parenthood is responsible for performing more abortions than any other business. In 2007, the company performed more than 300,000 abortions or one-third of all abortions in the United States.
Planned Parenthood operates five clinics in Alaska and performs abortions in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks.
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