Tag: abortion

Remember to Vote No on 4! – Still time to Defeat Amendment 4!

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, and this year it is particularly important that everyone votes.

The election has many keys races but most importantly is the dire need to defeat Amendment 4, an extreme and dangerous proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would radically expand access to abortion.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, along with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been tireless in their efforts to get the word out about just how dangerous Amendment 4 is. The Amendment is misleading, and if passed, would be an immediate danger not only to full-term babies but also to mothers and girls.

A new commercial has been released which reminds us that Amendment 4 removes ALL restrictions on abortions, allowing for abortions at any time, for any reason, including extremely late-term abortions, when the baby can feel pain. This is radical, extreme, and unnecessary! Follow this link to view the Vote No on 4 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mtycxoW43c

If Amendment 4 passes and becomes part of our state constitution:

  • Florida will be one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation.
  • Minors will be able to obtain abortions without parental consent!
  • Taxpayer-funded abortion will follow, given that a woman will have a constitutional right to an abortion “without delay.”
  • Pop-up abortion centers without doctors will develop, as the state can no longer regulate abortions, or require a doctor’s involvement.

Here’s the GOOD NEWS! We can still DEFEAT AMENDMENT 4! BUT WE NEED YOUR VOTE!

“A new poll has Amendment 4 on the brink of passing, indicating that 54 % will vote yes,” said Bishop Frank J. Dewane. “However, a 60% super majority is required to pass this dangerous constitutional amendment. It is clear that there is still time to defeat Amendment 4, with YOUR VOTE!  Don’t leave things up to chance. Exercise your own constitutional right – and your responsibility as a Christian – to have your voice heard! Make sure your friends and family vote, too. Let’s work together to defeat this dangerous pro-abortion constitutional amendment and VOTE NO ON 4! There is still time. May God bless you abundantly and may the Holy Spirit guide you in your important election decisions!”

To learn more about Amendment 4, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/.

 

Parish and University host pro-life rally to defeat Amendment 4

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Ave Maria Parish and Ave Maria University hosted an Oct. 20, 2024, rally in opposition to Amendment 4, an extreme and dangerous proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would radically expand access to abortion.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was among the featured speakers who described how the wording of Amendment 4 uses misleading language and if passed, the new law would be an immediate danger not only to full-term babies but also to mothers and girls.

Bishop Dewane lauded university officials for hosting the rally, which took place in the Field House before continuing with a rosary walk through the campus to the Parish church.

About 1,000 took part in the event where everyone was to reach out to 10 others about the dangers of Amendment 4, encouraging them to Vote NO on 4!

“Voting NO on 4 is a positive because it is crucial to saving lives,” Bishop Dewane said. “This amendment would embed within the Constitution of Florida unregulated abortion, establishing an unlimited right to abortion, making Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation. Amendment 4 goes dangerously beyond even what Roe v. Wade included. It is extreme and it is unnecessary in the State of Florida. There is simply no need to expand an already expansive abortion law within Florida. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be a part of something like that. So, we have to stand up and Vote NO on 4!”

Sharon Lavesque, Respect Life Ministry Coordinator for Ave Maria Parish, was encouraged by the crowd of supporters at the rally, because each was there as part of God’s plan.

“We do not do it alone, for together we can do much,” Lavesque said. “We are the army of pro-lifers united in faith and determination to witness battle. We are the warriors for the babies, the moms and the girls. The defeat of Amendment 4 will give hope to other states. Now is the time God has put us here for this fight. Together we can stand for the life of the unborn and make a difference in the world.”

Father David Vidal, Pastor of Ave Maria Parish, offered the opening prayer, while other presenters included Mexican producer and actor Eduardo Verástegui; U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-Florida); State Rep. Lauren Melo (R-Naples); Logan Church, National Political Director of Catholic Vote, and Manual Milanés, an “Ave Maria hero” who saved the lives of a mother and her four children by taking a bullet in the chest. In addition, also present were members of Doctors Against Amendment 4.

To learn more about Amendment 4, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/.

Local Doctors Sound the Alarm! The Dangers of Amendment 4

Posted on by Bob Reddy

By Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic

Amendment 4, a pro-abortion amendment that will appear on the ballot in the fall, has alarmed pro-life Floridians, particularly in regard to its extreme and misleading nature. Now, local doctors are sounding the alarm about the inherent dangers it presents.

The amendment, which needs a 60 percent super majority to pass, is vaguely worded and was even required to be reviewed by the state Supreme Court regarding its misleading language before it was allowed to appear on the ballot. The Supreme Court ultimately decided that the language was coherent enough to appear on the ballot, and will appear as below:

Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.

The Court’s decision to allow the amendment to appear on the ballot in the fall was not unanimous, however, passing by a narrow 4-3 vote. Of note, the three dissenting votes on the Court?  All three female justices (Justice Renatha Francis, Justice Jamie Grosshans, Justice Meredith L. Sasso). Justice Sasso concluded in her dissenting opinion “In sum, the Sponsor is required to tell the truth about the purpose and scope of the proposed amendment and not mislead voters; it has done neither.”

“I am not surprised that all the dissenting Justices were women,” said Karen Liebert, MD, who is an OB/GYN and a Medical Director at Community Pregnancy Clinic (CPCI) in Sarasota. “Amendment 4 is misleading, and if passed, will create so many health risks for women.”

DOCTORS NOT REQUIRED:  HEALTHCARE PROVIDER UNDEFINED

“Abortion is a complicated procedure, and it is not without risk,” Dr. Liebert said. “This amendment removes the doctor from critical decisions, requiring only a ‘healthcare provider’ which is very broad, and vague. Abortions will be much more dangerous if this amendment passes than they were during the 50 years of the Roe v. Wade era.”

“It is disappointing that this amendment seeks to lower the bar, allowing non-physicians to make decisions that can jeopardize a woman’s life,” adds Ana Garcia Iguaran, MD, an OB/GYN, General Practitioner and NFP doctor with Mater Dei Clinic in Ave Maria. “‘Healthcare providers’ are now basically ‘armed’ with the ability to make decisions that can not only end the life of a baby, but that of the mother.  At the very least, a doctor trained and knowledgeable about the possible complications of an abortion, and there are many, should be involved.”

 NO LIMITS: VIABILITY UNDEFINED

“A post-Amendment 4 world would be woefully very different, i.e. much worse, than the Roe v. Wade era,” adds Diane Gowski, MD, President, Florida Catholic Medical Association. “Roe v. Wade ruled that abortion could be prohibited only at the point of fetal viability (back then this was around 28 weeks gestational age). Due to technological advancements in medicine, babies born as young as 21 weeks have now survived with supportive care and treatment.  The misleading language of Amendment 4 indicates that it too would allow abortion ‘before viability’ (like Roe v. Wade), however it then adds an extremely broad exception, “…or when …”, such that ultimately it allows abortion up until birth, for any reason as decided upon by any non-physician healthcare provider. Thus, Amendment 4 greatly expands access to abortion . . . there would be no limits on abortion.”

“We know that babies can feel pain as early as 15 weeks, and there is solid proof that they can feel pain as early as 12 weeks,” said Dr. Liebert. “This amendment allows abortion all the way through the third term. People dismiss that, saying that not many third term abortions are performed, but that’s still thousands of babies, and also abortion becomes much riskier for the mother at that point. Even under the Roe ruling, viability was defined. This is much worse.”

Stephen Hannan, MD, Fort Myers, is President of the Southwest Florida Guild of the Catholic Medical Association and adds that “the language of Amendment 4 is very misleading. Although the amendment seems to limit abortions to a pre-viability age of the baby, it provides no precise definition of the gestational age. And those that might make this determination, need only be a ‘health-care provider,’ not a physician. The definition of health-care provider is not defined, and therefore is not limited to physicians . . . I believe the vague language used in the ballot summary was intentional. It is meant to deceive the voters, even Catholic voters. It will provide a glidepath to abuse.”

NO PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIRED

“The language in the amendment is purposedly misleading as to suggest that it will provide healthcare for pregnant women – anyone can get behind that,” said Dr. Garcia Iguaran. “Of course, pregnant women need healthcare! But that is not what this amendment means or would provide.  It would provide unlimited, unrestricted access to abortion, even for young girls, without their parents’ consent. Abortion is not improving anyone’s life, certainly not the baby’s, and not the mother’s.”

Amendment 4 calls for parental “notification” not the currently required “consent.”

“Simply notifying a parent does not mean consent is required, just that someone was notified,” Dr. Hannan said. “And the ballot summary provides no stringent criteria for notification as proof of identification as a parent.”

“This would make abortion the only medical procedure on a minor that does not require a parent’s consent in the state of Florida,” added Dr. Liebert. “And there are other dangers for girls. Traffickers and abusers will be able to much more easily coerce girls into abortions, since the parental consent requirement is removed with the passage of this amendment. This is a real issue. Even worse, with no doctor involved, it’s easier for an abuser to get someone, any loosely defined ‘healthcare provider,’ to say an abortion is needed.”

“This is insane,” said Dr. Garcia Iguaran. “Parental consent is required even for something as low risk as a vaccination!”

FLORIDA: ABORTION TOURISM STATE?

Under Amendment 4, since “viability” is undefined, abortion would be unrestricted, allowed up until birth. If passed, Amendment 4 would make Florida one of the most permissive pro-abortion states in the nation, turning Florida from a “family friendly” state into an “abortion tourism” state as other states restrict access to abortion.

Amendment 4 “vastly expands the right to abortion beyond anything Florida has ever done in the history of the State,” explains one of the dissenting Supreme Court opinions to allowing the amendment to appear on the ballot.

“I believe that most people are against unlimited abortion in Florida,” said Dr. Garcia Iguaran. “Even those who are in favor of abortion in certain cases, would be against this amendment if they realized that it allowed abortion without any restrictions whatsoever, allowing abortion up until birth.”

 NO CHANCE OF LIMITING ABORTION IN THE FUTURE

The dissenting Florida Supreme Court opinion further states that the Amendment 4 ballot summary “doesn’t explain that the proposed amendment effectively eliminates the Legislature’s ability to pass laws in the future regulating abortion in any meaningful, substantive way.”

For Catholics, the evils of abortion are clear, stated in the Catechism. Current Florida law, which allows abortion under certain conditions and several exceptions, takes into consideration the life of a child in utero, as Justice Francis pointed out in her dissenting Supreme Court opinion, stating that “our Florida Constitution recognizes that ‘life’ is a ‘basic right’ for all natural persons. One must recognize the unborn’s competing right to life and the State’s moral duty to protect that life.” Amendment 4 will eliminate such consideration, or any “moral duty” of the State.

“I think this is less about the immorality of abortion but more about the extremes of this pro-abortion amendment that will be cemented into the Florida Constitution,” said Dr. Hannan. “The vast majority of those sympathetic to the idea of a woman’s right to an abortion, would still cringe at the idea of ending the life of a baby deep into the third trimester. And most would cringe at the idea that a medical procedure could be done on a minor without formal parental consent. These inevitable extremes are why Floridians should vote no on Amendment 4.”

FLORIDA DOCTORS RALLY AGAINST AMENDMENT 4: BAD FOR WOMEN, BAD FOR FLORIDA

A doctors’ advocacy group, Florida Physicians Against Amendment 4, is calling for all Floridians to vote no on Amendment 4, stating that it “removes common sense maternal health and safety regulations,” among other concerns. The group, supported by the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, has initiated a Declaration in Opposition to Amendment 4, calling it “overreaching, too permissive, and irresponsible,” and “bad for women, bad for Florida.” They are encouraging all physicians to sign the Declaration, which can be accessed online here: FPAA4: Florida Physicians Against Amendment 4

“The current Florida law has shown us that women who may be abortion-minded are coming in earlier to confirm their pregnancies with our free ultrasounds. We have an opportunity at that point to offer support, and options to them. Sometimes, they choose life,” said Dr. Liebert.  “But if Amendment 4 passes, we’ll have no opportunity to save them.”

Where can I learn more?

For more information visit:

 

AMENDMENT 4 : IT’S NOT WHAT IT SEEMS AND IT’S WAY TOO EXTREME

Posted on by Bob Reddy

4 GOOD REASONS TO VOTE NO ON 4

By Karen Barry Schwarz, Special to the Florida Catholic

What is Amendment 4?

Amendment 4 is a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution that would essentially establish an unlimited right to abortion throughout pregnancy even when the heartbeat of the preborn child is detected, when the preborn child can experience pain, and when the child is capable of living outside the womb. Amendment 4 will appear on the November 5, 2024, ballot and require approval from 60 percent of the electorate to pass.

Why is Amendment 4 so controversial?

Amendment 4 is an extreme proposal, essentially allowing abortion at any time for any reason, completely and dangerously unregulated. Since abortion is already legal in the state, with exceptions allowing access to abortion in a multitude of circumstances, this amendment to our state constitution is unnecessary, and has caused some confusion among Floridians. Further, the language of Amendment 4 is misleading, open to misinterpretation, and can be confusing in itself. The truth is, Amendment 4 is not what it seems, and it’s way too extreme, even for those who believe abortion should be legal in some circumstances.

Why should I vote NO on Amendment 4?

There are four very good reasons to vote NO on Amendment 4: Babies, Girls, Women and the State of Florida.

MORE BABIES AT RISK. Amendment 4 puts more BABIES at risk, allowing for second and third trimester abortions.

DETAIL: Babies are at risk from any abortion, of course, and the Catholic Church prays for a day when all abortion is unthinkable. However, in places where abortion is allowed, late-stage abortion is particularly gruesome.  The misleading language of Amendment 4 calls for “viability,” but does not define the term. But Florida law does define “viability,” and it is defined as the stage of development when the life of a fetus is sustainable outside the womb, generally accepted to be 22-24 weeks of pregnancy, or about six months. This means that if Amendment 4 is passed, second and even third trimester abortions will be allowed!  Is this what we want for our state? NO. Current Florida law allows abortion, up to six weeks gestation.

PUTS GIRLS AT RISK. Amendment 4 puts GIRLS at risk, eliminating the requirement of parental consent for minors.

DETAIL: While preserving parental “notification” in our state constitution, Amendment 4 would invalidate and eliminate the current law that requires parental “consent” for a minor to have an abortion. This part of Amendment 4’s language is particularly misleading, as many are fooled by the word “notification,” thinking it implies “consent.” It does not! Requiring only “notification,” which is likely to reach parents after the fact, puts girls at risk of making dangerous, permanent, and life-altering decisions for themselves and their babies without the guidance of their parents. This would make abortion the only medical decision for a minor in which parents have no say. Is this what we want for girls, and their families, in Florida? NO.

PUTS WOMEN AT RISK. Amendment 4 puts WOMEN at risk, weakening the medical doctor requirement.

DETAIL: “Healthcare providers” – not just physicians – could determine if an abortion is “necessary” to protect the mother’s “health.” Even some employees of abortion clinics, such as nurses and counselors, could approve dangerous, late-term abortions! Is this how we want women to be taken care of in Florida? NO.

OUR STATE CONSTITUTION. Amendment 4, if passed, would make Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the country, turning us into an “Abortion Tourism” state.

DETAIL: The language in Amendment 4 creates a broad “health” loophole, allowing abortion for just about any reason, at any time. “Patient’s health” is not defined in the amendment, allowing post-viability, extremely late-term abortions for treatable, temporary health concerns. Emotional health, for example, would justify an abortion when a child could survive outside the womb! This kind of loophole allows broadscale access to abortion and would make Florida one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation. Since the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned, abortion laws now rest in the hands of the states. Since many states have recently restricted or outlawed abortion, those states that have passed sweeping, widespread abortion laws are now designated “Abortion Tourism” states, with people traveling, often illegally, to those states to seek an abortion. Is this what we want for our state?  NO.

Many are under the wrong general impression about Amendment 4, believing that it would simply restore Florida back to when Roe v. Wade was in effect. This is not true. The fact is that Amendment 4 goes dangerously beyond what was permitted in the Roe v. Wade ruling. It would eliminate important health and safety measures that protect women, remove parental consent for any minor seeking an abortion, and allow for abortion through the third trimester of pregnancy. Further, it would make our state one of the most pro-abortion states in the nation. Four strong reasons to vote NO on Amendment 4!

Some – those who are in favor of legal abortion in some circumstances – think that Amendment 4 would simply allow access to abortion for women in crisis in Florida. But – abortion is already legal in Florida! If Amendment 4 does not pass, abortion would still be legal in Florida until a baby’s heartbeat can be detected, and in certain other, life-threatening or extreme circumstances. Current, common sense laws that protect the safety of women and girls, would remain in effect!

What is the Catholic Church doing to help pregnant women in need?

The Catholic Church is committed to helping women in need during and after pregnancies. For decades, numerous Catholic social service agencies, in collaboration with faith-based and secular organizations, have assisted pregnant women in need with material resources and personal accompaniment during pregnancy and after their child is born.

Walking with Moms in Need, a nationwide program initiated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, operates at the Parish level, to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. As Pope Francis reminds us, Parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.”

In Florida, each Catholic diocese is working together, through the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops at https://www.flaccb.org/abortion-amendment, to help Floridians understand the dangers of Amendment 4 to women, their children, and their families. The Church supports the Florida Voters Against Extremism at https://www.tooextremeforfl.com/ coalition to educate voters on how Amendment 4 is harmful.

What can I do to help defeat Amendment 4?

  • Learn the facts about the proposed Amendment 4, as well as the details of current Florida law allowing abortion, and tell your friends!
  • Pray, and fast, for the defeat of this dangerous pro-abortion amendment.
  • Vote NO on Amendment 4 in this fall’s General Election! Amendment 4 is not what it seems, and it’s way too extreme.

Where can I learn more? 

For more information visit:

Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops at https://www.flaccb.org/abortion-amendment

Diocese of Venice Office of Respect Life at https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/respect-life/amendment4/

Florida Voters Against Extremism at https://www.tooextremeforfl.com/

Want to get involved?

Contact the Diocese’s Director of Respect Life Jeanne Berdeaux, at berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, or 941-374-1068.

News Briefs for the week of May 24, 2024

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Vote No on 4!  Spread the word.

To learn the facts about Amendment 4 and how it is designed to mislead voters, visit the websites of the Florida Voters Against Extremism, tooextreme4fl.com, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, https://flaccb.org/, and the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office, dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife. To get involved and help defeat this dangerous pro-abortion amendment, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Director of Respect Life, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068.

Students meet pen pals

Third grade students at St. Joseph Catholic School in Bradenton had the opportunity to meet their cursive pen pals from nearby Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles Parish at a year-end party on May 16, 2024. As part of this enrichment, students and volunteers exchanged letters that would then help develop the penmanship skills of the third graders. It was a wonderful experience for all involved, and they enjoyed a fun-filled celebration with great conversations and lots of smiles.

Urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer partners in Fort Myers and Naples

As the weather turns hotter there is an urgent need for sidewalk counselors and prayer partners to provide coverage to stand as peaceful witnesses for life at the Planned Parenthood abortion facilities at 6418 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers. and 1425 Creech Road, Naples. No training is necessary to be a prayer partner – just bring a hat and a rosary. For those interested in counseling, training and necessary resource materials will be provided. In addition, during this process an experienced counselor will be present. Prayer partners and counselors are a vital component in the Pro-Life movement, as they ensure a constant presence in front of abortion facilities, showing that women, and their unborn children, in crisis are not abandoned in their time of need. To learn more details, please call Mary Claire Dant at 239-200-8117.

Ordination to the Priesthood June 8

Bishop Frank J. Dewane invites the faithful to the Ordination to the Priesthood of Transitional Deacon Thomas Gregory Dougherty. The Ordination will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1301 Center Road, Venice. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this important event in the life of Deacon Greg as well as the Diocese of Venice. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Totus Tuus, Parish Catechetical Summer Program coming soon

The Totus Tuus Parish Catechetical Summer Camp program, open to grades 1-12, will be available in the Diocese of Venice again this summer beginning in June 2024. Totus Tuus aims to inspire young people to long for holiness, develop a deep desire for conversion and personally renew their faith with a stronger prayer life. All camps are one-week day camps, and programs are divided according to age. Youth are welcome to attend any of the Totus Tuus camps, but registration is requested ahead of time. Parishes hosting Totus Tuus this year are: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Parrish, and Our Lady of Grace, Avon Park (June 2-7); Ave Maria, Ave Maria (June 9-14); St. Finbarr, Naples, and St. Paul, Arcadia (June 16-21); Epiphany Cathedral, Venice, and St. Katharine Drexel, Cape Coral (June 23-28); Our Lady Queen of Heaven, LaBelle (July 7-12); Our Lady of Light, Fort Myers, and St. Cecilia, Fort Myers (July 14-19); Our Lady of the Angels, Lakewood Ranch, and St. Peter the Apostle, Naples (July 21-26). To register, contact the hosting Parish directly. Parish contact information can be found at https://dioceseofvenice.org/find-a-parish/.  For general questions about the Diocesan Totus Tuus program, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/totustuus2024/, or contact Jim Gontis at gontis@dioceseofvenice.org.

Retreat For Mothers Grieving the Loss of a Child

Red Bird Ministries, a non-profit Catholic grief support ministry, is hosting a Grieving Mother’s Retreat from June 7 – 9, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center, 3989 South Moon Drive, Venice. This retreat is for women who have experienced the loss of a child at any age, from pregnancy through adulthood.  Mothers will be helped in addressing the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child throughout their grief journey. Please visit www.redbird.love/revival for information and registration.

Ave Maria Youth Conference registration open

All high school age youth from incoming freshman to outgoing seniors are invited to attend the 15th Annual Ave Maria University High School Youth Conference, “CALLED,” from July 12 – 14, 2024. This faith-filled weekend will be full of fellowship, music, and great speakers, including Father Timothy Anastos from the Diocese of Chicago who is currently serving as a National Eucharistic Preacher and featured regularly on “Reel Homilies”, Noelle Garcia a Catholic recording artist who shares her faith through scripture and music, nationally known chastity speaker Pam Stenzel, and Father Joseph Lugalambi, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Ave Maria University. Music will be provided by EPIC Music Ministries. The cost is $190 per person, which includes lodging in the dorms, meals, conference fee, and a cool t-shirt! Register now by visiting https://www.aveconferences.com/called-youth-conference-july-2024. For more information call 239- 348-4725, or email aveconferences@gmail.com.

 

Advocacy Workshops Share How to Defeat Florida’s Pro-Abortion Amendment

Posted on by Bob Reddy

By Karen Barry Schwarz – Special to the Florida Catholic

More than 150 Pro-Life leaders from the Diocese of Venice attended Pro-Life Advocacy Workshops this week, with the impassioned goal of learning how to defeat Amendment 4, Florida’s dangerous, misleading Pro-Abortion Amendment which will be on the ballot this fall. The workshops were held at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota on May 13, 2024, and at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Myers on May 15.

Both workshops included lunch and opened with a prayer from the hosting Pastor. The workshops were presented by The Leadership Institute, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, in cooperation with the Diocese’s Respect Life Office and its director, Jeanne Berdeaux, with the support of Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who was pleased to hear of the enthusiastic turnout. Dena Espenscheid, the Institute’s Director of Pro-Life Training and Senior Director of Coalitions led the sessions. Espenscheid is an experienced Pro-Life advocate, and an expert in how to persuade voters and win elections.

Various strategies were presented, and Espenscheid’s main message was that education about the amendment is key. Jeanne Berdeaux, Director of Respect Life for the Diocese of Venice, echoed the critical importance of education.

“The language in Amendment 4 is misleading, and easy to misunderstand,” Berdeaux said. “The fact is, this Amendment is way too extreme, as it would enshrine completely unregulated, unrestricted abortion in our state constitution. I don’t think this is what people want. The more we can educate people about what it really means for our state, the more likely we are going to defeat this deceitful Amendment.”

Espenscheid explained that the current law in Florida, the Heartbeat Protection Law, already has in its provisions what most people who are for some form of legal abortion want.

Specifically, Espenscheid said in order to defeat this Amendment, the message that needs to be communicated is “Vote No on Amendment 4,” and “Amendment 4 is way too extreme,” not the broader, Catholic message that all life, from conception to natural death is sacred.

Although the message of the sanctity of life is clearly important, and a fundamental Catholic belief, the fact is that many people – even some Catholics – feel that in some circumstances abortion should be legal.

Espenscheid explained how there is simply not enough time between now and the election to convince those people to become Pro-Life.  However, there is a good chance of convincing everyone that Amendment 4 is way too extreme, and far inferior to the current Florida law that allows abortion only until a heartbeat is detected, and in other extenuating circumstances, such as rape, or incest.

Espenscheid pointed out that Amendment 4 seeks to remove “government interference” with abortion, but what this really means is that it seeks to remove any government regulation of abortion at all. This includes important safety measures, such as who is allowed to recommend or perform abortions, or minimal facility sanitation requirements. Amendment 4 presents a dangerous proposition not only for babies, as it allows for very late-term abortions, but also for women, who would no longer be protected by laws regulating the procedure.

“For those who think abortion should be legal, it already is, in the state of Florida,” Espenscheid said. “The Heartbeat Protection Law is a reasonable law and restricts abortion but for those circumstances which we know most people – even some Catholics – feel should be considered. There is no need to expand the law and remove the commonsense protections for women, and minors, that are currently in place.”

Regarding minors, Espenscheid was referring to the fact that Amendment 4 eliminates the need for a minor to have a parent’s consent before having an abortion; the Amendment would only require “notification.”

In closing, Espenscheid was adamant in telling the groups that “Nothing ever got passed, or defeated, without action.”  Emphatically emphasizing the importance of gathering and mobilizing volunteers, Espenscheid detailed effective ways to empower and motivate people, and highlighted various methods of educating Floridians, including the tried and true methods of Parish communications, lawn signs, phone banking, and old-fashioned door-knocking, which is “only hard in the beginning,” she said.

Most people will have decided, and at least mentally locked in their vote by September 1, Espenscheid said, so the education and persuasion work must be completed by then to work. The Amendment requires a 60 percent super majority to pass in November.

Vote No on 4!  Spread the word.

To learn the facts about Amendment 4 and how it is designed to mislead voters, visit the websites of the Florida Voters Against Extremism, tooextreme4fl.com, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, https://flaccb.org/, and the Diocese of Venice Respect Life Office, dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

To get involved and help defeat this dangerous pro-abortion amendment, contact Jeanne Berdeaux, Diocese of Venice Director of Respect Life, berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org, 941-374-1068.

Prayer to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment

Posted on by Bob Reddy

Prayer to Defeat Florida’s Abortion Amendment (English)

Ever-living God, you give life and desire a future for all your children. Take hold of our nation, state, and community and awaken in every heart awe for the gift of life. Send your Spirit to strengthen us with wisdom and fortitude as we defend mothers and children in Florida from laws that disregard their health and safety.

Mary and Joseph trusted in you and welcomed Jesus into our broken world. God Almighty, we ask their intercession to protect the preborn and their mothers, and to guide all parents in raising their children. May they help us build a civilization of love by upholding the sacredness of life and accompanying pregnant women in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady, Mother of the Family, pray for us!

St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us!

Oremos Para Derrotar la Enmienda del Aborto en Florida (Espanol)

Dios eterno: Tú das la vida y deseas un futuro para todos tus hijos. Apodérate de nuestra nación, estado y comunidad, y despierta en cada corazón la admiración por el regalo de la vida. Envía tu Espíritu para reforzarnos con sabiduría y fortaleza mientras defendemos a las madres y a los niños de Florida de las leyes que desprecian su salud y su seguridad.

María y José confiaron en ti y recibieron a Jesús en nuestro mundo quebrantado. Dios todopoderoso, pedimos que ellos intercedan para proteger a los niños por nacer y a sus madres, y dirigir a todos los padres y madres en la crianza de sus hijos. Que nos ayuden a construir la civilización del amor al defender el carácter sagrado de la vida y acompañar a las mujeres embarazadas que así lo necesiten. Te lo pedimos por Cristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

Nuestra Señora, Madre de la Familia, ¡ruega por nosotros!

San José, Protector de los No Nacidos, ¡ruega por nosotros!

 

Courtesy of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops

Dangerous ballot initiative seeks to erase Pro-Life protections

Posted on by Bob Reddy

An extremely grave initiative is underway in Florida that seeks to erase pro-life protections by inserting language into the Florida Constitution banning regulation of abortion.

Abortion activists are working to gather petition signatures to place a pro-abortion constitutional amendment, titled Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion, on the November 2024 ballot.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, along with the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB), warns that this amendment would allow abortion up until birth, including when the baby is capable of feeling pain, and would eliminate laws requiring parental consent – the proposed amendment calls only for notification – and safety protocols for women. Floridians should not sign the petition.

The FCCB released a statement on the proposed amendment and its petition, stating, “This amendment is deeply concerning because it will allow all abortions to be obtained until viability and includes a broad ‘health’ loophole, essentially allowing abortion on demand up to birth. The amendment would hinder the Florida legislature’s ability to protect women and children from abortion.”

In addition, the Florida Bishops assert that the amendment could also nullify current laws requiring parental consent before minors obtain abortions and a 24-hour waiting period prior to abortions, as well as the 15-week and 6-week abortion laws recently passed by the legislature.

The FCCB has filed a legal brief with the Florida Supreme Court opposing the ballot initiative that seeks to enshrine unfettered abortion access into the state constitution.

The FCCB’s brief was one of four others filed on October 31, 2023, in addition to Attorney General Ashley Moody’s initial brief contesting the validity of the petition initiative for the “Amendment to Limit Government Inference with Abortion.” Other organizations that filed a brief were Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Center for Life and Liberty, and Florida Voters Against Extremism, a political committee formed specifically to organize and lead opposition to the initiative.

To help educate the parishioners of the Diocese of Venice on this dangerous amendment, a series of ads (in both English and Spanish) have been created listing the facts regarding the proposed amendment.

The ads, and more information about the proposed amendment, can be found at Decline to Sign – Diocese of Venice. The first fact is as follows, “This proposed amendment would legalize abortion up until birth, even allowing partial-birth abortion. Isn’t that going too far?”

As the Florida Bishops stated, “Declining to sign is not impeding the democratic process; it is taking a stand against what would be a terrible state policy. The FCCB is following developments in the initiative process closely and diligently preparing to help defeat it. Please continue your prayers for the protection of the unborn and spread the word to your spheres of influence.”

For more information about the “Decline to Sign” initiative, please visit Decline to Sign – Diocese of Venice or contact Diocese of Venice Respect Life Director Jeanne Berdeaux at 941-484-9543 or berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org.

 

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40 Days for Life fall campaign concludes – 4 saves confirmed in Sarasota

Posted on by Bob Reddy

All life is precious. For this reason, each fall and spring hundreds gather in front of abortion facilities in the Diocese of Venice praying that unborn children can be saved from the scourge that is abortion.

The 40 Days for Life fall campaign concluded on Nov. 6, 2022, with local efforts taking place in Sarasota and Fort Myers. The campaign began Sept. 28 but was delayed locally due to the arrival and impacts of Hurricane Ian.

Those impacts did not deter the prayer warriors who stood faithfully in front of the two Planned Parenthood abortion facilities as soon as it was safe, about a week after the storm at both sites. Sarasota 40 Days coordinator Rich Owens said people were in front of the downtown regional headquarters of Planned Parenthood the day the facility reopened after the hurricane. “We are here because that monstrosity is here.”

A peaceful, rather than confrontational, effort, the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign takes place in more than 1,000 cities across the United States and in 64 countries. The Diocese of Venice has participated since 2007, the year of the first national campaign. To date, 22,289 babies have been saved and 131 abortion centers have been closed.

Included in that number are four saves at the Sarasota location in just a few weeks. The saves, with the fourth was only recently confirmed, includes moms who come forward to thank the prayer warriors for their presence, which aided them in choosing life.

Many of the moms seeking help in the shadow of the abortion facility in Sarasota are directed to the neighboring Community Pregnancy Clinics (CPCI), a pro-life, free clinic that provides ultrasounds and extensive support for pregnant mothers. CPCI has medical offices in Naples, Fort Myers and Sarasota. In addition, CPCI has mobile clinics which visit rural communities, as well as college campuses, seeking to educate women and men about the pro-life options they have during an unexpected pregnancy.

During a closing vigil Jericho Walk on Nov. 5, Owens led a group of about 30 prayer warriors to rally and continue the fight to end abortion beyond the 40 days. The group circled the abortion facility, led by a banner which read “Viva Christo Rey – By Thy Power May Peace Come,” seven times. At the conclusion a horn blasted as everyone shouted in prayer, just as God told the Israelites in Joshua 6: 4-5, “On the seventh day march around the city seven times, and have the priests blow the horns. When they give a long blast on the ram’s horns and you hear the sound of the horn, all the people shall shout aloud. The wall of the city will collapse, and the people shall attack straight ahead.”

While the walls of the abortion facility did not collapse, the sounds of the prayer warriors resonated and will continue to do so long after the 40 Days fall campaign is concluded.

Owens said participation in the prayer vigil was less than in years past because many falsely believe the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade was the end of the battle for life. In reality, the court decision was “a good first step,” but Florida law still allows abortions up to 15 weeks.

“Until that is changed to conception, this fight is not over,” Owens said.

Owens vowed that each day the abortion facility in downtown Sarasota is open, the faithful prayer warriors will be out front praying and standing witness. This vigil takes place on Tuesdays and often several days each week, depending on the hours Planned Parenthood announces.

The 40 Days for Life spring campaign begins Feb. 22, 2023, and concludes on Palm Sunday, April 2.

To learn more about how you can help protect life from conception until natural death, please visit www.dioceseofvenice.org/respectlife.

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