adverse fetal - elevate life · unpregnant follows a teenage missouri girl, who’s found out...
TRANSCRIPT
Helping Pregnancy Centers and Clinics Thrive Since 1974
elevatelifeUSA.org
formerly Total LifeCare/TLC Options
Adverse Fetal Diagnosis
New Affiliate:Redwood Falls
Quiz Test Your Knowledge
2 elevate life 2020
Fall 2020
contents3 president’s letter
4 what’s nextElevate Life and Affiliates stay the course during the pandemic
7 special featureRead about Nick’s amazing life
8 golf tournament
9 adverse diagnosis
10 affiliate focusChoices Pregnancy Center
12 night of hope
13 quizTest your knowledge
14 passionate about lifeMeet Tony DelDotto
4 7
14
November 19
Give Hopeat givemn.org and search for “elevate life”
Prayer requests
For the success of Guiding Star Wakota’s new building project
For women and their doctors during the Abortion Pill Reversal
That women seeking abortions find one of our locations for hope and life
3elevate life2020
Vaunae Hansel, MCLC, [email protected]
president’s letter
President: Vaunae Hansel, MCLC, SRAS(formerly TLC/Total LifeCare Centers)
2600 Eagan Woods Drive, Suite 110Eagan, MN 55121 / 651-291-9473
Donors: ElevateLifeUSA.orgClients: OptionsMN.com
651-251-0900 (w)
Board of Directors:Jon Guden, Vice ChairMona Freeburg, TreasurerBetsy AtkinsonMatt DeanTony DelDottoRick DurigJennifer GilbertJim HamburgeDave KvasnickaLudy Peller, NP All content copyright © 2020 by elevate life
3elevate life2020
Medical Advisory Council:Dr. Greg YoungDr. Steven CalvinLiz Blanchard RNSydney March BLA-Th, BSN, RN, PHN
U NPREGNANT, a new film released on HBO would have us believe that abortion is something to be celebrated, not mourned. Its characters may be disarmingly sympathetic and likeable onscreen, but the film’s
lighthearted feel treats the moral tragedy of abortion as a joke it wants viewers and especially impressionable teen girls to laugh at.
UNPREGNANT follows a teenage Missouri girl, who’s found out she’s pregnant. The film’s heroine, Veronica, is an exceptional student who likes to do everything right. She’s portrayed as a “good girl”. When 17-year-old, Ivy League-bound Veronica discovers she’s pregnant, she doesn’t understand it. Statistically, it should be impossible since she and her
boyfriend, Kevin, always used protection. But here’s the thing about statistics: If condoms were 100% effective, they wouldn’t need the statistic to begin with.
Trying to be “perfect” and not let anyone down, Veronica enlists her estranged best friend, Bailey, to travel the 900 miles from Oklahoma to New Mexico with her so she can kill her baby without her parents knowing. Her parents are upper-middle-class, devoted, pro-life Catholics. Their small Missouri community espouses mostly conservative values. The movie paints pro-life Christians as crazy. This portrayal can only serve to further drive a wedge between young women facing an abortion decision and the trusted adults God has placed in their lives. UNPREGNANT takes an overwhelming situation in a young girl’s life which has permanent consequences and turns it into a road trip comedy. The movie has a strong pagan, feminist worldview, with Anti-Christian, politically correct elements. For example, the movie glorifies abortion. Although the father of Veronica’s baby wants her to keep the child and proposes to marry her, he ends up appearing at the baby killing clinic to “support” Veronica.
UNPREGNANT is part of a continuing effort in Hollywood to promote abortion as the only “right” choice in an unplanned pregnancy and demonize the pro-life community. How can we fight the Hollywood machine? Connect with one of our local Pregnancy Resource Clinic’s and see how you can help! You’ll find our affiliate locations and contact information on page 6 or www.optionsmn.org.
4 elevate life 2020
E levate Life, along with our 37 affiliated Pregnancy Center and Clinic locations stepped up to the plate at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite an onslaught of challenges we have maintained ongoing exceptional life-affirming services for women
and families in need across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
Since the outbreak, Elevate Life has taken the lead in providing our pregnancy help movement with the leadership and resources they needed during this uncertain time. We have helped our pregnancy help centers to “press in and press on,” adjusting, adapting and “embracing the life-affirming mission in new ways of thinking in using new technology skills to maintain, even increase, impact.” We have done this by providing policies and procedures that are in alignment with the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.
Some have asked me why our clinics would stay open during such a frightening time. The answer is that our faithful and passionate staff and volunteers are courageous and believe every woman facing a pregnancy decision should have the help and hope she needs to make a life-affirming decision. Abortions have been on the rise during this pandemic. At risk families that were already struggling with unplanned pregnancies resulting in fear, uncertainty, hopelessness, and a lack of both physical and emotional resources have taken another hit. They are suddenly more isolated than ever before and left with few places to turn. Their fragile hold on “normal” has evaporated.
Calls from women seeking abortions have doubled at nearly all our metro and suburban clinics. Without someone there to answer their call and provide compassionate care, an ultrasound so they would have the chance to see their unborn baby, and resources to continue the pregnancy how many more lives would have been lost during COVID-19? I am sure the more than 50 women who chose life for their unborn babies over the last
Elevate Life and its 38 Affiliated Locations Stay the Course during the Pandemic
what’s new
by Vaunae Hansel, MCLC, SRAS
Some have asked me why our clinics would stay open
during such a frightening time.
5elevate life2020
Elevate Life and its 38 Affiliated Locations Stay the Course during the Pandemic
few months would say that they are eternally grateful someone was there to answer the phone when they called.
One director shared that they have received many abortion-seeking calls and were able to provide hope, help and Christ’s love at a very uncertain time in their lives. “His [God’s] power, love and grace were extended and the result was many decisions for life.”
While the pandemic crisis continues, the work of the pregnancy help movement advances as well.
Women still need help and our network remains ready and willing to serve. We have helped our network to use creative and thoughtful ways of reaching women at their point of crisis and beyond. Some of these included delivering groceries and needed supplies to doorsteps, frequent wellness calls, virtual training, life coaching, and Zoom parenting support classes (which include activities for children at home.)
The entire world’s attention is on COVID-19, but in the midst of this health crisis those of us who are pro-life must speak out even louder for the lives of babies in the womb who have the same value. Data has validated that we are seeing an increase in unplanned pregnancy, which means a higher risk for abortion than normal. Together we can make sure that those lives in the womb are treated with the same life-saving intensity that we’re treating potential victims of COVID-19.
6 elevate life 20201elevate lifeSummer 2018
affiliate locationsAlpha Women’s Center (ICU Mobile Twin Cities)PO Box 435Savage, MN 55378 / 952-447-5683
Abria (2 Locations)2200 University Ave. W., Ste. 160St. Paul, MN 55114 / 651-695-0111
2232 West Broadway Ave.Minneapolis, MN 55411 /651-695-0111
Central MN Options for Women1225 Timberlane Dr, Ste. 5Sauk Centre, MN 56378 / 320-351-4025
Choices Pregnancy Center231 E. 2nd St., PO Box 22Redwood Falls, MN 56283 / 507-637-2534
Family Life Center (formerly Iron Range)802 E. Howard St., Ste. 3Hibbing, MN 55746 / 218-262-5768
820 9th St. N., Ste. 130Virginia, MN 55792 / 218-741-5087
First Choice Clinic (2 Locations)1614 W. Third St.Red Wing, MN 55066 / 651-267-4357
118 N. 4th St.Cannon Falls, MN 55009 / 507-263-8000
First Choice Pregnancy Services1223 S. Broadway St., PO Box 742 New Ulm, MN 56073 / 507-359-9800
Guiding Star Wakota1201 South Robert St., Ste. 14AW. St. Paul, MN 55118 / 651-457-1195
Health Resources (2 Locations)126 E. Lincoln Ave. Fergus Falls, MN 56537 / 218-736-6050 / 1-800-450-HOPE
904 Lake Ave.Detroit Lakes, MN 56501/218-844-8822
Hope Pregnancy Center1520 Mavis Lane SE, PO Box 334 Willmar, MN 56201 / 320-235-7619
Lake Superior LifeCare Center (2 Locations)4931 E. Superior St.Duluth, MN 55804 / 218-727-3399
1823 Belknap St.Superior, WI 54880 / 715-394-4102
Lakes LifeCare Center840 W. Broadway Ave., Ste. 100Forest Lake, MN 55025 / 651-464-4340
LifeCare Pregnancy Center of TRF 204 Labree Ave. N., PO Box 972 Thief River Falls, MN 56701 / 218-681-1279
NewLife Support Center514 1st St. SE, PO Box 5Wadena, MN 56482 / 218-631-2324
Northern Options for Women923 5th St.International Falls, MN 56649 / 218-285-7673
Northfield Women’s Center314 Washington St.Northfield, MN 55057 / 507-645-7638
Options for Women | Chisago County6344 Elm Street, PO Box 516 North Branch, MN 55056 651-674-2121
Options for Women | Cornerstone204 Central Ave. E., PO Box 117St. Michael, MN 55376 / 763-478-7367
Options for Women | East891 White Bear AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55106 / 651-776-2328
Options for Women | Mankato11 Civic Center Plaza, Ste. 011Mankato, MN 56002 / 507-625-2229
Options for Women | Menomonie544 Broadway St. S., Ste. 404Menomonie, WI 54751
Options for Women | Morris615 Atlantic Ave.Morris, MN 56267 / 320-589-0300
Options for Women | River Falls214 N. Main St., PO Box 414River Falls, WI 54022 / 715-425-8539
Options for Women | St. Croix Valley14563 60th St. N., PO Box 158Oak Park Heights, MN 55802 / 651-439-5964
Options for Women | Tri-County 215 1/2 Cascade St., PO Box 163 Osceola, WI 54020 / 715-755-BABY
Pregnancy Choices15010 Glazier Ave., Ste. 104Apple Valley, MN 55124 / 952-997-2229
Pregnancy Options LifeCare Center18 2nd St. NWFaribault, MN 55746 / 507-332-7644
Sandstone Options for Women927 State Highway 23 N., PO Box 226Sandstone, MN 55072 / 320-216-7633
SouthWest Options for Women1615 MainstreetHopkins, MN 55343 / 952-938-4496
TLC of Hastings1125 South Frontage Road, Suite 2Hastings, MN 55033 / 651-437-4200
Women’s LifeCare Center2870 Middle St.Little Canada, MN 55117 / 651-777-0350
WomenSource1902 5th Ave. N., Ste. 3Anoka, MN 55303 / 763-208-0076
Woodbury Options for Women1000 Radio Drive, Ste. 100Woodbury, MN 55125 / 651-340-9062
Elevate Life • 2600 Eagan Woods Drive, Suite 110 • Eagan, MN 55121 • (651) 291-9473 • elevatelifeusa.org
Elevate Life affiliate locations
7elevate life2020
special feature
N ick Zerwas has been told six separate times that he has had less than six months left to live. Born with a rare congenital heart defect in 1980, Nick’s parents were told although there may be a surgery or 2 that could be done to extend their son’s life there was
almost no chance they would see there baby live past the age of 7.
Since that grim diagnosis Nick has survived 10 open heart surgeries including several experimental surgeries where he was one of the first few patients in the country to survive.
When a transplant heart became available in 1996, due to the tragic death of a teenage boy, Nick declined the heart because there was a girl in his same hospital who needed it more, and he wanted her to have it. Nick has remained in contact with the family of the boy who donated his heart, and spoke at the wedding of the girl who received it.
Nick’s life Has been an incredible journey of hope, prayer and a constant fight for, and appreciation of God’s most precious gift of life.
After college, Nick worked in a forensic crime lab, served on the Elk River City Council, and eventually was elected to MN House of Representatives. Nick is a tireless pro-life advocate, and was a fierce advocate for babies, the disabled and the frail elderly as a leader on the health and human services committee. Nick was the chief author of the Right to Try Bill, allowing for terminally ill patients in MN to try experimental drugs and procedures not yet fully approved by the FDA in an attempt to save their life.
After successfully passing Right to Try in Minnesota, Nick was invited By President Trump to the White House to witness the National Right to Try bill signed into law.
After retiring from the Legislature last December, Nick continues to live in Elk River with his wife Bette and their son Jackson. He works for a law firm in St. Paul and continues to advocate on the issues he cares about while spending more time with his family.
Nick thanked the staff, volunteers and mothers in the Elevate Life family. He has shown that miracles are possible, life is precious, and one saved life can save and improve the lives of countless more.
One Life Saved, Saves Many
Nick and wife, Bette
Nick and son, Jackson
Night of Hope
8 elevate life 2020
The online Night of Hope was a wonderful success. We raised funds and heard encouraging stories. Nick Zerwas’ testimony was a very powerful reminder that one life can change, impact, and save other’s lives!
Thank you again for all your support. If you missed Nick’s Testimony, you can view it at www.ElevateLifeUSA.org/VirtualBenefit
Thank YouPlease support our other sponsors listed at ElevateLifeUSA.org/VirtualBenefit
Platinum Sponsors
Arlene EnglertClara Dolan
Gold Sponsors
Paul and Corrina ConleyTony and Jennifer DelDotto
David and Amy StiennonLorraine Pohlen
Sponsors Nick Zerwas has been told six separate times that he has had less than six months left to live. Born with a rare congenital heart defect in 1980, Nick’s parents were told although there may be a surgery or 2 that could be done to extend their son’s life their was almost no chance they would see there baby live past the age of 7.
See Page 7 for more of his storyor hear his testimony at
ElevateLifeUSA.org/VirtualBenefit
9elevate life2020
spotlight
Adverse Fetal Diagnosis: Embracing the Journey
I f Nick Zerwas had received an ultrasound in the womb, his three-chambered heart would have been discovered before he was ever
born. What happens today with our advances in technology? Are we able to improve the lives of babies who are expected to be born with complications? Sometimes there is help for the little ones who show up with unusual findings. Yet, unfortunately, this diagnostic technology that could prepare parents for an unexpected journey, may also be used to justify abortions.
Mary Kellett, of Prenatal Partners for Life, explains the terminology that some doctors use when an unfavorable diagnosis is made. Women are encouraged to “interrupt the pregnancy” or “say goodbye early in order to save the baby from suffering” or even have a “therapeutic abortion.” Some doctors describe the gently worded abortion as the next step, not offering all options for the grieving family. Parents are confused by this, not understanding they do have a choice.
Mary Kellet remembers well the day her 19-week ultrasound showed a high likelihood her son, Peter, had Trisomy 18. Her doctor told her he would only live up to two weeks and that parents don’t carry these babies to term. She and her husband experienced great pressure to let him go. Through research, Mary learned that her doctor was not honest with her. There were other children with Trisomy 18 living much longer than two weeks. When she confronted her doctor about this truth, he responded that we need to consider our use of resources, as if a child might be more expensive or more work than they are worth. He explained Peter would never contribute to society. The Kelletts chose to love their baby no matter how long they had. They carried Peter to term, brought him home, and he was a key member of their family for 6 1/2 years. She says, “He was a great gift!”
Mary started an organization to walk alongside parents who have received an adverse fetal
diagnosis. She is connecting parents with similar diagnoses together, providing financial grants for things insurance doesn’t cover, and providing encouraging support geared toward the individual family. Prenatal Partners for Life has been able to empower parents to not let fear of the diagnosis stop parents from loving their children and making medical decisions that help children reach their full potential. “We replace fear with life-affirming support,” says Mary. “We help them embrace their baby.”
While the journey of raising a special needs child could be a bit bumpy, Mary sees that there is still joy. Mary has experienced the profound impact special needs children have on those who love them. “These children become the teachers of our souls. (The families) grow in virtue and love. What has to change is people’s hearts! (not the children with special needs). There is a place in this world for these beautiful children. The world is a better place because of them and experiences a great loss if they are not allowed to live out their lives.”
If the child does not survive, Mary’s organization provides Bereavement Packages that contains items to help the baby be remembered, grieved, and loved into Heaven. The families do not need to be alone in their loss.
What advice would Mary give a family who has received the challenging news of an adverse fetal diagnosis? “If your doctor won’t respect your decision to carry to term, find one who will.” And she will back that up with doctor referrals in their communities.
Elevate Life affiliates are grateful to have a relationship with Prenatal Partners for Life. When a client receives an adverse fetal diagnosis in her pregnancy, Mary’s love and hope has provided the special niche that is needed for our families to walk out their journey in the peace of knowing their child was given the love they deserved. We can partner together to ensure that no family walks alone.
10 elevate life 2020
affiliate focus
10
Elevate Life is excited to welcome our newest Affiliate. Located in Redwood Falls, Choices Pregnancy Center has
been serving families in Redwood County and surrounding counties since 1993. The last three years have seen Carrie Meyers as the center’s Executive Director. Her love of her work and the families she is serving is apparent when you meet her. As a mother of 9, 4 of whom still live at home, she found herself surprised at the call the Lord placed on her heart to help in this mission. Three years ago, she was praying for her friend’s discernment when the job opened, only to hear her friend say, “I think YOU are the one who is supposed to apply for this position.” Carrie prayed, applied, and the rest is history.
When Carrie first reached out to Elevate Life
regarding affiliating with us, she had one major question. “What is the catch?” Her board looked at the low cost of our annual fee weighed against the level of service we provide and decided there must be
something they were missing. We were happy to be able to confirm that there are no hidden surprises. Carrie reflects this as she shares with us how helpful our local, personal support is.
Choices Pregnancy Center’s board has appreciated the training they
were able to access individually through our training and resources website. They committed to completing the training as soon as possible, holding each other accountable in the process. The access to best practices in the field, found in a user-friendly format, as well as the networking
by Patty Rosno
WelcomeRedwood
Falls
11elevate life2020
opportunities that our affiliation provides, clinched their decision to become a medical clinic. Elevate Life is excited to walk with them as they proceed.
Carrie Meyers shares what has surprised her most after serving for three years. “This work has been eye-opening regarding a whole segment of our population that I never knew existed. The level of care for the clients we provide, going above and beyond. It is really beautiful.
Thank you Carrie, for your “yes” to life!
Support Elevate Life & Get the word out about your business
Interested or have questions?Contact [email protected] or 651-291-9473
magazine advertising
elevate life magazine delivers to an audience of people dedicated to sanctity of human life
1,800 per edition distribution - are mailed directly to households primarily located in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Advertiser benefits: Find new customers who wish to patronize businesses who hold the same values
You will be helping to build a culture of life in your community
2019 ad rates & specificationsAd size\frequency 1 4 (total)
Full page (8.5” w x 11” h) $1,300 $5,000
Back cover (2/3-page) $850 $3,250
1/2-page (8.5” w x 5.5” h) $700 $2,750
1/4-page (3.625” w x 4.875” h) $400 $1,500
Mechanical specifications:Print Publication Trim Size: 8.5”x11” Live Area: 8.5”x11” (full bleed). Add 0.25" to trimmed edges. Printing Method: Web offset, 4-color process Binding Method: Saddlestitched (stapled) Paper Stock: 65# cover and 60# body (gloss coated)Delivery: USPS Periodicals Rate (1- to 9-day delivery)
Pre-Press Specifications:Format: High-resolution Adobe Acrobat PDF files (Acrobat 4 PDF 1.3 minimum) required with all fonts and images embedded Images: 300 dpi minimum recommended. Color images must be CMYK.
Deadlines:Space reservation deadline: 30 days prior to 1st day of issue month
Materials deadline: 15 business days prior to 1st day of issue month
Where to email your ad materials:Christy Baker, [email protected]
Questions?Pete Herold, [email protected]
FULL PAGE 2/3 PAGE
Ad size: 8.5” w x 11” hWith bleed: 9” w x 12” h
Ad size: 8.5” w x 7.33” hWith bleed: 9” w x 7.83” h
Advertising sizes and rates: 1/4 PAGE
Ad size: 3.625” high x 4.875” wide(No bleed)
1/2 PAGE
Ad size: 8.5” w x 5.5” hWith bleed: 9” w x 6” h
client story
A young woman learned about our center online and began connecting with us while pregnant. Her life was completely unstable, she was uncertain of who the baby’s father was, and her stress level was high. She ended up showing positive signs of drug use when the baby was delivered, and was ordered to go to treatment right after the birth of her child. However, our pregnancy center had become a crucial part of her journey, surrounding her with caring people who wanted to show love to her and her baby! While she remained in treatment, her boyfriend continued to come to the center for fatherhood lessons, lessons on infant care, and a variety of other topics, being shown the same level of support and caring that had previously been shown to his girlfriend. When the mother was released from treatment, she resumed lessons with us and has continued to schedule weekly sessions for parenting education and eventually life coaching. Mom and Dad are now married, and that precious little boy is now a year old!”
12 elevate life 2020
Eagle Level:Clara Dolan
Griffiths Foundation
Birdie Level:Larry and Judy Pohlen
Caddie Level:Fr. George Kinney- St. Teresa Orphans of Tanzania
James BrewerPatrick Scanlan
David and Jennifer BakerMerrill Lynch - Marc Terris, Wealth Management Advisor
Beverly Johnson
golf tournament
Clara Dolan- In Memory of Jack Dolan -In Memory of Steve DolanDon and Gerry ChapdelaineAnonymousLaurie Pohlen- Pro-Life ~ Good for the Entire FamilyFirst Choice Clinic/ Red WingThe Maguire AgencyOptions for Women/ CornerstonePatricia Huber and James Cawley- In Memory of Bruce HuberRichard and Lorraine Brasket- In Memory of Dixie LabatRobert Devereaux -In Memory of Mike Pohlen & Marilyn DevereauxImmaculate Heart of Mary Church- MinnetonkaTom and Dr. Terry Skiba John and Anne Ringquist- In Memory of Ralph and Kathleen RoneySteve and Mona Freeberg
Marietta Munster- Remembering Sr. Jeanne ThereseRandy’s Environmental Services- Delano, MN.Rachel’s Vineyard Twin CitiesDavid and Barbara Dries- Options for Women/EastAnne Fredrickson-Alpha Womens CenterKnights of Columbus Good Samaritan Council-Holy Name of Jesus Parish, MedinaJeff and Emily CarriveauJohn SteichenAnonymousSusan and Peter BrasketZeman Construction CompanyRemodel for Life, LLCSteve and Lynn WolfMary Jo Eichler- In Memory of Don EichlerSurvey & Ballot Systems, Inc. David and Virginia Larson- Family Fest MinistriesThe Knights of Columbus Medina Council #13096
Hole Sponsors - Thank you!
Congratulations to our 34th Annual Golf Tournament Winners:
1st Place Scramble (Score: 58)Dan Thue, Josh Thue, Bruce Lindert, Daron Van Helden
2nd Place Scramble (Score: 61)Tie - Broke on 3rd (#3) hardest hole had a birdieSteve Geronime, Tom Geronime, Denny Doyle, Dan Beulke
3rd Place Scramble (Score: 61)Jim Martin, Shane Hagerty, John Mugford, Murray Wolf
13elevate life2020
?Quiz: How well do you know Roe v. Wade
1. Roe v. Wade is short for
a. Norma Roe v. Frank Wadeb. Jane Roe v. Frank Wadec. Jane Roe v. Henry Waded. Roe Johnson v. Wade Gimieskison
2. “Roe’s” real name is
a. Jane McCorveyb. Norma McCorveyc. Jane Roed. Norma Roe
3. In 1970, at the time Roe v. Wade was first filed abortion was illegal in all cases in the state of Texas (the state Roe was from)
a. Trueb. False
4. The Supreme Court decision, called Roe v. Wade, gave the right to women to have an abortion __________
a. During the first two trimesters of pregnancy. Abortion access could be attained in the third trimester could be attained in the case of rape or incest.b. During all nine months of pregnancyc. Only in the first trimesterd. Only if a woman had a doctor’s verification of adverse diagnosis
5. The Supreme Court Justices in favor of Roe v. Wade ruled that this legislation falls underneath the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Specifically, the right to:
a. Medical Autonomyb. Self-Defensec. Women’s control over their own bodiesd. Privacy
6. The date of Roe v. Wade decision is _____.
7. The Supreme Court vote resulted in the following count in favor of increasing abortion access:
a. 6 to 3b. 5 to2, with 2 justices who recused themselves c. 5 to 4d. 7 to 2
8. Which answer is correct regarding Jane Roe:
a. She remained a staunch pro-choice advocate her entire life.b. She later became a pro-life advocate.c. On June 17, 2003, she filed a motion with the US District Court in Dallas to have the case overturned and asked the court to consider new evidence that abortion hurts women. Included are 1,000 affidavits from women who say they regret their abortions.d. She filed a motion in 2005 to increase accessibility to 3rd Trimester abortions in all states.e. B and Cf. A and D
9. Jane Roe’s baby lost its life due to abortion
a. Trueb. False
10. If Roe v. Wade is overturned in the future there will be no need for Elevate Life or Pregnancy Resource Centers because abortion will be illegal.
a. Trueb. False
The September death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, ushered in a lot of talk on both sides of the aisle about Roe vs Wade. Is there a chance the legislation will be overturned? Time will tell. In the meantime, let’s see how much you know about this historical legislation. Grab your pen for our 2020 Roe v. Wade Quiz:
Answers on page 15
How did you do?8 - 10 Correct: What a Pro-life Warrior you are!!4 - 7 Correct: You just learned new facts to help you grow in Pro-life advocacy!0 - 3 Correct: Thanks for playing! Stick with us and you will expand your horizons!
14 elevate life 2020
supporter spotlight
Meet Tony DelDotto
Tony DelDotto became a member of the Elevate Life Board of Directors in the fall of 2019. Tony was raised in Burnsville, graduated with a degree in Finance from the University of North Dakota and currently lives in Eagan with his wife Jennifer and kids, Will and Ali. Since 2001, Tony has worked as a Commercial Real Estate Broker with Cushman & Wakefield, serving his clients as a trusted real estate advisor. This experience has also been an asset to the Parish Finance Council of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and other Catholic-
based organizations that he passionately supports. More than anything, Tony loves the joy of being a Christian... as a father, husband and often a brother to anyone striving to be stronger and bolder in their faith. His hobbies include writing, land development, video editing, treasure hunting for religious military artifacts, boating and adventurous family road trips.
When and how did being actively prolife become a passion for you?
It has never been difficult to label myself prolife. As with most practical thinkers, the concept of forcefully removing a baby from the protection of her mother’s womb is deeply disturbing. Simply acknowledging this injustice is not complicated. The much harder challenge for anyone like me claiming to be prolife is finding the courage to stand up to the angry mob who is fighting to keep us quiet. It is far easier for me to internalize my opposition, blame history and busy myself with less important things, but this always leads to unrest. It leads to unrest because I am unwilling to push God out of my life. When you pray for God’s will in your life, your heart will ache for the lives lost and the damage caused by abortion. So I can never take credit for any passion, zeal, or tenacity that I have in this spiritual battle, that fire is not of me. It is only when I slow down and make time for God that I am stirred by the darkness of abortion and fueled with the power of light.
What is it that drew you to become a board member of Elevate Life?
I was invited to become a board member, which felt more like being called to the front lines. I have and will continue to support other prolife organizations but what interests me most about Elevate Life, is the organization’s potential to expand and help unite the national prolife movement.
passionate about lifeA father’s passion for faith and life
DelDotto Family
15elevate life2020
How does your commitment impact your family?
My wife and kids know that I am passionate about my faith and they see this leads to action. To me, the best gift any father can give his family is sharing the love of Christ and being a disciple. It is important for my kids to know that I will sacrifice my time, talent, treasure and even my life for them and others.
What would you say to other men who may not be there yet?
Find silence and pray. Without this, there is no way to victory. Without this, your eyes will never open. No matter how tenacious you fight… No matter how tough and gritty you are… any achievement will be nothing without God. Greatness in the eyes of God requires a heroic commitment to surrender and trust. Allowing God to be in control is usually not natural for strong-willed men until they begin to taste the supernatural power of Christ. Read about the lives of the early disciples and Saints. There are endless stories of courage and heroic sacrifice. These are everyday men and women who put radical trust in God and then would change the world forever. God is calling you to battle.
What is your vision for the future of Elevate Life?
I would love to see Elevate Life expand throughout the country and become a national organization that is powerful threat and alternative to Planned Parenthood. The tide is shifting, and the opportunity is before us.
Quiz Answers ?1. c. Jane Roe was a pseudonym for someone named in a future question and Henry Wade was the district attorney of Dallas County at the time of the law suit.
2. b. Norma McCorvey
3. False Abortion was illegal except to save a woman’s life.
4. b. Abortion became legal for all nine months of pregnancy. During the 1st Trimester for any reason and for “health” reasons during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Doe v. Bolton (which was released on the same day as Roe) defined “health” to include the physical, emotional, and psychological, familial, and the woman’s age.
5. d. Privacy
6. January 22, 1973
7. d. Only 2 voted against the decision to increase abortion accessibility.
8. e. Norma later changed her mind, believing that abortion hurts women and attempted to undo the law that had been created in her name.
9. False Norma gave birth to her baby and placed the baby for adoption.
10. False The services provided by Pregnancy Resource Centers will be in higher demand than before as more women would carry their pregnancies to term and need emotional, financial, parenting, and adoption support, and the hope we provide.
A Prayer Affirming Life
God, you are the Lord and Creator of Life.You have blessed men and womenWith the privilegeOf bringing new lifeInto the world. You have imparted in our heartsThe desire to nurture and protect lifeAt all its stages. I accept these gifts as a sacred trust.Through the power of the Holy SpiritHelp me to affirm the value of life. Grant me the wisdom and courageTo speak out and defend human life. Give me compassionSo that I may lovingly counselThose who would reject the gift of life,Which is the reflectionOf Your image and likeness. Amen.
~ St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Covington, Louisiana
StPeterParish.com
FOREST LAKE
NEW ULM
SAUK CENTRE
NORTH BRANCH
ST MICHAEL ANOKAOSCEOLA
RIVER FALLS
STILLWATER
CANNON FALLS
MENOMONIE
55
55
61
615577
5
36
36
212
35W
35W
35E
35W
694
494
394694
494 494
51
280
100
APPLE VALLEY
WEST ST PAUL
ST. PAUL
MINNEAPOLIS
WOODBURYHOPKINS
LITTLE CANADA
HASTINGS
BLOOMINGTONEDEN PRAIRIE
BURNSVILLE
EAGAN
PLYMOUTH
SHOREVIEW
EDINA
BROOKLYN PARK
ST ANTHONYCRYSTAL
ST LOUIS PARK
NORTH ST PAUL
COTTAGE GROVE
MAPLE GROVE
WAYZATAORONO
SAVAGE
Metro Locations
2600 Eagan Woods Drive, Suite 110Eagan, MN 55121Donor Website: www.ElevateLifeUSA.orgClient Website: www.OptionsMN.com
affiliate locations
Total LifeCare Centers
Don’t forget
is now
Building a culture of lifeSince 1974
Abria (2 locations)
Alpha Women’s Center
Central MN Options for Women
Choices Pregnancy Center
Family Life Center (2 locations)
First Choice Clinic (2 locations)
First Choice Pregnancy Services
Guiding Star Wakota
Health Resources (2 locations)
Hope Pregnancy Center
Lake Superior LifeCare Center
Lakes LifeCare Center
LifeCare Pregnancy Center of Thief River Falls
New Life Support Center
Northern Options for Women
Northfield Women’s Center
Options for Women | Chisago County
Options for Women | Cornerstone
Options for Women | East
Options for Women | Mankato
Options for Women | Menomonie
Options for Women | Morris
Options for Women | River Falls
Options for Women | St. Croix Valley
Options for Women | Tri-County
Pregnancy Choices
Pregnancy Options
Sandstone Options for Women
SouthWest Options for Women
TLC of Hastings
Women’s LifeCare center
WomenSource
Woodbury Options for Women