Unless Senate President Galvano or Governor DeSantis
acts immediately by using their influence to advance the bill requiring parental consent before abortion…

Florida becomes the only conservative state in the
country not to pass any pro-life legislation.

Respectfully, Call First & Email Second:

Senate President Bill Galvano and Governor Ron DeSantis
and ask them to “Immediately use their influence to see that the Parental Consent Before Abortion Bill passes the full Senate.”

Senate President Bill Galvano
(850) 487-5021 and (850) 487-5229
galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov
and bill@billgalvano.com

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
(850) 717-9337 and (850) 488-5603
https://www.flgov.com/email-the-governor/

Background:

The bills requiring parental consent before a minor can obtain an abortion, SB 1774 by Sen. Kelly Stargel (R) & HB 1335 by Rep. Erin Grall (R) werethe priority pro-life bills this year for most leading pro-life organizations including Florida Family Action, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Susan B. Anthony List, Americans United for Life, and many others. Full white paper on why the bill is important here.

Speaker of the House, Jose Oliva, a champion for life, made this bill a legislative priority and it therefore passed all three house committees and the full House of Representatives.  The Senate bill, however, was grossly delayed in being placed on agenda for its first committee, Health Policy, and even though it passed that committee, it has been stalled because the Judiciary Committee (second committee of reference) stopped meeting weeks ago. The Senate President Bill Galvano has the power to tell the Rules Chairman to remove the second committee of reference (Judiciary) and let the bill go to the third committee, Rules, and then be sent to the Senate Floor for a full vote where we have the votes to pass it. Governor Ron DeSantis can also use his influence to clearly indicate to the Senate that this bill is a legislative priority for him and must be passed or else he will not support their other priorities. This is the kind of bold leadership required to get this bill passed.

NOTE:  The House bill can be picked up by the Senate and voted on (skipping passage of 2 of the 3 Senate Committees), but without a super majority 2/3 pro-life vote, the bill will die. The votes for this strategy do not exist, so merely taking up the house bill for a full Senate vote will not work.This bill is necessary to protect Florida’s children and it will only pass if President Galvano or Governor DeSantis use their authority and influence now.

We have all worked very hard to elect pro-life legislators and we currently have pro-life majorities in both the Florida House, Senate and Governor’s Office. The only question is whether leadership will maneuver these bills and use political capital to see them through.

Florida Family Action

4853 S. Orange Ave, Suite C, Orlando, FL  32806

Info@FloridaFamilyAction.org   *    Phone:  407-418-0250

The post URGENT: Contact the Senate President Bill Galvano and Governor Ron DeSantis Today appeared first on FFV.

On Monday, Pro-Family Days attendees were trained on how to lobby and were briefed by policy experts Bill Bunkley of Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission; Marco Paredes of Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops; Paul Seago of No Casinos; Amber Kelly of Florida Family Action; and FFPC President John Stemberger on important bills facing the Legislature during the 2018 Session. Some of the bill topics discussed included life, education, religious liberty, gambling, and LGBT issues.

Pastor Dean Inserra exhorts and prays for some of Florida’s pregnancy center directors as we honored them on Monday night.

Monday evening we had the distinct pleasure and incredible privilege of honoring pregnancy care center directors from across Florida in a special celebration of life on the infamous anniversary of Roe v. Wade. We are so grateful for the work these men and women do on a daily basis to love, support and care for these new mothers (and fathers) facing an unplanned pregnancy.

Al Laws, WIN Family Services, interviews our keynote speaker, Pam Tebow

On Tuesday, FFPC hosted a Legislative Prayer Breakfast attended by 250 people, including many elected officials. Guest speakers included Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam; House Speaker Richard Corcoran; Senator Kelli Stargel; Representative Jennifer Sullivan; and keynote speaker Pam Tebow, a homeschool pioneer, pro-life activist, and mother to Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. Click here to watch the livestream from her keynote address (starting at 21:18) and sit-down interview with Al Laws of WIN Family Services.

During Pro-Family Days, attendees also met with their legislators; toured the Florida House of Representatives with House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O’ Lakes) and Rep. Chris Sprowls (R-Clearwater); and heard from Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston at the Florida Supreme Court.

Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages for photos from this year’s event. More photos will continue to be added in the coming days. Tag yourself and share these photos with your friends and encourage them to join us next year for Pro-Family Days! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to continue to receive our most current updates on what’s happening around the state relating to the issues of life, marriage, family, and religious liberty. 

Constitution Revision Commission Update

CRC Commissioner John Stemberger presents Proposal 22

On Thursday, the CRC’s Declaration of Rights Committee passed out Proposal 22, the Florida Privacy Restoration Act. The proposed amendment will clarify that the privacy clause in Florida’s Constitution guarantees a right to informational privacy. Opinions by the Florida Supreme Court in recent years have not upheld a right to informational privacy, but have granted other rights, such as a right to abortion.  While abortion would remain constitutional under Roe v Wade if the Florida Privacy Restoration Act passes, it is possible that reasonable laws regulating abortion, such as parental consent for a minor to obtain an abortion, would now be ruled constitutional. This has angered groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Florida chapter of the National Organization for Women. These groups attempted to scare commissioners into voting no by telling them that liberties we have enjoyed for decades will disappear. This is outrageous and patently false, but leftist groups will brook no limitation on abortion, no matter how reasonable. They demand that abortion be available any time, any place, for any woman who wants one.  

Commissioner Arthenia Joyner painted the judicial activism that has taken place as “progress” in the same way that women have been granted the right to vote and blacks were given civil rights. What Commissioner Joyner failed to mention was that the courts didn’t grant those rights, but rather a constitutional amendment and federal legislation did. Zach Jones, an FSU student, passionately testified that while he was pro-choice, the courts did not have the ability to grant a constitutional right to abortion and that if Floridians wanted a constitutional right to abortion, they would need to pass a constitutional amendment that said so. After nearly two hours, the Declaration of Rights Committee voted 4-3 to advance Proposal 22. It heads to the CRC’s Judiciary Committee next and will be heard on Thursday, February 1st.  

Now, for this week’s update on our legislative agenda! 

ADOPTION/FOSTER CARE

OPPOSE HB 357 / SB 576 Adoptee Birth Certificates
Sponsors: Rep. Richard Stark (D), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

This bill mandates opening up birth records to birth parents and adult adoptees (even without the consent of the birth parents in adoptions after July 1, 2018) by requiring the Florida Department of Health to issue noncertified copies of unaltered, original birth certificates to adoptees and birth parents.

Action: None.

ABORTION

SUPPORT HB 1429 / SB 1890 Dismemberment Abortion
Sponsors: Rep. Erin Grall (R), Rep. Joe Gruters (R), Sen. Debbie Mayfield (R)

Prohibits dismemberment abortion, where an unborn child is killed by an abortionist using instruments to cut or rip the child’s body apart piece by piece and then extracts the pieces from the mother.

Action: The House Health Quality Subcommittee heard the bill this week.  Florida Family Action’s Political and Communications Director, Amber Kelly, testified on the bill (her testimony can be seen from 1:18:15 1:20:24).  Amber spoke about the fact that while cruel and unusual punishment is prohibited in punishing criminals, the practice of dismemberment abortion is allowed which is cruel to the unborn child. The bill does not prevent a woman from choosing to have an abortion, but it does ensure that once a woman has chosen to have an abortion that a child is not killed brutally.  The bill passed its first committee stop in a 9-6 vote. 

OPPOSE HB 1273 / SB 1718 Contraception Mandate
Sponsors: Rep. Holly Raschein (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Mandates employers provide insurance plans which pay for contraception, including abortion inducing drugs. The exemption for employers is limited to religious objections by religious nonprofits or small, privately-held companies and it requires notification of objection to providing coverage. Insurance companies are still required to provide coverage of contraception to employees who work for an exempt organization.

Action: None.

OPPOSE HB 189 / SB 320 Abortion Clinics
Sponsors: Rep. Amy Mercado (D), Sen. Linda Stewart (D)

This bill prohibits anyone from interfering with women attempting to enter abortion clinics. Sidewalk counselors or protestors could face fines, civil suits, and criminal penalties for simply calling out to a woman to not abort her baby. This bill goes beyond prohibiting criminal and inappropriate interference with abortion facilities and limits free speech. 

Action: None.

CULTURE

SUPPORT HR 157 / SR 480 Declaring Pornography a Public Health Crisis
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Recognizes the public health crisis created by pornography and acknowledges need for education, prevention, research, and policy change to protect Floridians.

Action: None.

SUPPORT HB 839 / SB 1158 Display of State Motto in Public Schools
Sponsors: Rep. Daniels (D), Rep. Ponder (R), Sen. Perry (R)

Requires each Florida school and each school district building to prominently display the state motto “In God We Trust.”

Action: The House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee heard the bill on Tuesday and passed the bill unanimously.  It only has one more committee stop before it can head to the floor of the House for passage out of that chamber.  It has yet to be heard in the Senate.

EDUCATION

SUPPORT HB 731 / SB 732 Home Education
Sponsors: Rep. Jennifer Sullivan (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Clarifies that a home education program is not a school district program and parents who wish to homeschool their children must register with the district school superintendent only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements. It requires the district school superintendent to accept the parental notification and register the program upon receipt of the notice. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student chooses to participate in their programs or services. The bill also stipulates that the content of a child’s portfolio shall be determined by the parent, not the school district.  Finally, it allows school districts to provide homeschool students access to career and vocational courses and requires that industry certifications, national assessments, and statewide, standardized assessments offered by the school district be available to homeschool students. For homeschool students who are dual enrolled to earn college credit, the bill stipulates that course or program limitations may not exceed the limitations for other dually enrolled students.

Action: After a couple of technical amendments and with no debate, the Senate version passed out of the Education committee unanimously on Monday.  It has two remaining committees.

SUPPORT HB 1 / SB 1172 Hope Scholarship Program
Sponsors: Rep. Byron Donalds (R), Sen. Bill Galvano (R)

Establishes the Hope Scholarship for students after an incident of battery, harassment, hazing, bullying, kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, harassment, assault, threat or intimidation. The student will have an opportunity to transfer to another public school or to apply for a scholarship to attend a private school. Scholarship funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Action: The Senate bill was taken up on Monday in the Education Committee. An amendment to the bill added additional language which allows a school principal to investigate allegations and establish the at-fault parties, the circumstances surrounding the incident, etc.  Opponents suggested that the offender should be penalized rather than removing the victim from a hostile environment.  The bill sponsor noted that there are already rules and consequences in place for those who harass, bully, or otherwise threaten or intimidate another. Some committee members suggested that they would like to see additional programs, like counseling, being included to help the victims. 

FREE SPEECH

SUPPORT HB 909 / SB 1234 Free Speech Zones on Campus
Sponsors: Rep. Rommel (R), Rep. Clemons (R), Sen. Baxley (R)

Protects the right of free speech outdoors on public campuses of higher education such as state colleges, universities, law schools, etc. Prohibits a public college, university, law school, etc. from creating “free speech zones” or restricting free expression except in cases that are reasonable and content-neutral. No student, faculty or staff member would be allowed to materially disrupt another individual or organization’s scheduled or reserved activities. If a violation occurs, the Attorney General or the person whose rights were violated may take the violator to court within one year of the violation for reasonable compensation. 

Action: The House Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee took up the bill on Tuesday and passed the bill in a 9-5 vote in a party line vote. The House version must pass two more committees.

GAMBLING

OPPOSE HB 223 / SB 374 Fantasy Contests
Sponsors: Rep. Jason Brodeur (R), Sen. Dana Young (R)

Exempts fantasy gaming contests such as fantasy sports leagues from being subject to gambling penalties and regulations. In effect, legalizing fantasy gambling.

Action: The House Tourism & Gaming Control Subcommittee heard the bill on Tuesday and passed it unanimously. The House bill still has two more committees.  The Senate Rules committee picked up its version on Thursday and passed it in a 9-2 vote, which means it is now headed to the Senate floor.

OPPOSE SB 840 Legalizing Fantasy and Designated Player Games/Expanding Slot Machines
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Hutson (R)

In addition to exempting fantasy gaming from state gambling regulations, this bill would remove the requirement that greyhound, thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness horse permit holders conduct live racing at their pari-mutuel facilities in order to be eligible for or keep their slot machine and cardroom licenses. This bill would allow these facilities to take wagers for intertrack races and simulcasts. It would also legalize designated player games (playing against a designated player rather than the house). 

Action: None.

OPPOSE HB 1293 / SB 1802 Preview Games and Machines
Sponsor: Rep. Al Jacquet (D), Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. (D)

Legalizes preview or pre-reveal machines, slot machines which draw individuals in by revealing the prize before the game is started. A Florida judge has already ruled the machines constitute gambling. 

Action: None.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SUPPORT HB 167 / SB 1044 Civil Action for Human Trafficking Victims
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Allows a victim of human trafficking to bring a civil cause of action against a human trafficker or facilitator (a person or business who aids in or turns a blind eye to human trafficking activities). Under this provision, a victim of human trafficking could receive payment for medical bills, mental health services, repatriation, etc. as well as monetary damages for pain, loss, trauma, etc. A trafficker or facilitator would also be liable under this section to provide an additional $100,000 in damages to the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (established by HB 169/SB 1046) and, in some cases, additional damages to law enforcement to aid in future human trafficking rescue efforts. Punitive damages would be equally divided between the victim and the trust fund.

Action: None.

SUPPORT HB 169 / SB 1046 Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking
Sponsors: Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Creates the Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking and Prevention within the Department of Law Enforcement. This fund would be funded by penalties and damages obtained under as referenced in   HB 167 / SB 1044 and other sources, including funds appropriated by the Legislature. The trust fund would be used to assist victims of human trafficking with medical and mental health exams and treatment, living expenses, lost wages and repatriation. The funds could also be used for a variety of education and prevention efforts, creating a survivor’s resource center, or for vacating convictions against trafficking victims incurred due to trafficking, etc.

Action: None.

SUPPORT HB 7039 / SB 1502 Increased Penalties for Human Trafficking
Sponsors: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Rep. Ross Spano (R), Sen. Lauren Book (D)

Requires a 10-year minimum mandatory imprisonment sentence for any individual, who knowingly or recklessly without regards to the facts, engages in, attempts to engage in, or financially benefits from human trafficking. Removes fees to expunge certain portions of criminal records for victims of human trafficking as it relates to their trafficking. Redefines the term “Adult Entertainment Establishment” to include additional adult-style businesses.

Action: None.

LIFE

SUPPORT HB 41 / SB 444 Pregnancy Support Services
Sponsors: Rep. Jackie Toledo (R), Sen. Aaron Bean (R)

Requires the Florida Department of Health to contract with the Florida Pregnancy Care Network (FPCN) to provide pregnancy support services for women who suspect or know they are pregnant. FPCN would then provide support to pregnant women and address their wellness needs. The bill requires FPCN subcontractors to promote and support childbirth only. All services provided must be voluntary and cannot include religious content.

Action: None.

LGBT

OPPOSE HB 347 / SB 66 Creating Special Rights for LGBT Citizens or “Florida’s Competitive Workforce Act”
Sponsors: Rep. Ben Diamond (D), Rep. Rene Plasencia (R), Sen. Darryl Rouson (D)

The worst bill in the Florida Legislature because of its effect on public safety and freedom of conscience. It adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Florida’s Civil Rights Act of 1992 as impermissible grounds for discrimination. This bill provides a new way for LGBT individuals to sue employers and small businesses for discrimination. Would allow men access to use women’s showers, locker rooms, and bathrooms.

A full list of House and Senate co-sponsors.

Action:  None.

OPPOSE HB 717 / SB 696 Banning Conversion Therapy
Sponsors: Rep. Evan Jenne (D) / Sen. Jose Rodriguez (D)

This bill makes it unlawful for people in Florida who are licensed to provide professional counseling and others, like pastors who are licensed counselors, to counsel youth under the age of 18 struggling with their “sexual orientation and/or gender identity” to think and live in a heterosexual manner consistent with their biological gender, even if the child (as the patient) asks for their help to do so. 

Action: None.

MARRIAGE

SUPPORT HB 1323 / SB 1580 Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage  
Sponsors: Rep. Clay Yarborough (R), Rep. Danny Burgess (R), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R)

Creates the Marriage Education Committee, which is tasked with developing the Florida Guide to a Healthy Marriage, which is required to include resources on conflict management, communication skills, family expectations, financial responsibilities and management, domestic violence, and parenting responsibilities; current information from marriage education and family advocates to assist in forming and maintaining a long-term marital relationship; and information regarding premarital education, marriage enrichment education, and resources that are available to help restore a marriage that is potentially moving toward dissolution. Clerks will be responsible for posting the guide on their websites and individuals applying for a marriage certificate must certify that they have read it or similar resources.

FFPC President John Stemberger, Bill Sponsor Rep. Clay Yarborough, and Richard Albertson of Live the Life

Action: The House Civil Justice and Claims picked up the bill this week. Florida Family Action President John Stemberger testified on the divorce problem that the state of Florida has.  Richard Albertson of Live the Life also testified on the economic impact of divorce on Florida taxpayers.  There was no opposition to the bill in public testimony; however, one member of the committee seemed to want to ensure that same-sex couples would be included in the guide. The bill passed out of committee, mostly along party lines, in a 10-4 vote.  The Senate version is scheduled to be heard next Tuesday afternoon.

OPPOSE HB 130 / SB 6027 Same-Sex Marriage
Sponsors: Rep. David Richardson (D), Sen. Gary Farmer (D)

Removes the language in state statute which prohibited same-sex couples from marrying and the State of Florida from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states.

Action: None.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

SUPPORT HB 871 / SB 1290 Free Enterprise Protection Act
Sponsors: Rep. Jay Fant (R), Sen. Dennis Baxley (R)

Prohibits any level of state government or individual acting on behalf of the state from discriminating against a business based upon their internal personnel or employee benefits policies or their exercise of free speech and religion as protected under the Florida and federal Constitutions. The state and its subdivisions would be prohibited from revoking tax exemptions and benefits; denying grants, certifications, licenses, etc.; and access and entitlement to property, facilities and speech forums, among other provisions.

Action: None.

The post Legislative Insider’s Report Week 3 of 9 appeared first on FFV.

Baker County

Macclenny Wednesday, January 18^th at 7:30 am – Sanctity of Human Life Prayer Breakfast at Christian Fellowship Temple (251 W. Ohio Avenue). Sponsored by First Coast Women’s Services, the prayer breakfast is to acknowledge and pray for the Sanctity of Human Life. Please RVSP by contacting Dana Lane at (904) 259-2585 or dlane@fcwsprc.org.

Broward County

Deerfield Beach Saturday, January 21^st at 9 am –  March4Life at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (380 S. Federal Hwy, 33441). Registration begins at 8:30 am.  Activities are from 9 am to noon. This event is sponsored by the N. Broward Pregnancy Help Center. For questions, contact Darlene at (954) 977-7769.

Ft. Lauderdale Thursday, January 19^th at 12 noon – Rally for Life at the US Federal Courthouse (301 E. Broward Blvd., 33301).  For further details, email mail@browardrighttolife.org.

Southwest Ranches Saturday, January 14^th at 9 am – SW Ranches Respect Life Walk at Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy High School (5451 South Flamingo Road, 33330). Meet in the northside breezeway. For more information, you can contact Angela Curatalo by phone at (954) 963-2229 or email at ProgramAssistant@att.net.

Charlotte County

Port Charlotte Saturday, January 22^nd at 2 pm – Life Chain at the corner of Highway 776 and Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail).  Signs will be provided. For more information, call Bob McDuffie at (941) 769-6291.

Citrus County

Inverness Thursday, January 19^th at 12 noon – Roe v. Wade Memorial Service at Cornerstone Baptist Church (100 West Highland Blvd., 34452).  Citrus County Right to Life will hold this memorial service to honor the millions of babies killed and the mothers, fathers, and families suffering as a result of abortion.

Clay County

Middleburg Tuesday, January 17^th at 7:30 am – Sanctity of Human Life Prayer Breakfast at The Salvation Army Corp Center (2795 County Road 220, 32068). The breakfast is sponsored by First Coast Women’s Services and is acknowledge and pray for the sanctity of life.  Please RVSP by contacting Cheryl Gonzales at (904) 213-9374 or cgonzales@fcwsprc.org.

Duval County

Jacksonville Thursday, January 19^th at 7:30 am – Sanctity of Human Life Prayer Breakfast at Christian Family Chapel (10365 Old St. Augustine Road, 32257).  Sponsored by First Coast Women’s Services, the prayer breakfast is to acknowledge and pray for the Sanctity of Human Life. Please RSVP by contacting Cathy Perry at (904) 262-6300 or cperry@fcwsprc.org.

Jacksonville Monday, January 23^rd at 12 noon – March & Stand for Life Jacksonville at the US Federal Courthouse (300 Hogan Street).  Signs will be available for a peaceful procession around the Courthouse.  Speeches by Bishop Felipe Estevez and Mary Houston with Silent No More will be given at the steps of the Courthouse on Duval Street side at 1 pm.  For more information, call (904) 318-3517 or email jaxforlife@bellsouth.net

Jacksonville Monday January 23^rd at 10:30 am – Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (121 East Duval Street, 32202)

Escambia

Pensacola Friday, January 13^th at 6:30 pm – Vigil Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church (3131 Hyde Park Road, 32503).  Bishop Parkes will preside over the mass.  Overnight Eucharist Adoration in the Adoration Chapel will follow (until 7:30 am).

Pensacola Saturday, January 14^th at 9 am – Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church (140 W. Government Street, 32502).  The mass will be geared towards youth.

Pensacola Saturday, January 14^th at 10:30 am – Rally at Seville Square (399 Alcaniz Street, 32502).  The rally will begin at 10:30 with national and local speakers, followed by a mile-long walk through downtown Pensacola at 11:45 The event is sponsored by Emerald Coast Coalition for Life.  For questions or more information, contact Ernie Cyr at (850) 889-1035 or eccflife@gmail.com.

Pensacola Saturday, January 21^st at 8:00 am – 3^rd Annual Micah Mandate Run for Life (5k Run/Walk) at Olive Baptist 1836 Olive Road, 32514). This event is sponsored by Micah 6:8 Men’s Group in Pensacola. All the proceeds from the Run go to benefit Safe Harbor Pregnancy Medical Center in Pensacola. Registration is online at www.micahsix8.org. For questions, please contact John Stringfield at 850-393-0474 or stringfj@bellsouth.net.

Flagler County

Palm Coast Sunday, January 22^nd at 2 pm – Stand for Life at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (4600 Belle Terre Parkway, 32164).  Participants will line-up along Belle Terre Parkway and hold-up pro-life signs in recognition of the nearly 60 million lives lost to legalized abortion in the U.S. since 1973. Rain or shine.  Signs will be provided. If you have questions, please contact Andrew Shirvell by email at shirvell@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (734) 476-3916.

Indian River County

Vero Beach Sunday, January 22^nd at 2pm – 11^th Annual Stand for Life (Route 60 starting at 20^th Street).  This effort emphasizes the dignity of all life and everyone is encouraged to attend.  The chain will start at Route 60 starting at 20th St. and grow going west on both sides of the street.  Some signs will be provided.

Lake County

Mount Dora Sunday, January 15^th at 3 pm –  Sanctity of Human Life Service at The Lighthouse on Lake Dora in Grantham Point Park (311 South Tremain Street, 32757).  Pastor Don Feezer from Grand Island Baptist Church will speak.  The service is a Memorial to the 62+ million babies that have been lost to abortion since 1973 and a Celebration of lives that have been saved through the great work of pregnancy centers in our nation. In the event of inclement weather this service will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church (19535 Airport Rd, 32736).

Miami-Dade County

Miami Saturday, January 14^th at 10 am – 8^th Annual Miami Sanctity of Human Life Celebration and Prayer Encounter at Riverside Baptist Church (10775 SW 104^th Street, 33176).  This will be a time to celebrate the Sanctity of Human Life and to pray specifically for the Pregnancy Care/Resource Centers and Clinics in Miami. Special guest is Attorney David Gibbs III, the President and General Counsel of the National Center for Life and Liberty.  If you have any questions or concerns, contact Mary Lou Hendy at (863) 687-8811 ext. 223.

Miami Saturday, January 28^th at 9 am – Walk for Life Miami at St. John Vianney College Seminary (2900 SW 87th Ave, 33165).  For more information, you can contact the Sunset Respect Life Office at (305) 273-8507.

Orange County

Orlando Saturday, February 11^th at 9 am – Walk for Life Champion Kickoff Breakfast at Grace Hopper Hall, Baldwin Park (1913 Meeting Place, 32814). Breakfast will be served to inspire and equip attendees for the Walk for Life event being held on April 8^th.  To RSVP, please email valerie@choiceswomensclinic.com or call (407) 244-5527.

Osceola County

Kissimmee Saturday, January 21^st at 9:30 am – Roe vs. Wade Memorial (A Time to  Remember, Pray & Weep) at Planned Parenthood Kissimmee (610 Oak Commons Blvd, 34741). For more information, please call Pro-Life Action Ministries Central Florida at (407) 230-2557.

Polk County

Lakeland Friday, February 10^th at 6 pm – 4^th Annual Sanctity of Life Celebration at First Baptist Church at the Mall (1010 E Memorial Blvd, 33801). The event is sponsored by Polk County for Life.  You can visit http://polkcountyforlife.com/celebrate-life-2017/ for more information.

Sarasota County

Sarasota Friday, January 20^th at 8:30 am – 16^th Annual Prayer/Walk for Life at St. Martha Church (200 N. Orange Ave, 34236).  Mass with Bishop Frank Dewane will be held at 8:30 am.  From 9 am to 2 pm, a bus will shuttle participants to Planned Parenthood (736 Central Avenue) for the Walk. Refreshments will be made available in the hall. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Berdeaux at berdeaux@dioceseofvenice.org or (941) 484-9543.

St. Johns County

St. Augustine Saturday, January 14^th at 10:30 am – March for Life St. Augustine at Mission Nombre de Dios (27 Ocean Ave, 32084).  Live music and info booths start at 9:45. The procession will begin at the plaza at 10:30.  The event is for anyone who is pro-life and believes in the sanctity of all human life.  It is a chance to be a presence for those who cannot speak for themselves, no matter what your religious affiliation.  If you are coming with a group, feel free to bring a banner to represent your church! For more information, visit marchforlifestaugustine.com.

St. Lucie County

Ft. Pierce Saturday, January 21^st at 11:30 am – March for Life Treasure Coast at A Woman’s World Medical Center (503 S. 12^th St, 34952).  Meet at the corner of Delaware Avenue and 12^th street in front of the abortion clinic.  At 12 noon, participants will walk to City Hall (less than a mile) and there will be a rally at City Hall.  Shuttles will be available to return participants to their vehicles between 1:30 and 2.  If you do not want to participate in the march, you can meet at City Hall.  For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/TreasureCoastMarchforLife/.

If you have an event that is not listed here that you would like to have included, please let us know!  You can email it to info@flfamily.org.

The post Sanctity of Life Events – January 2017 appeared first on FFV.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today the Florida Legislature passed HB 1411: Termination of Pregnancies by Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) in the Senate and Rep. Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland) in the House of Representatives. The bill cuts state taxpayer funding to abortion clinics, including Planned Parenthood, all across Florida.

Under the terms of the bill, funds that would have gone to Planned Parenthood, will now be available to hundreds of deserving low-cost community health clinics and women’s health centers in Florida that provide a comprehensive range of women’s health services.

CONTACT: Nandi Randolph
Florida Family Policy Council
407-251-5130
info@flfamily.org

The post Florida Legislature Passes Bill Cutting State Funding to Planned Parenthood and other Abortion Providers appeared first on FFV.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2016

Pro-Life Leaders Re-Launch Campaign to Defund Planned Parenthood in FL
Demands Gov. Rick Scott Utilize Executive Action Immediately

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), led by President and General Counsel John Stemberger, has announced they will be re-launching a statewide campaign – on behalf of thousands of pro-life Floridians – calling on Gov. Rick Scott (R) to fully defund Planned Parenthood in the state, and redirect those funds to the more than 600 community health clinics in Florida.

The campaign – consisting of sustained grassroots and media efforts – will urge, and if necessary, demand that Governor Scott entirely strip Planned Parenthood of all state public funding sources within his influence, particularly the Medicaid contract, which makes up a substantial portion of Planned Parenthood’s taxpayers’ support.

FFPC is asking Governor Scott to take immediate executive action on the following two things:
1) Terminate Florida’s Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood.
2) Terminate the subcontracts of Title X funds with Broward and Collier County.

“We are now reenergizing our effort to lobby Governor Scott and continue to send him the message that he has a moral duty to defund the largest abortion provider in America and send those funds to other qualified health care providers, said John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council. “Just last two weeks Governor Sam Brownback defund Planned Parenthood in the state of Kansas and a Federal Judge in Utah upheld Utah’s Governor decision and authority to defund Planned Parenthood.”

“Governor Rick Scott has the clear legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse, and potential fraud,” Mr. Stemberger added. “In both his gubernatorial campaigns, Rick Scott campaigned that if elected he would be a pro-life Governor. We would now like him to take action like a pro-life Governor. The pro-life and pro-family community that supported the governor in the last two election must have their voices heard on the urgency of this matter, and we hope this rally will finally force the governor to listen.”

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is one of 38 other state based policy councils around the country which are associated with Focus on the Family. Many of these organizations are the leading pro-life, pro-family organizations in their respective states.

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The post Pro-Life Leaders Re-Launch Campaign to Defund Planned Parenthood in FL appeared first on FFV.

Article originally published in the Sun-Sentinel’s Opinion Section | Wednesday, December 9, 2015 | 9:44pm

Due to the windfall following the release of videos exposing Planned Parenthood‘s egregious behavior, Gov. Rick Scott continues to make excuses for his lack of action on stopping the flow of state taxpayer money to the organization in Florida. And both he and Politifact has fallen back to the excuse that because no court has yet formally “found” Planned Parenthood “guilty” of the sale of human tissue, there’s no reason to act.

Is this leadership? Is this what pro-life Floridians expected of the governor they twice went to the polls to support?

Six other states have completely rejected any funding for Planned Parenthood, including revoking Medicaid funds. Scott has the legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse and potential fraud,

Florida’s Planned Parenthood affiliates have not been guilty of all the apparent crimes of Planned Parenthood clinics in other states. However, there is a clear commonality of practice among clinics that ties them together, and the potential for abuse anywhere is rampant.

Regardless of whether a court ultimately rules against Planned Parenthood with regards to its willingness to sell baby body parts to tissue procurement companies, the facts and outstanding questions surrounding the group’s recorded actions should be noted.

Some defenders of the organization claim “Planned Parenthood said discussions of payments were only about recouping costs, not making a profit.” But if this were true, why wouldn’t Planned Parenthood act like an innocent party and outline precisely what its actual costs are with regards to transportation, implantation, processing, preservation, quality control and storage. The fact is, most procurement companies have staff inside clinics who handle all aspects of obtaining the baby body parts for sale.

It also begs the question of why the president of Planned Parenthood, Cecile Richards, admitted in her letter to Congress in August that some of her affiliates charge between $45-55 per specimen, and others charge $60 per specimen. If it’s not payment for actual costs, it’s profit. And that violates federal law.

The organization’s leaders also have yet to address other important questions the American people deserve to know, including why Planned Parenthood, as Richards also admits, sometimes alters abortion procedures without the woman’s consent to procure better fetal body parts, or allows infants to be born alive to then harvest their organs.

Whether or not Planned Parenthood claims to “maintain its policy is to report all suspected instances of sexual abuse,” on at least 12 occasions in states across the country, they have failed to report the sexual abuse, including rape, of young girls, and has instead performed abortions on these little girls to then return them back to their abusers. This is in direct violation of state laws requiring an organization like Planned Parenthood to report apparent sexual abuse of minors.

There are examples of Planned Parenthood’s continued failure to prioritize the health and safety of women and comply with state and federal law, not to mention its continued pattern and practice of engaging in waste, abuse and potential fraud of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. For any one of these reasons, Planned Parenthood should no longer be eligible to receive taxpayer dollars.

Most news outlets, and especially Politifact, have failed to examine any of Scott’s numerous false public claims to the effect that he lacked the legal authority to terminate Medicaid contacts because these were governed by federal law.

States considering termination of Medicaid Provider Agreements with Planned Parenthood are well within their legal rights. They are not required to qualify providers that are under investigation, that violate federal or state law or that act unethically. Indeed, according to the HHS Office of Inspector General, more than 9,000 providers have been excluded as Medicaid providers over the last two decades.

In the end, facts are facts. And the fact that Planned Parenthood has a rancid history is true. And no organization with such a history, and that is currently under investigation at every level should receive a dime from Florida taxpayers.

So let me restate to Gov. Scott: Do you stand for women’s health, or do you side with the money-hungry posers who put up the facade of caring about women’s health but time and again engage in a pattern and practice of behavior which would disqualify any other health care provider?

John Stemberger is president of the Florida Family Policy Council.
Copyright © 2015, Sun Sentinel

Article PDF Available HERE

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Click on the below image to download a copy of our exciting anniversary brochure (PDF).

We recently celebrated our 10th anniversary as an organization and produced this dynamic history video and beautiful anniversary brochure to give our supporters a concise overview of our accomplishments and achievements over the past decade. Thank you for your interest in our work and we would welcome your financial support by making an online contribution here.

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CONTACT: Ryan Hughes
Shirley & Banister Public Affairs
703-739-5920/800-536-5920
rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) announced that a movement of pro-life Floridians, represented and led by FFPC President John Stemberger and co-sponsored by the Students for Life’s Defund Planned Parenthood Bus Tour will hold a major rally at the Florida State Capitol. The rally, which will be held on Monday, December 7th, will bring together pro-life Floridians from all over the state to demand action from Governor Rick Scott by ending the state’s Medicaid and Title X contracts with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider.

The capitol rally heralds the next step in a statewide and national campaign to raise awareness of an issue that has received national attention. Mr. Stemberger sent a letter requesting action to the Governor and his office.

“Governor Rick Scott has the clear legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse, and potential fraud,” said Stemberger. “In both his gubernatorial campaigns, Rick Scott campaigned that if elected he would be a pro-life Governor. We would now like him to take action like a pro-life Governor. The pro-life and pro-family community that supported the governor in the last two election must have their voices heard on the urgency of this matter, and we hope this rally will finally force the governor to listen.”

Details of the capitol rally are as follows:

WHO: Pro-Life Taxpayers and National Speakers (TBA)

WHAT: Florida Taxpayer Rally to Defund Planned Parenthood

WHEN: Monday, December 7, 2015 | Rally: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET |

Pre-Rally with Music and Snacks from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

WHERE: Florida State Capitol, 400 S Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

HOW: Carpool with friends or FREE coach bus service from Miami and Orlando

(Contact info@FLFamily.org for departure times and locations)

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is one of 38 other state based policy councils around the country which are associated with Focus on the Family. Many of these organizations are the leading pro-life, pro-family organizations in their respective states.

For more information or to arrange an interview with John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Council, please contact Ryan Hughes with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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The post Pro-Life Taxpayers Plan Rally at Florida State Capitol to Demand Action appeared first on FFV.

Colorado Becomes the Latest State to Consider Defunding Planned Parenthood
Pro-Life Floridians Still Waiting for Leadership from Governor Rick Scott

TALLAHASSEE, FL – As Colorado becomes the latest state to consider ending taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), led by President and General Counsel John Stemberger, is urging Governor Rick Scott to follow the lead of Pro-Life Governors across the country by blocking state and federal taxpayer funds from going to Planned Parenthood in the State of Florida.

“How bad does it need to get before Governor Rick Scott realizes that he is wasting our taxpayer funds on a scandal ridden racketeering scheme?” questioned John Stemberger, President and General Counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council. “Scott has flat out refused to take any action to defund Planned Parenthood in Florida as six other states have done and instead has given four excuses which have been addressed and refuted here.”

FFPC is asking Governor Scott to take immediate executive action on the following two things:

1) Terminate Florida’s Medicaid contract with Planned Parenthood.
2) Terminate the subcontracts of Title X funds with Broward and Collier County.

Mr. Stemberger sent a letter requesting action to the Governor and his office.

“Governor Rick Scott has the clear legal authority to terminate Medicaid contracts with unqualified providers of services, and he now also has a moral, ethical and fiscal duty to do so given Planned Parenthood’s egregious conduct which includes waste, abuse, and potential fraud,” said Stemberger. “In both his gubernatorial campaigns, Rick Scott campaigned that if elected he would be a pro-life Governor. We would now like him to take action like a pro-life Governor.”

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, is one of 38 other state based policy councils around the country which are associated with Focus on the Family. Many of these organizations are the leading pro-life, pro-family organizations in their respective states.

For more information or to arrange an interview with John Stemberger, please contact Ryan Hughes with Shirley & Banister Public Affairs at rhughes@sbpublicaffairs.com or (703) 739-5920.

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The post Colorado Becomes the Latest State to Consider Defunding Planned Parenthood appeared first on FFV.

 

Reality Check on Governor Rick Scott’s Reasons For Not Defunding Planned Parenthood

1) GOVERNOR SCOTT’S CLAIM:
It would violate federal law if Governor Scott terminated Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid contract.
“In a rare moment of agreement, Scott and Planned Parenthood questioned the governor’s authority to do that. ‘If the state were to take action to exclude Florida Planned Parenthood affiliates from Medicaid this would be in clear violation of federal law,’ Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Goodhue wrote.  ‘Only around $45,000 in state match goes through the federal Medicaid program to Planned Parenthood offices in our state, and that is guided through the federal Medicaid formula in compliance with federal law,’ Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz wrote in an email.” –Margie Menzel, Oct 1, 2015, CBS / News Service of Florida 

REALITY:
States not only have the obligation, but the legal right to terminate the Medicaid contracts of those healthcare providers who are no longer deemed qualified.  In fact, the powers of a state Medicaid program to exclude a provider are broader than those of the federal government.  A state Medicaid program may exclude a health care provider from participation “for any reason for which the Secretary could exclude the [provider] from participation” (i.e., the grounds for discretionary exclusion enumerated above) “[i]n addition to any other authority.”  42 U.S.C. § 1396a(p)(1) (emphasis added). 

Moreover, exclusion of Medicaid providers for a variety of reasons is relatively common and rarely challenged.  According to the HHS Office of the Inspector General, over 9,000 providers have been excluded as Medicaid providers over the last two decades.  In Florida, executive action has terminated hundreds over the past two decades.  Exclusion of a Medicaid provider is thus nothing new.  It is a common experience for states to suspend or terminate a Medicaid provider’s participation in the program.  Planned Parenthood is no exception. 

Finally, it should be noted that the disqualification of Planned Parenthood from any state Medicaid program would not deny anyone a meaningful choice of providers.  Planned Parenthood represents a very small part of the Medicaid-eligible providers in every state.  Governor Scott clearly has the authority to disqualify Planned Parenthood, and he should not give Planned Parenthood a free pass.  Were they any other Medicaid provider, they would have already been disqualified. 

2) GOVERNOR SCOTT’S CLAIM:
Planned Parenthood receives state funding for good women’s health programs which do not violate any state or federal laws.“‘The state has contracts at three Planned Parenthood clinics which are used for newborn health screens and various health services.  Those contracts require Planned Parenthood to comply with all state and federal laws.’ [Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz]”–Margie Menzel, Oct 1, 2015, CBS / News Service of Florida

REALITY:
Our state tax dollars are not being sent to an organization which complies with all state and federal laws.  Planned Parenthood chapters across the country work together as a “federation” and have an extensive record of audits, investigations and fines for waste, fraud and illegal activity, and are currently being investigated, criminally and civilly, at every level for offenses including failure to report statutory rape, failure to comply with parental involvement laws, and failure to comply with health and safety clinic regulations. 

Women and children should have access to the best care.  Governor Scott can and should facilitate this goal by directing tax dollars away from Planned Parenthood and to one or more of the 600+ federally qualified community health clinics which are not scandal ridden and provide a broader spectrum of health services to women, men, and families.

 3) GOVERNOR SCOTT’S CLAIM:
When violations of the law are found, he investigates and enforces the law.
“’When we found that some of their [Planned Parenthood] facilities were not complying with state law, we held them accountable,’ Scott said in a statement released by his office.” — Brendan Farrington, Oct 1, 2015, Associated Press / SaintPetersBlog

REALITY:
The job of any Governor is to enforce the law, and we appreciate Governor Scott for doing that.  Yet any Governor, regardless of whether they are pro-life or pro-abortion, should enforce the law and hold people accountable for violating it. This includes dutifully investigating serious allegations of misconduct, and Planned Parenthood has certainly had its fair share of allegations. Governor Scott’s statements that he will ensure healthcare clinics comply with the law are at odds with this fact. Hundreds of thousands of Floridians have worked for and elected the Governor who ran on a platform vowing he would defend life and protect the health and safety of women. Under Governor Scott’s jurisdiction, however, Planned Parenthood in Florida and nationwide continues to avoid meaningful scrutiny despite waste, fraud and scandal.  We are simply asking Governor Scott to do what six other states have done to defund Planned Parenthood from receiving our state taxpayer dollars.

4) GOVERNOR SCOTT’S CLAIM
Governor Scott unapologetically refuses to defund Planned Parenthood just because he does not want to.
“Gov. Rick Scott has no interest in cancelling the state’s Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood. Spokeswoman Jackie Schutz confirmed that the governor has no intentions to cancel the contracts after the conservative Florida Family Policy Council went after Scott on Thursday, demanding that he cancel the contracts.” – Michael Auslen, Oct 2, 2015, Miami Herald

REALITY:
Hundreds of thousands of pro-life voters in Florida elected Governor Scott and this is the most important pro-life issue that has faced our state in decades. It is not unreasonable to request that Governor Scott provide strong pro-life leadership and join the other Governors around the country who have stopped hard earned state tax dollars from going to the unethical, fraudulent and wasteful organization that is Planned Parenthood. Taxpayer funding should be redirected, away from Planned Parenthood and toward clinics neither under investigation nor engaged in illegal activity, thereby revealing options that provide the best care for women and children. If Governor Scott continues to refuse to defund the largest abortion provider in America then this moral and leadership failure will sadly become a permanent part of his political legacy.

The post Reality Check on Governor Rick Scott’s 4 Reasons For Not Defunding Planned Parenthood appeared first on FFV.