Happy New Year! Are you ready to represent life in 2015? As a movement, we are starting out the year in a strong position: The majority of Americans do not support abortion on demand, we’ve put a pro-life majority in Congress, and more pro-life laws were put in to place in 2011 – 2013 than in the entire previous decade! It’s going to be a great year!

According to US News & World Report, there are a number of areas to keep your eyes on in the coming months. States have made major headway banning abortions after 20 weeks, the time at which pre-born infants can feel pain. More states will be hoping to enact this lifesaving law in 2015. Additionally, [mc_name name=”Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)” chamber=”senate” mcid=”M000355″ ] has promised to take up a federal bill banning abortions after 20 weeks. Laws pertaining to the safety, or lack thereof, of abortion clinics have also proven to be effective in protecting women and the unborn. 73 abortion clinics closed their doors in 2014 due to their inability to comply with basic safety regulations. In this area, however, pro-aborts are vigorously fighting back which means the courts will be deciding in 2015 whether or not abortion clinics must play by the same rules as other surgical facilities. One way abortion providers have skirted around surgical abortions has been to improperly use the abortion pill, RU-486, to induce abortion; even going so far as to monitor patients through a webcam instead of being present to assist with any emergencies. Considering the number of deaths due to the misuse of RU-486, it should come as no surprise that laws are being passed requiring the drug to be used exactly as it was intended. Look out for more states addressing the issues of RU-486 and webcam abortions in 2015.

Planned Parenthood has released their 2013-2014 annual report which shows that while abortions are down across the country, the abortion giant actually performed more abortions last year. Susan B. Anthony List has a must-see fact sheet that breaks down the most important take-aways from the report, including:

– Taxpayer funding accounts for 41% of Planned Parenthood’s overall revenue.

– In 2013, abortions made up 94% of Planned Parenthood’s pregnancy services, while prenatal care and adoption referrals accounted for only 5%.

– Planned Parenthood reported more than $127 million in excess revenue, and more than $1.4 billion in net assets.

As has been the case in years past, Planned Parenthood’s own report makes well the case for defunding the organization.

If you haven’t jumped in the movement yet, or even if you have, a fantastic opportunity is around the corner this month. The March For Life 2015 is on January 22! This huge gathering of pro-lifers is an amazing event that everyone can participate in, even if you can’t make it to the main event in Washington, DC. Live Action News has a list of ways you can get involved in the march this year, no matter your location. Additionally, you can start today spreading the word about #WhyWeMarch on social media.

And if you were looking for additional reasons as to #WhyWeMarch, check out this awesome video of the newest babies of 2015, courtesy Fisher-Price. May it renew your spirit, as it did mine, and provide a beautiful reminder of the important task with which we are blessed.

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Until next week, I pray blessings for you and for all committed to life in The Vine. Please feel free to email or tweet me with any stories you’d like to see covered. And don’t forget to check out The Vine’s list on Twitter to stay up-to-date on current news in the pro-life movement!

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