FFLNY Archived Press Releases

Pro-Life Feminist Purchases Birthplace of Susan B. Anthony

The birthplace of suffragist organizer Susan B. Anthony was sold at auction today, August 5, 2006, after unsuccessful efforts to find a buyer for the historic home in Adams, Massachusetts.

Carol Crossed, a member of the Board of Directors of Feminists for Life of New York, a Chapter of Feminists for Life of America, purchased the historic house.

While Feminists for Life of America will not own the house, the pro-life feminist organization will manage and care for the birthplace. FFL’s national office will remain in the Washington, D.C., area. A panel of experts will be assembled to determine the best use for the dwelling. Others who care about Susan B. Anthony will be provided a means to contribute ideas.

Feminists for Life continues the tradition of Susan B. Anthony and other early American suffragists who fought for women and children—born and unborn.

“Susan B. Anthony challenged us to address the root causes that drive women to abortion—the same problems that face women who parent today,” said FFL President Serrin M. Foster. FFL is dedicated to systematically eliminating the reasons that drive women to abortion—lack of practical resources and support—by challenging the status quo. “Women deserve better than abortion,” she added.

Feminists for Life uniquely works with people on both sides of a contentious debate to redirect energy toward woman-centered solutions. FFL focuses primarily on college campuses to address the unmet needs of pregnant and parenting students, including housing, child care, maternity coverage and telecommuting options. FFL’s College Outreach Program inspired federal legislation currently being considered, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnancy and Parenting Act. Stanton, together with Anthony, led the first women’s movement.

FFL has also worked alongside other women’s organizations for the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, for enhanced child support enforcement and against the child exclusion provisions in welfare reform. FFL also championed Laci and Connor’s Law, as well as health care coverage for poor and pregnant women through the State Child Health Insurance Program.

“We are thrilled and grateful that Carol Crossed stepped forward to buy Susan B. Anthony’s birthplace,” said Foster. Feminists for Life recognized Crossed in 2003 year as a “Remarkable Pro-Life Woman.” Crossed lives in Rochester, New York, the home of Susan B Anthony during her later years of activism.

Susan B. Anthony died 100 years ago. Foster thanked the new owner of Anthony’s birthplace for all she is doing to “keep the memory of Susan B. Anthony alive, and giving birth to a new legacy. We hope that this purchase will renew interest in the early American feminists.”

Established in 1972, Feminists for Life of America is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that seeks real solutions to the challenges women face. Feminists for Life’s efforts are shaped by the core feminist values of nondiscrimination, nonviolence and justice for all. More information about our rich 200-year-old pro-life feminist legacy and FFL’s work to advance holistic solutions for women can be found at www.feministsforlife.org.
Feminists for Life is a 501(c) 3 organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Thank you!

Feminists for Life of New York to converge on Albany

Contact: Mary Dwelley, (585) 482-0048; Meg Smerbeck, (585) 381-6575
When: March 7, 2006
Where: Capitol Building, Albany, New York
Who: Feminists for Life of New York (FFLNY) a pro-woman, pro-life organization will be visiting legislators in Albany to bring their message promoting the welfare, rights and dignity of women and children.

“We are there to raise concern about emergency contraception and embryonic stem cell research,” said Mary Dwelley, President of the State organization. “Our concern about these practices is how they may adversely effect the health of women. Who better to say that than feminists?”

FFLNY’s uncommon message highlights that “Women Deserve More”

More than feminist platitudes that have posed the same answer to difficult questions for 30 years
More than emergency contraception loaded with chemicals not yet proven harmless to our bodies
More than unproven embryonic stem cell research that expects women to donate eggs for the creation, exploitation and destruction of life

This is FFLNY’s 5th year to educate the NY State Legislature. Previous issues the group has advocated for include an increase in minimum wage, elimination of the death penalty, legislation for unborn victims of violence, health care and affordable day care.

FFLNY is a state chapter of Feminists for Life of America.

“The Science and Ethics of Stem Cells and Cloning”
April 25, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Monroe Community College, Campus Center, Monroe A & B, Bldg 3

Contacts: Meg Smerbeck 381-6575 and Mary Dwelley 482-0048
Main Speaker - Tadeusz Pacholczyk, PhD in Neuroscience, Yale University; Dir. of Education, National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia
Response: Mark Noble, PhD in Genetics, Stanford University; Prof. of Genetics and Prof. of Neurogenetics and Anatomy, Univ. of Rochester Med. Ctr.
Response: Kathleen Gallagher, Legislative Advocate in Albany

“A lively dialogue is the dream of every journalist and reporter,” according to Suzanne Schnittman, of Feminists for Life of New York, the program sponsor. “This evening promises such a discussion. Embryonic Stem Cell Research is an issue that won’t go away. It’s an issue few understand. It’s an issue that could change our lives.”

It is seldom that the community has access to both sides of a controversial issue like EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH (ESCR). From Christopher Reeves to Ron Reagan, Jr. to arm-chair scientists across the country, Americans have been flooded with opinions about this potential breakthrough in science.

What drives the ESCR debate?

Emotions? The desperate longing to find cures for relatives and friends trapped in illness?
Moral positions? The defense against what many see as the destruction of embryonic life?
Money? The race among states and institutions to attract research funds?
Women’s issues? The source of women’s eggs, which make ESCR possible?

Feminists for Life of NY designed this program, the first of its kind in Rochester, to answer questions like these.

Program:

Dr. Pacholczyk will present the science of ESCR, then comment on moral concerns.
Dr. Noble will contribute his comments on the science of stem cells.
Ms. Gallagher, expertly versed in legislative issues, will discuss the ramifications of ESCR for New York State, currently seeking funds for an institute for further study.
The audience will have the opportunity to question anyone they wish.

More information on the FFLNY position on ESCR (including concerns involving science, ethics, finances, and women’s health)

Additional Information on the Speakers:

“Good science should be the point of departure for doing ethical analysis,” Pacholczyk maintains. “I always do the first half of my talks just on the science. The second half I focus on the moral concerns.”

This statement by the internationally known scientist and expert in stem cell research convinced Feminists for Life of New York that Dr. Pacholczyk was the perfect choice to address both embryonic and adult stem cell research. We chose Dr. Mark Noble to respond because he is an excellent representative of the rich science community at the University of Rochester Medical Center and has a long history of involvement in stem cell research.

Dr. Tad Pacholcyzk holds a doctorate in neuroscience from Yale University, as well as undergraduate degrees in philosophy, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and chemistry. A Catholic priest who has completed advanced studies in theology and bioethics in Rome, his post-doctoral work was conducted through Harvard Medical School at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he made use of DNA sequencing to study the structure of membrane sodium pumps. The solid science stands him in good stead to navigate the difficult subject of cloning and embryonic stem cell research, now embroiled in political and ethical debates.

Dr. Pacholcyzk summarizes his theme below:

“An embryo is a human being, a being that is human, that is not some other kind of animal. Whether it’s a person yet at the moment of conception, whether it’s been ensouled — those are very interesting intellectual discussions but they’re not ultimately relevant. In the moral analysis, what’s critical is that once you’re a being who is human, a being with the potential to become an adult, then you are a bearer of human rights.”

Dr. Mark Noble holds a doctorate in genetics from Stanford University. His current areas of research are developmental maladies, tissue repair, toxicology, and cancer. A frequent local lecturer on stem cell research, Noble’s post-doctoral work was at the University College of London. His subsequent 3 positions were also in London. In 1995 he moved to the University of Utah at Salt Lake City, where he served as Professor of Oncological Sciences. In 2000 Noble came to the University of Rochester as Professor of Genetics and Professor of Neurobiology and Anatomy.

Ms. Kathy Gallagher, a Legislative Advocate in Albany for the past 10 years, and an FFLNY member, will focus on the recent proposal in the New York State legislature that would designate funds to create an institute on stem cell research.

Contact: Cat Clark
National Office Coordinator
202-737-3352
February 9, 2005
For Immediate Release

New Voice for Women and Children at United Nations
Feminists for Life Granted Non Governmental Organizational Status

Feminists for Life (FFL) has been designated as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

"We look forward to sharing our message that Women Deserve Better^® with international audiences at the United Nations headquarters in New York, UN offices in Geneva and Vienna, and at special international conferences around the world," said FFL President Serrin Foster.

The UN Council recognized the woman- and child-centered issue advocacy of Feminists for Life as a special competence that will contribute to the work of the Council when it granted special consultative status to the organization.

"Many of the problems women in developing countries face today are the same problems faced by our feminist foremothers. And like them, our feminist foremothers championed the rights of women to vote, to be educated, to own property and to be protected from abortion. We proudly continue their legacy," said Foster. "Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. We look forward to focusing attention on the unmet needs of women that often drive women to abortion worldwide-primarily lack of resources and support-through holistic, woman-centered solutions."

FFL's international director, Marie Smith is also excited about the new challenges and opportunities awaiting FFL as an NGO. "We are eager to work with other NGOs to question abortion as the answer to women's pressing health, economic and educational needs. Women in the developing world need governments to commit to prenatal care, safe deliveries and postnatal care to save women's lives. They need access to education and help through programs like micro-credit loans to feed their families. Destroying members of her family through abortion does not end a poor woman's poverty. She deserves lasting solutions. She deserves better than abortion."

Violence against women and children around the world is a great concern to Feminists for Life. According to Smith, "The early American feminists opposed slavery in their day. Trafficking of women and children for sex and forced labor are modern day slaveries. It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of our feminist foremothers and join others at the United Nations to actively work to end these horrific practices. We hope to influence delegates to take action to protect women and children from all violence, including the violent act of abortion." Foster agreed, "Domestic violence-especially against pregnant women-must also be addressed."

Feminists for Life is guided by the basic tenets of feminism: nonviolence, nondiscrimination and justice for all. In the U.S. FFL has advocated for the Violence Against Women Act, Family and Medical Leave, and enhanced child support enforcement as well as policies and resources on campus for pregnant and parenting students.

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Feminists for Life can be found on the web at www.feministsforlife.org.

The Abortion Breast Cancer (ABC) Link (talk):
Joel Brind, PhD (Professor of Biology and Endocrinology, Baruch College)
Angela Lanfranchi, MD, FACS (Breast Surgeon, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School)

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 7:00pm
Rochester Academy of Medicine
1441 East Avenue, Rochester

Contact:
Jessica Shanahan, (585) 385-2456 or (585) 957-1617
Suzanne Schnittman (585) 473-1146

“One of the most preventable causes of breast cancer is abortion,” said Jessica Shanahan of Feminists for Life of New York. “On April 28 we invite the medical community and general public to hear Drs. Joel Brind and Angela Lanfranchi document the Abortion Breast Cancer (ABC) connection. Outstanding in the field of cancer research, the speakers have written and spoken extensively on this subject. 29 out of 40 worldwide studies independently conclude that abortion is one cause of breast cancer. In its sponsorship of this program Feminists for Life continues its ongoing advocacy for women. The program is made possible through the help of community grants and over 30 medical doctors in the community who have lent their support as a member of the planning committee. One hour of category one Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit is available through participation for health professionals.

Q&A. Reception. Open free to the public. For more information, contact www.fflny.org or visit www.AbortionBreastCancer.com

Feminists for Life of New York Legislative Advocacy Day

Tuesday, March 23, 2004, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
State Capitol, Albany
Contacts:
Suzanne Schnittman (Rochester) 585-473-1146, 585-233-8518
Florence Scarinci (Long Island) 516-328-8134

Feminists for Life of New York will meet with 60 members of the state legislature on Tuesday. The volunteer advocates represent hundreds of pro-woman, pro-life feminists from across the state. The activists will be focusing on two key pieces of legislation that affirm and protect women and children. FFLNY will be supporting:

Unborn Victims of Violence Act, A.7524 / S.403
This bill would establish that if an unborn child is injured or killed during the commission of an already state-defined crime of violence, the assailant may be charged two offenses; one on behalf of the pregnant woman and the other on behalf of her unborn child. The UVV bill specifically excludes any act of legal abortion or act of the mother. This bill has already passed in the Senate.

Empire Wage Act, A.9710 / S. 3291
This bill would increase the minimum wage in New York from $5.15 to $7.10. An increase in the minimum wage will improve the lives of all minimum-wage earners, especially women and their children. Women are single heads of households and minimum-wage earners more often than their male counterparts. This bill has already passed in the Assembly.

Pro-life demonstrators will gather at the Gannett Newspaper in Rochester, New York to protest the biased coverage of the March for Life.

Contacts: Carol Crossed (585) 442-8497, Mary Jo Maurer (585) 342-3216
What: Rally to Protest Biased Newspaper Reporting
Where: In front of the Democrat & Chronicle
When: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at 12:30 pm

A story about the March, which ran in Gannett's Democrat and Chronicle on January 23, 2004, was titled ' Rally Supports Roe v. Wade '. The 140 people who went from Rochester, however, were there to oppose Roe v. Wade.

"The Democrat & Chronicle has degenerated from bias to outright deception or incompetence," said Carol Crossed, President of Democrats for Life of America, one of eight pro-life organizations participating in the demonstration. "We will be there to rename the Gannett paper, "The Delusion & Confusion."

Since 1999, members of Rochester's pro-life community has met with the editor, managing editor, reporters, and editorial board to discuss the newspaper's biased reporting. They intend to storm the paper and demand an explanation for the January 23, 2004 story.

The pro-life groups' representatives plan to share with the paper's executives an opinion piece supporting abortion rights and which was written by the reporter of the biased story. The opinion piece was run in the D & C. "The reporter has demonstrated that her judgement is not objective enough to write for a newspaper. She should be left to be a commentator," said Mary Jo Maurer, organizer of the 3 buses that carried protesters to the March.

The group wants to know from the newspaper if the title of the article was biased reporting or was a gross mistake. "We are open to hearing their explanation," Crossed said.

"The irony is that if the newspaper has the decency to cover the event, the story will probably be titled ' Rally supports Gannett '," said Maurer.

June 5, 2003

Crosseds To Receive Seventh Annual Leo Holmsten Human Life Award

LEO HOLMSTEN HUMAN LIFE COMMITTEE, INC.
100 Sagamore Drive; Rochester, New York 14617
585-266-2266; Fax 585-342-9238

The Seventh Annual Leo Holmsten Human Life (LHHL) Award will be presented on September 16th to Carol and Richard (Dick) Crossed. Carol has been a prominent pro-life movement leader, founding and representing numerous organizations. Her husband, Dick, also long involved in diverse pro-life activities, is a successful Rochester businessman and land developer. Through the years, he has used his unique opportunities to challenge abortionists and provide help for battered women.

LHHL award recipient(s) are determined by the nominations and voting of the Leo Holmsten Human Life Committee, past award recipients and 15 co-sponsoring organizations.

The LHHL Committee is comprised of individuals who believe in the God-given principle that human life is sacred and should be nurtured from the moment of conception through natural termination in death. The committee seeks to unite disparate, life-affirming groups and organizations in promoting identification and public recognition of area individuals demonstrating sustained achievement and promoting related, legal pro-life activity in the defense of innocent, human life.

Carol and Dick Crossed have played a major role in the LHHL Committee’s mission, dedicating many years to helping others, particularly the unborn and their LHHL Award to Crosseds -2-(Hare) mothers. Carol currently serves as President of Democrats for Life of America. In June, 2002, she and U. S. Representative James Oberstar were both recognized for their work in making the Democratic Party more hospitable to pro-life candidates and voters. In 2000, Carol was awarded the prestigious Gaudete Medal from Saint Bonaventure University. In 1988, she founded the New York State chapter of Feminists for Life.

Among her many other accomplishments, Carol was instrumental in filing an amici of 28 national figures and 24 organizations in the case Now v. Pro-Life Action which passed, 8 to 1, in the U.S. Supreme Court. (The decision states that pro-life people may peacefully protest and not be charged under RICO laws.) Carol is a prolific writer whose essays often appear in guest columns in the Democrat and Chronicle. She is currently President of Brighton Residents Against Violence to Children, Inc. (BRAVE) and President of the Charles and Mary Crossed Foundation.

Dick’s pro-life record is equally impressive. Over the past five years he has served as the financial contributor and advisor to the foundation which has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to various pro-life causes. Currently he is President of Conifer Realty. Prior to this, from 1995-2000, he served as Vice-President of Home Properties of New York. In 1996, he was instrumental in seeking approval to discontinue the renewal of the lease of abortion doctor Morris Wortman. That was a bold move for a public company and legal battles with the abortion provider ensued.

In 1996, Dick completed building Sojourner House, a home for women and children in transition. He accepted no profit. In the ‘90s, he played a major role in Citizens for United Way Responsibility, organizing local business leaders in opposing Planned Parenthood’s opening of an abortion clinic at their office on University Avenue.

Through their philanthropy and dedication, Carol and Richard Crossed have changed the lives and hearts of many people in the abortion movement, from women who have decided to keep their babies to people who have switched to the side of life. In addition, they have housed and nurtured young, pregnant women and their children in their home.

Leo Holmsten, M.D. was an obstetrician-gynecologist until his death in 1997. The award, bearing his name, is presented annually to a person(s) who, as he had:

Works to build respect for the sanctity of innocent, human life
Uses skills, training, talent in available opportunities
Follows the Judeo-Christian ethic

Voting for the 2003 Award recipient(s) was done by past recipients David Hoselton, Jeanne Sweeney, R.N. & Thomas Sweeney, M.D., Rev. James Hewes, Hon.

Joseph E. Robach, William Morehouse, M.D., and Barbara Holmsten, representing her husband Leo. The co-sponsoring organizations, joining Rochester Area Right to Life Committee, Inc. Education Fund (RARTL), also voted., i.e. Birthright of Rochester, Brighton Residents Against Violence to Children, Inc. :(BRAVE)., COMPASSCARE Pregnancy Services: (CPS), Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, Feminists for Life of Western New York, Greater Rochester Association of Evangelicals: (GRAE), His Branches, Problem Pregnancy Help Center, Pro-Life Network, Project Rachel, Roberts Wesleyan College, Salvation Army, St. Luke Medical Association and St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild.

The award presentation will be done on Tuesday evening, September 16th at the Clarion Riverside Hotel. The LHHL Committee, as well as all co-sponsors will distribute invitations and fliers for the use of their members and the general public in making reservations to attend the event. If you would like more information, a flier or invitation, please contact Gerry Oftedahl: 585-266-2266.

May 14, 2003

Feminists for Life in New York Celebrate Senate Passage of Unborn Victims of Violence Bill

Contacts:

Rochester: Jessica Shanahan, President, (585) 385-2456
Carol Crossed - (585) 442-8497 / 473-6743
Albany: Mary Ziegler - (518) 372-9762
Syracuse: Christina Fitch - (315) 457-5362 / Cell: (315) 382-2763
Buffalo: Linda Beth Flack - (716) 856-5827
New York City: Brenda Becker - (718) 469-5107

Saying it's time that pregnant women and their children are treated with equal protection under the law, Feminists for Life of New York praise NY State Senate for joining other states in making it a homicide to murder a woman's unborn child.

According to Suzanne Schnittman, a domestic violence expert and member of the Board of Directors of FFLNY, homicide is the leading cause of death to pregnant women (20%) v 6% for non-pregnant women.

The murders of Laci Peterson and her unborn son Connor Peterson brought national attention to the discrepancy among states' unborn victims of homicide legislation. In California as in 28 other states, Connor Peterson was considered a victim of murder. In New York, he would not have been considered a murder victim. "This is inequity in the law, and we want to bring New York up to par with other states that have a more expansive interpretation of human rights," said Schnittman.

In response to some extremist women's organizations that claim the new bill will threaten a woman's right to chose abortion, FFLNY notes that abortion is exempted from the legislation. "And besides, if you are really 'pro-choice' to abort, then you would be just as pro choice for a woman to give birth. You would be just as opposed to taking a pregnant mother's choice away from her too," says Jessica Shanahan, President of Feminists for Life of New York. "And there is no more violent a way to take away her choice than through homicide."

FFLNY, a pro-life and pro-woman organization, is a chapter of the National Organization of Feminists for Life of America. New York State members met in early April with over 70 State Senators and Assembly persons to promote passage of the legislation.

" Our next big push is to pass this in the Assembly," says Shanahan. "Every member who is pro-life and those who claim to be pro-'choice' should support this bill."

How Would Laci Peterson's Son Fare in New York State?

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Contacts:
Carol Crossed, (585)473-6743 (home office)
Suzanne Schnittman, (585) 233-8515 (cell available 24 hours)

Date: Friday, April 25 - Wednesday, April 30

What: Statewide tour of Feminists for Life launched in Rochester to draw attention to plight of pregnant victims of violence and their children.

Who: Carol Crossed and Suzanne Schnittman, Feminists for Life of New York Board Members, begin a five-day tour to New York State news agencies from Buffalo to Long Island, where they will join other state representatives scheduled along the way.

" Recent attention to the murder of Laci and Conner Peterson in California provides an opportunity to promote legislation that Feminists for Life has been championing for more than a year," explains Schnittman. "The Rochester murder of Zaneta Browne, pregnant with twins, makes our community one of many, unfortunately, where we can begin a talking tour to promote the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. This bill, which awaits action in the Assembly (A.693) and the Senate (S.403) allows both victims of assault or murder, mother and unborn child, to be recognized when a pregnant woman is attacked.

" We are attending the sentencing of Keya Ponder, convicted with her husband Jerold of murdering pregnant Zaneta Browne, to point out the inconsistencies of justice systems across the country. In 26 states the unborn are considered murder victims along with their mothers, which makes Scott Peterson, accused of killing his wife and child, eligible for capital punishment. In New York State the twins of Zaneta Browne are not considered victims. While Feminists for Life strongly opposes the death penalty, we'd like to see consistency not only in the sentencing but in the definition of victims."

March 30, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Carol Crossed at (585) 442-8497 / 473-6743,
FFLNY Community Affairs Coordinator
Mary Ziegler at (518) 372-9762,
FFLNY Albany Area Liaison

“WOMEN DESERVE BETTER THAN ABORTION"
Emmy Award Winner Patricia Heaton Featured on
Pro-woman / Pro-life Billboard in Albany, New York

A pro-life billboard on Interstate 90 in the heart of the State Capitol features Patricia Heaton, twice-Emmy award winner from the popular TV show Everybody Loves Raymond.

"Refuse to Choose. Women Deserve Better than Abortion' , the billboard's message is directed to our New York State legislators," according to Carol Crossed, Community Affairs Coordinator for Feminists for Life of New York (FFLNY). Heaton is Honorary Chair of the group’s National affiliate Feminists for Life of America, Inc.

The billboard, which debuted this week at the I-90 and Everritt Road intersection, was paid for by members across New York State, but especially in the Albany area. "Thanks to the extreme generosity of our members, we exceeded our fundraising goal. This will allow Heaton's image and her pro-life / pro-woman message to go up in other cities across New York," says Jessica Shanahan, FFLNY President.

A second billboard "Abortion has two victims: One Dead. One Wounded", sponsored by Feminists for Life of New York, will appear simultaneously with Patricia Heaton. It will be located at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 787.

Support our new Billboard

February 26, 2003
Contact: Carol Crossed, Board Member FFLNY, Community Relations (585) 442-8497 or Feminists for Life of New York office at (585) 234-5416

FEMINISTS FOR LIFE PRAISES SUPREME COURT "RICO" DECISION : NY members had actively sought reversal for financial intimidation to civil disobedience brought by lower court rulings.

ROCHESTER, NY - Feminists For Life of New York praised today's 8-to-1 Supreme Court ruling that RICO laws had been wrongly used to punish prolife groups and individuals protesting at abortion clinics.

The National Organization for Women and several abortion clinics sued demonstrators in 1986 using RICO to win large sums of damages for interfering with clinic business. NOW alleges that peaceful protest in front of abortion clinics is a form of racketeering and extortion, and that those who engage in such peaceful protest are in essence engaging in violent acts meant to obtain property.

Feminists for Life of America and Feminists for Life of New York filed amici briefs in the case along with a plethora of groups involved in social action, from anti-war and animal rights activists to civil rights and free speech groups.

On December 4, 2002, Carol Crossed, longtime activist for peace, Native American rights and the unborn, spoke in front of the U.S. Supreme Court justices in the case of NOW v. Pro-Life Action League. Ms. Crossed has led the national effort of Feminists for Life on this issue for over 10 years and is the current President of Democrats for Life of America. To read an opinion piece on the subject by Ms. Crossed, visit www.fflny.org

Today's decision upholds the long-standing American tradition of civil disobedience to effect social change and protest unjust laws. It comes on the heels of the Court's action Monday to let stand an Indiana law requiring a waiting period and certain counseling before an abortion can be performed, an action also welcomed by FFLNY.

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2002

CONTACT: JESSICA C. SHANAHAN
PRESIDENT, FEMINISTS FOR LIFE OF NY
PHONE: (585) 385-2456

UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE PASSES THE NYS SENTATE

On Wednesday, May 15, the New York State Senate passed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (S.57-B) by a vote of 39 to 19. It marked the first time in history that either house in the New York State Legislature has taken action to include unborn children as individuals to be protected from crimes of homicide and assault under the state's criminal statutes.

“We are thrilled!” said Jessica Shanahan, President of Feminists for Life of New York, “Women who are pregnant face a significantly greater risk of being abused. Finally they will get the legal protection they deserve for their unborn children. Victories for the unborn and for women seem far and few, but this is definitely one we won. Now we just have to get the Assembly to act.”

FFLNY members went to Albany on April 16 and met with Legislators about the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.

Senator Serphin Maltese (R - Queens), the prime sponsor of the bill, led the floor debate by defining his proposal as a "victims' rights bill," and a "women's rights bill." He cited horrific real life cases of violence against women and their unborn children in New York State, as well as strong public support for his bill, as reflected in an April 2001 Gallup poll.

Senator Richard Dollinger (D - Monroe) led the opposition to the bill, offering amendments that would simply increase penalties for crimes against pregnant women without recognizing the second victim of each such crime, the unborn child. The amendments were defeated.

Senator Ray Meier (R - Utica) offered an impassioned plea in favor of the bill, noting that both houses of the Legislature had recently passed "Buster's Law," making it a felony in New York State to torture or kill a domestic animal. "This state offers more protection to those who lose a dog or a cat than to a woman who loses a very much wanted child," he declared.

Feminists for Life of New York is a state chapter of Feminists for Life of America, a non-profit national organization headquartered in Washington, DC. We oppose all forms of violence, including abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment, as they are inconsistent with the core feminist principles of justice, non-violence, and non-discrimination.

What: Feminists for Life of New York Lobby Day
When: Tuesday, April 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: State Capital, Albany

Contacts: Carol Crossed (Rochester): 585-385-2456
Chris Fitch (Syracuse): 315-382-2763
Jill Murman Payne (Long Island): 585-233-8518

Feminists for Life of New York will hold meetings with 40 members of the State Legislature on Tuesday. They will represent hundreds of pro-woman, pro-life feminists fromacross the state in this effort to promote measures that affirmwomen and children. One of the major efforts will be to support:

Unborn Victims of Violence Act, A9908 and S57-B

This bill would establish that if an unborn child is injured or killed during the commission of an already-defined state crime of violence against a pregnant woman, then the assailant may be charged with a second offense on behalf of the second victim, the unborn child.

Additionally, Feminists for Life members will share slightly unconventional positions unique to their group. These include measures that defend women against domestic violence, especially at her vulnerable time of pregnancy, prenatal insurance for the unsured, affordable daycare, and Women's Right to Know Legislation that will make provisions like ultrasounds and information about fetal development part of all women's healthcare.

For Immediate Release:
February 15, 2001

Contact:
Amy Crossed-Rieck, Board Member
Feminists for Life of New York
(716) 461-1541

Mike Epstein / Kerri Kiniorski
Vital Choices
(716) 426-3276

New York State Women Set Their Policy Agenda, Voice Dissatisfaction with Government

A new poll shows that when asked what the government can do to help women, NYS women prioritize health care and gender pay equity. What's more, NYS women are dissatisfied with the way their representatives in Albany and Washington are handling those issues.

Quality health care is the top priority for women-63% rank this as the first, second, or third most important of eight issues. Gender pay equity ranks second (60%).
Less than half of women (41%) who rate health care and equal pay as one of their top three priorities are satisfied with how the government has handled these issues.

"Women want better health care and economic equity. Their dissatisfaction on these issues is no surprise, considering that the Institute for Women's Policy Research rates NY as the worst state for women's health and well-being," said Jessica Shanahan, President of Feminists for Life of New York (FFL-NY). "As we celebrate the birthday of Susan B. Anthony on February 15th, we must call on our representatives to open their ears to women's needs and wants, and to do better."

The next most important issues to women are ensuring affordable, quality child care (39%) and raising the minimum wage (35%). Of all eight issues tested, women are least satisfied with the government's work on child care (28%).

Policies intended to help mothers and ease the tension between family and work priorities are less important. Twenty-eight percent prioritize affordable housing for new mothers, as well as flexible work schedules, and 22% emphasize family and medical leave.

Maintaining the right to have an abortion ties family and medical leave for the least important of these eight issues (22%). The study also dispels the idea that low-income women are the most concerned about maintaining the right to have an abortion.

Only 13% of women with household incomes below $15,000 place this much emphasis on abortion rights, while 38% of wealthier women ($80,000+) do so.

Commissioned by FFL-NY and conducted by the public policy organization Vital Choices, the poll included 611 randomly selected women in New York State. The overall margin of sampling error is +/- 4%.

For Immediate Release
November 27, 2000
Contact: Jessica Shanahan, President
Feminists for Life of New York
(716) 899-6698 or 234-5416

FEMINIST BILLBOARD DEBUT-ABORTION HAS TWO VICTIMS

Rochester, NY - To accentuate that women are also victims of abortion, Feminists for Life of New York (FFLNY) produced a billboard to educate the public. The message, "Abortion Has Two Victims. One Dead. One Wounded," is located at I-490, East Avenue, and Winton Road and will run through at least the end of the year. The billboard was made possible by FFLNY members in the Rochester area.

We often hear about only the unborn child in abortion. "This is only half the truth. Many women suffer psychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical damage from abortion," says FFLNY Vice President Mary Dwelley.

In 1993, a similar Rochester billboard on I-490 was defaced three times. Again in 1998, an FFLNY billboard celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention was vandalized twice. This year's billboard was placed in a way to prevent easy access for vandals. "This in itself is an indication of the pain and denial women experience because of abortion. . . . . Maybe seeing the message in black and white will help overcome the denial that exists," says FFLNY President Jessica Shanahan.

The billboard has been up for just a few days and already FFLNY has received numerous calls and e-mails. "So far, all feedback has been positive," says Joanne T. Facci, billboard fundraising coordinator. One caller said it was the most powerful billboard he had ever seen.

HELP SUPPORT THE BILLBOARD

(print this form out - .pdf form - If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, download it here for free.)

Subject: Feminists For Life of New York Criticizes Hillary Rodham Clinton Campaign Stop
Source: Feminists For Life of New York Speaking Out Piece, August 24, 2000
Contact: Chris Fadden Fitch, Director of Public Affairs, 1-315-457-5362, in Syracuse, NY

"Hillary Clinton Misrepresents Susan B. Anthony's on Abortion"

by Christine Fadden Fitch

Hillary Rodham Clinton's recent campaign stop at the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, New York ("Invoking Suffragists, Mrs. Clinton seeks votes from women," August 23, 2000, New York Times), would give the impression that if Ms. Anthony were alive, she would be standing in agreement and cheering along as Mrs. Clinton promotes an unquestionable right to abortion. But this is far from true: Using the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester, NY, to promote abortion on demand is antithetical to Anthony's own clear position on abortion.

In a campaign season when we are hearing the mantra, "a women's right to choose!" repeated with increasing boldness and frequency, American women (and men) more and more are responding, "choose what?" With the recent Supreme Court ruling on partial birth abortion, we can no longer be vague or unclear what is being chosen when a pregnancy is terminated, and neither was Anthony.

Anthony's newspaper, THE REVOLUTION, refused ads for abortifacients. In her essay on Marriage and Maternity, (The Revolution, July 8, 1869), Anthony called abortion, "the horrible crime of child-murder" and "infanticide." And she laid the responsibility for having an abortion not only on the woman, but "thrice times" upon the man who led her to "the dreadful deed."

Today's radical feminists' support for abortion seems particularly ironic considering that the early suffragists long ago rejected the notion that women are the property of their husbands, or that a woman's worth depends on her desirability to a man. Is it not hypocritical to turn around and impose those same unjust standards on our unborn children?

Elizabeth Cady Stanton made that clear in a letter to Julia Ward Howe stating, "When we consider that women are treated as property, it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed of as we see fit" (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, October 16, 1878)..

Mrs. Clinton may like to believe the early suffragists would applaud her efforts to promote abortion as a woman's right, but she commits revisionist "herstory" and intellectual suicide to do so. If she wants to promote the right to choose to destroy unborn children as a form of women's liberation, and that in the birthplace of the women's rights movement, that's her choice. But it is a misuse of Susan B. Anthony's name and the principles of justice and radical egalitarianism - true equality of women and men, both born and unborn - espoused by the great New York feminists to do so.

Feminists For Life of New York is an affiliated chapter of Feminists For Life of America. We can be reached at (585) 234-5416, or e-mail to info@fflny.org. Our Web site is www.fflny.org.