Washington D.C., Jun 10, 2013 / 23:13 pm
A new nationwide caucus is seeking to organize and recruit pro-life women to run for political office and pass legislation that will defend human life from the moment of conception.
"We need strong, articulate women in Washington and in state legislatures who will boldly support policies that respect and promote life," said Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). "I'm excited to support the National Pro-life Women's Caucus as it builds up the next generation of pro-life women leaders."
The creation of the caucus was announced on June 10 by the Susan B. Anthony List, an organization that supports pro-life women in pursuing political office.
The National Pro-life Women's Caucus will work to "foster community between pro-life women lawmakers across the country." It will encourage pro-life women to run for higher office and help them find the resources necessary to pass pro-life laws.
The caucus is being directed by former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, who represented Colorado's Fourth District in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms.
The leadership team of the new group also includes two state governors, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma and Jan Brewer of Arizona. Both have been instrumental in passing pro-life legislation in their states.
"Women are the best messengers when it comes to defending the lives of the unborn and the integrity of motherhood," Brewer said.
"I am proud to be a part of this national effort to highlight the leadership of lawmakers who are leading the charge to protect innocent unborn human life and women from the violence of abortion."
Four lieutenant governors also sit on the leadership team, including Sue Ellspermann (R-Ind.), Rebecca Kleefisch (R-Wis.), Kay Ivey (R-Ala.) and Kim Reynolds (R-Iowa).
Florida's attorney general, Pam Bondi, along with more than 20 state lawmakers from across the country are also part of the leadership team.
The new national caucus will enhance the efforts of the already-existing Congressional Pro-life Women's Caucus, which works to achieve similar goals among members of Congress.
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) said she hoped the new state-level caucus would provide women with the resources to advance pro-life legislation and to run for higher office.
"I hope to see many of its members joining me here in Congress soon," she said.