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If you haven’t heard the latest news:
In a landmark decision on June 26, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Carolina in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, affirming the state’s right to exclude abortion providers from its state Medicaid program.
“We are grateful the Supreme Court has recognized the right of states to direct taxpayer dollars toward life-affirming healthcare providers,” said Tobias. “No one should be forced to subsidize the abortion industry with their tax dollars.”
The case centered on South Carolina’s decision to terminate Planned Parenthood South Atlantic from its Medicaid program due to its involvement in abortions. The Court ruled that Medicaid functions as a contract between the states and federal government, and as such, the “any-qualified-provider” provision does not confer a clear and unambiguous individual right.
The Supreme Court’s decision also signals a broader shift in the legal landscape following the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. In this new era, states are increasingly empowered to enact and defend laws that protect unborn children and support life-affirming alternatives to abortion.
Pro-life advocates across the nation celebrated the ruling as a decisive legal and moral victory.
“We will continue to advocate for policies that protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Carol Tobias, National Right to Life President. “Today, the Supreme Court stood on the side of life, and we rejoice.”
Governor Henry McMaster, R-S.C., voiced his support for the ruling in a post on X, which included the statement, “Seven years ago, we took a stand to uphold the sanctity of life and defend the authority and values of South Carolina – and today, we have finally achieved victory.”
Live Action recently had on its website a way to register for the “Defund Planned Parenthood Day – June 28th, 2025.”
The pro-life movement has reached an unprecedented moment in its efforts to defund the largest abortion provider in America. Live Action’s campaign aimed at bringing together pro-life Americans for a unified day of protest at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide on Saturday, June 28. Their mission was to convey to our nation’s leaders that we do NOT support the use of our taxpayer money to finance the termination of innocent lives. The Senate is set to vote before July 4, and we urge you to act by being present at your local Planned Parenthood at 10:00 AM local time on June 28. There are over 200 locations that he protests took place:
This collective action will send a powerful message to lawmakers as we unite across the nation to advocate for the federal defunding of the abortion and cross-sex hormone behemoth, Planned Parenthood. Our objective is to assemble groups at hundreds of Planned Parenthood sites throughout the country. The map below indicates which locations have demonstrations scheduled.
Thousands of pro-life supporters gathered at numerous sites throughout the United States on Saturday, participating in a “single, coordinated day of demonstration” that urged Congress to withdraw funding from the abortion organization Planned Parenthood. The pro-life organization Live Action led the nationwide “Defund Day” initiative. The group’s founder, Lila Rose, informed CNA that this was the “largest grassroots effort” to date aimed at eliminating federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which received approximately $800 million in taxpayer money in its most recent fiscal year.
“We are leading an initiative with over 200 peaceful rallies nationwide across all 48 states that have Planned Parenthood facilities,” she stated. “This is a national appeal to defund the largest abortion provider.”
Highlighting the hundreds of thousands of abortions performed by Planned Parenthood each year, along with other controversial services such as administering cross-sex hormones to minors, Rose remarked: “Congress has a chance to defund. They must take action.”
In New Jersey and especially here in South Jersey, Dianne Leo from St. Maximillian Kolbe along with our group the United for Life Coalition collaborated and joined together to bring as many people as possible out to the peaceful and prayerful protest. The United for Life Coalition has 6 members: Joseph Sosnowsky, Ginny Sosnowsky, Melanie Stubee, Patricia Spencer, Maureen Masters, Dianne Leo and Ethel Hermenau. Join us on our face book page: United for Life, NJ.
A large number of us gathered outside the Planned Parenthood facility in Absecon, located just a few blocks from Holy Spirit High School. As conservatives and Christians, we advocate for a peaceful demonstration. We hold the belief that God is in control, and when we honor Him and Stand for Life, anything is achievable. Upon our arrival, Planned Parenthood had already contacted the police. The police conversed with the woman who exited the Planned Parenthood building before departing. The reality is that we had previously informed the Chief of Police, as we have done for many years during the 40 Days for Life campaign. We possess the right to Stand and unite.
Congress is prohibited from enacting laws that infringe upon the constitutional freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
They include:
- Freedom of religion
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of the press
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of petition
This can be a delicate balance, and government restrictions on these freedoms often face First Amendment challenges. The freedoms of petition and assembly are no exception.
The right of assembly protects people’s freedom to gather on public property, including public forums like parks and sidewalks, to engage in expressive activities. This can include protests, planning meetings, and other social or political purposes.
I have personally participated in the prolife movement since I initiated a prolife ministry at my church, New Life Assembly, in 2009.
In 2012, I organized the first 40 Days for Life outside an abortion facility in Absecon, where I had three individuals join me in standing for this cause.
Six years later, that abortion facility closed, and we relocated to Galloway.
Since that time, over 150 individuals have participated at various times to stand in support of Life.
More than 25 churches are actively involved right here in Southern New Jersey.
What began with a small group has now expanded significantly, and all thanks and praise go to our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. We can accomplish nothing without the power of God, but God is present in this endeavor. He is with us as we advocate for His creation, His magnificent poem, His workmanship, the baby in the womb.
God supports us when we uphold Truth, for truth is like to a lion. Let it loose, it will defend itself!
New Jersey is currently positioned for significant transformation! The winds are shifting against the Democratic establishment, resulting in all taxpayers (including you and me) across New Jersey funding abortions, including those performed for people that come here from out of State. We are also financing Governor Murphy’s Sanctuary State policies. Whether we realize it or not, we have been thrust into a state of both spiritual and physical servitude, compelled to finance initiatives that contradict our values and religious convictions. However, this situation is on the verge of change with the election of a new Governor. Let us hope that New Jersey unites to usher in a golden age for New Jersey and America
Thank you Ethel for all you do!! And thank you to all the men and women who stand for the unborn and stand against the evils of Planned Parenthood!