NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Benjamin Clapper, National Right to Life Delegate Sharon Rodi (an LARTL Board of Directors member), and LARTL North Louisiana Director Amanda Nottingham will be attending the Supreme Court oral arguments for
June Medical Services v. Russo on Wednesday when the Court considers the constitutionality of a Louisiana law requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of where they perform an abortion, as well as whether or not abortion businesses have the legal right to file lawsuits challenging patient health and safety laws in the name of their own patients.
There will be events in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and another in New Orleans on Wednesday, to discuss the merits and implications of the landmark case.
At 2 p.m. EST Tuesday, ahead of the oral arguments, a coalition of federal and state lawmakers and prominent national pro-life organizations and leaders will hold the Protect Women, Protect Life Coalition Press Conference at the National Press Club. Louisiana will be represented by several speakers at the press conference, including:
- Louisiana State Sen. Katrina Jackson, who authored Act 620
- Louisiana State Sen. Regina Barrow, co-sponsor of Act 620
- U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson
- Deanna Wallace, Office of the Louisiana Attorney General
- Angie Thomas, J.D., Associate Director of Louisiana Right to Life
On Wednesday, March 4, from 9 a.m.- noon EST, a rally with testimonies will be held in front of the Supreme Court. The Protect Women Protect Life Rally is hosted by a number of groups, including Louisiana Right to Life, Students for Life of America, Americans United for Life, Live Action, Lila Rose, and Students for Life Action. A number of Louisiana women will be among those speaking and offering testimonies during the rally, including Cindy Collins, Amy Blackwell, Jeanie Holmes, Ashley Steinhauer, and Lisa Gould.
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) are also scheduled to speak at the rally. Following the oral arguments, Sen. Jackson and members of the Louisiana Attorney General's team will address the crowd.
In New Orleans, a Protect Women, Protect Life press conference is planned Wednesday at 11 a.m. in front of the Hale Boggs Federal Building and Courthouse at 500 Poydras St. Speakers at this event include:
- Angie Thomas, J.D., Associate Director of Louisiana Right to Life
- State Sen. Beth Mizell
- Bobbie Jones, Regional Coordinator of Silent No More
- Laura Huber, Interim State Director of Concerned Women for America
With rain expected Wednesday, this location could be changed to the Louisiana Right to Life office, 200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Please call LARTL at 504-835-6520 Wednesday morning. A updated press advisory on the location will also be sent by 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Members of the Louisiana Right to Life team are available statewide and in Washington, D.C. for interviews. Please contact Sandy Cunningham, Communications Director, to connect with staff members throughout Louisiana.
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