WASHINGTON, DC /TAMPA, FL (8/23/12) --
Coming fresh from pro-life victories during the GOP platform debates, Americans United for Life Action President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest will be attending the GOP Convention in Tampa, detailing how "Life Counts" in this election season. AULA's involvement in this election cycle was clearly highlighted this week with an historic victory - as a result of AULA's efforts, for the first time, the GOP Platform includes the fact that abortion endangers the health and well-being of women.
This messaging has been a key part of AUL and AULA's legislative efforts over recent years, seen clearly in its Arizona 20-week abortion limit that focuses on the health consequences of late-term procedures on women as well as on the pain felt by their unborn children. During the 2012 legislative session, AUL Action worked on and helped achieve the passage of 19 pro-life laws. To read more click here.
"By a two to one margin, voters choose life when that motivates their vote. Life is a winning issue," said Dr. Yoest. "And a pro-woman, pro-life platform continues to be affirmed in the GOP platform, thanks in part to efforts by AULA. Our team was active in drafting language that affirmed the fact that abortion harms women and in working to ensure that women's health was addressed in the platform. This platform shows a real concern for the dignity of women."
The historic, woman-centered language in the GOP Platform is as follows: "Through Obamacare, the Obama Administration has promoted the notion that abortion is healthcare. We, however, affirm the dignity of women by protecting the sanctity of human life. Numerous studies have shown that abortion endangers the health and well-being of women and we stand firmly against it."
Dr. Yoest will be available for interviews and commentary during the convention.
E-mail: press@aul.org for immediate response.
A Favorite Source for Political Reporters: Called a "charismatic president" by Mother Jones, and a "new voice" for the pro-life movement, by the Christian Science Monitor, many in the media are taking note of Dr. Yoest's pivotal role in pro-life policy. "This mother of five - who is not a physician, attorney, or lawmaker - has set the stage for sweeping antiabortion victories at the state level on the strength of her seeming candor, warmth, and camera-ready smile," notes a political reporter in a recent profile. For more from the media on Dr. Yoest's critical role in current pro-life policy debates, click here.
In the coming days, AULA will launch its innovative, web-oriented "Life Counts" campaign to rally the millions of Americans concerned that everyone be welcomed in life and protected in law. Stay tuned for news on this development.
At the convention, AULA is also co-sponsoring an event titled "A Celebration of Pro-Life Women leaders," on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Those with credentials can RSVP in advance here.
