March 22, 2024
Lizzie McNulty, Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator
GUEST POST: For the past several months, Students for Life Action (SFLAction) students, team members, and volunteers embarked on a multi-month, multi-state campaign to engage with state leaders during a series of Legislative Days of Action. Most of these engagements were proactive events designed to build connections between the Pro-Life Generation and legislators and their staff, deliver petitions, and insist upon strong pro-life bills that protect preborn babies.
However, recent events in Pennsylvania caused SFLAction to pursue a different approach.
As covered in a recent article, in 2021 David Daleiden, project lead at the Center for Medical Progress, found that the University of Pittsburgh purchased infant body parts from abortionists for experimentation. As a result of his video and testimony, the pro-life generation and pro-life legislators like Rep. Joe D’Orsie, Rep. Dave Zimmerman, and Rep. Aaron Bernstine rallied support to prevent the University from receiving any further funding – for a time.
However, the pro-life movement was stabbed in the back by Republican leadership in the State Legislature.
READ: Pennsylvania Republicans BETRAY the Pro-Life Movement Over Human Experimentation Funding Battle
These actions are what led to the Lobby Day this past week. We returned to Pennsylvania and have put legislators on notice that their actions have consequences. Should they continue to aid the university in escaping accountability for their gruesome experiments, we’ll hold legislators accountable – just like we did in 2022.
Below is the recap of the event, provided by Elizabeth McNulty, Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator for Students for Life of America:
In the Pennsylvania Capitol Building, the students and volunteers championed the cause of life. Our day was marked by impactful interactions, strategic discussions, and a shared sense of purpose.
Rep. Aaron Bernstein set the tone for the day by welcoming the SFLAction team into his office, where a sign proclaiming “Welcome Students for Life Action” was waiting, along with refreshments and office space for all of us to store our belongings.
With our materials and petitions in hand, we engaged with key lawmakers, including Rep. Bryan Cutler, Sen. Joe Pittman, and Sen. Kim Ward, delivering petitions. Our mission was clear: to advocate for the defunding of the University of Pittsburgh (UPITT) due to its involvement in controversial research on aborted fetuses. Thankfully, this seemed to deeply resonate with Republican House and Senate members.
One of the day’s highlights was the reception with the Freedom Caucus, where we had the opportunity to engage with several pro-life candidates. Rep. Mike Jones asked about SFLAction’s strategy, showing a genuine interest in understanding our efforts and broader mission.
Rep. Stephanie Borowicz likewise expressed keen interest in showcasing the “What is a Person” table display at the Capitol — a representation of fetal development aimed at educating the public. Recognizing the importance of raising awareness on this issue, Rep. Borowicz pledged to collaborate with SFLAction to make it happen.
Joe D’Orsie, whose recent victory was a testament to the impact of grassroots activism, attributed his successful electoral campaign in part to SFLActions door-knocking and voter engagement and education efforts educating voters which legislators stood with pro-life voters and which did not. His enthusiasm was palpable as he eagerly awaited the delivery of the letter concerning UPITT.
Throughout the day at the Capital Building, our presence was clear – signage advocating for life was in offices and hallways. From “Pro-life, pro-woman” stickers to “Defund U of Pitt” signs, there were many reminders underscoring our efforts.
Some of the students who participated, including Nathan Tack, a Penn State University alum, shared their thoughts about the experience.
“The freedom caucus was awesome,” Tack said. “Meeting the representatives in person allowed me to really get to know them and what they believe, as well as what issues are important to their constituents.”
As the day drew to a close, we left one more thing behind: a reminder that life is worth fighting for.