Dear Pro-Life Partners, December 15, 2021

Pessimist or Optimist?

I heard on the radio recently that the difference between a pessimist and an optimist is this: A pessimist says,
“It can’t get any worse” (or, if you are really Eeyoreish, “It can only get worse.”). But an optimist thinks, “It can
only get better.” Another mark of pessimism vs. optimism is that a pessimist always notices what goes wrong
(and something always goes wrong), and an optimist takes encouragement from what goes right. As we
prepare to put 2021 behind us and move forward into 2022, the degree to which we are looking forward to
the new year depends largely on our perspective. After all, the reset of the calendar does not mean a reset of
reality. I will admit that I have been on both sides of the fence concerning the future of life in America, but I
hold out hope. There are still too many hard-working, God-fearing people who refuse to allow our country to
turn into something that we do not recognize. I get kind of excited when I think of truth prevailing over lies
and good conquering evil, like any good superhero movie.

For that reason, I would like to end the year with highlights of pro-life accomplishments and successes in our
country, state, and region in 2021. For example, the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks state-level abortion
legislation, has marked 2021 as the most devastating state legislative session for abortion rights in history.
(Fighting abortion AND covid? Talk about multi-tasking!) Guttmacher reports that as of early June, 2021, 561
abortion restrictions have been introduced this year in all but three states. The Lozier Institute reports 489
proposed restrictions as of May 31 from all but two states (California and New Jersey). Missouri introduced 23,
the third highest number in the country behind Texas and West Virginia, and just ahead of Arkansas. As of
early August, states had enacted 97 of those introduced abortion-restrictive statutes into law (Guttmacher).
Add to that number the widely-publicized Texas Heartbeat Act, enacted on September 1. Arkansas, amazingly,
enacted 19 of the 22 restrictions it introduced. Read on (back of page) for some month-by-month optimism.

As you read about a year in the life of MRL-Western Region, please note one constant running throughout the
year, a stable feature from month to month. Yes, it’s YOU! Those faithful supporters and pro-life warriors that
make it possible, through prayer and financial contributions, for us to educate our community on pro-life
issues and to fight for pro-life legislation. The Western Region is dedicated to being a voice for the voiceless
and defending life’s sanctity. However, no organization can be as effective without the help of those who
come alongside the cause with conviction. I pray that the struggles of this past year have not dimmed your
light for life and hope you will continue to shine with us in the years to come.

Partnering with You for Life!

Linda Verhulst, MRL-WR *Feel free to copy and distribute.

Western Region Calendar of Events 2021

 JANUARY – Downtown Prayer Vigil, perhaps the most-attended yet, added area pro-life youth to our
participants. Forty-eighth March for Life (virtual) in Washington D.C. Tax credits for contributions to
resource health services, including pregnancy centers and maternity homes, increased from 50% (with
limited allocations) to 70% (unlimited allocations). Received prayers and donations from our faithful
supporters.
 FEBRUARY – As covid restrictions lifted, attended the Education Expo hosted by Metro Voice. Received
prayers and donations from our faithful supporters.
 MARCH – Virtual Pro-Life Action Day (Lobby Day) in Jefferson City. Received prayers and donations
from our faithful supporters.
 APRIL – Actual (not virtual!) March for Life in Jefferson City on a beautiful day! Governor Mike Parson
signed H429 and H430 into law authorizing an income tax deduction and tax credit for those who
foster or adopt a child. H430 stipulates that contributors to shelters for victims of domestic violence, a
rape crisis center, or a maternity home may claim tax credit as long as those centers do not perform,
induce, or refer for abortions. Received prayers and donations from our faithful supporters.
 MAY – Added new churches to annual Mother’s Day Carnation Sale, and continued to work with most
of our existing church partners in spite of ongoing covid concerns. Added new volunteer, Charles
Sperry, to our ranks, to help with Spanish outreach, music, and computer technology. Received prayers
and donations from our faithful supporters.
 JUNE – Hosted “Life in Bloom,” the First Annual Ladies Event, which raised awareness and funds while
having fun and encouraging one another. Received prayers and donations from our faithful supporters.
 JULY – Official addition of Cass County Chapter to the Western Region. Received prayers and donations
from our faithful supporters.
 AUGUST – Held first Open House at our Raytown office to raise exposure and awareness in our
community. Received prayers and donations from our faithful supporters.
 SEPTEMBER – Federal Appeals Court (St. Louis) revisited Missouri’s 2019 8-Week Abortion Ban Bill.
National 40-Days-for-Life Fall Campaign instrumental in 135 babies spared from abortion in the first
week! Hosted 18th Annual Golf Tournament. Most successful yet! Manned pro-life booths at fall
festivals in Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, and Kansas City’s Fiesta Hispana. Dozens of signatures
added to help combat federal funding of abortion. Received prayers and donations from our faithful
supporters.
 OCTOBER – Hosted the “Voice for the Voiceless” banquet with speaker Dr. Alan Keyes. Good crowd,
good food, good message. Added “Burnt Ends Days” in Harrisonville to our list of outreach
opportunities, along with manning a booth in Gladstone. Western Region Chapters hosted Life Chains
throughout the metro area. During the 40-Days-for-Life Campaign in Overland Park, Annie reached out
to an expectant mother who chose life! Linda gave pro-life talks at area churches in Odessa, Kansas
City, and North Kansas City, and Charles gave a presentation to an all-Spanish church. (Charles added
to Board as Spanish Coordinator.) Received prayers and donations from our faithful supporters.
 NOVEMBER – Added “Dia de Muertos” to our list of outreach opportunities. Received prayers and
donations from our faithful supporters.
 DECEMBER – Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health
Organization. Plans finalized to put up 2 pro-life billboards in Spanish and English in downtown Kansas
City and circulate 7,000 Spanish flyers in Hispanic News newspaper. Received prayers and donations
from our faithful supporters. Celebrating Christmas and anticipating the New Year!