Life Legal Prayer Intentions

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Please pray for LaDondrous Green a 65-year-old patient was denied dialysis while hospitalized, which would have resulted in his death. Life Legal contract attorney Sadie Daniels is litigating.
Please pray for a 26-year-old man who suffered a brain injury after being hit by a car. Scripps Mercy Hospital refuses to provide nutrition and is threatening to remove ventilator support.
Please pray for the case of a 21-year-old schizophrenic man attempted to hang himself while in jail awaiting trial. The hospital wanted to declare him brain dead in order to remove care, but was unable to complete the brain death exams. During one exam, the patient withdrew his foot in response to pain, which the neurologist insisted was a “reflex.” We were able to get the hospital to continue treatment, but unfortunately the patient passed away while on the ventilator.
Please pray for the case of a three-year-old drowning victim who suffered a severe brain injury. Children’s Hospital declared her brain dead and sought to withdraw care. We were able to get the hospital to continue care to give the parents time to meet with a member of the clergy and get a second medical opinion.
Please pray for Craig Walterscheid who was charged with a felony for using spray chalk to raise awareness about abortion on a public sidewalk. Charges were later reduced to misdemeanors. A deferment agreement was reached and all charges will be dismissed in October.
Please pray for Ross Foti, who was seriously injured after a woman entering Planned Parenthood pushed him into a fire hydrant, puncturing Ross’ lung. The police finally completed their investigation and sent the report to the district attorney recommending prosecution. Three months later, after Life Legal urged calls from the public, the District Attorney filed two charges against Ross’s assailant: battery causing serious bodily harm and battery on an elder.
Please pray for a pro-lifer, who has been charged with a FACE Act violation and other criminal charges for constitutionally-protected speech outside an abortion clinic.

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers a courageous woman who is currently serving a 60-day jail sentence for entering an abortion mill to save innocent babies.

Please pray for Lucas, a 15-year-old boy who is recovering from a severe brain injury. The hospital initially sought to declare him brain dead, but now they are working with Lucas’ family to find a long-term rehabilitative hospital for him. Doctors have been able to wean Lucas off of medications to control his blood pressure and heart rate, which is a positive development.

Please continue to pray for a California woman who is recovering from a serious brain injury as a result of an asthma attack. Doctors said she would never recover, that she would never breathe on her own and never speak, but she is now able to breathe without a ventilator and is able to say a few words.

Please continue to pray for Josh Barras, a disabled man whose wife planned to withdraw his food and water. We represented Joshua’s mother, who wants to keep him alive. Victory: Joshua’s mother is now Joshua’s primary health care decision-maker. Unfortunately, Joshua’s wife is continuing to litigate in an attempt to avoid divorce so she can collect any judgments/settlements arising out of Joshua’s injury.

Please pray for guidance and protection for all pregnancy resource centers in California, especially those currently facing legal challenges, such as the lawsuit brought forth by AG Bonta of California.
Please pray that the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) will not go into effect. The Uniform Law Commission is contemplating changes to the UDDA, a model law that has been adopted by nearly every state. The current language allows a determination of death to be made in cases of irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem. The changes would allow a determination of death to be made in cases where a patient still has brain stem activity and would result in a more subjective determination of both brain death and cardiorespiratory death. Life Legal strongly opposes the changes and will submit a letter to the Commission in June.
Please continue to pray that the Dupont abortion clinic will not be able to open in Beverly Hills. The Dupont abortion clinic in Washington D.C. announced plans to open a new location in Beverly Hills in Fall 2023. The Dupont clinic promotes itself as creating a spa-like environment while you have an abortion. Life Legal worked with Tasha Baker and Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust to expose the horrid practices of Dupont. When the landlord of the building learned that Dupont provided late term abortions, they cancelled the lease. Victory: The city worked with the coalition to ensure that Dupont would not open in Beverly Hills.
Please continue to pray for Carol Everett and The Heidi Group, a network of pro-life women’s clinics in Texas. They have been under attack by the media, government bureaucrats, and even former employees since qualifying for state grant funding that would otherwise have gone to Planned Parenthood. A Life Legal attorney has filed a lawsuit against state workers and a former employee and the judge is allowing the case to move forward.

Pending Cases/Potential Litigation in need of prayers:

Planned Parenthood v. Center for Medical Progress: Life Legal filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case involving undercover journalists who published a series of videos showing Planned Parenthood officials negotiating the sale of body parts of aborted babies. David Daleiden and his colleague Susan Merritt are also facing criminal charges arising from their investigatory work. After a three-week preliminary hearing in San Francisco, eight of the sixteen felony criminal charges remain against Merritt and ten charges against Daleiden remain. Trial anticipated for late 2023 or early 2024.

Leroy Carhart (Germantown, MD): Life Legal is assisting in two lawsuits filed by a Maryland attorney on behalf of two women who were seriously injured following late term abortions. Settlement negotiations are underway. Carhart passed away in April, 2023, but the case continues.
Arizona v. Maison DesChamps, Arizona v. Jake Shick (Phoenix, AZ): Pro-lifer climbed the Chase Bank building in Phoenix, AZ to raise awareness of Let Them Live, a charity that helps women cancel their abortions by providing financial support. The climb was video recorded using a drone. Both men were charged with criminal trespass and nuisance. Both cases are set for pre-trial hearings later this fall.

Washington DC Rescue: Eleven pro-lifers were indicted on federal FACE Act and conspiracy charges in connection with a rescue at Washington Surgi-Clinic, which is run by notorious late-term abortionist Cesare Santangelo. The judge asked for briefing on whether a right to abortion could be found in the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Trial is scheduled for August 2023.
Commonwealth v. Mueller, Hinshaw, Moscinski (West Chester, PA)—Red Rose Rescuers charged with felony trespass after entering abortion facility. One of the defendants agreed to diversion, defendants Moscinski and Mueller will go to trial. The arraignment hearing was on November 18, 2021. Trial date not set yet. Fr. Moscinski is currently serving 90 days in jail in another Red Rose case.

Jackson Women’s Health (Jackson, MS): Deathscort who was disrupting pro-life vigil by honking her horn while driving around abortion facility hit a pro-lifer with her car. Civil action is underway.
Jackson Women’s Health (Jackson, MS): Deathscorts harassed and issued death threats against a pro-lifer. Investigation underway.

AB 2223: We are evaluating our legal options to challenge a new law that creates a right to self-induced abortion for women and their assistants. The law also legalizes infanticide up to 30 days after birth for causes that occur in utero, including cases where babies are born alive during a DIY abortion. The bill also imposes severe penalties on state actors who attempt to prosecute cases where viable babies are killed after birth. Unfortunately, the CA Conference of Catholic Bishops removed its opposition to the bill, which facilitated its passage.

Proposition 1: Life Legal is part of a coalition opposing a California amendment that would create a constitutional right to “reproductive freedom,” explicitly including abortion and birth control. “Reproductive freedom” also includes transgender reassignment therapy, IVF, surrogacy, sex work, etc. Minors would also be able to assert these “rights.” We have launched a targeted marketing campaign to educate people about the dangers of Prop 1. We are evaluating options to challenge.
SB 24 (passed in 2020): Contemplating challenging the mandated provision of abortion related services/facilities on CSU and UC campuses. The challenge would be based on the same requirement of neutrality between abortion and childbirth as is at issue in the challenge to SB 245.

AB1356: Filed TRO motion to enjoin California law that prohibits video recording outside abortion clinics with the specific intent to keep someone from becoming a client of the facility filed on behalf of sidewalk counselors. Judge denied TRO and asked for simultaneous briefing on whether the plaintiffs had standing because they did not have the requisite “intent to intimidate.” Case is stalled.
May v. South Fulton (Georgia) – Planned lawsuit challenging city ordinance prohibiting all amplification (mechanical or otherwise) of sound within city limits. Plaintiffs are pro-life sidewalk counselors who counsel patients outside a clinic set back approximately 100 feet from the sidewalk.
Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA)—Pro-life groups attacked at Western WA University. Police action pending for using knife to destroy signs. We are contemplating civil action to include hate crime.
Napa Planned Parenthood (Napa, CA) —Pro-lifers, including Life Legal staff, were shot at with pellet guns in two separate incidents outside PP in Napa. Law enforcement has not taken any action. We have video footage and are contemplating legal action.
Walnut Creek Bubble Zone Ordinance: Walnut Creek City Council has enacted restrictions on speech at abortion clinics. Life Legal is working with local advocates to ensure that they have the right to continue activities outside the abortion mill.
Mt. San Antonio College (Walnut, CA) —Community college student questioned whether her professor was permitted to display pro-abortion posters in the classroom. Student was told by
Student Life adviser that she could take down any posters not authorized by the school. Student took down posters and is being threatened with charges.
Bakersfield Pregnancy Center v. California Department of Managed Health Care: We filed a lawsuit to enjoin a California law, SB 245, that prohibits insurance companies from charging any out-of-pocket medical costs for abortion, but not for pregnancy care and childbirth. Our clients initially were four pregnancy resources centers. The claims are brought under the California right to privacy and right to equal protection. The preliminary injunction was denied, primarily for lack of standing. We filed an amended complaint adding two obstetricians and taxpayer as plaintiffs. The doctors asserted standing both as taxpayers and on behalf of their patients. GOOD NEWS! On May 8, the court overruled the State’s demurrer as to both constitutional claims. In particular, as to the equal protection claim, the court held that 1) “it appears that strict scrutiny review applies,” and 2) even under rational basis review, the state has failed to show a rational basis. The ruling was ambiguous as to the third-party standing of the doctors; that may need to be cleared up before the case proceeds. We filed an amended complaint and the state answered the complaint. We have propounded discovery, but the case is largely law-driven.
People v. Hurley (San Francisco, CA) —Pro-lifer was arrested for trespass after entering a Women’s Option Clinic at Zuckerburg Hospital on the campus of UCSF to plead with abortionist to stop killing babies. In addition, the UCSF Regents filed a civil motion seeking a TRO against Hurley. Civil: PI hearing set for 9/18 to be continued until after criminal matter is resolved; Criminal: arraignment set for 08/23/23.
U.S. v. Jay Smith, Geraghty, et al (Washington, DC) —Ten pro-lifers were arrested by federal agents on FACE Act and conspiracy charges in connection with a rescue at Washington Surgi-Clinic, which is run by notorious late-term abortionist Cesare Santangelo. Initial appearances were set for early April 2022. Smith was referred to a DC attorney and is planning to enter a plea agreement on March 1. Life Legal attorney represents Geraghty who was not intending to trespass or block. She was not initially charged but was added only after she refused to testify against the others. Trial is scheduled for August 2023. The presiding judge asked for briefing on whether the 13th Amendment confers a right to abortion.
carafem v. Hurley (Nashville, TN) —Abortion clinic carafem [sic] and Planned Parenthood sued several pro-lifers for alleged violation of Tennessee’s FACE Act. The district court issued a preliminary injunction and found that the clinic was likely to succeed on merits of FACE violation, based on a 5-minute conversation that some pro-lifers had with security guards while standing near the building entrance. We filed a motion to dismiss for one defendant (Hurley) on the grounds that standing to bring civil actions for obstruction and intimidation under FACE is limited to the persons obstructed or intimidated, not the facilities. We also have vigorously pursued discovery and plaintiff is now considering a settlement offer. In the meantime, the clinic in Tennessee closed, but the plaintiff is insisting that the preliminary injunction just needs to be modified, not dissolved. The Sixth Circuit appeal will now decide only whether the PI is in whole or in part moot and should be vacated. It almost certainly will not decide whether there was any FACE violation to begin with.
Conemac et al v. Planned Parenthood Northern California (Napa, CA) — Pro-lifers filed complaint against PP and deathscorts for violation of local bubble zone ordinance intended to “protect” the clinic, escorts, and clients but written broadly to protect anyone on the sidewalk. PP, represented by Arnold & Porter, filed an answer. Settlement in progress.
Vitagliano v. County of Westchester (NY): Amicus ISO cert petition challenging Hill-type law just passed in Westchester County. The case is intended as a bid for the Court to do the right thing and overrule Hill v. Colorado. On August 7, the County repealed the law, with even PP testifying in support of the repeal. Although it was passed only a year ago (undoubtedly in a fit of post-Dobbs virtue-signaling), now they say it isn’t necessary at this time. But really they are just trying to avoid review by the Supreme Court.

Attleboro v. William Wolf (MA): Pro-lifer facing possible criminal complaint for obstruction for standing by the side of the road near abortion clinic wearing a medical jacket and holding a clipboard, with a sign saying “Check in.” When cars stop and roll down the window, he hands them pro-life information. Arraignment on October 3.
Volokh v. James (NY AG): amicus brief in support of appellee, defending preliminary injunction issued against New York law requiring [something to do with websites] to have policies for reporting “hateful conduct” online. Our brief is to emphasize that pure speech cannot be conduct. Speech is not violence; violence is not speech. Due September 7.

Thomas Short v. Berger (D. Ariz)—Lawsuit filed to challenge military vaccine mandate. Preliminary injunction was denied, and the denial is on appeal to the Ninth Circuit. In August 2022, a district court in Florida granted class-wide preliminary injunctive relief to Marines who had a religious objection to receiving the vaccine, and in January 2023, the vaccine mandate was repealed. At that time, the DoD also ordered that also disciplinary actions be withdrawn for currently serving service members who had refused the vaccine and requested accommodations. Oral argument of Short’s appeal was held on January 17, but because of the rescission, the focus of the argument was whether the case was moot or not. In March, the Ninth Circuit vacated the lower court’s decisions (good!) and dismissed the appeal as moot. The case is now stayed in the District Court as further administrative processes unraveling the effects of the RFRA violation play out.
Gender Justice v. MN — Life Legal helped fund the attempted intervention of a group of mothers of teen-age girls into this lawsuit that successfully challenged several decades-old restrictions on abortion, including parental notification and informed consent. Last July, a trial court in MN permanently enjoined the law and the pro-abortion Attorney General announced he would not appeal. At that point Mothers Offering Maternal Support (MOMS) filed a motion to intervene, arguing that the AG had not competently defended the law and, specifically, had not defended their rights as parents of minor girls. The intervention motion was denied; an appeal is being prepared. However, the November elections gave the Democrat party in MN a trifecta, so legislation to repeal all restrictions on abortion is making its way through the legislature. Passage of this law would moot the intervention. Appellate briefing is nearly complete.

Share this: