Register now for the Pro-Life Banquet and Conference Oct. 26-27

“Saving Lives in the Good Life” is this year’s theme for the annual Bishops’ Pro-Life Banquet & Conference – and if you want to be a part of building a culture of life in Nebraska, we invite you to register and join us! 

 

The banquet is on Friday, Oct. 26, beginning with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 6:30 p.m. The conference is on Saturday, Oct. 27, with Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Lincoln at 8 a.m. and the program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All events except Mass will take place at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln. Information to register can be found at necatholic.org. Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect at the event:

 

CELEBRATION AND SOLIDARITY

The banquet, which will be attended by all three bishops, always proves to be an uplifting evening of celebration and solidarity with fellow pro-life advocates. The cocktail hour provides a great chance to catch up with friends – old and new – and to remember that together we are united in “Saving Lives in the Good Life.” 

 

During the dinner, we will honor our statewide pro-life essay contest winners as up-and-coming youth pro-life advocates. We will also present this year’s Gospel of Life award to Jack Odgaard for his tireless and faithful work with Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, among many other pro-life efforts. 

 

SECOND CHANCES

This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. George Delgado, a medical professional at the forefront of advancements in the pro-life movement. He is a pioneer of the “abortion pill reversal” and medical director of Culture of Life Services in San Diego. His work – along with the hard work of some other medical professionals – has provided mothers a second chance at choosing life for their unborn child.

 

In recent years, RU-486 has become the most utilized method of abortion. Unlike surgical abortions, RU-486 is a chemical abortion method that works through a two-dose oral pill regimen. The first pill, mifepristone, depletes progesterone levels in a mother’s body, making her uterine lining hostile to the development of an unborn child. The second pill, misoprostol, creates uterine contractions with the aim of dispelling the unborn child. 

 

The abortion pill reversal protocol developed by Delgado can be followed after consuming the first abortion pill but before taking the second. It calls for high-level progesterone to stabilize the woman’s body, providing a safe environment for the continued growth and development of her child. In addition, studies have concluded there is no increased risk of birth defects for children of women who have taken mifepristone, changed their minds and undergone the protocol. 

 

More than 400 children have been saved by the abortion pill reversal since 2007, and awareness of this protocol is just beginning to grow. More information can be found at abortionpillreversal.com. Women who want assistance with an abortion pill reversal can call the APR hotline at 877-558-0333.

 

Delgado’s presentation will offer hope-filled insights into the incredible work that pro-life advocates and medical professionals are doing to give mothers a second chance (and true choice) to choose life for their unborn child.

 

EFFECTIVE MESSAGING

Back by popular demand, we will be joined by Megan Drapa, RN, of the Vitae Foundation. The Vitae Foundation is a nonprofit, education organization focused on creating a culture of life by using research-based messaging and cutting-edge media to inform women facing an untimely pregnancy about local pregnancy help centers; educating the public about the value and sanctity of human life; and restoring the value of life as a core belief in the American culture. Drapa will provide valuable, data-driven insights to challenge how we talk about the pro-life issue, especially with women who are abortion-minded.

 

LEGISLATIVE INSIGHTS

This year we are excited to welcome Jennifer Warner, legislative director for Ohio Right to Life. Jennifer’s extensive grassroots political experience on campaigns and legislative pro-life efforts will provide fresh insights into what it takes to be an effective citizen-advocate for unborn children. 

 

All of this will be complemented with a presentation by Marion Miner, Nebraska Catholic Conference’s associate director for Pro-Life and Family, discussing the “state of the state” on upcoming pro-life efforts in Nebraska. The conference also will provide an opportunity for interactive, hands-on learning to put all the knowledge gained from the day into action. By coupling learning with action, you will go away better equipped to readily build a culture of life in your parish and local community.

 

Remember to register for these special events by Oct. 19. Visit necatholic.org or call us at 402-477-7517. We look forward to seeing you at this year’s event – and don’t forget to bring a friend!

 

Tom Venzor is executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, with headquarters in Lincoln. Contact him at tvenzor@necatholic.org.