Pro-Life Democrats Receive Official Status in North Carolina
For immediate release
After two years of organizing, North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats, Inc. received their state charter on September 14 from Democrats for Life of America, Inc. (democratsforlife.org). That recognition was followed on October 3rd by Articles of Incorporation from the State of North Carolina. On August 20, the first board of North Carolina Pro Life Democrats, Inc. (NC PLD) was formed: Eva Ritchey, President; Stephen Lewis, Vice-President; Dr. David Six, Treasurer; Christa Carter, Secretary; Kathy Hough, Board Member; Ray McKinnon, Board Member.
Dr. David Six, Treasurer, who resides in Durham relates, "I am thrilled that North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats (NC PLD) has been officially approved as a state chapter of Democrats for Life of America. This is an historic opportunity to bring together Pro-Life Democrats and Pro-Life former Democrats who share our Party's dedication to human rights and the protection of the powerless and defenseless in our society. We have been without a voice in the politics of this state. We will now be able to add our voices together to support pregnant and parenting women, to enhance the dignity of the dying and disabled, and to reform our criminal justice system to safeguard the innocent and be fair and equitable to the poor - to recognize the intrinsic worth of all human beings from conception until a natural death. I look forward to serving on the Board of Directors and as the NC PLD Treasurer. (dsix@biochem.duke.edu)
Stephen Lewis, Vice President, from Newton adds, "It is my hope that the Democratic Party understands that it can no longer avoid those of us who wish to be part of the Democratic Party process, but are equally committed to their religious faith, and do not wish to leave it outside the political door. There was a time when the party understood this; I hope they reconnect with us. Many of us are very concerned about the economic problems the Republican Party has given us, but we are not about to turn our backs on the unborn, because they are our future. (slewis@purseroil.com)
Christa Carter, Secretary, a student at Chapel Hill states "As secretary of NC PLD, I hope that our presence can provide a haven for the growing number of liberal college students and young adults who are disheartened by the Democratic Party's failure to uphold its doctrine of inclusion. NC PLD supports a strong reverence for human life, especially for the most vulnerable--be they impoverished, unborn, or handicapped. In addition, NC PLD calls for legislative consistency in matters of life and death, thereby condemning abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty. (chlatoya84@aol.com)
The newly formed NC PLD Board of Directors is anxious to make their presence known across North Carolina. According to Ray McKinnon, Board Member from Hillsborough, "I am thrilled to serve as a member on the North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats Board of Directors. It is my hope that the formation of this board will bring unity among all Democrats. It will be a haven for Democrats who have a consistent stance on life-be it opposition of Roe v. Wade or a call for a moratorium on the death penalty. As a board member I will endeavor to represent the Democratic Party as it truly is, a party that is compassionate and consistent." (raymckinnon@yahoo.com)
Kathy Hough, Board Member from Charlotte says, "As a pro-life feminist who cares about the environment I never felt comfortable in my party but couldn't imagine joining the Republicans. Now that we have a pro-life voice within our party, I feel hopeful." (kmhough310@aol.com)
This historic moment in North Carolina politics marks a new direction for the Democratic Party. As Eva Ritchey, President, states, "From this point forward, no longer will there be only one voice on matters of life and conscience within the North Carolina Democratic Party. We will respectfully demand an equal place in determining the policies and platform that define us. It is our hope that many former Democrats who have left because of the abortion issue will return and help us bring a culture of life back to the Democratic Party. I know what it's like to feel you have no comfortable political place to call home. I have a place now thanks to Democrats for Life of America and I invite all others who want 'to come home' to join us." (elritchey@cytechusa.com)
Legislative Alert
NC Pro-Life Democrats support HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act
We ask that every pro-life Democrat please contact your representative. For more information:
Contact your representativeLifeNews: North Carolina Needs Unborn Victims Law...
Please call the speaker of the NC House, Joe Hackney, at (919) 733-3451 and the President Pro-Tempore of the NC Senate, Marc Basnight at (919) 733 6854 to ask them to allow the citizens of our state the opportunity to purchase a "Choose Life" license plate. The money raised by the sale of the plate would help fund crisis pregnancy centers.
Upcoming Events
Event: North Carolina Right to Life 35th Anniversary Dinner
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Greensboro, NC
Note: Please join NC Pro-Life Democrats at the NCRTL's 35th
Anniversary Dinner. Special Guests: Wanda Franz, Ph. D and Sentor Elizabeth Dole. For more info, visit: http://ncrtl.org
Past Events
Thanks for joining us at...
Event: State Executive Committee Meeting
Date: Saturday, January 26, 2008
Time: 10:00pm
Place: Hamlet, NC
Note: We will be petitioning for the passage of HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act and the "Choose Life" license plate. For more info, visit: http://ncdp.org
North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats is just one chapter in a large collective of pro-life Democrats.
We are proud affiliates with the national Democrats for Life effort. Find out more about the nationwide effort by going to democratsforlife.org.