from Personhood USA Dec. 14, 2011

PERSONHOOD REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PLEDGE

I __________________ proclaim that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, and is endowed by our Creator with the unalienable right to life.

I stand with President Ronald Reagan in supporting “the unalienable personhood of every American, from the moment of conception until natural death,” and with the Republican Party platform in affirming that I “support a human life amendment to the Constitution, and endorse legislation to make clear that the 14th Amendment protections apply to unborn children.”

I believe that in order to properly protect the right to life of the vulnerable among us, every human being at every stage of development must be recognized as a person possessing the right to life in federal and state laws without exception and without compromise. I recognize that in cases where a mother’s life is at risk, every effort should be made to save the baby’s life as well; leaving the death of an innocent child as an unintended tragedy rather than an intentional killing.

I oppose assisted suicide, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, and procedures that intentionally destroy developing human beings.

I pledge to the American people that I will defend all innocent human life. Abortion and the intentional killing of an innocent human being are always wrong and should be prohibited.

If elected President, I will work to advance state and federal laws and amendments that recognize the unalienable right to life of all human beings as persons at every stage of development, and to the best of my knowledge, I will only appoint federal judges and relevant officials who will uphold and enforce state and federal laws recognizing that all human beings at every stage of development are persons with the unalienable right to life.

PRESS RELEASES from Personhood USA

Personhood USA Petitions GOP Candidates to Follow Reagan’s Lead on Personhood; Bachmann, Santorum, Gingrich Sign First-of-its-kind Personhood Pledge

ARVADA, Colo., Dec. 14, 2011 -- Personhood USA has unveiled a detailed and unique pledge declaring a commitment to advance the personhood rights of every human being, born and preborn. Ahead of the nation’s first presidential caucus in Iowa, Personhood USA is asking the Republican candidates to sign the pledge and declaration.

“I ____________ proclaim that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, and is endowed by our Creator with the unalienable right to life,” it reads.

So far, candidates who have returned the pledge with their signatures include Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

“This pledge is the most basic articulation of the unalienable right to life,” said syndicated radio host Steve Deace, whose influence in the Iowa Caucuses has been highlighted by numerous national media outlets. “Pro-life voters should consider who has a position on the sanctity of life and who has a conviction on the sanctity of life by the way the candidates respond to this pledge. As a pro-life voter, I know that I won't vote for anyone on January 3rd that hasn't signed this pledge.”

Candidates who sign the pledge are aligning themselves with President Ronald Reagan who declared “the unalienable personhood of every American, from the moment of conception until natural death” in his January 1988 Personhood Proclamation.

When asked about the pledge, former Presidential candidate and Iowa Caucus winner Mike Huckabee stated: “Believing that every human life, unborn and born, has intrinsic worth and equal value is the underpinning of our nation's moral core. As one who lived through the Jim Crow laws of the South and saw how people of color were treated as ‘less’ I am encouraged that the Personhood movement is reminding us that all people are deserving of the protections afforded us as human beings. We should never ask people to determine if one person is ‘more’ valuable than another because of wealth, appearance, IQ, ancestry, ethnic origin, or physical capacity. Attempts to dismiss the concept of Personhood will eventually be met with common sense and common decency. Until then, we must continue to speak out boldly for the rights of all to enjoy ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’”

Signers also affirm their support for “a human life amendment to the Constitution” and “endorse legislation to make it clear that 14th Amendment protections apply to unborn children.” Both are positions listed in the Republican Party Platform.

“There has been much speculation as to the candidate’s positions this election cycle,” said Personhood USA Legal Analyst Gualberto Garcia Jones, J.D. “This is an opportunity for the candidates to demonstrate their conviction as a President who will uphold the right to life of every person no matter their age or the circumstances of their creation.”

Personhood USA is a grassroots Christian organization founded to establish personhood efforts across America to create protection for every child by love and by law. Personhood USA is committed to assisting and supporting Personhood Legislation and Constitutional Amendments and building local pro-life organizations through raising awareness of the personhood of the preborn.
Rick Perry signed on Dec. 15 and Ron Paul signed on Dec. 22

GOP Candidates to Participate in National Pro-life Tele-Town Hall and Radio Simulcast

ARVADA, Colo. — 12/21/2011 — Three Republican candidates for the nation’s high office including Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Senator Rick Santorum, and Speaker Newt Gingrich have confirmed their participation in the Presidential Pro-Life Forum on Tuesday, December 27, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm CST.

The national tele-town hall and radio simulcast will be hosted by Personhood USA and their partner organizations: National Hispanic Christian Leadership Coalition, Liberty Counsel, Bott Radio Network, Freedom Federation, Frederick Douglass Foundation, Champion the Vote, Oak Initiative, The Call, Georgia Right to Life, Rock for Life, and Iowa Right to Life. An invitation has been extended to the remaining GOP presidential candidates.

The 90-minute pro-life tele-town hall will feature the candidates discussing their views on the rights of the preborn and other issues of great importance to pro-life voters. Pro-life groups around the nation are inviting their members to attend. Callers will have an opportunity to ask questions via email and give instant feedback to thoughts and ideas shared.

Nationally-syndicated radio host Steve Deace, whose influence in the Iowa Caucuses has been highlighted by numerous national media outlets, will broadcast the event live on his Salem Network program.

Last week, four candidates, Bachmann, Santorum, Gingrich, and Gov. Rick Perry, signed Personhood USA’s Personhood Republican Candidate Pledge, declaring their intentions to stand with President Ronald Reagan in supporting “the unalienable personhood of every American, from the moment of conception until natural death.”

“We’re pleased to see the candidates standing for the rights of every person to live, love, and be loved. The time has come to end the 40-year reign of the abortion industry, once and for all,” said Keith Mason, President of Personhood USA. “This is an opportunity for everyone who understands that ‘all men are created equal’ to hear from the candidates their plans to recognize the most fundamental rights of every human being, no matter their age. Come, take advantage of this interactive and important event, and be a voice for the voiceless.”

For information please visit www.personhoodusa.com.

December 22, 2011

Perry Joins Fellow Presidential Candidates for Pro-life Forum; Pro-life Heavyweights Join to Co-Host

ARVADA, Colo. -- Texas Governor Rick Perry has agreed to participate in a national pro-life tele-town hall and radio simulcast event co-sponsored by Personhood USA. Perry joins former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as confirmed guests. Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Texas Congressman Ron Paul, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney have received open invitations.

The event is scheduled for next Tuesday, December 27th, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm CST. Individuals can register for the call at www.personhoodusa.com/townhall. The 90-minute event will be broadcast live on the nationally-syndicated radio program, the Steve Deace Show.

Meanwhile, several of the country’s most prominent pro-life organizations have signed on to sponsor the event which organizers have titled the National Presidential Pro-life Forum. Groups joining to back the event include: JillStanek.com; Live Action; CathoicVote.org; Vision America Action; and IAmWholeLife.com.

The pro-life organizations join a list which includes the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Coalition, Liberty Counsel, Bott Radio Network, Freedom Federation, Frederick Douglass Foundation, Champion the Vote, Oak Initiative, The Call, Georgia Right to Life, Rock for Life, and Iowa Right to Life.

All four of the current participants have signed Personhood USA’s Personhood Republican Presidential Pledge, promising to “advance state and federal laws and amendments that recognize the unalienable right to life of all human beings as persons at every stage of development.”

“The upcoming election crucial for the lives and futures of millions of children,” said Personhood USA President Keith Mason. “If you believe, as we do, that the battle for the lives of the preborn is the most pressing issue of our day, and you have questions for the candidates, this event is your opportunity to get the answers you deserve.”