EXPERIENCE CHAMPLAIN VALLEY RIGHT TO LIFE

Part of Our History 
Excerpt from an article published in thePress Republican, May 23, 2011

For 40 years, Champlain Valley Right to Life has carried on its campaign to end abortion.

"It's a group of very, very committed women and men who are in love with God and with life and who really give witness to the dignity and value of absolutely every human person from the moment of conception to natural death," said the Most Rev. Terry LaValley, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg, at a dinner marking Right to Life's milestone.

The organization, which serves Franklin, Essex and Clinton counties, celebrated with a Mass first at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh on May 25.

Between 80 and 90 people attended the celebratory dinner.

ALL VOLUNTEERS

Champlain Valley Right to Life was formed in 1971 by Dr. John Middleton and his wife, Claire, in an effort to promote the pro-life movement through education, activism and prayer.

Ed Golden, former president of both the New York state and national Right to Life organizations, also attended the event and credited the longevity of the organization, at least in part, to the many individuals who have donated their time and support to the cause.

"We have an organization dependent upon volunteers," he said. "You've got to have that ability to work from the bottom all the way to the top."

Despite the group's efforts, abortion has remained legal in the United States. In 1973, a ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated state laws that made abortion illegal during the first trimester of pregnancy and also those during the second trimester except when the health of the mother was considered at risk.

Golden said while it's disappointing that abortion remains legal, he is satisfied knowing how dedicated the organization is to continuing the effort.

"We're disappointed in many aspects, but on the other hand, when you see groups like this, who have been around for 40 years, and we've got enough stamina to go another 40 if necessary, or 140," he said. "They'll keep it up, there's no question about it."

‘GAINING SUPPORT'

Wanda Gaffney, chairmen pro tem of Champlain Valley Right to Life, said she is encouraged that the movement to end abortion is continuing to gain support.

"I think that the whole mood of the country is becoming more pro-life, and it's still a political issue with the Republican Party, which I think that the pro-choice people are surprised is still alive," she said.

Nancy Monette, a former chairman of Champlain Valley Right to Life, said she sees many college and high-school-age individuals becoming active in the anti-abortion cause, as well as many smaller organizations with the same aim popping up around the country.

The youth, she said, are "one of the brightest spots on the horizon" for the pro-life movement.

Up until now, the organization had mainly focused on education, according to Monette. While she believes education is at the foundation of the pro-life movement, she hopes to see more political activism from pro-life groups.

STILL ACTIVE

Dr. Middleton said at the celebration that he had no idea when he and his wife formed the group that it would still be active 40 years later.

He is most proud of how the organization has saved lives. Every week, a group of Right to Life members prays outside Planned Parenthood in Plattsburgh, holding signs and hoping women arriving there to have abortions will be swayed otherwise. The group also leads other efforts, including the annual March for Life in Plattsburgh each January near the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

"What's really heartwarming," Dr. Middleton said, "is when people come up and say, 'I want to show you this baby that you convinced us not to abort.'"

Champlain Valley Right to Life knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. For over 40 years, our Non-Profit Organization realized that by working together we could better address “Life” challenges more efficiently, and that is why we ultimately decided to launch Champlain Valley Right to Life. We are an affiliate of New York State Right to Life.