By Colleen Miner
Staff writer

Plattsburgh  - About 150 pro-lifers braved six-degree temperature and icy sidewalks to participate in the 38th Plattsburgh March for Life Jan. 15. The march, sponsored by Champlain Valley Right to Life, began at 1:30 p.m. at Blessed John XXIII Newman Center and concluded at St. John’s Church where a prayer service was held.
Father Timothy Canaan, pastor of St. John’s Church, led an opening prayer reflecting on repentance, resolve and rejoicing: repentance that some waited too long to take action, resolve to act to save lives and rejoicing to reach our goal - “not just to fight abortion but to end it”. Father Canaan prayed that we would “challenge public servants and voters” and reminded that we are “called to do pro-life work, not as a hobby when we have time.”

James Sedlak, Vice President of American Life League was the guest speaker at the prayer service. Mr. Sedlak specializes in fighting Planned Parenthood and shared the newest data with those gathered. Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the US (Almost 1,000 babies die each day in Planned Parenthoods) is hurting financially - especially the North Country affiliates. Nationally, profits are down 70%. Income fell 4.5% and contributions from corporations and individuals fell 27% last year. The number of clinics dropped from 840 to 785. Sex education programs were down 8%. But one area went up significantly - taxpayer funding. Local, state and federal governments gave 487 million in taxpayer money. “If there was no taxpayer money, they’d be out of business”, said Sedlak.

How will Planned Parenthood make up for the decrease in funding? They will increase the number of abortions (averaging $500 per abortion) and bring in more customers by going after young people, Sedlak said. “Planned Parenthood  Steals Souls” is the title of a new pamphlet by American Life League. They are not speaking about the babies killed by abortion but the souls of young people. “

Planned Parenthood wants society to accept the fact that young people will have sex no matter what; that they have no self control”, said Sedlak. Mr. Sedlak said “Since 1993 there’s been a regular presence at Planned Parenthood (at 66 Brinkerhoff St); 19 years of prayer and God is answering your prayers!” Mr. Sedlak shared that the recent merger between Planned Parenthood of Northern New York (Watertown) and Planned Parenthood Northern Adirondack (Plattsburgh) to become Planned Parenthood of the North Country was “due to lack of money.”

The 2007 report said local PP made $20,000; 2008 report showed a loss of $51,000; 2009 a loss of $249,000 and 2010, a loss of $408,000. “Planned Parenthood Federation of America came here to accredit the new affiliate who is working hard to get accreditation - if not, they lose the Planned Parenthood name...Nationally, 26% income was from private donations, it’s only 3% here...You are winning!”

Sedlak warned “Planned Parenthood will try anything they can to save it. Increasing the number of abortions will be the effort here...the spring newsletter statement said they will expand medical abortions in Canton and Watertown - they need to do this to make more money.”

Sedlak said, “Planned Parenthood doesn’t understand you and why you would march in 6 degrees but God understands you. You’re doing the right stuff. It’s working. Now is the time to do more. Pray for the people at Planned Parenthood. Ask Mary. She can do it.”

Sedlak urged those present to “show Canton and Watertown what a bad idea it is” and said “It was an honor speaking to you, to people who are closing down Planned Parenthood - you are on the verge. Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t give up! “When Planned Parenthood closes its doors here, invite me back for the celebration,” he said, “and it would be a great idea to schedule it in June”

Lita Paczak from Seton Catholic School provided the music. Father Scott Seymour, pastor at St. Alexander’s in Morrisonville, led the closing prayer.

The final paragraph of the program read “Join us in prayer to end abortion at the only facility where (surgical) abortions are still performed in the North Country, on the day they commit abortions, Thursdays at 10 a.m. in front of Planned Parenthood.”