VSHL is usually too busy working on state and legislative issues, carrying out our educational projects around Virginia, and helping pro-life candidates get elected through VSHL’s Political Action Committee to throw any parties. This year is an exception thanks to enthusiastic board members who say VSHL 35th anniversary is a landmark to celebrate. Already under way are plans for a gala dinner on October 4 in Downtown Richmond’s Omni Hotel.

VSHL was organized in 1967, six years before the infamous Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court which struck down abortion laws in all 50 states. In the late 60s, very few citizens were even remotely aware of the orchestrated national effort by abortion proponents to severely weaken state laws that protected the unborn child. The subject of abortion was too dreadful for most people to even think about much less discuss in polite company. But a small group of watchful Virginia citizens in Richmond and Northern Virginia saw the need to organize to defend Virginia’s laws from the coming assault. Virginia Society for Human Life began its work. History was made. VSHL became the first statewide organization of its kind in the nation.

Our noble cause of defending innocent human lives through law and public policy is one in which you, our members and supporters, have chosen to invest time, talent and resources. I am very grateful to each of you for your personal contributions. Every so often, we also need to reflect on our history and celebrate our successes and collective perseverance. Plan now to join us in the fall on Friday, October 4^th to celebrate our 35 years.

Brenda Fastabend

Published in VSHL Lifesaver, June 2002