KFUO Radio News Break

In today's News:

Concordia St. Paul sets record

Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), St. Paul, Minn., set a new fall enrollment record with 5,567 students — 428 more than its previous high of 5,139 a year ago. Traditional undergraduate programs gained 56 students, adult undergraduate programs 361 students, and graduate programs 11 students. Enrollment for students learning on campus now stands at an all-time high of 1,756, while graduate programs saw their total enrollment surpass 2,000 students for the second consecutive year. Adult undergraduate program enrollment, which includes the bulk of online students, stands at 1,788.

Suit filed against the city of Washington, D.C,

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing two pro-life organizations filed suit in federal court Wednesday after the city of Washington, D.C., refused to grant permission for the groups to paint a pro-life message on a city street shortly after the city commissioned or allowed the painting of other messages on a different street. In June, a mural reading “BLACK LIVES MATTER” was created using permanent yellow paint, the length of an entire city block, extending the width of the street. Shortly after the mural was painted, another mural reading “DEFUND THE POLICE” was also painted on the street. The Frederick Douglass Foundation and Students for Life of America then sought to paint a similar mural outside of the Planned Parenthood Carole Whitehill Moses Center with the message “BLACK PRE-BORN LIVES MATTER,” but the city refused to grant a permit to the two groups. Students for Life of America applied for a permit and received permission to hold a rally, but neither group received a formal response from the city regarding the painted mural.

Pro-abortion follower appointed to Biden’s staff

Former Vice President Joe Biden has chosen an outspoken pro-abortion activist to serve as his White House chief of staff should he end up assuming the presidency in 2021. Last week, the 77-year-old Biden announced that he would tap Ron Klain, who had previously worked as chief of staff to Al Gore and Biden during their respective vice presidencies, to serve as his chief of staff. Over the years, Klain has repeatedly heaped praise on the pro-abortion movement and questioned the legitimacy of both the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections. In a series of tweets he sent out in 2018 and 2019, Klain voiced his admiration for pro-abortion activists and organizations.

City lifts ban on sidewalk counseling

In a victory for life Tuesday, the city council In Jackson, Missi. voted to repeal an ordinance that restricted pro-life free speech outside the only abortion facility in the state. The AP reports the Jackson City Council voted unanimously to repeal the 2019 buffer zone ordinance after pro-life sidewalk counselors sued the city. The ordinance prohibited people from “oral protest, education or counseling” within 15 feet of the entrance to a health care facility and prohibited amplified sound within 100 feet of the property line. It also banned anyone from coming within eight feet of another person without their permission. Those who violated the ordinance could face a $1,000 fine or jail time. The ordinance technically applied to all health care facilities in Jackson, but it really targeted pro-lifers. As a result, peaceful pro-life advocates could have been punished for praying outside the abortion facility or handing a woman information about pregnancy resources in the city. The victory Tuesday may be temporary. According to the AP, City Council President Aaron Banks promised to take new action to “guarantee safety and that individuals aren’t harassed.”

In today's News:

Concordia Chicago sets enrollment record 

This fall, Concordia University Chicago (CUC), River Forest, Ill., celebrated its largest-ever enrollment with a total of 6,490 students, a growth of 5 percent more than last year. This also marks the third consecutive year of combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment exceeding 6,000 students. CUC’s 2020 enrollment includes 4,953 graduate students — its largest number ever. In addition, the university’s accelerated degree program, a pathway for non-traditional undergraduates to earn their degrees, grew to a record 287 students. 

Colorado’s anti-discrimination law challenged 

A Colorado web designer should not have to create wedding websites for same-sex couples under the state’s anti-discrimination law because it would amount to forced speech that violates her religious beliefs, a lawyer told an appeals court Monday. Kristen Waggoner, a lawyer for Alliance Defending Freedom, told a three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver that the issue for designer Lorie Smith, who is a Christian, is the message and not the customer. She is trying to revive a lawsuit challenging the state’s law, which her group also targeted on behalf of Colorado baker Jack Phillips in a case decided in 2018 by the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court decided the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had acted with anti-religious bias against Phillips after he refused to bake a cake for two men who were getting married. But it did not rule on the larger issue of whether a business can invoke religious objections to refuse service to LGBT people. 

New York to add ‘X’ for sex on licenses 

New York intends to offer driver’s licenses with a nonbinary gender identity marker of “X,” but it could take more than a year before Department of Motor Vehicles computers will be able to automatically handle the option, state officials said in court filings. Officials made the disclosure in papers filed in a federal lawsuit brought against them by Sander Saba, who is challenging the state policy of limiting gender identity on licenses to either “male” or “female.” Saba, who claims to be a nonbinary transgender New York City resident, said in the lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal this summer that the policy is discriminatory. 

Astronaut takes God with him in orbit 

Astronaut Victor Glover wasn’t trying to get away from God as he blasted to the International Space Station (ISS) in the SpaceX crew Dragon’s capsule “Resilience” on Sunday. As the first African-American astronaut to go on a long-term mission, Glover took on board communion cups and the Word of God. He plans to utilize the strong internet connection aboard the craft to access faith-based programs, too. Glover arrived at the ISS with the three other crew members onboard the first commercially developed space vehicle certified by NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration to ferry astronauts up to low-earth orbit and back again. The crew will stay at the space station until the spring. Glover’s making his first space journey after serving as a Navy F/A-18 carrier pilot who flew combat missions in Iraq. He also previously served as a legislative aide to the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, himself a naval aviator.

In today's News:

A Kansas school cancels Christmas 

A Kansas school has canceled its participation in Operation Christmas Child after an atheist group wrote to the school district alleging that the program “violates basic constitutional principles.” The annual project is sponsored by the Christian nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse, through which shoeboxes filled with gifts are sent to children in more than 160 nations. Liberty Middle School must “cease participation in Operation Christmas Child or taking any other actions promoting Christianity like including religious references over morning announcements,” the atheist legal group, Freedom From Religion Foundation, wrote to Tony Helfrich, the superintendent of Pratt School District, claiming “many egregious Constitutional violations [are] occurring” at the school. 

The Rev. Dr. Pittelko called to glory 

The Rev. Dr. Roger Dean Pittelko, who served as president of the LCMS English District from 1986 to 1997, died on Nov. 11. He was 88. In addition, he was a professor and supervisor of the D.Min. Program at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, fourth vice-president of the LCMS (1998–2001) and chairman of the LCMS Commission on Worship (1983–1990 and 1992–1998). He also served as chairman of the Agenda Committee during the production of Lutheran Service Book. Pittelko sat on a variety of District and Synod committees and boards, authored numerous articles, and was a frequent presenter on topics related to liturgy and worship. Pittelko is survived by his wife, Beverly; his son, The Rev. Dr. Dean (Kay) Pittelko; daughter Susan (Howard) Gorecki; and grandchildren Hillary Pittelko and Jon, Jessica and Sarah Gorecki. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no public service is planned at this time. 

Biden administration to roll back abortion protections 

Americans can expect to be forced to send hundreds of millions of tax dollars to pro-abortion groups if Joe Biden is confirmed to be the winner of the white house. Biden, a pro-abortion Democrat, promised to reverse President Donald Trump’s progress for life when he takes office, including ending the Mexico City Policy and restoring Title X funds to Planned Parenthood. These two executive orders alone defunded Planned Parenthood and the British-based abortion chain Marie Stopes International of more than $200 million U.S. tax dollars. Among other priorities, Christianity Daily reports Biden also is expected to repeal a Trump executive order that granted relief to charities like the Little Sisters of the Poor. Biden would once again force them to follow the Affordable Care Act contraception mandate, which includes drugs that may cause abortions. 

Supreme Court Justice sounds a warning 

Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Alito gave a strong and impassioned speech to the Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention on Thursday, where he condemned efforts by the left to take away religious freedom — in particular efforts to force Christians like the Little Sisters of the Poor to fund abortions. Addressing the theme of religious liberty, Alito criticized the Obama administration for what he called a “protracted campaign” and “unrelenting attack” on the Little Sisters of the Poor, a group of Catholic nuns that Democrats have repeatedly tried to force to fund abortions.

In today's News:

Strip Clubs, yes; churches, no 

A California judge ordered San Diego to reopen strip clubs even as local officials crack down on churches. San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel R. Wohlfeil ordered the state to end any actions that prevent the clubs from "being allowed to provide live adult entertainment," according to the decision. The owners of two strip clubs argued that their business is legally protected speech guaranteed by the first amendment — the same argument that churches have been making about their own services. The judge's decision is not final as that in a full hearing, which will occur at the end of the month, but it temporarily allows the strip clubs to reopen for indoor services, as other institutions close. In their legal complaint, strip-club owners argued they have complied with social distancing requirements. They also warned that another shutdown would mean financial ruin. The judge temporarily sided with them. 

Arguments heard yesterday on nativity scene 

Liberty Counsel presented oral argument yesterday before a three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals refuting the opinion by an Indiana federal judge who ruled against the nativity scene display at the Jackson County Courthouse. Liberty Counsel represents Jackson County and also filed a motion to stay asking the court to allow the nativity scene to be displayed during the holiday season this year while the judges make a decision. In addition to the nativity scene, the annual holiday display also includes a large lighted Santa Claus, sleigh with reindeer, and a group of Christmas carolers. The courthouse grounds are also decorated with many kinds of lights and other non-religious symbols of the holiday season. Judge Tanya Pratt previously ruled in favor of a plaintiff who does not live or work in the county and does not transact any business in the Jackson County Courthouse. This building no longer hosts court proceedings as they are now conducted in the new courthouse. 

The Rev. Dr. David G. Schmiel called home 

The Rev. Dr. David G. Schmiel, who served as the 15th president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., (CTSFW) from 1993 to 1996, died on Nov. 3. He was 88. In addition to serving as president of CTSFW, Schmiel was pastor of congregations In Gresham, Neb., and Onalaska, Wis.; professor at St. Paul’s College in Concordia, Mo.; professor and dean of faculty at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minn.; director of instruction at CSL; president at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, Mich.; and director of theological education for the LCMS Board for Higher Education. He authored numerous papers and served for several years on the LCMS Standing Committee on Pastoral Ministry. A funeral was held on yesterday at Crossview Lutheran Church, Edina, Minn., with burial at Lakeside Cemetery in Minneapolis. In addition to the Lcms Office of Pastoral Education, memorials may be made to CSL or a recipient of the donor’s choice.

In today's News:

Seminary to digitize rare books

In the coming decade, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will make some 10,000 books and manuscripts, including more than 6,000 volumes in its rare book collection, available to scholars worldwide thanks to the mobilization of a monumental digitization effort. The Seminary’s Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library, the largest Lutheran library in North America, will begin using state-of-the-art technology in the coming months to photograph, scan and convert its most fragile and unique manuscripts and books into electronic files. It will take about a decade to complete the process of digitizing all the materials.

Massachusetts tries to expand abortion

As companion bills aimed at allowing abortion up until the moment of birth continue to be stalled, Massachusetts lawmakers are now working to insert an amendment into the state budget that would accomplish the same goal. State Representative Claire Cronin, the co-chair of the Joint Committee on The Judiciary, filed Amendment 759, which would be added to the annual budget bill. The leadership of both houses of the Massachusetts General Court have spoken out in favor of the amendment, similar to the Roe Act that failed.

New Jersey to make abortion a right

Last month, New Jersey lawmakers introduced a bill that would permanently enshrine abortion as a right in the state. Created as a response to the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the so-called “Reproductive Freedom Act” would not only protect abortion within the state but would also do away with virtually all restrictions. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the legislation, which he crafted with Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, as a move to “expand health care” on his website. In addition to making abortion a state right, it mandates that insurance covers both birth control and abortion, with no out-of-pocket cost. Finally, it removes what it labels “medically-unnecessary restrictions” on abortion, which it considers a “fundamental right.”

Michigan’s Supreme Court to rule on school funding

Michigan’s highest court heard oral arguments in a case over whether the state can provide funds to private and religious schools to maintain state-mandated health and safety regulations, despite a state constitutional amendment barring public funding of nonpublic schools. The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in the case of Council of Organizations and others for education about Parochiaid v. State of Michigan. At issue was a law passed in 2016 that allocated $2.5 million to reimburse private schools for the cost of complying with state-mandated health, safety, and welfare regulations. The lawsuit against reimbursing private schools filed by a coalition of groups, including the ACLU of Michigan, Michigan Parents for Schools, Middle Cities Education Association and Kalamazoo Public Schools. The oral arguments before the Michigan Supreme Court come months after the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that religious schools in Montana can qualify for a state tax credit program even though their state constitution bans public aid to religious entities.

In today's News:

Supreme Court again delays on abortion law 

Pro-life advocates are hopeful the Supreme Court will review an abortion law in Mississippi, even though the court once again delayed its decision on whether to hear the case. Lynn Fitch, the state’s attorney general, has asked the court to review its law, which bans abortion after 15 weeks of gestation and has been challenged by the Center for Reproductive Rights. The state’s only abortion clinic offers abortions until the 16th week of a pregnancy. Mississippi’s previous governor, Phil Bryant, signed the ban into law in 2018, but it was subject to immediate legal appeal and blocked by a District Court. In 2019, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the law to be unconstitutional. Fifteen weeks is considered prior to fetal viability outside the womb. The Supreme Court had been expected to announce whether it would heat the case on Friday. The Court was due to conference regarding the law on Nov. 13, but instead announced on Monday that it had again delayed a decision. This is the fifth time since Sept. 22 that the conference has been rescheduled. No reason for the delay, or new date, was given. 

Abortion security guard removed 

According to pro-life organization Abortion on Trial, a security guard has been removed from his position at a New Mexico abortion facility owned by Franz Theard, an abortionist currently under investigation for abandoning a patient who suffered two concurrent botched abortions under his care. Bertram Wiles, employed by Securitas Security Services USA Inc. as a security guard, was placed at Hilltop Women’s Reproductive Clinic in New Mexico. In video which Wiles posted himself, which has since been removed, he was seen harassing pro-life women across from the abortion business. Though portions of the video used voiceovers, other portions showed him directly sexually harassing women. He is also accused of following one woman to her job and leaving his card on her car. Wiles has since scrubbed his social media accounts, which included multiple similar videos that included sexual remarks directed toward young women, racial slurs towards Latina women, and vulgar language directed at pro-lifers. 

Forty percent of the world’s believers subject to persecution 

Dictators are the worst persecutors of believers. This uncontroversial finding was verified for the first time in The Pew Research Center’s 11th Annual Study surveying restrictions on freedom of religion in 198 nations. He median level of government violations reached an all-time high in 2018, as 56 nations suffer “high” or “very high” levels of official restriction. The number of nations suffering “high” or “very high” levels of social hostilities toward religion dropped slightly to 53. However, the prior year the median level recorded an all-time high. Considered together, 40 percent of the world faces significant hindrance in worshiping God freely.

In today's News:

Supreme Court to settle Title X dispute 

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing two pro-life medical associations filed a Friend-of-the-Court brief yesterday, encouraging The U.S. Supreme Court to take a case concerning a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rule that prevents federal family-planning funding under the Title X program from being used for abortions. The brief explains that the HHS final rule essentially revives one that the Supreme Court already found Constitutional in a previous case and should therefore be upheld. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit blocked the HHS regulations in Maryland while a 9th Circuit decision in a separate case upheld them. The rulings create a split between the circuits that only the Supreme Court can resolve. 

Biden promises funding for Planned Parenthood 

Should Joe Biden become president after recounts and court cases involving allegations of massive election fraud, he says he will sign an executive order on week one of any potential presidency to force American taxpayers to fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business. Even though Biden may not be certified as the new president, he has already formed a presidential transition team and that team has released a set of priorities of the first things he would do in office. On the list is a promise to reverse President Donald Trump’s Protect Life Rule that make sure taxpayers aren’t forced to fund groups such as Planned Parenthood that perform and promote abortions in other countries. During a Town Hall in South Carolina Biden confirmed that one of his first acts as president would be using taxpayer dollars behind the global abortion agenda. 

Global abortion giants praise Biden 

Abortion giants around the world have celebrated Biden’s reported presidential victory by releasing a series of statements praising his pro-abortion position and policies. Biden was announced as the winner of the 2020 presidential election by media outlets during the weekend. Some remaining us states continue to count their votes. Following the announcement, global abortion giants took to social media to congratulate Biden and Vice President-apparent Kamala Harris for their commitment to expand abortion. 

South African rector retires 

The Rev. Dr. Carlos Walter Winterle has announced his retirement as rector of the Lutheran Theological Seminary (LTS) in Tshwane, Pretoria in South Africa. Winterle, who turned 70 earlier this year, said, “It is time to retire and give way to the younger generation.” Succeeding Winterle as rector of the LTS is the Rev. Dr. Heinz Hiestermann. Winterle served as president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil from 1998-2006. He has spent the next 14 years serving throughout Africa: four years in Kenya; seven in Cape Town, South Africa; and the past three as the rector of LTS in Pretoria. He has also been heavily involved with missions and theological education in Mozambique.

In today's News:

Planned Parenthood drops suit 

Planned Parenthood of Arizona has dropped its lawsuit against Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, which sought to have several state regulations on abortion overturned. The suit challenged laws which mandated only physicians commit abortions, banned abortion pills dispensed via telemedicine, and required women to have an ultrasound at least 24 hours before an abortion. Despite dropping the suit, the abortion business is still pressing judges to overturn the laws. In addition, the organization announced on Oct. 24 the resignation of Bryan Howard, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Arizona. Howard spent 36 years working for the abortion chain, 23 of which were with Planned Parenthood of Arizona. Howard had previously complained about ultrasound legislation, noting that it has led to fewer abortions being committed, meaning women have “had their life substantially disrupted.” He also falsely claimed to provide prenatal care, and opposed legislation banning discriminatory abortions committed based on the race or sex of the child. 

Black pro-life leaders tell Planned Parenthood to leave 

Black pro-life leaders are telling the Planned Parenthood abortion chain to get out of their neighborhoods and stop targeting black women and unborn babies. The National Black Pro-Life Coalition recently filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, accusing the abortion chain of decades of racial discrimination, One News Now reports. Planned Parenthood itself recently admitted that its founder, Margaret Sanger, held eugenics beliefs “rooted in racism, ableism and classism” and removed her name from its New York City facility. Hundreds of Planned Parenthood employees also accused its leaders of racism earlier this year. Lori Hoye of the Issues4Life Foundation said the abortion chain needs to do more than just disavow its founder. Though abortions hurt families of every race and culture, statistics indicate that abortions disproportionately hurt the African-American community. Census data indicates that African Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population, but they have about 40 percent of all abortions.

Malagasy Lutherans choose a new leader

On Nov. 5, the Malagasy Lutheran Church elected the Rev. Dr. Denis Rakotozafy to serve as its new president. The vote came during the church’s 23rd synodical conference held Nov. 4-8, which gathered under the theme: “and increase the harvest of your righteousness…” (2 Corinthians 9:10). 

Same-sex marriage ban overturned 

Nevada voters overturned a ban on same-sex marriage, making it the first state to recognize gay couples' right to marry in its constitution. The right to same-sex marriage was one four new amendments to the state constitution, which also included a voters' bill of rights and a renewable energy mandate.

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Nevada church seeks equal treatment 

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing a church filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme court yesterday that asks it to declare Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s coronavirus restrictions on churches unconstitutional. For months, Sisolak allowed casinos to operate at 50 percent capacity while capping churches at 50 people. That meant a casino with capacity for 2,000 could host 1,000 gamblers, while a church with the same capacity could welcome only 50 worshipers. Although the governor’s newest order increased the cap, it continues the unequal treatment by allowing casinos and other secular establishments to operate at 50 percent capacity with no cap. A procedural rule allows Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley in rural Lyon County to ask the high court to weigh in even while its lawsuit moves forward at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit; the ordinary process could result in the church being subject to unconstitutional gathering restrictions for many additional months.

Number of Christian voters declines 

The share of registered voters in the United States who say they are Christian has declined by about 15 percent since 2008 while the number of religiously unaffiliated voters has nearly doubled, Pew Research Center data suggests. Pew drew the data from a balanced survey of more than 360,000 registered voters surveyed over a 25-year span that include over 12,000 voters questioned in 2018 and 2019. The data indicate that 64 percent of all registered voters surveyed in 2019 self-identified as Christian. That figure is down from 79 percent of registered voters surveyed in 2008 who identified themselves as followers of Christ. The study shows that the decline in registered Christian voters is most stark in the Democratic Party. In 2008, 73 percent of registered democrats identified as Christian. But by 2019, only 52 percent of Democrat voters said the same. Registered Republican voters have seemingly moved away from God at a slower rate, dropping from 87 percent Christian in 2008 to 79 percent Christian in 2019. In comparison, the number of religiously unaffiliated voters has almost doubled from 15 percent to 28 percent in the same years. 

'Jesus' no, 'Black Lives Matter' yes 

A Mississippi elementary school that allowed students to wear “Black Lives Matter” masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic ordered a third-grade girl to remove her “Jesus Loves Me” mask. On Monday, Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit defending her First Amendment rights. The third-grade pupil, Lydia Booth, aimed to peacefully share her Christian faith by wearing the “Jesus Loves Me” mask. She wore the mask without disruption or incident on Oct. 13, but the principal at her school demanded she remove and replace it. Two days later, Simpson County School District administrators announced a policy prohibiting masks that are “political, religious, sexual or inappropriate symbols, gestures or statements that may be offensive, disruptive or deemed distractive to the school environment.” According to the lawsuit, the school has allowed students to wear masks with the logos of local sports teams or even the political slogan “Black Lives Matter.”

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Pro-life increases in House of Representatives

The number of pro-life Republican women in the House of Representatives will more than double in 2021, in another likely disappointment for Speaker Nancy Pelosi who has yet to see her prediction of an increased Democratic majority materialize. At least 14 pro-life women have won Houses races, and in seven cases they flipped Democrat-held seats.

Aborted babies memorialized in sculpture

A new sculpture installed at Resurrection Cemetery in The Diocese of Madison, Wisc., is dedicated to the memory of children lost to abortion. The powerful sculpture depicts a grief-stricken mother and father and their aborted daughter shown as a young child. The sculpture, called “The Memorial of Unborn Children II,” was created by Slovakian sculptor Martin Hudáček, whose “Memorial for Unborn Children” of a mother and her aborted child touched hearts in 2010. His new sculpture portrays the pain both mothers and fathers can experience after an abortion. Hudáček told Catholic World Report that people in Poland came to him with the idea of showing it isn’t only women who regret abortion and weep for their children. Fathers, too, can suffer the effects of abortion trauma.

Supreme Court heard religious freedom argument

The Supreme Court of The United States yesterday heard oral argument in Philadelphia v. Fulton, a case in which the justices will decide whether religious organizations can be disqualified from serving children and families. First Liberty filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case on behalf of Galen Black, a plaintiff from the landmark 1990 Supreme Court Case Employment Division v. Smith. First Liberty Institute Counsel Keisha Russell said the Constitution prohibits government from punishing religious organizations for acting consistently with their sincerely held religious beliefs. The court should ensure that religious adoption providers can continue their centuries-old work serving families and children without suffering government discrimination because they believe that the best home for a child includes a mother and father.

Planned Parenthood drops a suit

Planned Parenthood’s filed a notice to a federal district court Tuesday that the abortion giant wishes to drop its lawsuit against Arizona laws that protect women considering an abortion by ensuring they have at least 24 hours to reflect and investigate after receiving critical information — in person — about abortion and available alternatives and ensuring that abortions are performed only by licensed physicians. In March, The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona allowed Choices Pregnancy Centers of Greater Phoenix, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys, to intervene in the lawsuit, Planned Parenthood Arizona v. Brnovich, specifically to defend the 24-hour waiting period provision in Arizona law.