Rick Ligthart, President of PASS network for life

Thoughts for March 14, 2011: Please Tell Truth to our Youth

2011-03-14T16:10:00.001-05:00

The recent proposed Illinois Senate Bill SB 1619 “Personal Responsibility Education Act” being considered by Committee encourages sex among teens and disparages the meaning of marriage. Although the bill’s name sounds positive, its intent removes rather than encourages responsibility. The bill is a pinnacle example of hypocrisy, assigning a new meaning to the word “abstinence” and the bill makes “marriage” out to be irrelevant to sexual relationships.

In a nation where divorce, abortions, STD’s, sexual promiscuity, adultery, pornography, and broken relationships are rampant one would think a bill that truly communicates the consequences and responsibilities for sex would be a better choice. One would think legislators could understand the long-term effects of a nation without moral compass.

Abortions exist because sexual promiscuity, without a thought of consequences, is a fact in our communities. Sexual abstinence until marriage is purposed to protect individuals and culture. Everyday U.S. pregnancy centers deal with the consequences of sex without responsibility. Thousand of teens who have yet to become women and men, let alone wives and husbands, are faced with responsibilities this bill leads them to believe are nonexistent.

Should these types of bills come to vote and passage we can expect even more teens asking their churches and community leaders, “Why didn’t anybody tell me about all the consequences of having sex? Why didn’t anyone tell me my heart, soul, mind, spirit, moral, and ethical views played a part in my decisions. Why didn’t anyone tell me that sex was more than something physical? Why didn’t anyone tell me the real meaning of sex and marriage sex rather than telling me sex was just a physical experience? Why did you tell me sex was no big deal when I was young only to find out now that I’m older that sex is so much more important? Why did you lie to me?”

As our nation continues to tax more for public services to meet the needs of the consequences a nation who has lost it moral compass, we can expect more bills like SB 1619. We can expect crisis pregnancy centers like PASS to be called upon to meet the needs of hurting individuals who have been deceived by misleading Bills like SB 1619.

For Christ and His Kingdom,

Rick Ligthart

Thoughts for 1.20.2011: Decreases in Abortion Statistics May Not Be a Good Thing

2011-01-20T16:36:00.002-06:00

Decreases in Abortion Statistics May Not Be a Good Thing

As a pro-life advocate we praise God when learning about decreases in abortions from government statistics. We give thanks, because fewer abortions means more saved babies. Fewer abortions can also mean fewer women and men impacted by guilt and post-abortion stress years later. However, decreased abortion statistics may not be a factual indication of what is happening in America. There is a new unrecorded abortion statistic on the horizon.

With the introduction drugs such as RU486, Plan B, the Morning after Pill, and other names for medical abortifacients, abortions are happening without abortion clinic surgeries. Today, both surgically and medically produced abortions are legally available. An abortion is an abortion no matter if it is on a surgical table or at home through medical drugs. The problem lies in that both surgical and medical abortions blur when life begins, but there is no escaping of when life ends.

Dealing with the unavoidable physical and emotional consequences of an intentionally produced abortion (regardless of if it is surgical or medical) is inescapable. Many women and men, who have sought healing from past abortion choices, often years following their surgical abortions, vividly remember their physical and emotional experiences from that day.

Post-abortive healing and restoration ministries must adapt, understanding that women and men to whom they will minister are not likely to have had surgical abortions as much as medical abortions.
Those suffering from post-abortion stress following a medical abortion may have no memory of a physical experience other than taking a pill. On the surface it appears there are no connections between taking medical abortifacients and emotional costs. But that is not true. There are emotional aftermaths of taking medical abortifacients which parallel surgical abortions.

While not all medical abortions are successful and some women can face complications following medically induced abortions, the emerging message today is, “Abortions are easy. Just take a pill.” That sounds so simple to a scared teenager or a twenty something student. It is comparable to new apps to their cell phones. The truth is it is not so simple.

As our nation continues its abortion mindset, the pro-life movement must understand that statistics can be misleading, even if they sound good. Yes, we rejoice when hearing abortions are decreasing, but let us not be deceived. With the blurring of truth and medically induced abortions it is ever more important the message of “Abstinence Before and Faithfulness in Marriage” continues through pregnancy resource centers around the country. We need to both be ahead of the pregnancy and intercept an abortion mindset.

To eliminate abortions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Rev. Rick Ligthart
PASS Executive Director

Thoughts for Monday, October 25, 2010

2010-10-25T13:56:00.002-05:00

Approaching the November elections some candidates make known their pro-life or pro-choice positions. Some candidates, however, are mum on the topic preferring not to ostracize voters. The last thing they want is to be confrontational and simply talking about abortion is confronting issue. Journalists likewise choose to either include or exclude the abortion topic when covering candidate forums. The elephant is in the room but no one wants to say so.

Sadly, many voters think answers are always found through government. While governments, especially big governments, have more capability of designating funds, solutions are still unmet. In the case of abortion, the landmark case of Roe v. Wade is still ever present. It just will not go away. The point is that government is not the answer when the issue of abortion is the topic.

That is why pregnancy resource centers have been, are and always will have the answers for women and men facing crisis pregnancy situations. While governments, candidates, elections, and media go about their ritual endeavors to campaign, get elected and govern, pregnancy resource centers like PASS keep going standing in truth, love, and compassion. That is what we do 24/7/365. We keep upholding the sanctity of life because that is what Jesus teaches.

I will uphold the sanctity of life before I vote on Tuesday and after I vote on Tuesday. Because innocent lives in the womb need that protection.

For Christ and His Kingdom,

Rick Ligthart, President
rick@passhelps.org
708-614-9777

Thoughts for Wednesday, July 28, 2010

2010-07-28T12:50:00.001-05:00

Lorerdana Vuoto in her article “Abortion: The Real African American Killer” (www.reflectionsebi.net July 2010 Issue) cites Mrs. Obama’s efforts to reduce childhood obesity to save lives. To quote Vuoto, “Although it may be true that one in three children in the United States is obese,” “the epidemic of childhood obesity in America is not what is really killing African Americans: abortion is.” Vuote goes on, “Put bluntly, for every three black babies born, two are aborted.”

Vuoto make the point that mass media disregards U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics that over 1/3 of U.S. abortions are African American. Vuoto clarifies that 78% of all abortion clinics are located in or near predominantly minority neighborhoods.

Vuoto is right. The irony of Mrs. Obama’s focus on childhood obesity when abortion is the greatest killer our nation’s children is astounding.

PASS ministers truth with love and compassion wherever abortion is advanced in Chicago’s southern suburbs and we want to do more. PASS lovingly receives those who have experienced an abortion. At PASS, personal relationship is paramount.

PASS devotes its time on “doing” more so than “talking”. This is why we are thankful for speakers and writers like Vuoto and pro-life blogger Jill Stanek (www.jillstanek.com) and others for their connections to public audiences. We are also thankful for CPC’s around the U.S. like PASS at what they do one heart at a time through love and compassion with women and men in crisis pregnancy situations. What joy to know there are those who speak and those who do. Like sowing and reaping, together we are saving lives and changing culture.

Sounds like a great partnership for life.

For His Children,

Rick Lighart, PASS President
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25

Thoughts for June 30, 2010...

2010-06-30T10:40:00.002-05:00

Living in America as we approach July 4th is becoming increasingly challenging for real Christians. Judeo/Christian biblical sexual, reproductive, and sanctity of human life values are under attack. Recently, the Chicago Gay Pride Parade affirmed the pain and consequences in people’s lives before and following a pride-filled life. The Judeo/Christian Biblical view is clear; pride is not a good thing. Prov.11:2 “Pride comes before the fall, but with humility comes wisdom.” Pride precedes a fall; sometimes sooner, sometimes later, but the fall is unavoidable without renewing the mind that transforms a life.

Every day PASS volunteers and staff compassionately with wisdom and humility respond to the consequences of a client’s choices. We care for women and men facing the consequences of a crisis pregnancy, or the consequences of a broken heart following a sexual relationship gone awry, or the consequences of a broken spirit following an abortion choice, or the consequences of a confused teen without a job wondering how to provide for a baby who will arrive in a few months.

PASS staff and volunteers understand pain can exist before the pride. Pain can lead to pride and occurs following pride. In either situation love, compassion, wisdom, and humility are how we respond.

It is hard to be humble and hurts to be humbled, but the wisdom that follows is as precious as gold. Renewing minds and transforming lives is what we do at PASS and what we do is a result of wisdom that follows humility.

For His Children,

Rick Ligthart
President, PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25

Father’s Day at Crisis Pregnancy Centers

2010-06-21T12:43:00.001-05:00

For many fathers, Father’s Day is celebrated with new ties, summer shirts, sweet colognes, printed coffee mugs that read “World’s Greatest Dad” and family celebrations. For some dads, their children and spouses, Father’s Day can be a great day.

For expectant Fathers in a crisis pregnancy situation celebration is not always what they feel. Emotions of an unwed, expectant teen father waiting months until his girlfriend gives birth can be overwhelming. Father’s Day for these expectant dads may include giving his own father a gift as he thinks about how to tell his dad and mom that his girlfriend is pregnant. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.

Some single teen dads may find themselves shut out from their fatherhood experience if the mother says, “I want nothing to do with my old boyfriend, the guy who got me pregnant.” The bitterness can be hurtful. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.

Others single teen dads may completely abandon their responsibilities and potential joys because they don’t know the facts about fathering and family. They only know what culture and peer pressures have taught them. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.

On the other hand, many crisis pregnancy fathers may want to be good dads but have little understanding of their fatherhood role. They are without mentors to help them be the fathers they really want to be. They don’t know how and have no one to teach them. Father’s Day is a day of fear. Some Father’s Days are not so easy.

Historically crisis pregnancy centers have focused on the needs of abortion minded or abortion vulnerable women with the sole purpose of preventing abortion. That is still the case in many crisis pregnancy centers in the U.S. because funding is not available to do anything but pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.

How do we honor the father of an unwed teen pregnancy? Do we celebrate out of wedlock sex that resulted in pregnancy? Do we encourage additional unwed fatherhood opportunities? Where does marriage and responsibility fit in? Do we disregard the emotions of expectant mother and father and focus only on joys and not the challenges they will face as single parents? Some father’s days are not so easy.

That is where PASS can help. We centrally focus on abortion minded and abortion vulnerable women with the mission to reduce abortions, and we go further. Expectant Dads in crisis pregnancy situations are also offered services because we believe Fathers and Mothers when working together and in harmony is best for families.

At PASS we like celebrating Fathers and Mothers and the gift of life.

For His Children,

Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org

Join us this Friday evening--special class being offered!

2010-06-17T10:27:00.004-05:00

PASS aims at ministry excellence in all we do including relationships with clients we serve. To that point, this Friday, June 18th at our PASS Tinley Park location (17214 Oak Park Avenue) we are providing our first “Cultural Diversity In-Service Training Seminar”. This is our first series of seminars for those who minister through PASS. It is for all PASS Volunteers, Advocates, Facilitators, Teachers, Presenters, Staff, Board Members and any guest that feels led to attend. The cost is free! For further information please contact us at 708/614.9777 x24.

We are excited about this seminar and the future trainings PASS will make available on issues that matter for life.

We are about renewing minds that transforms and saves lives.

For His Children,

Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelp.org

Thoughts for Tuesday, June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T17:00:00.004-05:00

Memorial Day Reflection and Life

This Memorial Day has come and gone. I thought about my deceased Father and Grandfather. Dad served in WWII and my Grandfather fought in the trenches in WWI. I still have their uniforms and my grandfather’s WWI gas mask and helmet.

Memorial Day brings special memories for me as it does millions of Americans. I think about what my Father and Grandfather and their fellow soldiers fought for. I also think about the unborn innocent lives killed in the womb since Roe V. Wade and how we as a Nation have disregarded these lives.

For comparison consider that approximately 1,309,000 Americans have died in service since the beginning of our nation (www.militaryfactory.com) and since 1980 approximately 46,500,000 lives have been aborted (www.abortionfacts.com). That is quite an alarming statistic, 1.3 million since the Revolutionary War compared to 46.5since the 1980’s.

God bless the 1,309,000 service men and women who sacrificed to keep our Nation free. And God bless the 46,500,000 lives that have been aborted within our Nation’s borders. Makes one wonder what were our soldiers fighting and dying for then and what are they fighting and dying for now.

For His Children,

Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org
708/614.9777 x25

Thoughts for Tuesday, May 26, 2010...

2010-05-26T09:41:00.003-05:00

MEN, CRISIS PREGNANCY, AND MINISTRY

This weekend, a PASS employee and I attended the “Fisher’s of Men” conference in New Lenox which was attended by approximately 200 men.

PASS provided a display booth and our purpose was to invite men to volunteer at PASS to be one-on-one mentors with the men who often come to PASS with their expecting girlfriends.

The reality of crisis pregnancy is that pregnant women are not the only ones in crisis. We must minister to the men who are their boyfriends who are also in crisis and can play a significant part in decision making, particularly for choices to abort, parent, or adopt. These men in crisis are also are important to the future wellbeing of the child.

Ministering to men in crisis pregnancy situations is another part of PASS that is focused on renewing minds and transforming and saving lives.

Please pray for us as PASS ministers to women and men in crisis pregnancy with the goal of transforming and saving innocent lives.

Blessings,

Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org

Thoughts for Monday, May 3, 2010

2010-05-03T11:29:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends for LIFE:

The abortion issue is clearly not going away. New abortion laws in Arizona (in addition to the immigration laws) are making news. We at PASS continue saving lives regardless of what city, township, county, state and federal taxes and laws bring forward or what media hypes.

We minister in truth and love one to one. That means we continue to minister one heart at a time to save lives. PASS is in relationship with people to save lives, and we do it every day because of you--through your prayers and donations.

We are not a church so we do not pass a collection plate. We are not a business to our clients so we don’t charge them for our services. We are not a government so we don’t tax people. What we do is provide a great Saturday of friendship, fun, friends, live music, games, radio interviews, food, and conversation with people who believe in LIFE and support us with financial pledges and contributions.

Come join us for our annual "Hike for Life" fund-raising event this Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 8am to 2pm on Old Plank Trail/130 South Route 45 in Frankfort (on Plank Trail/event on the grounds of Peace Community Church). You won't want to miss it! For more details, visit us on the web at: www.passhelps.org

Blessings to you and your families,

Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
708/614.9777
rick@passhelps.org

Thoughts for April 13, 2010

2010-04-13T12:47:00.002-05:00

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed April to be “Abortion Recovery Month” much to the dismay and criticism of Planned Parenthood and NARAL.

The truth is that Post Abortive consequences are real often taking years before surfacing. Some people cope, some bury, some hide, and some pretend but no woman or man can avoid the consequences that accompany an abortion choice. Some come to grips with their choices soon and join recovery programs for the consequences they face. Others take years coping with inner guilt, shame, fear, the unknown, and a host of other consequences.

There is a continuous message of sex without consequences spread through government programs, mass media and groups like Planned Parenthood and NARAL. Recovery from emotional, mental, social, and spiritual consequences of an abortion choice requires sincere safe relationships with knowledgeable leaders skilled in walking the recovery journey. Post Abortive recovery programs and gifted people to teach can be difficult to find. PASS Hope & Healing program is one of the best in Illinois.

We as individuals and a nation can expect to see more men and women in need of Post Abortive recovery. Thank the Minnesota Governor for advancing the truth that Abortion Recovery in our nation is a reality. Thank your local pregnancy care center if they provide a Post Abortion recovery program. They are going to be very busy as the lie of abortion without pain and long term consequences are advanced in our nation.

Sincerely,

Rick Ligthart
President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org

Thoughts for March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

Dear PASS Friends for Life:

Historically, U. S. governments - federal, state, county, township, and cities have recognized the benefits faith-based ministries provide. Tax codes have permitted a percentage of contributions to faith-based ministries to be tax deductible affirming this understood benefit to citizens and the state. However, that seems to be changing as the Health Care Bill and, more importantly, the way the bill was passed confirms the church and state are at odds.

Non-profit groups, crisis pregnancy centers, adoption agencies, shelters, meal centers, healing and teaching ministries, and churches are experiencing the changes. From the beginning of time, to the fall of the Roman Empire to contemporary history, when governments get big, the more difficult it becomes for non-profits to minister. Governments have always been intent on controlling its people and this is certainly the case in the matter of abortion and life decisions.

However, there is good news. History has also proven that no matter how governments have tried to control personal-life decisions, no government has ever been able to eliminate people from communicating truth through personal relationships.

Yes, there is sadness and resentment at both the bill and the way the bill was passed. But know that PASS does things governments cannot do--create life-affirming relationships and share truth. What PASS does best is one-on-one ministry to hurting women and men in crisis. Regardless of what has occurred in Washington this past week of which there is much disappointment, PASS will continue to minister one heart, one soul, one life at a time. At PASS we minister publicly and privately. It is what we do and will continue to do to save lives.

Sincerely,

Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care
rick@passhelps.org

Thoughts for March 16, 2010

2010-03-16T11:11:00.003-05:00

The Health Care Bill is no small matter for the unborn. After understanding the plus 2,000 pages government bill, at the heart of debate are only two points: 1. Do you want government controlled heath care? 2. Do you want tax dollars be used to abort babies? Regarding #1, when learned people consider history and realize bigger government has never been the answer, they conclude competition is always better than totalitarian government or monopolies that have total control over medical decisions and absolute power to tax for it. Regarding #2, if you consider yourself pro-life, taxpayer-funded abortions is the worst legislation any nation has ever advanced. It surpasses that of the worst wars and holocausts throughout history. This bill that uses government funds for abortion will begin killing and keep on killing innocent lives as history continues. Proponents and supporters of the health care bill do not believe live begins in the womb. Clearly this is a battle in the spiritual and physical realm.

There is something you can do that governments have never done. Support LIFE one person at a time, one heart at a time, one soul at a time, one mind at a time. While we teach thousands of students each year, we also advocate for life and truth with women and men one-to-one. Pro-life advocates can use the democratic process through voting. Pro-life advocates also do not neglect responsibilities to be in one-on-one human personal relationship to save lives.

Thank you for what you do and thank you for what you make possible for us to do to save lives of the innocent in the womb, one at a time. You are not alone.

Sincerely,

Rick Ligthart
PASS President

Weekly Blog for Monday, February 22, 2010

2010-02-22T18:08:00.001-06:00

Sunday night the First Church of the Nazarene (FCN) in Lemont presented to their congregation and the public a panel of speakers on Sex. Sermons on sexuality, marriage, and faithfulness are common. Youth pastors regularly answer challenging questions from teens and young adults about sex. And what Pastor has not faced a pastoral counseling session on marital unfaithfulness? But a public focus group with audience questions? That is a deeper level of edification. One might ask, “Why would a church do that?”

The Old Testament, the Gospels and Paul’s writings affirm that sex has always been an issue for the church. What is refreshing is a church unafraid to publicly speak about sex, a church unashamed to ask questions and dialogue, a church filled with the Spirit and confident enough in its relationship with God to speak about what many would say is the unspeakable.

When edified Christians know where they stand on any topic, they do not fear talking about it. Christians unafraid to speak the truth is leadership lead by the Spirit. It is the kind of Christian leadership that counts the cost and is unafraid. In today’s culture of crisis pregnancy, abortion, teen pregnancy, broken marriages, one-parent families, co-habitation, politicians, sports stars, cultural icons and media sex messages out of control, it is a joy to know there are some who are unafraid to speak truthfully through th church. It is the kind of truth that accompanies Jesus’ words from Matt. 25:25 “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Rick Ligthart, President
PASS network of life-affirming care

Weekly Blog, February 8, 2010

2010-02-08T18:14:00.006-06:00

Monday, February 8, 2010

Dear PASS Friends:

Two major events occurred last week: 1) Focus on the Family and Tim Tebow and his Mother had a commercial during the Super Bowl and, 2) a new study was released showing that abstinence education is effective.

I am all for professing Christians being involved in the culture wars, especially when it comes to the sanctity of human life. For those of us who are not Heisman trophy winners, we should not let the Focus on the Family / Tebow's commercial take the place of God’s call on our lives. I applaud Focus on the Family and the Tebows for their great message and courage. My prayer is for those playing sandlot football and attending small churches that you do not leave the cause of Christ up to mega-ministries and mega-sports figures through Super Bowl commercials. It is my prayer that every professing Christian advances the sanctity of human life regardless of if we play powder-puff football or sign the next NFL contract. Bless you and thank you Tim Tebow, Mrs. Tebow, and Focus on the Family. Bless you and thank you all of those who stand for the truth of the sanctity of life who have not made the big leagues of media, sport, or ministry. Even if you are not on TV commercials, You Tube videos, or radio, we know where you are. You are in the trenches of personal ministry daily carrying your cross and you are not alone. We are with you.

The recent study showing "abstinence works" is no surprise as will be the next study that comes out that says abstinence does not work (www.abstinenceassociation.org). And, a few weeks later there will be another study with some new findings. At PASS, we don’t teach abstinence because a study proves abstinence works. We already knew it worked because Jesus does not lie or base his teachings on secular or government studies. We teach abstinence because Jesus says “Teach what I have commanded you.” And, that is good enough for us.

Rick Ligthart
PASS President

2010-02-01T12:26:00.001-06:00

February 1, 2010

Dear PASS Friends:

I had the blessed pleasure of providing the sermon to the wonderful people at St. Andrews church in Tinley Park this past Sunday. What a joy to be with brothers and sisters in Christ Sunday morning with a commitment to both evangelism and discipleship and a clear understanding on the sanctity of human life. Christian hospitality was certainly evidenced with the wonderful pot luck luncheon following the worship and Holy Communion service. There is just something special when Christians break bread together.

Everyone who ministers through PASS faces immense spiritual challenges as each day we seek to save lives of the unborn, teach abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage, heal those impacted by past decisions through love and understanding, and help those in need with training. Thank you Rev. Frank and Rev. Derrick for your good work at St. Andrew, your unwavering position to the sanctity of human life, and your prayers.

It is a joy to walk together on the path in saving lives.

For Christ and His Kingdom,

Rick Ligthart
President

Late Breaking News!!!!

2009-11-18T16:13:00.000-06:00

Be sure to listen to 102.3FM very early on THURSDAY MORNING--1-2AM!!!!!! PASS’ Donna Williams will be interviewed on WYCA 102.3FM on the "William Adams Radio Show". Donna will be promoting PASS' Lansing as a center for women and men in need of crisis care for the community. She will also be responding to callers with questions. Please pray for Donna as she reaches out into the community and sharing about LIFE!

Thank you!

2009-11-02T11:31:00.001-06:00

PLEASE NOTE: Upcoming Volunteer Orientation opportunity hosted at the Lansing Center!

Those interested in volunteering for any area of PASS should plan on attending Orientation scheduled for: November 10th from 9:00a-12:00p OR November 12th from 6:00p-9:00p.

Orientation is an informal time to receive an overview of PASS history, mission and service, project PASS volunteer needs and find your fit at PASS!

Training will be held at the Lansing PASS location located at 3116 Ridge Road, Lansing

Interested individuals can RSVP at (708) 614-9777 x 24 or ask for Laura.

2009-10-29T16:40:00.000-05:00

Working on our winter appeal letter....

PASS in the news.....

2009-07-16T16:53:00.001-05:00

From the Southtown Star, July 16, 2009:

Southland sees both sides in abortion ruling
By Maura Possley, Staff Writer

A federal appeals court br eathed new life this week into a long-dormant Illinois law that requires teen girls to notify their parents before having abortions.

Attorneys on both sides of the emotionally charged issue said the law would take effect within weeks unless its critics ask for a stay and the appeals judges agree to put their order on hold pending a possible rehearing.

"If the girls are in crisis, they can't just hide this thing," said Rick Ligthart, president of Pregnancy Aid South Suburbs. "We think it's really good that the parents can now help with this."

The decision in the Illinois Parental Notice of Abortion Act of 1995 will take effect Aug. 4. The appeals court described the measure as "a permissible attempt to help a young woman make an informed choice about whether to have an abortion."

It does not require teens to get their parents' consent, only to notify them beforehand. A provision of the law allows girls to bypass that by notifying a judge instead, a procedure that the American Civil Liberties Union argued would not be workable in practice.

Ligthart saw the ruling as a step toward overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.

"The courts maybe realizing this decision was not made with really a deeper understanding of what Roe v. Wade was going to do to our culture and our society," Ligthart said. "It appears that this is finally a victory for truth, that truth is finally coming to the forefront in the court systems and truth that this abortion is not beneficial to society."

But naturally the politically charged decision was criticized by pro-choice advocates.
Planned Parenthood, which provides affordable reproductive health care services across the country, including the Southland, called the judgement a barrier for women in obtaining "critical health care services."

Its nearest clinic in Orland Park doesn't offer abortion services but instead refers women to clinics in Chicago and Aurora that do.

"Most teens seek their parents' advice and counsel when making decisions about their health care. But in some cases, safe and open communication is not possible," Steve Trombley, its president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "In those cases, research shows mandatory parental notice laws do not enhance parent-teen communication, but they may be harmful to teens' health and well-being."

Contributing: AP