Lawsuit Filed Against Illinois Secretary Of State's Office (News Channel 10)

March 1, 2004  (Press Release)

This month two extremely important bill benefiting ADOPTION have been introduced. House Bill 5883 and Senate Bill 3089 allow for the issuance of a specialty license plate that will provide financial aid to adoption agencies, homes for unwed mothers, foster and special needs children, and pregnancy aid organizations. These plates have already been approved in 12 states and another 14 states, including Illinois, are in the process of approval

In todays world there is a five year wait to adopt, with over 1,000,000 families on hold. Sadly, less than 2% of mothers in crisis  pregnancies choose to place their child for adoption. We can do better than this. With adoption all about choice, the bills should be well received on both sides of the political aisle. In difficult pregnancies three choices are available to the mother. One is to choose to accept financial aid to complete the pregnancy and to give the adopting family the child they have so hoped for. A second is to accept financial aid to complete her pregnancy and keep her child. The third is to opt for abortion. Nothing in the bill speaks to abortion. The bills are all about adoption, or providing the financial aid to enable the mother to keep her child.

In our country today the word choice has become as American as apple pie. This ADOPTION AID effort has expanded the choice mothers will have at this difficult time to benefit the mother, the child, the adoptive parents, and the state of Illinois. Florida was the first state to offer this plate. Within four years, over $2,000,000 has been raised for agencies specializing in adoption. Countless famillies have realized their live long dream as a result.

For further information on how you may assist in this effort to get the bills passed offering the Choose Life ADOPTION Specialty plate, you may contact us as follows:

www.ILchoose-life.org
Illinois Choose Life ADOPTION AID Specialty Plates
PO Box 586 Grayslake, Ill. 60030
Telephone 847-362-6863  or 847-712-8387

                                       James P. Finnegan  President
                                       Choose Life Illinois ADOPTION AID Specialty Plates

March 27, 2003  (from Illinois Leader)

STANEK: Michael Madigan is mad at me      (article no longer available)
(Commentary on the legislative process that blocked Choose Life plates for now)

March 10, 2003  (from Illinois Leader)

Bishop Gordon and Willises Promote Adoption through Specialty Plates      (article no longer available)
(Monday, March 10th, report on 3/9/03 Choose Life press conference)

March 4, 2003 

Letter to the Editor published in the Daily Southtown

'Choose Life' right message

Tuesday, March 4, 2003

With the Illinois General Assembly soon to consider legislation that would make Choose Life specialty plates available to state residents, opponents to the initiative have raised some questions which need to be addressed. 

The proposal would provide funding for adoption organizations through the sale of such plates, which would read, "Choose Life."  None of the funds obtained by the state through the sale of these specialty plates would be used in any anti-abortion projects.

What a great idea, but apparently you can't please all the people all the time. 

Some opponents of legislation that would make available Choose Life license plates in Illinois are asking:  Why don't the license plates read support adoption or choose adoption?

First and foremost, there must be a baby to adopt.  When a single mother or couple decide to "Choose Life" through adoption, their decision is premised on one clear assumption:  There is a live child to adopt.  A couple can hardly adopt an aborted child.

Secondly, the phrase "Choose adoption" sets up a negative premise in itself.   Are we, as a society, telling or suggesting parents choose adoption over parenthood?  This is a very subtle, but extremely profound, distinction.

The "Choose Life" message certainly does not imply individuals and families should chose adoption over parenthood.  It does suggest parents might consider adoption over abortion.  Why would anyone disagree with this proposal? 

Supporters of abortion claim proceeds from the plates should go towards pro-abortion efforts.  This would be contrary to the idea of adoption. 

I can see why abortion rights organizations would not want to see 100,000 Choose Life specialty license plates on vehicles in Illinois.  It would be a political disaster for those who support abortion.

Soon Illinois Choose Life, Inc. will have obtained 20,000 signatures from state residents who support the Choose Life specialty plate proposal.

Contrary to some arguments, the state is not paying for these plates.  In fact, the state would actually benefit from money generated through the sale of the Choose Life specialty plate. 

If we can provide more money to find a good home for a child who needs a good home, why are we getting hung up on semantics? 

Julia M. Zanoza
Crestwood

February 17, 2003  (from Illinois Leader)

Franks Flip-Flopping on specialty license plates, opposed to "Choose Life" legislation
Monday, February 17, 2003      (article no longer available)

January 7, 2003 

Letter to the Editor published in the Chicago Tribune

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (LETTER)

The politics of `Choose Life' license plates

Jim Finnegan, President
Choose Life Inc

January 7, 2003

Barrington -- Unfortunately an effort by Illinois Choose Life Inc., which would have permitted the Illinois secretary of state to issue Choose Life adoption specialty license plates, failed to be acted upon in the recent veto session of the General Assembly.

Proceeds from the sale of the specialty plates were solely meant to benefit adoption programs here in Illinois. Six states have already issued Choose Life plates.

Another state will make the adoption specialty plate available in the very near future and 40 other states are considering similar initiatives.

The often-frazzled world of politics, however, and some misunderstanding concerning the true purpose of the adoption specialty plate initiative have put this important program on hold, at least until the next session of the Illinois General Assembly.

Sadly enough there are powerful forces in our state and nation who seem determined to wrongly turn the Choose Life adoption specialty plate program into a political battle between those who support abortion and those who do not.

The people of Illinois need to know that proceeds from the sale of the Choose Life specialty plates would in no way be used to limit a woman's right to an abortion. The legislation would have restricted any revenue generated by the sale of the Choose Life plates from being used to fight abortion rights in Illinois.

The license plates would have the words "Choose Life" on them because this is what the birth mother wants to give to adopting parents. Revenue from the plates would help birth mothers, families and adoption agencies in a myriad of ways. The Choose Life adoption specialty plates would also provide needed funding to state government.

Getting the truth out concerning the Choose Life specialty plate initiative has been a daunting task. Funds from the issuance of these plates will help the thousands of children waiting to be adopted and the thousands of families attempting to adopt.

To date, nearly 15,000 signatures have been collected on petitions in support of this program and the numbers are growing every day.

This is not about politics. This is not about abortion. It is about adoption.

January 2, 2003 

Illinois Choose Life, Inc. begins p.r. program in effort to aid adoption
cause / Proceeds from Choose Life specialty license plates to benefit adoption

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (RFM NEWS) Illinois Choose Life, Inc., a non profit organization, was founded to introduce legislation that would make available to Illinois motorists specialty license plates which read "Choose Life."  All proceeds from the Choose Life license plate initiative would benefit organizations which promote and support adoption.

Jim Finnegan, President of Illinois Choose Life, Inc., announced the group will launch a public relations program to inform Illinois residents about this initiative.

"Revenue from the sale of the Choose Life adoption plates will benefit groups, families and individuals who support adoption," said Finnegan, a retired businessman from Barrington, Illinois.  "Adoption is something
wonderful.  There are thousands of families who want to share their love with an adopted child and there are thousands of children who need good loving parents."

Part of the proceeds from the sale of the Choose Life plates will benefit the state budget.  But 23 of the 25 dollars generated from the sale of each specialty plate will go to organizations like the Sunny Ridge Family Center, an adoption agency located in Wheaton.

"The proceeds from the sale of the Choose Life plates can help birth mothers who are making adoption plans," said Becky MacDougall, Director of Domestic Adoptions and Maternity Services, at Sunny Ridge Family Center.  "These women, usually unsupported by our culture, often have needs for assistance
with medical costs, housing or transportation.  Some need general financial help to cover wages lost for a couple weeks around the time of their delivery.  Many women don't even understand the option of adoption and funds can be used to train pregnancy workers to promote adoption or to publish positive adoption literature. The funds can also be used to cover the cost of medical care or short-term foster care for infants awaiting placement."

Six states currently offer the Choose Life plate to motorists.  Another state will make the plate available in the very near future and 40 states are currently considering the Choose Life license plate initiative.

Pro-abortion groups have unsuccessfully challenged the issuance of the Choose Life license plate in states which have approved the specialty plates, citing legal questions surrounding "viewpoint discrimination" and "church-state entanglement."  But such legal arguments have been struck down in every case.    Pro-abortion groups, including Planned Parenthood, and groups like NOW (National Organization for Women) have also sought to receive some of the revenue stemming from the sale of the Choose Life plates, but courts have
ruled since proceeds from the adoption plates will not benefit anti-abortion efforts, the grounds for such claims are not valid.

"The message we are trying to get across is the Choose Life program is about adoption, nothing else," said Joe Walsh, a committee member of Illinois Choose Life, Inc.  "Attempting to turn this into a debate over abortion is not our goal.   Helping children find good, loving homes is Illinois Choose Life, Inc.'s only agenda and before the next session of the General Assembly, we hope to make this message clear."

The bill, formerly titled, SB2426, failed to pass out of a Senate committee during the veto session which ended in December.  However, there is a very slim chance the legislation may be acted upon during the final two days of the current General Assembly.   But, most likely, the bill will have to wait until the next legislative session.

"We found it necessary to inform the media, legislators and the public itself as to the purpose behind the Choose Life adoption license plate project," added Walsh.   "Hopefully, through letters to the editor, our website and with the help of the press, we can make the dreams of thousands a reality."

Recently, Illinois Choose Life, Inc. developed a website (www.ilchoose-life.org).  To date the organization has also accumulated nearly 15,000 signatures on petitions. 

"Anyone interested can download a petition from the site and add their name to a great cause," said Bill Beckman, another committee member of Illinois Choose Life, Inc.  "People can go to the website and learn more about a worthwhile project.   We've been extremely excited with the response to date and we are dedicated to a program designed to help make life better for those in need of love and compassion."

December 25, 2002 

Letter to the Editor published in the Daily Southtown

Group backs 'Choose Life' plates

Wednesday, December 25, 2002

Unfortunately, an effort by Illinois Choose Life Inc. (www.ilchoose-life.org) that would have permitted the secretary of state to issue "Choose Life" adoption specialty license plates failed to be acted upon in the recent veto session of the General Assembly.

Proceeds from the sale of the specialty plates were solely meant to benefit adoption programs here in Illinois. Six states have already issued Choose Life plates. Another state will make the adoption specialty plate available in the very near future, and forty other states are considering similar initiatives. However, the often-frazzled world of politics and some misunderstanding concerning the true purpose of the adoption specialty plate initiative has put this important program on hold, at least until the next session of the General Assembly.

Sadly enough, there are powerful forces in our state and nation who seem determined to wrongly turn the Choose Life adoption specialty plate program into a political battle between those who support abortion and those who do not. The people of Illinois need to know that proceeds from the sale of the Choose Life specialty plates would in no way be used to limit a woman's right to an abortion. The legislation, formerly numbered SB 2426, would have restricted any revenue generated by the sale of the Choose Life plates from being used to fight abortion rights in Illinois.

The license plates would have the words "Choose Life" on them because this is what the birth mother wants to give to adopting parents. Revenue from the plates would help birth mothers, families and adoption agencies in a myriad of ways. The Choose Life adoption specialty plates would also provide needed
funding to state government.

Getting the truth out concerning the Choose Life specialty plate initiative has been a daunting task. Funds from the issuance of these plates will help the thousands of children waiting to be adopted and the thousands of families attempting to adopt.

To date, nearly 15,000 signatures have been collected on petitions in support of this program, and the numbers are growing every day.

As president of Illinois Choose Life Inc., I beg the Illinois media to carefully scrutinize this legislation when we attempt to get this bill approved during the next session of the General Assembly. I also ask the
citizens of Illinois to think of the families and children who might be able to fulfill their life's dreams from the added revenue that such a program would provide adoption agencies. This is not about politics. This is not
about abortion. It is about adoption. And without your support, the hopes, dreams and aspirations of thousands may go unfulfilled.

Jim Finnegan
President, Illinois Choose Life Inc.
Barrington

December 22, 2002 

Letter to the Editor published in the Daily Southtown

Sunday, December 22, 2002

Supports 'Choose Life' plates

The other night on the news, there was a report on a proposal for the making of license plates with the words "Choose Life" on them. These plates would be specially ordered by those who want them, with proceeds going to help women leaning toward adoption over abortion. I like this idea, so I plan on a set
when they come out.

However, Planned Parenthood is raising a fuss, trying to keep Illinois (as well as other states) from issuing these plates.  What are they afraid of?

Talk about double standards!  Planned Parenthood wants its message to get across without any objection or resistance.

I have one request to Planned Parenthood: Since I, as well as many others, have respected your rights to speech (even though we disagree with you), respect ours. Remember the Constitution?

Nick Trevison
Lockport



December 4, 2002 

Observations from Jim Finnegan about Fox News coverage
of the 12/2/02 Choose Life press conference

Illinois Choose Life is an adoption effort to assist parents in their long struggle to find the child they so desperately hope for in order to complete their family.   Nothing in SB2426 denies the woman her right to obtain an abortion. It is all about adoption, and how to build this as a loving option for all.  Funds raised are obviously denied to any organization that performs or refers for abortion, since one can not adopt a dead child.  This denial is the only mention of the word abortion throughout the entire bill.

The arguments of selective discrimination, and church-state entanglement, have been the method of choice to try and stop the issue of the specialty plates in the seven states where the plates are now available. Both have consistently been denied by our court system, stating that first amendment rights we have to express our beliefs, including religious, prevail. Also, the courts have pointed out the right of dissenting groups to obtain their own specialty plate.

Unfortunately, Fox News chose to frame their own message after filming our press conference of December 2nd. Instead of being a specialty plate to benefit adoption as a choice for mothers in difficult pregnancies, it suddenly became, "an effort to introduce in Illinois, a controversial ANTI-ABORTION specialty license plate". This, at the same time the new plate was being pictured prominently within the broadcast, without mentioning its sole purpose was to foster adoption as a win-win option for all.   Fox did feature 10-15 seconds with Becky MacDougall, Domestic Director of Adoption at Sunny Ridge adoption agency in Wheaton, Illinois, in which Becky was allowed to present clearly the sole purpose of the Choose Life Adoption Specialty plate being offered for purchase in Illinois. What possibly can be controversial, or threatening, about an effort to increase adoption as an option, or in the use of the words choose or life?   Incidents like this serve to reinforce in the minds of many that the media has truly lost its moral
compass in its responsibility to simply report the news, and not to try to shape it in the manner that serves their personal beliefs. Truly disheartening to many who want this to become a reality for parents who have struggled for so long to realize their dream of an adopted child.

December 3, 2002  (from:  The Pro-Life Infonet)

Subject:   Illinois to Consider Choose Life Plate Proposals
Source:   Copley News Service, Associated Press; December 3, 2002

Illinois and Arkansas to Consider Choose Life Plate Proposals

Chicago, IL - Pro-life advocates in Illinois called on state lawmakers Monday to approve a special Illinois license plate that would raise money to help women consider adoption and alternatives to abortion, but the proposed slogan for the adoption-themed plates would be "Choose Life," which already has upset abortion advocates in other states.

"They're going to construe it any way they want," Jim Finnegan, founder of Illinois Choose Life, said at a Chicago news conference. "The bill doesn't have anything in there about Roe vs. Wade, it has nothing in there about a woman's right to an abortion."

Proponents of the plan say they have collected more than 15,000 petition signatures statewide in support of the program, which has been enacted in six other states. They estimate 50,000 Illinois motorists would each pay $25 fees for the new plates, generating more than $1 million annually to aid private, not-for-profit agencies or pregnancy counseling centers that encourage adoption.

Pro-life state Sen. Patrick O'Malley, R-Palos Park, is sponsoring legislation for the program. He holds out hope his colleagues in Springfield will pass the bill during this week's final three days of the veto session or in early January before he and other elected officials leave office.

"It's very difficult to stand up on the floor of the Senate and say, 'I'm against adoption,'" O'Malley said. "I don't think we're going to hear those words, and (adoption) is what this initiative is completely about."

The Chicago Area branch of Planned Parenthood, which supports access to abortion, condemned the license plate program. President and CEO Steve Trombley said government officials would be "choosing sides in a political debate" if they approved the new plates.

"Moreover, proceeds from the sale of 'Choose Life' license plates would not be distributed to any agency that counsels pregnant women about all of their legal options, including adoption, abortion and parenting," Trombley said in a written statement.

The debate over wording may be moot. The Illinois secretary of state's office generally has discretion over the design of specialty license plates, depending on the legislation, according to Randy Nehrt, a spokesman for incumbent pro-abortion Democrat Jesse White.

Illinois has 49 special-themed license plates, which were created to raise money or awareness for various programs. The most popular is the state's environmental plate, which generates more than $3 million yearly for parks.

Meanwhile, in Arkansas, state Senator-elect Kim Hendren says that he plans to introduce legislation that would allow drivers to pick license plates with a pro-life message when they register their cars. Hendren said the extra fee that motorists would pay for the plate would fund pregnancy-counseling centers throughout the state.

The Planned Parenthood Federation has fought similar proposals in other states. They said Tuesday that they would fight Hendren's, too, if the state limits the plates to one viewpoint.

December 2, 2002 (from:  The Pro-Life Infonet)

Subject:   Supreme Court Gives Final Victory to Choose Life Plates
Source:   Associated Press; December 2, 2002

Supreme Court Gives Final Victory to Choose Life Plates

Washington, DC -- The Supreme Court ended an effort to block specialty car license plates in Louisiana with the slogan ``Choose Life.''   Full story