Frequently Asked Questions

Directors and Officers

Staff

Donate, become a member,or register for an event online

Chapters

North Adams

Pioneer Valley

Chicopee

Ludlow / Indian Orchard

Longmeadow

Holyoke

Westside

Fitchburg-Leominster

Greater Framingham

Worcester

Waltham

Norwood

Newton

Cambridge-Somerville

South Boston / Dorchester / Hyde Park

West Roxbury

North Suburban

Greater Lawrence

Beverly

Chelmsford

Fall River

Cape Cod

Middleboro

South Shore

Peggy McCormick

Monthly Report Form

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massachusetts Citizens for Life?

Mass Citizens for Life is the oldest and largest right to life advocacy group in the state. It includes people from all backgrounds, creeds and walks of life who work to restore respect for all human life at every stage of life through educational and legislative activity. Massachusetts Citizens for Life was established in 1972 to fight ballot initiatives in various parts of the state, which sought to remove legal protection for unborn children. When the infamous Supreme Court Roe v Wade and Doe v Bolton decisions legalized abortion on demand on January 22, 1973, MCFL was already in place to continue its work.  At that point, MCFL incorporated and began establishing chapters across the state.

Since that time, MCFL has passed the country’s first Parental Consent Law and restrictions on tax funded abortions*, passed informed consent legislation and requirements about reporting and the conditions of facilities.

In 1978, the Federal Elections Commission challenged the distribution of MCFL News which published the positions of candidates in the upcoming election.  Mass. Citizens for Life appealed all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in our favor (FEC v. MCFL). If we had lost that case, no group in the country would be able to distribute voter guides.

*Later, these were overturned by the Mass Supreme Judicial Court forcing Massachusetts to be one of the few states in the country that funds abortions.

 

What is the Mission of Massachusetts Citizens for Life?

In recognition of the fact that each human life is a continuum from conception to natural death, the mission of Massachusetts Citizens For Life, Inc. is to promote respect for human life and to defend the right to life of all human beings, born and preborn. We will influence public policy at the local, state and national levels through comprehensive educational, legislative, and charitable activities.

 

What does Massachusetts Citizens for Life do?

MCFL works to educate and activate citizens across the state by means of MCFL News, the MCFL Journal, Educational Programs, the Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Children, the Awards Dinner, the Assembly for Life, the MCFL Lobby for Life Day, the March for Life, the State Convention and other state, chapter and local activities.  Our current legislative initiative is Laura’s Law which will require that women seeking abortions be informed about the development of the unborn child and the risks to their own health.

 

How can I support the Right to Life in Massachusetts?

If you agree that legal protection must be guaranteed to all human beings - the unborn, the disabled, the sick, the elderly - become a member of MCFL; if possible, join or start a chapter.  Become involved, stay informed, and educate others on behalf of life.

 

What is MCFL Charitable Trust?

The MCFL Charitable Trust allows people to make tax-deductible contributions for the educational efforts of Mass. Citizens for Life.

 

Donate, become a member,or register for an event online

 

Directors and Officers

Directors

Priscilla Keough: College and High School Outreach
students@masscitizensforlife.org

 

Helen Cross: Editor MCFL News
chapters@masscitizensforlife.org

 

 

Staff

Marie Sturgis: Executive Director, Legislative Director

msturgis@masscitizensforlife.org

 

Dana Daniels: Administration

ddaniels@masscitizensforlife.org

 

Cori Conors-Morse: Accounting

 

Janet Callahan Office tel. 617-242-4199 ext. 230
jcallahan@masscitizensforlife.org

 

 

Chapters

Local MCFL Chapters advocate the pro-life message through education, legislative lobbying, and fund-raising. Each Chapter is comprised of dedicated, hardworking people from all walks of life and is open to all pro-lifers. Chapters are governed by locally-elected officers and members within the framework of the MCFL Bylaws. Although each Chapter works with the MCFL Board and State Office toward achieving the common objectives of the pro-life movement in Massachusetts, many chapters have developed a wide range of activities and programs furthering the pro-life message in their individual communities. Following is a current list of MCFL Chapters (note: some chapters hold regular meetings and others do not).

(Chapters are listed starting from the Adams area in the extreme north west corner of the state and continuing across the state to the Cape.  Additional information is available at chapters@masscitizensforlife.org.)

 

 NORTH ADAMS

Jack Kinsey says, “Our newsletter goes out to North Adams, Adams, Williamstown, Florida, Clarksburg, Lanesboro, Cheshire, Pittsfield, Savoy, Dalton, Lee, Lenox, Great Barrington, and another little town or two.
 We hold meetings monthly, with the exception of a missed on here and there due to the bus trip in January and vacation time in the summer.  We send out three newsletters each year, conduct a Rose Drive on Mother's Day, send at least one bus to the March For Life, and gather items for our annual tag/bake sale.
 We are asked often for pro-life materials by those who are in school, who write papers or debate the subject of abortion.  Our goal is to educate all we can.

We also do advertising in the local newspaper with pro-life ads and at the local bowling alley with an ad that is displayed overhead on each lane.  We have our weekly Cable TV show that we have hosted for many years. 

Contact: Jack Kinsey, h2gether@verizon.net,

 

 PIONEER VALLEY

All the towns in the Pioneer Valley work together in a Regional structure.  Regional events include a multi-room display at the Eastern States Exposition, which has eight million people in attendance, and the Annual Mother’s Day Dinner, the largest such pro life event in New England. For information on individual Chapters and local contacts, please check: http://www.pvmcfl.org/

Contact: Tom Day, TED@EGANFLANAGAN.COM

 

CHICOPEE

With Pioneer Valley regional chapters: helps sponsor bus to Washington, D.C., participates in Life Chain standouts, Catholics for the Unborn breakfast with local K of C councils #4044 and #69, bakes sales, dedication stone to the unborn at St. Anee's.
Contact: Patricia Laughlin (413) 536 - 1811

 

LUDLOW / INDIAN ORCHARD

Monica Butler is the chairman of the Mother's Day Dinner, Christmas vigils at abortion clinics, prayervigils. Cathy Rogers runs the MCFL Pioneer Valley Office in Ludlow.
Contact: Cathy Rogers, (413) 583-5034; Monica Butler, (413) 746-0655

 

LONGMEADOW

Rose Drives, Life Chain standouts with signs, youth education, legislative and political activity, election help, "silent" bake sales. Abortion clinic vigils, support crisis pregnancy centers.
Contact: Marilyn Stearns, mescarmel@comcast.net

 

HOLYOKE

Mother's day Rose Drives, green carnation sale on St. Patrick's day, sponsors bus to March for Life in Washington, D.C., legislative activities, helpss support crisis pregnancy centers, rest home for nuns, prayer vigils
Contact: Bill Kelly, (413) 536 - 0304

 

WESTSIDE

Proposed restructuring of the West Springfield chapter comprising W. Springfield, Agawam, Southwick and Westfield. Rose Drives at St. Thomas, Immaculate Conception in W. Springfield, sidewalk counseling, support crisis pregnancy centers
Contact: Tom Day, Ted@eganflanagan.com

 

FITCHBURG-LEOMINSTER

The Fitchburg-Leominster Chapter of MCFL serves the following area: Fitchburg and Leominster and towns on route 2 east to Ayer and west to Gardner, north to the New Hampshire border and towns north of Worcester.  We meet monthly on the 4^th Tuesday of the month except for July and December.

ACTIVITIES – The chapter is active locally in dispersing pro-life literature and contest material in churches and schools.  We have run pro-life advertisement and written letters to the editor in the local newspapers.  Members contact legislators to advocate for state and national pro-life legislation.

The chapter runs a Mothers’ Day Rose Drive, sponsors a bus to the October Respect Life Walk, and members attend other statewide MCFL functions such as the Assembly for Life and annual convention.

We hold one educational meeting per year.  This past year, we held a successful membership drive.

Contact: Chris Hanley, FitchburgLeominsterMCFL@yahoo.com

GREATER FRAMINGHAM

Has five Rose Drives a year, supports MCFL main office with a Rose Drive at MCFL Respect Life Walk in October. Attends March for Life in Washington, D.C., Assembly for Life at Faneuil Hall in January, Mother's day carnation sale at St. Stephen's, St. Bridget's, St. Linus's to support crisis pregnancy centers. Pro-Life Legal Defense Fund dinner, K of C Annual Dinner in Framingham, MCFL Annual Dinner, educational information nights at local parishes.
Contact John O'Donnell, bel1410d@comcast.net

WORCESTER

Our Chapter is an all-inclusive Youth Chapter for all of Worcester County. This chapter is referred to as The Worcester Youth Coalition For Life. It is essentially a place for any groups of youth, be it church, school, neighborhood, etc, that are interested in participating in the pro-life movement.  We are open to youth ages 12-25 and it is run by the youth and afew adults. We pray outside of Planned Parenthood, Pleasant St. on Saturday mornings and afew weekday afternoons. We hold Stand Up events once a quarter which include prayer, music, adoration, a guest speaker and social time all to promote the pro-life message. This year we hope to have a maternity and baby clothing drive, participate in the Life Chain, assist in the Rose drives, attend the March For Life and few other events to be decided. Any youth/groups of youth are welcome to join! 
Contact: Kate Ulibarri www.wycfl.org

WALTHAM

Our Chapter participates in the Watertown Faire on the Square every Fall.  We feel that we educate a lot of people there. Our members organize baby showers.  We represent Waltham, Watertown, and Belmont. 

Contact Maryanne Quirk, mqbelmont@hotmail.com. 
 

 

 NORWOOD

Our list includes pro-lifers from Norwood, Canton, Dedham, Walpole, and Westwood, but it is mostly Norwood. We don't meet regularly, only by phone prior to an event. We hold a Pro-Life Mass with speaker in October, a Bake Sale in March, and a Baby Shower in May every year. We also attend the MCFL Dinner, the Walk for Life, and the Assembly at Faneuil Hall in January.  

Contact: Jim and Terry Drummey, jdrumjr@norwoodlight.com

 

NEWTON

The Newton, Brookline Chapter of MCFLsupports many pregnancy help groups, especially those in Boston.  The Chapter holds yearly Rose Drives, participates in the Newton Centre Green Line Fair, and distributes pro life educational materials to local schools.  Members attend the Annual Dinner, the Walk for Life, the Assembly and the March for Life.  Meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday.

contact: Edith Routier,  erdotiro1@verizon.net

 

CAMBRIDGE-SOMERVILLE

Rose Drives at parishes in somerville, attend and raise money for MCFL Respect Life Walk in October, yard sales, literature drops and educational materials in churches, and areas with display cases, sends rep to MCFL Board meetings.

Contact: Catherine Bowdren (617) 623-2258

 

SOUTH BOSTON / DORCHESTER / HYDE PARK

Legislative activities, spaghetti dinner fundraiser for crisis pregnancy centers, support and attend MCFL Respect Life Walk in October, support international crisis pregnancy centers.
Contact: Ed long, (617) 268-9194

 

 WEST ROXBURY

The Margaret O'Hara Chapter of MCFL serves the following neighborhoods and towns : West Roxbury, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain and Dedham.

ACTIVITIES – Annual Roslindale Parade - have decorated car with MCFL signs and walkers holding  banner.
Participate in Mothers Walk in Boston same day as parade in Roslindale. Rose Drives: St .Theresa, Holy Name, St John Chrysostom, St. Thomas Aquinas ;Annual Assembly for Life ( Faneuil Hall)

Organize Annual Chapter Dance and Fundraiser
Sponsor and produce “Life Matters” Cable TV show with state wide distribution.
Attend Annual MCFL Convention, sponsor table for “Life Matters”.
Attend Pro-Life Mass at B.C. on 25th of the month for 9 months.
Attend Mass on the Feast of the Holy Innocents as a group at St. Theresa Church
Attend and support MCFL Annual Awards Dinner.
Chapter has three members on MCFL Board.
Participated in Christmas Ornament Drive

Contact: John Curry, JJohnwva@aol.com

 

NORTH SUBURBAN

Everett, Malden, Melrose, Medford
Rose Drives, sponsors area educational events, members "volunteers nights" to help MCFL Main Office, several members on MCFL Board of Directors, supports crisis pregnancy centers

Contact Madeline McComish,wmmadmccm@comcast.net

 

GREATER LAWRENCE

Methuen, Lawrence, Andover, North Andover, and Dracut

Weekly Pro-Life Rosary, Rose Drives at St. Augustine's in Andover and St.
Patrick's in Lawrence, 40 Days for Life prayer vigils in Methuen, Respect

Life Walk, MCFL on Methuen Cable TV, supports crisis pregnancy centers,
legislative directives from MCFL.

Visit our blog at http://mcflgreaterlawrence.wordpress.com/ for more
information.

Contact: Jean Sullivan jeansull@comcast.net
        Jean Armano   jeanarmano@comcast.net

 

 

BEVERLY

Mother's Day Rose Drive at st. Mary's in Beverly, father's day rose drive at St. John's in Beverly. Supports crisis pregnancy centers. Informational nights with speakers.
Conyact Tony DiLani (978) 927-7894

 

CHELMSFORD

Lowell, Tewksbury, Billerica, Carlisle, Westford, Tyngsboro
Restarting formerly active area. highly experienced chairman. Member MCFL Board of Directors. Special expertise in political organizatiom.

Contact: Sandi Martinez, sbmartinez@comcast.net

 

 

 FALL RIVER

The Greater Fall River Chapter coordinates a rose drive in 23 Parishes in the following towns: Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Assonet, Westport and New Bedford.  The Chapter also includes Dartmouth. We provide a bus to the MCFL walk.
Each year we create a float to bring to the local community a positive Pro-life message.
We also provide busses to bring citizens to Boston for key legislative testimony and votes.
We support the Terri Schiavo out reach to find medical and legal local support.

The chapter publishes a newsletter.

Monthly meetings are on the fourth Wednesday in St Dominic Church hall, Swansea.

Contact: Bea Martins, bjmartins@comcast.net
 

 

 CAPE COD

Our Cape Cod Chapter of Mass Citizens for Life would cover fifteen towns as well as two islands, Bourne, Sandwich, Falmouth Mashpee, Barnstable (Hyannis), Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Welfleet, Truro, Provincetown, and of course the Islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Each town, while very much a part of the greater Cape Cod Community, has a unique character and flavor all its own. We hold monthly meetings on the Tuesday after the second Friday each month immediately following the monthly state Directors Meeting, which we attend.   We held our fist Craft Fair this year and plan to do it on a annual basis each July. We try to publish a news letter quarterly, we sponsor rose drives.  Last October we sent two buses to the Respect for Life Walk in Boston. Many of us attended the MCFL Convention in April. We shared space with Women's Concern at the Barnstable County Fair. We sponsor workshops on educational issues. We are working on sending an educational packet to each Director of Religious education on Cape Cod. We maintain a web site,  http://www.capecodprolife.org/  

Contact: Andrea St Germain, stg@capecod.net

 

MIDDLEBORO

New chapter currently in the formation process.

Special expertise in post-abortive information, Silent No More Awareness. Interested in voter education, electing pro-life legislators, assisting crisis pregnancy centers, 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil.

Contact: Edie McDaniel, SNMA-Mass@msn.com

 

 

 

SOUTH SHORE

The South Shore Chapter serves a wide area extending from Milton, Quincy and Braintree to Duxbury and Kingston; core members represent Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Norwell, Marshfield, Quincy, and Scituate. Members of the Peggy McCormick Chapter from Weymouth and Braintree have been joining us for our meetings.

 

South Shore Chapter meets the second tuesday of every month, except July and August, at 7 pm at St. Paul's Parish House, 20 Fearing Rd, Hingham. Our Web address is www.southshoreprolife.org

 

Chapter meetings are unique in that they include an educational component called the "Hot Seat". Members can either be on the "hot seat" or questionaing the person on the "hot seat" to learn, vias the Socratic method how to more effectively present the pro-life view in the public square.

 

Activities:

January: regional pro-life vigil at St. Paul's for those not able to attend the March for Life in Washington; pro-life essay contest, open to all students, middle school (grade 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). three wuinners from each group receive U.S. Savings Bonds awards. Contact: southshoremcfl@yahoo.com

February: Bake sale/rose drive to support MCFL

April: Regional Pro-Life Educational conference. Last year featuring Fr. Tad Pacholczyk on stem cell research and end-of-life issues, and Linda Thayer on Mass. Health Curriculum Frameworks; Ed Boylan presented the "Hot Seat" program at the MCFL state convention

May: Mother's Day Rose Drive; annual yard sale

August: MCFL returns to the Marshfield Fair!

October: South Shore membes participate in the MCFL Annual Walk to Aid Mothers and Children in Boston

Contact: Helen Cross, hhcross@comcast.net

 

PEGGY MCCORMICK

Weymouth and Braintree
Sponsors buses to both the Mcfl Respect Life Walk in Boston in October and the March for Life in Washington, D.C. in January. Yard sale and baby showers to help crisis pregnancy centers. Co-sponsors speakers, bake sales, other events with the South Shore Chapter.
Contact: Sally Healy, (781) 848-3796

 Monthly Report Form