Life Chat

Listen to Executive Director of Illinois Right to Life Amy Gehrke and Program Director Dr. Steve Jacobs discuss the current issue of Parental Notice in Illinois. Parental Notice is the LAST pro-life law left in Illinois, and we have proof that it works. This one law saves 1,000 babies in Illinois every year, and it helps prevent human traffickers and other sexual predators from hiding their crimes with abortion. Listen to this SPECIAL EPISODE of Life Chat to learn more!

Danniel and Dolores Pribble have each been involved in the pro-life movement in their own way for years. In this episode, they share the story of how they were individually involved, and how the pro-life movement now fits into their every day life as parents of two children.

Sarah Michalak, Regional Coordinator of the Upper Midwest for Students for Life, participates in a lively discussion with Dr. Steve Jacobs about the state of the abortion debate. She specifically discusses college students and their attitudes towards this important issue, as well as her experiences with different college campuses and perspectives on the abortion issue.    She explains her passion for creating a culture of life and how she believes that the younger generation is more than equipt to do this. If you are interested in learning more about what we do at Illinois Right to Life, please visit our website: illinoisrighttolife.org and consider giving a donation!              

Could two individuals with a passion save hundreds of lives in just a few years? Is there really a simple, direct, and compassionate way to convince women that they have options besides abortion? Let Them Live, an organization designed to help women in financial crises, does just this.   Listen to this podcast to get Emily Berning's unique take on the importance of the pro-life movement's direct involvement with womens' lives. Savannah Dudzik, Communications Assistant at Illinois Right to Life and Pregnancy Counselor at Let Them Live, interviews this trailblazer on the newest episode of Life Chat!

Many of the stories from the now-defunct Northern Illinois Women's Center in Rockford sound as if they come from a low-budget slasher movie. The horrifying truth is that they were all too real. Dr. Mark Waters, professor of English at McHenry County College and author of the book, Signs from a Peculiar Institution: One Witness's Account of a Quite Ordinary Horror (And a Small Peace), spent years praying and counseling outside the clinic and witnessed many of the horrors first-hand. Join Illinois Right to Life Executive Director, Amy Gehrke, as she chats with Dr. Waters about his experiences at the Northern Illinois Women's Center and how the prayers and work of pro-life advocates eventually closed the deadly clinic. You won't want to miss this chilling episode of Life Chat!

Eric Scheidler, Executive Director of Pro-Life Action League, can't remember a time when he was not pro-life. However, his ways of being outspoken and addressing this issue have changed over the years and ultimately led him to devote his life to pro-life work.   Listen as Eric shares personal anecdotes and advice on how to best put your pro-life passion into action!

Rebekah Hagan explains the utter fear and discouragement she felt when she saw the two pink lines on the pregnancy test she took along in a grocery store bathroom, and how that transformed her life.  She covers the topics of abortion pill reversal, teenage pregnancy, and how women deserve better than these horrific procedures. Listen now to hear Rebekah's captivating story and how she is turning what she went through into her life's work.

A shining light in the pro-life movement, our incredible new executive director Amy Gehrke shares her story and how she finally ended up here in Chicago, fighting for life in a state most hostile to pro-lifers.

A dynamic hero for women, Georgette's story is relatively simple: At 16, she got an abortion because it seemed like the simple solution. However, it wasn't until she was in her mid-thirties that she finally found healing. What she did because of that healing has changed countless lives. Her story begins one “Sanctity of Life Sunday,” where she first plummeted into the depths of despair before taking her hurt and sorrow and using it to lead a ministry of hope and healing for women.

A bright and cheery face in the pro-life movement, Serena Dyksen is the founder of “She Found His Grace” ministries and the author of a new book, She Found His Grace. The story of how she used her sorrow and regret for the greater purpose of helping women heal will give any listener chills. Listen to the podcast to hear Dyksen’s incredible story of healing and forgiveness as well as where her ministry is today. Here is a link to the recording of the event Serena mentioned hosting:  https://www.facebook.com/sdyksen/videos/10159037091856273 

Kevin Grillot's strong and enthusiastic voice in the pro-life movement draws the curiosity of all those around him. His whole life, people have asked him, "Why are you so involved in the pro-life movement?" and this podcast episode holds the answer.

Evita is the oldest of nine children, with the youngest being her little sister, Valentina, who has Down Syndrome. She is a junior at the University of Chicago and is also an intern with The Federalist. In addition, along with some friends, Evita spearheaded a new newspaper at the University of Chicago called The Chicago Thinker, which brings together many young, Conservative voices.

Clarke Forsythe, Senior Counsel for Americans United for Life, has been involved in the pro-life movement since 1985. He is the author of Politics for the Greater Good: The Case for Prudence in the Public Square and, most recently, Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe v. Wade. In a recent Life Chat episode, Illinois Right to Life Program Director, Dr. Steve Jacobs, sat down with Forsythe and discussed the role Roe v. Wade has played in our society.

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Jeanne Ives, former Illinois state representative and current candidate for Illinois' 6th congressional district. Jeanne shares that in 2002, she and her husband received a fatal prognosis for their unborn child and were confronted with the option to abort. Years later, Jeanne was elected to the general assembly and quickly became a strong advocate for life in Illinois politics. She is currently running for Congress in Illinois' 6th district - an historic seat that was previously held by pro-life hero, Henry Hyde. To connect with Jeanne's campaign: www.jeanneforcongress.comTo follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Louis Brown, executive director of the Christ Medicus foundation, which defends religious freedom and builds Christ-centered Catholic healthcare. Louis elaborates on the urgent demand for pro-life, Christian healthcare that exists in our country, how pro-lifers can work toward building and promoting it, and how the Trump administration has contributed to it since President Trump took office in 2017.To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Kelly Dore, executive director of the National Human Trafficking Survivors Coalition. Kelly was trafficked by a family member from ages 1 to 14 and now serves as a voice for children who are victims of familial trafficking. Mary Kate and Kelly discuss her personal story, the connections between human trafficking and abortion, and how Coronavirus is having a negative impact on the work that Kelly does.To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews blogger, Youtuber, and social media influencer Katie Waldow. Katie has shared very vulnerably about her and her husband, Steve's, journey with infertility and miscarriage. Katie is now 22 weeks pregnant and discusses with Mary Kate the pains that come with being pro-life and also struggling to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. To follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkatiewaldow/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Dan Korenchan, a seminarian with the Archdiocese of Chicago at Mundelein Seminary. Dan is passionate about speaking out against the immense damage that pornography is doing to relationships, particularly with regards to the way that men view women. Mary Kate and Dan discuss the overall impact of widespread pornography use, how it affects relationships, and how to talk to your significant other about whether he/she is consuming porn. To view the document that Dan references in the podcast: https://enough.org/stats_porn_industryTo follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Catherine Hadro, host of EWTN's 'Pro-Life Weekly.' Catherine shares her mother's pro-life story and walks listeners through the journey that God sent her on to bring her to pro-life media with EWTN.To follow Catherine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathadro/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Carrie Gress, author of the book, "The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity." Carrie explains the problematic history of the feminist movement and how the world has taught women to pursue power instead of fruit.To follow Carrie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.gress/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate answers questions submitted by followers on Instagram. Some of the questions asked include:How do we respond when people say the environment is a more important political issue than abortion? What should we say to a pro-lifer who plans to vote for Joe Biden? ...and other similar questions.To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews makeup artist and #WorthyofWearing founder Nicole Caruso. Nicole is passionate about inspiring women to dress in ways that inject beauty and life into their daily grind. Mary Kate and Nicole discuss how personal style tells a story about the individual and dignifies the human person.To follow Nicole on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmcaruso/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Elizabeth Santorum Marcolini, whose father - Rick Santorum - is a former U.S. Senator and ran for president in 2012. When Elizabeth was in high school, her sister, Bella, was born. Bella was soon diagnosed with Trisomy 18 and, through her father's presidential campaign, has been a pro-life witness to people across the nation.To follow Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_santorum_marcolini/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Leah Jacobson, founder and CEO of The Guiding Star Project. Leah first felt called to promote honest women's healthcare in 2007 and in 2011 started The Guiding Star Project, which seeks to create care centers across the nation that promote an empowering, holistic healthcare alternative to the current women's medical "care" juggernauts.To follow The Guiding Star Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidingstarproject/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Dr. Steve Jacobs, program director at Illinois Right to Life, on some of the observations he's made of the pro-life movement since he took on a full-time role in August of 2019. Mary Kate and Steve discuss what they believe are flaws in the movement's messaging and their thoughts on what could be done differently.To follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSteveJacobsTo contact Steve: steve@illinoisrighttolife.orgTo follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Monica Herron, a physician assistant at Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago, IL. Mary Kate and Monica talk about the coronavirus pandemic and why responding well should be of interest to the pro-life person.To follow Monica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monherr/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Alexa Hyman, a 26-year-old single mother who chose life for her now two-year-old, Renley Jane. Alexa is the founder of Back in February, a blog that ministers to women experiencing "surprise" pregnancies. To follow Alexa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backinfebruary_/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Mary Lenaburg - author of the book, "Be Brave in the Scared" - about her experience as the pro-life mother of a disabled child.To follow Mary Lenaburg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marylenaburg/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews seminarians Dan Korenchan and Kevin Gregus about men's call to responsibility for women and the inclination toward fatherhood that they experience, particularly in regards to the abortion conversation.To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Tori Petersen, a Students for Life of America regional coordinator. Tori was conceived in rape and went on to live in 12 foster homes before she was 18 years old.To follow Tori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torihopepetersen/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Jeremy Hylka, a youth minister and high school Theology teacher, on the 13 years he's spent leading youth trips to the March for Life in Washington, D.C.To follow Jeremy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhylka To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate does a second interview with Instagram influencers Cecilia Pappas and Megan Wells LIVE at #SLS20 in Phoenix, AZ.To follow Cecilia on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/ceciliapappas/To follow Megan on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/megs_wells/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Instagram influencers Cecilia Pappas and Megan Wells on using social media as a way to share the pro-life message.To follow Cecilia on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/ceciliapappas/To follow Megan on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/megs1553/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/ To register for SLS20: https://sls20.org/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Dr. Robert Lawler, an obstetrician-gynecologist in the Chicagoland area. Dr. Lawler is one of few OB-GYNs to take a critical stance on the hormonal birth control pill, going so far as to call it "public enemy number one" in regards to women's health.To follow Dr. Lawler on Facebook, click here: https://www.facebook.com/DownersGroveObgyn/ To follow Dr. Lawler on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/downersgroveobgyn/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/ To register for SLS20: https://sls20.org/ 

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Dr. Steve Jacobs, program director at Illinois Right to Life and University of Chicago Ph.D. Steve spent ten years studying the debate between abortion rights and fetal rights in the United States. He also conducted academic research that concluded the majority of biologists believe that human life begins at conception.To read Steve's article in Quillette: https://quillette.com/2019/10/16/i-asked-thousands-of-biologists-when-life-begins-the-answer-wasnt-popular/To follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSteveJacobsTo contact Steve: steve@illinoisrighttolife.orgTo follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/ To register for SLS20: https://sls20.org/ 

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Emily Kelly, a nurse in a Chicago neonatal intensive care unit, about being pro-life in the NICU and reconciling suffering with the pro-life mentality.To read Emily's response to the Women's March on Washington: https://marykateknorr.com/2017/01/21/guest-post-a-nicu-nurses-take-on-the-womens-march-on-washington/ To contact Emily Kelly: emilyckelly13@gmail.com To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/ To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/ To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/ To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/  

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews David Cordaro, a former regional coordinator with Students for Life of America, on the role that men have to play in the pro-life movement.To follow David Cordaro on Instagram: @prolifeapologetics or @mrcordaroTo follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/

In this episode, Mary Kate interviews Nancy Kreuzer with Silent No More. Nancy had an abortion in 1993 and now travels the state to share her testimony and advocate for pro-life causes.To follow Silent No More on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regretabortion/To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/

In this episode, Mary Kate introduces listeners to the Life Chat podcast and offers an analysis of Illinois Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act (previously known as House Bill 2495). For an analysis of the bill: https://illinoisrighttolifeaction.org/legislation/sb-25/To view Illinois Right to Life's report on abortion clinic inspections: https://www.womenshealthcomesfirst.com/ To follow Illinois Right to Life Action on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisRightToLifeAction/To follow Life Chat Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechatpodcast/To follow Mary Kate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asoulatwork/To follow Mary Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkateknorr/