Contact: Katie Walker, Director of Communication, American Life League, 540-659-4942, kwalker@all.org

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- American Life League and the Diocese of Amarillo scored a major victory this week as Planned Parenthood prepares to completely withdraw from the Texas Panhandle.

Using American Life League's STOPP project to defeat Planned Parenthood the nation's largest abortion chain has been completely eradicated from the diocese of Amarillo, Texas.

"Once again we see that the STOP Planned Parenthood plan works – even on a grand scale," said Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League and director of the STOPP project. "We have been honored to work closely with Bishop John Yanta, Respect Life Coordinator Rita Diller, and all those in the Amarillo Diocese who, since 1997, have worked towards the day when Planned Parenthood would no longer exist in the Texas Panhandle. Through the grace of God, that day will come next week."

In 1997, Planned Parenthood operated 19 clinics in the Texas Panhandle. As of Jan. 1, 2009, the local affiliate with its two remaining clinics will change names and sever ties with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Diller and Bishop Yanta made defeating Planned Parenthood the focal point of their efforts at the diocesan Respect Life offices. They worked with Sedlak and American Life League in implementing the STOPP plan to shut down the organization.

"As the result of our 23 years of directly confronting Planned Parenthood, STOPP has developed a plan of action that is closing Planned Parenthoods across the nation," Sedlak said. "Our plan needs local activists to do the hard work of implementing it in a consistent and persistent manner until victory is won. The dedicated people of the Texas Panhandle did just that and God has granted this victory."

"The stunning success is an inspiration to all who fight against Planned Parenthood across the nation," Sedlak concluded. "It is a wonderful Christmas present for all who have been so faithful for so long."

Those interested in stopping Planned Parenthood in their own communities can read the STOPP plan at www.stopp.org and can contact Jim Sedlak at stopp@all.org to get help.

American Life League was co-founded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to natural death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Amarillo Globe News: Amarillo Office Plans Split from Planned Parenthood (19 December 2008)

STOPP: Defeat Planned Parenthood

Diocese of Amarillo