At the present time in Illinois we are very encouraged by recent events. Thomas Brejcha, founder of The Thomas More Society in Chicago is our lead attorney. Failing after repeated efforts to get a hearing in front of either the House or Senate in Springfield, we sued the Secretary of State in June of 2004, charging discrimination on the part of the state.  Federal Court Justice David Coar ruled on January 22, 2007 in our favor, ordering the State of Illinois to begin producing the Choose Life Specialty license plate. The irony of his ruling occurring on January 22nd was especially poignant. His statement "that this case asking for a Choose Life specialty plate, was prompted by a sincere interest to promote adoption, and that the message was protected speech." Judge Coar in his decision hit the nail right on the head.

Judge Coar got this right. It was never about abortion, but an effort to offer yet another choice to a conflicted mother at a difficult time in her life. Unfortunately the state of Illinois still did not get it right. Shortly after Judge Coar's ruling, the cash strapped state of Illinois made a decision to appeal this ruling on November 27, 2007 to the 7th Circuit US Court of appeals. At present we are waiting for a ruling by this three judge panel. We are extremely confident that this ruling will affirm the lower court’s judgment ordering the state to give this noble effort its first breath of life. We fully expect to have over 50,000 Choose Life Adoption Aid specialty license plates on the highways of Illinois within five years of approval. Please keep our continuing efforts in your prayers. If you want to help us continue to promote this idea and effort, please contact us.

God Bless you.

Jim Finnegan, President, Choose Life Illinois, Inc. jimpfinn@aol.com