Our Vision
A culture that promotes the sanctity of human life from conception throughout all stages.
Our Mission
The Coalition for Life of Iowa defends the sanctity of human life from conception throughout all stages with prayer, education and raising awareness.
Our Beliefs
We believe in the protection of all human beings from conception to natural death. Because every human is created in the image and likeness of God, every human life is sacred.
Our Board
Executive Board
- President: Jim Burke
- Vice President: Lisa Gignac
- Treasurer: Melissa Schechinger
- Secretary: Mary Cherion
Board of Directors
- Jean Biermann
- Rick Delagardelle
- Sue Martinek
- Brian Saunders
- Pat Semelroth
- Plus Executive Board Members
Our History
The Coalition for Life of Iowa was founded in 2004 and acquired 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in 2009. We’ve seen many great things occur since we were founded. We’ve seen the closing of the Cedar Rapids Clinic for Women abortion site in 2008. When we started organizing prayer activities outside of Planned Parenthood, Linn County experienced a 37% drop in abortions on women who live in the county within a 3-year period!
In 2013, our organization’s president at the time, Sue Martinek testified before a Congressional committee that was investigating the political bias the IRS treated non-profit organizations seeking tax-exempt status. In essence, the IRS had told us that everything appeared to be in order and we could get our tax-exempt status, but they wanted our board members to sign away some of our first amendment rights, first. Lawyers protected our rights so we wouldn’t have to sign away our rights.
We also helped promote the Choose Life license plates to help bring the pro-life message to the roadways. Now, Iowans can acquire the plates at the Iowa Department of Transportation.
When the Cedar Rapids Planned Parenthood began performing webcam abortions in 2012, we stepped up our praying efforts. Less than two years later, they discontinued webcam abortions, locally.
To see what kinds of events we’ve organized, visit our Events page.
Support Our Mission
There are various ways to support our efforts.
Our Contact Info
PO Box 864
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406