ECRMC/Planned Parenthood UPDATE!

I wanted to take a moment to update everyone about the events that transpired on Tuesday, March 3, 2015. In closed session, prior to the evening council meeting, Councilman Cardenas made a motion in regards to "anticipated litigation." Because this was regarding anticipated litigation, we are not privy to the details of that motion. Councilmember Cardenas is a very strong Christian with a definite Pro-Life worldview; so we can safely assume this motion was quite supportive of the Pro-Life cause. Councilmember Jackson seconded the motion, opening the motion for discussion at that time. During the course of the discussion something was presented, which led to Councilmember Jackson withdrawing his second of the motion therefore no vote was taken and the motion was dead. It is the legal opinion of the city's attorney that the City Council has no jurisdiction over matters of hospital business, and it is presumed that the motion died as a result of that legal opinion offered to the City Council.  

 

At that point, Mr. Jackson motioned to have an independent, objective, legal opinion drafted by an unbiased legal counsel. The purpose of this objective legal opinion is presumed to address the options available to the City Council in matters of oversight concerning the ECRMC Board of Trustees' decisions, as well as gauging both the legal and financial impact of the transfer agreement. Councilwoman Walker seconded that motion and the motion passed with four votes (Jackson, Walker, Silva, Cardenas) favoring the exploration of legal options available to the City Council. Councilwoman Sanders abstained from voting on this matter.

 

While we were all hoping the City Council would take steps to terminate the agreement on Tuesday night, they were unable to do so at the direction of their legal counsel. What the City Council was able to do, is request a report stating in detail what level of authority they are able to exercise over the Board of Trustees and hospital staff. This is obviously not the home run we were hoping for but it is a solid double.

 

I am so very proud of everyone who wrote the Board and Council. I am proud of all of those who have signed petitions. Most of all, I am proud of all of those who have made the time to come to the Board and Council meetings to let their voices be heard. The decision by the Council to seek an additional legal opinion is proof that they have heard our cries and are attempting to determine how they may intervene.

 

This is not the time to relent. I am encouraging each of you to continue reaching out to your council members. Thank them for taking steps to determine what level of involvement they can have concerning the transfer agreement. Exhort them to continue turning over every stone to find a way to provide the leadership their community needs. Encourage them to remain faithful, and let them know that you will be at their side if they make the imperitive decision to save the lives of babies. Most importantly, let them know that you are praying for them to have the courage and the boldness necessary to make the difficult decisions as required to protect our community from the tragedy of abortion.

 

I would like to close with an exhortation from the Apostle Paul found in Galatians 6:9. "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Today his words seem most relevant. Press on my friends. Remain faithful. In so doing, you will find that the reward of a plentiful reaping is just around the bend.

 

Serving Jesus,

 

 

Chris Nunn

 

Imperial Valley Coalition For Life