'Choice on Earth'
returns for encore
Planned Parenthood says criticism of Christmas card boosted sales
Posted: December 3, 2003
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com
Planned Parenthood unveiled its 2003 Christmas card by mocking the widespread criticism of last year's version, which also celebrated "Choice on Earth."
The abortion provider said, in response to last year's "ridiculous onslaught of anti-choice pique, the public rallied around the card, buying up all of the original stock and asking for an increase in production."
 Planned Parenthood's website mocks criticism of its 'Choice on Earth' card |
Planned Parenthood claims it sold 25 percent more cards than in previous years, as well as thousands of "Choice on Earth" T-shirts.
"Proceeds from these sales help PPFA [Planned Parenthood Federation of America] make choice on earth more of a reality than ever before," the group says on its website. "This year we hope 'Choice on Earth' will be an even greater success."
The controversial theme is derived from a passage in the Gospel of Luke, where an angel announces to shepherds the birth of their savior in Bethlehem.
According to the King James version of the Bible: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
In a statement, Planned Parenthood quotes critical comments it received last year from "anti-choice hardliners" such as Bill O'Reilly, host of the Fox News Channel show "The O'Reilly Factor."
"Focus on the Family called it 'outrageous and deeply offensive,'" the statement says. "The Family Research Council called the pro-choice holiday greeting 'just plain sick,' while U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., said it was 'sacrilegious.' Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America brayed, 'If Planned Parenthood had existed 2,000 years ago, it would have targeted Mary, an unwed, pregnant teenager, for a profitable abortion.'"
 The 2002 'Choice on Earth' card by Planned Parenthood |
Last year, O'Reilly challenged Planned Parenthood's use of the "Choice on Earth" theme in an interview with Patricia Ireland, former director of the National Organization for Women.
Ireland said in defense of the card, "Gosh, I can't think of a better time of year to remind everyone of the need for tolerance and for freedom among the major religious groups and among individuals."
"Jesus Christ would not be out sending a card that says 'Choice on Earth,'" responded O'Reilly. "In fact, I think he would be disappointed that that card went out."
One of Planned Parenthood's chief opponents is a pro-life group called STOPP – Stop Planned Parenthood.
STOPP's executive director Jim Sedlak, told WND last year, "What 'choice on Earth' really means is 'abortion on Earth.'"
"In the season that celebrates the birth of Jesus, it is absolutely outrageous to have cards celebrating the death of babies," he said.
Sedlak touted recent successes in his group's goal of curbing Planned Parenthood's activities, including a boycott by contractors in Austin, Texas, that halted construction on a $6.2 million abortion facility.