Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America

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Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, formerly the Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List), is a U.S.-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization with a "connected political action committee SBA Pro-Life Candidate Fund." SBA Pro-Life America states that its "ultimate goal is to end abortion in this country." [1]

On its website it states that central to achieving its goal "is getting more women active in the political and legislative arena. We need both women candidates, as well as grassroots activists speaking out against abortion." [2]

It also states that it is "dedicated to pursuing policies and electing candidates who will reduce and ultimately end abortion. To that end, SBA emphasizes the education, promotion, mobilization, and election of pro-life women. SBA Pro-Life America is a network of more than 630,000 pro-life Americans nationwide".[1]

SBA Pro-Life America parents multiple different branch organizations, including:

  • Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Candidate Fund (PAC)
  • Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Education Fund (Educational arm)
  • Women Speak Out (PAC)
  • Life Issues Institute (Education and communications arm)
  • Susan B. Anthony List Action (PAC)
  • Charlotte Lozier Institute (Research)


News and Controversies

SBA Teams up with ALEC post-Dobbs

SBA Pro-Life America teamed up with ALEC to train its members on how to talk about banning abortion in the upcoming elections. Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker also participated in the training. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA, informed call participants that state-based groups are shifting focus to “voter education” at the local level in order to elect anti-abortion politicians at all levels of government who will pass and defend laws that severely restrict or ban abortion. At the March ALEC meeting, SBA encouraged ALEC leaders to "hammer Democrats for their extremist position in favor of abortion on demand".[2]

ALEC will also host SBA at its July 2022 annual meeting.

SBA Launches 'Her PLAN' initiative

The National Review reported that SBA is launching an initiative they are calling 'Her PLAN', which stands for Her Pregnancy and Life Assistance Network. Her PLAN is part of an effort by SBA to promote the pro-life movement post-Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey rulings. Her PLAN is meant to "help pregnant women find the medial, social, and material support they need" through its database of resources by state. Ultimately, the database will include resources in every state, although it currently only provides a director for Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, and West Virginia. Notably, Her PLAN does not include any mention of advocating for paid maternity leave, expanding postpartum medicaid coverage, or improving early education opportunities.[3]

2022 Midterm Election Involvement

SBA Pro-Life America provides a list of endorsed candidates for the Senate, House, and state representative races.[4] They are spending $78 Million during the 2022 election cycle to back up their endorsed candidates. According to a press release, "This includes reaching eight million voters across battleground states-- four million directly at their doors-- to... win pro-life majorities in the U.S. House and Senate".[5]

SBA President leads CNP panel presentation

SBA President Marjorie Dannenfelser led a panel presentation at a Council for National Policy meeting in February 2022. The presentation was titled "After Roe, Then What?", and the panel featured CNP Action treasurer Mike Thompson, founding president of the American Principles Project Frank Cannon and OnMessage partner Timmy Teepell. The Center for Media and Democracy reported that the panelists discussed "using words such as 'democracy' and 'extremism' as part of the anti-abortion fight", pushing the idea that "the overturn of Roe will be an restoration of democracy", and supporting the right to choose is extremism. During the panel, Cannon described three steps the anti-abortion movement needs to take to further restrict abortion on the state level. This included supporting state referenda that would "enshrine pro-life [stances] in their constitutions" and changing legislation to "empower the attorneys general to be able to actually, actually enforce pro-life laws that are enacted in the states". He also claimed the way courts are picked needs to be changed due to the amount of liberal justices in state court systems.[6]

Involvement in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Case

The Susan B. Anthony List filed an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court, supporting the ban on abortions after 15 weeks of gestation in Mississippi. [7]. The brief was filed along with 79 female legislators and argued that the increase in female representation in state legislatures should result in changes in legislation surrounding abortion. SBA also announced on November 17, 2021 that it would be launching a "$2.5 million television and digital ad campaign ahead of oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.[8] The campaign was part of a "$10 million campaign to educate Americans about the stakes of the Dobbs case".

Opposition to Biden Nominee Xavier Becerra

Before Becerra assumed the position of Health and Human Services secretary under the Biden administration, SBA List was part of the movement opposing his nomination.[9] SBA List hosted a #StopBecerra event, pushing what they called a "national pro-life call to stop Biden's dangerous pick to the department of health and human services".[10] SBA List's stance was part of a coordinated effort to combat Becerra's nomination by other right-wing organizations, including a $600,000 ad campaign launched by Heritage Action for America, the political advocacy branch of the Heritage Foundation.

Support for Justice Amy Coney Barrett

SBA List launched a "six-figure digital ad buy" as part of their effort to get Amy Coney Barrett confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court.[11] The effort, which they called "#ConfirmAmy" included:

  • a "week-long grassroots call campaign targeting 14 senators" central to filling Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's vacancy.
  • relaunching the Pro-life Court coalition, which was used in advocating for the confirmation of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
  • an ad campaign
  • a five-state tour through Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, and Arizona[12]

Support for Justice Brett Kavanaugh

The SBA List announced its support for former President Trump's nomination of Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme court. SBA List president Dannenfelser released a statement saying, "Vulnerable senators up for re-election this year have a choice: stand with the President and their constituents and confirm a Supreme Court justice who will respect and uphold the Constitution, or cave to pressure from the extreme abortion lobby".[13] SBA List made 30 stops in seven different states "rallying grassroots support for Kavanaugh and urging Senate Democrats to vote to confirm him to the Supreme Court". [14]

In 2018, SBA List received $550,000 from the Judicial Crisis Network for advocating for Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court. JCN is a right-wing advocacy group that uses dark money to influence politics. It also donates to groups such as the National Rifle Association and Turning Point Action.

SBA President Called the Rape Exception to Pro-Life Policy 'Abominable'

SBA President Marjorie Dannenfelser moderated a press conference for Senator Lindsey Graham after he introduced the "Pain Capable Umborn Child Protection Act", which would criminalize performing an abortion on a fetus 20 weeks post-fertilization. The bill allows exceptions when an abortion is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman or when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest.[15] Dannenfelser told LifeSiteNews, "The rape exception is abominable. I also know that with it, we were able to move forward, and we have the potential of saving 15,000 to 18,000 children a year."[16]

Ties to the Council for National Policy

President Marjorie Dannenfelser is a Gold Circle member of CNP.[17].

Council for National Policy

The Council for National Policy (CNP) is a secretive, Christian Right organization of funders and activists founded in 1981 by activist Morton Blackwell, commentator Paul Weyrich, direct-mail pioneer Richard Viguerie, right-wing activist Phyllis Schlafly and Left Behind author Tim LaHaye. Anne Nelson's book about CNP, Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right, describes how the organization connects "the manpower and media of the Christian right with the finances of Western plutocrats and the strategy of right-wing Republican political operatives.”

CNP membership as of September 2020 is available here.

Ties to the American Legislative Exchange Council

At its 2019 annual meeting, ALEC provided a venue for a branch of SBA List, the National Pro-Life Women's Caucus, to host its "Network for Life" Event.[18]

About ALEC
ALEC is a corporate bill mill. It is not just a lobby or a front group; it is much more powerful than that. Through ALEC, corporations hand state legislators their wishlists to benefit their bottom line. Corporations fund almost all of ALEC's operations. They pay for a seat on ALEC task forces where corporate lobbyists and special interest reps vote with elected officials to approve “model” bills. Learn more at the Center for Media and Democracy's ALECexposed.org, and check out breaking news on our ExposedbyCMD.org site.

National Pro-Life Scorecard

The National Pro-Life Scorecard, accessible through the SBA Pro-Life website, rates legislators on how closely their activity aligns with SBA's own position on current legislation. They almost exclusively award the scores of A+ or F, with those scores following closely along party lines.[19] SBA Pro-Life America describes the scorecard as "a tool for holding members of Congress accountable for their legislative records on abortion and highlighting leadership in the fight to protect unborn children and their mothers".[20]

Funding

The Susan B. Anthony List is not required to disclose its funders. Its major foundation funders, however, can be found through a search of the IRS filings. Here are some of the known funders:

Susan B. Anthony List Donors

  • 45Committee: $300,000 (2016, 2018)
  • A Rose and a Prayer Action: $16,728 (2015)
  • Alberto and Maria T. Luzarraga Charitable Trust: $1,000 (2020)
  • Alliance Defending Freedom: $20,080 (2019)
  • Amaturo Family Foundation: $1,000 (2019)
  • America Engaged: $25,000 (2018)
  • American Encore: $1,410,000 (2010, 2012)
  • American Endowment Foundation: $10,000 (2017)
  • Andrew Wommack Ministries: $10,000 (2019)
  • Ayco Charitable Foundation: $15,100 (2019)
  • Baltimore Community Foundation: $50,000 (2019)
  • Ben and Mary Frances Doskocil Foundation: $7,000 (2020)
  • BNY Mellon Charitable Gift Fund: $10,000 (2020)
  • Cahouet Family Foundation Trust: $1,000 (2013)
  • California Community Foundation: $800,000 (2015-2016, 2019)
  • Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia: $10,000 (2018)
  • Chiaroscuro Foundation: $40,000 (2014)
  • Christian Community Foundation: $25,000 (2016)
  • Donegal Family Foundation: $5,000 (2018)
  • DonorsTrust: $50,000 (2019)
  • Donors Capital Fund: $5,000 (2011)
  • Dorrance Foundation for Education: $1,000 (2019)
  • Eternal Word Television Network: $30,000 (2017-2019)
  • Family Policy Alliance: $220,000 (2010)
  • Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund: $471,975 (2016, 2018-2019)
  • Foundation for the Carolinas: $20,000 (2016, 2018)
  • Gerald and Susan Schwalbach Family Foundation: $5,000 (2019)
  • Greater Houston Community Foundation: $600,750 (2019)
  • Halprin Family Foundation: $1,000 (2018)
  • Heritage Foundation: $65,000 (2022)
  • JM Smith Foundation: $250 (2018)
  • Jacobs Family Foundation: $1,250 (2017, 2019)
  • James F. Causley Jr. Family Foundation: $750 (2012-2013)
  • John A. and Mary Mary Pollock Yanta Memorial Trust: $200 (2016, 2019)
  • Judicial Crisis Network: $12,499,700 (2018-2022)
  • Klug Family Foundation: $2,000 (2015, 2017)
  • Knights of Columbus: $750,00 (2012)
  • Krislynn Foundation: $750 (2015)
  • Lauring Charitable Foundation: $1,300 (2010-2011, 2017-2018, 2020)
  • LE Foundation: $500, (2020)
  • Maclellan Foundation: $60,000 (2014)
  • Miles Family Foundation: $8,000 (2016-2018)
  • Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust: $250 (2016)
  • Morris Family Foundation: $500 (2015)
  • Napa Institute Support Foundation: $20,000 (2017-2018)
  • National Christian Foundation: $780,200 (2014-2019)
  • Network for Good: $5,576 (2019)
  • One Nation: $100,000 (2019)
  • Pasquinelli Foundation: $4,500 (2014-2017)
  • Public Interest Legal Foundation: $1,226,143 (2012-2014)
  • Rotary Foundation of Rotary International: $250,000 (2019)
  • San Diego Foundation: $113,000 (2012)
  • Sarkes and Mary Tarzian Charitable Foundation: $10,000 (2017)
  • Schmalz Ferguson Family Foundation: $5,000 (2018)
  • Schwab Charitable Fund: $535,450 (2014, 2016-2019)
  • Serving Your Purpose: $500 (2017)
  • Shell Oil Company Foundation: $5,200 (2015, 2017-2019)
  • St. Martha Foundation: $250 (2016)
  • Stand Together Chamber of Commerce: $1,375,000 (2013-2014, 2016-2017)
  • Stacy Zallie Foundation: $40,000 (2016-2018)
  • Strake Foundation: $7,000 (2018)
  • Tim and Steph Busch Family Foundation: $100,000 (2018)
  • Tom and Lois Longest Charitable Trust: $25 (2018)
  • Walter F. Wallace Jr. Memorial Foundation: $5,000 (2018)
  • Wellspring Committee: $1,003,278 (2008-2018)

Core Financials

2021[21]

  • Total Revenue: $16,065,131
  • Total Expenses: $18,391,499
  • Net Assets: $4,822,033

Grants Distributed

  • Life Issues Institute: $310,727
  • Women Speak Out PAC: $161,000
  • Women Speak Out Virginia - 2021: $400,000

2020[22]

  • Total Revenue: $21,262,529
  • Total Expenses: $15,904,180
  • Net Assets: $7,148,401

Grants Distributed

  • Alaskans for Judicial Reform: $25,000
  • Women Speak Out PAC: $1,850,000

2019[23]

  • Total Revenue: $11,005,738
  • Total Expenses: $10,472,193
  • Net Assets: $1,790,052

2018[24]

  • Total Revenue: $12,862,821
  • Total Expenses: $12,378,646
  • Net Assets: $1,256,507

2017[25]

  • Total Revenue: $7,844,212
  • Total Expenses: $8,723,023
  • Net Assets: $1,107,914

2016[26]

  • Total Revenue: $10,033,882
  • Total Expenses: $6,124,741
  • Net Assets: $67,753

2015[27]

  • Total Revenue: $5,763,929
  • Total Expenses: $6,124,741
  • Net Assets: $67,753

Personnel

Staff

As of May 2022:[28]

  • Marjorie Dannenfelser, President
  • Emily Buchanan, Executive Vice President
  • William "Billy" Valentine, Vice President of Political Affairs
  • Frank Cannon, Chief Political Strategist
  • Autumn Christensen, Vice President of Public Policy
  • Tonya Gollotte, Vice President of Development
  • Jennifer Gross, Vice President of Administration
  • Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs
  • Mallory Quigley, Vice President of Communications
  • Charles Donovan, Charlotte Lozier Institute President
  • Kathleen Wilber, Human Resources Director
  • Bryant Conger, Senior Adviser to the President
  • John Solberg, Senior Adviser to the President
  • Petrina WIlliams, Senior Adviser to the President
  • Mark Kolakoski, Director of Major Gifts
  • Jim Ducey, Adviser to the President
  • Kristie McCrary, Community Relations Officer

Former Staff

Board of Directors

As of May 2022: [29]

  • Jane Abraham, Chairman
  • Susan Hirschmann, Vice Chair
  • Cathleen Ueland, Secretary
  • Robert Kania II, Treasurer
  • Carol Moore, Director
  • Maura Mudd, Director
  • Sean Fieler, Director
  • Richard Alvord, Director
  • Diane Black, Director

Former Board Members

Contact Information

Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
2800 Shirlington Road, No. 1200
Arlington, VA 22206

Articles and Resources

Articles

IRS Form 990 Filings

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

References

  1. ↑ Mallory Quigley, SBA List Praises Judge Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Pick, "SBA List", July 9, 2018.
  2. ↑ David Armiak, ALEC Opposes Roe, Teams up with Anti-Abortion Extremists, "Exposed by CMD", July 1, 2022.
  3. ↑ Alexandra Desanctis, Exclusive: Pro-Life Susan B. Anthony List Rebrands and Begins Expansion, "National Review", June 1, 2022.
  4. ↑ Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, 2022 Endorsed Candidates, "Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America", Accessed June 10, 2022.
  5. ↑ Mary Owens, SBA Pro-Life America Blasts Extremist Gov. Tony Evers: "Shameful Political Stunt", "Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America", June 8, 2022.
  6. ↑ David Armiak, Don't Say Roe, "ExposedbyCMD", March 24, 2022.
  7. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, Amicus Brief, "U.S. Supreme Court", July 29, 2021.
  8. ↑ Prudence Robertson, SBA List Launches TV & Digital Buy as Part of $10M Ad Campaign for Landmark Abortion Case, "SBA List", November 17, 2021.
  9. ↑ Alex Kotch, Right-Wing Groups Coordinate Attacks on Biden Nominees, "ExposedbyCMD", February 23, 2021.
  10. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, SBA Tweet, "Twitter", February 16, 2021.
  11. ↑ Prudence Robertson, SBA List & American Values Action Launch Six-Figure Ad Campaign, "SBA List", October 19, 2020.
  12. ↑ Prudence Robertson, SBA List Celebrates Confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, "SBA List", October 26, 2020.
  13. ↑ Mallory Quigley, SBA List Praises Judge Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Pick, "SBA List", July 9, 2018.
  14. ↑ Mallory Quiqley, Kavanaugh Confirmation a 'Resounding Victory for the American People', "SBA List", October 6, 2018.
  15. ↑ Lindsey Graham, Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, "Congress.gov", January 27, 2021.
  16. ↑ Dustin Siggins, Lindsey Graham on abortion after rape, "LifeSite", June 11, 2015.
  17. ↑ David Armiak, Council for National Policy Meeting Program, February 24-26, 2022, "Exposed by CMD", March 11, 2022.
  18. ↑ Sue Swayze Liebel, Don't forget to RSVP for NPLWC at ALEC!, "National Pro-Life Women's Caucus", August 1, 2019.
  19. ↑ Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Pro-Life Scorecard, "Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America", accessed June 10, 2022.
  20. ↑ Nicole Stacy, Susan B. Anthony List Announces National Pro-life Scorecard for First Session of 117th Congress, "Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America", January 19, 2022.
  21. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2021 IRS 990,"Susan B. Anthony List", November 9, 2022.
  22. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2020 IRS 990,"Susan B. Anthony List", November 9, 2021.
  23. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2019 IRS 990,"Susan B. Anthony List", October 30, 2020.
  24. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2018 IRS 990,"Susan B. Anthony List", October 15, 2019.
  25. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2017 IRS 990, "Susan B. Anthony List", November 15, 2018.
  26. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2016 IRS 990, "Susan B. Anthony List", August 24, 2017.
  27. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List, 2015 IRS 990, "Susan B. Anthony List", November 2, 2016.
  28. ↑ About Susan B. Anthony List, Susan B. Anthony List, accessed May 27, 2022.
  29. ↑ Susan B. Anthony List 2019 IRS 990, "Susan B. Anthony List", October 30, 2020.
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