Former Republican U.S. presidential candidate Rick Santorum is flanked by daughter Sarah Maria (left), wife Karen (second from left) and daughter Elizabeth (right) as he speaks to supporters at his Super Tuesday primary election night rally in Steubenville, Ohio, March 6. Santorum, a Catholic and former U.S. senator, won in North Dakota, Oklahoma and Tennessee in primary elections occurring in 11 states March 6. (CNS photo/Jim Young, Reuters)

Sen. Rick Santorum, former Republican presidential candidate, will serve as the keynote speaker at the Arizona Right to Life gala at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Arizona Right to Life said the state is gaining momentum in “its effort to protect the unborn,” citing a strong pro-life state government and a recent study which ranked Arizona as the 14th most pro-life state in the nation. It also ranked as one of five most improved, according to Arizona Right to Life.

The Arizona Catholic Conference called this year one of the “best legislative sessions ever for pro-life, religious freedom” issues. Ron Johnson, executive director of the conference, which represents Arizona's bishops, noted conscience protections measures for various professionals, a ban on abortion after 20 weeks — currently in litigation — and a prohibition on taxpayer funding passing through the state to abortion providers.

A non-sectarian, non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)4 organization, Arizona Right to Life is committed to articulating and protecting the right to life of all human beings, born and unborn. This is accomplished by educating people on the value of every human life and by promoting and supporting pro-life legislation, public policy and elected officials. Arizona Right to Life is the oldest, largest and strongest pro-life organization in the State of Arizona.

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