Joe Scheidler passed away, Jan. 18, at the age of 93.
He was a pioneer in the pro-life movement.
Shortly after the infamous Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, Joe became a pro-life activist – ultimately founding the Pro-Life Action League in 1980 with his wife, Ann.
Joe’s groundbreaking work inspired a generation of sidewalk counselors and pro-life advocates.
His 1985 pro-life activists’ manual, “CLOSED: 99 Ways to Stop Abortion”, put pro-lifers throughout the United States and the world to work effectively fighting abortion.
Because of his hard work and ultra-effective advocacy, the National Organization for Women and two abortion clinics filed a RICO racketeering lawsuit against Joe.
The resulting legal saga in NOW v. Scheidler saw the founding of the Thomas More Society to defend Joe against a lawsuit that lasted for nearly 30 years and went before the Supreme Court three times, finally resulting in a unanimous victory for Joe and the pro-life movement.
Joe Scheidler was truly a larger than life leader for nearly 40 years – working each and every day to save the lives of the unborn.
Joe will be deeply missed by all those who knew him and those whose lives he saved.
Without Joe, the Thomas More Society likely wouldn’t exist, and the pro-life movement certainly wouldn’t look the same.
On behalf of the Thomas More Society, I’d like to offer my condolences to Joe’s family, including his wife Ann, who still serves as the Chairman of our Board. Joe’s contributions were unmatched, and the world has been changed because of his work.
May he rest in peace.