[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 53 (Thursday, April 18, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING BARBARA WILLKE

  (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, it's with a heavy heart that I rise today to 
mourn the loss of a dear friend, Mrs. Barbara Willke of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. She, along with her husband, Dr. Jack Willke, cofounded 
Cincinnati Right to Life. She died peacefully at the age of 90 this 
past Sunday and leaves behind her husband, 6 children, 20 
grandchildren, and several foster children.
  During the early years of the national debate on abortion, she 
recognized the injustice of abortion on demand and held steadfastly to 
her belief that life is a gift from God.
  I first met Barb and her husband, Jack, nearly 35 years ago and have 
worked closely with them to protect innocent unborn children ever 
since. For 8 years, I worked with the Willkes on legislation to ban the 
horrific practice of partial-birth abortion. With their significant 
help and influence, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act passed Congress, 
was signed into law by President Bush, was upheld by the United States 
Supreme Court by a 5-4 vote, and is now the law of the land.
  Despite Barb's passing, her legacy and good works will live on. God 
bless Barbara Willke.

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