Contact: Laraine Bennett, National Council of Catholic Women, 571-255-4938, lbennett@nccw.org 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Active in the pro-life movement even prior to the infamous Roe v Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973, the National Council of Catholic Women has been, since its foundation by the U.S. Catholic bishops in 1920, a voice for the dignity of every human person.

NCCW President, Dr. Rebecca Woodhull, states, "The National Council of Catholic Women was created by the US Bishops in 1920 to be the Voice of Catholic Women—half the Catholic population in the US. We plan to have our voices heard throughout the country for pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-religious liberty and many other issues that affect our ability to practice our Catholic faith in our daily lives."

Immediate Past President, Patty Johnson (2009-2011) states that it has been an honor participating in the national pro-life activities for the past twelve years while serving on the NCCW Board of Directors. "I have been interviewed by EWTN and many other Catholic organizations forging a path for life. Attending the pro-life leadership Mass since 2010 has given our Executive Committee opportunities to speak with the Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities and other Catholic leaders. This year, the leadership Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley on January 21st and we are looking forward to sharing with him NCCW's efforts on behalf of life."

Past NCCW President Joann Hillebrand (1997-1999) recalled that she was invited to speak at the pre-March rally, which was televised nationwide. This continued a tradition begun with Joan McGrath (1995-97), who was privileged to be on the platform with Nellie Gray, the founder of the March, and to speak at the rally. She recalls, "My name is Joan McGrath, President of the National Council of Catholic Women, representing 8 million pro-life women across the United States!"

Despite vocal animosity from abortion supporters, the National Council of Catholic Women has always stood firmly with all the U.S. Catholic bishops in support of life and the dignity of persons at every stage of life, from conception through natural death. The entire NCCW Board of Directors, including Province Directors from nearly 30 provinces around the country, will convene in Washington, D.C. for the annual Board of Directors meeting, and will join with Diocesan Councils of Catholic Women from all across the country to participate in national pro-life events and to march together on January 22nd.

Established in 1920, the National Council of Catholic Women acts through its membership to support, empower, and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

For more information, visit www.nccw.org or contact lbennett@nccw.org.