Remembering Kortney. Honoring Jon. Tragedy Strikes Students for Life...

October 13, 2011

Dear Feminists for Life,

Since 1994 Feminists for Life has made supporting pro-life students as well as pregnant students our priority. This summer we made big plans with Students for Life of America to take the next vital steps in our revolution on campus.

As you may know from our updates on Facebook, Feminists for Life joins Students for Life of America in mourning Kortney Blythe Gordon and her unborn baby, Sophy Joy, who were killed in a tragic car crash.

Before working at Students for Life, Kortney also worked for Room at the Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina. Former RATI Executive Director Cindy Brown, who now serves as FFL's Vice Chair, recalled last seeing Kortney at the RATI groundbreaking in June. She said of Kortney's service to young mothers, "She truly was one of the best residential supervisors that we ever had at RATI."

Feminists for Life will contribute a tree in memory of Kortney and her baby Sophy on the grounds of the new Room at the Inn, which will open next year. Kortney planted many seeds for life, and we hope this tangible symbol will be enjoyed by new mothers and their children in years to come.

Another SFLA staffer, Jon Scharfenberger, was seriously injured in the wreck that took Kortney's life. A pro-life student and pregnancy care center worker were also in the car but fortunately survived without major physical injuries.

We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, and support Students for Life of America through our renewed our commitment to continue to provide them with innovative solutions, free Revolution on Campus grow your group kits for student groups, and more.

Both Kortney and Jon have been key partners in our efforts to bring woman-centered solutions to more campuses. Jon recently asked student activists on 620 campuses to join our effort by taking FFL's Pregnancy Resource Survey: "I encourage ALL student pro-life groups to take this brief, yet vitally important survey." The surveys will become part of FFL's National Campus Resource Directory, a truly important step in helping schools develop on-campus resources and a crucial tool for pregnant and parenting students who need access to support.

At this time we ask for ALL volunteers to help us research schools--student activists, alumni, and other online activists! It takes an hour or less to research resources online. Help us fill in the map by taking our online Pregnancy Resource Survey.

Let's all pitch in. Let's honor Kortney, Sophy, and Jon in a meaningful way. Let's do it now.

Because of this important development, FFL will hold off on making a major announcement about our College Outreach Program, and also defer this week's installment of "Raising Kids on a Shoestring" until next week.

May Kortney and Sophy rest in peace. May her husband, Benjamin, and all the families and caregivers of those who were injured or who have passed away find the strength they need in the coming months and years. And may Jon recover completely.

Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President