Who We Are
Our Mission
Right to Life of Kern County is a pro-life advocacy and educational organization that advocates for life-affirming alternatives to abortion and assisted suicide. By engaging in public education and grassroots lobbying efforts, we inform the public on these issues and urge elected officials to uphold policies that value the sanctity of life. We also promote healing services for anyone injured in heart, mind, and body by participation in such attacks on innocent human life.
Our Mission is to promote respect for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
Executive Director
Marylee Shrider marylee@rtlkc.org
Staff
Administrative Assistant
Jasmin Bustamante
Board of Directors
Richard Garcia, President rachel9911v@yahoo.com
Joel Torczon, Chief Financial Officer
Pam Francis, Secretary
Dr. Regina Ng, Director
Annie Elrod, Director
Joel Torczon, Director
Mike Molatore, Director
Michael Arriola, Director
WHAT WE DO
Made in His Image – Bible Study and Advocacy Training
Right to Life of Kern County launched its in-house training program in 2019, combining a study of what God has to say on the issue of life with common-ground, philosophical, and biological arguments against abortion and related life issues. Advocates who wish to participate in RTLKC’s campus outreach, must complete the Thursday evening, six-week program.
College Campus Outreach
Right to Life of Kern County hosts spring and fall outreaches on the campuses of Bakersfield College and Cal State University, where students are challenged to question what they think they know about abortion and related life issues. Each outreach last two days, with advocates engaging 150 to 200 students per outreach.
Remembering Roe
Remembering Roe are local events presented by Right to Life of Kern County to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in 1973. Since 2018, RTLKC has recognized that anniversary with a Remembering Roe Memorial cross display in honor of the 2,300 unborn children lost to abortion each day in America. The informative and emotionally evocative memorial stands for the entire third week of January.
Political Advocacy
Right to Life of Kern County works with a broad coalition of advocacy pro-life partners throughout the state to lobby in support of pro-life legislation and actively oppose pro-abortion bills. RTLKC tracks voting records of local elected officials and urges them to support life in Washington and Sacramento.
Student Leaders for Life Scholarships
In an effort to encourage pro-life advocacy among local youth, Right to Life of Kern County awards Student Leaders for Life scholarships to local graduating seniors. RTLKC awards $750 scholarships to two graduating seniors each spring. In 2020, those seniors were Julia Rooke of Bakersfield Christian High School and Abby Iturriria of Turner Christian Academy.
Students for Life Clubs
Right to Life of Kern County works with students and faculty advisors to establish Students for Life clubs on local high school and college campuses. Partnering with Students for Life of America, RTLKC functions as the local club hub, providing free educational resources, activities, and fundraising ideas.