2007 Armantrout

2007 Recipient - Jann Armantrout

Jann Armantrout's list of pro-life accomplishments is considerable. There isn't a facet of the movement in Rochester that Jann hasn't influenced. In politics and government, through education and research, as leader and volunteer, Jann has stepped out with courage to live the Gospel. As stated in one of Jann's nominations, "in both volunteering and career choices she has sacrificed much to advocate for life".

As a Political Science student at SUNY New Paltz, Jann considered herself pro-choice. After viewing the emotional toll abortion took on those around her as well as her eleven years with the Office of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Retardation, Jann began to "understand God's love for me and the presence of God in them - the sanctity of life of every human being." Jann's political action in social justice issues led her to the concept of consistent life ethic and finally to the unborn.

To further the cause of life in a democratic society we must be prepared to engage the political system. Jann is not afraid to advocate for life by meeting with local, state, and federal legislators and even by being a Democratic candidate for a seat on the Monroe County Legislature in 1996.

Jann stays current on the issues affecting life, informing the electorate and pressuring the elected. She has made numerous trips to Albany lobbying the pro-life cause. In 2007 Jann presented testimony to the Economic Development Joint Conference Committee of the New York State Legislature on budgeting funding of stem cell research in New York State.

The battle for life is continually being fought on new fronts. Jann understands the vital importance of research and education; she knows the isues. In 2006, she was certified in Catholic Healthcare Ethics from the National Center of Catholic Bioethics.

As Life Issues Coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester since 2000, Jann coordinates and disseminates respect life materials for the 150 parishes of the Diocese. Jann frequently speaks and debates on stem cells, abortion, and euthanasia. Local media often turn to Jann when reporting on Consistent Life Ethic issues.

A prolific writer, Jann has authored pieces printed in professional and commercial publications. In June of 2006 Jan researched, wrote, and presented "A Closer Look", a rebuttal to the white paper analyzing the medical, economic, and scientific impact of New York State funding human embryonic stem cell research.

Jann's compassion and desire to serve those in need draw her into a wide variety of organizations. She has served on numerous boards including: Board of Directors Genesee Vally Office of Social Ministries, Board of Directors of Maternity and Early Childhood, and representative to Rochester Health Committee End of Life/ Palliative Care.

She was a founding member of Common Ground of Upstate New York and was their executive director from 1995-2000. For the last seven years, Jann has been administratively responsible for Project Rachel, a ministry that serves men and women suffering post-abortion trauma. In response to the threat of fetal stem cell research, Jann co-founded and is Vice-President of Adult Stem Cell Initiative, Inc.

Jan is an inspiration not only for her impressive accomplishments, but also for her willingness to step out in faith. With her gentle spirit, intelligence and devotion to Christ and his Church, Jann is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when we continually say "yes" to Christ.

Jann is most grateful for the blessing of her family: husband Kenneth Arnold, and sons Christopher A. and Gregory A. Arnold. They are members of St. Paul's parish in Webster, NY.