PERRYSBURG - Keep those cards and letters coming. That's what U.S. Congressman Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, told a group of northwest Ohio residents Saturday morning at a Pro-Life legislative briefing breakfast.

Latta and State Rep. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, were the key speakers at the breakfast event hosted by Toledo Right to Life/Foundation for Life. Latta and Gardner updated the audience on legislative efforts in Washington and Columbus that relate to human life issues. Some legislative efforts would be welcome my pro-life advocates, but other efforts would be very troubling, according to Latta and Gardner.

Latta focused many of his comments on President Barack Obama.

"We have a president in the White House with whom I can probably only agree that the flag is red, white and blue," Latta said. "He might try to change that."

Latta said the president has taken unilateral actions already that undermine the efforts and goals of pro-life citizens, including signing an executive order to allow research with human embryos. Most or all of the individuals appointed or nominated by Obama to key federal posts are pro-abortion, Latta said.

A major item of legislation expected to be re-introduced in Congress this year is the Freedom of Choice Act, which would do away with state laws requiring parental notification and do away with state laws concerning partial-birth abortion, Latta said. FOCA would apply tax dollars to support abortion and force faith-based healthcare facilities to perform abortions.

Latta said the president has indicated he is ready to sign FOCA if it is approved by Congress.

"We all know what the problem is," Latta said, hinting at Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress and Democratic control of the White House. "The solution is an election."

Latta posed the question for the audience: "What can I do? What can we do?"

Call the White House, send letters and send e-mail messages, Latta replied to the question he framed.

Latta said the best way for constituents to send a message to elected officials is to send cards or make telephone calls. Letters should probably be sent to legislative district office, Latta said, because security measures in Washington cause mail in envelopes to be delayed while envelopes are opened and investigated.

Latta and Gardner encouraged individuals to become more involved. Each legislator especially encouraged younger individuals to step up and become more active.

"Get involved," Latta said. "Don't be afraid to take a position. Get involved. Your voice will be heard."

Gardner noted the conservative and often pro-life stance of various schools in Ohio. He said those organized institutions play an important role in forming a positive understanding of the pro-life position.

Gardner told how his personal pro-life position was cemented about 1975. He said he was watching television personality Phil Donohue interview then presidential candidate Ronald Reagan. Donohue was pressing Reagan about his stance against abortion, Gardner said. Gardner recalled Reagan's final response: "The only people who are for abortion are already here," Gardner quoted Reagan's reply.

Gardner said the efforts of pro-life advocates and legislators in Ohio have moved the state in a positive direction. He said fewer abortions were performed in Ohio during 2007 than any year since 1976, shortly after abortion was declared legal in the landmark Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has had a 70 percent pro-life voting record, Gardner said. The governor has announced in more recent times, however, he would veto any new legislation that would tend to limit abortions in the state.

Gardner said the state is to need the support of Republicans and Democrats in the Ohio General Assembly to continue successfully with pro-life legislative efforts.

Gardner said one positive item of legislation introduced this year is House Bill 102. The bill would promote umbilical cord blood donations. Umbilical cord blood donations are considered an excellent and ethical source of stem cells that can be obtained at no risk to the mother or child. Gardner said the bill has bi-partisan support in Columbus and likely is to be signed by Strickland if passed.