Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of The Illinois Federation for Right to Life. They are presented only for your information.
Oklahoma Legislature Bans Human Cloning
The Oklahoma Legislature unanimously passed a ban on human cloning last week. The measure now goes to Gov. Brad Henry, although his signature is not a sure thing.
"He's vetoed the (ban on) embryonic stem-cell research," said Mike Jestes, executive director of the Oklahoma Family Policy Council. "So there's a chance he'll veto this."
The House passed the bill by an 83-0 vote; the Senate approved it 44-0. The bill prohibits all human cloning — including the creation of embryos for the purpose of harvesting their stem cells, and reproductive cloning.
Click here for the full article.
Proposed Texas Law Would Require Doctors to 'Offer' Ultrasounds to Women Seeking Abortion
Women Seeking Abortion (And then you can kill the baby) The Texas Senate has voted to require doctors to offer an ultrasound to women seeking an abortion and to let the woman see the result if she wants to. The original version of the bill would have required the ultrasound. The version given preliminary approval today on a 20-9 vote requires that an ultrasound be offered. The woman could decline. If the woman agrees to the ultrasound, she would still get to choose whether to see the results.
Click here for the full article.
Abortion is traumatic and parents must be informed
The president of the Collegial Medical Association in Spain, Juan Jose Rodriguez Sendin, said on Monday that abortion "is not like eating a piece of candy," but rather is a "traumatic" surgical intervention in which the autonomy of the patient "should be made compatible with the right of parents to be informed."
Speaking to reporters about the approval of a new law on abortion by the Council of Ministers, Rodriguez Sendin said it was an "error" and "unfortunate" that the legal age for an abortion without parent consent was dropped to 16 and that it would create worse problems for families than those that already exist in such cases.
Click here for the full article.
Is Obama avoiding the truth of abortion?
Albert Mohler, Jr.A leader in the Southern Baptist Convention says President Barack Obama merely "talked about talking about abortion" during his commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, devoted his radio show Monday to the president's appearance at the Catholic university on Sunday. At one point during the speech, Obama called for common ground on the abortion issue.
"Is it possible for us to join hands in common effort, as citizens of a vibrant and varied democracy?" he asked rhetorically. "How do we engage in vigorous debate?"
Click here for the full article.
May 19, 2009
May 18, 2009
ND rally honors graduates, praises 'sanctity of life'
Notre Dame Response Student Coalition's Rally
Following a devastating fire which ravaged the campus of the University of Notre Dame in 1879, Father Edward Sorin, C.S.C., founder of the University proclaimed to his brother priests, "If it were all gone, I would still not give up!"
On May 17, 2009, while addressing more than 3000 people who attended the Notre Dame Response Student Coalition's "Rally Sons of Notre Dame," Fr. Wilson "Bill" B. Miscamble, C.S.C., evoked this memory of Fr. Sorin and that of his founding vision of the University as a reminder and a celebration of the University's call to greatness within the Church and the country.
After two months of planning, praying and preparing, the ND Response Coalition hosted their "Rally" on University's commencement weekend—May 16-17, 2009—to celebrate the Catholic identity of the University of Notre Dame and the pro-life mission upon which the University does and should stand firm.
The ND Response events began Saturday evening with an informal prayer service held at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on Notre Dame's campus. Following the Grotto service, Eucharistic Adoration was held through the night in the Alumni Hall chapel, one of the 28 on-campus undergraduate dormitories.
The events continued Sunday. As students, faculty, alumni, and unaffiliated Notre Dame and pro-life supporters began to fill the South Quad of Notre Dame's campus, a travelers' Mass was held to open the day's events. Fr. Kevin Russeau, C.S.C., principal celebrant of the Mass, was joined by nine other priests, including Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life and Fr. John Corapi of EWTN's "Life on the Rock."
Reflecting upon the Mass readings, Fr. Russeau underscored Christ's call to each and all to the commandment, "Love one another." In light of the controversy triggered by President Obama being chosen as Notre Dame's 2009 commencement speaker, Fr. Russeau emphasized the prayer-centeredness of the students' response. Describing love as a vocation, the priest stated that as the students came to "the table of the Lord again in this of controversy," the students of ND Response offer a powerful reminder to all. "The students remind us that we must do all things in love…[T]o respond in love requires the guidance of the love of God."
After the conclusion of the Mass, the crowd was addressed by seven speakers, all Notre Dame, professors, alumni, or students. Each of the speakers gave rousing speeches. Even though all spoke about the greatness of Notre Dame, each speaker also directly called upon the University, particularly the administration and faculty, to rejuvenate and defend the Catholic, pro-life mission of Notre Dame.
Fr. Bill Miscamble, C.S.C., was the rally's first speaker. Recalling the foundational history of the University, Miscamble declared that the administration's decision to invite and honor President Obama "damaged the ethos and spirit of Notre Dame."
The University's founder, Fr. Sorin, started Notre Dame with the intention that it would be an institution that would de great good for the country and the Church. In sight of its invitation to Mr. Obama, Fr. Miscamble declared that the University had settled for "temporary attention over eternal honor"—making rhetoric on its fidelity to the Church and commitment to the defense of life "rings hollow today."
However, Fr. Miscamble stated as he drew his speech to a close, the fight for Notre Dame is neither lost nor hopeless. Although the University has suffered a "painful, self-inflicted wound," Fr. Miscamble explained, "this is not the end of the story."
Chris Godfrey, a graduate of the Notre Dame Law School and founder of Life Athletes, an organization of professional and Olympic athletes who promote pro-life values, addressed the crowd after Fr. Bill Miscamble. A member of the New York Giants Super Bowl XXI championship team, Mr. Godfrey drew on his experience as a professional athlete to illustrate Notre Dame's need for improvement. According to Mr. Godfrey, Notre Dame needs to "go back to the basics," as it has lost sight of its own mission as a Catholic institute to a focus on its own prestige.
At Notre Dame, Godfrey continued, there are a lot of basics. However, lucky for Notre Dame, "there are a lot of good things [at Notre Dame]." Yet, Godfrey warned, "we must focus on these in the right order—or all lose their goodness."
Another highlight speech was given by Fr. John J. Raphael, a ND'89 alumnus and a Josephite priest from New Orleans, LA.
Calling the ND Response "Rally" "not your ordinary gathering for Life," Fr. Raphael went on to proclaim "the real Notre Dame is totally committed to defending sanctity of life." Referring to the foundation and the mission of the University, Fr. Raphael explained that Notre Dame is "defined by its relationship to the entire community of the Church." If Notre Dame truly desires to contribute to the culture of life within larger society, Raphael said, it must first nurture that culture within the bounds of its own campus.
The rally closed with a rousing address from Notre Dame professor of philosophy, Dr. David Solomon. Approaching the podium wearing the traditional professorial commencement gown, Professor Solomon began his speech by calling to the stage the Notre Dame faculty members who were in the crowd. More than 25 professors emerged from the crowd.
Professor Solomon went on to applaud the students of the Notre Dame Response Coalition. The students, Solomon said, stood not only in defense of the University, but also as witnesses to the moral principle and intellectual tradition of life. "This University must endeavor to be worthy of students like these," Solomon declared.
The students of ND Response, Solomon went on to say, struggled to "speak truth to power" and in that struggle proved themselves the beacon that will guide to light the University, particularly the faculty and administrators. Solomon closed his address by calling upon the University to "choose truth over prestige," saying that the world needs a "healthy and strong" Notre Dame that holds a strong commitment not only to the defense of life, but also a commitment to the Church.
"We cannot afford division at Our Lady's University," said Solomon as he spoke of Notre Dame's role in the culture of life. "The task is too great and the time too short. The University alone cannot solve this issue."
After the conclusion of speeches, the Rally switched to a live audio and visual feed from the University's Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where approximately 700 people had gathered for a "Vigil for Life" in honor of the graduates of Notre Dame's class of 2009. Fr. Frank Pavone, of Priests for Life, led the Grotto service, which consisted of hymns, pro-life prayers, and a scriptural Rosary.
More than 20 graduates who had chosen not to attend the official commencement ceremony joined the crowd at the Grotto. Following the Rosary, these graduates, along with their families laid white roses at the feet of Our Lady's image at the Grotto. The white roses represented those ND Response graduates who had chosen to attend the commencement and be a silent pro-life witness at the official ceremony. At the conclusion of the "Vigil for Life," Fr. Kevin Russeau extended a blessing upon the graduates, who then performed the traditional moving of the tassel of the graduation cap.
The after-show of the Rally and Vigil was filled with joy that would be typical of a commencement day. However, this joy was also different from the usual celebration.
All the seniors who attended the Grotto Vigil felt that the service there was a very positive and special experience. "I don't feel that I missed out on anything by going to this Vigil and not graduation," said one senior.
"In so many ways, it felt so much more appropriate and special to celebrate my graduation here at the Grotto," said senior Michele Sagala. "For four years I have lived under Our Lady's faithful patronage while here at Notre Dame—what a better way to graduate from this place but here at the Grotto."
Click here for President Obama's full speech.
Source: Catholic News Agency
Publish Date: May 18, 2009
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Homeland Security Pulls Report Calling Pro-Life Activism Sign of Violent "Rightwing Extremism"
A widely-criticized report that labeled pro-life activism and other normative conservative positions as a potential sign of violent "rightwing extremism" has been pulled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The nine-page document "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," said in a footnote that the term "rightwing extremism" "may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
The term, said the report, could also refer to groups that reject "federal authority in favor of state or local authority." Many also took offense at the document's characterization of veterans as likely terrorist recruits.
DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano told Capitol Hill lawmakers Wednesday that the document, distributed to local law enforcement officials nationwide in early April, had been pulled and is being rewritten.
"The wheels came off the wagon because the vetting process was not followed," Napolitano told the House Homeland Security Committee, according to the Washington Times. "The report is no longer out there. An employee sent it out without authorization."
Napolitano said that the document, which has been pulled from DHS websites, is in the process of being "replaced or redone in a much more useful and much more precise fashion."
Asked whether the person responsible for publishing the report had been fired, Napolitano replied that "appropriate personnel action is being taken."
In mid-April, when the controversy about the report first broke, Napolitano issued a statement saying that she stood by the report, and said that she had herself been briefed on its contents.
Contact: Kathleen Gilbert
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
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Baby Slaughter No Big Deal
His holiness spoke today at Notre Dame, and apparently all we need is a little understanding. You see, abortion is really no big deal. It is a tool to be employed if , say, one of his daughters makes a mistake. After all, he doesn't want her "punished with a bay-buh!" "Ya'ow?" Abortion is a mere political issue that can be a source of disagreement... but apparently amounts to no more than that.
Why then does AP's Julie Pace report that Barack "Born Alive, Let Them Die" Obama:
One of the noisiest controversies of his young presidency flared after Obama, who supports abortion rights but says the procedure should be rare, was invited to speak at the school and receive an honorary degree. "I do not suggest that the debate surrounding abortion can or should go away," the president said.
If the "procedure should be rare" there must be something wrong with it on some level or are those "just words" and mean little to the reader of TOTUS? Besides, Barry, isn't suggesting the debate "should go away." It is commendable that his highness is willing to allow we innocent life-valuing serfs to keep our opinions. His recognition of the debate is almost cause to forget his vocal opposition of the "Born Alive Infant Protection Act" in The Illinois State Senate.
The man is a uniter and apparently he has an important message for the peasants:
"no matter how much we want to fudge it ... the fact is that at some level, the views of the two camps are irreconcilable." But he still implored the University of Notre Dame's graduating class and all in the U.S. to stop "reducing those with differing views to caricature. Open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words. It's a way of life that always has been the Notre Dame tradition."
I am relieved! I now know that it is wrong to reduce the supporters of dismembering unborn children for convenience to "caricature." I should not judge those who support the practice of burning unborn children with saline. I should be "understanding" when it comes to those who approve of partially delivering a near full term baby, then piercing the base of his skull and vacuuming out its contents... all for the health of the mother or at the very least the right to privacy.
Understanding is the key. I now understand why he appointed Kathleen Sebelius to be Secretary of Health and Inhuman Services. I would also understand now if he were to appoint Dr. George Tiller to the post of Surgeon General... of course it would be more aptly named Abortionist General.
Click here for President Obama's full speech.
Contact: Sam Pierce
Source: illinoisreview
Publish Date: May 18, 2009
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Religious, Moral Issues Are Above Obama's Pay Grade
President Barack Obama delivered a speech yesterday during the Notre Dame Graduation commencement ceremony that was rife with heretical views of Christianity.
"It is obvious from Obama's speech that matters pertaining to religion and moral issues are still above his pay grade," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "As an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, I can say with conviction that Obama holds apostate views on the roll of Christianity in the world and the moral issues that spring from those teachings such as, abortion, stem cell research, and other matters."
Obama told the 2009 graduating class of Notre Dame that of the problems facing the world today, "no one person, or religion, or nation can meet these challenges alone."
This statement is in direct contradiction to orthodox Christianity which teaches that Christians are the "light on the hilltop" that illuminates society with the wisdom of God, apart which there can be no answers to the world's problems.
Obama urged those who disagree on abortion to "work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term."
Yet, Obama's policies of providing tax-funding for abortion here in this nation and abroad only work to encourage and increase abortion. In fact, the ones who are currently working to do the things recommended by Obama are almost exclusively Christian pro-life groups.
Obama further stated, "Let's honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion, and draft a sensible conscience clause..." But Obama has threatened to eliminate the conscience clause that would allow doctors and hospitals to refuse to commit abortions based on religious convictions.
Obama referred to "Open Hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words."
"Obama would have Americans open their hearts and minds to the shedding of innocent blood, and would cloak the slaughter of innocent children in 'fair-minded' words," said Newman. "Yet the Bible teaches us that we should rescue those who are being led to the slaughter and give practical assistance to those who are in need. Obama attempts to deceive the people into thinking that we should, for the sake of unity, turn a blind eye to greater evil of abortion to focus on social programs that do not solve the root problem of decriminalized child-killing in our nation."
"If there was one phrase to describe Obama's presentation at Notre Dame it would be 'apostate hypocrisy,'" said Newman. "Obama should refrain from making comments on religious and moral matters and should confine his remarks to subjects with which he has more familiarity."
Click here for President Obama's full speech.
Contact: Troy Newman, Cheryl Sullenger
Source: Operation Rescue
Publish Date: May 18, 2009
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12,000: Canadian 2009 March for Life Smashes Previous Attendance Records
Under the threat of dark clouds and sometimes through pouring rain, a record-smashing crowd of 12,000 Canadians today gathered on Parliament Hill for a rally and then marched through the streets of Ottawa in protest against 40 years of legalized abortion in Canada.
The number of participants significantly exceeded last year's record-breaking crowd of 8,000, making it by far the largest crowd in the 12 years that the march has taken place.
Those in attendance included 18 Members of Parliament.
Jim Hughes, the president of Campaign Life Coalition, the pro-life group which organizes the annual event, told LifeSiteNews that he was thrilled with the turnout. "It's a real blessing," he said, "especially the growing number of young people that are here."
"This is going to make a difference," said Hughes, who pointed out that pro-life Canadians are beginning to mark the date of the march on their calendars, and are going out of their way to make it every year. "We're having a real impact here," he said.
Today's events began in the morning with interdenominational prayer services at the Canadian Reformed Church and St. George's Anglican Church, and two Catholic masses at Notre Dame Basilica and St. Patrick's Basilica.
Eyewitnesses at the Catholic masses said that both churches were filled to, and beyond, capacity. Approximately 900 people squeezed into St. Patrick's Basilica, while over 1,100 overflowed Notre Dame. As well, an additional 200 or so at each location had to watch the mass on a screen in the basement of each church, due to the lack of space.
Hughes said he was especially pleased by the unprecedented show of support from the Canadian Catholic bishops, with 11 bishops celebrating at the masses. This was the first year in the history of the march that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has thrown its official support behind the event.
At 3 p.m., after the rally on Parliament Hill and the march, representatives of Silent No More Awareness Campaign began delivering powerful testimonies about their personal experiences with abortion, repeatedly moving their listeners to tears. Just as the clock on the Hill was striking 3:00, many in the crowd marvelled that the sun suddenly broke through the clouds for the first time that day and soon afterwards the sky cleared with hardly a cloud in sight. Also, some pointed out that as each of the Silent No More Awareness speakers was introduced, as if on cue a strong wind would blow, with the strongest occuring when the Canadian leader of the group, Angelina Steenstra, was introduced.
Contact: John Jalsevac
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: May 14, 2009
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Should Medical Associations Be Allowed to Sanction Physicians for Participating in Executions?
I have long marveled at the adamant efforts of many bioethicists and physician leaders to prevent doctors from participating in executions--while, ironically some of these same advocates promote the propriety of doctors engaging in assisted suicide--which is no more a legitimate medical act than execution. In North Carolina, the state medical association went so far in trying to prevent doctor involvement in executions that it threatened to make it a subject of professional discipline--a policy now overturned by the state supreme court. From the story:
The North Carolina Medical Board exceeded its authority under state law when it adopted policy threatening disciplinary action against physicians who take an active role in executions, the Supreme Court of North Carolina ruled in early May. The 4-3 decision appears to end the board's policy barring doctors from participating in executions, the only one of its kind in the country...
The board adopted its position in January 2007, prompting a lawsuit from the state's corrections department, which argued that the policy deterred physicians from participating in executions. In 2007 the N.C. medical board banned doctors from participating in executions. The relevant state law, adopted in 1909, says a physician should be present at the execution and "certify the fact of the execution."
In its policy, the board attempted to reconcile medical ethical standards and state law by saying physicians could be present at executions in a professional role, but that "any verbal or physical activity ... that facilitates the execution" might be grounds for discipline. In the majority opinion, Associate Justice Edward Thomas Brady wrote that for the medical board "to assert that the physician is to merely occupy space in a nonprofessional capacity is simply illogical and renders unintelligible the requirement that 'the surgeon or physician of the penitentiary' be present."
The case's outcome is significant because an execution protocol announced in February 2007 said lethal injections should be administered by personnel qualified to "administer the preinjections, insert the IV catheter, and perform other tasks." The protocol says "medical doctors" are among those "deemed qualified to participate in the execution procedure." The purpose of the new protocol is to ensure that condemned inmates do not suffer unnecessarily during the lethal injection process.
I think this is right, but only because it is a licensing board making the determination that a physician could be punished for engaging in a legal procedure that is not a medical act. I think voluntary medical associations--such as the AMA--should have every right to exclude physicians who participate in the non medical act of execution.
I also think that no doctor where assisted suicide is legal should be professionally disciplined for engaging in that non medical act (assuming the law is followed). However, voluntary associations should be able to so exclude physicians. Yet, under the assisted suicide laws of Oregon and Washington, even voluntary associations are prevented from excluding or disciplining participating physicians--another way in which the culture of death brooks no dissent. I think these laws violate the First Amendment's right to free association and I hope that one day a death doctor will be so sanctioned by a voluntary medical association and the matter brought to the U.S. Supreme Court to validate the right of the group to make that decision.
Contact: Wesley J. Smith
Source: Secondhand Smoke
Publish Date: May 18 2009
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NEWS SHORTS FOR MONDAY
Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of The Illinois Federation for Right to Life. They are presented only for your information.
Keep Taxpayer Money from Funding Abortions in D.C.
President Barack Obama is urging the House and Senate to repeal a law that has prevented taxpayer-funded abortions in the District of Columbia. The law – the Dornan Amendment – has prevented tax-funded abortions in D.C. for several years.
"If Congress goes along with the Obama proposal, the predictable result will be tax funding of several thousand elective abortions annually, including roughly 1,000 abortions annually that would not otherwise occur," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee. "Any member of Congress who votes for a bill that contains the White House proposal is, in reality, voting for tax-funded abortion on demand with congressionally appropriated funds."
Click here for the full article.
Germany to Require Three-Day Wait for Late Term Abortions
The German parliament has voted to require a three-day waiting period before doctors authorize abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy.
The measure includes providing for more consultations and support for families with handicapped children who are considering abortion, the news service Deutsche Welle reported today.
The law will require women to receive counseling from a doctor about the medical and psychological consequences of a late-term abortion. Patients living with physically or mentally disabled children will be offered other means of support.
Click here for the full article.
GOP Letter To Obama Urges 'Common Ground' On Health Reform, Restrictions On Abortion Funding
House Republicans on Wednesday sent President Obama a letter urging "open and constructive dialogue across party lines" on health care reform and calling on him to maintain current restrictions on federal funding of abortion services, Politico reports. The letter, signed by House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio), House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), House Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence (Ind.) and six other Republican House members, outlines the Republicans' positions on health care reform. It says achieving those objectives "can be accomplished through health reform that maintains current law provisions regarding restrictions on federal funding of abortion services, restricts federal funds from flowing to abortion providers and does not impose mandates either on insurance carriers or medical providers to participate in activities that violate their religious and moral beliefs."
The letter says that Republicans have several "areas for potential common ground on health care reform." In all, it mentions the phrase "common ground" four times in eight paragraphs.
Click here for the full article.
Girl Scouts exposed: Communists, radical feminists cited as role models for troops
When many parents think of Girl Scouts, they imagine young girls in uniform selling Thin Mints and Tagalong cookies – not learning about stone labyrinths, world peace, global warming, yoga, avatars, smudging incense, Zen gardens and feminist, communist and lesbian role models.
But that's exactly what many of 2.7 million Girl Scouts will learn about with a new curriculum called "Journeys" released last year.
Click here for the full article.
Top Republican Says No "Litmus Test" for Abortion in Supreme Court Nominee
Sen. Jeff Sessions, the new top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has said that he would not necessarily oppose a "pro-choice" or openly homosexual Supreme Court nominee.
As anticipation grows over whom President Obama will choose to replace Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who retires in June, Sen. Sessions (R-Ala.) has said repeatedly that he would not resort to "litmus tests" of abortion advocacy or sexual orientation in vetting a nominee. Instead, Sessions said, he would weigh the candidate's fidelity to interpreting established law rather than creating it.
As the Judiciary Committee minority leader, Sessions has the most weight among GOP senators in determining who fills the Supreme Court bench.
Click here for the full article.
Keep Taxpayer Money from Funding Abortions in D.C.
President Barack Obama is urging the House and Senate to repeal a law that has prevented taxpayer-funded abortions in the District of Columbia. The law – the Dornan Amendment – has prevented tax-funded abortions in D.C. for several years.
"If Congress goes along with the Obama proposal, the predictable result will be tax funding of several thousand elective abortions annually, including roughly 1,000 abortions annually that would not otherwise occur," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee. "Any member of Congress who votes for a bill that contains the White House proposal is, in reality, voting for tax-funded abortion on demand with congressionally appropriated funds."
Click here for the full article.
Germany to Require Three-Day Wait for Late Term Abortions
The German parliament has voted to require a three-day waiting period before doctors authorize abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy.
The measure includes providing for more consultations and support for families with handicapped children who are considering abortion, the news service Deutsche Welle reported today.
The law will require women to receive counseling from a doctor about the medical and psychological consequences of a late-term abortion. Patients living with physically or mentally disabled children will be offered other means of support.
Click here for the full article.
GOP Letter To Obama Urges 'Common Ground' On Health Reform, Restrictions On Abortion Funding
House Republicans on Wednesday sent President Obama a letter urging "open and constructive dialogue across party lines" on health care reform and calling on him to maintain current restrictions on federal funding of abortion services, Politico reports. The letter, signed by House Minority Leader John Boehner (Ohio), House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), House Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence (Ind.) and six other Republican House members, outlines the Republicans' positions on health care reform. It says achieving those objectives "can be accomplished through health reform that maintains current law provisions regarding restrictions on federal funding of abortion services, restricts federal funds from flowing to abortion providers and does not impose mandates either on insurance carriers or medical providers to participate in activities that violate their religious and moral beliefs."
The letter says that Republicans have several "areas for potential common ground on health care reform." In all, it mentions the phrase "common ground" four times in eight paragraphs.
Click here for the full article.
Girl Scouts exposed: Communists, radical feminists cited as role models for troops
When many parents think of Girl Scouts, they imagine young girls in uniform selling Thin Mints and Tagalong cookies – not learning about stone labyrinths, world peace, global warming, yoga, avatars, smudging incense, Zen gardens and feminist, communist and lesbian role models.
But that's exactly what many of 2.7 million Girl Scouts will learn about with a new curriculum called "Journeys" released last year.
Click here for the full article.
Top Republican Says No "Litmus Test" for Abortion in Supreme Court Nominee
Sen. Jeff Sessions, the new top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has said that he would not necessarily oppose a "pro-choice" or openly homosexual Supreme Court nominee.
As anticipation grows over whom President Obama will choose to replace Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who retires in June, Sen. Sessions (R-Ala.) has said repeatedly that he would not resort to "litmus tests" of abortion advocacy or sexual orientation in vetting a nominee. Instead, Sessions said, he would weigh the candidate's fidelity to interpreting established law rather than creating it.
As the Judiciary Committee minority leader, Sessions has the most weight among GOP senators in determining who fills the Supreme Court bench.
Click here for the full article.
Americans are More Pro-Life than Pro-Choice...
Americans are More Pro-Life than Pro-Choice...
A recent Gallop Poll shows that more Americans are pro-life than pro-choice.
This is the first time that this particular poll has reflected this fact.
You can see in the chart that there was a sharp jump since th last time this question was asked in 2008.
Click here for more
A recent Gallop Poll shows that more Americans are pro-life than pro-choice.
This is the first time that this particular poll has reflected this fact.
You can see in the chart that there was a sharp jump since th last time this question was asked in 2008.
Click here for more
May 15, 2009
Chicago 'March For Life' Organized to Protest Freedom of Choice Act
Chicago 'March For Life' Organized to Protest Freedom of Choice Act
Americans for Life plan demonstration to support families
Americans for Life, a non-denominational coalition founded to defend the sanctity of human life at all stages, has organized a protest for Friday, May 22 in downtown Chicago.
The rally and march will be a demonstration against the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and U.S. Government funding of abortion worldwide. Americans for Life will also stand in support of traditional marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act.
"Americans are basically family-oriented people," said Richard Walsh, Chairman of Americans for Life. "Those of us who defend life and marriage are the true patriots. Without the strong foundation of traditional marriage and profound respect for the sanctity of life, America cannot hope to survive in these troubled times."
Speakers scheduled for the rally include: Joseph M. Scheidler, National Director of the Pro-Life Action League, Diane Schroeder, President of Lutherans for Life, Jill Stanek, nationally recognized blogger and nurse-defender of life, Sandy Rios, radio host from WYLL and Tom Brejcha, President of the Thomas More Society Pro-Life Law Center.
The rally will begin at 11:30 am at the Thompson Center (Clark & Randolph) and end at the Federal Plaza (Adams & Dearborn). Pro-life flags, signs, placards, hats and other displays will be provided. For more information, please visit the AFL website at www.americansforlife.com.
Contact: Richard Walsh, Tommie Romano
Source: Americans for Life
Publish Date: May 14, 2009
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Americans for Life plan demonstration to support families
Americans for Life, a non-denominational coalition founded to defend the sanctity of human life at all stages, has organized a protest for Friday, May 22 in downtown Chicago.
The rally and march will be a demonstration against the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and U.S. Government funding of abortion worldwide. Americans for Life will also stand in support of traditional marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act.
"Americans are basically family-oriented people," said Richard Walsh, Chairman of Americans for Life. "Those of us who defend life and marriage are the true patriots. Without the strong foundation of traditional marriage and profound respect for the sanctity of life, America cannot hope to survive in these troubled times."
Speakers scheduled for the rally include: Joseph M. Scheidler, National Director of the Pro-Life Action League, Diane Schroeder, President of Lutherans for Life, Jill Stanek, nationally recognized blogger and nurse-defender of life, Sandy Rios, radio host from WYLL and Tom Brejcha, President of the Thomas More Society Pro-Life Law Center.
The rally will begin at 11:30 am at the Thompson Center (Clark & Randolph) and end at the Federal Plaza (Adams & Dearborn). Pro-life flags, signs, placards, hats and other displays will be provided. For more information, please visit the AFL website at www.americansforlife.com.
Contact: Richard Walsh, Tommie Romano
Source: Americans for Life
Publish Date: May 14, 2009
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Sweden and Finland Join "Human Rights" Groups to Urge Chile to Legalize Abortion
Sweden and Finland Join "Human Rights" Groups to Urge Chile to Legalize Abortion
Suggestions offered through United Nation's "Universal Periodic Review" of country's human rights record
Sweden and Finland, joined by UN-affiliated "human rights" groups, are urging Chile to decriminalize abortion as part of a series of recommendations made to the country during the Universal Periodic Review process conducted by the United Nations.
"Noting that the Committee on the Rights of the Child had urged Chile to review its complete criminalization of abortion, it recommended to (b) further efforts to ensure that the abortion laws are brought in line with Chile's human rights obligations," the UN's "Human Rights Council" wrote in a document summarizing the recommendations (Click here to see the document).
According to the same document, Finland recommended that Chile review "legislation criminalizing the termination of pregnancies in all circumstances, including in cases of rape, incest and situations where the life of the mother is at risk."
They are joined by Britain, which is asking Chile "to increase access to emergency contraception for all women particularly for adolescents and victims of rape" despite (or perhaps because of) a recent Supreme Court decision banning the free distribution of abortifacient "emergency contraception."
Sweden also recommended to Chile that "discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity be prohibited by law and included in equality programmes and policies," while the Netherlands urged Chile to follow the homosexualist "Yogyakarta principles" as a "guide to assist policy development."
The Czech Republic is also pushing Chile to "Review Article 373 of the Criminal Code so that it cannot be abused for persecution of persons belonging to sexual minorities."
An assortment of international and Chilean "human rights" organizations also contributed to a UN report that included suggestions in favor of legalizing abortion and promoting "gender identity" rights. Among them were the "Center for Reproductive Rights," "Corporacion Humanas," and "Human Rights Watch" (Click here to see the document).
The Chilean government has, however, discarded the pro-abortion suggestions, noting that "there are some suggestions that the government of Chile is not going to accept, because they have to do with topics that are not on the agenda of the government."
Abortion is against the law in Chile, although the Supreme Court has allowed the distribution of abortifacient contraceptives, including the "morning after pill," in private clinics. An attempt to make homosexuality a class specifically protected in anti-discrimination law failed last year in the nation's Congress.
The Chilean homosexualist website "Opus Gay" is lamenting the fact that the Chilean government also agreed to analyze the suggestion of the government of Bangladesh that it "protect the right of family being the natural and fundamental group of society based upon the stable relationship between a man and a woman, as enshrined in Article 16 of UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights)."
The Holy See also recommended that Chile "continue to adhere to the cultural and religious values which make up the identity of the country in defence of the right to life and in defence of the right of the family."
Contact: Matthew Cullinan Hoffman
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
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Suggestions offered through United Nation's "Universal Periodic Review" of country's human rights record
Sweden and Finland, joined by UN-affiliated "human rights" groups, are urging Chile to decriminalize abortion as part of a series of recommendations made to the country during the Universal Periodic Review process conducted by the United Nations.
"Noting that the Committee on the Rights of the Child had urged Chile to review its complete criminalization of abortion, it recommended to (b) further efforts to ensure that the abortion laws are brought in line with Chile's human rights obligations," the UN's "Human Rights Council" wrote in a document summarizing the recommendations (Click here to see the document).
According to the same document, Finland recommended that Chile review "legislation criminalizing the termination of pregnancies in all circumstances, including in cases of rape, incest and situations where the life of the mother is at risk."
They are joined by Britain, which is asking Chile "to increase access to emergency contraception for all women particularly for adolescents and victims of rape" despite (or perhaps because of) a recent Supreme Court decision banning the free distribution of abortifacient "emergency contraception."
Sweden also recommended to Chile that "discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity be prohibited by law and included in equality programmes and policies," while the Netherlands urged Chile to follow the homosexualist "Yogyakarta principles" as a "guide to assist policy development."
The Czech Republic is also pushing Chile to "Review Article 373 of the Criminal Code so that it cannot be abused for persecution of persons belonging to sexual minorities."
An assortment of international and Chilean "human rights" organizations also contributed to a UN report that included suggestions in favor of legalizing abortion and promoting "gender identity" rights. Among them were the "Center for Reproductive Rights," "Corporacion Humanas," and "Human Rights Watch" (Click here to see the document).
The Chilean government has, however, discarded the pro-abortion suggestions, noting that "there are some suggestions that the government of Chile is not going to accept, because they have to do with topics that are not on the agenda of the government."
Abortion is against the law in Chile, although the Supreme Court has allowed the distribution of abortifacient contraceptives, including the "morning after pill," in private clinics. An attempt to make homosexuality a class specifically protected in anti-discrimination law failed last year in the nation's Congress.
The Chilean homosexualist website "Opus Gay" is lamenting the fact that the Chilean government also agreed to analyze the suggestion of the government of Bangladesh that it "protect the right of family being the natural and fundamental group of society based upon the stable relationship between a man and a woman, as enshrined in Article 16 of UDHR (Universal Declaration of Human Rights)."
The Holy See also recommended that Chile "continue to adhere to the cultural and religious values which make up the identity of the country in defence of the right to life and in defence of the right of the family."
Contact: Matthew Cullinan Hoffman
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
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Notre Dame to be given 'Collaborator' status?
Notre Dame to be given 'Collaborator' status?
Abortion opponents say rescind Obama invitation or else
A pro-life group warns it may issue the University of Notre Dame its "Collaborators" designation, reserved for the worst offenders in the war over abortion, because of the school's invitation to President Obama to speak at commencement.
In a letter today to university officials, Leslie Hanks, chief of the Collaborators Project, wrote:
Because Notre Dame has extended the extraordinary honor of speaking at one of America's foremost Catholic colleges to one with such cavalier disregard for the sanctity of life, social tension is increasing exponentially in your community.
Collaborators Project was founded to do precisely that. Our motto is, "No Child Killing with Tranquility."
The Collaborators Project said on its website: "For their plan to honor Barack Obama, the leading pro-abortion advocate in America, the Collaborators Project is considering designating Notre Dame with Permanent Collaborator Status (PCS). If the university does not rescind their Obama invitation to deliver their commencement address on Sunday, May 17, 2009, the CP will designate Notre Dame with PCS.
"This would be only the second time in its history that the Collaborators Project has issued such a designation. If this occurs, the Collaborators Project will ask Indiana and Michigan pro-lifers to add Notre Dame to their ongoing anti-abortion protest itinerary," the group said.
Hanks explained to WND that only once before has the group awarded its Permanent Collaborator Status, to the Weitz Corp., which built Denver's Planned Parenthood megaclinic abortion facility.
"From that founding and the subsequent and ongoing protests of Weitz Corporation executive homes, we are gathering more support from citizens around the country, who still see a moral bright line which should never be crossed," the letter to Notre Dame said.
"Our nation has, sadly, almost forgotten her Declaration of Independence – America's birth certificate," the letter said. "President Obama, incredibly, doesn't seem to be aware of the powerful words proclaiming founding America's reverence for life, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Witness the moral tug-of-war of a college student wrestling with the issue of abortion in the Christian film "Come What May" on DVD from the WND Superstore.
"As public awareness grows about President Obama's invitation to address Notre Dame's upcoming commencement, South Bend, Ind., is increasingly becoming ground zero in the ongoing abortion war, which has led to nearly 50 million innocent lives having been destroyed. … Were he aware, he could not – in good conscience – continue his strong advocacy of killing pre-born babies in their mother's wombs."
Hanks told Notre Dame, "Should morality and common sense actually prevail and a decision to rescind President Obama's invitation is forthcoming, we will rescind our decision to designate Notre Dame University a 'Permanent Collaborator.'"
WND reported Ambassador Alan Keyes was arrested at Notre Dame, along with 21 others, on charges of trespassing while he was protesting against Obama's abortion record.
He later was released after an anonymous person donated bond money.
Keyes explained he sees his arrest not as a matter of defying the civil authorities, but as an act of obeying God.
"I do not see any issue that I have with civil authority, and therefore no civil disobedience is involved," Keyes told WND. "The civil authorities are acting on behest of a private party, in this case Father Jenkins, president of Notre Dame. When I set foot on Notre Dame's campus, I am, in fact, on Notre Dame's property, but that property is also part – according to its own statement – of the community of my faith. So what goes on between myself and Notre Dame is then subject to the laws that govern the community of our faith; and those are not the civil laws, but the laws of God.
"It is not disobedience," Keyes continued. "I am obeying the church's teaching and the laws of God. Father Jenkins, in issuing the order he issued, acted unlawfully. When I act according to God's will, and someone moves against me in that context, they go against the will of God, they are unlawful, and unlawful orders do not have to be obeyed.
"There was no civil disobedience going on; there was obedience going on," Keyes insisted. "And obedience is what this is all about – obedience to the law of God."
Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry, who made headlines last week after he was also arrested on the Notre Dame campus, told WND earlier that the protests have given pro-life activists "a fresh line of defense to regroup."
Source: WorldNetDaily
Publish Date: May 12, 2009
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Abortion opponents say rescind Obama invitation or else
A pro-life group warns it may issue the University of Notre Dame its "Collaborators" designation, reserved for the worst offenders in the war over abortion, because of the school's invitation to President Obama to speak at commencement.
In a letter today to university officials, Leslie Hanks, chief of the Collaborators Project, wrote:
Because Notre Dame has extended the extraordinary honor of speaking at one of America's foremost Catholic colleges to one with such cavalier disregard for the sanctity of life, social tension is increasing exponentially in your community.
Collaborators Project was founded to do precisely that. Our motto is, "No Child Killing with Tranquility."
The Collaborators Project said on its website: "For their plan to honor Barack Obama, the leading pro-abortion advocate in America, the Collaborators Project is considering designating Notre Dame with Permanent Collaborator Status (PCS). If the university does not rescind their Obama invitation to deliver their commencement address on Sunday, May 17, 2009, the CP will designate Notre Dame with PCS.
"This would be only the second time in its history that the Collaborators Project has issued such a designation. If this occurs, the Collaborators Project will ask Indiana and Michigan pro-lifers to add Notre Dame to their ongoing anti-abortion protest itinerary," the group said.
Hanks explained to WND that only once before has the group awarded its Permanent Collaborator Status, to the Weitz Corp., which built Denver's Planned Parenthood megaclinic abortion facility.
"From that founding and the subsequent and ongoing protests of Weitz Corporation executive homes, we are gathering more support from citizens around the country, who still see a moral bright line which should never be crossed," the letter to Notre Dame said.
"Our nation has, sadly, almost forgotten her Declaration of Independence – America's birth certificate," the letter said. "President Obama, incredibly, doesn't seem to be aware of the powerful words proclaiming founding America's reverence for life, 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Witness the moral tug-of-war of a college student wrestling with the issue of abortion in the Christian film "Come What May" on DVD from the WND Superstore.
"As public awareness grows about President Obama's invitation to address Notre Dame's upcoming commencement, South Bend, Ind., is increasingly becoming ground zero in the ongoing abortion war, which has led to nearly 50 million innocent lives having been destroyed. … Were he aware, he could not – in good conscience – continue his strong advocacy of killing pre-born babies in their mother's wombs."
Hanks told Notre Dame, "Should morality and common sense actually prevail and a decision to rescind President Obama's invitation is forthcoming, we will rescind our decision to designate Notre Dame University a 'Permanent Collaborator.'"
WND reported Ambassador Alan Keyes was arrested at Notre Dame, along with 21 others, on charges of trespassing while he was protesting against Obama's abortion record.
He later was released after an anonymous person donated bond money.
Keyes explained he sees his arrest not as a matter of defying the civil authorities, but as an act of obeying God.
"I do not see any issue that I have with civil authority, and therefore no civil disobedience is involved," Keyes told WND. "The civil authorities are acting on behest of a private party, in this case Father Jenkins, president of Notre Dame. When I set foot on Notre Dame's campus, I am, in fact, on Notre Dame's property, but that property is also part – according to its own statement – of the community of my faith. So what goes on between myself and Notre Dame is then subject to the laws that govern the community of our faith; and those are not the civil laws, but the laws of God.
"It is not disobedience," Keyes continued. "I am obeying the church's teaching and the laws of God. Father Jenkins, in issuing the order he issued, acted unlawfully. When I act according to God's will, and someone moves against me in that context, they go against the will of God, they are unlawful, and unlawful orders do not have to be obeyed.
"There was no civil disobedience going on; there was obedience going on," Keyes insisted. "And obedience is what this is all about – obedience to the law of God."
Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry, who made headlines last week after he was also arrested on the Notre Dame campus, told WND earlier that the protests have given pro-life activists "a fresh line of defense to regroup."
Source: WorldNetDaily
Publish Date: May 12, 2009
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Altered RU 486 Protocol Increases Risk of Surgical Intervention
Altered RU 486 Protocol Increases Risk of Surgical Intervention
United States use of the abortion pill RU486 was approved by the pro-abortion administration of President Bill Clinton. But this action, finalized in 2000, did little more than whet the appetite of the abortion industry, since there were some strings attached.
At the top of the list of items abortionists have worked unceasingly to remove were the commonsensical limitations on its use and the attempt to assure that the two-drug abortion technique is administered in a manner that decreases the chances that there will be complications for the mother. (The first drug kills the baby. The second drug-- typically the prostaglandin misoprostol--stimulates severe uterine contractions to expel the dead or dying baby.)
For example, the abortion industry didn't like that the protocol put in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expected the woman to come back for separate visits to take each of the drugs in the chemical cocktail (at least 24-48 hours apart), and which limited the drugs' use to the first 49 days of pregnancy.
But what happens when women do receive both RU486 and the prostaglandin simultaneously? It is "not as effective," according to a study just released by researchers at the Boston Medical Center.
The findings, presented at the 2009 Annual Clinic Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that women receiving the drugs simultaneously required "surgical interventions" (to deal with bleeding, failed abortion, patient satisfaction) nearly twice as often as those women who observed an interval of at least a day between the administration of the RU486 and the prostaglandin (7.4% vs. 3.9%).
Rates of completed abortion after two weeks were 77% for the group receiving the two drugs simultaneously, and 84% for those taking them separately. Both completion rates are considerably lower than the 97% figure advertised by the industry. See, for example, Planned Parenthood's webpage on the abortion pill at www.plannedparenthood.org.
According to Medscape Medical News (5/5/09), Melissa Stafford, the lead researcher who presented the findings at the ACOG meeting, indicated that simultaneous administration was "convenient," according to a reporter, "because it allowed the physician to confirm that medication was taken properly" and because "it eliminated the risk of losing medications."
Unspoken, but obviously a factor to patients, was the "convenience" of not having to plan a return visit for the second pill.
In the end, Dr. Stafford indicated, the reduced effectiveness was too big a hurdle for the Boston Medical Center. "We have changed our practice," she told Medscape, "and we no longer offer simultaneous administration of mifepristone and misoprostol for medication abortions."
None of this came as any surprise to pro-life experts who have followed the twists and turns over the last decade.
"Those who have developed and promoted RU 486 have told women that the abortifacient offers them a way to have an abortion without the risk of surgery," says Dr. Randall K. O'Bannon, National Right to Life's Director of Education and Research.
"But as this latest study shows," he continued, "the abortion industry's efforts to tamper with the FDA protocol have decreased the 'effectiveness' of these drugs and put many of these women in line for surgical abortions after their chemical abortions failed."
Almost immediately after the drug combination received government approval, the abortion industry began to ignore the FDA-prescribed protocol. They altered the doses-- decreasing the dose of the expensive RU486 (at one point, priced $90 a pill, three pills to a dose) and increasing the dosage of the cheap prostaglandin (misoprostol). Rather than have women return to the office a couple of days later to take the prostaglandin orally, the clinics gave the women the misoprostol in their first visit when they came in for the RU486, with instructions to take the prostaglandin home and vaginally self administer. The ignored the 49 day limit, prescribing the pills to women at 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks or more along in their pregnancy.
Although the industry refused to link the decision, when women began to die, they pulled back some.
Planned Parenthood, the leader in the abortion industry, announced it would no longer be recommending the vaginal self administration of the misoprostol. Their website temporarily reduced time frame it could be used from 63 to 56 days. (It is back up to 63 now.)
This most recent study shows that the industry continues its efforts to streamline the process, with all the risks inherent in that.
O'Bannon noted, "Making chemical abortions more 'convenient' for patients, for abortionists, may help the industry attract more customers, but it may also have the consequence of making these already dangerous abortions even more dangerous for women."
He concluded, "As long as the abortion industry puts its own profits and preferences ahead of patient safety, both mothers and their unborn children will continue to face danger behind clinic doors."
Contact: Dave Andrusko
Source: National Right to Life
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
Link to this article.
Send this article to a friend.
United States use of the abortion pill RU486 was approved by the pro-abortion administration of President Bill Clinton. But this action, finalized in 2000, did little more than whet the appetite of the abortion industry, since there were some strings attached.
At the top of the list of items abortionists have worked unceasingly to remove were the commonsensical limitations on its use and the attempt to assure that the two-drug abortion technique is administered in a manner that decreases the chances that there will be complications for the mother. (The first drug kills the baby. The second drug-- typically the prostaglandin misoprostol--stimulates severe uterine contractions to expel the dead or dying baby.)
For example, the abortion industry didn't like that the protocol put in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expected the woman to come back for separate visits to take each of the drugs in the chemical cocktail (at least 24-48 hours apart), and which limited the drugs' use to the first 49 days of pregnancy.
But what happens when women do receive both RU486 and the prostaglandin simultaneously? It is "not as effective," according to a study just released by researchers at the Boston Medical Center.
The findings, presented at the 2009 Annual Clinic Meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) found that women receiving the drugs simultaneously required "surgical interventions" (to deal with bleeding, failed abortion, patient satisfaction) nearly twice as often as those women who observed an interval of at least a day between the administration of the RU486 and the prostaglandin (7.4% vs. 3.9%).
Rates of completed abortion after two weeks were 77% for the group receiving the two drugs simultaneously, and 84% for those taking them separately. Both completion rates are considerably lower than the 97% figure advertised by the industry. See, for example, Planned Parenthood's webpage on the abortion pill at www.plannedparenthood.org.
According to Medscape Medical News (5/5/09), Melissa Stafford, the lead researcher who presented the findings at the ACOG meeting, indicated that simultaneous administration was "convenient," according to a reporter, "because it allowed the physician to confirm that medication was taken properly" and because "it eliminated the risk of losing medications."
Unspoken, but obviously a factor to patients, was the "convenience" of not having to plan a return visit for the second pill.
In the end, Dr. Stafford indicated, the reduced effectiveness was too big a hurdle for the Boston Medical Center. "We have changed our practice," she told Medscape, "and we no longer offer simultaneous administration of mifepristone and misoprostol for medication abortions."
None of this came as any surprise to pro-life experts who have followed the twists and turns over the last decade.
"Those who have developed and promoted RU 486 have told women that the abortifacient offers them a way to have an abortion without the risk of surgery," says Dr. Randall K. O'Bannon, National Right to Life's Director of Education and Research.
"But as this latest study shows," he continued, "the abortion industry's efforts to tamper with the FDA protocol have decreased the 'effectiveness' of these drugs and put many of these women in line for surgical abortions after their chemical abortions failed."
Almost immediately after the drug combination received government approval, the abortion industry began to ignore the FDA-prescribed protocol. They altered the doses-- decreasing the dose of the expensive RU486 (at one point, priced $90 a pill, three pills to a dose) and increasing the dosage of the cheap prostaglandin (misoprostol). Rather than have women return to the office a couple of days later to take the prostaglandin orally, the clinics gave the women the misoprostol in their first visit when they came in for the RU486, with instructions to take the prostaglandin home and vaginally self administer. The ignored the 49 day limit, prescribing the pills to women at 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks or more along in their pregnancy.
Although the industry refused to link the decision, when women began to die, they pulled back some.
Planned Parenthood, the leader in the abortion industry, announced it would no longer be recommending the vaginal self administration of the misoprostol. Their website temporarily reduced time frame it could be used from 63 to 56 days. (It is back up to 63 now.)
This most recent study shows that the industry continues its efforts to streamline the process, with all the risks inherent in that.
O'Bannon noted, "Making chemical abortions more 'convenient' for patients, for abortionists, may help the industry attract more customers, but it may also have the consequence of making these already dangerous abortions even more dangerous for women."
He concluded, "As long as the abortion industry puts its own profits and preferences ahead of patient safety, both mothers and their unborn children will continue to face danger behind clinic doors."
Contact: Dave Andrusko
Source: National Right to Life
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
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Obama on Collision Course with Public Opinion on Abortion Policy
Obama on Collision Course with Public Opinion on Abortion Policy
In response to today's release of polling data from the Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:
"These polling results confirm a long trend: Americans are increasingly identifying with the position of protecting human life. It's not shocking that we're seeing stronger pro-life opinions. This trend has been steady since the early '90s. What is interesting is American's shift in self-labeling to a majority 'pro-life' identification. Americans are now seeing through the PR-generated label, 'pro-choice.' Sonograms and real-life experience have deemed this label hollow. President Obama and the pro-abortion majority in Congress are in a collision course with public opinion on abortion policy. What we're debating right now -- taxpayer funding for abortion -- dramatically outstrips public opinion."
This is the first time since 1995 that the majority of Americans have identified themselves as pro-life in Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey. Gallup proposed that the shift could be due to President Obama's overreach on the issue. They posit: "It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."
"GOP leaders across the nation should take note of both this week's poll and last week's Pew research that show the pro-life position is strengthening the Republican Party," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "It's time to abandon the 'blame pro-lifers first' approach when the GOP loses. If Republicans want to improve their electoral performance, standing on the side of Life is one of the best decisions they can make."
Earlier this month, a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found overall support for abortion down, and that the largest numbers of converts to the pro-life cause have been self-identified independents and liberal to moderate Republicans.
Contact: Joy Yearout
Source: Susan B. Anthony List
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
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Send this article to a friend.
In response to today's release of polling data from the Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:
"These polling results confirm a long trend: Americans are increasingly identifying with the position of protecting human life. It's not shocking that we're seeing stronger pro-life opinions. This trend has been steady since the early '90s. What is interesting is American's shift in self-labeling to a majority 'pro-life' identification. Americans are now seeing through the PR-generated label, 'pro-choice.' Sonograms and real-life experience have deemed this label hollow. President Obama and the pro-abortion majority in Congress are in a collision course with public opinion on abortion policy. What we're debating right now -- taxpayer funding for abortion -- dramatically outstrips public opinion."
This is the first time since 1995 that the majority of Americans have identified themselves as pro-life in Gallup's Annual Values and Beliefs Survey. Gallup proposed that the shift could be due to President Obama's overreach on the issue. They posit: "It is possible that, through his abortion policies, Obama has pushed the public's understanding of what it means to be 'pro-choice' slightly to the left, politically. While Democrats may support that, as they generally support everything Obama is doing as president, it may be driving others in the opposite direction."
"GOP leaders across the nation should take note of both this week's poll and last week's Pew research that show the pro-life position is strengthening the Republican Party," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "It's time to abandon the 'blame pro-lifers first' approach when the GOP loses. If Republicans want to improve their electoral performance, standing on the side of Life is one of the best decisions they can make."
Earlier this month, a national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press found overall support for abortion down, and that the largest numbers of converts to the pro-life cause have been self-identified independents and liberal to moderate Republicans.
Contact: Joy Yearout
Source: Susan B. Anthony List
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
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More Final Exit Network Busts--This Time, for Manslaughter
More Final Exit Network Busts--This Time, for Manslaughter
Final Exit Network was strongly suspected of assisting the suicide of Jana Van Voorhis, a severely mentally ill woman in Phoenix. The MSM ignored the story, but it was pushed strongly by New Times, an alternative newspaper. Now, its journalism seems to have helped lead to indictments. From the story:
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced a few minutes ago that investigators from his office have busted four people on murder [actually, manslaughter and conspiracy to commit manslaughter] charges in the 2005 "assisted suicide" death of a seriously mentally ill Phoenix woman...
The four defendants -- who include retired Scottsdale resident Frank Langsner, a retired college professor -- have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Langsner and Wye Hale-Rowe, another so-called "exit guide" from the Final Exit Network (a national assisted suicide outfit based in Georgia), also are facing manslaughter charges.
Phoenix police records (and reporting by New Times) showed Langsner and Hale-Rowe, both in their 80s, were present when 58-year-old Jana Van Voorhis...killed herself by inhaling helium through a hose, with an oxygen-eliminating hood snugly over her head. Langsner and Hale-Rowe (a retired family therapist and great-grandmother from Aurora, Colorado) then staged the scene at Van Voorhis' Phoenix condo to make it look as if the woman had just gone to sleep in her bed and died of unknown causes.
As much as this law enforcement attention is to be applauded, Final Exit Network isn't doing anything different than what Kevorkian did, and indeed, is eerily similar to the approach to assisted suicide by Dignitas in Switzerland (except FEN makes house calls) and what happens under the Dutch euthanasia laws. In fact, as I have discussed, FEN's death on demand views reflect the mainstream of the assisted suicide movement--demonstrated by its former leader being elected vice president of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies.
Contact: Wesley J. Smith
Source: Secondhand Smoke
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
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Final Exit Network was strongly suspected of assisting the suicide of Jana Van Voorhis, a severely mentally ill woman in Phoenix. The MSM ignored the story, but it was pushed strongly by New Times, an alternative newspaper. Now, its journalism seems to have helped lead to indictments. From the story:
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced a few minutes ago that investigators from his office have busted four people on murder [actually, manslaughter and conspiracy to commit manslaughter] charges in the 2005 "assisted suicide" death of a seriously mentally ill Phoenix woman...
The four defendants -- who include retired Scottsdale resident Frank Langsner, a retired college professor -- have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Langsner and Wye Hale-Rowe, another so-called "exit guide" from the Final Exit Network (a national assisted suicide outfit based in Georgia), also are facing manslaughter charges.
Phoenix police records (and reporting by New Times) showed Langsner and Hale-Rowe, both in their 80s, were present when 58-year-old Jana Van Voorhis...killed herself by inhaling helium through a hose, with an oxygen-eliminating hood snugly over her head. Langsner and Hale-Rowe (a retired family therapist and great-grandmother from Aurora, Colorado) then staged the scene at Van Voorhis' Phoenix condo to make it look as if the woman had just gone to sleep in her bed and died of unknown causes.
As much as this law enforcement attention is to be applauded, Final Exit Network isn't doing anything different than what Kevorkian did, and indeed, is eerily similar to the approach to assisted suicide by Dignitas in Switzerland (except FEN makes house calls) and what happens under the Dutch euthanasia laws. In fact, as I have discussed, FEN's death on demand views reflect the mainstream of the assisted suicide movement--demonstrated by its former leader being elected vice president of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies.
Contact: Wesley J. Smith
Source: Secondhand Smoke
Publish Date: May 15, 2009
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NEWS SHORTS FOR FRIDAY
NEWS SHORTS FOR FRIDAY
Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of The Illinois Federation for Right to Life. They are presented only for your information.
Republicans Might Have Little Traction To Oppose Obama Supreme Court Nominee Based On Abortion
Republican leaders might have little traction to use abortion issues to oppose President Obama's nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter, even though the president is expected to select a nominee who supports abortion rights, Slate reports. According to Slate, Sens. Orrin Hatch (Utah) and Jeff Sessions (Ala.), the leading Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, have "lowered expectations" that the GOP can mount a successful fight against Obama's selection, and thus far, the "two usual suspects -- gay rights and abortion -- are getting only scattershot, tentative play." Hatch said that if Obama chooses a nominee "in the mainstream," the president will "probably have a pretty easy time" winning confirmation. Hatch also said that it would be a "real dilemma" for Republicans to oppose two women who are considered potential candidates, Solicitor General Elena Kagan and appellate Judge Sonia Sotomayor. However, some GOP members are using abortion-related issues in attacks against another possible candidate, Judge Diane Wood of the Seventh Circuit Court, Slate reports.
Click here for the full article.
U.S. Now Holds UN Human Rights Council Seat
With no competition, the United States received 167 out of 192 votes for an empty regional seat on the UN Human Rights Council. Having now entered into what Obama termed a "new era of engagement" in the international world, the United States will sit with Cuba, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, also newly elected and having less-than-stellar human rights records. U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice noted, "We're gratified by the strong showing of encouragement for the United States to again play a meaningful leadership role in multilateral organizations including the United Nations on the very vitally important set of issues relating to human rights and democracy."
Click here for the full article.
First Comes Love, Then Comes... Motherhood?
According to research released yesterday by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), America is rapidly becoming a nation of unwed parents. While the social shift has been underway for years, few could have predicted just how quickly it would sweep the country's households. In 2002, 1.4 million babies were born to unmarried women--doubling the number from 1980. Five years later, the data spiked to 1.7 million babies born to unwed moms in their 20s and 30s. To put things in perspective, four of every 10 babies are now born to single mothers.
In the blink of an eye, the United States has gone from a relatively gradual uptick in unwed births to being completely Europeanized. Experts cite plenty of reasons for the surge, but the de-emphasis of marriage and family is by far the largest.
Click here for the full article.
Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of The Illinois Federation for Right to Life. They are presented only for your information.
Republicans Might Have Little Traction To Oppose Obama Supreme Court Nominee Based On Abortion
Republican leaders might have little traction to use abortion issues to oppose President Obama's nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter, even though the president is expected to select a nominee who supports abortion rights, Slate reports. According to Slate, Sens. Orrin Hatch (Utah) and Jeff Sessions (Ala.), the leading Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, have "lowered expectations" that the GOP can mount a successful fight against Obama's selection, and thus far, the "two usual suspects -- gay rights and abortion -- are getting only scattershot, tentative play." Hatch said that if Obama chooses a nominee "in the mainstream," the president will "probably have a pretty easy time" winning confirmation. Hatch also said that it would be a "real dilemma" for Republicans to oppose two women who are considered potential candidates, Solicitor General Elena Kagan and appellate Judge Sonia Sotomayor. However, some GOP members are using abortion-related issues in attacks against another possible candidate, Judge Diane Wood of the Seventh Circuit Court, Slate reports.
Click here for the full article.
U.S. Now Holds UN Human Rights Council Seat
With no competition, the United States received 167 out of 192 votes for an empty regional seat on the UN Human Rights Council. Having now entered into what Obama termed a "new era of engagement" in the international world, the United States will sit with Cuba, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, also newly elected and having less-than-stellar human rights records. U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice noted, "We're gratified by the strong showing of encouragement for the United States to again play a meaningful leadership role in multilateral organizations including the United Nations on the very vitally important set of issues relating to human rights and democracy."
Click here for the full article.
First Comes Love, Then Comes... Motherhood?
According to research released yesterday by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), America is rapidly becoming a nation of unwed parents. While the social shift has been underway for years, few could have predicted just how quickly it would sweep the country's households. In 2002, 1.4 million babies were born to unmarried women--doubling the number from 1980. Five years later, the data spiked to 1.7 million babies born to unwed moms in their 20s and 30s. To put things in perspective, four of every 10 babies are now born to single mothers.
In the blink of an eye, the United States has gone from a relatively gradual uptick in unwed births to being completely Europeanized. Experts cite plenty of reasons for the surge, but the de-emphasis of marriage and family is by far the largest.
Click here for the full article.
May 14, 2009
White House responds to abstinence funding uproar
White House responds to abstinence funding uproar
The White House released a statement to Baptist Press following President Obama's proposal to eliminate federal funding for abstinence education in the 2010 budget.
"The president is deeply committed to reducing levels of teen pregnancy and believes that parents, families, communities and the government must come together to address this issue," the statement said. "The budget increases overall funding for teenage pregnancy prevention, which may include education on abstinence, and supports programs based on research.
"In the budget, 75 percent of funding in a new teenage pregnancy prevention program will be directed to programs that have demonstrated by rigorous research to prevent teen pregnancy," the statement continued. "The rest of the funds will be directed to promising, but not yet proven, programs for which we have some indication that they achieve the goal of teen pregnancy prevention. Those programs would have to agree to participate in a rigorous evaluation and abstinence-only programs could qualify."
Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Abstinence Education Association, wondered if the statement means the Obama administration supports abstinence education if there is proof of effectiveness.
"Similarly, are they saying that they do not approve comprehensive sex education if there is not compelling proof of effectiveness?" Huber told Baptist Press.
If the bottom line really is that the administration wants to fund what works and what has promise of working to curb teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, then it doesn't make sense to cut abstinence education funding streams as proposed in the 2010 budget, she said.
"Also, by their making an overreaching, I think, decision to cut all abstinence programs, they are telling the 2.5 million students who are receiving those services that it's not important that those services continue," Huber said.
"For them to say in an official statement that abstinence could be funded and yet without looking at those programs that are currently being funded, stopping and zeroing them out, I think they're sending a mixed message," she said. "The message that they're sending to youth really is 'We're not going to support you with this approach.' Despite what they're saying, their actions are saying something different."
Huber said it's hard to predict exactly what types of programs would receive the support of the Obama administration because the statement is vague.
"Are they talking about specific individual programs that have peer-reviewed research showing effectiveness, or are they talking about an approach that has a science base to it?" she said. "If it's the latter, then abstinence education unequivocally should remain fully funded.
"If they're talking about individual programs, then they need to make a priority of defunding most comprehensive sex education programs immediately because there is paltry research of effectiveness despite decades of funding and billions of dollars in funding," Huber said.
If the administration is genuinely concerned about evidence of effectiveness, they should defund comprehensive sex education in the interim as well, Huber said. She referred to a recent congressional briefing where a researcher, Stan Weed, presented a meta-analysis of an array of published comprehensive sex education curriculums.
"He put them on a grid and compared their assertions to what their studies actually showed and found that not a single school-based comprehensive sex education curricula had compelling evidence for increasing consistent condom use. Not a single one," Huber said. "And very few showed that they had any evidence of decreasing pregnancy or STDs or anything."
Also, Huber said Doug Kirby, a researcher and a major proponent of comprehensive sex education, is on the record saying the Mathematica study, which was commissioned by Congress and found abstinence education lacking, should not be used to determine the effectiveness of abstinence education. Huber expressed hope that the Obama administration would take a closer look at the most recent evidence, rather than relying on outdated data such as what was used in the Mathematica report.
"I think it's really important that they don't listen to the sound bites of motivated special interest groups to devise their policy," Huber said. "Secondly, they need to look at the full body of research regarding both abstinence education and comprehensive sex education if they're truly interested in what is making an effective difference in the lives of teens across the United States. I don't see evidence that they're really doing either of those things."
The term "abstinence-only," as used in the White House statement and in various media reports, is a misnomer, Huber said, because it implies that abstinence education simply promotes a "just say no" approach to sex. A more accurate representation would be "abstinence-centered," she said.
"Abstinence education provides skills that are important for all of their life decisions. It goes far beyond just saying no to having sex," she said.
"It's helping them identify what is a healthy relationship or how and why they should get out of an unhealthy relationship, the importance of setting goals for their lives -- goals beyond this weekend or even the end of high school -- and then recognizing that deciding whether to have sex very much plays into whether they're going to reach those goals because of the potential consequences. The programs also talk about the interconnectedness of other risk behaviors and good decision-making.
"... That total package really has an impact upon the students, and that's why students who many people would say, 'This student is hopeless. The best we can do is hope that they will use a condom the next time they have sex,' are saying that as a result of abstinence education programs their lives have completely turned around and they are on a completely different track -- one that is headed for a whole lot of new and previously undiscovered success," Huber said.
By contrast, comprehensive sex education is characterized by a basic message that assumes teenagers are going to engage in sexual activity and therefore they should use contraceptives -- mainly condoms.
"That's very one-dimensional. It's not talking about how sex impacts the whole person, and even Dr. Kirby who is the primary researcher for comprehensive sex education has said it's easier to encourage teens to wait to have sex than for them to use a condom," Huber said. "If even they acknowledge that, then why aren't they making a higher priority on the approach that's going to remove all the risk?"
Abstinence education programs take on several forms, including those that are school-based and those that are community-based. In public schools, students may receive abstinence education in health classes or personal development classes. Such programs may be taught by an outside educator who is federally funded or by an established teacher at the school who has been trained in the curriculum using abstinence funding.
In other cases, students receive abstinence education at local community centers in after school programs or Boys and Girls Clubs, Huber said.
Because of the impact such programs have had in so many success stories, Huber suggested challenging the Obama administration to retract their original budget request and continue abstinence education with the understanding that they are seeking to fund programs that are effective.
"And if they're continuing comprehensive sex education within the current funding streams, they should also put those parameters on it," Huber said.
Contact: Erin Roach
Source: Baptist Press
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
Link to this article.
Send this article to a friend.
The White House released a statement to Baptist Press following President Obama's proposal to eliminate federal funding for abstinence education in the 2010 budget.
"The president is deeply committed to reducing levels of teen pregnancy and believes that parents, families, communities and the government must come together to address this issue," the statement said. "The budget increases overall funding for teenage pregnancy prevention, which may include education on abstinence, and supports programs based on research.
"In the budget, 75 percent of funding in a new teenage pregnancy prevention program will be directed to programs that have demonstrated by rigorous research to prevent teen pregnancy," the statement continued. "The rest of the funds will be directed to promising, but not yet proven, programs for which we have some indication that they achieve the goal of teen pregnancy prevention. Those programs would have to agree to participate in a rigorous evaluation and abstinence-only programs could qualify."
Valerie Huber, executive director of the National Abstinence Education Association, wondered if the statement means the Obama administration supports abstinence education if there is proof of effectiveness.
"Similarly, are they saying that they do not approve comprehensive sex education if there is not compelling proof of effectiveness?" Huber told Baptist Press.
If the bottom line really is that the administration wants to fund what works and what has promise of working to curb teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, then it doesn't make sense to cut abstinence education funding streams as proposed in the 2010 budget, she said.
"Also, by their making an overreaching, I think, decision to cut all abstinence programs, they are telling the 2.5 million students who are receiving those services that it's not important that those services continue," Huber said.
"For them to say in an official statement that abstinence could be funded and yet without looking at those programs that are currently being funded, stopping and zeroing them out, I think they're sending a mixed message," she said. "The message that they're sending to youth really is 'We're not going to support you with this approach.' Despite what they're saying, their actions are saying something different."
Huber said it's hard to predict exactly what types of programs would receive the support of the Obama administration because the statement is vague.
"Are they talking about specific individual programs that have peer-reviewed research showing effectiveness, or are they talking about an approach that has a science base to it?" she said. "If it's the latter, then abstinence education unequivocally should remain fully funded.
"If they're talking about individual programs, then they need to make a priority of defunding most comprehensive sex education programs immediately because there is paltry research of effectiveness despite decades of funding and billions of dollars in funding," Huber said.
If the administration is genuinely concerned about evidence of effectiveness, they should defund comprehensive sex education in the interim as well, Huber said. She referred to a recent congressional briefing where a researcher, Stan Weed, presented a meta-analysis of an array of published comprehensive sex education curriculums.
"He put them on a grid and compared their assertions to what their studies actually showed and found that not a single school-based comprehensive sex education curricula had compelling evidence for increasing consistent condom use. Not a single one," Huber said. "And very few showed that they had any evidence of decreasing pregnancy or STDs or anything."
Also, Huber said Doug Kirby, a researcher and a major proponent of comprehensive sex education, is on the record saying the Mathematica study, which was commissioned by Congress and found abstinence education lacking, should not be used to determine the effectiveness of abstinence education. Huber expressed hope that the Obama administration would take a closer look at the most recent evidence, rather than relying on outdated data such as what was used in the Mathematica report.
"I think it's really important that they don't listen to the sound bites of motivated special interest groups to devise their policy," Huber said. "Secondly, they need to look at the full body of research regarding both abstinence education and comprehensive sex education if they're truly interested in what is making an effective difference in the lives of teens across the United States. I don't see evidence that they're really doing either of those things."
The term "abstinence-only," as used in the White House statement and in various media reports, is a misnomer, Huber said, because it implies that abstinence education simply promotes a "just say no" approach to sex. A more accurate representation would be "abstinence-centered," she said.
"Abstinence education provides skills that are important for all of their life decisions. It goes far beyond just saying no to having sex," she said.
"It's helping them identify what is a healthy relationship or how and why they should get out of an unhealthy relationship, the importance of setting goals for their lives -- goals beyond this weekend or even the end of high school -- and then recognizing that deciding whether to have sex very much plays into whether they're going to reach those goals because of the potential consequences. The programs also talk about the interconnectedness of other risk behaviors and good decision-making.
"... That total package really has an impact upon the students, and that's why students who many people would say, 'This student is hopeless. The best we can do is hope that they will use a condom the next time they have sex,' are saying that as a result of abstinence education programs their lives have completely turned around and they are on a completely different track -- one that is headed for a whole lot of new and previously undiscovered success," Huber said.
By contrast, comprehensive sex education is characterized by a basic message that assumes teenagers are going to engage in sexual activity and therefore they should use contraceptives -- mainly condoms.
"That's very one-dimensional. It's not talking about how sex impacts the whole person, and even Dr. Kirby who is the primary researcher for comprehensive sex education has said it's easier to encourage teens to wait to have sex than for them to use a condom," Huber said. "If even they acknowledge that, then why aren't they making a higher priority on the approach that's going to remove all the risk?"
Abstinence education programs take on several forms, including those that are school-based and those that are community-based. In public schools, students may receive abstinence education in health classes or personal development classes. Such programs may be taught by an outside educator who is federally funded or by an established teacher at the school who has been trained in the curriculum using abstinence funding.
In other cases, students receive abstinence education at local community centers in after school programs or Boys and Girls Clubs, Huber said.
Because of the impact such programs have had in so many success stories, Huber suggested challenging the Obama administration to retract their original budget request and continue abstinence education with the understanding that they are seeking to fund programs that are effective.
"And if they're continuing comprehensive sex education within the current funding streams, they should also put those parameters on it," Huber said.
Contact: Erin Roach
Source: Baptist Press
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
Link to this article.
Send this article to a friend.
Planned Parenthood Attempts to Carve Out Special Privileges for Abortion Cases
Planned Parenthood Attempts to Carve Out Special Privileges for Abortion Cases
PP's arguments designed to keep incriminating testimony out of court
Oral arguments were made this morning before the Kansas Supreme Court concerning whether or not subpoenas for testimony in the criminal case involving 107 charges against Planned Parenthood should be allowed to go forward.
Steven J. Obermeier made arguments for the District Attorney's office. He indicated that Judge Richard Anderson, custodian of evidence in this case, is currently under a gag order issued by the Kansas Supreme Court preventing him from testifying or releasing any of the evidence. That gag order sprung from a separate case that has since been dismissed. Because the original case no longer exists, he asked that Anderson be allowed to testify.
Obermeier was questioned about why he believed he could use information from the KDHE forms that statute labeled as "confidential." Obermeier explained that the District Attorney's office handles confidential documents all the time. "Confidential" does not mean that they are beyond subpoena. If that was the legislative intent, then it would have been stated in the statute, as it is in other statutes. Obermeier said that he never heard of a judge denying a district attorney KDHE records until Judge Steven Tatum quashed the subpoenas in this case.
Planned Parenthood attorney Pedro Irigonegaray argued that the appeal is frivolous, "motivated by politics rather than by rule of law." As predicted, he argued that abortion cases should be handled differently than other cases out of concern for "patient privacy" saying that abortion-related records were the "most private." He told the court that district attorneys have no authority to subpoena the KDHE records or use them for evidence.
All documents in question have had all traces of patient identifying information removed.
When asked about the application of one of Irigongaray's legal theories to other situations, he responded, "You mean non-abortion cases?"
"That statement by Planned Parenthood's lawyer was very telling, because he is trying to carve out special privileges under the law for abortion cases, placing them above the laws and procedures that would apply to any other case," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who was present for the hearing. "In other words, Planned Parenthood would have abortion records treated with more sensitivity than rape or murder records. This is ridiculous and is simply a ploy to keep incriminating evidence out of court."
The justices took the case under advisement. A ruling is expected before the end of June.
Contact: Troy Newman, Cheryl Sullenger
Source: Operation Rescue
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
Link to this article.
Send this article to a friend.
PP's arguments designed to keep incriminating testimony out of court
Oral arguments were made this morning before the Kansas Supreme Court concerning whether or not subpoenas for testimony in the criminal case involving 107 charges against Planned Parenthood should be allowed to go forward.
Steven J. Obermeier made arguments for the District Attorney's office. He indicated that Judge Richard Anderson, custodian of evidence in this case, is currently under a gag order issued by the Kansas Supreme Court preventing him from testifying or releasing any of the evidence. That gag order sprung from a separate case that has since been dismissed. Because the original case no longer exists, he asked that Anderson be allowed to testify.
Obermeier was questioned about why he believed he could use information from the KDHE forms that statute labeled as "confidential." Obermeier explained that the District Attorney's office handles confidential documents all the time. "Confidential" does not mean that they are beyond subpoena. If that was the legislative intent, then it would have been stated in the statute, as it is in other statutes. Obermeier said that he never heard of a judge denying a district attorney KDHE records until Judge Steven Tatum quashed the subpoenas in this case.
Planned Parenthood attorney Pedro Irigonegaray argued that the appeal is frivolous, "motivated by politics rather than by rule of law." As predicted, he argued that abortion cases should be handled differently than other cases out of concern for "patient privacy" saying that abortion-related records were the "most private." He told the court that district attorneys have no authority to subpoena the KDHE records or use them for evidence.
All documents in question have had all traces of patient identifying information removed.
When asked about the application of one of Irigongaray's legal theories to other situations, he responded, "You mean non-abortion cases?"
"That statement by Planned Parenthood's lawyer was very telling, because he is trying to carve out special privileges under the law for abortion cases, placing them above the laws and procedures that would apply to any other case," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, who was present for the hearing. "In other words, Planned Parenthood would have abortion records treated with more sensitivity than rape or murder records. This is ridiculous and is simply a ploy to keep incriminating evidence out of court."
The justices took the case under advisement. A ruling is expected before the end of June.
Contact: Troy Newman, Cheryl Sullenger
Source: Operation Rescue
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
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Adult Stem Cells Solve Embryonic Research Problems
Adult Stem Cells Solve Embryonic Research Problems
Scientists are using embryonic stem cells to try to treat mice with spinal-cord injuries. The problem is that life-destroying embryonic stem-cell research forms tumors. So, the researchers are co-transplanting adult stem cells to deal with the tumor growth.
The irony is adult stem cells are already ahead of embryonic stem cells when it comes to spinal-cord injuries. Researchers have done trials on humans and have seen restored sensation in patients.
Wesley J. Smith, senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, said the public should not forget the core of the debate between ethical adult stem-cell research and embryonic stem-cell research.
"I think in discussing any scientific achievement — whether it's adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells or otherwise — it's important to understand that the embryonic stem-cell debate is an ethics debate," he said. "It's a fight over morality, not over science."
Contact: Nima Reza
Source: CitizenLink
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
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Scientists are using embryonic stem cells to try to treat mice with spinal-cord injuries. The problem is that life-destroying embryonic stem-cell research forms tumors. So, the researchers are co-transplanting adult stem cells to deal with the tumor growth.
The irony is adult stem cells are already ahead of embryonic stem cells when it comes to spinal-cord injuries. Researchers have done trials on humans and have seen restored sensation in patients.
Wesley J. Smith, senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, said the public should not forget the core of the debate between ethical adult stem-cell research and embryonic stem-cell research.
"I think in discussing any scientific achievement — whether it's adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells or otherwise — it's important to understand that the embryonic stem-cell debate is an ethics debate," he said. "It's a fight over morality, not over science."
Contact: Nima Reza
Source: CitizenLink
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
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Pro-life 'Imagine' adoption ad approved to run during 'American Idol'
Pro-life 'Imagine' adoption ad approved to run during 'American Idol'
A new pro-life video listing famous people who have been adopted has received initial acceptance for broadcast on the closing episode of "American Idol."
The ad, produced by CatholicVote.org as part of its "Imagine the Potential" series, shows people such as John Lennon, Nelson Mandela, Babe Ruth, Nancy Reagan, Bill Clinton, J.R.R. Tolkien, Sarah McLachlan, Steve Jobs, and Jesse Jackson.
Asking what such different people have in common, the ad answers that they were all adopted.
It closes with the tagline "Life: Imagine the Potential" and shows the website of CatholicVote.org.
The previous entry in the series featured an ultrasound of a baby in the womb. The ad said the baby will grow up in a broken home but despite hardships will become the first African-American president. A picture of President Barack Obama was then displayed.
The first ad was initially accepted to run the 2009 Super Bowl but was later rejected by NBC officials on the grounds it involved political candidates or issues. The ad ran on Black Entertainment Television during its January 21 coverage of President Barack Obama's inauguration.
It was viewed more than 1.8 million times on YouTube.
Speaking at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Friday, EWTN host Raymond Arroyo announced that the video received "initial acceptance" to be broadcast on the closing episode of the Fox Network's singing competition "American Idol."
Source: Catholic News Agency
Publish Date: May 11, 2009
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A new pro-life video listing famous people who have been adopted has received initial acceptance for broadcast on the closing episode of "American Idol."
The ad, produced by CatholicVote.org as part of its "Imagine the Potential" series, shows people such as John Lennon, Nelson Mandela, Babe Ruth, Nancy Reagan, Bill Clinton, J.R.R. Tolkien, Sarah McLachlan, Steve Jobs, and Jesse Jackson.
Asking what such different people have in common, the ad answers that they were all adopted.
It closes with the tagline "Life: Imagine the Potential" and shows the website of CatholicVote.org.
The previous entry in the series featured an ultrasound of a baby in the womb. The ad said the baby will grow up in a broken home but despite hardships will become the first African-American president. A picture of President Barack Obama was then displayed.
The first ad was initially accepted to run the 2009 Super Bowl but was later rejected by NBC officials on the grounds it involved political candidates or issues. The ad ran on Black Entertainment Television during its January 21 coverage of President Barack Obama's inauguration.
It was viewed more than 1.8 million times on YouTube.
Speaking at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Friday, EWTN host Raymond Arroyo announced that the video received "initial acceptance" to be broadcast on the closing episode of the Fox Network's singing competition "American Idol."
Source: Catholic News Agency
Publish Date: May 11, 2009
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Priests for Life Head Will Lead Alternate Notre Dame Ceremony
Priests for Life Head Will Lead Alternate Notre Dame Ceremony
Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, announced today that next Sunday, May 17, he will be present on the campus of the University of Notre Dame where he will lead a service for pro-life graduating students during the university's official commencement.
Members of the senior class who have decided not to attend their own graduation have invited Fr. Pavone to lead them in prayer at the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life, which will start at 2pm, the same time as the commencement ceremony in which President Obama will be honored.
The Class of 2009 Vigil for Life will take place at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary will be prayed and Fr. Frank will give five-minute meditations prior to each decade.
In response to the invitation, Fr. Pavone stated, "In standing with these students, I am standing with the true spirit of Notre Dame: a pro-life spirit, in harmony with human reason and Catholic Faith. The scandal that has been generated does not represent what Notre Dame is all about; it represents a radical betrayal of what Notre Dame is all about. I am encouraged by the pro-life activities of so many student groups on this campus - activities that are carried out all year round."
Fr. Pavone added, "Hundreds of thousands of Catholics, hundreds of priests, and dozens of bishops have called upon Notre Dame to end this scandal by withdrawing its invitation to President Obama. The result of that demand is not in our control. But one final response to this scandal is fully in the control of each graduating senior: don't show up.
"Don't participate in an event which will only serve to obscure rather than highlight the Church's pro-life teaching and the true spirit of Notre Dame. Instead, come to the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life. The seniors who do this are manifesting the real meaning of commencement: they are carrying out the witness to truth and service that their hard-earned degrees have prepared them to give in the world."
Fr. Pavone released a YouTube commentary on the Notre Dame situation on his channel at http://www.YouTube.com/FrFrankPavone.
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: May 11, 2009
Link to this article.
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Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, announced today that next Sunday, May 17, he will be present on the campus of the University of Notre Dame where he will lead a service for pro-life graduating students during the university's official commencement.
Members of the senior class who have decided not to attend their own graduation have invited Fr. Pavone to lead them in prayer at the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life, which will start at 2pm, the same time as the commencement ceremony in which President Obama will be honored.
The Class of 2009 Vigil for Life will take place at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary will be prayed and Fr. Frank will give five-minute meditations prior to each decade.
In response to the invitation, Fr. Pavone stated, "In standing with these students, I am standing with the true spirit of Notre Dame: a pro-life spirit, in harmony with human reason and Catholic Faith. The scandal that has been generated does not represent what Notre Dame is all about; it represents a radical betrayal of what Notre Dame is all about. I am encouraged by the pro-life activities of so many student groups on this campus - activities that are carried out all year round."
Fr. Pavone added, "Hundreds of thousands of Catholics, hundreds of priests, and dozens of bishops have called upon Notre Dame to end this scandal by withdrawing its invitation to President Obama. The result of that demand is not in our control. But one final response to this scandal is fully in the control of each graduating senior: don't show up.
"Don't participate in an event which will only serve to obscure rather than highlight the Church's pro-life teaching and the true spirit of Notre Dame. Instead, come to the Class of 2009 Vigil for Life. The seniors who do this are manifesting the real meaning of commencement: they are carrying out the witness to truth and service that their hard-earned degrees have prepared them to give in the world."
Fr. Pavone released a YouTube commentary on the Notre Dame situation on his channel at http://www.YouTube.com/FrFrankPavone.
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: May 11, 2009
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Send this article to a friend.
NEWS SHORTS FOR WEDNESDAY
NEWS SHORTS FOR WEDNESDAY
Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of The Illinois Federation for Right to Life. They are presented only for your information.
Choosing Not to Abort Babies With Disabilities
Nancy Mayer-Whittington remembers it as though it were yesterday; the joy of learning she was pregnant followed by the news that her daughter's first day of life would be her last. Nearly 15 years later, she still weeps at the memory of how on the afternoon of Nov. 17, 1994, her gray-eyed daughter Angela lived barely 10 minutes, the victim of Trisomy 18, a fatal genetic defect. Pictures of the dark-haired little girl, robed in a white christening gown, are still scattered about her suburban Maryland home. She was the first woman her doctor knew who had decided to keep her pregnancy. All his other patients in similar situations had aborted.
Click here for the full article.
Sweden allows sex-selective abortions
Sweden, which legalized abortion in 1938, has taken its abortion extremism one step further by legalizing "gender based" abortion which allows a mother to decide to abort her baby solely due to his or her sex.
The Local reported that a pregnant woman in South Sweden, who already has two girls, arrived at Mälaren Hospital and inquired whether or not she would be giving birth to another girl. She went on to tell her doctors that her previous two pregnancies ended in abortion because she did not want to have another girl - and if this child was another girl, she would have it aborted as well.
Click here for the full article.
Notre Dame donor protest announces $14 million withheld
Organizers of a group asking alumni and donors to withhold donations to the University of Notre Dame following its controversial commencement invitation to President Barack Obama claim to have confirmed nearly $14 million in donations have been withheld by those concerned about the university's Catholic identity.
The group, ReplaceJenkins.com, said it had received over 1,400 pledges from alumni and donors promising to withhold future donations.
Click here for the full article.
High School to Prescribe Birth Control
The school board in Willamina voted in favor of giving a high school health clinic the ability to prescribe birth control to teenage girls. Tuesday night, the school board voted 3 to 2 in favor of the plan to allow the school-based health center's nurse practitioner on the Willamina High campus to write prescriptions for the pill. The school only has about 300 students, but sources said five seniors have given birth this year and nine other girls are currently pregnant. The proposal was recommended by a Yamhill County advisory group that includes people who live in Willamina.
Click here for the full article.
Hilary Struggles to Produce Evidence to Confirm Brazilian Abortion Story
Last month Secretary of State Hilary Clinton told Congress that half of the women she had seen in Brazilian hospitals "were fighting for their lives against botched abortions." After her comments she was asked to produce evidence as to when she had visited the hospitals or statistics to back her claim, but neither she nor her staffers have been able to produce any evidence. Clinton, who last year falsely claimed that she had been involved in a sniper attack as First Lady when she visited Bosnia, is now making another claim: half the women in Brazilian hospitals are "fighting for their lives against botched abortions."
Click here for the full article.
Hilary's Reproductive Rights Remarks Spark Concern
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's recent remarks expanding the definition of reproductive rights to include abortion have sparked criticism and warnings from a U.S. church official and a Catholic congressman. Clinton's comments are a "real threat" to U.S.-based international aid agencies, such as Catholic Relief Services, which do not promote or provide abortions, said Deirdre McQuade, assistant director for policy and communications at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.
Click here for the full article.
Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of The Illinois Federation for Right to Life. They are presented only for your information.
Choosing Not to Abort Babies With Disabilities
Nancy Mayer-Whittington remembers it as though it were yesterday; the joy of learning she was pregnant followed by the news that her daughter's first day of life would be her last. Nearly 15 years later, she still weeps at the memory of how on the afternoon of Nov. 17, 1994, her gray-eyed daughter Angela lived barely 10 minutes, the victim of Trisomy 18, a fatal genetic defect. Pictures of the dark-haired little girl, robed in a white christening gown, are still scattered about her suburban Maryland home. She was the first woman her doctor knew who had decided to keep her pregnancy. All his other patients in similar situations had aborted.
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Sweden allows sex-selective abortions
Sweden, which legalized abortion in 1938, has taken its abortion extremism one step further by legalizing "gender based" abortion which allows a mother to decide to abort her baby solely due to his or her sex.
The Local reported that a pregnant woman in South Sweden, who already has two girls, arrived at Mälaren Hospital and inquired whether or not she would be giving birth to another girl. She went on to tell her doctors that her previous two pregnancies ended in abortion because she did not want to have another girl - and if this child was another girl, she would have it aborted as well.
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Notre Dame donor protest announces $14 million withheld
Organizers of a group asking alumni and donors to withhold donations to the University of Notre Dame following its controversial commencement invitation to President Barack Obama claim to have confirmed nearly $14 million in donations have been withheld by those concerned about the university's Catholic identity.
The group, ReplaceJenkins.com, said it had received over 1,400 pledges from alumni and donors promising to withhold future donations.
Click here for the full article.
High School to Prescribe Birth Control
The school board in Willamina voted in favor of giving a high school health clinic the ability to prescribe birth control to teenage girls. Tuesday night, the school board voted 3 to 2 in favor of the plan to allow the school-based health center's nurse practitioner on the Willamina High campus to write prescriptions for the pill. The school only has about 300 students, but sources said five seniors have given birth this year and nine other girls are currently pregnant. The proposal was recommended by a Yamhill County advisory group that includes people who live in Willamina.
Click here for the full article.
Hilary Struggles to Produce Evidence to Confirm Brazilian Abortion Story
Last month Secretary of State Hilary Clinton told Congress that half of the women she had seen in Brazilian hospitals "were fighting for their lives against botched abortions." After her comments she was asked to produce evidence as to when she had visited the hospitals or statistics to back her claim, but neither she nor her staffers have been able to produce any evidence. Clinton, who last year falsely claimed that she had been involved in a sniper attack as First Lady when she visited Bosnia, is now making another claim: half the women in Brazilian hospitals are "fighting for their lives against botched abortions."
Click here for the full article.
Hilary's Reproductive Rights Remarks Spark Concern
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's recent remarks expanding the definition of reproductive rights to include abortion have sparked criticism and warnings from a U.S. church official and a Catholic congressman. Clinton's comments are a "real threat" to U.S.-based international aid agencies, such as Catholic Relief Services, which do not promote or provide abortions, said Deirdre McQuade, assistant director for policy and communications at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities.
Click here for the full article.
Mother "Sacrifices" Herself: Delays Cancer Treatment to Have Her Child
Mother "Sacrifices" Herself: Delays Cancer Treatment to Have Her Child
This is a sad but glorious story of selfless maternal/paternal love, but I think that at one time, it would have been the expected course: A doctor recounts the decision of a woman diagnosed with brain cancer to delay surgery in order to bring her baby to birth. From the story:
For the neurosurgeon, the verdict was clear: An immediate operation was needed to remove the growing tumor. The invasive and complicated surgery -- under many hours of general anesthesia -- was likely to greatly increase the risk of fetal injury or death...
The oncologist said that if the surgery were delayed until the child was ready for life outside the womb, the cancer would probably be untreatable. The obstetrician said that if the mother-to-be agreed to the recommended surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, the fetus was unlikely to survive. The woman was faced with a heartbreaking choice -- her own survival or her child's.
The young couple spoke quietly to each other in their native language for a few minutes as the specialists waited. Even I, who had chosen to study pediatrics because I loved children, reluctantly acknowledged that the woman's care was the medical priority. Wouldn't I -- wouldn't everyone? -- opt for life-saving intervention for myself? Wouldn't we all yield to the natural instinct to survive?
The young woman's voice was firm as she turned back to the specialists. She wanted to delay surgery for four weeks, until after her baby could be born with the odds in its favor.
No not everyone would. I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer during a pregnancy. She delayed treatment for several months until her child could be born. She died nine years later from the disease, never once regretting her decision.
Back to the doctor's reminiscence: The woman fell into a coma and the baby was delivered at 28 weeks. She had the tumor removed and lived long enough to see her baby:
One morning, a week later, I was overjoyed to see the young woman, her head shaved and bandaged, make her way into the NICU and approach her baby's incubator, step by careful step as she leaned on her husband's arm. After tenderly gazing at the tiny girl, she reached in to stroke her baby's soft, thin skin. Her hand inched toward her daughter's. The baby responded by clasping her mother's outstretched finger, bringing tears to her parents' eyes -- and ours. The new parents didn't need to know that the grasp was an involuntary reflex; to the young mother, it was a sign that her baby had felt her love.
The headline described the young woman as a "mother to be." That is flat-out wrong: She was already a mother, which was why she decided that her baby's life was most important.
Contact: Wesley J. Smith
Source: Secondhand Smoke
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
Link to this article.
Send this article to a friend.
This is a sad but glorious story of selfless maternal/paternal love, but I think that at one time, it would have been the expected course: A doctor recounts the decision of a woman diagnosed with brain cancer to delay surgery in order to bring her baby to birth. From the story:
For the neurosurgeon, the verdict was clear: An immediate operation was needed to remove the growing tumor. The invasive and complicated surgery -- under many hours of general anesthesia -- was likely to greatly increase the risk of fetal injury or death...
The oncologist said that if the surgery were delayed until the child was ready for life outside the womb, the cancer would probably be untreatable. The obstetrician said that if the mother-to-be agreed to the recommended surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, the fetus was unlikely to survive. The woman was faced with a heartbreaking choice -- her own survival or her child's.
The young couple spoke quietly to each other in their native language for a few minutes as the specialists waited. Even I, who had chosen to study pediatrics because I loved children, reluctantly acknowledged that the woman's care was the medical priority. Wouldn't I -- wouldn't everyone? -- opt for life-saving intervention for myself? Wouldn't we all yield to the natural instinct to survive?
The young woman's voice was firm as she turned back to the specialists. She wanted to delay surgery for four weeks, until after her baby could be born with the odds in its favor.
No not everyone would. I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer during a pregnancy. She delayed treatment for several months until her child could be born. She died nine years later from the disease, never once regretting her decision.
Back to the doctor's reminiscence: The woman fell into a coma and the baby was delivered at 28 weeks. She had the tumor removed and lived long enough to see her baby:
One morning, a week later, I was overjoyed to see the young woman, her head shaved and bandaged, make her way into the NICU and approach her baby's incubator, step by careful step as she leaned on her husband's arm. After tenderly gazing at the tiny girl, she reached in to stroke her baby's soft, thin skin. Her hand inched toward her daughter's. The baby responded by clasping her mother's outstretched finger, bringing tears to her parents' eyes -- and ours. The new parents didn't need to know that the grasp was an involuntary reflex; to the young mother, it was a sign that her baby had felt her love.
The headline described the young woman as a "mother to be." That is flat-out wrong: She was already a mother, which was why she decided that her baby's life was most important.
Contact: Wesley J. Smith
Source: Secondhand Smoke
Publish Date: May 13, 2009
Link to this article.
Send this article to a friend.
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