NEWS SHORTS FOR THURSDAY

NEWS SHORTS FOR THURSDAY
(Referral to Web sites not produced by The Illinois Federation for Right to Life is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)

Supreme Court rolls back campaign spending limits



The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that corporations may spend as freely as they like to support or oppose candidates for president and Congress, easing decades-old limits on business efforts to influence federal campaigns.
 
By a 5-4 vote, the court overturned a 20-year-old ruling that said companies can be prohibited from using money from their general treasuries to produce and run their own campaign ads. The decision, which almost certainly will also allow labor unions to participate more freely in campaigns, threatens similar limits imposed by 24 states.
 
It leaves in place a prohibition on direct contributions to candidates from corporations and unions.
Click here for the full article.


House lacks votes to OK Senate health bill



Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she lacks the votes to push the Senate's sweeping health overhaul bill through the House, a potentially devastating blow to President Barack Obama's signature issue.
 
The California Democrat made the comment to reporters Thursday after House Democrats held a closed-door meeting at which participants vented frustration with the massive version of the legislation.

Pelosi said, "In its present form without any changes, I don't think it's possible to pass the Senate bill in the House....I don't see the votes for it at this time." (Watch related video report)
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Obamacare: Rationing Against Prematurely Born Babies



It's funny: The more some Obamacare supporters deny that it would lead to health care rationing, the more it is advocated among the bioethics set and in the Medical Intelligentsia. Now, there is an explicit call to deny very early premature babies life-sustaining treatment because of the cost.  From a letter to the editor published originally in the Journal of Medical Ethics:

Rationing and providing only comfort care should be considered not just at the end of life for adults, Freeman maintains, but also in instances of extremely premature births. He cites studies showing that intensive care for infants born at 22-23 weeks resulted in more than 1,700 extra days in intensive care, with less than 20 percent surviving. Of those 20 percent, less than 3 percent survived without profound impairment that required expensive interventions.

That might fly in some places, but not in America.
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Filling Gaps in Bones with Adult Stem Cells



A new study shows that adult stem cells encased in a spongy matrix can be used to fill in large gaps in bones, providing a potential alternative to bone grafts. Georgia Tech researchers tested the method in rats with large bone gaps, to simulate massive injuries. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal adult stem cells or amniotic fluid stem cells were tested. Eight weeks after the treatment, new bone bridged the gaps in four of nine defects treated with scaffolds seeded with adult stem cells, one of nine defects in the amniotic stem cell group, and none of the defects in rats treated with the scaffold alone.
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Adult Stem Cells Save Legs



A number of different reports have shown that adult stem cells can save limbs that might otherwise have been amputated. The most recent results, published in Bone Marrow Transplantation, reported salvage of legs in seven out of nine patients treated with their own peripheral blood adult stem cells. The paper also gives a nice summary of some of the previous clinical trials in this area.

Critical limb ischemia, the severe loss of oxygen to extremities, is an end-stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD). often results in amputation of the affected limb, and can be life-threatening.
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35,000 Pro Lifers in San Francisco This Saturday



A woman who walked away from her job as a clinic director at Planned Parenthood clinic and a UCLA student who leads a group intent on exposing abuses in the abortion industry will speak at the 6th Annual Walk for Life West Coast Saturday, January 23rd in San Francisco.

More than 35,000 people from colleges, high schools and churches from as far away as Denver and Texas will rally at 11 AM, Saturday, January 23rd, and walk 2 miles across San Francisco, through Fisherman's Wharf ending at Marina Green in sight of the Golden Gate Bridge.
here for the full article.

Heed the People, Mr. President

Heed the People, Mr. President

An unknown Republican–who explicitly ran against Obamacare–has won in Massachusetts! This is a hard blow for Obamacare, and an opportunity. The people want reform. I do. But they don't want Hillarycare, squared. They don't want centralized control with its prospects for rationing. They don't want the debt. They loathe the back room deals.

REPUBLICAN VICTORY DEALS MAJOR BLOW TO OBAMA HEALTH CARE BILL

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Republicans have won a stunning upset in Massachusetts' Senate election, dealing a potentially fatal blow to US President Barack Obama's health care reforms. Republican Scott Brown pulled off the surprise victory on Tuesday, capturing the late Democrat icon Edward Kennedy's seat in a stern rebuke of Obama exactly a year after he swept into office. With more than 80 percent of the vote in, Brown had an invincible lead of five percent over his Democratic rival Martha Coakley, CNN and MSNBC reported. Coakley originally expected a cakewalk in a historically left-leaning state, but Brown's populist challenge to Democrat rule in Washington turned the race into an unstoppable insurgency. Click here for more...

In other news....

As you may have heard, Haiti has had another earthquake, this time registering as a 6.0.  This one took place near the capital.  Many organizations are helping with this devistation, and so is planned parenthood - but is it really help?

Capitalizing on the compassion of developed nations towards Haiti following the disastrous 7.0 scale earthquake last Tuesday, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has launched a fundraising appeal in order to further their aims in the devastated pro-life nation.

Within a day of the disaster, IPPF had sent out an appeal letter, seeking "urgent" support for their Haitian affiliate PROFAMIL.

IPPF, the world's largest abortion provider, claims that funds are needed in order to restore "basic medical services" at the PROFAMIL clinics.  According to their letter, PROFAMIL has operated since 1984, providing "low-cost, quality sexual and reproductive healthcare."

"Planned Parenthood, true to form, is using the disaster and the suffering in Haiti to raise money to perpetuate itself in its ongoing attack on decency, morality, and the right to be born," commented Rita Diller, national director of Stop Planned Parenthood (STOPP).

"While millions of people are suffering unbelievably and are without the most basic necessities, Planned Parenthood wants to grab the donations that should be going to provide medical care, food, clothing, and housing, and funnel it to its local affiliate that pushes condoms on children as young as 10 years old," she continued.  "Planned Parenthood has no shame.  What would you expect of an organization that killed over 305,000 innocent pre-born children last year alone?"

Pro-lifers, however, do have the option of contributing to a legitimate health care agency that needs funds to bring obstetrical support to Haiti.  Dr. Robert Walley, president of MaterCare International, a pro-life organization dedicated to providing maternal care in the developing world, informed LifeSiteNews that they are initiating a long-term project to help rebuild maternity care in the country.

"Pregnancy does not stop because of a disaster of this kind," observed Dr. Walley, pointing out that pregnant women are enduring the same hardships as the rest.  For women who are about to deliver, he said, "the situation is particularly bleak," given that six of the hospital's in Port-au-Prince have been lost.  "In all likelihood, as their homes have been destroyed, they simply deliver in misery where they lie, in the open without any dignity or privacy," he said.

"It almost seems that with these type of tragic circumstances somehow the world believes that life simply stops, so emergency obstetrical care for life threatening complications is not an immediate priority," he said.  "The result is an enormous increase in the number of maternal deaths."

MaterCare will be sending a team to Haiti this week to conduct a needs assessment.  They will then assemble a volunteer emergency team of obstetricians, general surgeons, pediatricians, anaesthetists, and nurses.

"We offer life and hope," said Dr. Walley.  "The pro-abortion side are already seeking funds for their death and despair and the Haitians have had enough of that."

Donations to MaterCare International can be made via their secure donations page, or by contacting them by e-mail at info@matercare.org, or phone at 1-709-579-6472.

Source: LifeSiteNews.com

Brown Victory a WIN for Women

Brown Victory a WIN for Women

Dannenfelser: "Scott Brown promised to keep abortion out of health care on the campaign trail, and the Susan B. Anthony List looks forward to working with him to accomplish that goal."



In response to today's victory by Republican candidate Scott Brown in the Massachusetts special election to fill the Senate seat of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:

"On the heels of last fall's victories by Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie, Scott Brown's victory is just the beginning of the consequences Congressional incumbents will face this November.  Anyone who votes to advance health care legislation that funds abortion on-demand should consider themselves on notice.

"The election of Scott Brown is no accident. This election is about more than parties or candidates.  The election is just one more sign of the overreach of the President and Congress.  The American people have spoken tonight.

"Further, Martha Coakley's defeat is not a setback for women in politics, it is a victory.  Scott Brown's success is a win for the majority of American women who demand authentic representation that reflects commonsense pro-life views, like abortion funding restrictions and conscience protections.

"Martha Coakley's extreme embrace of abortion may have endeared her to EMILY's List and the abortion lobby, but it did little to win votes today.  Abortion is never good for women, and it should never be a legitimate aspect of any 'health care' debate.

"Over the past week, the Susan B. Anthony List has mobilized women across the country to communicate the reality that abortion is not health care. We traveled across the Midwest, meeting countless women who countered the feminist mantra that our nation 'needs' abortion in health care reform.

"The message is clear, abortion is not health care. Americans should not be forced to fund it, and medical providers of faith should not be forced to participate in it. The people of Massachusetts deserve a Senator who affirms Constitutional rights for all, not one who puts a radical ideology above the right of conscience. Scott Brown promised to keep abortion out of health care on the campaign trail, and the Susan B. Anthony List looks forward to working with him to accomplish that goal."

To see a candidate comparison from Massachusetts Citizens for Life that outlines Scott Brown and Martha Coakley's positions on Life, go to www.masscitizensforlife.org/comparison.html.

Contact: Joy Yearout
Source: Susan B. Anthony List
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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Planned Parenthood is ‘lying’ about MLK, Alveda King charges

Planned Parenthood is 'lying' about MLK, Alveda King charges



Dr. Alveda King, pro-life advocate and niece of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has attacked Planned Parenthood, saying its comments about the civil rights leader amount to "lying." She charged that the organization misrepresents Rev. King's reception of the Margaret Sanger Award. "I hate to sound combative, but they do this every year," she told CNA in a Tuesday phone interview.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) released a statement saying the civil rights leader had received the Planned Parenthood Federation of America's Margaret Sanger Award in 1966.

The award is given to recognize "individuals' excellence and leadership in furthering reproductive health and rights" and is named for the founder of Planned Parenthood.

Planned Parenthood said that Dr. King fought for racial justice, fair wages for workers and "quality health care for all" in its Jan. 18 statement. The organization said that Planned Parenthood works "in the tradition of Dr. King's call for equity in health care" by erasing "disparities" in the health care system that disproportionately affect "people of color."

The organization, the nation's largest abortion provider, claimed that more than 90 percent of the health care provided at its health centers is preventive and includes breast exams, Pap tests and contraception.

PPFA then quoted what it described as the comments Dr. King wrote "in accepting the Sanger Award."

'We had confidence that when we awakened the nation to the immorality and evil of inequality, there would be an upsurge of conscience followed by remedial action.'

Speaking to CNA on Tuesday, Alveda King commented: "Dr. King did not attend that ceremony, he did not write that speech."

Rather, she explained, his wife Coretta Scott King delivered the speech.

Alveda King questioned the authorship of the text at several points because of language she found implausible.

"There's one page in there that says something about 'the plight of the male ego.' No male will say that," she explained to CNA.

King connected the falsehoods she saw about the Margaret Sanger Award with the "lies" she said are told by abortion advocates.

"They lie, they lied to me. They told me that my baby was a blob of tissue, that its removal would not hurt any more than removing a tooth. But it did hurt much more, and it was much more devastating."

"Abortion isn't health care, it is a death warrant for babies," she stated.

King referred CNA to her pamphlet "An analysis of the PPH MLK Brochure," available in the African-American Outreach section of the Priests for Life website. She also referred to her comments on her blog at PriestsForLife.org.

There in a Tuesday entry she asked rhetorically whether a man who "warned against the evils of infanticide in his Letter From A Birmingham Jail," whose father was "staunchly pro-life," and who saw injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, could support "abortion and killer chemicals called 'safe' birth control."

"They lied to my uncle, Dr. King. How can the dream survive if we murder our children?" she asked.

Contact: CNA STAFF
Source: CNA
Publish Date: January 20, 2010
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40 Days for Life Campaigns to Oppose Abortion in 156 Cities

40 Days for Life Campaigns to Oppose Abortion in 156 Cities



"While many see a time of darkness this week as the United States marks the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that imposed abortion on America, and as the U.S. Congress deliberates legislation that could lead to dramatic increases in taxpayer funding for abortion, I see a time of great hope," said David Bereit, national director of 40 Days for Life.

"I am hopeful for many reasons, but especially because pro-life advocates in some 156 cities from coast to coast -- plus four Canadian provinces and three Australian states -- are willing to step out in faith and host 40 Days for Life campaigns," he said. The coordinated international campaign begins February 17 and runs through March 28. "The fact is that even as proponents try to encourage more abortions -- and as they try to encourage government funding of abortions -- more women are realizing the truth about abortion and rejecting it as an option, and more people are simply saying 'Enough!' and taking a stand against these efforts to promote a culture of death."

40 Days for Life consists of 40 days of prayer and fasting for an end to abortion, 40 days of constant, peaceful vigil outside abortion centers and Planned Parenthood offices and 40 days of active pro-life community outreach. The list of participating communities is posted online at: www.40daysforlife.com/location.cfm. 

The 40 Days for Life movement continues to grow. Thus far, five coordinated national 40 Days for Life campaigns have been conducted, twice each year, beginning in the fall of 2007. More than 300,000 people in some 280 cities have already taken part. Five abortion centers have closed following 40 Days for Life prayer vigils. Some 27 abortion industry employees have quit their jobs, including Abby Johnson, who left her position as director of a Planned Parenthood abortion center in Texas last October.

"And most incredibly," Bereit said, "we are aware of 2,168 children -- and their mothers -- who were spared from the tragedy of abortion. And those are just the ones we know about."

The campaign dates of February 17 through March 28 coincide with the Christian season of Lent. "The Lenten season presents a call to sacrifice," said Bereit, "and that is central to 40 Days for Life. Standing in prayer outside an abortion facility is indeed a sacrifice -- particularly in northern locations where cold temperatures and snowy conditions are often part of the weather landscape in February. But people know their efforts have a profound impact, and so they overlook the inconvenience and their personal discomfort to stand in peaceful witness."

Bereit and 40 Days for Life are key participants in the Stop the Abortion Mandate coalition that is rallying support around the United States for keeping taxpayer-funded abortion out of any Congressional healthcare measures. "Through the efforts of 40 Days for Life volunteers," he said, "local campaigns will help to publicly reinforce the message -- in 156 communities over the next couple of months -- that abortion is not health care."

Contact: Amber Dolle
Source: 40 Days for Life
Publish Date: January 20, 2010
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Futile Care Theory: Parents Fight in Court for Life of Baby Isaiah

Futile Care Theory: Parents Fight in Court for Life of Baby Isaiah



There is a futile care case in court in Canada involving an infant named Isiah, whose parents want to continue life support, versus the hosptial that seeks to unilaterally remove treatment. From the story:

When Isaiah was born in Oct. 2009, he suffered severe oxygen deprivation. Doctors say they've done everything they can. But the parents believe their son is showing signs of improvement. The boy was born in the Rocky Mountain House Hospital after a difficult 40-hour delivery. On Oct. 24th, 2009 the boy was airlifted to hospital and admitted for treatment. The boy was then placed on a ventilator in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. A letter sent to the parents by Alberta Health Services on Jan. 13th stated that the boy's doctors believed all medical procedures had been exhausted. They informed the parents that the boy will never recover from a severe lack of oxygen at birth. "The diagnosis is unchanged; your son suffered severe anoxic brain injury at birth and has irreversible brain damage. There is no hope of recovery for Isaiah," the letter stated.

What does "no hope of recovery" mean? Does it mean the baby will die, even with life support?  But he has been alive for 90 days and hasn't succumbed yet.  Or instead, does it mean he will be permanently disabled? If so, that should not be reason to cut off wanted care.  Indeed, doing so is discrimination.

According to the family, the medical team has been wrong about how Isaiah would fare:

Isaiah's mother Rebecka May stated in court documents that her son has continued to grow since his birth. May said medical staff informed the family that "Isaiah would not grow." But the woman noted that Isaiah has "continued to grow since his birth and now weighs ten pounds eleven ounces." May also mentioned in documents that her son's pupils dilate, his eyes open daily, and he moves his hands, arms and feet with "increasing frequency."

Doctors are not perfect, and prognoses are sometimes wrong, particularly when it comes to children. Remember Haleigh Poutre, who doctors said would never recover–but who was saved when she showed signs of awareness before the "plug could be pulled" and is now receiving special schooling, much improved.

This case is in court, where it belongs rather than being decided behind closed doors by an ethics committee. The parents want to give it another 90 days, but the hospital has "offered" 30–haggling as if this were a lawsuit over the value of a damaged car.  At least the judge is clearly taking this matter very seriously and has decided to get another medical opinion.  But it seems to me, that when parents want their baby to be able to continue to fight for life, when he seems to be showing apparently unexpected signs of improvement, a tremendous burden of proof should be required for hospital administrators to veto the parents' decision.

Alex Schadenberg, of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, has been following the case closely.  For more details, check out his blog.

Contact: Wesley J. Smith
Source: Secondhand Smoke
Publish Date: January 19, 2010
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Youth prepare to promote pro-life movement

Youth prepare to promote pro-life movement



Rock for Life, a youth division of the American Life League, is taking an active role in pro-life activities in Washington as the annual March for Life draws near.
 
The youth division will be educating students on pro-life issues, and spokesman Jeff McClain says they will also be training youth to take a more active role.
 
"We're going to have a prayer and outreach time outside of Planned Parenthood," he explains. "We're also going to be taking part in the annual march, and we're also going to be doing another prayer and outreach time at the Planned Parenthood on Saturday."
 
Rock for Life will be joining other pro-life groups including "people like Silent No More and some other organizations," reports McClain. "So we're going to be out in front of the Supreme Court; we're going to be out in front of the Capitol, the White House, and Planned Parenthood," he adds.
 
During education sessions, young people will be taught how they can promote the pro-life movement and the Personhood Amendment movement in their own communities. McClain hopes to engage youth in a fashion in which they will be catapulted into leadership roles in the future pro-life movement.

Contact: Charlie Butts
Source: OneNewsNow
Publish Date: January 20, 2010
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Former Fox News Anchor’s Mother Considered Abortion after Being Raped

Former Fox News Anchor's Mother Considered Abortion after Being Raped

   

This past Saturday, former Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Kelly Wright talked with Mike Huckabee on his Fox News show about his mother's decision to give birth to him despite having conceived him in rape.  Kelly made the appearance to promote his new book, "America's Hope in Troubled Times."

In his new book, Wright describes how his mother was raped when she was 16 years old, and how he was the result of that rape.

Calling the way he came into the world "very unique" Wright explained that in the summer of 1954 his mother had become close friends with the young wife of a pastor. One day, Wright's mother went to her friend's house to go shopping. However, her friend had already left, and when Wright's mother entered the home of the pastor, he assaulted her.

Wright explained that there was nothing his mother could have done against the pastor because, "It would be her word against a reputable member of the community."

"To make a long story short, she went ahead and continued to think that everything was okay, but then discovered she was pregnant."

When Wright's mother found out she was pregnant, she was offered an abortion as a means out. However, in 1954 abortions were still illegal, and Wright acknowledged that she would have been putting herself at great risk by undergoing one.

However, the primary reason Wright's mother choose not to have him killed was her desire for children. Wright quotes his mother as having said, "This is God telling me that this may be the only biological child I have."  As it turns out, Wright's mother was right, and Kelly would be her only biological child; Kelly's sister was adopted.

Kelly Wright, in addition to being a correspondent for Fox News, is also now a pastor. He says, "It just shows how God was looking out for me and I had a purpose to live for."

Mike Huckabee, a pastor himself, commented after Wright told his story, "For all of us who know you, that thought but by the grace of God and your mother having made another choice, you and I wouldn't be having this conversation."

"It's the greatest affirmation for why it's important to value every life as having worth and value. And you just have vividly demonstrated that to us."

Kelly Wright has worked in journalism since entering the army in 1977. He has covered such stories as the Iraq war, the 2004 presidential elections, and the death of Terri Schiavo. In a profile for Fox News, Wright said the person who had the most influence in his life was his mother, June Lorraine Overton.

Contact: Matt Anderson
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: January 19, 2010
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NEWS SHORTS FOR WEDNESDAY

NEWS SHORTS FOR WEDNESDAY
(Referral to Web sites not produced by The Illinois Federation for Right to Life is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)

Protesters Gather in Olympia on Roe V. Wade Anniversary



OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON - Several thousand pro-life protesters gathered on the Capitol steps in Olympia on Tuesday to mark the 37th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in this country. Carrying red roses and signs such as "Abortion is murder" and "Women regret lost motherhood," the group marched to their place in front of the dome. The crowd spilled out on to the grass between the Legislative building and the Temple of Justice, where the state Supreme Court meets, where a dozen abortion-rights advocates stood on the steps with their own signs.
Click here for the full article.


Roeder Case Stirs Global Reactions



Judge Warren Wilbert's words in a Wichita courtroom are bouncing from national blogs to the Harvard Law School to other continents. Every comment by Wilbert in the first-degree murder trial of Scott Roeder this week has been open to second-guessing and living-room litigation. Drawing the most criticism is Wilbert's analysis of the Kansas voluntary manslaughter law that, if allowed, could give the jury an option of convicting Roeder on a charge less than murder in the slaying of abortion provider George Tiller.
Click here for the full article.


Star Parker to Speak at March for Life Rally



It is with great honor, excitement and anticipation that CECForLife will be sponsoring our annual rally in Washington and will be hearing from the dynamic and passionate Star Parker. Star speaks on the issue of Life with authority, knowledge and clarity. Quite frankly, no one does it better. She will encourage and energize Pro-life people to remain in this fight with a heart to win. This event is open to the public so please tell everyone you know to come to this great event on Thursday night January 21 at the Holiday Inn at 550 C STREET SW WASHINGTON, DC. The rally will begin with a service of Holy Communion at 6:30 PM followed by time of Praise. Star will speak at approximately 7:45 PM.
Click here for the full article.


Dozens to Discuss Abortion Experiences
 


Actress Jennifer O'Neill and civil rights activist Dr. Alveda King are among those scheduled to testify about their abortion experiences Friday outside of the U.S. Supreme Court building.
 
There are 45 scheduled speakers for Silent No More.
 
Georgette Forney, co-founder of Silent No More, said the event will coincide with March for Life.
Click here for the full article.


Missouri works to dodge abortion funding



A Missouri lawmaker is taking action to block possible federal abortion mandates that accompany the much-debated healthcare bill.
 
Republican State Senator Scott Rupp has introduced a bill that would protect his state from abortion mandates proposed in healthcare reform. He explains that the method of doing so is in accord with the U.S. Constitution.
Click here for the full article.


Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi Leads Personhood Effort



Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant has lent his support to a state personhood amendment by asking voters to sign a petition to obtain the 90,000 signatures required to have the measure become eligible to be put on the 2010 ballot.

If the referendum were to be successful, Mississippi's constitution would be amended to say that life begins at "the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof."
Click here for the full article.

Test Your Knowledge of Roe v. Wade

Test Your Knowledge of Roe v. Wade


 
Focus on the Family is re-launching the Roe IQ Test.  The quiz checks Americans' knowledge of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion on demand.

Partnering with the Alliance Defense Fund and Concerned Women for America, the goal is educate people, so they can make informed decisions about abortion.

Steven Aden, senior legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, said the 1973 ruling continues to be a hot-button issue in the U.S.

"The current debate over the expansion of federal funding for abortion in the proposed health care reform legislation is just another manifestation of this debate," he said.  "In many ways, Roe is the defining issue of our times, and one that so many people know so little about."

Click here to take the Roe IQ Test.

Virtual March for Life drawing thousands

Virtual March for Life drawing thousands



Washington D.C. - Americans United for Life president Dr. Charmaine Yoest has announced the first ever Virtual March for Life taking place on Jan. 22. The goal of the virtual effort is to give a voice to those who are unable to travel to Washington D.C. for the upcoming event.

"With a health care bill that includes taxpayer funding for abortion hanging in the balance, this is an important, historic opportunity to get the attention of politicians in Washington," said Yoest in a statement Friday.

"In this critical moment, every American must be heard regardless of where you are. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are coming to Washington, D.C. to join the most important March for Life in history, and you can be there through the Virtual March for Life!" she added.

Participating in the march "will only take seconds" explained the AUL president, noting that all one needs to do is go to www.VirtualMarchforLife.com, choose an avatar and be placed next to other Americans marching online in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

"So much is at stake in this moment," Yoest continued. "How many more lives will be lost if the Congressional majority rolls back existing law that protects life and protects us from having our tax dollars used to fund abortion?"

As of Tuesday morning, there are over 21,000 participants signed up for the Virtual March for Life.

Click here for the video.

Source: CNA
Publish Date: January 19, 2010
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Randy Travis to headline first annual Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Concert

Randy Travis to headline first annual Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Concert



The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation made an exciting announcement today.

County singing star Randy Travis (pictured right) will headline what is being billed the "first annual" Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Concert, to be held at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis, IN, April 11.

Joining Travis, one of the Top 10 selling solo country artists of all time, will be country singer Collin Raye, who himself has produced 5 platinum albums and 15 #1 hits, according to a press release form Terri's Foundation.

The release notes, "But perhaps the closest to Collin's heart is his granddaughter, Haley, who is afflicted with a rare degenerative brain disorder. Collin has worked tirelessly to help find a cure for Haley and has helped other families who are faced with similar situations."

Again, the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Concert will be Sunday, April 11. Tickets will be available through LiveNation beginning this Friday, January 22. Tickets are $75.

Proceeds from the concert will go to Terri's Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization, "established to educate and assist families - enabling them to better protect the rights and lives of their cognitively disabled loved ones," states the release, continuing:

Funds raised through ticket sales and sponsorships for this event will allow Terri's Foundation to honor her legacy in many ways. Most importantly, it will allow the foundation to continue protecting the lives of vulnerable persons who are in jeopardy of having their lives hastened.

Click here to read more.

The 5th anniversary of Terri's death by starvation and dehydration will be March 31, now known as Terri's Day.

Contact: Jill Stanek
Source: jillstanek.com
Publish Date: January 19, 2010
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Thousands of Pro-Lifers Rally at Massive Planned Parenthood Abortion Facility

Thousands of Pro-Lifers Rally at Massive Planned Parenthood Abortion Facility



Houston, Texas – In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, national spiritual and political leaders joined a sign-waving crowd of what is being reported as "thousands" of pro-lifers in Houston today to rally against what they called a "prenatal racial genocide" perpetrated by Planned Parenthood through abortion.

In April, Planned Parenthood purchased a six-story, 78,000-square-foot former bank building in Houston to turn into the nation's largest abortion mill. The building is situated in an 80% minority community area. The move sparked outrage from pro-lifers, who said that Planned Parenthood began as a eugenics organization designed to reduce minority populations, Roman Catholics, immigrants, and the so-called "unfit" through birth control and abortion. Pro-lifers also pointed out that the abortion rate amongst minority groups is already way higher than the national average, thanks in large part to Planned Parenthood's strategy of situating their facilities in minority neighborhoods.

About 10,000 people, many of them youth, packed Grace Community Church on Sunday for a five-hour prayer and praise meeting Sunday sponsored by TheCall to kick off the rally.

Lou Engle of The Call to Conscience organized the event, which was also attended by Ken Blackwell of Conservative Action Project, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Bishop Harry Jackson of High Impact Leadership Coalition, Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, and many others.

"On this day people of all races stand in unity to honor Martin Luther King Jr. We affirm that people should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin," said Matt Staver of Liberty Counsel, who also attended the event.

"Unfortunately, the badge of racism is carried on through the prenatal racial genocide perpetrated by Planned Parenthood. Worse yet, the federal government funds Planned Parenthood with several hundred million dollars each year. African American and Hispanic communities have been particularly hit hard by Planned Parenthood's genocide.

"The time has come for all who respect human dignity to stop the killing. God is just. His justice will not sleep forever."

Contact: Kathleen Gilbert
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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Abortion Mandate in Senate Health Care Bill Energizes Pro-Life Activists Ahead of National Rally

Abortion Mandate in Senate Health Care Bill Energizes Pro-Life Activists Ahead of National Rally



Friday marks the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion-on-demand nationwide, and a coalition of more than 70 pro-life organizations says this year's commemorative "March for Life" on that day is more significant than any to date.
 
"January 22 of this year, 2010, takes on even more importance as Congress prepares to vote on a sweeping takeover of health care that would mandate abortion coverage and mandate government funding for abortion," David Bereit, campaign director for 40 Days for Life, one of the groups in the march's coalition, said in a video promoting the event.
 
"If this legislation passes, we will be paying for abortion with taxpayers' dollars," Kristan Hawkins, executive director for the pro-life college campus ministry Students for Life of America, told CNSNews.com.
 
Even though the Democrats' legislation allows states to possibly "opt out" of providing at least one insurance plan that covers abortion, activists say federal dollars will be used to pay for health plans that cover abortion in the states that potentially do not opt out.
 
"Yes, in the Senate version it says states can opt out," Hawkins said. "But it doesn't mean you won't be paying for abortion. Even if you were to opt out, it doesn't mean you won't be paying for abortion in another state."
 
In a Dec. 21 press release, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said, "The new language does include a 'state opt-out' provision if a state passes a law to prohibit insurance coverage of abortion, but it's a sham because it does nothing to prevent one state's tax dollars from paying for elective abortions in other states."
 
Although the Park Police no longer provide official crowd estimates of events on the National Mall, past "March for Life" events have seen thousands and even hundreds of thousands gather to march from the Ellipse near the White House to the steps of the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill.
 
Americans are not the only people who will be represented in the large crowd. Leaders of Human Life International (HLI) from Africa, Europe, and Asia claim pro-abortion policies in the United States have taken a toll around the globe.



"America's March for Life is now the world's March for Life," Joseph Meaney, director of International Coordination for Human Life International (HLI), said in a statement issued about the march. "It has become the world's pro-life protest because of the aggressive promotion of abortion and population control that is now the official policy of the United States, thanks to the administration of President Barack Obama."
 
Dr. Ligaya Acosta, HLI regional coordinator for Asia and Oceania, cited in the statement one of the first executive orders that Obama signed, after taking office a year ago, to reverse the Mexico City Policy put into place by President Ronald Reagan. That policy had prohibited U.S. dollars from being used to promote or provide abortion through federally funded programs around the world.
 
"This is not only the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which has led to the destruction of almost 50 million American children," Acosta said. "This is now the anniversary of President Obama's allowing Americans' taxpayer funds to be used to promote abortion and other assaults on life in my own country of the Philippines, in Africa, in China … all over the world where 40 million babies are killed every year. It is wrong and we are here to tell him and Congress to stop paying to kill our children."
 
"We are tired of the arrogant American government trying to tell us how many children we should have," said Emil Hagamu, HLI's regional coordinator for English-speaking Africa. "President Obama is of Kenyan descent.
 
"How can he do this to his own people?" Hagamu said.
                                             
Raymond DeSouza, HLI's coordinator for Portuguese-speaking nations, said tying abortion to international aid promotes violence as a part of foreign policy.
 
 "When international aid is tied to abortion, it's like holding a nation hostage, telling them that children are bad, which translates into hopelessness for the future," DeSouza said. "This is a terrible violence against the families and children of the developing world."
 
Peter Shinn, who heads the pro-life network Pro-Life Unity, says in the March for Life promotional video that the health care legislation now being proposed in Congress could add millions more to the over 50 million unborn children who have been aborted since 1973.
 
"If Planned Parenthood and abortion lobbyists are successful getting their friends in the House, the Senate, and the White House to give them what they want – a massive government funded bailout – it will result in the largest expansion of abortion since Roe versus Wade," Shinn said. "That's why this Jan. 22 it is critical that every pro-life American take a public stand to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."
 
The coalition Web site, www.stoptheabortionmandate.com, features the video and detailed information about the pro-life march ranging from arranging visits with members of Congress to tips on making signs and traveling by Metro trains.
 
Hawkins, whose organization holds its national conference of more than 1,000 college students in conjunction with the march, said passage of the proposed health care legislation would be devastating to both the movement and the unborn.
 
"Millions of lives will be lost and it will set us back for years to come," Hawkins said of the bill's passage. "But if we defeat it, it will be a shining star and it will really show what can happen when we come together, when we work together."
 
The March for Life begins at noon on the National Mall.

Contact: Penny Starr
Source: CNSNews.com
Publish Date: January 19, 2010
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Tim Tebow Superbowl Ad Set to Run

Tim Tebow Superbowl Ad Set to Run
   


COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO - Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow and his mother, Pam Tebow, are set to appear in a pro-life Super Bowl ad run by Focus On The Family.

Focus on the Family has said the Tebows will share a personal story centered on the theme "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life."

No details have been released regarding the content of the ad.  Many consider it likely, however, that the ad will be related to Pam Tebow's decision to carry her son to term after she had contracted amoebic dysentery while she was serving as a Christian missionary in the Philippines. Doctors urged her to have an abortion because drugs she took to combat the disease might have affected her baby's development; she ignored their recommendation and gave birth a perfectly healthy child.

Tim Tebow, who was home schooled before becoming a college football star and is well known for marking his eye black with scriptural verses, has also been involved in his family's Christian ministry.  Last year he made headlines when, in response to a reporter asking him if he was "saving himself" for marriage, he said that he was.

Jim Daly, president and CEO of Focus on the Family, said the ad comes in a time when "families need to be inspired."

"Tim and Pam share our respect for life and our passion for helping families thrive," Daly said. "They live what we see every day – that the desire for family closeness is written on the hearts of every generation. Focus on the Family is about nurturing that desire and strengthening families by empowering them with the tools they need to live lives rooted in morals and values."

The funds for the ad came from a handful of people who specifically donated money for the ad; no money from Focus on the Family's general fund was used.

"Now that the ad has been shot, we're excited to tell people it's coming because the Tebows' story is such an important one for our culture to hear," Daly said. "You won't want to miss it."

Contact: James Tillman
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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Personhood USA Announces Coast-to-Coast Personhood for 2010 Roe vs. Wade Memorial

Personhood USA Announces Coast-to-Coast Personhood for 2010 Roe vs. Wade Memorial

WASHINGTON - Personhood USA organizers have announced plans for a nationwide sweep for Personhood to recognize the tragic anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

Beginning in Washington D.C. on Thursday, January 21, Personhood USA cofounder, Keith Mason, will speak about Personhood USA's 40-state effort at American Life League's Activism Conference.

Currently, Personhood USA is activating dozens of team members to distribute 40,000 pieces of literature encouraging the mobilization of thousands of marchers in Washington D.C. These marchers will also be invited to become involved in Personhood efforts in their home states.

Personhood USA leaders including Keith Mason will then participate in Personhood events in Colorado and Mississippi where there are ongoing, vital signature drives for placing Personhood on those states' ballots.

Finally, following a speech at Colorado Right to Life's March for Life, a Personhood USA team will participate in California's Walk for Life. There, Personhood USA will help the recently launched California Human Rights Campaign in its Personhood initiative by distributing 100,000 Personhood petitions and activating volunteers.

"Personhood is a revolution of the pro-life movement," stated Keith Mason. "It challenges what's been done in the past, stimulates the movement's present, and eradicates the need for pro-life efforts in the future. Personhood is the best hope to end abortion in America."

As mentioned in a recent World Net Daily article, Personhood is the unofficial theme of the Roe v. Wade memorial in 2010. The Roe v. Wade memorial events will promote awareness of Personhood rights for preborn babies and educate hundreds of thousands of people.

"Personhood is thriving because it is a no-compromise approach to ending baby murder," explained Cal Zastrow, cofounder of Personhood USA. "When we started 14 months ago, we only had Colorado on board. God has blessed our efforts by raising up thousands of grassroots activists to work on Personhood in over 40 states!"

Contact: Keith Mason
Source: Personhood USA
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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NEWS SHORTS FOR TUESDAY

NEWS SHORTS FOR TUESDAY
(Referral to Web sites not produced by The Illinois Federation for Right to Life is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)

Planned Parenthood of Illinois Assesses Abortion Coverage



Abortion service providers like Planned Parenthood of Illinois are concerned about the impact on women if abortion coverage is segregated out as special treatment. "We have been extremely supportive of health-care reform, but we want to make sure it doesn't come at the expense of women," said Beth Kanter, senior vice president of external affairs. About 80 percent of the women who visit Planned Parenthood are covered under their insurance, she said.
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Thousands Protest Abortion in Arkansas



LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS - Yesterday thousands of protestors thronged the streets of Little Rock, Arkansas to walk 13 blocks to the state capitol to protest the legalization of abortion and call for its repeal in the 32nd annual March for Life.

Emmett Guillory with Arkansas Right to Life said, "We can talk about healthcare, the economy, troubles in the world, but if we don't get right the life issue, those quality of life issues don't matter, so hopefully they'll come to realize that and become passionate and support the pro-life movement."

Former Governor Mike Huckabee also attended the march.  Click here for the video.
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Russian Health Minister: Country Must Reduce Abortions to Boost Population



MOSCOW, Russia – Russia's Health Minister has called for a reduction of abortions in the country as a way of improving its meagre population growth.

"The topic of reducing abortions is definitely on today's agenda," stated Health Minister Tatyana Golikova on Monday.  "This won't solve the birthrate problem 100 percent, but around 20 to 30 percent."

In 2006, then-President Vladimir Putin identified the country's low birth rate as its greatest problem, though he did not draw the connection with the country's abortion rate, which is among the highest in the world.  In 2005, in fact, there were more abortions than births in the country.  On Monday, Golikova noted that in 2008 there were 1.714 million births and 1.234 million abortions.
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Paris March for Life draws 25,000 participants



Paris, France - An estimated 25,000 pro-life advocates took part in the sixth Paris March for Life on Sunday to mark the 35th anniversary of the legalization of abortion in France and to protest its "blatant injustice" towards the unborn and the "unspeakable sufferings" it causes women.

The March for Life, called "Marche pour la Vie" in French, brought together 15 French pro-life groups for the non-sectarian and non-partisan event. Organizers said a majority of participants were families or under 25 years old.
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Oregon Catholic college philosophy professor affiliated with Planned Parenthood, NARAL



A professor who teaches the introduction to philosophy course at a Catholic university in Oregon lists the National Abortion Rights Action League and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America among his "non-academic organizational affiliations," according to his CV, which is posted on the university's web site. Dr. Jeffrey Gauthier has taught at the University of Portland since 1992.
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Overseas pro-life leaders condemn 'aggressive' pro-abortion U.S. policy



Washington D.C. - A delegation of international pro-life leaders will attend the March for Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday to show support for American pro-lifers and to voice their opposition to the U.S. government's "aggressive" pro-abortion foreign policies.

The leaders, from Africa, Europe, South America, Asia and Oceania, will speak at Human Life International's (HLI) Jan. 22 "The Fight for Life Around the World" conference at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. before joining hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates in the annual March for Life.
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Week puts focus on pro-life effort

Week puts focus on pro-life effort



Today kicks off Sanctity of Human Life Week, and pro-life groups are encouraging people to take a stand for the cause.

Dr. Richard Land, president of The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist Convention, tells OneNewsNow that happenings in Washington are a solid reminder that America must stand firm for life.
 
"I think in the wake of the bills that have been passed in the Senate and the House -- [legislation] known as ObamaCare -- it's important that we remind people about the culture of death, because the culture of death is written all the way through those two bills," he says. That is related to federal funding of abortions and end-of-life issues.
 
Richard LandLand adds that Washington appears to be turning a deaf ear to voters as "54% of Americans oppose the current proposed legislation on healthcare and only 36% support it, and yet they seem intent on trying to ram it through." The ERLC president further notes, "I just hope that Americans will remember this when it comes to the first Tuesday in November this year."
 
The Southern Baptist spokesman is hopeful that people will communicate with their elected representatives because the people certainly have an influence and the responsibility to exercise it, including encouraging other people to do so.

Contact: Charlie Butts
Source: OneNewsNow
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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International Pro-Life Leaders Come to US Capitol to Protest U.S. Anti-Life Policies

International Pro-Life Leaders Come to US Capitol to Protest U.S. Anti-Life Policies

      

FRONT ROYAL, Virginia - International Pro-Life leaders from Africa, Europe, South America, Asia and Oceania have come to the United State’s capitol to stand with Americans and protest the expansion of anti-life policies under the Obama administration.

The international leaders, who are associated with Human Life International (HLI), will speak at a conference on January 22 at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. before joining the hundreds of thousands of other pro-lifers in the March for Life.

“America’s March for Life is now the world’s March for Life,” said Joseph Meaney, Director of International Coordination for HLI. “It has become the world’s pro-life protest because of the aggressive promotion of abortion and population control that is now official policy of the United States, thanks to the administration of President Barack Obama.”

“This is not only the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, which has led to the destruction of almost 50 million American children,” said Dr. Ligaya Acosta, HLI Regional Coordinator for Asia and Oceania. “This is now the anniversary of President Obama’s allowing Americans’ taxpayer funds to be used to promote abortion and other assaults on life in my own country of the Philippines, in Africa, in China … all over the world where 40 million babies are killed every year. It is wrong and we are here to tell him and Congress to stop paying to kill our children!”

Dr. Acosta was referring to President Obama’s January 23rd, 2009 reversal of the Mexico City Policy, which had, under the Reagan and both Bush administrations, restricted the use of federal funds to support any organization that promoted or performed abortion abroad. In December, this reversal allowed Congress to pass an omnibus spending bill, signed by President Obama, which included almost $700 million for abortion-promoting organizations internationally.

“We are tired of the arrogant American government trying to tell us how many children we should have,” said Emil Hagamu, HLI’s regional coordinator for English-speaking Africa. “President Obama is of Kenyan descent. How can he do this to his own people?”

“These aggressive policies are undeniably hurting America’s stature with the people of the world, even if they help America appeal to the cruel international elites who want to run everything,” said Raymond DeSouza, HLI’s coordinator for Portuguese-speaking nations. “When international aid is tied to abortion, it’s like holding a nation hostage, telling them that children are bad, which translates into hopelessness for the future. This is a terrible violence against the families and children of the developing world.”

Click here for information on HLI’s “The Fight for Life Around the World” mini-conference.

Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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Baby Blue Laces Campaign Raises Funds For Pro-Life Organizations

Baby Blue Laces Campaign Raises Funds For Pro-Life Organizations

   

Baby Blue Laces for Life is a new pro-life awareness campaign with the two-fold focus of encouraging pro-lifers to show where they stand on life issues, and to raise money for pro-life non-profit organizations and crisis pregnancy centers in financial need.

The founder of Baby Blue Laces for Life, David Pico, told LifeSiteNews.com that the campaign has quickly gained interest, exposure, and support from pro-life communities nationwide.

"By wearing shoelaces in a baby blue color with the words "Laces for Life" printed on them, pro-lifers have a soft, but highly visibly, and non-intrusive way to stand up for life," Mr. Pico explained. "Without saying a word, you can show the people with whom you come in contact each day that life is precious and worth standing up for."

"In addition to raising awareness through the laces," Mr. Pico added, "this puts the organization in a position to be able to raise proceeds as well."

"Going into 2010, Baby Blue Laces for Life looks to help fill in the gaps where donations have fallen due to economic downturn for pro-life non-profit organizations, and most importantly raise awareness for pro-life issues."

Baby Blue Laces for Life may be ordered from the organization's website here.

For more information contact:

David Pico, Director, Baby Blue Laces for Life
P.O. Box 25475
Colorado Springs, CO 80936 USA
Email: info@babybluelaces.org

Contact: Thaddeus M. Baklinski
Source: LifeSiteNews.com
Publish Date: January 18, 2010
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