NEWS SHORTS FOR THURSDAY
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.
ADF Sues after College Rejects Pro-Life Event
The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) filed suit Monday after a community college refused to allow a pro-life event on campus because of its "discriminatory" message.
Spokane (Wash.) Falls Community College officials rejected plans by Beth Sheeran and members of a Christian student group to hold their event, claiming the college prohibits one-sided events and expressive displays.
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000009597.cfm
Opposition to N.Dakota Personhood Bill Has Strayed Into The Ridiculous
There has been considerable discussion about the personhood bill legislation I introduced, especially since it passed the North Dakota House of Repre-sentatives earlier this session. Some letters to the editor and editorials have made some ridiculous comments and assumptions about me personally, so I felt compelled to respond to them.
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/233765/
Some States Push Back Against Stem Cell Research
A showdown is shaping up in some of the nation's most conservative states over embryonic stem cell research, as opponents draw language and tactics from the battle over abortion to counter President Barack Obama's plan to ease research restrictions. Legislation granting fertilized embryos "personhood" has gained momentum in at least three state legislatures. The strategy - which has been used to try to undermine the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion - is now aimed at embryonic stem cell research. The scientific field uses stem cells from human embryos, which can develop into different kinds of adult cells, to seek answers about human health.
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20090312/OSH0101/90311144/1128&located=RSS
U.K. Pro-Life Activist Jailed for 12 Weeks for Sending Pictures of Aborted Babies to Company
Pro-life campaigner Edward (Ted) Atkinson was sentenced to jail for 12 weeks last Wednesday after he sent graphic images of aborted and disfigured babies to a bed company in Wales, Lynn News has reported. This is not the first time that Atkinson has been criminally charged for sending such materials through the mail. On 4th May 2006 he was convicted at Swaffham Magistrates Court, Norfolk under the "Malicious Communications Act" for sending pro-life material through the post to Mrs. Ruth May, Chief Executive of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn.
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/mar/09031008.html
Some Catholic Bishops To Close Hospitals If FOCA Is Enacted, St. Louis Post-Dispatch Reports
Roman Catholic bishops are threatening to close more than 600 Catholic hospitals if the Freedom of Choice Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade, is enacted, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. FOCA's sponsor, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), intends to reintroduce the bill, which failed to pass out of subcommittee in 2004, now that its former co-sponsor President Obama is in office and the Democrats control Congress, according to Ilan Kayatsky, a spokesperson for Nadler.
Catholic bishops who oppose FOCA argue that it will force Catholic hospitals and health care workers to participate in abortions. According to the Post-Dispatch, there is some debate on whether closing Catholic-affiliated hospitals is the most effective response to FOCA rather than simply ignoring the law. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Chicago said during the fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that it would "not be sufficient to withdraw our sponsorship or to sell" Catholic hospitals to groups or organizations that would provide abortion services. Paprocki said that to do so "would be a morally unacceptable cooperation in evil."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141787.php
Advocates Call For Senate Ratification Of CEDAW, Commemorate International Women's Day
Women's rights advocates on International Women's Day expressed hope on Sunday that the Senate this year will ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, or CEDAW, the AP/Chicago Tribune reports. The United Nations General Assembly first adopted CEDAW in 1979, and out of 192 total member countries, the U.S. is among eight that have not ratified the convention. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair of the Foreign Relations subcommittee overseeing global women's issues, plans to lead an effort seeking ratification of the convention as part of her agenda. Boxer said, "We've waited long enough. All these years later, there's no excuse for not ratifying this critical convention to shine a light on women's rights around the world." She added that it is "a shame that the U.S. stands with countries such as Iran, Sudan and Somalia in failing to ratify the treaty."
Ratification requires 67 votes. According to the AP/Tribune, there is a good chance that the Senate will ratify CEDAW this year as many Democrats currently serving in Congress support the convention. However, Boxer's efforts could face challenges from conservative opponents who claim the convention will lead to legalized prostitution, government interference in family affairs and a reversal of abortion restrictions.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/141624.php
