"Abortion is a blessing and our work is not done."
That was the Rev. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale in 2007, repetitiously inciting her disciples to be not just pro-choice but fanatically pro-abortion. This is significant because, according to standard journalistic stylebooks, Ragsdale does not exist. We're told that pro-choice folks don't like abortion; they're just trying to help a woman facing tragedy. . . . The tragedy of abortion is bad enough, but the origin of the tragedy, and so many others of our time, emerges from worship not of Christ but of "me, me, me." Katherine Ragsdale may show this tendency in a heightened form, but all of us display it to some degree. May God have mercy on her, on her students, and on all of us. Townhall, World
Parents suing over baby scan
A couple are suing Blackpool Victoria Hospital after claiming they were not given the chance to abort their severely disabled child because of a "casual and light-hearted" pre-birth scan. The parents are taking action against the NHS over the 20-week "anomaly scan," carried out to detect any abnormalities, 14 years ago, which their lawyers say should have picked up early signals of the severe brain malformation now afflicting their son. Their attorney claimed "any reasonable sonographer" would have detected the problem. The hospital insists no such anomalies were present when the scan was carried out. Blackpool Gazette
Public takes conservative turn on abortion
Public attitudes on abortion have moved in a more conservative direction over the past year. The proportion saying that abortion should be legal in all or most cases has declined to 46% from 54% last August. The decline in support for legal abortion has come entirely in the share saying abortion should be legal in most cases (from 37% to 28%); 18% say abortion should be legal in all cases, which is virtually unchanged from last August (17%). Currently, 44% say abortion should be illegal in most (28%) or all cases (16%), up slightly since last August (41%). Pew Research
From pro-choice to life: One mother's story
When a woman has finally learned the truth she must speak up and say, “No more!” We must make sure that the sanctity of life is once again respected--not only for the sake of the child, but for ourselves. I made a commitment to God that I would make sure, with all the power that He gives me, that women know the truth about abortion, so that they will not be exploited by lies as I was. Carmen Pate
Sense & Sexuality available for download
Dr. Miriam Grossman's pamphlet is the the college girl's common-sense guide to real protection in a hooked-up world. Sadly, it's currently unavailable for ordering, but the Clare Booth Luce Policy Institute is making it available via free download in a PDF format or to organizations who want to set up low-cost print run for themselves.
PCCs reduce abortion
Pregnancy centers are known as the “compassion wing of the pro-life movement,” and they work. After receiving the help of a PCC, nine out of ten women served are empowered to carry their pregnancy to term, according to statistics gathered by Care Net, a network of 1,160 centers. . . . Care Net is after one thing from the new administration and Congress (and it’s not funding). We’re simply asking that those leading the “abortion reduction” discussion merely acknowledge the contribution of pregnancy centers in helping to achieve this goal and promote a national environment that allows us to do what PCCs do best – help women in need in our local communities. Care Net; Melinda Delahoyde video presentation
Classic embryology text available online
Raymond F. Gasser's 1975 Atlas of Human Embryos was assembled with the hope of helping students obtain a firm foundation on which to organize and understand adult human anatomy. It also served as a reference for the arrangement of normal human embryos during the period when most birth defects occur. Endowment for Human Development; also available in PDF format
Classic article on fetal development reproduced online
"The Fetus as a Personality," by A.W. Liley was delivered to the Eighth Annual Congress of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry in October, 1971. A wide variety of facts about fetal physiology are reviewed, exploding the myth of the fetus as a passenger carried to term, and pointing out that the fetus is an active, developing individual responding to his environment in ways designed to improve his comfort. Endowment for Human Development; PDF format
Get to Know: The Endowment for Human Development
The aim of the Endowment for Human Development is to improve lifelong health, "one pregnancy at a time." They do this by equiping educators, clinicians, and governments "to help everyone appreciate, apply, and communicate the science of health and human development." Their web site contains a wealth of fascinating information useful at the PCC, including:
- Personalized interactive pregnancy calendar
- Prenatal overview
- Prenatal timeline
- Prenatal image gallery - MUST SEE!
- Fact sheet on prenatal development - Did you know the heart of the developing human beats approximately 54 million times before birth?
The web site even states that pregnancy begins at conception!
When health begins
Fertilization produces a single-cell embryo prior to the onset of cell division. The number of cells in an adult is estimated to be between 30 trillion and 100 trillion. To reach these large numbers from a single cell, 46 to 47 generations of cells, to a first approximation, are required. Most cell generations appear before birth while most cells appear after birth. Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable to think that the quality of the prenatal environment in which the first 41 generations of cells develop before birth will influence the health of all the cells that develop after birth. Endowment for Human Development
Women Not Delicate Flowers, Despite What NARAL and Planned Parenthood Think
NARAL claims that crisis pregnancy centers mislead woman. In New York, abortion rights groups lobbied former Attorney General Eliot Spitzer to shut down such centers because they allegedly “scared” women. As a life-long feminist, I find this approach by so-called women’s rights groups perplexing and more than a little insulting to women. . . . A few years ago, I was curious about crisis pregnancy centers so I signed up for the counselor training at one in Manhattan. I was ready to be outraged by their manipulation but in fact all they did was present information about the development of the fetus and advice on how to counsel women seeking abortion, with most of their focus on how to be loving to women seeking counseling after having an abortion. Fox News blog
FOCA not President Obama's priority
During last night's press conference, President Obama was asked whether he still hopes Congress will send him the Freedom of Choice Act to sign. After fumbling over the word "abortion," Mr. Obama said, "Now, the Freedom of Choice Act is not my highest legislative priority. I believe that women should have the right to choose, but I think that the most important thing we can do to tamp down some of the -- the anger surrounding this issue is to focus on those areas that we can agree on. And that's -- that's where I'm going to focus." NY Times
Congressman Renews Call for Passage of Pregnant Women Support Act
Recently, media outlets reported that the recession is influencing more Americans to opt for abortion. Congressman Lincoln Davis of Tennessee responded by repeating his call for increased benefits to pregnant mothers. "As a pro-life Democrat, I believe it is a moral responsibility to have resources in place so pregnant women may carry their pregnancies to term." WDXE, The Pregnant Women Support Act, H.R. 2035
Dining Out For Life Supports Planned Parenthood
More than 200 restaurants throughout the Delaware Valley will donate 33 percent of their proceeds tomorrow to AIDS service organizations, including Planned Parenthood. Dining Out For Life started in Philadelphia and has spread nationwide over the past 19 years. Pro-Life organizations have opposed the event, saying more money should not be granted to the nation’s largest abortion provider and condoms are not the answer for preventing AIDS. The Bulletin
A Human Embryo is to the Baby He or She Becomes as a Caterpillar is to the Butterfly It Becomes
Let's look at the caterpillar that becomes a butterfly. It is the same animal when it is a worm-like creature with many legs that it is later after it has metamorphosed into a beautiful butterfly that can fly. The butterfly isn't a different individual member of that species. It is the same member of that species--it is just in a different stage of development with different capacities. When it is a caterpillar, it can eat leaves but it has no wings. Still, it has the developmental potential to fly. It isn't any less a member of its species of butterfly when it is a caterpillar than after it leaves the cocoon. Secondhand Smoke
The principle at stake at Notre Dame
Mary Ann Glendon — a Harvard University law professor and a respected author on bioethics and human rights — quietly declined the honor of receiving Notre Dame's Laetare Medal, in part because Barack Obama was invited to be commencement speaker and to receive an honorary degree. But the more compelling reason seems to have been her sense that she was being used to deflect criticism. . . . Is there really ever a time when we should be comfortable with the ratification of abortion? While one may prefer to preserve the legality of individual discretion, it is nonetheless consoling that there are still those who relentlessly defend life's sanctity. JWR, Glendon's letter to ND on First Things
Specter Switches Parties
Republican senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania has never felt at home in the Republican Party in part because of his pro-abortion position and now he has switched parties. The move comes on a day when members of the Senate could engage in the first vote to stop a filibuster against the Obama administration's pro-abortion agenda. LifeNews
Obama Claims He's Not Pro-Abortion
The president of the national conference of Catholic bishops recently elaborated on the March meeting he had with President Barack Obama. Cardinal George thinks Obama wants to make pro-life advocates appear as if he is on their side. "It's hard to disagree with him because he'll always tell you he agrees with you. . . . You have to say, again and again, 'No, Mr. President, we don't agree (on abortion).' . . . He would say, 'I know I have to do certain things here. ... But be patient and you'll see the pattern will change.' I said, 'Mr. President, you've given us nothing but the wrong signals on this issue.'" LifeNews, CNS
Roll Call: Senate vote on Sebelius' confirmation
The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Kathleen Sebelius as the nation's health and human services secretary by a roll call vote of 65 to 31. See how your Senators voted: Associated Press
Reproductive rights "key" to Obama foreign policy
The new U.S. ambassador for global women's issues, Melanne Verveer, pledged the Obama administration's "deep commitment" to a UN blueprint aimed at slowing the world's population explosion and empowering women. At the heart of the action plan adopted at a UN population conference in Cairo 15 years ago is a demand for women's equality through education, economic development, access to modern birth control and the right to choose if and when to become pregnant. [Editor: As we know, it also demands the right to end a pregnancy.] Hillary Clinton, now secretary of state, told a conference of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America in Houston last month "that reproductive rights and the umbrella issue of women's rights and empowerment is going to be a key to the foreign policy of this administration." Kansas City Star
Stem cell veto stirs new fight
Republican legislators in Oklahoma are poised today to attempt an override of the Democratic governor’s veto of a bill that would have made it a crime for a scientist to perform any form of embryonic stem cell research. The Oklahoman
Cloning Heats Up as Next Bioresearch Fight
As the Obama administration prepares to greatly expand the government’s investments in embryonic stem cell research, the next big biomedical research debate in Congress is shaping up: whether to allow government funding of experiments using cloned human embryos. Congressional Quarterly
You're not a "terrorist" unless you're pro-life
Shortly after assuming office, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano banned the use of the word "terror" to describe events like 9/11, or "terrorist" to describe those who perpetrated them. Mass casualty attacks would henceforth be known as "man-caused disasters," she decreed. But then DHS used the word "terrorist" in a fact-free report approved by Ms. Napolitano to describe veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who might join right wing groups. Jewish World Review
Sebelius: The Real Public Health Scare
This week, as panic spreads over a potential swine flu pandemic, liberals are scheming how they can use the health scare to win the confirmation of pro-abortion extremist Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Although the Senate leadership will use the urgency of the flu to try to force Sebelius through the chamber, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the government's response to the outbreak "has not been hindered by the lack of a secretary at HHS." FRC
'Enhanced interrogation' should be safe, legal, and rare
The Wall Street Journal's Best of the Web blog notes that the New York Times is not squeamish about using words such as "harsh" and "brutal" to describe various interrogation techniques (a.k.a. "torture"): "When the paper needs a short description, the word brutal is accurate and appropriate, whether you think the acts were justified or not." But in 2005, when partial birth abortion was the topic, the Times took the trouble to only ascribe such terms to opponents of the procedure, as in, "Opponents of abortion refer to the method as partial-birth abortion and denounce it as brutal and uncivilized." Best of the Web
Kathy Ireland speaks out for life
Most Hollywood stars advocate a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy, however former supermodel Kathy Ireland has gone against the grain and spoken out against abortion. "My entire life I was pro-choice. . . . But when I was 18, I became a Christian and I dove into the medical books. . . . I learned that at the moment of conception a new life comes into being." However Ireland admitted that she did everything she could to avoid becoming pro-life. "I called Planned Parenthood and begged them to give me their best argument and all they could come up with that it is really just a clump of cells and if you get it early enough it doesn’t even look like a baby." That answer didn't satisfy her. Fox News
Get to Know: National Pro-Life Radio
Listen online to a full line-up of pro-life personalities. National Pro-Life Radio is an exciting broadcast platform spotlighting everything that is taking place in the global movement to restore human dignity and respect for every human being on the planet. Programming at NPLR includes savvy talk hosts, insightful opinion leaders, comprehensive news coverage, information and education programs. Click 'Listen Live' in the On Air Now box. National Pro-Life Radio
Sebelius vetoes abortion bill
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed a bill that would have rewritten Kansas’ restrictions on late-term abortions, questioning whether it was constitutional and suggesting it would cause “intimidation” of doctors. The bill would have required doctors to report additional information to the state about late-term abortions and would have allowed more prosecutors to pursue criminal charges over late-term procedures. NY Times
Woman gets prison for illegal abortions
A woman who admitted performing abortions at a San Diego clinic without a medical license has been sentenced to almost seven years in prison. Bertha Pinedo Bugarin, 49, is to serve the sentence concurrently with a three-year term for doing abortions at a clinic in Los Angeles. She was also ordered to pay $32,800 in restitution, most of which has already been handed over. UPI
Student's anti-abortion crusade has effect
A California college student says her undercover battle against Planned Parenthood is having an effect on local governments around the country. In Tennessee, legislators said Wednesday they will try to cut off a $721,000 contract with Planned Parenthood, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday. Orange County, Calif., supervisors last month rescinded a $300,000 grant for sex education. Planned Parenthood has responded by stepping up efforts to train its staff. The organization says with 30,000 volunteers and employees some people are bound to make mistakes. UPI, LA Times, LA Times blog
Reflection: The Sparrow Watcher
Sara Henkel of Hope Pregnancy Center in Willmar, MN, shares this reflection:
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. --Psalm 84:3
Who cares about a sparrow? They have little beauty to behold. Small, plain, and brown - they all look alike. As they hurry to and from one cannot differentiate which one is which, or if one is more special than the other. They blend into their surroundings as they land in your neighborhood looking for food and water. Do you value them in your life at all? Do you care? God does!
After meeting with a client, whose situation was particularly bleak, the words and tune to "His Eye is on the Sparrow" came to my mind. I realized that our clients are like sparrows. Who cares for them, who is mindful of them, who values them, and truly loves them? As helpers, we often want to gather these clients up, take them home with us and care for them ourselves -- we can't. When I get frustrated that I cannot do more for our clients, their children, and their relationships, the peace I have is that God truly does cares. He wants the best for these women: he is a Sparrow Watcher.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God. --Psalm 84:3
Who cares about a sparrow? They have little beauty to behold. Small, plain, and brown - they all look alike. As they hurry to and from one cannot differentiate which one is which, or if one is more special than the other. They blend into their surroundings as they land in your neighborhood looking for food and water. Do you value them in your life at all? Do you care? God does!
After meeting with a client, whose situation was particularly bleak, the words and tune to "His Eye is on the Sparrow" came to my mind. I realized that our clients are like sparrows. Who cares for them, who is mindful of them, who values them, and truly loves them? As helpers, we often want to gather these clients up, take them home with us and care for them ourselves -- we can't. When I get frustrated that I cannot do more for our clients, their children, and their relationships, the peace I have is that God truly does cares. He wants the best for these women: he is a Sparrow Watcher.
Center enlists prayer support
The Pregnancy Resource Center in Maryville, TN, has established a prayer ministry and seeks men and women who will include the needs of PRC in their prayers. Executive director April Westburg says, "We just can't live without it. We need to be covered with prayer. We're out there fighting . . . on the front lines. It would seem that this ministry might appeal especially to persons who are shut in at home or have limited transportation options and who may not be able to participate in other ministries. We also hope that Sunday school classes and church prayer ministries will include us in their prayers." Volunteers don't have to attend meetings. Monthly prayer lists are sent by email or by U.S. Postal Service to each prayer ministry volunteer, who add PRC's concerns to other prayer concerns. The Daily Times, PRC Blount County, TN
Update from Rita Willoughby
Rita is the executive director of the PRC in Lawton, OK, recovering from radical cancer surgery. The healing is going slowly, and she is continually exhausted. But through all of it, she's praising the Lord, and reports: "The PRC is running smoothly. We have an incredible staff and host of might-in-spirit volunteers. God blesses and protects it all--it is His! Last week we set a record 14 pregnancy tests in one day! WOW! Oh, and two salvations! Yeah! Thank You, Jesus!" Visit Rita's Caring Bridge page.
National Pro-Life T-shirt Week, April 28-May 4
Wear the t-shirt and show you believe an unborn baby is more than just a "blob of tissue." National Pro-Life T-shirt Week is organized by American Life League with the intent to increase awareness of abortion and the reality of how many innocent babies are murdered every day.
Report from Metro Women's Center (Crystal, MN)
Police found the body of the missing dad, Jelani Brinson, who, along with his girlfriend Dena and daughter Zion, had been part of Metro's HOPE program. "Please pray for his family and friends during this difficult time." On a happy note, they're praising the Lord for the birth of a baby girl this week! "Please pray for her, as she is in the NICU with some breathing problems. Her mom has been working really hard to stay yielded to the Lord during this pregnancy." Also, two new volunteers started helping out at the Center this week, Andri and Gail. Finally, Colleen reports, "I had a visit Friday from a former client, her boyfriend, and their new baby. . . . We thank the Lord for Faith Baptist Church in St. Paul that has stepped up to help this young couple with practical help as well as by welcoming them into their church services." Metro Women's Center
Ultrasound ministry in Papua New Guinea
Missionary Lori Smith writes about a young woman who came to her medical clinic seriously contemplating abortion. "She had come a month ago and I had prayed over and over again that she would make the choice of life for her little one. 'J' did try to abort her baby four times, but what a blessing that her attempts failed. She had finally come to the place that she felt God must really love her baby and she should love it as well. We prayed and cried together as the ultrasound revealed a healthy happy little baby still going strong. How gracious God is to protect us even from ourselves." Bill & Lori Smith homepage
Center for Life - Bolivia
Check out this blog for the Center for Life in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Executive Director Patricia Banegas writes about some of the fruit of their ministry, and the challenges. Political unrest in the country is not stopping them. "Due to the entire unstable political situation in the country, we won’t be able to be inside the local university anymore. The mission found land 15 minutes from the public university and this month they will be purchasing the land in order to start the construction. We hope to move to this new place early in 2011." The center has also been looking for an income-generating project, and their board came up with the idea of opening a kid’s care place. "It won’t only be a place that would raise funds for the ministry, but also our clients will have a place to leave their kids as they continue with their education and jobs. I have started research on it. Our expectations are to open it by next year. Please pray for the whole process." Finally, their post-abortion facilitators are planning to hold the next recovery groups in the local prison. "The authorities of the prison are very interested about this possibility. Please pray as we progress on this partnership."
Sebelius Places Interests of Late-Term Abortionists Ahead of Unborn Children
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed a pro-life bill that increases reporting requirements for doctors who perform late-term abortions and allows lawsuits against them if a patient later comes to believe such a procedure was illegal. FRC
Baby Steps DVD
The Baby Steps DVD, produced by American Life League, continues to inspire, motivate, and touch hearts. A counselor at Shared Pregnancy Women's Center in Lansing, Michigan, (a PCC List member) said, "I personally gave the video to one woman who was having trouble convincing the father of her baby to keep the baby. She took it home for him to watch and told me it really helped her get through to him and helped him bond with the baby (so early in her pregnancy)."
This video can also be viewed with audio narrations in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish by clicking here: Baby Steps DVD
California Man Symbolically 'Adopts' Wife's Two Aborted Fetuses
A California man has signed papers to symbolically "adopt" and give his last name to his wife's two aborted fetuses. Stan Musil said he filed the posthumous "adoption" on Monday as a way to support his wife, Lisa, and help her heal from the pain of having those abortions. "He told me 'I love you and you are a part of me. Your babies are a part of you, and so that makes them a part of me also,'" she said. Fox News
Clinton defends abortion right worldwide
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, testifying in Congress, defended the right to abortion worldwide and the Obama administration's decision to finance family planning overseas.
Clinton stood her ground against Christopher Smith, a Republican lawmaker from New Jersey who strongly opposes abortion and who had asked if President Barack Obama's team sought to influence African and South American countries on abortion. AFP; Mrs. Clinton Can't Defend Patron Saint of Planned Parenthood JWR; Affirms abortion as 'reproductive health' Medical News Today
Clinton stood her ground against Christopher Smith, a Republican lawmaker from New Jersey who strongly opposes abortion and who had asked if President Barack Obama's team sought to influence African and South American countries on abortion. AFP; Mrs. Clinton Can't Defend Patron Saint of Planned Parenthood JWR; Affirms abortion as 'reproductive health' Medical News Today
FDA eases access to morning-after pill
Seventeen-year-olds will soon have access to emergency contraception without a prescription, U.S. health regulators said on Wednesday, complying with a court order to ease restrictions on over-the-counter sales of the so-called "morning-after" pill. Last month, a U.S. court ruled the Food and Drug Administration under the Bush administration had allowed politics to cloud its decision-making process regarding availability of the Plan B drug which had been restricted to those 18 and older. US News & World Report; FDA fails to consider the risks of OTC EC. FRC
GAP Concludes at Ohio State
"I hate seeing those images, but I guess that's the point. Getting an abortion has been made to sound no different than getting a flu shot when it's really quite serious and brutal." --Stephen, OSU student
The Center for Bio Ethical Reform finished three days of pro-life outreach at the Ohio State University on April 9, 2009. Their pro-life campus outreach called the Genocide Awareness Project reached hundreds and trained dozens during the three days. The Lantern
The Center for Bio Ethical Reform finished three days of pro-life outreach at the Ohio State University on April 9, 2009. Their pro-life campus outreach called the Genocide Awareness Project reached hundreds and trained dozens during the three days. The Lantern
Regional Trainings for Quest & Aspire
Each day of training from the Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership will follow the brand new Quest curriculum for middle schools, or Aspire for high schools. These curricula are character-based, field-tested, positive presentations of the benefits of abstinence until marriage. The training will incorporate classroom demonstrations, current cultural trends, and the most recent research about abstinence. 2009 seminars are planned for Memphis, TN, Stevens Point, WI, Charleston, WV, Indianapolis, IN, and Vancouver, WA. Find a Training near you
Optimized Centers
Through testing and analysis of results, CompassCare Pregnancy Services of Rochester, NY, developed the Linear Process Service Model for pregnancy care centers. They took some of the typical problems centers face -- that they themselves were experiencing -- and asked, "What methods work better than others?"
For instance, they noticed they had an overall no-show rate of 50% on scheduled appointments, but some of their receptionists were more successful than others. What were they doing differently? After testing a successful "script" for a month, their no-show rate fell to 15%. Now they guide each woman through a 15-step process that ensures their needs are met and that the Gospel is presented.
CompassCare is "a Christ-centered agency dedicated to empowering men and women to erase the need for abortion in NY and the nation and to serve those who have been affected by it." To understand how the linear process differs from the more common "global" approach, contact Jim Harden, president of CompassCare, and ask him to send you the Optimization Tool White Paper and Benchmarks for Success. Find out how your center can reach the right women (those “high-risk” of having an abortion), at the right time, and in the right way.
For instance, they noticed they had an overall no-show rate of 50% on scheduled appointments, but some of their receptionists were more successful than others. What were they doing differently? After testing a successful "script" for a month, their no-show rate fell to 15%. Now they guide each woman through a 15-step process that ensures their needs are met and that the Gospel is presented.
CompassCare is "a Christ-centered agency dedicated to empowering men and women to erase the need for abortion in NY and the nation and to serve those who have been affected by it." To understand how the linear process differs from the more common "global" approach, contact Jim Harden, president of CompassCare, and ask him to send you the Optimization Tool White Paper and Benchmarks for Success. Find out how your center can reach the right women (those “high-risk” of having an abortion), at the right time, and in the right way.
Virginia Man Hired Hit Man to Kill Girlfriend Who Refused Abortion
A Virginia man was convicted Monday of hiring a man to kill his pregnant ex-girlfriend who refused his request to have an abortion. Raymond Martin Scott, 32, pled no contest to charges of solicitation to murder Nakeisha Holliday and solicitation to kill an unborn child. When Holliday refused to get an abortion, Scott offered an unnamed man $1,300 to kill Holliday and her baby. LifeNews
Ireland Defends Abortion Ban before European Court
The government of Ireland has filed legal papers with the European Court of Human Rights in defense of it ban on most abortions. The court is slated to hold a hearing soon on a case involving three women who traveled to Britain to obtain abortions. They hope to overturn Ireland's strong pro-life laws that prohibit abortions unless the life of the mother is in danger. LifeNews
Ultrasound technology proves to be wondrous
Medical Director Brian Green, MD, of My Life Clinics in Central Missouri said women change their minds about abortion because they fall in love with their babies when they see them on the ultrasound. Proposed legislation in the Missouri House and Senate this year would require that women be allowed to see ultrasound images of their babies at least 24 hours before an abortion. He said the Columbia clinic has been getting referrals from area physicians since instituting the medical model. “And we are making referrals to them. They know we’re professional,” he added. Pathway
Divided Committee Vote Reflects Growing Opposition To Sebelius
The Senate Finance Committee approved Gov. Kathleen Sebelius's nomination by a divided vote, 15-8. FRC Action President Tony Perkins said, "The divided committee vote on Gov. Sebelius's nomination reflects growing grassroots opposition to Gov. Sebelius as questions continue to mount regarding her failure to disclose deep financial ties to late-term abortionist George Tiller." FRC Action
Support these ethical research organizations
The Do No Harm web site lists foundations that are raising money to support research into adult stem cells and adult cell therapies to treat diseases such as spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s and diabetes. They do not fund embryonic stem cell research.
Conservatives laud Gore's investment in ethical stem cell research
Opponents of embryo research have used an investment last week by former vice president Al Gore, as a new pretext to attack research on embryonic stem cells. The attacks have put some Republicans in the awkward position of supporting someone they otherwise dislike. New Scientist
Editor: I don't find awkward at all to approve when our opponents do right. Here's more on an issue raised earlier about iPS. The last 'talking point' on this paper from Do No Harm seems to lay to rest Dianne Irving's concern that it involves embryos after all. I'm still researching this and will let you know what I come up with.
Editor: I don't find awkward at all to approve when our opponents do right. Here's more on an issue raised earlier about iPS. The last 'talking point' on this paper from Do No Harm seems to lay to rest Dianne Irving's concern that it involves embryos after all. I'm still researching this and will let you know what I come up with.
Napolitano backs down from terrorist statement, but then appears to take it up again
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has backed down from the security document her department issued for the Obama administration linking pro-life advocates to terrorists. The document has caused a national outcry for saying those who oppose abortion are likely to be part of a group of people who engage in "rightwing extremism." Napolitano defended the report Thursday, but said that a section claiming hate-motivated groups and movements " may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion" should not have been included. LifeNews 4/16/09
In a Sunday news show, however, Napolitano appeared to reverse of herself again. LifeNews 4/20/09; commentary "Are you an 'extremist?'" Jewish World Review
In a Sunday news show, however, Napolitano appeared to reverse of herself again. LifeNews 4/20/09; commentary "Are you an 'extremist?'" Jewish World Review
How Men Drive Women to Abortion and How Abortion Increases Risk
When a woman gets an abortion, the couple is more than twice as likely to argue when discussing future children, and nearly three times as likely to experience domestic violence, compared with women who carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child. "Abortion may play a vital role in understanding the aetiology [cause] of relationship problems," the study authors stated. Abortion within a current relationship causes 116% more arguing when discussing future children, and 196% more domestic violence. The researchers found that abortion affected future relationships as well. Lifeissues, LifeSiteNews
U.S. middle-school youth engaging in sex
By age 12, 12 percent of U.S. students had already engaged in vaginal sex, 7.9 percent in oral sex and 6.5 percent in anal sex, U.S. researchers have learned. The findings are alarming because youth who start having sex before age 14 are much more likely to have multiple lifetime sexual partners, use alcohol or drugs before sex and have unprotected sex, all of which puts them at greater risk for getting a sexually transmitted disease or becoming pregnant. UPI
Abstinence-only proves effective
"In the ninth grade, I heard the abstinence-only-until marriage message. It changed my life forever." Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs are not presenting sex as a bad thing. On the contrary, sex is presented as something worth waiting for. Current and accurate facts are being presented to students, empowering them to rethink their position, thoughts and views of sex. Students are not being told what to do. Rather, we are giving information consistent with the facts, allowing them to make the decision for themselves. Bradenton Herald letter to the editor
Obama pushing the creation and harvesting of human embryos for research
Some may characterize the guidelines issued last week as narrowly crafted, since NIH will not initially fund research involving human embryos who were created specifically to be used in research. This seeming restraint is part of an incremental strategy intended to desensitize the public to the concept of killing human embryos for research purposes. Even today, NIH officials assert that they can go much further when they choose to. NIH today badly understates the scope of the longstanding law that actually prohibits funding of research that creates or harms human embryos, including all creation of human embryos by cloning. National Right to Life
Embryo adoption becoming the rage
Embryo adoption recently celebrated its 11th birthday. In just three years — 2004 to 2006 — 988 babies were born by this process, says one medical researcher, citing federal data. The total number born since Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption Program was founded in November 1997 might conservatively be closer to 3,000, says Ron Stoddart, executive director of Nightlight Christian Adoptions, the agency that pioneered the process. Washington Times
Video Shows Tennessee Planned Parenthood Coaching 14-Year-Old To Lie
A counselor at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Memphis, TN, was caught on hidden camera coaching a 14-year-old girl to lie to a judge so he would not find out about her reportedly 31-year-old boyfriend. This is the sixth Planned Parenthood clinic implicated in a developing multi-state child abuse scandal involving the deliberate suppression of evidence of statutory rape. PR Newswire; the video
Working or Policy Board: Which Model Are You?
In the early days of Baptists for Life, we had much more of a working-style board. We met more often, and individual members took on more of the urgent, daily tasks because the ministry was just getting off the ground, and there was no one else to do what needed to be done. But a ministry will, and should, outgrow that phase. The board should expect to pull back and take on a policy-making approach as the ministry becomes more established and grows, and as staff members undertake more of the day-to-day roles. How long will it be before your board becomes a policy-setting board, and what does it need to do to get there? At the Center
Mandated reporting: Centers must be above "don't ask, don't tell"
Abortion clinics avoid at all costs obtaining information about adult/minor relationships. This is something centers must not fall into. Center directors and peer counselors need to seriously and intentionally investigate their client's remarks to make sure the center complies with the reporting laws of their state. By not reporting abuse, we do our clients an injustice, and lower our standards of quality. At the Center
The secret to counseling the abortion-minded client
Every client is a Divine appointment. A good definition of a Divine appointment is that God is the One who orchestrates every client's visit to the center. This is the secret in which you shift from "I can't" to "I will trust God to work through me" and feel success when she invites you into her decision-making process. At the Center
Using Social Media for Positive PR
Social media is the use of blogs, websiteslike Facebook, YouTube, MySpace,Feedburner, Blogger, and over 2000 other sources of help to expand your Internet footprint. It has changed the face of public relations. Because what the public sees on the Internet often makes up most of what they know about your non-profit pregnancy resource center, managing your online image is very important. At the Center
Is there not a cause?
In our struggle to uphold the sanctity of human life and to protect as well as provide a voice for the unborn, do you feel like David going up against Goliath? As our government is attacking the unborn more fiercely than ever before and the forces of evil stand emboldened against us, the odds seem overwhelming. Feelings of hopelessness and defeat search for footholds in our spirit, and the enemy seems to laugh at any attempt to resist. At the Center
Saying "hello" at the college-town center
Marcia Warmkessel has served as a center executive director and client services director for 13 years in a small college town pregnancy resource center. "A center like ours has the rural center blessings and challenges as well as an obvious mission field to the university students. There is a balance required to be a good neighbor, a positive presence in the community, and a low-key resource for clients to feel safe and know their privacy is protected." Read about ways her center has done that. At the Center
Abortion Baloney: Pitting the Economy Against the Child
Back in the hippie springtime of abortion advocacy they were filled with predictions about the benefits abortion would bring to society if only the legal limitations were removed. Abortion would be the answer to poverty, to crime, to illegitimacy and single-motherhood. It didn't work out that way. Post Roe v. Wade, crime and poverty rose like Roman candles on the Fourth of July. Illegitimacy more than doubled and single motherhood became mainstream. And all of this happened during the course of nearly four decades and roughly 50 million abortions. So it is not surprising that the abortion-is-good-for-society arguments are not heard much any more. Family Research Council
UPDATED BREAKING NEWS: Is Sebelius Out?
Family Research Council (FRC) has obtained a copy of a 2002 fundraising letter from late-term abortionist George R. Tiller in which he claims he personally contributed $200,000 to ProKanDo, a political action committee dedicated to defeating Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius's pro-life opponent. Dr. Tiller's PAC receives funding not only from his own clinic but from other late-term abortionists from across the nation. FRC; PDF of the letter (In it, he says that during the civil rights movement he was "too busy" to participate, but now clls abortion "the single greatest issue of civil rights.")
Caution Over "Ethical" Stem Cell Breakthrough
A method of creating embryonic-like stem cells from ordinary skin cells is being lauded as the solution to the embryo research problem, but one prominent bioethicist has cautioned that there may still be unseen ethical problems and is urging caution. Dianne Irving, a former bench biochemist with the NIH and bioethics expert at Georgetown University, said there must be caution among pro-life advocates in endorsing the work. "If it can be shown that the research is truly accurately performed and does not involve the use of embryo DNA or foetal material at any stage, then it should be at least given a chance," Dr. Irving said. But she warned, "The human studies reported so far have all used human embryos or human fetuses as sources of materials for cell culture, for genes that are transferred, and for assays, as well as for the original cells that are transformed." LifeSiteNews; see also LifeIssues
Stats to use in fighting Planned Parenthood
Here are some handy facts from the Stopp Report that you can use in letters to congressmen, letters to the editor, on blogs, or in discussions:
- Planned Parenthood performs 24 percent of total abortions in the United States.
- Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion chain in America.
- Planned Parenthood killed over 305,000 babies in 2007.
- Abortion is one-third of Planned Parenthood’s clinic income.
- One out of every four abortions is committed in a Planned Parenthood facility.
- Taxpayers gave Planned Parenthood $349.6 million in 2007-2008. This is an increase of $12.9 million from 2006-2007.
- In 2007-2008, Planned Parenthood put $85 million of taxpayer money right into its savings account.
- Planned Parenthood has murdered over four million preborn babies.
Last days of adoption?
The latest federal data show about 6,800 babies a year are relinquished at birth for adoption, a minuscule number out of nearly 3 million unwed pregnancies. Moreover, only white women place their babies for adoption. Since 1989, the number of black babies relinquished at birth has been statistically zero. "We hoped we would see a 'Juno' effect, but it hasn't happened," said Teresa McDonough, who directs the adoption program at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington. Washington Times
Adoption success a reality
Compared with the truly stunning number of unwed pregnancies - almost 3 million in 2004 - adoption is clearly becoming an option that few women are choosing for their babies.
There are, however, some successful adoption programs. In Erie, Pa., for instance, counselors affiliated with the Women's Care Center of Erie County help birth mothers “design” adoption plans for the children they have decided not to raise. Washington Times; Adoption: Another Winning Choice
There are, however, some successful adoption programs. In Erie, Pa., for instance, counselors affiliated with the Women's Care Center of Erie County help birth mothers “design” adoption plans for the children they have decided not to raise. Washington Times; Adoption: Another Winning Choice
Are we a terrorist risk?
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said she was briefed before the release of a controversial intelligence assessment and that she stands by the report sent to law enforcement that lists veterans as a terrorist risk to the U.S. and defines "rightwing extremism" as including groups opposed to abortion and immigration. Washington Times; view the assessment here.
Texas lawmakers want clinics investigated
Some conservative members of the Texas House said Tuesday that a controversy over Planned Parenthood clinics in San Antonio should be investigated more and may lead them to seek a cut in state funding for the low-income health care provider. The Department of State Health Services on April 2 ordered four clinics in San Antonio to stop providing unlicensed abortion services. Rep. Phil King, R-Weathorford said, "We had heard concerns ... that some clinics were operating illegally and not properly using state funds." Houston Chronicle
More Federal Tax Dollars Go to Abortion Providers than Just One Year Ago
"Despite his promises to find 'common ground' on abortion, President Obama's policy decisions are already impacting and alienating American taxpayers," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "What a difference a year makes. Thanks to President Obama, taxpayers are now subsidizing abortion providers like the Planned Parenthood Federation and Marie Stopes International, who will promote abortion overseas. And thanks to the abortion-friendly leadership in Congress, domestic taxpayer funding for the nation's number-one abortion provider is on the rise. Planned Parenthood funding is up, even as they post over one billion dollars in revenue and a profit of eighty-five million dollars." Christian Newswire
Victim of coerced abortion seeks Sebelius' help
A Kansas resident who has testified before legislative committees several times on her personal experience of being coerced into having an abortion asked Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to sign legislation that would tighten Kansas abortion laws. Michelle Armesto-Berge said she was manipulated by her parents to have an abortion at George Tiller’s Wichita clinic when she was 25 weeks pregnant. The legislation would amend the late-term abortion law so abortion providers are more likely to be held accountable for their actions, and to follow the law. Kansas Liberty
Sebelius lowballed donations from abortion doctor
President Barack Obama's health secretary nominee got nearly three times as much political money from a controversial abortion doctor as she told senators. In a response to questions from the Senate Finance Committee made public last week, Sebelius wrote that she received $12,450 between 1994-2001 from Dr. George Tiller, one of the nation's few late-term abortion providers. But in addition to those campaign donations, records reviewed by the AP show that Tiller gave at least $23,000 more from 2000-2002 to a political action committee Sebelius established while insurance commissioner to raise money for fellow Democrats. Associate Press
Prom: Protect your teens
With Prom Season coming soon, now is the time to reinforce the abstinence message with your teen. Have your teen take the Sexual Health Quiz, review the Sexual Risk Exposure Chart, the Contraception Failure Rate Chart, and the STD Epidemic Statistics Chart. Let them know the Health Consequences of Contraception and Abortion. Concerned Parents Report
A Human Embryologist answers, "When does life begin?"
Human Embryologist, Dr. C. Ward Kischer, defines when human life begins and identifies false information resulting from Roe v. Wade. Silent Fall Documentary; can also be seen at Organize for Unborn Human Life
New envelope campaign
The Purple Envelope Project is an attempt to "put feet" to the Red Envelope Campaign that saw over 2 million empty red envelopes sent to the White House in March. Blogger Lauren would like everyone who sent a red envelope to put a dollar and a thank-you note inside a purple envelope and send it to Care Net or Heartbeat International in support of Option Line. I'd like to suggest folks give a bit more sacrificially, and send their donations to local PCCs. Nevertheless, this is a campaign we can all get behind.
As I said during the Red Envelope Campaign, the pro-life movement needs more than empty gestures. With the economy on the skids, PCCs are struggling. But this is just the time that women will need them more than ever. We can't let one PCC fail! Additional commentary here and here.
As I said during the Red Envelope Campaign, the pro-life movement needs more than empty gestures. With the economy on the skids, PCCs are struggling. But this is just the time that women will need them more than ever. We can't let one PCC fail! Additional commentary here and here.
Chinese Human Rights Document Fails to Mention Forced Abortions
China has issued a new human rights document that appears to make no mention of one of the biggest human rights abuses in the Asian nation: forced abortions. Under its population control regime that allows couples just one child, officials have used forced abortions and involuntary sterilizations to increase enforcement. LifeNews
Editor: In consideration of the following two posts, we could ask how many Chinese women take pride in their abortions?
Editor: In consideration of the following two posts, we could ask how many Chinese women take pride in their abortions?
Trusting Women
Driving home last week, a woman with a sign reading "I regret my abortion" was standing quietly on the corner outside the clinic. . . . My first thought was "wow, what an intensely personal thing to be sharing with the 6 o'clock rush hour on Boulevard." What was underlying my discomfort with this message was not that it was just another sign in the window of the anti-choice movement, but that in no other area of our lives are women so freely permitted or expected or encouraged to express regret, much less put it on display in the public forum. I then began thinking about what is different or special about abortion as a choice. RH Reality Check, LifeNews
We Already Have an Abortion Pride Movement
Blogress Marcy Bloom responds to Jacob Appel saying, "There is no shortage of venues for women to be able to speak out about the positive impact of their abortion experiences." RH Reality Check
Singing Sanger's praises
"We want fewer and better children ... and we cannot make the social life and the world-peace we are determined to make, with the ill-bred, ill-trained swarms of inferior citizens that you inflict on us." That ghastly pro-eugenics message appeared in the introduction to Margaret Sanger's 1922 book, The Pivot of Civilization. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently announced that she is "really in awe" of Sanger. Jewish World Review
Why Small and Medium-Sized Non-Profits Must Use Internet Technologies
It's not about joining the virtual bandwagon. With the internet continually evolving everyday, it is simply wise and profitable to maintain web presence, especially for small and medium-sized non-profit organizations. Ezine articles
Protect Your Non-Profit - Conduct a Background Check
Background checks should not be a decision made by an administrator based on when it is deemed "appropriate," but rather conducting checks should be an absolute policy requirement in order to avoid horrendous consequences for the organization and its people. Ezine articles
Internal Controls - 4 Procedures to Safeguard Assets
Internal controls are measures utilized by non-profits to safeguard assets from waste, fraud, and inefficient use. The church or non-profit organization is built on the concepts of honesty, truthfulness, and mutual trust. Internal controls not only protect the church's interests, but can also protect the staff members from false allegations. Ezine articles
Thank you letters - two effectual examples
Every charitable organization should make it a practice to thank donors for their contributions. This is especially true for new donors. Sending a thank you note and token gift to donors will help to set the tone of the new relationship between the donor and organization. Fundraising professionals must make donors understand that they are partners in fulfilling the mission of the organization. Ezine articles; more examples
6 Things to Know Before Hiring a Contract Grant Writer
Hiring a contract grant writer can be a good way to supplement your current staff without taking on the expense of an additional employee. But how do you find the right person and how do you make the arrangement work? Ezine articles
Accountable Reimbursement Policy - How Should You it Up Set Up?
An accountable reimbursement policy is a method for claiming and reimbursing professional or business expenses. There are multiple ways to set up your reimbursement policy. However, there are some rules that every accountable reimbursement policy must follow in order to be accountable. Ezine articles
How to grow your non-profit board
Recruiting good Board members for small nonprofit organizations isn't always easy, but it can be done. Here are some good ideas to make it a little easier. Ezine articles
National Volunteer Week - April 19-25
The theme for National Volunteer Week, commemorated April 19-25, is "Celebrating People in Action." It presents an opportunity for individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and government entities alike to celebrate the ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things through service. Points of Light Institute
Plan now to honor your volunteers:
Ideas from Energize, Inc.
Ways to recognize volunteers all year
Recognition boosters
131 ways to recognize volunteers
Fun pun gifts
Take advantage of National Volunteer Week
Say 'thanks!'
Quotable quotes
Plan now to honor your volunteers:
Ideas from Energize, Inc.
Ways to recognize volunteers all year
Recognition boosters
131 ways to recognize volunteers
Fun pun gifts
Take advantage of National Volunteer Week
Say 'thanks!'
Quotable quotes
Post Abortion Training Seminar April 25, Delton, MI
Becky Hughes asked me to remind everyone about the Post Abortion Training Seminar on April 25th sponsored by the Delton Women’s Center. It will run from 8:15-5:00pm cost is $45 includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and all training materials. The seminar is put on by Sydna Masse from Ramah International. The seminar will be held at the Faith UM Church in Delton.
You can get a registration form on line at www.ramahinternational.org or call their office at (269) 623-4061. Becky doesn't need your registration fee until the day of seminar, but must know by Friday the 17th if you plan to attend so they can plan for food. For more information, call or email.
You can get a registration form on line at www.ramahinternational.org or call their office at (269) 623-4061. Becky doesn't need your registration fee until the day of seminar, but must know by Friday the 17th if you plan to attend so they can plan for food. For more information, call or email.
In tough times, abortions on the rise in the Midlands
"Economic reasons have always been one of the primary reasons why women terminate pregnancies," said Dr. LeRoy Carhart, who runs the Bellevue, Nebraska, clinic. "They just figure they can't afford to have a child." At his clinic, women and couples fill out a questionnaire on their reasons for seeking an abortion. More are indicating that they can't afford a child or a second child. He said that while the recession is a key reason for his increase in abortions, it is not the only one. His clinic was closed from mid-January through early March due to a fire. During the last three weeks of March, he performed 196 abortions -- 37 more than during all of March last year. Part of the increase was likely from a backlog of cases from when his clinic was closed, he said. He has also received patients from a clinic in Council Bluffs. That clinic, run by Planned Parenthood of Nebraska and Council Bluffs, temporarily stopped performing abortions in April 2008 and has not yet resumed providing them. Omaha World Herald
Love over money
According to the Guttmacher Institute, three-fourths of the women who get abortions say they do so because they cannot afford a child. It's too soon for any hard data on whether the current recession is leading to a jump in abortions, but the Associated Press recently reported anecdotally that abortionists are seeing more women who feel they can't afford to keep their babies. Pro-lifers have heard this concern for years, but they think that love and care can trump economics. World magazine
Pro-lifers target of hate crime in Illinois town
A hate crimes lawsuit has been filed against Wayne Webster, the owner of an abortion clinic in Rockford, Illinois. Pro-life sidewalk counselors outside the clinic are apparently in harm's way -- a situation that has spawned the lawsuit. One News Now
Obama Signed Law Banning Federal Funding of Embryo Research Two Days After Executive Order Okayed It
On Wednesday [March 11, 2009], only two days after he lifted President Bush’s executive order banning federal funding of stem cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos, President Barack Obama signed a law that explicity bans federal funding of any "research in which a human embryo or embryos are destroyed, discarded, or knowingly subjected to risk of injury or death." The provision was buried in the 465-page omnibus appropriations bill that Obama signed Wednesday. Known as the Dickey-Wicker amendment, it has been included in the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services every fiscal year since 1996. CNSNews.com
Editor: I don't know why I didn't see this earlier, but it just came to my attention.
Editor: I don't know why I didn't see this earlier, but it just came to my attention.
Obama boosts pro-life recruitment
Obama’s first 84 days in office have been like an extended recruiting drive for the anti-abortion movement, reinvigorating a constituency he sought to neutralize during the campaign. Activists report a noticeable spike in activity as Obama moves to defend and expand a woman’s right to choose an abortion – causing anti-abortion voters to mobilize in ways never needed during the Bush administration. Politico
Line of text in abortion bill draws line in the sand
It’s just one line in a 16-page bill, but abortion rights advocates say it represents a callous overreach by anti-abortionists. Under Kansas' Senate Bill 218, a woman seeking an abortion must be informed at least 24 hours before the procedure that, “The abortion will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique, living human being.” Lawrence Journal-World & News
Good Friday reflection
What thou, my Lord, has suffered
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
was all for sinners' gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place;
look on me with thy favor,
vouchsafe to me thy grace.
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Statutory rape laws, by state
We fielded a question today from a PCC director, and it brought into focus the need for centers to know their state's laws regarding statutory rape and to have legal experts available to whom they can refer clients. Here are some government resources: A Guide to State Laws and Reporting Requirements, PPT presentation, PDF file
Selective abortions result in 32m excess males in China
Selective abortion in favour of males has left China with 32 million more boys than girls, creating an imbalance that will remain for decades. Pakistan Daily Times
Humanity Even for Nonhumans
John Maynard Keynes wrote that ideas, “both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else.” This idea popularized by Professor Peter Singer — that we have ethical obligations that transcend our species — is one whose time appears to have come. In recent years, the issue has entered the mainstream, but even for those who accept that we should try to reduce the suffering of animals, the question remains where to draw lines. However we may answer these questions, there is one profound difference from past centuries: animal rights are now firmly on the mainstream ethical agenda. Nicholas Kristof, NY Times
Call for evidence-based AIDS prevention in Africa
When Pope Benedict XVI commented this month that condom distribution isn't helping, and may be worsening, the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, he set off a firestorm of protest. Yet, in truth, current empirical evidence supports him. In 2003, a condom effectiveness study for the United Nations' AIDS program found no evidence of condoms working as a primary HIV-prevention measure in Africa. UNAIDS quietly disowned the study. Since then, major articles in other peer-reviewed journals such as the Lancet, Science and BMJ have confirmed that condoms have not worked as a primary intervention in the population-wide epidemics of Africa. In a 2008 article in Science called "Reassessing HIV Prevention" 10 AIDS experts concluded that "consistent condom use has not reached a sufficiently high level, even after many years of widespread and often aggressive promotion, to produce a measurable slowing of new infections in the generalized epidemics of Sub-Saharan Africa." Ed Green in the Washington Post
Sex-Selection Abortions Down in China, but Abductions of Boys Rising
Tiller Lied About Abortion Numbers, Profits
Abortion records kept by the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment prove that, during his trial, late-term abortionist George R. Tiller misrepresented the number of post-viability abortions done at his Wichita clinic by nearly 50%. He testified under oath that between 250 and 300 of the controversial abortions were done by his clinic that year. However, according to the 2003 KDHE report on abortion numbers, 491 post-viability abortions were done that year. Tiller’s attorneys successfully objected to questions about Tiller’s total annual income, but he indicated the average cost of a post-viability abortion is $6,000. He pockets 38 cents on every dollar generated. Using that average, post-viability abortions conservatively generated over $2.9 million in 2003, with Tiller’s take being close to $1.2 million. “That much money is plenty of incentive to commit perjury,” said Operation Rescue's Troy Newman. Operation Rescue
Planned Parenthood: Abortion rate corresponds to government funding
The Planned Parenthood Federation of America has released its annual report for fiscal year 2007-2008, which shows the nation's largest abortion business is growing. According to the data from 1997 to the present, the increase in government funding corresponds with an increase in the number of abortions (see chart). Yet, prenatal care and adoption referrals resulted for only 5 percent of the total services provided to women in 2007 while abortions accounted for 95 percent of the services that year (see chart). LifeNews, PPFA 990, PPFA annual report, FRC analysis
Planned Parenthood’s latest attempt to push its name
Under their latest Get Yourself Tested, Planned Parenthood wants young people to feel so free to talk about getting tested for STIs frequently that it's on a par with getting an oil change. Stopp International views it as another stunt to push its promiscuous propaganda. There are reports across the country of different PP affiliates and clinics advertising this new marketing ploy. Planned Parenthood is offering express testing for all STIs at their clinics for a fee, but most Michigan Health Departments offer the testing for free. Michigan Messenger
Real nonsense
Planned Parenthood is trying to sell its material and ideology not only to youth, but also to parents. If PP can’t reach every young person directly, then it will try to desensitize their parents into thinking PP actually knows what it’s talking about! One of their methods is a program called “Real Life. Real Talk.” This program’s purpose is to indoctrinate parents with PP’s philosophies and convince them to pass these dangerous ideas onto their children.
Abstinence Education in the News
Congresswoman Foxx asks a simple, yet telling question of panelists at a hearing on funding for abstinence education. The answers are revealing. Watch this YouTube video
Dr. Stan Weed testifies before Rep. Henry Waxman's Government Oversight Committee on the effectiveness of abstinence education. Watch this YouTube video
Dr. Stan Weed testifies before Rep. Henry Waxman's Government Oversight Committee on the effectiveness of abstinence education. Watch this YouTube video
Plan A newsletter
The Plan A for Abstinence newsletter is available online. Facilitator Sara Keeler will be at our Summit this July talking about the latest news in abstinence education.
Joseph Fletcher Would Be Proud
In 1954, Joseph Fletcher, father of “Situational Ethics” wrote, “[W]e shall attempt, as reasonably as may be, to plead the ethical case for our human rights (certain conditions being satisfied) to use contraceptives, to seek insemination anonymously from a donor, to be sterilized, and to receive a merciful death from a medically competent euthanasiast.” Morals and Medicine, (Boston: Beacon Press, 1954), p. 25. Today, 9 April 2009, is the final day for the public to make comments regarding the right of conscience protections for health care workers put in place by the federal government late last year. Bioethics.com
Early Christians on Abortion and Infanticide
"If men fight and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely… [and] if any lasting harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." Exodus 21:22-23
"Indeed, the Law of Moses punishes with appropriate penalties the person who causes abortion. For there already exists the beginning stages of a human being. And even at this stage, [the fetus] is already acknowledged with having the condition of life and death, since he is already susceptible to both." Tertullian (c. 210, W), 3.218.
"The womb of his wife was hit by a blow of his heel. And, in the miscarriage that soon followed, the offspring was brought forth, the fruit of a father’s murder." Cyprian (c. 250, W), 5.326.
Jesus People
"Indeed, the Law of Moses punishes with appropriate penalties the person who causes abortion. For there already exists the beginning stages of a human being. And even at this stage, [the fetus] is already acknowledged with having the condition of life and death, since he is already susceptible to both." Tertullian (c. 210, W), 3.218.
"The womb of his wife was hit by a blow of his heel. And, in the miscarriage that soon followed, the offspring was brought forth, the fruit of a father’s murder." Cyprian (c. 250, W), 5.326.
Jesus People
Capital Campaigns: Ten Steps to Success
If the thought of raising a lot of money in a relatively short time for capital improvements gives you pause, here's a word of encouragement: it is easier to raise money for capital campaigns than for annual funds. That's right: bricks and mortar campaigns are "money magnets!" Why? Capital improvements are tangible. It's easier for a donor to get his or her mind around a capital gift than an unrestricted gift. Charity Advantage
This Common Secret: My Journey as an Abortion Doctor
As a 26-year-old single mother working part-time and getting by on welfare and food stamps, Susan Wicklund became one of the first members of her large Wisconsin family to go to college. Before she decided to become a doctor and specialize in women's health, she had her own abortion to surmount -- a 1976 procedure that she did not understand, and that she sobbed and fought her way through until a doctor told her to shut up and drugged her. This horror story could come straight out of an anti-abortion pamphlet were it not for the determination Wicklund drew from it as she began medical school. Amazon
The Means of Reproduction: Sex, Power, and the Future of the World
In this new book, Michelle Goldberg shows how "the emancipation of women has become the key human rights struggle of the twenty-first century. The Means of Reproduction travels through four continents, examining issues such as abortion, female circumcision, and Asia’s missing girls to show how the battle over women’s bodies has been globalized and how, too often, the United States has joined sworn enemies such as Iran and Sudan in an axis of repression." Amazon
Exposing Abortion
Pro-life student groups plan major statewide conference at UC-Berkeley featuring “chance to hear from some of the most dedicated advocates for life rights in our time.” California Students for Life
Minority-targeted abortion a 'grotesque' trend
Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ) and colleague Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) are co-sponsoring the Susan B. Anthony/Frederick Douglass Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act. The bill would ban people from performing or soliciting funding for race- or sex-selected abortion. Congressman Fortenberry points to evidence that more than 100 million unborn girls worldwide have been aborted simply because of their gender. Given the fact that 70 percent of abortion clinics target urban communities, Fortenberry believes most Americans would agree that race-selected abortion is "very ugly." One News Now
Making the news
How to improve your organization's chances of obtaining positive media attention. Association News
Keys to giving a successful speech
Learn the difference between making and giving a speech. Association News
Oldest Abortion Clinic Closing After 36 Years
The Women's Choice Clinic of Oakland, considered by some to be the oldest abortion clinic in the nation, is closing its doors. The bad economy is the culprit. WCC has seen 64,000 customers and about 2,000 customers on an annual basis. It will convert to a volunteer-based educational group that will distribute sexual education information to members of the local community. At least 10 different pregnancy care centers in the Oakland area and surrounding communities serve women with pregnancy help and information, medical and insurance referrals, help with education, maternity and baby needs and other services. LifeNews
My son Zane
Nine out of every 10 Down syndrome babies are aborted. Zane was a number 10. My wife and I don’t think we are better than anyone else, but the thought of aborting our baby never crossed our minds. We didn’t have an amniocentesis done because of the possibility of it causing a miscarriage. But we thought, “What difference does it make? We plan to keep this baby even if there is some birth defect.” We did not learn of Zane’s condition until the moment of his birth. It was one of the happiest moments of my life while at the same time it was also one of profound sadness. Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
Oprah's doctor declares the stem cell debate dead
Dr. Mehmet Oz, an "Oprah" regular, used the brain of a 50-year-old man to illustrate the theory behind the use of embryonic stem cells and the dangers of using them. Then he proceded to declare the debate over ESCR dead because there is an orderly, productive, and ethical alternative. National Right to Life; video of the segment
DAY 41+: Just the beginning!
The reports keep flooding in from the 135 cities that have just concluded the spring 40 Days for Life — and there are still more over the next few days. So far, the confirmed number of lives saved from abortion during this campaign has now reached . . . 421!! 40 Days for Life blog
‘If we don’t save marriage, we can’t remain pro-life’
Speaking at an anti-abortion event in eastern Iowa Monday night, U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, warned that legalized same-sex marriage would lead to a complete dissolution of society and religion. “The values we have we pour through marriage into our children and into the next generation. Our religious values. Our values of faith. Our values. Our work ethic. Our entire culture comes through a man and a woman joined in holy matrimony, being blessed with children and pouring those values into the children and then living vicariously through them as they go off and we are blessed with grandchildren.” Iowa Independent
New Ohio abortion law in effect today
A new law in Ohio requires clinics that perform abortions to post signs detailing a patient's rights and mandates prison time for assaulting a pregnant woman. The notices are mandated to read: "NO ONE CAN FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION. . . . IF SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION AGAINST YOUR WILL, DO NOT SIGN THE CONSENT FORM. IF YOU ARE AT AN ABORTION FACILITY, TELL AN EMPLOYEE OF THE FACILITY THAT SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FORCE YOU TO HAVE AN ABORTION." Cincinnati Enquirer
White House confirms receiving over 2 million red envelopes
The White House mail office has confirmed it received a "deluge" of as many as 2.25 million red envelopes symbolizing the empty promise of lives snuffed out in abortion in a massive campaign that was larger than most White House mailing movements in the last 35 years. World Net Daily
President Barack Obama's Pro-Abortion Record
LifeNews compiled a list of President Obama's actions (signings, appointments, speeches, etc.) that defend or promote abortion.
Illinois Version of FOCA Defeated
The Illinois version of the radical Freedom of Choice Act that Congress may eventually consider has been defeated. Today was the last day for the state House to vote on the bill, known as the Reproductive Health and Access Act, and it failed to do so. House Bill 2354 will not be called for a vote today and, as a result, it will die for the legislative session. Abortion advocates will have to file the bill again next session for it to be considered once more. LifeNews
Catholics similar to mainstream on moral issues
Americans who are the most religious also tend to be the most conservative on moral issues. Among committed Catholics, however, a slim majority seem to be at odds with the church's positions on premarital sex, embryonic stem-cell research, divorce, and the death penalty. Regular churchgoers who are not Catholic are more conservative (i.e., less likely to find a given practice morally acceptable) than Catholic churchgoers. Gallup Poll
Teen abortions at five-year high
The number of abortions carried out on girls aged under 18 in Wales is at a five-year high, assembly government figures show. Latest available figures show 1,043 teenagers underwent the procedure in 2007, up from 906 in 2002. This information, taken together with this (about sex education beginning at age five) and this (about novel sex education methods for high schoolers), makes one worry for Great Britain.
Chemical abortions linked to Midwest agriculture?
Ecologist and author Sandra Steingraber thinks we need a big conversation about farm chemicals as chemical abortionists, "chemicals that have the ability to extinguish human pregnancies.” She said this type of discussion is one that can “bridge the gap of the divide in our culture” for abortion. “Sometimes you can drive in rural areas and see a big pro-life sign and right behind it will be a farmer spraying chemicals that might very well be linked to reproductive problems.” Iowa Independent
Younger generation produces fewer abortion doctors
In accordance with the requirements set forth by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, all accredited institutions must make abortion training available to interested students, either at their own facilities or elsewhere, regardless of the moral or religious beliefs of the institution, according to the review committee guidelines. In spite of that, fewer people are training to perform abortions. Pitt News
Defend conscience rights
Congress has passed numerous laws over the past 35 years protecting such rights; however, no regulations had ever been implemented until January 20, 2009, when regulations were put into effect to defend the conscience rights of healthcare workers. These regulations, which President Obama is planning to rescind, would ensure that programs that receive federal funds, including federal, state and local government programs, do not discriminate against health care workers who object to participating in such practices as abortion and sterilization. Please submit your comments to HHS in support of these regulations to enforce current law because groups like Planned Parenthood have supplied thousands of comments to HHS asking them to rescind these pro-conscience regulations. The deadline for submitting comments is April 9, 2009.
New Source Of Stem Cells For Future Therapies
For the first time, scientists have shown that amniotic fluid (the protective liquid surrounding an embryo) may be a potential new source of stem cells for therapeutic applications. Science Daily
Obama & China best of friends on forced abortion
The warm attitude shown to the Chinese regime by Mr Obama and by Hilary Clinton, the new US secretary of state, reminds this blogger of the warm relationship between Henry Kissinger, former secretary of state and Mao Zedong, the Communist dictator, in the 1970s. Indeed, it was Kissinger's infamous National Security Study Memorandum (NSSM) 200 of 1974 that set the stage for the Chinese to adopt a strict population control policy in co-operation with UN agencies in 1979. The belief that population growth, at home and/or or abroad, is bad for a country's economic and security interests rapidly became official dogma in America, China, the UK and many other countries.
"I helped my daughter get an abortion"
Three months ago, Louise Johnson discovered her 15-year-old daughter was pregnant. Chloe begged her mother to help and made her promise not to tell her father. Louise agreed and arranged a termination. Now her daughter is struggling with the consequences, while Louise remains unable to tell her husband what's wrong. Here's Louise's story.
Abortion Foes Move Debate Online
How do we continue to be relevant? Create provocative online content and rely on the power of viral networking to spread it widely. Known in some antiabortion circles as the "hearts and minds" tactic -- as in, winning hearts and opening minds -- the strategy depends on presenting the antiabortion movement in an unexpected light, the better to catch and hold attention. Longtime analysts of abortion politics say the right's online campaign appears to be having an impact. Ultrasound images circulating online have been especially helpful to abortion opponents, because they humanize the fetus. Wall Street Journal
US New columnist touts abortion in bad economy
"Can we not agree that an unwed couple's decision not to bring a fourth child into the world when they are having trouble feeding themselves and three children is no tragedy?" Bonnie Erbe, commentary
Get Yourself Tested
Planned Parenthood, MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation are launching a brand new initiative to increase awareness and testing for sexually transmitted infections among Americans 25 years and younger. The new program is designed to connect to tech savvy youth by using the common cyberese of abbreviating longer phrases. The program is Get Yourself Tested, or in the cyberese mantra of youth-speak GYT.
Senator to Oppose Budget PCC Donation Cutoff
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas says there are several reasons why he will vote no on the budget, but he points to attacks on charitable donations as one of them. Under the budget, Obama would limit this deduction for charitable contributions, which Cornyn says would cost charities nationwide anywhere from $4 billion to $9 billion. LifeNews
In Tough Economy, Women Need Real Abortion Alternatives
Recent news articles have shown Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion business, talking about certain locations across the country experiencing record abortion numbers. But FFLA president Serrin Foster has noticed that none of the stories include quotes from abortion advocates lamenting the situation and proposing concrete solutions for stopping the increase. LifeNews
70 new grant opportunities with the stimulus package
Get ready! Searching for funds has become a real challenge in today’s economic environment. Learn how to navigate the web and take advantage of new funding opportunities under the President’s economic stimulus package. Register for Intermediate Grant Writing with Thomas A. Jonesby April 10.
Forgiven Much
In her gripping debut novel, Leslie Dean brings to life the desperate hopelessness of the Mary Magdalene you've never met. Today's current abuse issues a Biblical setting a story of redemption. Amazon
Study: Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality
For men and women, the experience of an abortion in a previous relationship was related to negative outcomes in the current relationship; perceptions of improved quality of life if the current relationship also ended and intimate partner violence. Read the study
Layla’s Legacy
Layla was prenatally diagnosed with hydrocephalus, but before delivery, the severity of her condition was uncertain. Upon birth, a dismal report surfaced quickly. Layla’s condition was severe, and the initial MRI revealed that only her brainstem was functioning. Even though the doctors felt Layla wouldn’t respond to light or sound, she responded to the flash of a camera, appeared ticklish to the touch, her heart rate seemed to slow as we read to her, and she made noises as if to acknowledge our presence. Layla had one of the longest visiting lists in the NICU. Visitors came to hold, rock, and sing to her. Read more about how Bethany Christian Services ministered to Layla
Bulletin inserts for special events
They're not just for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Other occasions for using our bulletin inserts are Mother's Day, Father's Day, to promote your Life Walk . . . the possibilities are many!
Affidavit Supporting Pro-life Pregnancy Help Centers
Sign Heartbeat International's online affidavit to Members of Congress, attesting to the great value America’s pro-life pregnancy centers provide to women, especially those who find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy. Without question, pregnancy centers are good for America! Urge your congressional leaders to do all in their power to protect and defend America’s pro-life pregnancy help centers.
PCC List member center celebrates grand opening
The North Jefferson Womens Center celebrated its grand opening Saturday, one year after moving to 1016 Mulberry Lane in Gardendale, Alabama. Director Nancy Shaffer said the new location offers much more confidentiality to women who seek the center’s services. Shaffer said the new location is also paid for. Cutting the ribbon at Saturday’s ceremony was a former client who previously sought help from the center. She was there with her infant son. The non-profit center has been around since 1993 and offers a variety of services to young mothers who are expecting. The mission of the center is to steer women away from terminating a pregnancy. Some of those services include pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, information on abortion and alternatives, counseling and emotional support. North Jefferson News
Abortion 'A Betrayal of Feminism'
Karen Shablin of Feminists for Life believes that abortions occur because society fails to meet the needs of women, and there is an urgent need to develop a holistic, women-centered solution because “women deserve better than abortion.” Cornell Daily Sun
Gardasil Side Effects? Parents Seek Answers
In response to her recent post about the government deciding to take a closer look at cases of paralysis that occurred after Gardasil vaccination, Deborah Kotz received comments and E-mails from several devastated mothers whose daughters became ill for no apparent reason in the days and weeks after getting the vaccine, which protects against the cervical-cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV). US News & World Report
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