As White House Readies Abortion Plan, Packaging Emerges as Major Issue
As the White House readies its plan for finding "common ground" on reproductive health issues and reducing the need for abortion, a major debate has emerged over how to package the plan's two major components: preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the need for abortion. Many abortion rights advocates and some Democrats seek to reduce unwanted pregnancies by funding comprehensive sex education and contraception and to reduce the need for abortion by bolstering federal support for pregnant women. But more conservative religious groups say they would be forced to oppose such a plan—even though they support the abortion reduction part—because they oppose federal dollars for contraception and comprehensive sex education. US News
Still time (and still room!) to register for the Summit!
Our registrations are inching up there. We're at over 100! But there's still room for you. We'd love to see you at the Summit.
Connecticut Governor Bans Ultrasounds Without Medical Reason
Under a new bill pro-abortion Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell signed into law last week, an ultrasound of an unborn child can't be done without a medical reason or authorization from a physician. Rell claimed she signed the bill because she is concerned about the health and safety of mothers and unborn children. However, no studies have revealed any negative health affects for either by viewing an ultrasound. The bill is also an effort to target the new ultrasound "boutiques" that allow parents of unborn children to view an ultrasound and take home their children's first baby pictures of them moving around in the womb. The new law will take effect on July 1.
The bill follows a warning the Food and Drug Administration put out in May 2004 warning against using ultrasounds for entertainment. The agency said it was encouraging pregnant women to forego prenatal portraits, videos, and CD-ROMs, which are available from specialty photo studios around the country. Still, the director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, physician Dan Schultz, admitted that ultrasound technology has proven to be safe. LifeNews
Editor: The headline has an interesting double meaning - the ban is on ultrasounds performed for no medical reason, but also the ban was issued for no medical reason.
The bill follows a warning the Food and Drug Administration put out in May 2004 warning against using ultrasounds for entertainment. The agency said it was encouraging pregnant women to forego prenatal portraits, videos, and CD-ROMs, which are available from specialty photo studios around the country. Still, the director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, physician Dan Schultz, admitted that ultrasound technology has proven to be safe. LifeNews
Editor: The headline has an interesting double meaning - the ban is on ultrasounds performed for no medical reason, but also the ban was issued for no medical reason.
Two or more abortions could more than DOUBLE chances of a premature birth next time
Women who have an abortion could be risking the health of their next baby, it emerged last night. Those who terminate a pregnancy are subsequently more likely to give birth prematurely, with two or more abortions more than doubling the odds. Premature babies are at greater risk of health problems, with one in ten having lung disease, cerebral palsy, blindness or deafness. The data, revealed at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Amsterdam, comes as abortion rates hit record levels. Daily Mail
Planned Parenthood to shutter El Paso offices
More than 12,000 patients will be forced to look for a new health-care provider after Planned Parenthood Center of El Paso closes its doors forever on Tuesday. Financial pressures necessitated the closing. The organization was founded in 1937 as Mothers Health Center, the movement's founder and controversial women's rights advocate Margaret Sanger visited El Paso to speak about the need for birth control. Since its founding, the organization has been the target for pro-life advocates, though it did not perform abortions in El Paso. El Paso Times
‘Choice’ workshops help women heal
In her “Beyond the Choice” sessions, Tammy Rude offers workshops to women who chose abortion as she did, but who cannot find peace of mind even years after they “solved the problem” of their unwanted pregnancies. She works through the Life Choices Center, a faith-based pregnancy resource across from Binghamton High School. The location isn’t a coincidence. About half their clients are 19 and under. Last year they served about 450 girls and women with free pregnancy tests, free diapers and information to make a decision. Press & Sun-Bulletin
Achilles' heel of the anti-life lobby
Amnesty International claims that banning abortion "could lead to violations of women's human rights," even though it admitted that "international human rights law...already protects prenatal life." That admission is very revealing, because other pro-abortion groups won't admit such an unpalatable (to them) truth. It is an Achilles' heel in the anti-life lobby's campaign to get the United Nations to declare abortion to be a human right. That is why SPUC is developing the Amnesty for Babies campaign, so that legislators will declare that international law in fact protects the unborn from intentional killing from conception onwards.
Texas Pregnancy Center Network Earns Seal of Excellence
The Texas Pregnancy Care Network has earned the prestigious Seal of Excellence for meeting the highest standards of ethics and accountability. The Standards for Excellence Institute, a Maryland-based initiative that promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, operations, and facilities, issued the rating. A national peer review team of nonprofit experts evaluated TPCN for compliance with 55 standards.
Darryl A. Jones, the director of the Institute, talked about the criteria used to evaluate groups like TPCN. "Organizations that successfully complete the Standards for Excellence certification program exemplify openness, accountability and a commitment to excellence," he said. "The Institute encourages nonprofits to participate in the voluntary certification program because the standards can help build their capacity, which enables them to serve their communities more effectively."
Editor: What makes this award more remarkable is the fact that the Institute's foundational support is not known for being friendly to life.
How many mothers die from ‘unsafe abortion’?
Nobody knows, and current definitions are designed with political ends in mind. UN Millennium Development Goal 5 aims at reducing maternal mortality by 75 per cent between 1990 and 2015, but it is a target most unlikely to be reached. One important reason for that, says American doctor and researcher Donna J Harrison, is unreliable data on the causes of maternal death -- in particular abortion. In this interview with MercatorNet, Dr Harrison explains what’s wrong with the abortion data and why it matters. MercatorNet
Indian Women March against Sex-Selective Abortion
Thousands of women marched in Coimbatore, southern India this week to protest the practice of sex-selective abortion. Ten thousand students participated in the three kilometer long march carrying signs reading "Do not kill us" and shouting, "Adoption against abortion," and "No discrimination against girl child." The march was organised by the All India Association for Abolition of Discrimination Against the Girl Child and the Michael Job Centre for Orphan Girls in Coimbatore. It was supported by local colleges and schools as well as local and international pro-life organisations from the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania. LifeSiteNews
Huckabee Hashes Out Abortion Arguments with Comedian Jon Stewart
The June 18 episode of the Daily Show featured an unusual topic for a late-night comedy segment: abortion. Stewart softened his objection to Huckabee's arguments by admitting his affection for his own children before birth. "I have kids, and I think it is very difficult when you look at an ultrasound of your child and you see a heartbeat - you are filled with that wonder and love and all those things," he said. "I don't just feel personally that is a decision I can make for another person. . . . Out of all issues - I can be incredibly certain about so many issues and get my dander up, and self-righteousness. This is one I can't, and this is the one that I probably, in the culture, struggle with the most. I think it's a very difficult issue." LifeSiteNews
Program Pays Girls $1 Per Day To Not Get Pregnant
The group College-Bound Sisters was founded at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro by Hazel Brown, a maternity nurse who thought too many teens were having babies. Brown said she hopes the program, which pays $1 each day to 12-to-18-year-old girls, will keep them from getting pregnant. In addition to remaining pregnancy-free, the girls must also attend weekly meetings. The program is funded by a four-year grant from the state. WXII
Killing Girls movie
In today’s Russia, 80% of the women have between 2 and 10 abortions each. Killing Girls brings us into the world of an abortion clinic that specializes in late term teenage abortions. Here, abortions are sometimes performed even after 6 months of pregnancy. This is a story made for women with a women’s point of view. Killing Girls
The Abortion Movement's best-kept secret
In addition to greatly exaggerating (and even inventing) incidents of pro-life violence, the pro-abortion movement is deathly silent about the violence from within its ranks against pro-lifers. Spero News
Abortion Proponents See Red after Senator Proposes "Office of Unborn Children's Health"
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) filed an amendment this month to the President's healthcare reform package authorizing the institution of an Office of Unborn Children's Health. It would be one of hundreds of amendments filed so far with the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee as they examine the Affordable Health Choices Act. Abortion proponents lambasted the amendment by the "anti-choice" Coburn, who is also a medical doctor. LifeSiteNews
Planned Parenthood says abortion pictures "not real"
On June 24th, Live Action uploaded a video to YouTube which was removed shortly thereafter for "violation of the YouTube Community Guidelines." No detailed explanation was provided and YouTube also give our account a "warning strike." Live Action
Generic Plan B Approved for Teens
A generic version of the morning-after-pill known as Plan B has received Food and Drug Administration approval for prescription use by women aged 17 and under. For the present the pill is available only to those under 17, but it will be available for other ages after August 24 when the exclusive market rights of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. manufacturers of the original Plan B expires. The new generic version is manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals of Corona, California. They call their version “Next Choice.” Health News
Christians still giving to charity amid recession
A new poll Premier Christian Radio has found that most Christians are giving as much to charity as before the recession. In the poll of 512 Christians, 85 per cent confirmed their charitable giving had stayed the same or increased since the recession began. Sixteen per cent of those surveyed revealed they had actually increased their charitable donations since the start of the recession, with 69 per cent remaining steady. Only one per cent of the Christians surveyed said they had stopped giving to charity since the start of the recession. Christianity Today
Parents can hold scale model of their unborn baby
Pregnant women are being given the chance to hold life-size models of their unborn babies, thanks to an invention that converts data from ultrasound and MRI scans. Jorge Lopes, a Brazilian designer, uses 3-D printing technology to create the plaster models. “It’s amazing to see the faces of the mothers. They can see the full scale of their baby, really understand the size of it,” said Dr Lopes. A blind woman registered at the clinic has also volunteered to try out the technology at her next scan. TimesOnline, Christian Institute
Send your center's photos, logos
If you're sending a group to the PCC Leadership Summit, remember that we need photos of your center (building and staff . . . the staff standing in front of the building is great!) and a logo for our Center Introduction Powerpoint. Email them to Partners in Ministry by July 20. Remember, the registration deadline is July 9.
Amnesty International Criticizes Poland over Abortion Access
Amnesty International recently issued its 2009 survey of what it considers to be the state of human rights throughout the world. In its entry on Poland, Amnesty raps the country for its alleged "Denial of access to abortion for eligible women." It further faulted the government for failing to implement a 2007 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights concerning a purported "duty to establish effective mechanisms for ensuring women have access to abortion where it is legal." C-Fam
Garden of Hope newsletter
Mary Verwys writes: "It's always encouraging to report how God continues to use the Omega House. In recent weeks we've had young people join us for a Sunday evening meeting. They come away from such a night armed with new facts and renewed zeal to remain 'pro-life missionaries' in their own youth culture. We've also had a couple of luncheons with more 'seasoned citizens.' It's always interesting to imagine what the clinic next door must be thinking as a large bus comes into our parking lot!" Read their responses.
Extramarital Affairs, Like Sanford’s, Morally Taboo
Gallup's latest Values and Beliefs update shows that 92% of Americans say married men and women having an affair is morally wrong, garnering more opprobrium than any other moral issue tested in the poll. 56% say abortion and doctor-assisted suicide are wrong, beaten out by the cloning of animals -- at 63%! Gallup
Stem Cell Surprise For Tissue Regeneration
Scientists working at the Carnegie Institution's Department of Embryology have overturned previous research that identified critical genes for making muscle stem cells. It turns out that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury. The finding challenges the current course of research into muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, and regenerative medicine, which uses stem cells for healing tissues, and it favours using age-matched stem cells for therapy. Science Daily
Editor: I think this is saying they don't need embryonic stem cells, and that adult stem cells will do.
Editor: I think this is saying they don't need embryonic stem cells, and that adult stem cells will do.
28 Deaths in 2008 Related to HPV Vaccine
Judicial Watch announced this week that it has obtained records from the Food and Drug Administration documenting 28 deaths in 2008 that may be associated with Gardasil, the vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), up from the 19 deaths in 2007. The total number of Gardasil-related deaths is 47 since the vaccine was approved in 2006. Overall, the FDA documented 6,723 "adverse events" related to Gardasil in 2008, of which 1,061 were considered "serious," and 142 considered "life threatening." Of the 47 reported deaths, 41 occurred within a month of receiving the vaccine and of those deaths, 17 were within two weeks of receiving the vaccine. LifeSiteNews
God "Rejoices" over Abortions, Says Episcopal Priestess
The Episcopal Church should clarify God's official position on abortion - at least so says a priestess of the church, who claims that a proposed rite for post-abortive women conflicts with church theology and that the Deity "rejoices" when women elect to abort their children. Rev. Nina Churchman wrote a letter to Episcopal Life Online expressing her outrage upon learning that her church has developed a healing rite for post-abortion women. Churchman said she "was sickened to discover that the rite for abortion is couched wholly in terms of sin and transgression. . . . Women should be able to mourn the loss of an aborted fetus without having to confess anything." LifeSiteNews
IPPF’s declaration on “sexual rights,” Part 1
After two years of preparation, International Planned Parenthood Federation has issued a document intended to create “change,” promote and ensure “sexual rights” as human rights, and promote the use of legislative and judicial action to enforce these supposed rights. The document paints a bleak picture of a heathen world entitled to self-destruction through self-centered sexual pleasure, with no regard for the consequences of that behavior. STOPP Report
Pro-Lifers "Loathsome" and "Grotesquely Hypocritical" for Not Caring about Chickens
According to a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which recently decried President Obama’s swatting of a fly during an interview, the organization urges "compassion even for the smallest and least of animals," but has no position on the killing of unborn human beings. The spokesman told LifeSiteNews.com in an interview that it is "loathsome" and "grotesquely hypocritical" that pro-lifers oppose abortion, but are unconcerned about the mistreatment of chickens and other animals used in the food industry. LifeSiteNews
Direct Mail School
You are invited to the July 21-22, 2009 Advanced Direct Mail School at the Leadership Institute. This packed, two-day training teaches you how to raise money and generate steady, growing revenue. The cost is only $199, which includes meals, course materials, and lodging (space limited). Register by July 6th to receive an early registration price of $150. Learn how to: Renew and upgrade donors, build better lists, create better letters with better offers, incorporate the Internet into your direct mail program.
TN Planned Parenthood loses gov't funding
The Tennessee legislature has dispatched a strong message to Planned Parenthood. About $1.1 million set aside for family planning in the state will now be distributed mostly to local health organizations and not the taxpayer-supported abortion provider. Earlier this year, Lila Rose of Live Action conducted an undercover video probe at Memphis Planned Parenthood, during which she posed as a 14-year-old girl impregnated by an older man. A staff member advised her how to obtain the abortion without identifying the molester. It is believed Rose's revelation had an effect on lawmakers. OneNewsNow
Republic of Slovakia Approves Bill to Inform Women of Abortion's Risks
The parliament of the Republic of Slovakia has voted to approve an amendment to inform women of the dangers of abortion, the alternatives to abortion, and facts on the development of the unborn child. The measure would also require parental consent before a teen can get an abortion. The bill flies in the face of repeated pressure from the United Nations for Slovakia to do more to promote and expand abortion. LifeNews
Sotomayor worse than Souter
When it comes to the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade and the abortion cases that have since made it to the Supreme Court, Sotomayor is no Souter. Rather, her record shows that for the overwhelming majority of Americans who support at least some restrictions on abortion, she is worse than Justice Souter -- reading a "fundamental right" to abortion into the Constitution. Washington Times, Judicial Review
Hope Alive training
"We will be hosting a Hope Alive Level I training course from August 9th through August 15th, 2009. If you or someone you know is interested you will find the application form and relevant information on the Mount Joy website: www.mtjoycollege.com or on www.messengers2.com . We look forward to hearing from you." --Marie Peeters-Ney
HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY: Raising Money in Difficult Economic Times
Today’s environment is extremely competitive; even the best organizations need to constantly look for new ideas and take advantage of every opportunity. Leaders of successful organizations look for new perspectives which they can apply to enhance their success. Understand why people give and discover how to get them to give to you.
You are invited to attend a seminar sponsored by Strategic Partners, Inc. at Urban Youth Ministries, 514 Lincoln Ave. in Holland, MI, on 7/13/09 from 6:00 pm—9:00 pm. RSVP to (616) 395-2508; light meal provided. For more information, please contact Gayle Carpenter. FREE OF CHARGE to Michigan not-for-profit organizations.
You are invited to attend a seminar sponsored by Strategic Partners, Inc. at Urban Youth Ministries, 514 Lincoln Ave. in Holland, MI, on 7/13/09 from 6:00 pm—9:00 pm. RSVP to (616) 395-2508; light meal provided. For more information, please contact Gayle Carpenter. FREE OF CHARGE to Michigan not-for-profit organizations.
Abortionists Run for Coverage
For the first time in the House and Senate, pro-lifers are faced with the "family planning" nightmare Family Research Council has been warning about: government funding for abortionists. For weeks, key players in the abortion movement have been working with the Obama administration to guarantee that they would profit from any health care overhaul. That lobbying could pay off--quite literally--in the House. FRC
Whether it's hiding in coverage for "family planning" or "outpatient clinics," groups like Planned Parenthood will find a way to become eligible for federal funding. For this reason, FRC is working with Congress to include a provision that specifically and permanently excludes abortion coverage from any health care "reform" plan. Just as taxpayers shouldn't be forced to finance abortion, medical workers shouldn't be required to participate in them. Regardless, not one of the bills currently under consideration includes a conscience exemption to protect health care workers. FRC
TAKE ACTION: Joe DeCook of AAPLOG helpfully explains how to take action on this important issue. "Go to http://www.frc.org/issues. At the top right corner, click on ACTION ALERTS box—actually click on the hot link in that box entitled "Oppose Federal Funding of Abortion in Health Care Legislation." That will bring up a page labeled ALERT. Click on the hot link box which says "Contact your member of Congress…" That will bring up the next page, where you enter your personal information. There is an OPTIONAL box for credit card # if you choose to contribute to FRC for this project. After entering your required information, go near the bottom and click on NEXT —This brings up (mid page) the actual letter that goes to YOUR own congress people. (You may edit the letter if you wish) The personal info is already filled in, all you have to do is, at the bottom, hit SEND MESSAGE."
Whether it's hiding in coverage for "family planning" or "outpatient clinics," groups like Planned Parenthood will find a way to become eligible for federal funding. For this reason, FRC is working with Congress to include a provision that specifically and permanently excludes abortion coverage from any health care "reform" plan. Just as taxpayers shouldn't be forced to finance abortion, medical workers shouldn't be required to participate in them. Regardless, not one of the bills currently under consideration includes a conscience exemption to protect health care workers. FRC
TAKE ACTION: Joe DeCook of AAPLOG helpfully explains how to take action on this important issue. "Go to http://www.frc.org/issues. At the top right corner, click on ACTION ALERTS box—actually click on the hot link in that box entitled "Oppose Federal Funding of Abortion in Health Care Legislation." That will bring up a page labeled ALERT. Click on the hot link box which says "Contact your member of Congress…" That will bring up the next page, where you enter your personal information. There is an OPTIONAL box for credit card # if you choose to contribute to FRC for this project. After entering your required information, go near the bottom and click on NEXT —This brings up (mid page) the actual letter that goes to YOUR own congress people. (You may edit the letter if you wish) The personal info is already filled in, all you have to do is, at the bottom, hit SEND MESSAGE."
Delayed Motherhood Risky
The U.K. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have conducted a study group on reproductive aging. Women are waiting longer to begin having children, but are not aware of the risks. “Women should be supported, rather than constrained, in their life choices. However, both women and society need to be aware of the possible problems that older mothers may encounter.” The potential for pregnancy complications rises as a woman ages, but the major risk they emphasized was the woman’s loss of fertility. “Biologically, the optimal period for childbearing is between 20 – 35 years of age,” they say. Within that period, most women will get pregnant if they choose. But, after 35 it gets much harder to conceive and the possibility of a miscarriage rises. LifeSiteNews, the report
Late-Term Abortions are Never Necessary: Former Abortionist
A former abortionist who is now the president elect of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists has written a persuasive discourse questioning whether late-term abortion is ever necessary. Dr. Mary L. Davenport, M.D., FACOG, observed that the executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers admitted in 1997 that the vast majority of partial-birth abortions were performed on healthy mothers and babies. "Contrary to the assertion of abortion rights supporters that late-term abortion is performed for serious reasons, surveys of late abortion patients confirm that the vast majority occur because of delay in diagnosis of pregnancy. They are done for similar reasons as early abortions: relationship problems, young or old maternal age, education or financial concerns." LifeSiteNews, the report Is Late-Term Abortion Ever Necessary?
Free download for banquet success
Ever since word got out that Shawn Carney and Dave Bereit of 40 Days for Life have helped to raise over $21 million to further the missions of pregnancy centers and pro-life groups, they've been inundated with requests for fundraising advice. The two have spoken at more than 100 fundraising banquets and are constantly asked to share the system we developed to grow the fundraising banquet income from $24,350 to $312,964 for the local pro-life group where 40 Days for Life began. With the down economy and all that's at stake in the pro-life movement right now, they decided to provide organizations with a concise, downloadable report to help increase the income at fundraising banquets ... FREE! Get it now at: http://www.BanquetSuccess.com/specialreport
If that link doesn't work, try: http://banquetsuccess.com/updates/free-special-report.
If that link doesn't work, try: http://banquetsuccess.com/updates/free-special-report.
Plan to allow abortion TV advertizing is criticized
The plan to allow pregnancy advisory services and abortion clinics to advertize on TV and radio was announced earlier this year by the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee of Advertizing Practice. They believe it could reduce the UK’s teenage pregnancy rate – the highest in Europe – and sexually-transmitted infections. Dr Mark Pickering says, 'Allowing abortion services to advertize on TV would then be saying, “Here is a quick medical fix for the consequences of having sex.” That is giving all the wrong messages and is very disturbing.’ Daily Mail
Mothers Sue Over Tests to Determine Baby’s Gender
Six New York City mothers are suing the maker of a baby sex test that touted its product as "infallibly accurate," saying the test results they received were wrong. The women claim they received incorrect results from the $275 Baby Gender Mentor test by Acu-Gen Biolab Inc., of Lowell, Mass. The suit says the test maker advertised its product as the "gold standard for prenatal gender detection." The company's Web site says the test can determine a baby's sex as early as five to eight weeks' gestation. CNSNews
Guttmacher responds to pro-life accusations of racism
A new report "provides further strong evidence debunking claims by anti–abortion rights activists, who, ignoring all other contextual factors, have long argued that high abortion rates among minorities are the result of supposed aggressive marketing by abortion providers to minority communities. In truth, as the Guttmacher Institute has pointed out repeatedly, abortion rates among racial and ethnic minorities—especially blacks and Hispanics—are directly linked to their higher rates of unintended pregnancy, which in turn reflect pervasive health disparities more generally." Guttmacher
Choosing Not to Keep the Baby
In a story that provides evidence of the power of the Internet and the need for pro-life advocates to play a part in abortion discussions on it, a young women has had an abortion after getting the advice of participants on a popular discussion blog, called Motherlode. Last week, a 22-year old woman name Emmie, who found herself pregnant, wrote to the blog seeking advice. Blogress Lisa Belkin asked her readers to be “kind and wise” in their response to Emmie and later learned she received nearly 700 emails with a range of reaction for or against an abortion. Emmie decided to have an abortion and wrote to the blog about her decision, which she said made her happy. “Once I came to the decision to terminate the pregnancy, so much of the guilt and sadness I’d been feeling melted away.” Motherlode
Let Your Voice Be Heard
The passage of Proposal 2 by a narrow margin in 2008 left many questions regarding human embryonic stem cell research in its wake. To answer those questions, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have come together to introduce the Embryo Research and Fertility Clinic Transparency Act. Letters to the editor and on-line posts are needed to help combat misinformation. The Embryo Research Transparency Act consists of several bills that would codify the wording of Proposal 2 into Michigan Law. RTL of Michigan Action
The Psychology of Infanticide
Pro-choice blogger William Saletan of Slate intriguingly links infanticide to abortion: "If you're unhappily pregnant, you should look at an ultrasound of what you're carrying. That goes for the potential father, too. Nobody can make you look, nobody should make you look . . . [b]ut there's nothing bogus about an ultrasound. It will make you face what's growing inside you and the urgency of deciding whether to terminate it, even if termination is still the right choice. Otherwise, you risk sliding into the mentality of denial. And there's no telling where that ends." Slate
Death is upon us. "Us" being doctors.
The death peddlers here and abroad seek to remove legal protection from pro-life doctors who refuse to perform abortion, refer for abortion, or participate in euthanasia. Euphemisms like "reproductive freedom," the "right to choose," and "death with dignity" justify the assault on our patient's lives and our rights of conscience. But in the midst of this inversion of right and wrong, pro-life doctor groups worldwide are banding together to form a Hippocratic Registry of Physicians. World magazine, Hippocratic Registry
Teen Contraception Use Declining, Level of Sexual Activity Unchanged
Researchers found that from 2003 to 2007, teens' contraceptive use declined by 10%, while their level of sexual activity did not change. The decrease in contraceptive use was particularly prevalent among black teens. The figures take into account the rate of contraception use as well as the types of contraceptives used, as methods vary in effectiveness. Teen condom use leveled off and in some cases declined, according to the study. The study also reported that the teen birth rate increased by 5% from 2005 to 2007. Daily Women's Health Policy Report, the study
Hysterectomies a stem cell source
Discarded fallopian tubes from hysterectomies could be a good source of donor stem cells, say researchers. Work shows they are an abundant source of the immature cells that have the potential to become a variety of the body's tissues, like muscle and bone. BBC
A question of honor
On Thursday, June 18, in the Senate chamber, pro-lifers, stared down a resolution in honor of the slain abortionist, George Tiller. Rather than praise Tiller's legacy of death, House members decided to pass a resolution condemning all violence. Militantly pro-abortion Senators tried without success to find enough sponsors to introduce a resolution paying tribute to all abortion providers and "the services they provide." Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) lamented the fact that her colleagues wouldn't support the idea. She admits people advised her to strip any mention of abortionists if she wanted to pass the measure. She refused, and her cause failed. FRC
Resource: IS LATE-TERM ABORTION EVER NECESSARY?
Resource: IS LATE-TERM ABORTION EVER NECESSARY?
Get to Know: Network for Good Learning Center
The web site that asks: "How can we help you become a fundraising superhero?" With sections on social networking, marketing, web sites, and more. http://www.fundraising123.org/
Youth With a Mission to Host Pro-Life Event in Toronto
A week-long course taking place in Toronto in July will prominently feature discussion of the abortion issue and the pro-life cause, as well as delve into the issues surrounding human trafficking. The course, titled "School of Prophetic Justice, 2009," is being sponsored by Youth With A Mission. The organization annually trains 25,000 short-term missions volunteers and, among many other educational, relief and development services, has a strong focus on pro-life work and crisis pregnancy care. An important aspect of the group's work is the foundation of crisis pregnancy centers and maternity homes, which they call Living Alternatives, with centers located in the US as well as in Romania, England, Belgium, Cyprus, Russia, and Ukraine. LifeSiteNews
Medimmune Will Use Moral Sources for Swine Flu Vaccine
For nearly ten years watchdog organization Children of God for Life has alerted the public on existing and new vaccines and medical products under development using aborted fetal material, and encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to pursue moral avenues of research. So when Medimmune signed license agreements with Crucell NV for aborted fetal PER C6 cell line in 2002 for flu vaccine production, COG for Life immediately alerted the public and asked them to reconsider. A Medimmune public relations representative contacted COG for Life on June 17, 2009, saying, “Medimmune has shifted their focus from PER C6 for swine flu cell culture. Short term, they will continue using chick embryo as they do in all their regular flu vaccines. Long term, they will use MDCK (Madin-Darby Canine Kidney) for cell culture production.” COG for Life
Planned Parenthood's $ 1 million matching gift campaign
Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business, is conducting a new email fundraising campaign based on an anonymous donor who has promised $1 million in a matching donation. “If we can raise a million dollars by June 30, a wonderful donor will match it,” Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards says in the fundraising missive. “Please, take a moment now to make your donation worth twice as much.” LifeNews
U.S. Births Hint at Bias for Boys in Some Asians
The trend is buried deep in United States census data: seemingly minute deviations in the proportion of boys and girls born to Americans of Chinese, Indian and Korean descent. Demographers say the statistical deviation among Asian-American families is significant, and they believe it reflects not only a preference for male children, but a growing tendency for these families to embrace sex-selection techniques, like in vitro fertilization and sperm sorting, or abortion. NY Times
Focus on the Family's new CEO shifts perspectives
This ministry work hasn't changed, Jim Daly, new president and CEO of Focus on the Family, said. The approach has. "We're in a democracy. How do we express Christian ethos in a way that draws people into the discussion?" Daly asked. "We are the church. We have to be more understanding and not expect the world to act like the church. We also don't accept the church acting like the world." Daly says he is results-oriented, not an ideologue. "When those who are right, left and center all say, 'Let's make abortion rare,' let's meet at that starting point," Daly said. "Let's shove off the rhetoric and get together on practical matters." Denver Post
Maafa 21 DVD
They were stolen from their homes, locked in chains and taken across an ocean. And for more than 200 years, their blood and sweat would help to build the richest and most powerful nation the world has ever known. But when slavery ended, their welcome was over. America's wealthy elite had decided it was time for them to disappear and they were not particular about how it might be done. The plan these people set in motion 150 years ago is still being carried out today.
Life Dynamics has just released the Maafa 21 DVD. Over two years in the making this documentary has been called game changer.
Life Dynamics has just released the Maafa 21 DVD. Over two years in the making this documentary has been called game changer.
Call for Swedish abortion register
A report presented to the government on Monday has proposed that Sweden establish a national abortion registry and distribute free contraceptives to students over fifteen in a bid to lower the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. The author of the government report, Anders Milton, says that “for whatever reasons, we in Sweden have more abortions than other countries in western Europe.” The Local
Twice as Many US Adults Poll as “Conservative” than “Liberal”
A Gallup poll has found that “conservatives” make up the largest ideological group and that “liberalism” is has declined between January and May. In a poll of 1,000 adults, aged 18 and older, interviewed by telephone, Gallup found “conservative” and “moderate” groups are close competitors, at 40 and 35 percent respectively. Those who responded as “liberals” are bringing up a distant rear at 21 percent. A further breakdown shows that 9 percent identify themselves as “very conservative” and 31 percent as “conservative.” Gallup, LifeSiteNews
Pro-Life Group Refused Appeal for Calling an Abortion Activist an "Abortionist"
The Supreme Federal Tribunal of Brazil has allowed a decision to stand condemning a pro-life organization for calling a pro-abortion anthropologist an "abortionist anthropologist" in a caption below a photo of the woman, taken while she debated in favor of the legalization of abortion. The word "abortista" (abortionist) in Portuguese is commonly used to refer to individuals, groups, or ideologies that defend the legalization of abortion, one of whom is anthropologist Debora Diniz Rodrigues. However, a lower court had ruled that the language "gravely offends her personal honor and dignity." LifeSiteNews
Gospel fodder?
Are non-Christians merely "gospel fodder," or are they valuable in spite of their eternal state? Stand to Reason
Prayer request from Evelyn Stone, BFL Int'l Training Consultant
Evelyn's mother, is scheduled for a double bypass heart surgery at 8 AM this morning (Thursday). "Right now we are waiting to hear if it is possible to operate after passing two crisis last night. She had a heart attack on Sunday night that did severe damage and left few good options for treatment."
AIDS denial: A lethal delusion
It is tempting to dismiss the so-called AIDS denialism movement out of hand, but it has a strong internet presence, with a plethora of websites and blogs that can mislead the unwary. While the movement has lately suffered some significant blows to its credibility, it has in the recent past wielded extraordinary influence, especially in southern Africa, the centre of the world's AIDS epidemic. New Scientist
The Scream of the Damned
God's Son is the only person who had the right to ask of the Father, "Why have you forsaken me?" even knowing the answer and having participated in the decision. EPM, page 6
Interesting stuff that was buried in the pile on my desk
I finally went through that tipsy pile and threw three-fourths of it away. What a good feeling! But I also found some stuff that's too good to let go without letting you know about it.
- Fraud in Ministries: How to Respond, page 5 of a 2007 ECFA newsletter
- The Myth of Adolescence, page 4 of Eternal Perspectives, also from 2007
- The Rebelution, web site of Alex and Brett Harris (of "Do Hard Things" and I Kissed Dating Goodbye)
- Prasso Ministries - helps men and women find hope and victory by encouraging them to repeatedly, continually and habitually practice God's Word in their daily lives.
- Fundraising Well is a monthly newsletter that features methods to improve fundraising efficiency through the use of modern technologies and philosophies.
IPPF issues ‘sexual rights’ declaration
The International Planned Parenthood Federation has issued a document entitled Sexual Rights: an IPPF Declaration separating “reproductive rights” from “sexual rights” and declaring, “The entitlement to experience and enjoy sexuality independent of reproduction, and reproduction independent of sexuality should be safeguarded, paying particular attention to those who… are denied such an entitlement.” IPPF
Legal guide aids pro-life cause
Americans United for Life has produced a pro-life legal guide designed to provide lawmakers in every state a useful resource to develop and argue for pro-life legislation. It provides discussions of key life issues and legislative opportunities and gives model pro-life legislation developed by AUL. It also gives specific information on each state across the 50 states, that include a ranking of how each state does in pro-life-type legislation. AUL
Pro-life Leaders Face Death Threats, Require Protection
In the aftermath of the shooting of late-term abortionist, Dr. George Tiller, American pro-life leaders such as Jill Stanek, Troy Newman, and Frank Pavone have been receiving death threats prompting round-the-clock protection from authorities. Pew Sitter
Take HLA With You To The Fair
County fairs and festivals are part of the joy of summer and have historically been venues for education. Human Life Alliance's educational publications help to build that culture by focusing on the humanity of the pre-born child as well as fostering a deep respect for all human life. Just for Girls/Just for Guys promotes abstinence in a trendy format that youth will pick up and read from cover to cover. This magazine will fly off your display table. The LIVE PURE temporary tattoo will draw youth to your booth. While you're affixing the tattoo to their arm you can share the pro-life, pro-abstinence message. Imposed Death is the educational tool that exposes deadly practices that could affect any of us but especially the vulnerable, the aged and disabled. Order these and other resources from HLA.
The science of sex
Thanks to medical science, we now know that casual sex is unhealthy. Not just because of the myriad of sexually transmitted diseases it can cause, to say nothing of the unwanted pregnancies it can create, but because of what it does to the human brain. One News Now
Focus on rule of law, principles
The key to civil dialogue is found in two basic principles, which must be affirmed by proponents of both the pro-life and pro-choice positions. The first principle is respect for the rule of law. This means acknowledging that no one has the right to usurp the rule of law and use violence to further your cause or to harm your opponents. The second basic principle is to focus on the positions they espouse, not on the people they oppose. Demonization of one's opponents poisons the wells of reason and reconciliation and leads to hostility, bitterness and violence. Pro-life and pro-choice advocates both need to repent of attacking their opponents' motives and character. Richard Land
Motivating the millennials
The challenges and rewards of managing the new work force, also known as Generation Y. Association News
Woman charged with masterminding attack on boyfriend who wouldn't pay for abortion
Indolina Perez' boyfriend got her pregnant and wouldn't pay for an abortion. So, authorities say, the Greenacres woman arranged to have two friends beat him, rob him of his jewelry and cash, and steal his car. Palm Beach Post
Lack Of Medical School Training On Abortion Contributes To Decline In Providers
Salon contributor Kate Harding examined how a lack of training in medical schools is affecting the availability of abortion providers in the U.S. According to Harding, although a fear of violence and a tendency of younger doctors born after Roe v. Wade to "take abortion for granted" are "probably" factors in the drop in providers, another important issue is inadequate education in medical schools. Medical News Today
Abortionist Killed - National News; Abortionist Kills Woman - Ignored
Laura Hope Smith's death at the hands of an abortionist was and continues to be ignored and her mother's effort to bring it to the attention of her senator was stonewalled. "Where was the press when my daughter Laura died at the hands of an abortionist?" asks Eileen Smith, Laura's mother. A media search shows mostly news reports from nonprofit organizations, religious news and other alternative media. Laura's death was mentioned 10 months later in one major publication, The Boston Globe, when the abortionist was indicted for manslaughter. Christian Newswire
Could Teen Advisors Help Your Abstinence Education Program?
An adult abstinence educator can articulate the message for days on end and cause a ripple of thought among students, but the wave of hope provided by peers who are actually making the stand to wait for the best is invaluable. ATC archives
Making abstinence relevant to teens
Until teens have the opportunity to interact with the subject, they will not own the material. Inviting questions and engaging dialogue is the most powerful method of persuading teens. ATC archives
Pro-Life Democrat Saves Abortion Funding Limits
When Obama released his budget suggestions in May, he asked members of Congress to allow the Legal Services Corporation to use tax dollars to pay for pro-abortion litigation, however, Rep. Alan Mollohan, a pro-life Democrat from West Virginia who is the subcommittee chairman, came to the rescue. When he wrote H.R. 2487,he ignored Obama's suggestions and kept the pro-life provision in place. Mollohan also kept limits on using taxpayer funds to pay for abortion for prisoners who reside in federal prisons and prohibitions on patenting human beings for research purposes. LifeNews
Head of NOW to Resign
Kim Gandy, the president of the pro-abortion women's group NOW plans to resign her position at the organization's national convention later this week. The three-day NOW conference will be held June 19-21, at the Sheraton hotel in Indianapolis and the theme is Turning the Tide for Equality. Gandy has been the president of NOW for eight years. LifeNews
Early Christians and Abortion
With the exception of one author who wrote at length on the subject, early Christian writings do not discuss abortion in depth but merely state in a few words or phrases that it was forbidden to Christians. Most of the authors of the period do not touch on the subject but those who did considered it among the worst of sins. LifeSiteNews
The abortion issue we're ignoring
Perhaps it's time we stepped back from the ideological "whether" of abortion, and introduced the evidence-based "whither" of abortion into the national discussion. As an ice-breaker, we might begin at legal abortion's beginning by asking why, uniquely amongst surgical interventions, suction abortion -- the most common method -- has never been animal-tested, a clear violation of the Nuremberg Code for research ethics in human experimentation. Abortion on demand: empowerment -- or bamboozlement -- of women? National Post, LifeSiteNews
Prayer Requests: Be'ad Chaim
Sandy Shoshani directs Be'ad Chaim, a pro-life ministry in the Holy Land: "Please pray for each of our counselors and staff. Pray especially for our new offices in Rishon L’Zion and Kfar Saba! Pray for our Nazareth office to 'get off the ground.' We now have counselors in: Jerusalem, Beersheva, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Rishon L’Zion, Kfar Saba, Kiryat Yam (Haifa area), Acco, Tiberius and Nazareth. Pray for expansion and exposure of our work in each of these cities. Pray for wise and efficient advertising and outreach." Also, don't miss the weekly prayer requests listed in the right-hand side bar.
MCCL celebrates 41 years of saving lives
Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life celebrates 41 years of dedication to protecting and defending human life. MCCL has taken a three-pronged approach to advancing its pro-life mission. First, citizens are continually educated on the threats to human life posed by abortion, euthanasia, infanticide and embryo-killing experiments. People are then mobilized to become active pro-life citizens who in turn work to educate others and to support passage of lifesaving laws. Third, MCCL members work to establish legal protection for vulnerable lives. From a handful of pro-life activists in 1968, MCCL has grown to include more than 70,000 member families and 240 chapters across the state. MCCL
Ex-abortionist recalls Tiller
Co-founder of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, Bernard Nathanson is now 82 and hardly able to walk. "I knew George Tiller years ago when I was on the pro-abortion side. He came to a course I was giving in the technique of abortion in New York in 1970 under the auspices of NARAL. And I did late-term abortions until I changed my opinion as of 1980." Washington Times
Editor: Above article also contains insight on abortionist LeRoy Carhart.
Editor: Above article also contains insight on abortionist LeRoy Carhart.
Medical Board Should Revoke Licenses of Tiller Associates
Kansans for Life says three Tiller colleagues may have violations that the board should examine.
At the time of Tiller's death, the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, which regulates physicians in the state, had taken two of the three steps needed to revoke his medical license. LifeNews
At the time of Tiller's death, the Kansas Board of Healing Arts, which regulates physicians in the state, had taken two of the three steps needed to revoke his medical license. LifeNews
'Pregnant' blogger's hoax angers readers
Every night for the last two months, thousands of abortion foes from across the nation logged onto a blog run by the woman who said she was unmarried, pregnant, and identified herself only as "B" or "April's Mom." People said they prayed that God would save her pregnancy. They e-mailed her photos of their children, shared tales of heartache and redemption and sent letters of support and gifts to an Oak Lawn, IL, post office box. As more people were drawn to Beccah Beushausen’s blog -- which included biblical quotes, antiabortion messages and a soundtrack of inspirational Christian pop songs -- advertisers were queuing up. By the evening of June 7, when the woman blogged that April Rose had survived a home birth only to die hours later, her website had nearly 1 million hits.There was only one problem with the unfolding tragedy: None of it was true. LA Times
Threats, violence seen eroding US abortion rights
As an uneasy peace settles over Wichita, abortion rights supporters say the fatal gunshot that closed Tiller's clinic is part of a wave of attacks threatening to and, in some cases, succeeding in stopping women's access to abortion. Tiller's murder on May 31, 2009, was one of more than 60 threats and incidents of violence so far this year, according to the National Abortion Federation, an association of North American abortion providers. "It's a reign of terror against abortion providers," said Vicki Saporta, the federation's chief executive. Reuters
Editor: It is not known whether the reporter attempted to verify NAF's claim.
Editor: It is not known whether the reporter attempted to verify NAF's claim.
Issue Clash: Late Abortions
Operation Rescue president Troy Newman and Cristina Page, a reproductive rights advocate, author, and moderator of an online forum on abortion debate the practice of late abortions. PBS
Woman aborts other mother’s last embryo
A mother desperate to have a second child has told how she lost her last IVF embryo when the [UK] NHS implanted it into the wrong patient. When the other woman found out that the embryo was not hers, she aborted it. Details of the blunder raise fresh questions about the way IVF clinics are regulated. Sunday Times
Sex Education “Has Absolutely No Place” in Indian Schools
The Indian government has rejected western-style sex education programs, saying they do nothing to solve the problem of teenage pregnancy but only exacerbate the problem by promoting sexual promiscuity. The program had been touted as a means of preventing the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Materials for teachers and facilitators in India included explicit details about “alternative methods” of sex. According to the government, the curriculum prepared with material from UNICEF, had “shocked the consciences” of the country and was described as “quite frightening.” If implemented, the report said, it would “promote promiscuity of the worst kind.” LifeSiteNews
Abortion Wars, the First Time Around
At first glance, the recent killing of the abortion provider Dr. George Tiller in Kansas appears to be a modern phenomenon, the heinous byproduct of the politics of the last several decades. In fact, Dr. Tiller is just the latest in a line of brave (sic) people who have died for providing abortions. Perhaps the most infamous of these was a midwife named Ann Lohman, who killed herself in New York in 1878 after decades of harassment. NY Times
No abortion in health care reform
Under no circumstances should taxpayers contributing to any system give up what they have now, which is a firewall between taxpayer funds and abortion. Additionally, no health care reform should force participants to perform or be complicit in actions they find offensive. FRC
What does this say about our values?
According to a 2002 report, one man was fined $2,500 for taking paddlefish eggs out of the state of Oklahoma. In addition to the fine, the individual could have spent 450 days in jail for smuggling the eggs. Felony violations involving the destruction of various endangered species and their eggs, according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act can amount to as much as $250,000 in fees for individuals and $500,000 for corporations and up to six months in prison. A violation of the Eagle Act can result in a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment of up to one year. Penalties for subsequent offenses are significantly higher. . . . Consider the case of the five Arizona police officers who are currently on paid leave because a criminal probe is being conducted following the flushing of a preborn child down a toilet. American Life League
Documentary Explores Debate over Stem-Cell Research
A new documentary from The Center for Bioethics and Culture Network addresses the controversy over life-destroying embryonic stem-cell research versus ethical, adult stem-cell research. In Lines That Divide, prominent scientists from both sides of the debate discuss the details surrounding modern-day research. CitizenLink, DVD
Carhart says he’ll temporarily offer third-trimester procedures in Bellevue
Carhart said he would offer the abortions only in cases where the fetus had organ damage or other medical problems preventing its survival outside the mother’s body. The doctor said he has not performed abortions in Nebraska past the 22nd week of pregnancy previously because he could refer women who needed them to Dr. George Tiller’s clinic in Wichita. Now Carhart will offer abortions beyond 22 weeks, including those in the third trimester, which begins about the 28th week. Carhart said he will offer them there only until he can open a clinic outside the state, probably in Kansas. Nebraska law, which reflects the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, appears to allow the third-trimester abortions, officials said. Omaha World Herald
Tiller Drove his Own Employee to Join Operation Rescue
Luhra Tivis, who was hired as a temp worker for late-term abortionist GeorgeTiller and eventually became a full employee for one year, discussed her story in the wake of Tiller's death. Though Tivis says Tiller assured her at the outset that he only performed late-term abortions on "severely deformed" children or for a medical crisis, Tivis says she soon came to realize that Tiller's words were not consistent with his practice. “I was seeing eight- and nine-month pregnant women come in,” she said, “and out of those two dozen a week, only about 2 percent had medical deformities. I thought I was pro-choice back then, but week after week I kept seeing these women coming in with healthy babies and I saw all the records. I didn’t think that was right.” LifeSiteNews, Enid News & Eagle, Pro-Life Action League
Arkansas Legislature Applauds Work of Pregnancy Centers
The Arkansas state legislature on Wednesday issued a citation recognizing the work of pregnancy centers in the state that help women find alternatives to abortion. Arkansas Sen. Gilbert Baker sponsored the resolution commending the groups. "The Arkansas Legislature is pleased to present an official 'citation' honoring the pregnancy centers of our state," he said. "Those that serve within pregnancy centers are to be commended for their sacrifice of time, energy, and resources on behalf of thousands of families in our communities. Your network of support for women is a wonderful example of that great spirit of American volunteerism that is so critical, especially in today's economy." LifeNews
Sotomayor: Never thought about rights of unborn
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) says he had a "good meeting" with Judge Sonia Sotomayor on Wednesday that covered a broad range of issues, but none of his concerns about the high court nominee were eased. "When I asked if an unborn child has any rights whatsoever, I was surprised that she said she had never thought about it," he says. "This is not just a question about abortion, but about respect due to human life at all stages -- and I hope this is cleared up in her hearings." OneNewsNow
Call for exhibitors
The PCC Leadership Summit (July 23-24, in Grand Rapids) is a prime time for pro-life vendors to meet and influence the people who use your resources. Click to learn more about display and advertising opportunities, or email Sue Ellen.
Get to Know: BFL's history
Ever wonder about the origins of Baptists for Life / Partners in Ministry? Curious about where Baptists have historically stood on the issue of abortion? Read BFL Before 1984 . . . the year of our formation.
Changing abortion's pronoun
'We had abortions,' say men whose lovers ended pregnancies. It isn't just a women's trauma, they insist. But critics see a political calculation. Los Angeles Times
Doctor planning to replace Tiller's services
A Nebraska doctor said Wednesday he will perform third-term abortions in Kansas after the slaying of abortion provider George Tiller, but declined to say whether his plans include opening a new facility or offering the procedure at an existing practice. Dr. LeRoy Carhart declined to discuss his plans in detail but insisted 'there will be a place in Kansas for the later second- and the medically indicated third-trimester patients very soon.' Carhart spoke a day after Tiller's family announced his Wichita clinic was permanently shutting its doors. Pioneer Press
Two sentenced in abortion clinic arson
Two men who burned down an Albuquerque abortion office have been ordered to serve more than three years in prison and to pay every penny of the nearly $800,000 in damage they caused. On Dec. 6, 2007, Sergio Baca, then 22, and Chad Altman, then 26, broke a window of Dr. Boyd's office, poured gasoline inside and lit a match destroying the office. The motive was revealed to be a woman carrying Baca's unborn child was scheduled to have an abortion at the clinic the next day. KRQE
No Bomb Found in Abortion Clinic Threat
Five hours after getting a call about a bomb threat at a Memphis women's clinic Wednesday night, police turned up nothing. Memphis Police and the FBI searched the Memphis Center For Reproductive Health, using bomb sniffing dogs and a high tech robot to sweep the area and nearby cars. According to the clinic's website, the facility does perform abortions. MyFoxMemphis
Woman charged in slaying may have contacted other pregnant women
A woman accused of killing an expectant mother and cutting her child from the womb may have contacted other pregnant women in the weeks before she settled on a victim, detectives say. The new details emerged as prosecutors awaited autopsy results to determine if the child ever drew a breath, the legal threshold in Oregon to determine whether murder charges can be brought against 27-year-old Korena Roberts in the baby's death. Baltimore Sun
Women's Bible study resource
The New Eve is a stirring counterpart to Robert Lewis' teachings on authentic biblical manhood in the context of the modern world (Men's Fraternity). The format is a 12 chapter book that includes a small group discussion guide. The New Eve sets forth and elaborates upon five "Bold Moves" for today's discerning woman: Live from the Inside Out, Adopt a Biblical Definition of Womanhood, Embrace a Big Picture Perspective on Life, Live with the End in Mind, Use Wisdom with a Man.
Still time for 'early bird' Summit registrations
Register for Partners in Ministry's PCC Leadership Summit by June 20 at a discounted price. Whether you make the deadline or not, you're getting 'more bang for your buck' because the Summit is where you can benefit from Care Net's 'Center Readiness' training, a two-part grantwriting seminar, as well as all the usual informative workshops and inspiring plenary sessions. I've recently added additional lodging info to the web page. You now have two low-cost options.
Mexican Health Care Workers and Hospitals Seek Exemption from Requirement to Provide Abortions
Hundreds of doctors, nurses, and even whole medical institutions are seeking legal exemption from Official Mexican Norm 046, which requires medical practitioners to perform abortions on women who claim they have been raped, within 72 hours of the request. The administration of President Felipe Calderon approved the new regulation on April 16 after coming under pressure from pro-abortion "human rights" groups such as Amnesty International. LifeSiteNews
House Democrats Prevent Amendment Limiting Obama's Intl Abortion Agenda
Rep. Chris Smith had hoped to offer an amendment that would have made the bill abortion-neutral. It would have allowed the creation of the Office for Global Women's Issues, but only to promote legitimate women's interests, not abortion. During a meeting of the House Rules Committee on Wednesday night, House Democrats decided to shape the rules of the debate on the bill to disallow Smith amendment. LifeNews
Pregnant with girl or boy? At-home test may tell you
Expecting moms can determine whether they're carrying a boy or a girl as early as 10 weeks after conception, according to makers of an over-the-counter gender prediction test. IntelliGender, the Plano, Texas, creator of the "Boy or Girl Gender Prediction Test," says scientists isolated certain hormones that when combined with a "proprietary mix of chemicals" react differently if a woman is carrying a boy or a girl. It claims that within 10 minutes of taking the urine test, a woman will be able to tell her baby's gender. The specimen will turn green if it's a boy, and orange if it's a girl. CNN
Planned Parenthood's $2.4 million renovation includes better security
Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan celebrated completion of a $2.4 million expansion and renovation project with an open house for invited guests. The project at the West Michigan Avenue facility in Kalamazoo was funded through a $4.6 million capital campaign that exceeded its goal by $100,000. Among upgrades to Kalamazoo's Planned Parenthood clinic is a new and enlarged waiting room. About $2.2 million was used to build a new, 7,600-square-foot facility in Battle Creek. Kalamazoo Gazette
Stopp Planned Parenthood notes that pictures of the renovated facility reveal three stained glass windows inscribed with the words Life, Choice and Hope. "How ironic that they proclaim 'Life' in the first panel, and 'Choice' – their code word for killing innocent babies – on the next. The last panel appears to signal arrival at a totally illogical conclusion: Killing little innocent preborn babies somehow leads to 'Hope.'"
Meanwhile, Alternatives Women's Care Center (which I believe is right across the street from this PP facility) struggles to pay off a balloon payment. They've been given an extension, but could have really used the extra $100,000 that PP didn't need.
Stopp Planned Parenthood notes that pictures of the renovated facility reveal three stained glass windows inscribed with the words Life, Choice and Hope. "How ironic that they proclaim 'Life' in the first panel, and 'Choice' – their code word for killing innocent babies – on the next. The last panel appears to signal arrival at a totally illogical conclusion: Killing little innocent preborn babies somehow leads to 'Hope.'"
Meanwhile, Alternatives Women's Care Center (which I believe is right across the street from this PP facility) struggles to pay off a balloon payment. They've been given an extension, but could have really used the extra $100,000 that PP didn't need.
Spanish Conservatives Ride Pro-Life Wave to Victory in European Parliament Elections
The Spanish conservative People's Party soundly defeated their main socialist rival in Sunday's European Parliament elections after making the socialists' pro-abortion position a prominent issue. LifeSiteNews
Philly abortion give-away
The Philadelphia Women’s Center gave away free abortions Tuesday in honor of Dr. George Tiller, the abortionist who was murdered last week by an anti-abortion extremist. A worker at the clinic said that an unspecified number of free abortions had been performed during the day, but that they had stopped giving them away by late afternoon. She also said that there had not been free abortion giveaways in the past, and that there were no plans to give any away in the future. Under normal circumstances, abortions would not be au gratis at the clinic. Townhall
Amnesty International pressures DR to keep abortion legal
Amnesty International, the human rights group, has criticised the Dominican Republic for moves to ban abortion. The country's congress is considering a new constitutional provision to guarantee the right to life from conception to natural death. In a press release, Amnesty admitted that, although "international human rights law...already protects prenatal life," banning abortion "could lead to violations of women's human rights." Amnesty International
An abortion remembered
The idea that it begins at conception always seemed rather arbitrary to me. And I also suspect that this life is not our only shot. . . . I think it’s . . . likely that when a pregnancy is terminated, that soul is simply born to a different mother. I don’t deny that terminating a pregnancy can be a mournful event for a mother and a family. But I’m not so sure that it’s a devastating event for the unborn child. And I don’t see why pro-life folks are so sure about this. Daily Dish
State Department to advocate abortion
The US House of Representatives is due to vote this week on the establishment of an Office of Global Women’s Issues within the US State Department. The head of the new office is Melanne Verveer, reported to be pro-abortion Catholic. We can expect this new office to engage in a worldwide campaign to make abortion on demand a universal human right. For Obama and Clinton, the promotion of a so-called right to abortion among the highest priorities of US domestic and foreign policy. SPUC
Action: Tell Congress to Reject Abortion Promotion by Secretary of State
Action: Tell Congress to Reject Abortion Promotion by Secretary of State
New Must-Have EWYL Upgrades at No Cost
Heritage House has updated 2 of the Earn While You Learn lessons. The updates are free and will ensure your EWYL program is up-to-date and accurate. The lessons can be downloaded from the links below. Please note, on lesson 2.2 you will need to purchase the new DVD - it is on sale this week at http://www.hh76.com/.
- Module 2, Lesson 2 View Here - Changes: Updated to work with Eyewitness 2 - the new resource used is 7761SV and needs to be purchased separately. The old resource was out of date.
- Module 7, Lesson 2 View Here - Changes: The CPR process has been changed for infants and toddlers to the most recent version as recommended by the AHA. Please make sure your DVD First Aid Illnesses has the date of 2006 on the back. If you are using the VHS tape for this resource it is out of date.
Curriculum Just for Men
Heritage House is proud to announce an exciting, comprehensive and powerful curriculum just for men. The basis for this curriculum is Men’s Fraternity: The Quest For Authentic Manhood. It's being used worldwide in churches and men’s outreaches. Heritage House received exclusive permission to write EWYL Modules for use by PCC ministries. Like all other EWYL materials, you purchase the DVDs and the modules and then you copy the lessons as you go. And, like all EWYL, it is simple to present. But behind this easy-to-use curriculum is the teaching and tools men need in today’s culture to be men of character. Heritage House
Reflection on Tiller's murder
‘We should never confuse the enemy with the harvest.’ The enemy is Satan. Our neighbors who disagree with us may be deceived by him, but they are not the enemy. They are the harvest. Christ died for them. Christian Medical & Dental Association
Teens for Life Launches Social Networking Site
Teens for Life, the multiple-award winning youth outreach known for producing the world's only quarterly pro-life publication for teens, is breaking new ground again with the launch of www.teensforlife.com, the world's first social networking site dedicated to raising up a new generation of pro-life teens. The site features an in-depth networking experience for teens that allows them to discuss core issues, exchange ideas, share multimedia, and just hang out with peers online. Market Wire
My Choice
I grew up believing that abortions are wrong. Now, I expect to perform them someday. Washington Post
"Credit Cards" For Condoms
The UK Department for Children, Schools and Families has announced a new program that will give boys as young as 12 a condom "credit card," or "C-card," allowing them to receive free condoms at sport fields, clubs and barbershops. The strategy was conceived as a way of providing more condoms to teenagers with the hope that it will help cut teenage pregnancies. Britain has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Europe. LifeSiteNews
Tiller's Clinic to Close Permanently
The Witchita, Kan., abortion clinic run by murdered doctor George Tiller will be closed permanently, the Tiller family announced Tuesday as Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-NY, offered a House resolution honoring the slain abortion provider. Tiller opened the Women's Health Care Services, Inc., in the 1970s and it served as one of three clinics in the country that performed controversial second- and third-term abortions. "Notice is being given today to all concerned that the Tiller family is ceasing operation of the clinic and any involvement by family members in any other similar clinic," Tiller family attorneys Lee Thompson and Dan Monnat said in a statement. "We are proud of the service and courage shown by our husband and father and know that women's health care needs have been met because of his dedication and service. That is a legacy that will never die. The family will honor Dr. Tiller's memory through private charitable activities." Foxnews
Teens: Oral Sex and Casual Prostitution No Biggie
In the documentary, "Oral Sex Is the New Goodnight Kiss," girls as young as 11 years old talk about having sex, going to sex parties and -- in some extreme situations -- crossing into prostitution by exchanging sexual favors for money, clothes or even homework. Evidence of this casual attitude may be seen in the fact that more than half of all teens 15 to 19 years old have engaged in oral sex, according to a comprehensive 2005 study by the Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Health Statistics. ABC News
Kids Born to Unwed Moms Hit Record High
The rate of babies born to unwed mothers has doubled since 1980. "The surprising thing is that we've had this really big upswing in births to unmarried mothers in such a short period of time," said Stephanie Ventura, the author of the CDC report. Sociologists say that the rising rate of unwed mothers reflects a lackadaisical attitude toward the tradition of marriage in Europe and in the U.S. The report didn't look at cohabitation rates. ABC News
Reflection: Lessons From the Fall
Genesis 3 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. Without it, we can’t even begin to understand the darkness that blankets the earth. With it, we can catch a glimpse of the light, which shines in the darkness. Answers in Genesis
Blind could be cured by stem cells grown in contact lenses
Researchers say the world breakthrough can "dramatically improve" the sight of patients with damage to their cornea – the clear outer shell of the eye – caused by disease or injury. If early findings bear out then the treatment could be affective for thousands of patients in Britain and is so cheap it could be used for millions more in the Third World. The research team removed tissue with regenerative stem cells from patients' own eyes and then multiplied them in the laboratory on the surface of a contact lens. Telegraph
Obama Justice Dept. hunting for 'all actors' in Tiller murder
The Justice department announced late Friday afternoon that it is launching an investigation to see who else may have been involved in the murder of abortionist George Tiller. "The Department of Justice will work tirelessly to determine the full involvement of any and all actors in this horrible crime, and to ensure that anyone who played a role in the offense is prosecuted to the full extent of federal law." OneNewsNow, DOJ
Reflection on Dr. Tiller's murder
‘We should never confuse the enemy with the harvest.’ The enemy is Satan. Our neighbors who disagree with us may be deceived by him, but they are not the enemy. They are the harvest. Christ died for them. CMDA
Abortion Activists Forget George Tiller Killed, Injured Women in Botched Abortions
Since his shooting death last weekend, the mainstream media and abortion advocates have gone out of their way to paint late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller as a champion of women. However, their portrayal neglects any mention of the women he killed or injured in botched abortions. LifeNews
Frank Pavone Emphasizes Biggest Danger From the Killing of George Tiller
The biggest danger is that some will listen to those in the pro-abortion movement who try to lay blame for violence on us and who, as one person wrote on my blog, think that saying “Abortion is murder” should be prosecuted because it leads to violence against abortionists.
Martin Luther King Jr., in his Letter from the Birmingham Jail, responded to criticisms that the civil rights activists were fomenting violence. No, he said. That’s like saying the person who owns money is fomenting the activity of the robber. To expose the violence that is already occurring, to call it what it is, and to sound the alarm that it has to stop, is not to foment violence.
The pro-life movement is a movement of non-violence. As Ghandi and Dr. King taught, and as we teach, non-violence is not passivity, and it is not obscurity. It is a force. It is a clear and strong response against violence, in whatever form that violence takes. LifeSiteNews
Spanish Feminists Seek to Lower Age of Consent for Abortions to 13 Years
The Governmental Coordinator of Feminist Organizations has gathered 12,000 signatures on a petition demanding that the Spanish government depenalize unlimited abortion on demand, provide abortions in public hospitals, and lower the age of consent for abortion to 13 years. "We want the text [of the law] of the government not to be so restrictive, so that we truly have one of the most advanced norms in Europe like the socialist parliamentarians say," said Yoland Iglesias, a spokesman for the group. LifeSiteNews
Family Breakdown in Canada Costs $7 Billion Annually
The Institute of Marriage and Family Canada released new research yesterday on the cost of family breakdown in Canada at a briefing on Parliament Hill. The in-depth, quantitative assessment examines the links between broken homes and poverty alleviation measures. Consistently, not only in Canada but in all developed nations — lone parent households are more likely to live in poverty. “Certainly the main concern around family breakdown is the emotional toll,” say the authors. “But the fiscal costs are evident, and those can be more readily measured.” They find that cost to be close to $7 billion annually. If family breakdown decreased by half, a conservative estimate of savings is close to $2 billion annually. LifeSiteNews, PDF file of the report
Social Conservatives to Descend on Amsterdam for Global Meeting
Up to 4,000 social conservatives are expected to descend upon liberal Amsterdam, Netherlands, on August 10-12 for the biennial World Congress of Families, a meeting that brings together scholars, academics, policy makers, elected officials, and activists for four days of speeches, lectures, and networking. The conference will address the influence of the media on the family, the role of faith and the churches, demographic winter, the United Nations and its effect on the unborn and the family, migration, HIV/Aids, the roles of mothers and fathers, and many other topics. A government official on the selection committee said that the Dutch government welcomes vigorous debate and that the Congress would be welcome. C-Fam
New Activist Radio Shows Now Online
Mark Harrington from the Center for Bio Ethical Reform and Pro-life Institute hosts a weekly show on the Promise Radio Network. His most recent shows are now online.
- The Case for Life w/ Scott Klusendorf
- State of the State w/ Mike Gonidakis of Ohio Right to Life
- Personhood Movement w/Katie Walker of American Life League
- Shame on Notre Dame w/ Joe Scheidler of Pro-Life Action League
With abortionist dead, do conservatives share blame?
With the murder Sunday (May 31) of Dr. George Tiller, one of the nation's few late-term abortion doctors, supporters of abortion rights are questioning whether there is a connection between his death and the rhetoric of the anti-abortion movement. More to the point, would Tiller have been a victim if anti-abortion groups had not made him so prominent? Pew Forum
Editor: Another question might be, to what extent have pro-life ministries like PCCs diffused some of the restless tension inherent in the debate by offering pro-life people a constructive, humane outlet for their beliefs?
Editor: Another question might be, to what extent have pro-life ministries like PCCs diffused some of the restless tension inherent in the debate by offering pro-life people a constructive, humane outlet for their beliefs?
Tiller shooting could alter debate over abortion
Cathleen Mahoney, vice president and general counsel of the National Abortion Federation, said anti-abortion extremists had been somewhat dormant under the Bush administration because they believed things were going their way. But they "got restless" when their political power slipped away, she said. She called the Tiller shooting "a setback for everybody who believes in the rule of law," and said it will make it harder for the sides to find common ground going forward. "How do you meet in the middle with people who kill people who don't agree with them?" Wichita Eagle
Editor: Sort of begs the question, how do you meet in the middle with people who kill babies?
Common Ground on Late-Term Abortion: Anguish
Dr. Tiller's preferred method of late-term abortion was legal. He stopped the fetal heart with an injection of digoxin, a drug used to treat adult heart patients. Then he would induce labor. Patients said they would wait in hotel rooms through two to three days of contractions until they were ready to deliver their stillborns at his clinic. Such procedures discomfit some abortion doctors. William F. Harrison, who performs abortions in Fayetteville, Ark., said he considered Dr. Tiller a friend and called him "a very brave and great doctor." Yet he has long expressed concern about Dr. Tiller's willingness to abort into the ninth month. "Some of his practices are hard to defend," Dr. Harrison said. WSJ
More premature babies surviving
About 70% of babies born alive between 22 and 26 weeks gestation in Sweden now survive past the age of one, largely thanks to medical intervention. But the authors say their study in the Journal of the American Medical Association does not answer the bigger ethical question over intervention. Over half of the babies that survived experienced serious health problems. BBC News
Editor: An even bigger ethical question is why JAMA doesn't talk about one of the significant causes of pre-term birth -- abortion? AAPLOG
Sexual diseases in children rise
The number of children in Scotland diagnosed with chlamydia has risen by 27% over the past four years. The statistics indicated that cases of the sexually transmitted infection among 10 to 15-year-olds increased from 249 to 318 between 2004 and 2008. It showed that recorded cases of genital warts among children increased from 54 to 62 from 2004 to 2008, while cases of gonorrhoea rose from five to seven. BBC News
Rise in abortions, STDs blamed on Plan B
Rise in abortions, STDs blamed on Plan B
Abortion row man killed partner
A British woman was brutally killed by her boyfriend who stamped on her head after she told him she had aborted their baby, a court heard. Katrina Preece, 25, was attacked by furious Andrew Wilson in the kitchen as her five-year-old son slept upstairs in the early hours of New Year's Day. Yorkshire Post
Extreme pro-abortion anti-family report presented at Human Rights Council meeting
A report into violence against women has been used to promote an extreme pro-abortion agenda at the United Nations Human Rights Council, currently meeting in Geneva. The report attempts to link bans on abortion with violence against women. SPUC
A Good Journalist May Be Hard to Find, But Not a Late-Term Abortionist
In the aftermath of the murder of late-term abortionist, George Tiller, a number of media stories have reported that Tiller was one of only three remaining late-term abortionists in the United States. But the claim does not square up with numbers released by the Alan Guttmacher Institute and further evidence that indicates that late-term abortion has plenty of willing practitioners across the country. Tiller was actually notorious for being among the few doctors willing to perform very late-term abortions, way past the point of viability, right up until birth. LifeSiteNews
Let’s Get our Facts Straight about Tiller and Anti-Abortion Violence
Pro-lifers should indeed condemn the murder of George Tiller. But we should not play permanent defense as the nonsense snowballs and the unfair attacks against the pro-life movement multiply. Here are some facts that should be taken into consideration by all people of good will, especially those whose responsibility it is to report on this story. LifeSiteNews, AbortionViolence.com
Teenwire replaced by Teen Talk?
Planned Parenthood pushes contraceptive and promiscuous lifestyles on young people with their new web site Teen Talk. While their Teenwire site was filled with cartoon illustrations, the new one has photographs of people behaving in all sorts of promiscuous ways. The message it sends is "since some people behave this way, it's okay for you to act this way!" STOPP Report
Feinstein: Sotomayor Will Support Roe
Sen. Diane Feinstein, a California Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says Sonia Sotomayor is pro-abortion. After a private meeting with President Barack Obama's high court pick, Feinstein said Sotomayor has a "real respect for precedent" on abortion. That's code for saying Sotomayor will affirm the Roe v. Wade decision the Supreme Court handed down in 1973 that allowed virtually unlimited abortions. LifeNews
Pelosi Misinformed again, this time on China
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Tuesday that taxpayers should fund the United Nations Population Fund. In comments on Tuesday at a press conference following her visit to China, Pelosi said, “My knowledge of the fund is that it does not support abortion in China.” The latest State Department report, however, confirms that China still subjects its citizens to abuses. "The government continued its coercive birth limitation policy, in some cases resulting in forced abortion or forced sterilization," it said. LifeNews; see also Speaker Pelosi, Call Your Science Advisor!
61 Percent of Americans Say Abortion Issue Still Important
Although the economy, national security, Iraq, immigration and health care are the most prominent political topics on the minds of most Americans, a new national poll finds abortion is still a very relevant issue for most. A Rasmussen Reports survey finds a majority say abortion is still an important political issue. The poll finds 61 percent of American say abortion is an important issue while 35 percent say it is not. LifeNews
Reflecting on the beauty of God's word
“The Holy Scripture is for us a most precious treasure house from which we can obtain endless riches, a mine rich in gold, a meadow full of beautiful and fragrant flowers, a paradise garden which bears the most precious fruits, an arsenal out of which each one may take weapons against the enemies of the soul. The Holy Scripture resembles a quiet sea that hides many precious pearls in its depths; it is like a diamond which reflects the divine light, a cloud bestowing shadows and rain, a pharmacy which contains the means of healing for all.” --St. John Chrysostom
Baby Weighed Same As Pop Can
At birth baby Taylor Rideout weighed just 12.5 ounces and was just 10 inches long, making her the smallest baby ever to survive at Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh. "She's a fighter," said Taylor's mother Brittany Rideout. At 80 days and now weighing 3 pounds, Taylor has come a long way. The tiny baby's survival wasn't a sure thing. "When I was pregnant with her, I had two strokes and two seizures. She still survived," said Rideout. Rideout has Lupus, and the pregnancy was threatening her life, so doctors delivered the baby 14 weeks early in March. WPXI
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