Get to Know: Frontline Youth Communications
An individual or organization who is genuinely concerned about helping young people will naturally find their way to the frontlines of the battle. The vision of Frontline Youth Communications is to equip them with the weapons necessary to win once they get there. With an arsenal that includes high-impact youth presentations and events, effective communication workshops, and dynamic print media and interactive web design, our approach is as cutting-edge and multi-faceted as the culture we are combating. However, our philosophy is simple. We focus on the individual - not just their issues. Years of working with kids has taught us that it is suicidal to just stand before kids and simply point the finger at what they are doing wrong. The most effective way to reach a young person is to skillfully devalue their negative conduct by adding value to the person.
Closing! Planned Parenthood in Monticello, IA
It was just an "express" satellite and only open 2 days a week, but the Planned Parenthood in Monticello, IA, has announced it will be closing! Steve Brody, Exec. Dir. of Dubuque Co. Right to Life, said, "This location opened in 2008 only a few months before the PP in Dubuque.... It appears to follow the same consolidation strategy PP is pursuing throughout the country to save money.... The efforts of pro-life warriors are working, and we know we can shut them down in Dubuque as well. Please pass along this great news." Jill Stanek
Enraged husband stabs pregnant wife, her twin sister
A Queens man - enraged because his wife refused to have an abortion - slashed her throat and then stabbed her sister in the stomach Monday night in front of a room full of children, police and relatives said. The wounded wife and her bleeding twin fled their residence and ran to a local bodega, desperately pleading for help. Both in stable condition last night. NY Daily News
Abortion Doctor's License Suspended After Clinic Raid
As authorities sort though allegations against Dr. Kermit Gosnell in West Philadelphia , many are wondering how a bad doctor stays in business. After the raid, several women came forward with stories of botched and incompetent care.
When Marie Smith went to the Women's Medical Society 11 years ago, she says the clinic was known as a cheap place to get an abortion. She didn't know anything about Gosnell. "He looked like an all-right man 'cause there were a lot of ladies in there waiting for abortions." Smith was 19 at the time. The clinic recovery area disturbed her most. "It's nasty and dirty, and [there's] blood on the floor. Just nasty. It was real crowded, and girls were slumped over after they got their abortion." After a week of fever and vomiting, Smith was rushed to a local hospital. She says X-rays revealed that parts of the fetus were still lodged in her uterus. NPR
When Marie Smith went to the Women's Medical Society 11 years ago, she says the clinic was known as a cheap place to get an abortion. She didn't know anything about Gosnell. "He looked like an all-right man 'cause there were a lot of ladies in there waiting for abortions." Smith was 19 at the time. The clinic recovery area disturbed her most. "It's nasty and dirty, and [there's] blood on the floor. Just nasty. It was real crowded, and girls were slumped over after they got their abortion." After a week of fever and vomiting, Smith was rushed to a local hospital. She says X-rays revealed that parts of the fetus were still lodged in her uterus. NPR
Give sons a "pep talk"
Regarding sex (and so much more) men and women really are wonderfully different. And we don't really need a study to tell us so. JWR
CompassCare National Pregnancy Center Optimization Conference
April 20-22, 2010
La Quinta Inn and Suits Conference Center - Rochester, NY 14623
If you're serious about developing your leadership skills along with others just as serious, this conference is for you. If you're serious about doing whatever it takes to improve your center’s performance, this conference is for you.
Schedule / Registration
La Quinta Inn and Suits Conference Center - Rochester, NY 14623
If you're serious about developing your leadership skills along with others just as serious, this conference is for you. If you're serious about doing whatever it takes to improve your center’s performance, this conference is for you.
Schedule / Registration
Reflection from Lori Smith, missionary to Papua New Guinea
Love never thinks in terms of "how little" but always in terms of "how much" (Luke 7:36-48, Mark 14:3-9). May we serve the Lord and those He has put in our paths this week with extravagant love as we contemplate His most priceless and most precious gift . . . salvation for all who put their trust in the VICTORIOUS ONE Who conquered sin and death. HE IS RISEN. INDEED HE IS RISEN!
Sex infection gonorrhea risks becoming "superbug"
Gonorrhea is a common bacterial sexually-transmitted infection and if left untreated can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women. Globally, the WHO estimates that there are at least 340 million new cases of curable sexually transmitted infections -- including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis -- every year among people aged 15 to 49. The highest incidences of gonorrhea were in south and southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but as yet the WHO has no breakdown by individual infection type.
Current treatment for gonorrhea in most countries consists of a single antibiotic dose of either cefixime or ceftriaxone. But strains of the Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria were starting to become resistant and could soon become impervious to all current antibiotic treatment options. Reuters
Current treatment for gonorrhea in most countries consists of a single antibiotic dose of either cefixime or ceftriaxone. But strains of the Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria were starting to become resistant and could soon become impervious to all current antibiotic treatment options. Reuters
Get to Know: The Teen Mother Choices model
In 2005, Teen Mother Choices International was created. Christa March, the founder of Teen Mother Choices has taken the materials used in that ministry model to formulate extensive training materials and resources. By providing this model to churches, organizations and individuals, TMCInternational will provide a quicker way for them to begin serving teenage mothers within their own communities.
How Do I Work With An Overbearing Volunteer?
What do you do with the volunteer who has a great passion for your ministry, but sometimes oversteps her boundaries? If you ask her to leave, what kind of long-term effects will that have?
Ministries desperately need volunteers to get much of the work done, but sometimes personalities and differences in ministry philosophy arise. As the director, you have a certain obligation to balance "grace and truth" when working with volunteers, especially those who might be causing problems. Register for this April 23rd phone conference sponsored by Teen Mother Choices International.
Ministries desperately need volunteers to get much of the work done, but sometimes personalities and differences in ministry philosophy arise. As the director, you have a certain obligation to balance "grace and truth" when working with volunteers, especially those who might be causing problems. Register for this April 23rd phone conference sponsored by Teen Mother Choices International.
New trend in abortions: Telemed
Operation Rescue released a report on telemed abortions, which it calls "a disturbing new trend in the abortion industry that could be endangering the lives and health of thousands of women." The group also says the practice "is bilking insurance companies out of grossly inflated fees."
OR engaged in an undercover investigation of the "telemed abortion" scheme operated by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland in Iowa. Women visit the abortion facility for a drug-induced abortion and they visit with an off-site abortion practitioner who appears on a computer monitor and explains the medical abortion procedure to them before issuing a prescription for the abortion drug. LifeNews
OR engaged in an undercover investigation of the "telemed abortion" scheme operated by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland in Iowa. Women visit the abortion facility for a drug-induced abortion and they visit with an off-site abortion practitioner who appears on a computer monitor and explains the medical abortion procedure to them before issuing a prescription for the abortion drug. LifeNews
Perceptions of Preabortion Counseling Inadequacy
. . . and Decision Disagreement as Predictors of Subsequent Relationship Problems and Psychological Stress in Men and Women. Association for Interdisciplinary Research in Values and Social Change
Editor: This is great stuff, but could there possibly be longer titles?
Editor: This is great stuff, but could there possibly be longer titles?
Why I regret my abortion
Amanda grew up in Ireland, and was shipped to England for an abortion at the age of 16. Here she recalls how her decision was made, the trauma it caused, and the regret she's felt ever since. The Site
AUL’s Reproductive Justice Series
This March, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Americans United for Life is taking the phrase “reproductive justice” back from the abortion lobby and restoring its rightful meaning. Real reproductive justice is pro-woman, not pro-abortion. It’s a cause, and a phrase, worth fighting for.
Federally funded abortions are in our future
Prediction: Abortions will be performed at community health centers. You can bet your foreclosed mortgage on that. There was always a will by this administration, and now there's a way. Kathleen Parker
LA women seeking abortions must have ultrasound just before procedure
All women seeking abortions in Louisiana would have to undergo an obstetric ultrasound two hours before the procedure unless there is a medical emergency, under legislation proposed by the Senate's second-ranking lawmaker. Senate President Pro Tem Sharon Weston Broome, D-Baton Rouge, said the bill is designed to make a woman "think twice about having an abortion. This is such a serious decision that a woman makes, the process should be exhausted with all the medical information on the procedure" available. She said she expects anti-abortion advocates to rally around her proposal.
Julie Mickelberry, director of public affairs of Planned Parenthood of Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta, said the bill "is not about health care; it's about shaming women for seeking an abortion." NOLA
Julie Mickelberry, director of public affairs of Planned Parenthood of Louisiana and the Mississippi Delta, said the bill "is not about health care; it's about shaming women for seeking an abortion." NOLA
Abortion and Substance Abuse
April is national Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating effects of alcohol abuse and encouraging those effected to seek help and treatment. Research shows that women are likely to date the onset of alcohol or drug abuse to a particular stressful event or situation in their lives. For some women, this stressful event may be an abortion. The UnChoice
There's a New Queen in Town
Now that Obamacare is the law of the land, news stories are incorrectly hailing Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as the "most powerful woman in America." Ironically, thanks to the provisions in the health care legislation pushed by Speaker Pelosi and signed into law by President Obama this week, that title now goes to the most pro-abortion Health and Human Services Secretary in America's history, Kathleen Sebelius. FRC
Abortions Drop 9% in Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health & Environment released its preliminary report today on the status of abortion in the state in 2009. In 2009, there were 1,170 fewer total abortions (9,472, down from 10,642) than the year prior -- down nearly 9 percent.
Kansans for Life legislative director Kathy Ostrowski said her group attributes part of the decline to the closing of George Tiller's late-term abortion center midway through the year. Abortions done after 21 weeks of pregnancy dropped from 323 to 121 in 2009.
But Ostrowski credits a pro-life state law and the presence of pregnancy help centers for lowering the numbers as well. “[W]e attribute the reduction in abortion numbers to the dedicated Kansans who maintain 76 no-cost pregnancy assistance centers across this state, of which 19 have free ultrasound services available. Last year approximately 32,000 women contacted these locations and were helped in a variety of ways -- before, during and after delivery.” Ostrowski also says the fact that women can see an ultrasound of their unborn child before an abortion is also having a positive effect on stopping abortions. LifeNews
Kansans for Life legislative director Kathy Ostrowski said her group attributes part of the decline to the closing of George Tiller's late-term abortion center midway through the year. Abortions done after 21 weeks of pregnancy dropped from 323 to 121 in 2009.
But Ostrowski credits a pro-life state law and the presence of pregnancy help centers for lowering the numbers as well. “[W]e attribute the reduction in abortion numbers to the dedicated Kansans who maintain 76 no-cost pregnancy assistance centers across this state, of which 19 have free ultrasound services available. Last year approximately 32,000 women contacted these locations and were helped in a variety of ways -- before, during and after delivery.” Ostrowski also says the fact that women can see an ultrasound of their unborn child before an abortion is also having a positive effect on stopping abortions. LifeNews
French Women Agree that Abortion Has Detrimental Psychological Effects
A large majority of French women say that there are too many abortions in their country, and that abortions "leaves psychological traces that are difficult for women to experience" according to a recent national poll.The study, done at the behest of the French Right to Life Alliance, found that 83% of women believe that abortion does lasting psychological damage, and 61% believe that there are too many abortions in France. Sixty-seven percent said that women should be educated about the possibility of putting their children up for adoption as an alternative to abortion. At the same time a large majority, 85%, also said that they supported the "right" to have an abortion, although the question submitted to them did not specify in which cases it would apply. LifeSiteNews
Hope for Life National Conference
It is still not too late to register for the Hope for Life National Conference on April 14-18, 2010. On Saturday night Maafa 21 will be shown and Mark Crutcher will speak! Since Life Dynamics has sold out of the initial run of Maafa 21, the new and improved second edition will be shown. The minor differences make a major impact to the documentary. Don't miss it! To register please visit www.operationoutcry.org or call (210) 614-7157.
More from RBC/Discovery House
- When The Pain Won’t Go Away: Dealing With The Aftereffects Of Abortion
- Designed For Desire: God’s Design For Sexuality
You can download PDF files from the website.
What Is True Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the Bible. It's become little more than a therapeutic way of detaching ourselves from those who have harmed us. Yet the heart of true forgiveness is so much richer than many of us realize. Discovery House
Companion resource: When Forgiveness Seems Impossible
Companion resource: When Forgiveness Seems Impossible
Is Your Message Inspirational or Inappropriate?
Why we teach marriage:
- Factual
- Necessary
- Inspirational
Why we don't teach contraception:
- Inferior
- Ineffective
- Inappropriate
The Core: 30-minute Conference Call Tuesday, April 6, 2010 11am EST, 10am CST, 9am Mountain, 8am Pacific. Even amidst changes in funding guidelines and a confusing culture, it's important to know the foundation of our teaching. Join this 30 minute call to understand how to communicate what you instinctively know. Register
CompassCare National Pregnancy Center Optimization Conference
Cost: $450 paid in advance
Phone: (585) 232-3894
At the request of Medical Pregnancy Center Executives, CompassCare is honored to host its first National Pregnancy Center Optimization Conference. Many executives want to go deeper in their understanding of how to reach more women at risk for abortion as well as how to serve them in a way that more consistently helps them have their babies. Join medical Pregnancy Resource Center Executives who have done it.
Together reversing the national abortion trend
Get to Know: My Forever Child
My Forever Child has created a collection of websites offer services for either free or low cost personalized remembrances. Many are created by bereaved parents as a way to help others grieving the loss of their children.
Abortion pill makes big bucks
Planned Parenthood's profits are soaring with use of the abortion drug RU486. STOPP International suggests Planned Parenthood is promoting the pill to avoid the cost of abortionists and surgical suites for abortions. So while cutting back on other costs, it does not reduce the non-profit group's profit margin. OneNewsNow
Mother furious after in-school clinic sets up daughter's abortion
When she signed a consent form, Jill figured it meant her 15-year-old could go to the Ballard Teen Health Center located inside the high school for an earache, a sports physical, even birth control, but not for help terminating a pregnancy. "They just told her that if she concealed it from her family, that it would be free of charge and no financial responsibility." Post-Intelligencer
2010 Chicago Fundraising Summit
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Fundraising is primarily a relationship business, and with increasing pressures facing all nonprofit professionals to build key relationships, it is becoming more important, though much more difficult to meet people face-to-face. Our innovative Summit format provides the most efficient and cost effective use of time away from the office by enabling attendees to interact with experts in the field, as well as other nonprofit leaders. Come for the day or stop by for a couple of hours. You pay for only the seminars you wish to attend and only for the information relevant to you. Center for NonProfit Success
Fundraising is primarily a relationship business, and with increasing pressures facing all nonprofit professionals to build key relationships, it is becoming more important, though much more difficult to meet people face-to-face. Our innovative Summit format provides the most efficient and cost effective use of time away from the office by enabling attendees to interact with experts in the field, as well as other nonprofit leaders. Come for the day or stop by for a couple of hours. You pay for only the seminars you wish to attend and only for the information relevant to you. Center for NonProfit Success
Stupak Shot Down Last-Ditch Attempt to Include Own Abortion Funding Ban
In a baffling about-face, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) on Sunday fought against a last-ditch effort to insert his own abortion-funding ban in the reconciliation "fix" package for the Senate health care bill, which passed Sunday night. The House subsequently struck down Rep. Dave Camp's (R-MI) attempt to pass Stupak’s language 232-199.
While Camp referred to his proposal as the "Stupak-Pitts amendment," Stupak himself spoke against his Republican colleague's effort, saying it was an attempt to "politicize life" that merely "purports to be a right -to-life amendment. This is nothing more than an opportunity to continue to deny 32 million Americans health insurance. This motion does not promote life. It is the Democrats who have stood up for the principle of no public funding for abortions. ... The executive order ensures that the sanctity of life will be protected." LifeSiteNews
See also Stupak Defends Health Bill Vote, Democrats for Life Defend Health Care Votes, Haunted by the Passed, and Stupak defends Planned Parenthood
While Camp referred to his proposal as the "Stupak-Pitts amendment," Stupak himself spoke against his Republican colleague's effort, saying it was an attempt to "politicize life" that merely "purports to be a right -to-life amendment. This is nothing more than an opportunity to continue to deny 32 million Americans health insurance. This motion does not promote life. It is the Democrats who have stood up for the principle of no public funding for abortions. ... The executive order ensures that the sanctity of life will be protected." LifeSiteNews
See also Stupak Defends Health Bill Vote, Democrats for Life Defend Health Care Votes, Haunted by the Passed, and Stupak defends Planned Parenthood
No More Abortions at Pennsylvania Clinic Where Woman Died
Officials in Pennsylvania have taken action to ensure no more abortions are done at the Philadelphia abortion center where a woman died from a botched legal abortion last year. The Health Department is seeking an order prohibiting abortions at Gosnell’s facility because of dangerous conditions found there.
The office has no access for a stretcher in the case of an emergency. In previous emergencies, care was delayed because exit doors were padlocked shut or blocked with debris from the clinic. Other infractions included the lack of emergency resuscitation equipment. A deficiency report noted that the only source of suction for patients with airway tubes was the same suction machine used for abortions. Filthy and unsanitary conditions were also cited. LifeNews
The office has no access for a stretcher in the case of an emergency. In previous emergencies, care was delayed because exit doors were padlocked shut or blocked with debris from the clinic. Other infractions included the lack of emergency resuscitation equipment. A deficiency report noted that the only source of suction for patients with airway tubes was the same suction machine used for abortions. Filthy and unsanitary conditions were also cited. LifeNews
South Korea tightens abortion enforcement
Getting an abortion, once so routine here that South Korea was known as "Abortion Republic," is no longer easy. In recent weeks, the government has begun enforcing a long-ignored ban on the procedure for the first time. AP
Abortion protesters stake out Mott Haven clinic in national 40 Days for Life campaign
On Saturdays, abortion opponents share the abortion clinic's stoop with orange vested pro-choice volunteers from NYC Coalition for Abortion Clinic Defense, who quietly escort patients into the clinic past the demonstrators. Chris Slattery, director of the New York campaign and president of Christian-based Expectant Mother Care Frontline Pregnancy Centers, calls the Bronx the "abortion capital of America." His volunteers have been guiding women into the EMC "Sonogram Bus" parked outside the clinic. Daily News
Editor: Caution -- objectionable images on the site.
Editor: Caution -- objectionable images on the site.
MTV poll: Do you believe in abortion?
Editor: Kind of a weird way to word the question. Of course, I believe abortion exists, but I do not believe it should be legal. Nevertheless, this poll has some interesting results so far: 56% agree with me, 37% say yes, with 3% undecided. Be sure to read the comments.
Too Many Women Dying in U.S. While Having Babies
Amnesty International may be best known for bringing to light horror stories abroad such as the disappearance of political activists in Argentina or the abysmal conditions inside South African prisons under apartheid. But a new report on pregnancy and childbirth care in the U.S. details the maternal-health care crisis in this country as part of a systemic violation of women's rights. Time
Get to Know: Be the One
Be the One has been saving and changing lives in Palm Beach County since 1992. "Over the years, we have educated hundreds of thousands of students on how to have healthy relationships as well as to avoid high-risk behaviors. Emphasizing character development and leadership skills, Be the One encourages youth to say 'yes' to healthy relationships and to say 'no' to high-risk behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, sexual activity, and violence." Be the One is the prevention department of First Care Family Resources.
Stupak: It's Been 'A Living Hell'
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) was quoted in The Hill as describing the level of pressure upon him and his fellow pro-life Democrats to pass the health care bill as "a living hell." His district offices have been "jammed" with strong feedback, much of it from non-constituents, over his opposition to the massively abortion-expanding bill. The vitriol has even affected his home life.
Despite the enormous pressure, the former state trooper indicated he wasn't about to budge. "I'm pretty stubborn," said Stupak. He lamented that his pleas to party leaders have been ignored. "In the past, we've always been able to work it out. This is the first time we've not been able to work it out." LifeSiteNews
Despite the enormous pressure, the former state trooper indicated he wasn't about to budge. "I'm pretty stubborn," said Stupak. He lamented that his pleas to party leaders have been ignored. "In the past, we've always been able to work it out. This is the first time we've not been able to work it out." LifeSiteNews
Abortion Industry Tours
Omega House in Grand Rapids recently hosted a PCC from Ludington. This month a group from Cadillac will be coming. They are interested to see the Heritage clinic because the women that come to their centers come to Grand Rapids to have an abortion.
It's sobering for them to see the very facility that their young people drive hours to come to. They also spend some time at LIFE International and see an actual surgical room set-up. Once they come to the Omega House (next door to Heritage), "we change the pace" a bit by showing them the lovely House (now used for post-abortion Bible studies, prayer for sidewalk counselors, and and purity weekends) and serving them a delicious lunch.
We then settle in the living room and tell them what we see as sidewalk counselors. It is a disturbing but important day for them. By supper time they are back in their city...with a greater understanding of what their young women will face when they come here to end their baby's life. Garden of Hope
It's sobering for them to see the very facility that their young people drive hours to come to. They also spend some time at LIFE International and see an actual surgical room set-up. Once they come to the Omega House (next door to Heritage), "we change the pace" a bit by showing them the lovely House (now used for post-abortion Bible studies, prayer for sidewalk counselors, and and purity weekends) and serving them a delicious lunch.
We then settle in the living room and tell them what we see as sidewalk counselors. It is a disturbing but important day for them. By supper time they are back in their city...with a greater understanding of what their young women will face when they come here to end their baby's life. Garden of Hope
State lists violations at Gosnell's abortion clinic
The woman had just had an abortion at Kermit Gosnell's clinic. Her heart had stopped and ambulance workers couldn't get her out a locked clinic door. So they cut a padlock and had to wait for staff to find a key to a second lock. That account was one of many problems cited in an order released yesterday by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Philly.com
Abortion Rates and Universal Health Care
Among the most nettlesome obstacles in the yearlong debate over increasing the accessibility and affordability of health insurance has been the question of what effect health care reform legislation would have on the incidence of abortion. The recent experience in Massachusetts suggests that universal health care coverage has been associated with a decrease in the number of abortions performed, despite public and private funding of abortion that is substantially more liberal than the provisions of the federal legislation currently under consideration by Congress. NEJM
See Passing Universal Health Care Will Not Reduce Abortion Rates for an opposing view.
See Passing Universal Health Care Will Not Reduce Abortion Rates for an opposing view.
One Abortion Every 11 Seconds in Original 15 EU States
Abortion rates in Europe are on the rise, with one child being killed at least every 11 seconds in the original 15 EU states, according to the annual report of the Institute of Family Policies. They are Belgium, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Finland, Luxembourg, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Denmark, Austria, Portugal and Sweden. According to publicly available statistics, Spain’s abrupt increase in abortion accounts for 87 per cent of the total increase over the last ten years. LifeSiteNews
Abortionists Make Albuquerque the New Late-Term Abortion Capital
Two women who once specialized in post-viability abortions during their employment at George Tiller's now closed abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas, have set up shop in an existing abortion facility owned and operated by Texas abortionist Curtis Boyd. Working out of that facility they are now offering lucrative late-term abortions.
The arrangement was announced in a statement on Boyd’s website, reported on by the LA Times on Tuesday, which said, “We are honored to have Dr. Susan Robinson and Dr. Shelley Sella, both of whom worked with Dr. Tiller, joining our staff to perform these procedures. Our dedicated staff specializes in pain control techniques and offers grief counseling and ceremony to women who find them helpful or request them.” LifeSiteNews
The arrangement was announced in a statement on Boyd’s website, reported on by the LA Times on Tuesday, which said, “We are honored to have Dr. Susan Robinson and Dr. Shelley Sella, both of whom worked with Dr. Tiller, joining our staff to perform these procedures. Our dedicated staff specializes in pain control techniques and offers grief counseling and ceremony to women who find them helpful or request them.” LifeSiteNews
Get to Know: The Abortion Care Network
Connecting the abortion care community, the Abortion Care Network is "the driving force behind the movement to de-stigmatize and normalize the abortion experience while offering support and training to the abortion care community. Founded from the merging of two abortion provider based organizations, the National Coalition of Abortion Providers and the Abortion Conversation Project, ACN has created a network of independent abortion providers, supportive allied organizations, and socially conscious individuals who are deeply invested in creating an environment where women who choose abortion, and those that provide care, are no longer harassed or shamed by the choices they make." Blog, Clinic Directory
Abortion Providers Under Siege
Watch the first installment of the Center for Reproductive Right’s three part video series, Intimidation & Harassment: Preying on Providers, documenting the real stories of abortion providers, clinic employees and patients. In this video, shot in Pennsylvania, meet the executive director of a clinic in Allentown who refuses to let harassment stop her. Download their report on "Defending Human Rights."
The medicalization of life
Two of the most common tests preformed on pregnant American women are obstetrical ultrasound and electronic fetal monitoring. After reviewing experimental studies involving more than 27,000 women, the Cochrane Review found that routine late-pregnancy ultrasound "does not confer benefit on mother or baby." But it does do a good job of scaring expectant parents.
Among other things, it finds minor anatomical abnormalities (like "bright spots" in the heart or intestine) that have been associated with feared genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. The problem is that the minor anatomical abnormalities are about 30 times more common than the genetic disorders they have been associated with.
That means most parents who are told after an ultrasound that their child might have serious problems are told so needlessly. Not surprisingly, this leads to a lot of unnecessary heartache and extra testing. This has led one of the founders of the technology to write that its routine use has crossed the line and now causes "more harm than good." LA Times
Among other things, it finds minor anatomical abnormalities (like "bright spots" in the heart or intestine) that have been associated with feared genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. The problem is that the minor anatomical abnormalities are about 30 times more common than the genetic disorders they have been associated with.
That means most parents who are told after an ultrasound that their child might have serious problems are told so needlessly. Not surprisingly, this leads to a lot of unnecessary heartache and extra testing. This has led one of the founders of the technology to write that its routine use has crossed the line and now causes "more harm than good." LA Times
NYT Urges Abortion Supporters to ‘Make Their Voices Heard,’ But What Should They Be Saying?
“Americans who support women’s reproductive rights need to make their voices heard,” The New York Times editorial opined yesterday. . . . Rather than urging activists to speak up, the more interesting pro-choice issue these days is the debate over what ought to be said. Angie Jackson pushed the discussion to the forefront late last month when she live-tweeted her abortion. Three weeks after it happened, pro-choice activists are enmeshed in disagreement over whether her voice being heard was a good thing. Newsweek
No Sex in the City for these Chicagoans
Whether they are called born-again, renewed, or second virgins, those who take a break from sex have various reasons for waiting again, they say -- from avoiding sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies to desiring a relationship in which sex doesn't impair their judgment. Chicago Now
Help wanted, prayer request
Alternatives Pregnancy Care Center in Kalamazoo, MI, is still in desperate need of houseparents for their maternity home, Hannah's House. Please pray with them concerning this need. If you're interested in the position, or know someone qualified who could help (even on a temporary basis), contact Cathy Stoner, Operations Manager.
Some Black Pro-Lifers Say Abortion Is Genocide
It used to be that the pro-life movement was associated with the white religious right, the most extreme elements of which were bent on saving women from hell and damnation for killing their fetuses. Now as more black women seek abortions, the banner has been taken up by some black pro-lifers. The Root
Planned Parenthood's RU486 Profits Soar
American Life League released its annual survey of Planned Parenthood locations. The report confirms that the nation’s largest abortion purveyor has increased the number of facilities committing medical abortions by 130 percent – even while the total number of Planned Parenthood facilities decline.
Surgical abortion hiatus spurs claim
A nationwide vigil against abortion is claiming a victory in Columbia, MO, but administrators at a local clinic say that a temporary hiatus in providing surgical abortions is the result of a staffing shortage and not because of a prayer group. A spokeswoman said the clinic has one physician who does surgical procedures and administers the abortion pill. The physician has not left the clinic, but a temporary shortage of other staff, such as nurses, has meant that for the past two to three weeks, the clinic could not offer surgical abortions. Nurses and other staff are required to be present during and after a surgical abortion. New employees are expected to be hired in about a week.
The abortion pill can be given to women during the first nine weeks of pregnancy. A surgical abortion is offered up to 13 weeks after conception at the Columbia clinic, according to the Planned Parenthood Web site. The vast majority of women visiting the clinic are there before the ninth week of pregnancy, meaning a surgical abortion is not necessary.
A pro-life activist said she made three separate calls posing as a woman seeking information about a surgical abortion in Columbia. Each time, she said, she was told the same thing by an operator: that “the doctor in Columbia has recently resigned.” Columbia Daily Tribune
The abortion pill can be given to women during the first nine weeks of pregnancy. A surgical abortion is offered up to 13 weeks after conception at the Columbia clinic, according to the Planned Parenthood Web site. The vast majority of women visiting the clinic are there before the ninth week of pregnancy, meaning a surgical abortion is not necessary.
A pro-life activist said she made three separate calls posing as a woman seeking information about a surgical abortion in Columbia. Each time, she said, she was told the same thing by an operator: that “the doctor in Columbia has recently resigned.” Columbia Daily Tribune
PP has changed its tune
Back in 1952 before Planned Parenthood was an abortion operation, they sure had a more accurate understanding of science before their twisted abortion ideology of today took over. Just look at their pamphlet that states that abortion “kills the life of a baby after it has begun.” LiveAction
Late-term abortion doctors fill in for Tiller
Last year, after Kansas abortion provider George Tiller was killed in church, his supporters worried about what would happen to the hundreds of women who sought late-term abortions each year at Tiller's clinic, which was closed after his death. The murdered abortion provider was one of the few nationwide willing to perform abortions in the third trimester. Some physicians are quietly stepping forward. LA Times
Tea Party Avoids Divisive Social Issues
For decades, faith and family have been at the center of the conservative movement. But as the Tea Party infuses conservatism with new energy, its leaders deliberately avoid discussion of issues like gay marriage or abortion. NY Times
A sampling of a Contract From America discussion bears this out: "[U]nless the Tea Party demonstrates a commitment to keeping the federal government out of peoples’ lives socially (on issues from gay marriage to abortion), the Tea Party is not going to gain trust amongst a large populace which can help promote their agenda. The Tea Party . . . is getting shanghaied by Republicans – including members of the Religious Right. . . . If you want to expand your support base, you must demonstrate a commitment to small federal government across the board, not just financially."
Another member replied: "I’m conservative on social issues, but for the short run I’m willing to put those things that divide us aside in order to save this country from total economic disaster. . . . Can we work together for a time for the good of the country as a whole? I think a lot of the so-called religious right will be willing to do so for a time."
Hmmmmm. Shall we sacrifice the unborn for our bottom line?
A sampling of a Contract From America discussion bears this out: "[U]nless the Tea Party demonstrates a commitment to keeping the federal government out of peoples’ lives socially (on issues from gay marriage to abortion), the Tea Party is not going to gain trust amongst a large populace which can help promote their agenda. The Tea Party . . . is getting shanghaied by Republicans – including members of the Religious Right. . . . If you want to expand your support base, you must demonstrate a commitment to small federal government across the board, not just financially."
Another member replied: "I’m conservative on social issues, but for the short run I’m willing to put those things that divide us aside in order to save this country from total economic disaster. . . . Can we work together for a time for the good of the country as a whole? I think a lot of the so-called religious right will be willing to do so for a time."
Hmmmmm. Shall we sacrifice the unborn for our bottom line?
Passing Universal Health Care Will Not Reduce Abortion Rates
In an editorial that ran in the Washington Post on Friday, author and journalist T. R. Reid argued that universal health care will lower the abortion rate in the United States. Using data from the United Nations, his argument relies on the fact that several European countries with universal health care also have lower abortion rates than the United States does. Reid’s analysis is, however, superficial and unconvincing. LifeNews
Illinois pro-lifers engaged in major challenge
The "Reproductive Health and Access Act" (HB 6205) is easily one of the most pro-abortion bills that has been introduced in any state, says Matt Yonke of the Pro-Life Action League. "This bill would essentially entrench abortion as a fundamental human right in Illinois even if Roe v. Wade was overturned. [It also] protects abortionists from prosecution in the event of a botched abortion, [and] expands 'comprehensive' sex-ed -- as Planned Parenthood likes to call it -- as far down as preschool." It could also dismantle parental notice when a minor seeks an abortion, which is a previously passed law that has been tied up in the courts for years. OneNewsNow
Stupak: Waxman 'Wants to Pay for Abortions'
Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) described to FOX News last week a spat he says he had with Rep. Henry Waxman, the Democrat Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, over Stupak's proposed abortion funding ban. "I gave [Waxman] the language. He came back a little while later and said, 'But we want to pay for abortions.' I said, 'Mr. Chairman, that's - we disagree. We don't do it now, we're not going to start.' Stupak said Waxman replied, "But we think we should. I said, 'Well, I'm sorry but the House has spoken. We had that debate. We won 240-190. You forced the vote, a vote we won fair and square.'"
While Democrat leaders continue to block Stupak's pro-life provision - which is modeled after the Hyde amendment - they simultaneously claim that the legislation is subject to the existing Hyde amendment anyway, a claim repeatedly debunked by the National Right to Life Committee. LifeSiteNews
While Democrat leaders continue to block Stupak's pro-life provision - which is modeled after the Hyde amendment - they simultaneously claim that the legislation is subject to the existing Hyde amendment anyway, a claim repeatedly debunked by the National Right to Life Committee. LifeSiteNews
Racist origins of UK abortion law
Ghastly though Margaret Sanger was, she was an angel next to Britain’s Marie Stopes, voted “Woman of the Millennium” by Guardian readers in 1999 and in 2008 honoured on a UK postage stamp. Stopes once said: "Utopia could be reached in my lifetime, had I the power to issue inviolable edicts… I would legislate compulsory sterilisation of the insane, feeble-minded… revolutionaries… half-castes." Stopes was so obsessed with improving the gene pool that she wrote love poems for Hitler.
After the war, when Hitler had rather given the whole sterilisation thing a bad name, the eugenics crowd turned to legalised abortion as the next best thing. The Abortion Law Reform Association formed to pass the 1967 Abortion Act. The ALRA was founded by five members of the Eugenics Society. Today in Britain, as Department of Health figures for 2008 show, black women exercise their right to choose proportionately more often than white women. Telegraph
Love is the way
In 12 years of serving as a sidewalk counselor, Espy always seemed to have exactly the right thing to say in any situation … whether she was speaking to a woman seeking an abortion, to someone suffering in the wake of an abortion — or to a member of the abortion center staff. These people know that Espy loves them and prays for them.
But Espy hadn’t been seen on the sidewalk for quite a while. About a year ago, she had a stroke. She uses a wheel chair and has difficulty speaking now. Staff members at the facility have noticed Espy’s absence and have told prayer vigil participants that they were worried about her. Just last week, Espy asked her friend to take her to the abortion center so she could say hi.
“I called the clinic administrator and let her know that Espy was outside waiting to see all of them,” said Cristina. “To my surprise, the workers walked outside to meet us! Espy with all her heart wanted to give them a hug and a kiss, so she did — and they did, too! Espy was crying — and they were crying, too.” They gave her many hugs of love and respect. The director, the one that used to confront Espy and the one that used to tell her, “Go home!” now told her, “Espy we miss you. When are we going to see you outside again?” Read more on the 40 Days for Life blog
But Espy hadn’t been seen on the sidewalk for quite a while. About a year ago, she had a stroke. She uses a wheel chair and has difficulty speaking now. Staff members at the facility have noticed Espy’s absence and have told prayer vigil participants that they were worried about her. Just last week, Espy asked her friend to take her to the abortion center so she could say hi.
“I called the clinic administrator and let her know that Espy was outside waiting to see all of them,” said Cristina. “To my surprise, the workers walked outside to meet us! Espy with all her heart wanted to give them a hug and a kiss, so she did — and they did, too! Espy was crying — and they were crying, too.” They gave her many hugs of love and respect. The director, the one that used to confront Espy and the one that used to tell her, “Go home!” now told her, “Espy we miss you. When are we going to see you outside again?” Read more on the 40 Days for Life blog
PCCs Enjoy Historic Victory in Virginia
At the beginning of Virginia's 2010 legislative session, abortion advocates launched an attack on these faith-based charities. Less than two months later, not only had the hostile legislation been thrown out by its own sponsors, the entire legislature passed a resolution praising the work of Virginia pregnancy centers.
In a scenario reminiscent of the twists and turns of the book of Esther, just one week after the legislation against pregnancy centers was introduced, it was dismissed in both House and Senate subcommittees after legislators heard testimony from pregnancy centers directors, former center clients, medical staff, Care Net, the Family Foundation, and Virginia Catholic Conference. A few weeks later, pregnancy centers held a day at the state capitol where staff and volunteers came to further educate legislators about their organizations' work. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Family Foundation and Americans United for Life, a resolution praising pregnancy centers was introduced in March and passed in both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate this week.
A sample "Joint Resolution Honoring Pregnancy Centers" is available in American United for Life's 2010 Model Legislation & Policy Guide. Christian Newswire
In a scenario reminiscent of the twists and turns of the book of Esther, just one week after the legislation against pregnancy centers was introduced, it was dismissed in both House and Senate subcommittees after legislators heard testimony from pregnancy centers directors, former center clients, medical staff, Care Net, the Family Foundation, and Virginia Catholic Conference. A few weeks later, pregnancy centers held a day at the state capitol where staff and volunteers came to further educate legislators about their organizations' work. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Family Foundation and Americans United for Life, a resolution praising pregnancy centers was introduced in March and passed in both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate this week.
A sample "Joint Resolution Honoring Pregnancy Centers" is available in American United for Life's 2010 Model Legislation & Policy Guide. Christian Newswire
Antiabortion group seeks new probe of doctor
An antiabortion group yesterday urged the Philadelphia district attorney to investigate whether disgraced abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell violated a law that requires physicians to report suspected child abuse. The Pro-Life Union of Southeastern Pennsylvania also questioned whether Gosnell failed to submit fetal remains of second-trimester abortions for a pathologist's examination, as required by state law.
The license-suspension order, issued by the state Board of Medicine, cited "deplorable and unsanitary" conditions at the clinic, including bloody floors and fetal body parts in jars. Public records show Gosnell paid $10,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the parents of a minor who did not consent to her abortion, as required by state law. Those records suggest Gosnell did not report pregnancies in girls under 16 to child-welfare authorities. The reports are mandated because such pregnancies can be considered evidence of rape or statutory rape.
Gosnell has not been formally charged by any agency, but he is under investigation by federal authorities for possible illegal distribution of prescription painkillers. The medical board has alleged that one of Gosnell's workers was practicing medicine without a license, and that a patient died in November after receiving repeated doses of prescription painkillers from the worker. Since 1981, Gosnell has been sued 46 times, including 10 malpractice suits. In one case, the patient died. Philadelphia Inquirer
The license-suspension order, issued by the state Board of Medicine, cited "deplorable and unsanitary" conditions at the clinic, including bloody floors and fetal body parts in jars. Public records show Gosnell paid $10,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by the parents of a minor who did not consent to her abortion, as required by state law. Those records suggest Gosnell did not report pregnancies in girls under 16 to child-welfare authorities. The reports are mandated because such pregnancies can be considered evidence of rape or statutory rape.
Gosnell has not been formally charged by any agency, but he is under investigation by federal authorities for possible illegal distribution of prescription painkillers. The medical board has alleged that one of Gosnell's workers was practicing medicine without a license, and that a patient died in November after receiving repeated doses of prescription painkillers from the worker. Since 1981, Gosnell has been sued 46 times, including 10 malpractice suits. In one case, the patient died. Philadelphia Inquirer
Part IV: Ethical Standards for Serving Abortion-minded Women
Jim Harden of CompassCare has uploaded a sample client/patient exit survey for your review on his blog in an effort to add some fodder to a discuss around insulating women from the politics and passions that are part and partial to abortion. Let him know what you think. And I don't know this for a fact, but I imagine he wouldn't mind if you incorporated his ideas in your own exit survey. Or you can share your center's exit survey forms here.
A pro-life commitment
Are you pro-life from the inside out? Is everyone at your center? Download our Pro-Life Commitment and pass it around.
Gala to Raise Money for Abortion ‘Super Center’
Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas is holding a gala next month to raise money for its new abortion clinic, which will be specially equipped for performing late-term abortions. The April 30 event is being billed as a “historic event” to celebrate the opening of the 78,000 square-foot facility and the 75th anniversary of the Texas Planned Parenthood operation. Tickets for the fundraiser range from $25,000 for a table of 10 to $350 for individual seating. CNSNews
Crossing the (protest) line on abortion
Over the years, I've seen many protesters at Planned Parenthood. But when I've driven by lately I've sensed more fervor or, if not fervor, at least a bigger crowd. The staff confirms two spikes in protests during the past 18 months, one just before the 2008 election and another that's popped up in the past few weeks. The current spike is due to a national movement called 40 Days For Life, a 40-day campaign of vigils at abortion clinics that's scheduled to end March 28. Orange County Register
Massive “Abortion Changes You” Campaign Greets NYC Subway Riders
Every day for the next four weeks passengers on New York City’s subway system will be encountering a message that is hard to escape: “abortion changes you.” Spread throughout the subway trains and stations of the “Big Apple” are 2,000 posters that offer millions of daily riders a “safe place” for them to work out emotional struggles they may have after an abortion. LifeSiteNews
Pesky Florida Pro-lifers Bring End to Planned Parenthood Program Funding
After four years of dedicated activism, a group of Florida pro-lifers is celebrating a "David and Goliath victory" after consistent pressure apparently forced a Planned Parenthood program not to re-apply for a county grant. Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast has acknowledged it will not request a $50,000 grant from the Martin County Children’s Services Council for its La Promesa program, which was aimed at teaching the Hispanic community about contraception and abortion, for 2010-11. While Planned Parenthood blamed "the unrelenting harassment by radical community members" for their decision, local pro-lifers denied claims of harassment, and said they merely exposed the program's uselessness and questionable reporting practices. LifeSiteNews
Unborn Babies Respond to Mother's Mood
Scientists have discovered that unborn babies respond to their mother's mood while she is watching a movie, becoming quiet and still if the film is sad and very lively if the film is happy. The team counted the number of arm, leg and whole body movements via ultrasound and found that during the happy film clip the unborn babies moved their arms significantly more than when the pregnant women watched the neutral clips. However, the unborn babies of the women watching the sad clip moved their arms significantly less than normal. LifeSiteNews, J Physiological Sciences
Girls: 'we want parents to protect us from sex'
Many teenage girls are being forced by their boyfriends to engage in sexual acts taken from pornographic films which can be easily accessed through the internet and mobile phones. “I wish my parents would say I’m not allowed to be home alone with a boy,” said one 16-year-old girl. “I wish they’d say boys aren’t allowed in my bedroom. They make this big deal about ‘trusting us’, but that’s not helping me. They have no idea what goes on, and I’m too embarrassed to tell them.” The teenagers explained the notion of a ‘third wheel,’ the modern equivalent of a chaperone, a friend who girls take with them to keep them safe from sexual advances. Christian Institute
Both Estrogen and Progesterone based Oral Contraceptive use increase stroke risk
It is widely accepted that oral contraceptive use increases the risk of developing stroke. Most oral contraceptive today are a combination of estrogen and progesterone. . . . The risk of developing a stroke increases with oral contraceptive containing increasing amounts of estrogen. . . . There is evidence to suggest that women taking oral contraceptive containing 3rd generation progesterone are at a 2-fold greater risk of developing venous thromboembolism and subsequent stroke than women taking oral contraceptive containing earlier generation progesterones. Concerned Parents Report
Mosaic Pregnancy and Health Centers Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization
Mosaic Pregnancy and Health Centers joins a growing number of Christ-centered churches and ministries across America, supported by over 35 million donors that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability. Founded in 1987, Mosaic Pregnancy and Health Centers has served over 9,000 women and expanded to three Illinois locations in the St. Louis metro-east area: Granite City, Belleville, and Edwardsville.
DAY 23: Abortionist quits … others slash hours
Kathy in Columbia, Missouri, reported, “The abortionist who did surgical abortions in Columbia at Planned Parenthood HAS RESIGNED! But we still have to pray for the conversion of the doctor who gives the RU486 abortion pill on Thursdays.”
Mary Ann in Great Falls, Montana just sent her 40 Days for Life team with an all-capitals subject line: “ALL GLORY AND HONOR BELONGS TO GOD!! I could barely type it my hands were so shaky,” she said. The good news? “Planned Parenthood here has decreased its ‘clinic’ hours to Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” explained Mary Ann. “This is a BIG change as they used to be open all day Monday through Friday and every other Saturday.” 40 Days for Life
Mary Ann in Great Falls, Montana just sent her 40 Days for Life team with an all-capitals subject line: “ALL GLORY AND HONOR BELONGS TO GOD!! I could barely type it my hands were so shaky,” she said. The good news? “Planned Parenthood here has decreased its ‘clinic’ hours to Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” explained Mary Ann. “This is a BIG change as they used to be open all day Monday through Friday and every other Saturday.” 40 Days for Life
Rocks Thrown at Australian Pro-Life Election Candidate
A pro-life candidate running in the upcoming South Australian state election says he has had rocks and a garbage bin thrown at him when he attempted to stop vandals from taking down his election posters. Trevor Grace, founder of the Save the Unborn Party, says his pro-life election posters, which feature a baby grasping the finger of an adult hand, are designed to create awareness about the high abortion rate in South Australia. LifeSiteNews
'Tom Thumb' born at 25 weeks weighing half a pound survives
A boy weighing only 275 grams after being born in Germany is the world's lightest ever to have survived a premature birth. The baby, who doctors dubbed "Tom Thumb" was less than the length of A-4 paper and weighed a fraction over 9.7 ounces when he was born by Caesarean section 15 weeks prematurely in June 2009.
For 24 hours a day, the child was in an incubator and hooked up to feeding tubes, breathing tubes, a heart monitor, a catheter and a plethora of electronic devices to monitor every vital sign as he faced risks of cerebral haemorrhage or organ failure. In December, the baby was finally pronounced "stable" after achieving a weight of 8.2 lbs. Now, nine months after his birth, doctors have allowed the unnamed boy's parents to take him home. Telegraph
For 24 hours a day, the child was in an incubator and hooked up to feeding tubes, breathing tubes, a heart monitor, a catheter and a plethora of electronic devices to monitor every vital sign as he faced risks of cerebral haemorrhage or organ failure. In December, the baby was finally pronounced "stable" after achieving a weight of 8.2 lbs. Now, nine months after his birth, doctors have allowed the unnamed boy's parents to take him home. Telegraph
Another woman tweets her RU486 abortion
Jill Stanek has been following a woman IDed as Next Thursday on Twitter. "We'll likely never know the end of this story. But three days into Next Thursday's RU486 abortion, something bad happened. Her second-to-last tweet ominously reads: 'I've been bleeding like a stuffed pig all day.'
Next Thursday's last tweet at 9:57 p.m. on Feb. 28 was, 'Just still bleeding.'" WND
Next Thursday's last tweet at 9:57 p.m. on Feb. 28 was, 'Just still bleeding.'" WND
Eight reasons direct mail still works
Multichannel marketers today tend to get caught up in the frenzy of the next greatest trend. (What about Web 3.0? What's the hot social networking application? How do we make our e-mails more effective?) Online strategies are and should be a big part of direct marketing. But that doesn't mean you should ignore some of the old-school tactics, like direct mail. Multichannel Merchant
5 Tips For Increasing Traffic to Your Nonprofit’s Website
Here are some tips to help raise your nonprofit website's visibility with search engines so people will find your site more easily. Network for Good
Strengthen Donor Relations Through Targeted Communications
Most fundraising professionals devise campaigns with a standard, “blanket” approach, however by complementing this approach with more targeted communications designed for specific donor groups, fundraisers can optimize their donor contacts and, ultimately, generate more revenue. Fundraising Success
"Abstinence” site links to PP
Stayteen.org includes resources from MTV and Planned Parenthood, but appears to be promoting abstinence. Look deeper and you'll come across a Help and Advice section where you'll find Planned Parenthood listed three times. Rock for Life
Medical student recognized for work expanding Planned Parenthood
University of Arizona College of Medicine student Natasha Bhuyan has received a 2010 leadership award from the American Medical Association. Among other things, Bhuyan helped to expand Medical Students at Planned Parenthood to three locations in Phoenix, Ariz., giving students the opportunity to learn about the full spectrum of reproductive health. She has been an active leader in getting more abortion education for medical students at the UA. AZ Daily Star
More sex education means more teenage pregnancies...always
Despite the casual massacre of unborn babies in the abortion mills, and the free handouts of morning-after pills (originally developed for pedigree dogs which had been consorting improperly with mongrels), and the ready issue of condoms to anyone who asks, and the prescription of contraceptive devices to young girls behind the backs of their parents by smiling advice workers, and the invasion of school classrooms by supposedly educational smut, the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy has failed, is failing and will continue to fail. Peter Hitchens
Religious Hiring Update: How Recent Developments Could Affect Your Ministry
"Live" 60-minute Webinar with Audience Q&A
Thursday, April 151:00pm ET / 12:00pm CT / 11:00am MT / 10:00am PT
REGISTER NOW
What is the future of religious hiring in America? Join ECFA President Dan Busby and others for a compelling discussion of the "religious hiring" issues arising from recent litigation involving World Vision, and the potential implications for any Christian nonprofit or church.
Listen in on April 15 and learn about:
• The changing landscape in religious hiring freedom
• Insights on the Obama administration’s view of hiring practices
• The potential impact if World Vision loses its case
• What this case means for your ministry or church
• And much more!
Man Who Shot Pro-Life Advocate Has No Remorse
Harlan Drake, on trial for killing pro-life advocate James Pouillon and a businessman, says he has no remorse. Drake confirmed he and his mother had a conversion over lunch the day before about not liking Pouillon's signs. "I did not believe that he should be showing the sign to children, especially at a high school where young girls of impressionable age would see that and either be disgusted or scared," he added. "I was hoping that he wouldn't be there that morning," -- adding "So that I wouldn't have to shoot him."
After killing Fuoss, a businessman he says treated his family poorly, Drake said he had no reason not to stop. "I just shot one person. I might as well shoot anybody else that I think might deserve to be shot that day." He admitted he should receive the death penalty. LifeNews
After killing Fuoss, a businessman he says treated his family poorly, Drake said he had no reason not to stop. "I just shot one person. I might as well shoot anybody else that I think might deserve to be shot that day." He admitted he should receive the death penalty. LifeNews
Hope for Life 2010 National Conference
"A Hope that Does Not Disappoint" - Dallas, Texas - April 15-18, 2010 - Organized by Operation Outcry, a ministry of The Justice Foundation
Speakers include Tim Wildmon, Peggy Hartshorn, Mark Crutcher, Frank Pavone, Georgette Forney, Carol Everett, Elaine Ham
This is your opportunity to hear exciting national speakers with messages of hope that will ignite your hearts for the future and receive valuable training as we march forward with Hope for Life. This exciting conference will help you learn about the abortion recovery movement, effective strategies to end the pain of abortion and what you can do to educate/activate your community. For more information or to register now go to www.operationoutcry.org.
Speakers include Tim Wildmon, Peggy Hartshorn, Mark Crutcher, Frank Pavone, Georgette Forney, Carol Everett, Elaine Ham
This is your opportunity to hear exciting national speakers with messages of hope that will ignite your hearts for the future and receive valuable training as we march forward with Hope for Life. This exciting conference will help you learn about the abortion recovery movement, effective strategies to end the pain of abortion and what you can do to educate/activate your community. For more information or to register now go to www.operationoutcry.org.
Do we still respect our client's privacy?
Have you seen the YouTube video of the ultrasound that saved a baby's life during 40 Days for Life? You won't see it here. There were no assurances given that the mother gave permission to use the video, although it's presumed she did. You can make out the tail end of the patient's name, I think. Of late there's been an alarming disregard for confidentiality. (See Baby Claire Beats the Odds.) Am I the only one who feels this way? Can we please scale back our excitement in keeping with respect for privacy?
A sign of our times
A 40 Days for Life participant described his boss as "a good Christian man," so it shocked him when his boss said his 16-year-old daughter was pregnant and planning to have an abortion. So, the man just prayed harder. Two weeks later, his boss returned to say that when his daughter went to Planned Parenthood for her abortion, prayer volunteers convinced her not to go through with it. She went to a pro-life resource center instead.
Editor: Good story, but what's wrong with this picture? The "boss" was apparently not in charge of his daughter. Sixteen and planning an abortion? This "leader of men" knew about her plan but was powerless, or unwilling, to stop her. She went to the clinic alone. She thankfully made the decision for life, but she (was forced?) to make it alone. Something's wrong.
Editor: Good story, but what's wrong with this picture? The "boss" was apparently not in charge of his daughter. Sixteen and planning an abortion? This "leader of men" knew about her plan but was powerless, or unwilling, to stop her. She went to the clinic alone. She thankfully made the decision for life, but she (was forced?) to make it alone. Something's wrong.
Thought-provoking rap song
I'm not "into" rap or hip-hop or whatever, but here's touching song from Flipsyde.
Philly abortionist speaks out
Philadelphia's Fox 29 WTXF spoke with Kermit Gosnell about the complaints lodged against him. He referred to previous times when he has experienced "negative publicity," but he comments that negativity is merely "something that I personally have experienced several times before, where my surgical abilities have been challenged, where the choices that I have made have not always been perfect." And while he admits to having made some mistakes, he believes, "if you're not making mistakes, you're not really attempting to do something. So I think that my patients are aware that I do my very best by them." OneNewsNow
Gendercide: The worldwide war on baby girls
Xinran Xuy, a Chinese writer, describes visiting a peasant family in the Yimeng area of Shandong province. The wife was giving birth. “We had scarcely sat down in the kitchen, when we heard a moan of pain from the bedroom next door…The cries from the inner room grew louder—and abruptly stopped. There was a low sob, and then a man’s gruff voice said accusingly: ‘Useless thing!’
“Suddenly, I thought I heard a slight movement in the slops pail behind me,” Miss Xinran remembers. “To my absolute horror, I saw a tiny foot poking out of the pail. The midwife must have dropped that tiny baby alive into the slops pail! I nearly threw myself at it, but the two policemen [who had accompanied me] held my shoulders in a firm grip. ‘Don’t move, you can’t save it, it’s too late.’
“‘But that’s...murder...and you’re the police!’ The little foot was still now. The policemen held on to me for a few more minutes. ‘Doing a baby girl is not a big thing around here,’ [an] older woman said comfortingly. ‘That’s a living child,’ I said in a shaking voice, pointing at the slops pail. ‘It’s not a child,’ she corrected me. ‘It’s a girl baby, and we can’t keep it. Around these parts, you can’t get by without a son. Girl babies don’t count.’” The Economist, see also Sobs on the Night Breeze
“Suddenly, I thought I heard a slight movement in the slops pail behind me,” Miss Xinran remembers. “To my absolute horror, I saw a tiny foot poking out of the pail. The midwife must have dropped that tiny baby alive into the slops pail! I nearly threw myself at it, but the two policemen [who had accompanied me] held my shoulders in a firm grip. ‘Don’t move, you can’t save it, it’s too late.’
“‘But that’s...murder...and you’re the police!’ The little foot was still now. The policemen held on to me for a few more minutes. ‘Doing a baby girl is not a big thing around here,’ [an] older woman said comfortingly. ‘That’s a living child,’ I said in a shaking voice, pointing at the slops pail. ‘It’s not a child,’ she corrected me. ‘It’s a girl baby, and we can’t keep it. Around these parts, you can’t get by without a son. Girl babies don’t count.’” The Economist, see also Sobs on the Night Breeze
An outward-focused pursuit of love
Courage means compassion. For me, not being ashamed of the gospel isn’t just an inward-focused pursuit of a holy God. It’s also an outward-focused pursuit of love. . . . If I’m truly not ashamed, if I truly want to spell out the words Christ wrote on me, then I’m compelled to stop and consider every time I whip out my credit card or download an album or throw something away. . . . I’m no ascetic, and I have no desire to sell everything and move into a cave. But I know there’s more to standing firm on God’s Word than just reading it. There’s also the doing part. I Am Not Ashamed
Newsweek follows abortion tweets: Why shame remains
About 40 percent of American women have had abortions, but "only 30 percent of women [are] unambivalantly pro-choice, suggesting that there may be an appalling number of women who are willing to deny others the right that they once freely exercised themselves." Have abortion stories failed to "demystify" the procedure? Have the tellers been doing something wrong, or not speaking up enough? The answer is a bit of both. . . . After Roe made abortion legal throughout the country, the need to speak out seemed less pressing. Newsweek
Editor: The article fails to get at the real reason shame remains.
Editor: The article fails to get at the real reason shame remains.
Technical Question: Videos on PCC websites
Here's a question from Nancy Shaffer of North Jefferson Women's Center in Gardendale, AL: Do any of you use videos on your center's website? If so, where'd you get the videos and how did you post them to your site?
To reply to Nancy, email me or post a comment here.
To reply to Nancy, email me or post a comment here.
Prayer request from Uganda
Harriet Walude, who works with Veronica Nakyewe at Our Comforter's Center in Kampala, Uganda, reports that she's having trouble with her artificial leg. If you recall, she was in a terrible accident a few years ago and lost her leg. She can't use the limb now, and finances for her family are very tight because her husband lost his job last July. Please lift up our sister in prayer.
Hitler abortion poster sparks anger in Poland
Fundacja Pro, the organisation behind the billboard, said it wanted to remind Poles that abortion was first introduced to Poland during the Second World War by the country's Nazi occupiers as a means of limiting the population of a people they deemed inferior. Poland now has some of the strictest abortion laws in the EU, and any attempt to have them liberalised arouses furious and passionate debate. "It was Hitler who first introduced abortion to Poland, and in several days it will be the anniversary of that event." Telegraph
Kenyan Constitution Revisions Weaken Protection for Women, Unborn
The first draft of the newly-proposed Kenya Constitution protected the lives of unborn children from conception. However, changes made to the document have weakened those protections and are drawing opposition from pro-life advocates. LifeNews
Here's how the pro-death side describes the situation in Kenya: In Harm's Way
Here's how the pro-death side describes the situation in Kenya: In Harm's Way
Fake Clients: Statement by Care Net President Melinda Delahoyde on Recent Attacks on Pregnancy Centers
While pregnancy center grow in number and effectiveness, they are enduring numerous local and state attacks by abortion advocates. It's critical that pregnancy centers are aware that abortion groups are continuing to send undercover fake clients to gather "evidence" to concoct reports which are then used to spur on legislation to regulate and ultimately shut down pregnancy centers.
As a movement, we must continue to encourage pregnancy centers to operate under best practices, particularly as stated in the movement-wide document, The Commitment of Care and Competence. While doing that, we should defend our centers to the best of our ability and help expose the tactics of abortion groups.
In general, the fake clients that enter pregnancy centers do so with the specific objective of claiming they were mistreated in some way. In other words, they are going to accuse the center of mistreatment regardless of how professional and legally compliant the center is. These are not objective measures of pregnancy center professionalism. In Washington State, for example, the fake clients that testified before the Senate Committee were all employed by Planned Parenthood. In every state, the fake clients have either been employees, interns or volunteers of either Planned Parenthood or NARAL.
Many pregnancy centers attacked in recent NARAL reports have proven to us that false accusations were made about them. For example, the Maryland NARAL report indicated that pregnancy centers received Title X funding, when not one center in Maryland had ever received any Title X funding. In Virginia, the witness NARAL presented to defend their report before the state legislature actually admitted that the report was methodologically flawed and unreliable.
Pregnancy centers are wise to anticipate these attacks but not to be fearful of them -- what is meant for harm, can be used for good. The best way to prepare is first to ensure that your center is serving with excellence, from the moment that woman calls or visits your website to the moment she leaves. In particular, it's critical to ensure that all information is updated, current, and accurate. Secondly, we encourage centers to make it a point to introduce their ministry to leaders in their community -- not just church leaders, but city council members, newspaper editorialists, state legislators, and others in places of influence. Often what happens is that abortion advocacy groups are the first to introduce pregnancy centers to such people, who, because they are unfamiliar with your ministry, adopt an innacurate view of who you are.
The good news is that pregnancy centers have nothing to hide and have been serving millions of women over the years with incredible compassion and integrity. Nevertheless, use these attacks as a reminder to be wise to ensure best practices and to build key relationships in the community in order to protect the ministry and its abililty to continue to serve women and uphold life. InspireLifeNow, Melinda's blog post
As a movement, we must continue to encourage pregnancy centers to operate under best practices, particularly as stated in the movement-wide document, The Commitment of Care and Competence. While doing that, we should defend our centers to the best of our ability and help expose the tactics of abortion groups.
In general, the fake clients that enter pregnancy centers do so with the specific objective of claiming they were mistreated in some way. In other words, they are going to accuse the center of mistreatment regardless of how professional and legally compliant the center is. These are not objective measures of pregnancy center professionalism. In Washington State, for example, the fake clients that testified before the Senate Committee were all employed by Planned Parenthood. In every state, the fake clients have either been employees, interns or volunteers of either Planned Parenthood or NARAL.
Many pregnancy centers attacked in recent NARAL reports have proven to us that false accusations were made about them. For example, the Maryland NARAL report indicated that pregnancy centers received Title X funding, when not one center in Maryland had ever received any Title X funding. In Virginia, the witness NARAL presented to defend their report before the state legislature actually admitted that the report was methodologically flawed and unreliable.
Pregnancy centers are wise to anticipate these attacks but not to be fearful of them -- what is meant for harm, can be used for good. The best way to prepare is first to ensure that your center is serving with excellence, from the moment that woman calls or visits your website to the moment she leaves. In particular, it's critical to ensure that all information is updated, current, and accurate. Secondly, we encourage centers to make it a point to introduce their ministry to leaders in their community -- not just church leaders, but city council members, newspaper editorialists, state legislators, and others in places of influence. Often what happens is that abortion advocacy groups are the first to introduce pregnancy centers to such people, who, because they are unfamiliar with your ministry, adopt an innacurate view of who you are.
The good news is that pregnancy centers have nothing to hide and have been serving millions of women over the years with incredible compassion and integrity. Nevertheless, use these attacks as a reminder to be wise to ensure best practices and to build key relationships in the community in order to protect the ministry and its abililty to continue to serve women and uphold life. InspireLifeNow, Melinda's blog post
Prayer request from Evelyn Stone
Here is an SOS prayer request for a client that Evelyn counseled on Wednesday at the New Life Prenatal Center in Lima, Peru. "She is 42 years old, married, with 6 children. She has a very high risk of abortion, because of her age and her new job. After a positive pregnancy test, I did crisis counseling and shared the gospel with her. She listened attentively but did not accept Christ. She told me she stopped believing in God years ago when her father abandoned her family. Our nurse did an ultrasound, and she got a good look at the baby, movement, heartbeat, and profile picture. She had pretty much decided to abort, but lacked the courage to do so. We sent her home with an appointment for this week, prenatal vitamins and an invitation to bring her husband to see the baby. Please pray that this woman will accept Christ and choose life for this baby."
Web training from Loving & Caring
For years, Loving & Caring has provided training and consultation services to organizations serving the pro-life community. Over time, we have recognized that travel costs may prevent us from providing our services to those who desire it. In an effort to better serve your needs in an affordable manner, we are providing our training and consultation services via the Internet. That means you can enjoy our valuable training and consultation services from the convenience of your home or office and at a fraction of the cost of in-house trainings/consultations. All you need is a computer with Internet connection and a phone! Anne Pierson will facilitate all the sessions, which are only 1 hour in length.
Registration deadline is 1 week before the session date. Registration for each event is limited. When we receive confirmation of your payment we will email you all relevant information, including instructions on how to access the session. Questions? Call us at (717) 293-3230 or email.
Registration deadline is 1 week before the session date. Registration for each event is limited. When we receive confirmation of your payment we will email you all relevant information, including instructions on how to access the session. Questions? Call us at (717) 293-3230 or email.
Abortion Practitioner Loses License in Delaware After Philadelphia Investigation
The abortion practitioner in Pennsylvania who lost his medical licensed after local officials raided his abortion facility after a woman died in a botched abortion has lost his licensed in another state. Abortion practitioner Kermit Gosnell, who runs the Women's Medical Society, lost his Delaware license, too. LifeNews
My Mom's Abortion Failed, so I'm Alive to Talk about it
Melissa Ohden’s biological mother had an early induction abortion in 1977, however, Melissa was later born alive and showed too many signs of life to go unnoticed by nurses attending the abortion.
According to a 2007 UK study on abortions due to diagnosed disability, babies continue to struggle for life after being forced from the womb in 1 out of 30 cases. The study said the children, sometimes gasping for breath and crying weakly, survive for an average of 80 minutes - with some clinging to life for as long as six hours. Most of the children were aborted between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation.
"The sheer number of survivors really is overwhelming," said Ohden. During her travels speaking on the subject, she continues "to learn of more and more children like me" who have survived an attempt on their life in the womb. "Unfortunately, they have faced their own fair share of struggles with shame and embarrassment, limitations from disabilities, that have silenced them from sharing their stories with the world - just as I was silenced by my own shame, guilt, and embarrassment for so long." LifeSiteNews
According to a 2007 UK study on abortions due to diagnosed disability, babies continue to struggle for life after being forced from the womb in 1 out of 30 cases. The study said the children, sometimes gasping for breath and crying weakly, survive for an average of 80 minutes - with some clinging to life for as long as six hours. Most of the children were aborted between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation.
"The sheer number of survivors really is overwhelming," said Ohden. During her travels speaking on the subject, she continues "to learn of more and more children like me" who have survived an attempt on their life in the womb. "Unfortunately, they have faced their own fair share of struggles with shame and embarrassment, limitations from disabilities, that have silenced them from sharing their stories with the world - just as I was silenced by my own shame, guilt, and embarrassment for so long." LifeSiteNews
NY Times takes note of pro-life outreach to African-Americans
Across the country, the anti-abortion movement, long viewed as almost exclusively white and Republican, is turning its attention to African-Americans and encouraging black abortion opponents across the country to become more active.
A new documentary, written and directed by Mark Crutcher, a white abortion opponent in Denton, Tex., meticulously traces what it says are connections among slavery, Nazi-style eugenics, birth control and abortion, and is being regularly screened by black organizations.
Black abortion opponents, who sometimes refer to abortions as “womb lynchings,” have mounted a sustained attack on the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, spurred by a sting operation by young white conservatives who taped Planned Parenthood employees welcoming donations specifically for aborting black children. NY Times
A new documentary, written and directed by Mark Crutcher, a white abortion opponent in Denton, Tex., meticulously traces what it says are connections among slavery, Nazi-style eugenics, birth control and abortion, and is being regularly screened by black organizations.
Black abortion opponents, who sometimes refer to abortions as “womb lynchings,” have mounted a sustained attack on the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, spurred by a sting operation by young white conservatives who taped Planned Parenthood employees welcoming donations specifically for aborting black children. NY Times
Celebrate Mom & Dad
Are you ready for Mother's Day and Father's Day? Check out the bookmarks that Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund is making available. Thoughtful ideas for projects to honor all Moms and Dads.
Don't overstate the risks of drinking while pregnant
A policy of preaching 'abstinence only' [re: alcohol consumption in pregnancy] seems more than a little paternalistic - not to say, patronising. . . . Where the available evidence doesn't allow a straightforward, unambiguous answer to a question like 'how much is it safe to drink during pregnancy?', an honest response would be to admit as much to a patient. . . . '[S]o-called 'heavy' and 'moderate' drinking harm the unborn baby. Very light drinking may or may not.' What is the problem with telling pregnant women this? Such uncertainties are part and parcel of every adult's life. BioNews
“Good women choose abortion"
“We do sacred work that honors women and the cycle of life and death. When you come here bring only love,” reads the sign on the wall when you enter the child killing centers of Northland Family Planning Clinic according to their new You Tube video entitles “Good women choose abortion. . . . There is not one way of being good. . . . You are a good woman." This 4:38 video attempts to de-stigmatize the act of killing a pre-born baby. Bryan Kemper
New Planned Parenthood center set to open in Muskegon
The new Planned Parenthood center, scheduled to open March 8, should be a busy place. Statistics from Public Health-Muskegon County show the county's rates for teen pregnancy and chlamydia are well above the state averages. PP of West and Northern Michigan will offer a range of family planning services, including annual exams, reproductive cancer screenings, and birth control supplies and information.
The county health department is required by law to make the services available. Local health officials were concerned about the expense they would incur if they had to operate it themselves. "We're relieved to have the public health department's obligation fulfilled," said Ken Kraus, director of Public Health-Muskegon County. "Our department would need additional staff and resources to provide family planning services on our own. We're very grateful with Planned Parenthood's decision to provide the services in Muskegon County again." mLive
The county health department is required by law to make the services available. Local health officials were concerned about the expense they would incur if they had to operate it themselves. "We're relieved to have the public health department's obligation fulfilled," said Ken Kraus, director of Public Health-Muskegon County. "Our department would need additional staff and resources to provide family planning services on our own. We're very grateful with Planned Parenthood's decision to provide the services in Muskegon County again." mLive
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