Aborted babies, patient records found in MI abortion mill dumpster; laws to stop introduced

Aborted babies, patient records found in MI abortion mill dumpster; laws to stop introduced - Jill Stanek: On February 27 pro-lifer Chris Veneklase found the aborted remains of 17 babies in medical ziplock bags, with the names of their mothers labeled on the outside, in a dumpster at the Womans Choice abortion mill in Lansing.

Veneklase contacted Dr. Monica Miller of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, and together they searched the dumpster several more times to retrieve more biohazardous waste and patient records, some from the “sister” mill in Saginaw.

In early April Veneklase and Miller contacted authorities and put together a meeting with state and local law enforcement as well as State Rep. Rick Jones, in whose district the mill is located, and the MI Right to Life legislative liaison.

An investigation was launched involving the Attorney General, Solicitor General, Eaton Co. prosecutor, and Eaton Co. Sheriff’s office, whose detectives conducted more searches of trash and retrieved more evidence.

LifeNews.com Launches Improved Pro-Life News Web Site

LifeNews.com Launches Improved Pro-Life News Web Site | LifeNews.com Check out LifeNews' new look and advanced sharing capabilities. Good job, Steve!

Year-End Giving and Receipting Issues

ECFA Event Registration: December 07, 2010 - Online/Telephone Webinar - 60 Minute Session starting at 1:00 PM Eastern

Join us for the Year-End Giving Issues Webinar with Dan Busby, ECFA president, John Van Drunen, CPA and attorney, ECFA director of compliance, and Michael Batts, Managing Partner, Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, P.A., Orlando, FL.

Get to Know: I Am Music for Life

“I Am Music For Life” is a radio program that plays exclusively pro-life music. Peter Jorgensen writes: "It is my mission to have music that is; pro-life, pro-family, pro-adoption and pro-support of single parents as an alternative to abortion, played for as many listeners as possible. I started I Am Music for life in March of 1991, and it’s played on Saturday evenings at 9 through a Christian radio station in Cohoes, NY (WHAZ 97.4 FM). 


"The current airing of the programs costs $100/ month. I’m asking for your support in this endeavor, and as support is received, I will have the program played in more and more areas throughout this wonderful God-fearing country of ours."

Abortion, contraception, and breast cancer

Concerned Parents Report, Abstract, Abortion Risks: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Concerned Parents Report provides a chart of medical study summaries which suggest that abortion and contraception use can be contributing factors to the development of Breast Cancer.

Chinese Woman Given Forced Abortion at Eight Months

Chinese Woman Given Forced Abortion at Eight Months Pregnancy | China | Epoch Times: Xiao Aiying’s second baby was born dead after a poisonous injection. “Oh, my baby, I am so sorry! You left us even before you could see the light,” the mother wailed after getting out of the operating room. A low-level Chinese Communist Party bureaucrat in the family planning office, carrying out the regime’s one-child policy, had destroyed the fetus at eight months.

When We Can't Save Everyone

When We Can't Save Everyone: When we release our clients to the Lord, we recognize that it is God's power, not ours, which changes them. When we see spiritual progress in their lives, we can give God the glory instead of taking the credit for ourselves. And when those we try to help stumble and fall, we can entrust them to the Lord, who alone is able to pick them up and get them back on their feet.

Mind Your IRS Ps & Qs

Centerboard: Mind Your IRS Ps & Qs: Leaders of organizations must be aware of all IRS filing requirements and see to it they're submitted at the proper time. While the executive director and staff do the actual work of filling out forms and making deposits, the executive board is ultimately responsible. Are your board members aware of this accountability? Do they have a plan to ensure the ministry's full compliance?

Preserving A Dying Legacy

Preserving A Dying Legacy: Westside Pregnancy Clinic is standing strong in South LA. "We are rebuilding a dying legacy by educating Black Americans of all of their options. By collaborating with local agencies, schools, and health care providers, we are creating a safety net of services that will empower individuals to make informed pregnancy and sexual health choices."

Doing the Baby Bottle Boomerang

Doing the Baby Bottle Boomerang: The Baby Bottle Boomerang has raised an estimated $65 million for pro-life ministries throughout the United States and Canada. Centers share their best tips in this article.

Using Distance Learning to Train Those in Special Circumstances

Marketing 101: : Using Distance Learning to Train Those in Special Circumstances: To find out what is available in your state and which may benefit your clients in continuing their education through their crisis pregnancy and perhaps even graduating from high school with a diploma, visit http://www.nacol.org.

What they won't tell you about ella - webcast

Event: October 26 9 PM Eastern Please join Students for Life of America, the Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, LifeNews.com, Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, and Americans United for Life on Tuesday, October 26th at 9:00pm EST to find out what Planned Parenthood and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration aren't telling women about ella and the abortion-breast cancer link and how you can take ACTION!

Oxon Hill man sentenced to 30 years for killing pregnant girlfriend

Oxon Hill man sentenced to 30 years for killing pregnant girlfriend: An Oxon Hill man has been sentenced to 30 years in jail for killing his pregnant girlfriend, whom he ran over with a car and left to die in May 2009. Bernard Bellamy Jr., 21, faced a first-degree murder charge for the slaying of Valicia Andrea Demery, 19, of District Heights. He pleaded guilty Friday to a lesser charge of second-degree murder, as part of a plea agreement.

Police said Bellamy and Demery argued whether Demery should have an abortion. Bellamy sent Demery, who was four months pregnant, threatening text messages the night before her death.

Building Family Connections Curriculum Training

MASH — Michigan Association for Sexual Health � Building Family Connections: The Michigan Association for Sexual Health is pleased to partner with the Medical Institute for Sexual Health for the Train the Trainer event:

Building Family Connections (BFC)
What: This 2.5 day Train the Trainer event is designed to equip your staff and volunteers to present the BFC curriculum to parents

When: Nov. 18-20, 2010 (9-5 pm on Thursday and Friday; 9-1 on Saturday)

Where: Novi Sheraton - Northwest Detroit Metro area near I-696 and I-275 interchange

Cost: $100 for the 2.5 day training, a copy of the BFC Teacher Guide and other Medical Institute teacher materials.

Panel reviews issues related to telemedicine

Panel reviews issues related to telemedicine: A state panel that oversees and regulates physicians and medical practices in Iowa will need more time to review issues pertaining to the use of telemedicine – including Planned Parenthood’s procedure whereby doctors prescribe and dispense abortion-inducing pills to patients in rural Iowa clinics.

Parents stopped from forcing Texas teen to abort

ADF - News Release: Alliance Defense Fund allied attorneys representing a 16-year-old girl secured a temporary restraining order Monday from a Texas court that blocks her parents from forcing her to have an abortion against her will.

On two occasions, the teenager’s mother literally dragged her to local abortion facilities, including International Healthcare Solutions and Planned Parenthood of the Texas Capital Region, demanding that her daughter terminate the life of her child. Though she refused and the child’s father also does not want the baby killed, her parents continued to insist that they will force her to have the abortion. The court’s order prevents that from happening.

The Most Wanted Surrogates in the World

The Most Wanted Surrogates in the World: Magazine: glamour.com: To get an idea of how common surrogacy is among military spouses, consider this: Active-duty U.S. service members make up less than one half of one percent of the U.S. population. Yet military wives make up 12 to 15 percent of their surrogate pool. And according to an unscientific poll, more than 19 percent of respondents said they were military surrogates.

What drives these women to take on such an emotionally and physically demanding job? Surrogates cite a desire to help another couple finally have a family. Then there’s the bottom line. Financial concerns figure into these decisions—for military wives, often struggling to make ends meet; for infertile couples who could save thousands of dollars using a military surrogate.

Continue to pray for Joy in Uganda

Veronica Nakyewe writes this note: "Thank God for your prayers. Today we . . . were able to transfer Sister Joy to a private Hospital where she is receiving medical treatment required for her condition. There has been a lot of silent and low morale with in us all here at The Comforter’s Center. And today will be able to get sleep with the knowledge that Sister Joy is being taken care of and in the right hands at least.

"In the public Hospital, She slept on the floor for several days before and she only got a bed after some one died. And since then many have been coming in the same ward and leave dead. With Sister Joy now in the private Hospital. We hope she will be able to recover with in time. I will keep you update.

"But thank you, for your encouragements, there have been days where I needed just encouragement words and many of you have been standing with us. We are partners in everything. And special thanks to our Big Family of the Kingsland Baptist Church for coming to the rescue of our wounded warrior."

Next Summit: The heart of God in ministry


Save the dates . . . July 21-22, 2011 - Grand Rapids, MI

a conference for PCC staff, volunteers, and board members

Featured speaker: Andy Merritt

Workshop topics:
Poverty and abortion
Helping clients get off welfare
Motivational interviewing
Biblical counseling
Evangelism
Abortion recovery
Board issues
Growing a ministry
Utilizing mentors

Twin fetuses learn how to be social in the womb

Twin fetuses learn how to be social in the womb: Researchers have been studying pregnancies involving twins. Psychologist Umberto Castiello explained that newborns appear to be already 'wired' to interact socially with other humans soon after birth, and previous research has demonstrated that within only a few hours after birth babies can imitate gestures of people around them and make other social interactions. Studying twins in the womb made it possible to see investigate the pre-wired hypothesis and see if socialization was already apparent while still in the womb.

In Memory of the Greatest Pro-Life Orator

In Memory of the Greatest Pro-Life Orator, Christian News, Conservative Commentary: Any other black woman with her credentials and background would have been celebrated in culture and the media, but Dr. Jefferson was marginalized because of her pro-life views. In its obituary, the New York Times called her an 'anti-abortion activist.' The co-director of National Right to Life called her 'probably the greatest orator of our movement. In fact, take away the ‘probably.' If you want to see how articulate she was, go to youtube.com and type in Mildred Jefferson. If you never knew her, or knew of her, you will be impressed and understand how much the pro-life movement will miss her voice.

Fatal Clostridium sordellii Infections after Medical Abortions

As previously reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, Planned Parenthood Federation of America health centers changed their recommended regimen for medical abortions in the years 2006 and 2007, administering buccal rather than vaginal misoprostol and adding routine prophylactic antibiotics (doxycycline) in response to rare reports of serious infection after medical abortion. The effectiveness of this revised regimen in preventing C. sordellii infections and the safety of routine administration of antibiotics for this procedure remain unknown.

C. sordellii toxic shock syndrome may occur in reproductive-age women regardless of pregnancy status. Clinicians should be aware of common clinical features, including abdominal pain, hypotension, tachycardia, third-space fluid accumulations, hemoconcentration, and marked leukemoid response, typically without fever.

Scholars Return to ‘Culture of Poverty’ Ideas

Scholars Return to ‘Culture of Poverty’ Ideas - NYTimes.com: Seeking to recapture the topic from economists, sociologists have ventured into poor neighborhoods to delve deeper into the attitudes of residents. Their results have challenged some common assumptions, like the belief that poor mothers remain single because they don’t value marriage.

Related: Liberals Reexamining the Culture of Poverty? Guess Again

Abortion access and training expands in Utah

Abortion access and training expands in Utah | The Salt Lake Tribune: In July, the University of Utah joined a national program to train physicians in contraception and abortion techniques. And in August, Planned Parenthood of Utah started offering first-trimester abortions, becoming the state’s fourth provider.

Supporters say the need for expanded training has been highlighted by a botched abortion in Maryland by Utah doctor Nicola Riley. Maryland’s medical board suspended her license in August, accusing her of endangering patients’ safety. Riley, who also provides abortions in Utah, still has her local medical license. "There are bad people in every profession,” said Karrie Galloway, CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah. “That’s why it is so important that we have training programs … so that medical students and post docs have the skills and the training to provide the best care possible.”
Editor: Emphasis added. The article goes on:
“'We’re there because we need to be good at it. We need to be able to pick up when anyone else slows down.' In opening the new Metro Health Center, 160 S. 1000 East, Galloway took advantage of a pot of money available to add abortion services. The Consortium of Planned Parenthood Abortion Providers gave the Utah clinic an undisclosed amount."
Editor: When you go to the article, pay attention to the sidebar at left, 'Legislator Responds.' Very interesting.
Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman, said he was troubled that the state-owned University of Utah was offering an abortion-related fellowship. “If that is the case, it’s something the Legislature should definitely look at,” said Wimmer, adding that he wants to ensure no state money is subsidizing the program. And Wimmer said Planned Parenthood’s decision to offer abortions means it will lose credibility at the Legislature, where the organization previously stressed that it did not terminate pregnancies. “That was the only argument that they had that carried any water with some of the people in the Legislature,” he declared. “They have lost any moral high ground they ever had for them to perpetuate optional abortions.”

Abortion agenda aimed at Hispanics

Abortion agenda aimed at Hispanics, pro-lifers say: In the United States, where 15 percent of the population is Hispanic, about 25 percent of the abortions performed annually are done on Hispanic women.

Planned Parenthood opened its largest center in the country last March in a Houston, Texas, neighborhood that is predominantly Hispanic and black. The six-story building houses administrative offices as well as a clinic where women can have abortions up to the 24th week of pregnancy. And in Arizona, where about 30 percent of the population is of Hispanic origin, pro-lifers contend the organization has long set its sights on the minority community.

Pro-Abort Group Pushes Images that Hide Humanity of the Unborn

EmbryoImage by lunar caustic via Flickr
Approximately 6 weeks estimated gestational age from conception, 8 weeks from LMP.
As reported by the blog Big Blue Wave, the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada is recommending three pictures to media outlets, two that depict the unborn child’s gestational sac rather than the unborn child himself. The third is a shot of a woman holding a positive pregnancy test. “It’s a complete denial of reality,” said Mary Ellen Douglas, national organizer for Campaign Life Coalition. “They think they can show a blob and this is what the little baby is. Well, what’s inside there? Is there a heart beating in there?” LifeSiteNews
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Free online tool for organizations to find top-notch staff

The Leadership Institute's ConservativeJobs.com works to connect you with the right job in public policy, government, the news media, business, or on Capitol Hill.

Newly Released Documents Show Iowa Telemed Abortion Corruption Scandal Reaches Highest Levels of Government

Newly Released Documents Show Iowa Telemed Abortion Corruption Scandal Reaches Highest Levels of Government :Operation Rescue: Operation Rescue has received a 906-page packet of documents that was obtained from the Iowa Attorney General’s office through the open records act that reveals an effort by Attorney General Tom Miller and his staff [to] hinder OR’s efforts to obtain a criminal investigation of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and their “telemed” remote-controlled abortion pill distribution scheme. The documents were sent to Operation Rescue from an anonymous source.

Pro-choicers can't keep their story straight

Mad Men's Joan didn't get an abortion, and pro-choice whining about it bashes their own myths and stereotypes. Jill Stanek

Proposal to regulate anti-abortion counselors is a bad idea

Free choice, free speech: Proposal to regulate anti-abortion counselors is a bad idea: It is never a good idea for lawmakers to draft legislation based solely on the urgings of advocates for one cause or another, and it is particularly dangerous when the measure in question could curtail First Amendment rights.

Planned Parenthood’s 26K Feet for Under $9m

Big Office Condo Deal! Nonprofit’s 26K Feet for Under $9 M. | The New York Observer: A nonprofit has made a short hop to some new downtown space, but a big leap to ownership. The International Planned Parenthood Federation has snapped up 26,000 square feet downtown for less than $9 million.

The foundation has taken the entire ninth floor at 125 Maiden Lane. 'It's almost unheard of for a nonprofit to purchase its real estate today,' broker Suzanne Sunshine said. 'Banks and government are no longer providing the kind of financing like they used to.'

To make the new owners feel at home, there's also a landscaped roof deck, a courtyard with river views, and a fully equipped exercise room.

Teleseminar: Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign?

Thursday, October 28, 2010, Noon (Eastern): "Are You Ready for a Capital Campaign: Capital Campaign Planning Studies" with Linda Lysakowski of Capital Venture
In this session we will examine your organization's internal and external readiness to conduct a campaign. We will discuss the infrastructure needed to run a successful campaign-board involvement, staffing, technology, and the case for support. We will also discuss the planning/feasibility study-do you need one, what you should expect from the study, and what to do if the study says you are not ready for a campaign. NonProfit National Resource Directory

What is the effect of "Ella" on a teenage woman's body?



Dr. Donna Harrison, OBGYN and president of the American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) discusses safety concerns for adolescent women who might take ella.

Planned Parenthood Operating in Stealth Mode in Lubbock, Texas

ALL: Planned Parenthood in Lubbock, Texas Operating in Stealth Mode: Supporters have alerted American Life League that Aaron Women’s Clinic, an abortion center in Lubbock, Texas, is being operated by Planned Parenthood. The center is the only abortion business in the Plains region and another example of Planned Parenthood’s shift from its oft-touted abortifacient birth control business to a full-blown surgical abortion facility.

First Two Babies Saved

PRAISE GOD!!! We have just found out about our first two babies saved today because of students taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity.

Pregnant Girlfriend Forced To Abortion Clinic; 6 Counts For Accused

Pregnant Girlfriend Forced To Abortion Clinic; 6 Counts For Accused | NBC 4i: A Columbus man is indicted on six counts after he is accused of kidnapping the mother of his unborn baby and forcing her to go to an abortion clinic at gunpoint.

NRLC mourns the death of Dr. Mildred F. Jefferson :: :: ProLifeBlogs

NRLC mourns the death of Dr. Mildred F. Jefferson :: :: ProLifeBlogs: 'The right-to-life movement has lost a champion and a pioneer. And we have lost a dear friend,' said Darla St. Martin, NRLC co-executive Director. 'Mildred Jefferson was a valued colleague in our fight for the most vulnerable members of our society and she will be greatly missed.'

More photos from Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity












Images of silent pro-life solidarity from around the world

On his blog, Bryan Kemper is posting photos of students participating in Italy, Czech Republic, Greece, Belgium, Africa, Wales, and Germany -- as well as the US.

Pro-Lifers Risk Trespass Violation in Case of Coerced Abortion

Pro-Life News of the Day: Last Saturday: "We cried with her. She said that she didn’t want an abortion, she just didn’t feel like there was any other option." Then along came the blonde woman.

Silence to Rock Thousands of Campuses Tuesday as Students Protest Abortion

Silence to Rock Thousands of Campuses Tuesday as Students Protest Abortion: On Tuesday morning, students from thousands of schools around the world will keep silence and refuse to speak as a protest against the silencing of countless innocent children by abortion.

Leaders of the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity, a project of Stand True – Christ Centered Pro-Life, say hundreds of thousands of students will lose their voice in solidarity with their brothers and sisters who will never have a voice. Last year Stand True heard from participants that over 80 girls canceled their abortions on the day of the event due to the silent campaign.

Many home-schooled students will also participate in the event by visiting local malls and other public areas to distribute flyers. There is no cost to participate in the event. Flyers are available for download in PDF format at www.silentday.org. Students can also follow the event on twitter at www.twitter.com/prolifeday. Retweet their messages and create huge traffic!

1 in 3 First-Time Births Are Cesarean Deliveries

1 in 3 First-Time Births Are Cesarean Deliveries: One in three first-time mothers are being delivered by cesarean section, and prelabor repeat cesarean deliveries contribute almost one-third of cesarean deliveries overall, according to a National Institutes of Health study. The findings suggest that preventing unnecessary primary cesarean deliveries could substantially reduce the high cesarean delivery rate in the United States – which has increased more than 50% since 1996 and appears to be on a continued upward trajectory.

No shame in aborting unborn life?

No shame in aborting unborn life | Herald Sun: "It's time we realise that having an abortion doesn't mean you don't care about the unborn life you are carrying." Huh? That's exactly what it means!

Not satisfied with the status quo

Why is it only 10% of the entire client load at the average medical PCC represents pregnant women seriously considering abortion? Can those PCCs reverse that trend to 90% or more? The bad news is that we have only found one way to fix this problem and it cannot be done in less than 4 months and with nothing short of changing the way services are offered. To read a more detailed history of the pregnancy resource center model and why it is not working click the following link: Analysis of Why the PRC Is Not Working and How to Fix It

Tips for your next event

Vote for Life

Vote for Life | Americans United for Life Action At votingforlife.com, you can register to vote, get critical early voting information, tell a friend how they can help, share this effort on your blog, get the word out on Facebook and Twitter, and even get your own “Voting for Life” bumper sticker!

New photos of 10-week-old fetus

Photo by Suparna Sinha, ob/gyn student, in the course of removing a cancerous uterus; 10 week fetus; used by permission, Flickr
Photo by Suparna Sinha, ob/gyn student, in the course of removing a cancerous uterus; 10 week fetus; used by permission, Flickr
The Power of a Portrait

Note from Evelyn Stone, missionary in Lima, Peru

Evelyn counseling
"Counseling is like caring for the wounded. Sometimes it's receiving them into the hospital, cleaning up ugly wounds, and finding the right medicine and treatment. That means having the counseling office open at the New Life Prenatal Center, taking appointments, spending time listening, encouraging, and finding God's answers to each problem. At other times it's like emergency care, going out to look for the wounded. Today I (Evelyn) will be visiting women that are suffering from sickness, cancer, depression, the anguish of loss, betrayal, etc. So many today are suffering because of a literal explosion of cases related to homosexuality. I have counseled at least one new case each week for two months! US politics have a world-wide impact. Pray for wisdom in counseling from God´s Word."

Urgent prayer needed for Papua New Guinea

Missionary Lori Smith writes: "Last week there was another ambush and two young men from Kenimaro were mercilessly murdered by their enemies from Napamagona and Katagu. A huge confrontation has been planned for Monday [today]. PLEASE PRAY. Each of the warriors coming to the clinic have been just exploding with hatred. I spent time with each one...pleading with them to bring to an end this senseless destruction.

"One young man was almost captured and murdered with his friends. I held his face in my hands and made his eyes meet mine as I poured out my heart of concern. Would he have been ready to meet God had he
been killed [last] Monday? Was he ready now? He would not answer me. I prayed over him, but not with him and my heart just broke. 19 or 20 years of his life now...and if God does not intervene it may be the end for him. My tears have not ceased as I see his face in my heart!

"There are too many guns for the police to intervene. They contacted Bill [Lori's husband] warning him of the conflict that seems imminent, and letting him know they have just decided to let them shoot it out among themselves. Our dear ones at Kokinaga are in the middle of this conflict. Pray for safety!! PRAY for PEACE."

On a happier note, Lori writes that they debuted their new ultrasound machine Saturday. "We finally were able to find the power source large enough and safe enough to power our huge blessing up and let her go!! Wow! What an amazing picture, but a healthy pregnancy was not what Cathi and her husband were wanting to see displayed so perfectly on the ultrasound screen. Pray for them to love and accept this precious little on as a gift from God."

Leading anti-abortion activist dies

Leading anti-abortion activist dies in Mass. at 84 | AP Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle: Mildred Jefferson, the first black woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School and a nationally recognized leader of the anti-abortion movement, has died at age 84. Jefferson helped establish the National Right to Life Committee.

The Abortion Issue

Anti-abortion advocate Carl Paladino rents space to Planned Parenthood clinic

Anti-abortion advocate Carl Paladino rents space to Planned Parenthood clinic in Niagara Falls - NYPOST.com: Carl Paladino, a strong opponent of abortion, doesn't let his religious beliefs get in the way of making a quick profit. The Buffalo bomb-thrower, who says his Catholic beliefs require him to oppose abortion -- including in cases of rape and incest -- is the landlord for a Planned Parenthood in Niagara Falls, The Post learned yesterday. The center provides services including the RU-486 pill, which Planned Parenthood calls 'medication abortion.'

Michigan Pro-Life Group Says Proposal 1 Constitutional Convention a Bad Idea

Michigan Pro-Life Group Says Proposal 1 Constitutional Convention a Bad Idea: Arguments can be made from a pro-life perspective both in favor of and opposition to calling a constitutional convention. On the one hand, pro-life language could be added to the constitution that recognizes legal protection for unborn children. Or provisions could be added that would enshrine abortion -- even if the Supreme Court eventually overturns the Roe v. Wade abortion case. Right to Life of Michigan worries about the latter situation developing.

Susan Boyle: my mother was advised to abort me

Susan Boyle: my mother was advised to abort me | News | The Christian Institute: Doctors told Bridget Boyle, then a 45-year-old mother of eight, that having another baby could kill her. The singer, writing in her autobiography, said when she was born doctors commented she would “never be anything” and she has been “trying all my life to prove them wrong.”

The Story of Baptists for Life

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

A broken past for a better purpose

A broken past for a better purpose (OneNewsNow.com): "A former abortion proponent says her dark past, which includes several abortions, has allowed her to offer hope to women who may be considering aborting their children. Norma Murakami, director of A Women's Care Center in Chino Hills, California, remembers a second trimester abortion most vividly because the procedure took two days to complete. But after undergoing six abortions, she was never educated on the procedure until it was too late.

Birth Control: A Preventative Service?

Birth Control: A Preventative Service? - Washington Wire - WSJ: Planned Parenthood launched a campaign today aimed at getting birth control designated as a preventative service under the new health care law. Preventative services must be provided to patients for free under the new rules, so if birth control is considered preventive, women would not be required to make co-payments. Women’s groups had hoped for little controversy over whether birth control would be considered preventive care. But some conservatives have already expressed concern, and the Department of Health and Human Services asked the independent Institute of Medicine to make a recommendation on what services to include. A final decision, which will be made by the HHS secretary, is expected in summer 2011.

Get to Know: Answers for Women

Passion Statement | Answers Outreach: Georgia Purdom says, "Since coming to Answers in Genesis several years ago, I have been burdened to bring the message of the authority and trustworthiness of God’s Word to women. The message of biblical authority is for everyone, but some concepts are specific to us as women (wives, mothers, and womanhood) and other concepts need to be presented in a way that women can relate.

"Does this mean the 'milk' of the Word and not 'meat'? No! Does this mean a PhD in science or theology is required to understand the presentations? Absolutely not! Does this mean flowers, pastel colors, and tea parties? Not my style.
What it does mean is solid, biblical, “meaty” teaching presented by a woman who knows what women want and also what they need—whether they know it or not!

"My presentations are balanced treatments of theology, science, practical applications, and personal stories that will make you think, relate, laugh, and understand the importance of making the Bible the foundation for every area of our lives."

New York Times Falsely Claims National Cancer Institute Denied Abortion-Breast Cancer Link

New York Times Falsely Claims National Cancer Institute Denied Abortion-Breast Cancer Link - Christian Newswire: The New York Times, troubled that the abortion-breast cancer link is bad for the abortion industry's business, published an article yesterday by Susan Dominus, who falsely claimed that crisis pregnancy centers give women information that 'has been medically refuted.'

'Dominus didn't read the NCI's Summary Report,' said Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer. 'The agency acknowledged one of the three ways abortion raises risk - through the loss of the risk-reducing effect of childbearing. Medical texts say increased childbearing, starting before age 24, and increased lifetime duration of breastfeeding sharply reduce risk. Therefore, the woman who has a full term pregnancy has a lower risk than the one who has an abortion. The NCI contradicted itself by denying abortion is associated with increased breast cancer risk.'

Abortion Practitioner in California Operates Despite Repeated Legal Troubles

Abortion Practitioner in California Operates Despite Repeated Legal Troubles: South California abortion practitioner Feliciano Rios continues to operate an abortion business and do abortions in Chula Vista despite significant legal trouble. The pro-life group Operation Rescue has obtained legal documents showing the numerous issues Rios has deal with over the last two years.

PCCs Push Back Against New York Proposal

Pregnancy Centers Push Back Against New York Proposal Against Free Speech: Pregnancy centers are pushing back against a proposal from pro-abortion members of the New York City Council who are acting on behalf of the NARAL abortion advocacy group, which wants council members to support a proposal limiting their free speech rights. The proposal would place stringent limits on the advertising pregnancy centers use and require them to post signs designed to dissuade women from seeking their abortion alternatives services.

Care Net, a national network of more than 1,100 centers in North America, has announced its intention to defend pregnancy centers in New York City against the legislation. President Melinda Delahoyde called the proposed bill “unconstitutional and a hostile attack on non-profit organizations providing critical help to women. The proposed bill is a response to the growing national movement of Americans who find the practical, nonjudgmental outreach of pregnancy centers to women very appealing People are tired of the old culture wars, but groups like NARAL that advocate for the abortion industry want to keep them going, dividing our communities and our country.”

Maryland Pregnancy Center Foe Accused of Financial Mismanagement by NOW

Maryland Pregnancy Center Foe Accused of Financial Mismanagement by NOW: A pro-abortion Maryland councilmember and prominent foe of local crisis pregnancy centers is locked in a battle over allegations that she used over $10,000 of funds from the abortion organization National Organization for Women for personal shopping sprees.

Montgomery County Councilmember Marie 'Duchy' Trachtenberg, the official responsible for forcing local pregnancy resource centers to post disclaimers if there is no medical professional on staff, conceded defeat last month in her bid for re-election. But questions concerning allegedly mishandled funds belonging to Maryland NOW continue to haunt Trachtenberg, who served as the lobby group's treasurer from about 2006 until the end of 2008.

A Breech of Public Responsibility

A Breech of Public Responsibility: In 2008 the American Psychological Association released a Task Force Report concluding that '[t]here is no credible evidence that a single elective abortion of an unwanted pregnancy in and of itself causes mental health problems for adult women.' Although the report was criticized by both pro-life and pro-choice researchers, it continues to be cited as evidence that abortion does not have a negative impact on women's mental health.

Priscilla Coleman, author of numerous studies on mental health and abortion and a leading critic of the Task Force report, has issued a response to these claims.

New Jersey board suspends abortion doc's license

New Jersey board suspends abortion doc's license - NJ.com: The state's physician disciplinary board Wednesday night suspended the license of a controversial abortion doctor accused of unlawfully performing five late-term abortions outside a hospital or licensed health center and putting his patients' health at risk.

After nearly a nine-hour hearing in Trenton, the state Board of Medical Examiners medical board concluded Steven Chase Brigham, 54, skirted state law by beginning the late-term abortions in New Jersey and sending the women out of state to finish the procedure.

The board stated 'his continued practice presents a clear and imminent danger' to the public and his procedures caused 'fetal demise and brought patients to the point' where abortion was basically required, according to a statement read by a board member.

What do you make of this?

The Michigan government website has a document listing centers offering free ultrasounds. Hmmmm.

Prayer request from Uganda

Veronica Nakyewe writes: "Thank you for praying for Sister Joy. She is slowly coming back to her senses after 8 days in a coma. Her conditon now is that she hears, she tries to talk with difficulty, but she can't see at all, and she has wounds in the mouth. We are planning to transfer her to a private hospital where she can get Medical help she needs right now.


"Sister Joy is our Senior Counselor at The Comforter’s Center. Sister Joy has counseled women with unplanned pregnancies in Uganda more than any other person in this country. She has lead many to Christ and helped to save many children here at The Comforter’s Center. We know that whatever touches Sister Joy touches the apple of God’s eye. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?' Hebrews 13:6."


Editor: If you haven't been praying for Joy already, please add her to your list.

Abortion Boosts Breast Cancer Risk 193%

Abortion Boosts Breast Cancer Risk 193% Study Finds, Giving Birth Lowers It: Researchers in Iran have published the results of a new study showing women who have an abortion face a 193% increased risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, women who carry a pregnancy to term find a lowered breast cancer risk compared with women who have never been pregnant. The findings were reported in the April 3, 2010 issue of Medical Oncology but are coming to the public's attention only now.

Tell the real PCC story

Over the past 40 years a movement of women and men has created and sustained a vital service in an area of unsurpassed need. Exemplifying the enduring American principles of voluntary and selfless giving, a mustard seed of concern for women facing unexpected pregnancies has blossomed into dynamic national and international networks of love in action. Today, through a massive commitment of personal time and professional services, the movement to provide pregnancy-related resources encompasses thousands of centers worldwide that bring aid and hope to millions of people each year.

The scope of these centers varies but their mission is single-hearted: to communicate to women and their families that their lives are valuable and that their needs - emotional, psychological, medical, spiritual and practical - can and will be met. With honesty and compassion, the global pregnancy resource movement now offers powerful community-based programs whose accomplishments are a story not yet fully told. A Passion to Serve

New IPS stem cell 'breakthrough' is not a pro-life victory

Pro-life news and information from American Life League: News is breaking, once again, that scientists have “developed a technique that can quickly create safe alternatives to human embryonic stem cells,” and it’s being hailed as “a major advance toward developing a less controversial approach for treating a host of medical problems.”

Pro-life groups and organizations are, also once again, being duped into believing that this new invention is “an efficient way to produce apparently safe alternatives to human embryonic stem cells without destroying embryos.”

Editor: I've been watching this controversy for some time and it's difficult to follow the science. I'd appreciate anyone who can help me understand it.

Pro-abortion pols use deceptive scare tactics | SILive.com

Pro-abortion pols use deceptive scare tactics | SILive.com: Eric Schneiderman, the Democratic candidate for New York State Attorney General, looked smugly into the TV cameras, held the thumb and index finger of his left hand about an inch apart, and warned, “We got a Supreme Court that’s just this close to overruling Roe vs. Wade.” It was a brazen lie.

Of the nine justices on the nation’s highest court, only the two most conservative, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, have expressed any inclination whatsoever to overrule the controversial 1973 decision that sanctions abortion on demand. Which is why, despite several recent opportunities to reverse Roe vs. Wade, the court has instead lopsidedly reaffirmed it.

There are two reasons why Schneiderman dared to lie about the matter during last week’s debate with his Republican opponent, Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan.

The first is that he knew he could get away with it. A recent poll commissioned by Findlaw found that nearly two thirds of respondents weren’t able to name even a single justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The second is it's a key political strategy for him has been to make abortion an issue in this race, a tactic that exploits the voters’ unfamiliarity with both the Supreme Court and applicable New York law.

Abortion has been legal in this state for 40 years, the operative statute thus antedating the holding in Roe. Accordingly, contrary to yet another popular misconception on which his strategy depends, even if Roe vs. Wade were somehow overruled, it would have absolutely no impact on abortion rights.

Schneiderman’s duplicitous rhetoric is designed to court a political constituency he views as pivotal to his election. At a City Hall rally on Sept. 17, he was giddily endorsed by City Council President Christine Quinn, an outspoken abortion supporter, and members of NARAL pro-choice New York. Ms. Quinn added the astounding assertion that “We need more reforms to make New York even more pro-choice.”

Editor: Hence her move to regulate PCCs in NYC.

Abortion Backers Ignore How Abortion Clinics Hurt Women

Abortion Backers Ignore How Unsafe Abortions, Clinics Are Hurting Women: Abortion advocates have consistently argued that legalized abortion is beneficial to women’s health. When abortion is legal, women are not supposed to be at the mercy of unskilled and incompetent butchers and unsanitary and unsafe clinics. All too often, however, today’s abortion clinics have become the true “back-alleys” of abortion mythology.

Editor: Good thing to keep in mind, with NYC PCCs under attack.

NY Council Speaker Christine Quinn leads charge to regulate crisis pregnancy centers' ads

Council Speaker Christine Quinn leads charge to regulate crisis pregnancy centers' ads: More than a dozen CPCs - which in reality are run by anti-abortion groups - are scattered around the five boroughs, often near or even in the same buildings as abortion clinics. The CPCs advertise on websites and public transit and some post misleading signs, foes say, bearing such messages as 'Free Abortion Alternatives.'

Editor: And what is misleading about that?

Women prefer surgical abortion to pill in second trimester

Women prefer surgical abortion to pill in second trimester | Reuters: Women who undergo an abortion during the second trimester may often prefer a surgical procedure to the 'abortion pill.' The study, of 122 women who were randomly assigned to either a surgical or medication-induced abortion during the second trimester, found that all women in the surgery group said they would opt for that form of abortion again, if necessary. In contrast, only 53 percent of women in the medication group said the same.

Editor: Whoa, did you catch that? Abortion pill in the second trimester? Read on: In the U.S., the abortion pill is approved for use within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. In the UK, it is approved for use up through the 24th week; however, most studies comparing the safety and effectiveness of medical and surgical abortions have focused on procedures performed in first trimester."

Women Who Use Abortion Pill Experience More Pain, Emotional Distress

Study: Women Who Use Abortion Drug Experience More Pain, Emotional Distress: The abortion drug mifepristone (more commonly known as RU486) was supposed to be a panacea for women -- allowing them to have safer abortions in the privacy of their own home. But a new study out of England finds women who had the drug-induced abortions preferred the surgical abortion procedure.

NY Times piles on PCCs

Big City - A Push to Erase Ambiguities at Crisis Pregnancy Centers - NYTimes.com: "A yearlong investigation by Naral Pro-Choice New York found that crisis pregnancy centers — in addition to the E.M.C. centers, there are at least four others in the city — feed women information that has been medically refuted (including an old standby, rejected by the National Cancer Institute, that abortions cause higher rates of breast cancer)."

NY City Council Sets Abortion Fight

Council Sets Abortion Fight - WSJ.com: The New York City Council plans to unveil legislation Tuesday that would establish strict disclosure requirements for crisis-pregnancy centers, some of which, abortion-rights advocates charge, deceive women into believing they're full-serve reproductive health facilities by masking their antiabortion agenda. The legislation, backed by Speaker Christine Quinn, would require the centers to disclose to clients that they do not provide abortion services or contraceptive devices, or make referrals to organizations that do. Centers that don't have licensed medical providers onsite would also have to disclose that information. Under the bill, the centers would be required to hang disclosure signs in their offices and post statements on websites and in advertisements.

Abortion Center Used Egg Timer in Fake Bomb Report

Abortion Center Director Guilty of False Bomb Threat Report, Used Egg Timer: The former director of the Reproductive Services abortion center in Tulsa, Oklahoma has pleaded guilty to charges of making false or misleading statements after telling police she supposedly found a bomb at the abortion center.
Linda Meek reported on August 13 a bomb had been placed in a trash receptacle, but she told the court on Thursday she purchased an egg timer and place that in a trash bin and called the local police to report a bomb scare.

Why isn't it called Breast Cancer Prevention Month?

Why isn't it called Breast Cancer Prevention Month?: Now that we're in the midst of 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month' -- with all its pinkwashing nonsense at full tilt -- it brings up the question of why the month is named an 'awareness' month. Why not name it 'Breast Cancer Prevention Month?' The answer to that question, it turns out, reveals a number of interesting things about the cancer industry that the general public isn't supposed to know.

Editor: And why don't they talk about the abortion/breast cancer link?

NJ AG's Forceful Response To Brigham’s Motion for Dismissal

NJ AG Forcefully Responds To Brigham’s Motion for Dismissal in Illegal Abortion Case :Operation Rescue: The New Jersey Attorney General’s office filed a forceful response emphasizing that Brigham committed multiple violations “in the context of alleged acts of dishonesty and deception.” Issues raised by Brigham and the New Jersey Attorney General’s office will be considered during oral arguments, which have been scheduled for October 13.

Study O.K.’s Light Drinking During Pregnancy. Too Good to Be True?

Study O.K.’s Light Drinking During Pregnancy. Too Good to Be True? – TIME Healthland: A glass of wine or two a week — and not more than one large glass on any occasion — may be safe during pregnancy. But this does not mean that light drinking in pregnancy is good for your baby. The study did find negative effects in children whose mothers drank moderately: this was defined as not having more than 3 to 6 British units of alcohol per week or more than 3 to 5 units on a single occasion. (One British unit of alcohol equals a small glass of wine.) Heavier drinking in pregnancy, not surprisingly, resulted in increased levels of behavior problems and lowered cognitive performance among children.

What’s wrong with “That’s so abortion”? - Jill Stanek

What’s wrong with “That’s so abortion”? - Jill Stanek: Abortion Gang’s negative reaction to the trivialization of the word “abortion” surprised me. I expected cheers.

Editor: According to Webster's, "abort" means 1) to have a miscarriage, 2) to fail to be completed, 3) to fail to develop. Also, to end prematurely, to cut short.

Text Messaging Prevents Coerced Abortion at Planned Parenthood

Text Messaging Prevents Coerced Abortion at Planned Parenthood: The seventeen-year-old teen sat nervously in the waiting room of the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Thursday, October 7, 2010. She was six weeks pregnant and did not want to have an abortion, but her mother had insisted. Suddenly, her phone alerted her to an incoming text message. “Jane, [not her real name] you are a mom! Please choose life for your baby, we want to help you! Tara”

That began a texting conversation that ultimately led to the young mother leaving the abortion clinic with the firm decision to keep her baby.

Eliminate 90% of Board Dysfunction: 5 Simple Steps

Tension between the board and the executive occurs for lots of reasons. But that tension reflects a dysfunction and thankfully paves the way for a solution. Dysfunction between the board and executive reveals the need for your board to establish a process for how to interact with you the Executive in a healthy way. It is extremely important for the board to establish a process of how to interact with the Executive in a healthy way because the future health of the organization depends on it. Too many organizations have been badly damaged because boards and executives simply did not follow a healthy process or misunderstood their role. CompassCare

The rest of the story: False bomb threat

Former Tulsa abortion clinic director admits false bomb threat | NewsOK.com: Linda Meek, 63, former executive director of Reproductive Services, said she called in a false bomb threat in August.

Murdered Kansas abortion doctor's clinic for sale

Murdered Kansas abortion doctor's clinic for sale - KansasCity.com: A real estate company's 'for sale' sign has been posted outside the Wichita clinic formerly operated by murdered abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. The clinic has been closed since Tiller was shot to death in May 2009. Tax records available online list its appraised value as $734,100.

Kansans for Life sent an e-mail to members floating the idea of buying the former clinic and turning it into a memorial for the fetuses aborted there.

Bond set in abortion kidnapping

Bond set in abortion kidnapping | The Columbus Dispatch: A man who police say tried to force his pregnant girlfriend to have an abortion made his first appearance in court yesterday, with groups on both sides of the abortion issue expressing outrage at his actions. While inside the clinic, the woman passed a note to a clinic employee, detailing her situation. Police arrested Dominic Holt-Reid in the parking lot. Yolanda Burgess was not harmed. Police found a 45-caliber handgun in Holt-Reid's waistband.

NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio condemned Holt-Reid's actions and focused on the quick work of the clinic employee. "I think that what happened at Founder's clinic shows the dedication that clinic workers have to make sure that when women come to the clinic, it's their choice," said Kellie Copeland, the group's executive director. "We want women to make their own decisions - not a boyfriend's, not a government." She also said she continued to be concerned for Burgess' safety and welfare.

The Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, an anti-abortion group, focused on Burgess, who "refused to kill her unborn baby. The whole idea of coercing an abortion is common," said Mark Harrington, executive director of the group's Midwest affiliate.

Wanted: Doppler stethoscope for Ethiopia

Dinah Monohan writes: "Dear Friends: We are on our way back to Ethiopia. Our maternity home has 2 residents and a new baby. I was wondering if you could put it out there if anyone has a Doppler stethoscope they aren't using. They used to be the rage but now that ultrasounds are used.... Please let me know if you have one that you could send to me by November." Consider it "out there," Dinah.

Contact Dinah: Email, Facebook

Reid's Pro-Life Posturing Doesn't Match His Record

Sen. Harry Reid's Pro-Life Posturing Doesn't Match His Record -- LAS VEGAS, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --: Sen. Harry Reid has long campaigned as a pro-life politician. 1001 Reasons to Vote Against Harry Reid, an independent committee, has taken a closer look at his record and found many troubling votes.

Abortion not a Right, but a Crime

Abortion is not a Right, but a Crime, Say Mexican Women's Groups: A coalition of Mexican women's organizations and other NGOs denounced the promotion of abortion as a 'right,' a claim made with increasing frequency in the nation's media.
The organizations decry the use of maternal mortality statistics as a 'pretext' to pressure officials to legalize abortion, pointing out that the World Health Organization attributes only 13 percent of such cases to unsafe abortions. Claudia Perez of Codigo Mujer (Women's Code) observed that the major causes of maternal mortality are not being addressed, and that poor women often don't have access even to antibiotics to treat hemorrhages or infections, a violation of their constitutional right to health care.

What happens to the babies who survive "Ella"?


Dr. Donna Harrison, OB-GYN and president of the American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) continues with a short explanation of ella’s potential impact on the small number (approximately 2%) of babies that will survive despite their mother taking ella.

A Champion For Maternal Health

A Champion For Maternal Health � Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute: Robert Walley is the head, heart, and soul of MaterCare International, which he founded to reduce maternal mortality worldwide through a global network of like-minded medical professionals. “Saving mothers happens at the bedside,” Walley says.

Leadership that leads to positive nonprofit workplaces

Teleseminars Sponsored by the NonProfit National Resource Directory: It takes powerful leaders at all levels of nonprofit organizations who are skilled, critical thinkers, versatile, curious, and intentional about cultivating enthusiasm and even delight in accomplishing organizational missions.

Hospital wrongly told two devastated women their unborn babies were dead

Joanna Barro was devastated to be told she had lost her unborn baby but was shocked to later find the hospital had made a mistake. She later gave birth to Ruby, pictured here, age 2

Joanna Barro, 25,was devastated when doctors at Brighton's Royal Sussex County Hospital said they were '100 per cent sure' her baby was dead at her eight-week scan. She was preparing to go through a traumatic internal procedure to clear her system a week later when a shocked nurse found a heartbeat and told her the pregnancy was fine. Miss Barro went on to give birth to a happy, healthy baby girl, Ruby, now three.

Earlier this week, the same Sussex hospital was forced to apologise to pregnant Sofia Taylor after it allegedly advised her to terminate her failed pregnancy. Daily Mail

Related: Miracle or Mistake?

Poverty link to abortion numbers

The Press Association: Poverty link to abortion numbers: New figures have showed a 'huge gulf' in abortion rates between the poorest parts of Scotland and the most affluent communities.
Statistics for 2009 showed 3,723 abortions were performed on women from the most deprived areas. That is more than double the total for women from the most well off areas, with 1,753 pregnancies terminated.

SBA List Mission: Advancing, Mobilizing and Representing Pro-Life Women

SBA List Mission: Advancing, Mobilizing and Representing Pro-Life Women | SBA-List: The Susan B. Anthony List’s mission is at the nerve center of the pro-life movement and political process. Through advancing, mobilizing and representing pro-life women we directly contradict the claim that abortion is a woman’s right and the premise that abortion somehow liberates women. To accomplish our ultimate goal of ending abortion in this country, we know that activating more pro-life women in the political and legislative arenas is critical.

New Resource Helps Women Grieve Abortion Losses

Women Go through the Back Door or to Graves with Abortion Secrets -- a New Resource Helps Women Grieve Abortion Losses: Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., recently acknowledged the importance of grieving an abortion decision. Dr. Northrup is author of one of the nation's leading books on women's health, titled, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. Dr. Northrup notes, 'As a former abortion provider, I've long known about the need for grieving voluntary pregnancy termination ('vpt').'

MissingPieces.org, a counseling group in the heart of the rocky mountains of Colorado, has developed a resource for women needing to grieve the loss of their VPT. The book, C.P.R. ~ Choice Processing and Resolution speaks to all cultures and faiths with no condemnation. C.P.R. is written by professional therapist, Trudy M. Johnson.

Editor: Trudy Johnson's website says she graduated with biblical counseling degrees from Trinity Seminary, and "all counseling is Christ-centered and Biblically-based," but I find little evidence to back it up. Anybody know more about her?

Man Tries to Force Woman at Gunpoint to Have Abortion

Man Tries to Force Woman at Gunpoint to Have Abortion, Police Arrest Him: An Ohio man, Dominic L. Holt-Reid, was arrested this morning after police say he allegedly tried to force his pregnant girlfriend at gunpoint to have an abortion. Police charged him with kidnapping and carrying a concealed weapon after he tried to make his partner keep a scheduled appoint for an abortion she decided to go back on today. They found him in the parking lot behind the Founder's Women's Health Center abortion facility in downtown Columbus.

The abortion nurse's daughter

The abortion nurse's daughter: Abigail Seidman developed her secret pro-life beliefs by reading 'hostile' pro-life books at her mother's abortion clinic, by listening to sidewalk counselors, by seeing graphic photos of aborted babies at the mill and by learning about fetal development in school. And Abigail was greatly impacted by post-abortive mothers 'coming in and out, often crying, sometimes downcast with a hostile-looking partner or parent dragging them along by the arm, sometimes lashing out in rage – but never, ever calm, confident and happy, which is what I had been told, over and over again, was in fact the case.'