Pro-abortion groups are lobbying aggressively to prevent changes to pending "health care reform bills" that, in their current form, would result in sweeping pro-abortion mandates and federal funding of abortion on demand. National Right to Life
Dealing with abortion in health care reform
The Real Ministry of PCCs
What is it that makes pregnancy care center ministry so vital and indispensible? We introduce people to Someone who can take a seemingly impossible situation or disaster and turn it around into a blessing. We introduce them to Someone who will never leave them or forsake them, and who loves them unconditionally. His name is Jesus! That is the main mission of PCCs — to bring people to Jesus so that lives might be saved and changed. ATC
Decision-Making During Change
When a board is confronted with changes to the ministry, how do they go about it? What information do they need to help them make an appropriate decision? ATC
Why You Need a Video on Your Website
Google recently announced a major shift in the way they will look at a website for ranking on their search engine. Other engines are expected to follow suit. It is important for you to realize that if you want to be seen on Google's search engine in 2009, you need to scrap all the old ways of rank building and search engine optimization ideas and follow the basics of what your site is expected to be from the visitor's viewpoint. ATC
Summertime at the college-town center
Our local college town headcount increases and decreases by nearly 10,000 citizens each August and May respectively. Should we just siesta for a while and think about it tomorrow? Not quite, darling. Don't run for the tanning oil yet; you have work to do! Let's look at three areas of concern. ATC
Marketing 101: It's a Sign!
With the recession rocking along, you've probably noticed that some of the billboards in your area are blank. There's never been a better time to 'bargain' for advertising rates! A billboard used properly can be an effective advertising tool for a pregnancy help center. Here's what you should consider if you're thinking of utilizing billboards. ATC magazine
Abortion Parties?
For some, abortion is just another reason to throw a party. In a recent article published on AlterNet, 'My First Abortion Party,' writer Byard Duncan relates his experience of attending a party thrown by his friend 'Maggie' so as to raise funds to pay for her abortion. Duncan described how someone had hung a red bed sheet below a light fixture to resemble a giant womb. Every so often, a dancer's head or arm or dreadlock would brush against one of its smooth folds, creating a rippling effect. A self-described "ardent pro-choicer," Duncan said he felt uncomfortable with the whole affair. LifeSiteNews
How many more teen pregnancies before the Left admits its sex education has been a disaster?
That is a question I never thought I would find myself asking. I write as a mother of a teenage daughter and a left-of-centre commentator with an unshakeable belief in the power of education to transform lives. I am - and continue to be - a defender of the rights of women and girls, including their right to an abortion, when needed. Daily Mail
The Demographic Impact of Legally Induced Abortion after 40 Years in Great Britain
In the latest edition of India's Journal of Social Sciences, a London actuary has been calculating the impact 40 years of legal abortion has had on Britain's population. None of it is good, and some of it raises questions about the effects of abortion which British medical researchers may be afraid to answer.
House Subcommittee Further Strips Funding for Abstinence Education
Led by pro-abortion Rep. David Obey, a Wisconsin Democrat, a House appropriations subcommittee stripped even more funding from the federal budget. LifeNews
Men's Online Advice Column Tells Men How To Coerce Girlfriends To Abort
The sexually suggestive AskMen.com website, which describes a coercive plan of action for men on how to talk their pregnant girlfriends into aborting their unborn child, has prompted outrage from pro-life groups and commentators. The backlash over the column appears to have been so forceful that the site has now pulled the offending piece. LifeSiteNews
IRS Demands that Pro-Life Group Swear it Will Not Oppose Planned Parenthood
Pro-life lawyers say a non-profit coalition of pro-life groups in Iowa has steadily kept within the guidelines for non-profit religious, educational and charitable groups. However, several months after the group applied for tax-exempt status, an IRS agent contacted Coalition for Life Iowa president Sue Martinek to inquire as to whether the group engages in any "picketing" or protesting at Planned Parenthood, and questioned the group's prayer activity outside Planned Parenthood facilities. LifeSiteNews
Sotomayor Confirms Commitment to Roe, but not Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Judge Sonia Sotomayor assured members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that she would allow Roe v. Wade to stand as precedent, but did not consider the absolute ban on partial-birth abortion to constitute precedent of equal weight. She frequently referred to her commitment to the doctrine of stare decisis. Sotomayor defended Roe v. Wade and the court's other pro-abortion decisions on the basis of a constitutional "right to privacy." Norma McCorvey, the "Roe" of Roe v. Wade who is now a leading pro-life activist, was arrested at Monday's hearing for shouting out a condemnation of Sotomayor's pro-abortion position. LifeSiteNews
Republican Senators Press Sotomayor on Abortion Views
Queries on Abortion and Guns Fail to Break Judge’s Stride
Republican Senators Press Sotomayor on Abortion Views
Queries on Abortion and Guns Fail to Break Judge’s Stride
Human Rights Court Case Could be Europe's Roe v. Wade
Not only is the Republic of Ireland's ability to have legal protections for the unborn now at stake in the high profile case currently before the European Court of Human Rights, but potentially the entire continent's. "This case could be the Roe v. Wade of Europe, so its importance should not be underestimated," said Roger Kiska of the Alliance Defense Fund, the public-interest legal alliance that is acting to protect the existing law. LifeSiteNews
Silent FOCA: Vast Abortion Expansion Coming to Light in Healthcare Package
Pro-life groups and lawmakers are continuing to raise the alarm over the healthcare reform package President Obama is aggressively pushing through both the House and the Senate. The groups are urging Americans to oppose the healthcare overhaul, as pro-abortion lawmakers are insisting that abortion must be included in the basic healthcare package that all public and private insurers will eventually be required to cover. LifeSiteNews
Ginsburg makes controversial (racist?) comments on Roe
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is under criticism for seemingly saying in a new interview she thought the initial purpose of Roe v. Wade was to rid the country of those "that we don't want to have too many of." Baptist Press, NY Times
Questions Loom Over Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings
The confirmation hearings of Sonia Sotomayor continuing today (starting at 9:40 a.m.) with each member of the Senate Judiciary Committee having 30 minutes for questions. Liberty Counsel is continuing their interactive blog directly from the Senate building. You can follow the hearings by joining their blog at www.LC.org. You can also make comments during the hearing.
Vandals hit pregnancy support center with graffiti
Graffiti vandals have targeted a local support center for pregnant women. The phrases "kill us now," "give us your eggs," "freedom," and a swastika cover the glass windows at the front of the Lane Pregnancy Support Center in Eugene. The vandalism occurred late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. According to a news release, Lane Pregnancy Support Center is a non-profit, privately funded pro-life community outreach. KMTR
Report on 'medical abortions' somewhat misleading
A new report on the abortion-drug regimen known as RU-486 may leave a false impression of safety. Chris Gacek of the Family Research Council was asked if it is really safer. "What it's safer about is it's not causing these massive septic infections," he explains. Such infections have claimed a number of lives. But another problem, Gacek notes, still persists -- excessive bleeding -- because that is just a fundamental part of the regimen. One News Now
Planned Parenthood heralds “safety” of abortion pill
Planned Parenthood researchers report in the New England Journal of Medicine that a revised method of conducting drug-induced abortions has allegedly reduced the risk of serious complications by 93 percent. Previously Planned Parenthood diverged from the FDA’s recommended guidelines for RU-486 by administering an oral dose of mifepristone followed by a vaginal dose of misoprostol. But the 2005 deaths of four American women and one Canadian woman from bacterial infections spurred Planned Parenthood to conform to FDA standards and instead have women dissolve the misoprostol pill in their mouths, followed by a precautionary course of antibiotics. World Magazine
A loss for abortion opponents
Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee voted yesterday to permanently reverse a policy in effect under recent Republican administrations that banned giving U.S. taxpayer money to international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information. The 17-11 vote would give the current policy - which President Obama set by executive order days after taking office - the force of law. That means the next Republican president could not restore the ban with the stroke of a pen as has been recent practice. Philadelphia Inquirer
Designer babies: are we heading for a Gattaca society?
Karyomapping might be able to reveal which parts of the genome an embryo has inherited from its parents and grandparents, but without understanding what these do there is little to be done with them. While we can select against monogenic, Mendelian diseases, we aren't close to grasping all the genetic factors behind diabetes or heart disease, let alone intelligence or well-formed cheekbones. Times Online
The IVF embryo test that can detect 15,000 genetic diseases
A 'genetic' 'MoT' that can spot almost all inherited diseases in an IVF-created embryo could be available within a year. The £2,500 test can detect around 15,000 genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease and some types of cancer, autism and mental retardation. It also counts the number of chromosomes in the embryos, potentially increasing the chances of pregnancy and cutting the odds of miscarriage. Daily Mail
Register now for abstinence training in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Quest on Tuesday, July 28 and Aspire on Wednesday, July 29 - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Breakfast provided, lunch on your own at nearby restaurants. Includes copy of each curriculum. *Please let us know in the "comments" field if you plan on attending both days. Quest is a character-based, field-tested, positive presentation of the benefits of abstinence until marriage specifically geared toward middle school students in public or private schools. Quest is the most recent in a series of curricula by Scott Phelps including Aspire, GamePlan, and Navigator which fulfill the requirements for federally funded abstinence education programs, and Excel for Christian schools & churches.
Breakfast provided, lunch on your own at nearby restaurants. Includes copy of each curriculum. *Please let us know in the "comments" field if you plan on attending both days. Quest is a character-based, field-tested, positive presentation of the benefits of abstinence until marriage specifically geared toward middle school students in public or private schools. Quest is the most recent in a series of curricula by Scott Phelps including Aspire, GamePlan, and Navigator which fulfill the requirements for federally funded abstinence education programs, and Excel for Christian schools & churches.
MASH legislative summit
Attention MASH members, the Michigan Association for Sexual Health will host a legislative summit on Thursday, July 16 at Bethany Christian Services in order to updatemembers on 15 "reproductive health" bills recently introduced in the Michigan legislature. This package of bills is likely to have a negative effect on the sexual health of young people across the state. Among other things, the bills will impose onerous burdens on pregnancycare centers, mandate comprehensive sex education in Michigan schools and deny healthcare workers a conscience clause for the "emergency contraceptive" prescription. The strategy session will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m. Light snacks will be provided. If you are a member of MASH, we strongly encourage you to join us for this important strategy meeting. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Sara Keeler at (616) 574-7959. Become a member of MASH.
Banquet success teleseminar
Things are moving fast right now as we gear up for Tuesday night's free banquet training teleseminar from 40 Days for Life. More than half the available phone lines have already been claimed . . . so, if you want to learn exactly how to boost the income of your upcoming fundraising banquet by 35.4% or more -- and if you haven't yet signed-up for the call -- register now before all the lines fill up!
As White House Readies Abortion Plan, Packaging Emerges as Major Issue
As the White House readies its plan for finding "common ground" on reproductive health issues and reducing the need for abortion, a major debate has emerged over how to package the plan's two major components: preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the need for abortion. Many abortion rights advocates and some Democrats seek to reduce unwanted pregnancies by funding comprehensive sex education and contraception and to reduce the need for abortion by bolstering federal support for pregnant women. But more conservative religious groups say they would be forced to oppose such a plan—even though they support the abortion reduction part—because they oppose federal dollars for contraception and comprehensive sex education. US News
Still time (and still room!) to register for the Summit!
Our registrations are inching up there. We're at over 100! But there's still room for you. We'd love to see you at the Summit.
Connecticut Governor Bans Ultrasounds Without Medical Reason
Under a new bill pro-abortion Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell signed into law last week, an ultrasound of an unborn child can't be done without a medical reason or authorization from a physician. Rell claimed she signed the bill because she is concerned about the health and safety of mothers and unborn children. However, no studies have revealed any negative health affects for either by viewing an ultrasound. The bill is also an effort to target the new ultrasound "boutiques" that allow parents of unborn children to view an ultrasound and take home their children's first baby pictures of them moving around in the womb. The new law will take effect on July 1.
The bill follows a warning the Food and Drug Administration put out in May 2004 warning against using ultrasounds for entertainment. The agency said it was encouraging pregnant women to forego prenatal portraits, videos, and CD-ROMs, which are available from specialty photo studios around the country. Still, the director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, physician Dan Schultz, admitted that ultrasound technology has proven to be safe. LifeNews
Editor: The headline has an interesting double meaning - the ban is on ultrasounds performed for no medical reason, but also the ban was issued for no medical reason.
The bill follows a warning the Food and Drug Administration put out in May 2004 warning against using ultrasounds for entertainment. The agency said it was encouraging pregnant women to forego prenatal portraits, videos, and CD-ROMs, which are available from specialty photo studios around the country. Still, the director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, physician Dan Schultz, admitted that ultrasound technology has proven to be safe. LifeNews
Editor: The headline has an interesting double meaning - the ban is on ultrasounds performed for no medical reason, but also the ban was issued for no medical reason.
Two or more abortions could more than DOUBLE chances of a premature birth next time
Women who have an abortion could be risking the health of their next baby, it emerged last night. Those who terminate a pregnancy are subsequently more likely to give birth prematurely, with two or more abortions more than doubling the odds. Premature babies are at greater risk of health problems, with one in ten having lung disease, cerebral palsy, blindness or deafness. The data, revealed at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Amsterdam, comes as abortion rates hit record levels. Daily Mail
Planned Parenthood to shutter El Paso offices
More than 12,000 patients will be forced to look for a new health-care provider after Planned Parenthood Center of El Paso closes its doors forever on Tuesday. Financial pressures necessitated the closing. The organization was founded in 1937 as Mothers Health Center, the movement's founder and controversial women's rights advocate Margaret Sanger visited El Paso to speak about the need for birth control. Since its founding, the organization has been the target for pro-life advocates, though it did not perform abortions in El Paso. El Paso Times
‘Choice’ workshops help women heal
In her “Beyond the Choice” sessions, Tammy Rude offers workshops to women who chose abortion as she did, but who cannot find peace of mind even years after they “solved the problem” of their unwanted pregnancies. She works through the Life Choices Center, a faith-based pregnancy resource across from Binghamton High School. The location isn’t a coincidence. About half their clients are 19 and under. Last year they served about 450 girls and women with free pregnancy tests, free diapers and information to make a decision. Press & Sun-Bulletin
Achilles' heel of the anti-life lobby
Amnesty International claims that banning abortion "could lead to violations of women's human rights," even though it admitted that "international human rights law...already protects prenatal life." That admission is very revealing, because other pro-abortion groups won't admit such an unpalatable (to them) truth. It is an Achilles' heel in the anti-life lobby's campaign to get the United Nations to declare abortion to be a human right. That is why SPUC is developing the Amnesty for Babies campaign, so that legislators will declare that international law in fact protects the unborn from intentional killing from conception onwards.
Texas Pregnancy Center Network Earns Seal of Excellence
The Texas Pregnancy Care Network has earned the prestigious Seal of Excellence for meeting the highest standards of ethics and accountability. The Standards for Excellence Institute, a Maryland-based initiative that promotes the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, operations, and facilities, issued the rating. A national peer review team of nonprofit experts evaluated TPCN for compliance with 55 standards.
Darryl A. Jones, the director of the Institute, talked about the criteria used to evaluate groups like TPCN. "Organizations that successfully complete the Standards for Excellence certification program exemplify openness, accountability and a commitment to excellence," he said. "The Institute encourages nonprofits to participate in the voluntary certification program because the standards can help build their capacity, which enables them to serve their communities more effectively."
Editor: What makes this award more remarkable is the fact that the Institute's foundational support is not known for being friendly to life.
How many mothers die from ‘unsafe abortion’?
Nobody knows, and current definitions are designed with political ends in mind. UN Millennium Development Goal 5 aims at reducing maternal mortality by 75 per cent between 1990 and 2015, but it is a target most unlikely to be reached. One important reason for that, says American doctor and researcher Donna J Harrison, is unreliable data on the causes of maternal death -- in particular abortion. In this interview with MercatorNet, Dr Harrison explains what’s wrong with the abortion data and why it matters. MercatorNet
Indian Women March against Sex-Selective Abortion
Thousands of women marched in Coimbatore, southern India this week to protest the practice of sex-selective abortion. Ten thousand students participated in the three kilometer long march carrying signs reading "Do not kill us" and shouting, "Adoption against abortion," and "No discrimination against girl child." The march was organised by the All India Association for Abolition of Discrimination Against the Girl Child and the Michael Job Centre for Orphan Girls in Coimbatore. It was supported by local colleges and schools as well as local and international pro-life organisations from the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Romania. LifeSiteNews
Huckabee Hashes Out Abortion Arguments with Comedian Jon Stewart
The June 18 episode of the Daily Show featured an unusual topic for a late-night comedy segment: abortion. Stewart softened his objection to Huckabee's arguments by admitting his affection for his own children before birth. "I have kids, and I think it is very difficult when you look at an ultrasound of your child and you see a heartbeat - you are filled with that wonder and love and all those things," he said. "I don't just feel personally that is a decision I can make for another person. . . . Out of all issues - I can be incredibly certain about so many issues and get my dander up, and self-righteousness. This is one I can't, and this is the one that I probably, in the culture, struggle with the most. I think it's a very difficult issue." LifeSiteNews
Program Pays Girls $1 Per Day To Not Get Pregnant
The group College-Bound Sisters was founded at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro by Hazel Brown, a maternity nurse who thought too many teens were having babies. Brown said she hopes the program, which pays $1 each day to 12-to-18-year-old girls, will keep them from getting pregnant. In addition to remaining pregnancy-free, the girls must also attend weekly meetings. The program is funded by a four-year grant from the state. WXII
Killing Girls movie
In today’s Russia, 80% of the women have between 2 and 10 abortions each. Killing Girls brings us into the world of an abortion clinic that specializes in late term teenage abortions. Here, abortions are sometimes performed even after 6 months of pregnancy. This is a story made for women with a women’s point of view. Killing Girls
The Abortion Movement's best-kept secret
In addition to greatly exaggerating (and even inventing) incidents of pro-life violence, the pro-abortion movement is deathly silent about the violence from within its ranks against pro-lifers. Spero News
Abortion Proponents See Red after Senator Proposes "Office of Unborn Children's Health"
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) filed an amendment this month to the President's healthcare reform package authorizing the institution of an Office of Unborn Children's Health. It would be one of hundreds of amendments filed so far with the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee as they examine the Affordable Health Choices Act. Abortion proponents lambasted the amendment by the "anti-choice" Coburn, who is also a medical doctor. LifeSiteNews
Planned Parenthood says abortion pictures "not real"
On June 24th, Live Action uploaded a video to YouTube which was removed shortly thereafter for "violation of the YouTube Community Guidelines." No detailed explanation was provided and YouTube also give our account a "warning strike." Live Action
Generic Plan B Approved for Teens
A generic version of the morning-after-pill known as Plan B has received Food and Drug Administration approval for prescription use by women aged 17 and under. For the present the pill is available only to those under 17, but it will be available for other ages after August 24 when the exclusive market rights of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. manufacturers of the original Plan B expires. The new generic version is manufactured by Watson Pharmaceuticals of Corona, California. They call their version “Next Choice.” Health News
Christians still giving to charity amid recession
A new poll Premier Christian Radio has found that most Christians are giving as much to charity as before the recession. In the poll of 512 Christians, 85 per cent confirmed their charitable giving had stayed the same or increased since the recession began. Sixteen per cent of those surveyed revealed they had actually increased their charitable donations since the start of the recession, with 69 per cent remaining steady. Only one per cent of the Christians surveyed said they had stopped giving to charity since the start of the recession. Christianity Today
Parents can hold scale model of their unborn baby
Pregnant women are being given the chance to hold life-size models of their unborn babies, thanks to an invention that converts data from ultrasound and MRI scans. Jorge Lopes, a Brazilian designer, uses 3-D printing technology to create the plaster models. “It’s amazing to see the faces of the mothers. They can see the full scale of their baby, really understand the size of it,” said Dr Lopes. A blind woman registered at the clinic has also volunteered to try out the technology at her next scan. TimesOnline, Christian Institute
Send your center's photos, logos
If you're sending a group to the PCC Leadership Summit, remember that we need photos of your center (building and staff . . . the staff standing in front of the building is great!) and a logo for our Center Introduction Powerpoint. Email them to Partners in Ministry by July 20. Remember, the registration deadline is July 9.
Amnesty International Criticizes Poland over Abortion Access
Amnesty International recently issued its 2009 survey of what it considers to be the state of human rights throughout the world. In its entry on Poland, Amnesty raps the country for its alleged "Denial of access to abortion for eligible women." It further faulted the government for failing to implement a 2007 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights concerning a purported "duty to establish effective mechanisms for ensuring women have access to abortion where it is legal." C-Fam
Garden of Hope newsletter
Mary Verwys writes: "It's always encouraging to report how God continues to use the Omega House. In recent weeks we've had young people join us for a Sunday evening meeting. They come away from such a night armed with new facts and renewed zeal to remain 'pro-life missionaries' in their own youth culture. We've also had a couple of luncheons with more 'seasoned citizens.' It's always interesting to imagine what the clinic next door must be thinking as a large bus comes into our parking lot!" Read their responses.
Extramarital Affairs, Like Sanford’s, Morally Taboo
Gallup's latest Values and Beliefs update shows that 92% of Americans say married men and women having an affair is morally wrong, garnering more opprobrium than any other moral issue tested in the poll. 56% say abortion and doctor-assisted suicide are wrong, beaten out by the cloning of animals -- at 63%! Gallup
Stem Cell Surprise For Tissue Regeneration
Scientists working at the Carnegie Institution's Department of Embryology have overturned previous research that identified critical genes for making muscle stem cells. It turns out that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury. The finding challenges the current course of research into muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, and regenerative medicine, which uses stem cells for healing tissues, and it favours using age-matched stem cells for therapy. Science Daily
Editor: I think this is saying they don't need embryonic stem cells, and that adult stem cells will do.
Editor: I think this is saying they don't need embryonic stem cells, and that adult stem cells will do.
28 Deaths in 2008 Related to HPV Vaccine
Judicial Watch announced this week that it has obtained records from the Food and Drug Administration documenting 28 deaths in 2008 that may be associated with Gardasil, the vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV), up from the 19 deaths in 2007. The total number of Gardasil-related deaths is 47 since the vaccine was approved in 2006. Overall, the FDA documented 6,723 "adverse events" related to Gardasil in 2008, of which 1,061 were considered "serious," and 142 considered "life threatening." Of the 47 reported deaths, 41 occurred within a month of receiving the vaccine and of those deaths, 17 were within two weeks of receiving the vaccine. LifeSiteNews
God "Rejoices" over Abortions, Says Episcopal Priestess
The Episcopal Church should clarify God's official position on abortion - at least so says a priestess of the church, who claims that a proposed rite for post-abortive women conflicts with church theology and that the Deity "rejoices" when women elect to abort their children. Rev. Nina Churchman wrote a letter to Episcopal Life Online expressing her outrage upon learning that her church has developed a healing rite for post-abortion women. Churchman said she "was sickened to discover that the rite for abortion is couched wholly in terms of sin and transgression. . . . Women should be able to mourn the loss of an aborted fetus without having to confess anything." LifeSiteNews
IPPF’s declaration on “sexual rights,” Part 1
After two years of preparation, International Planned Parenthood Federation has issued a document intended to create “change,” promote and ensure “sexual rights” as human rights, and promote the use of legislative and judicial action to enforce these supposed rights. The document paints a bleak picture of a heathen world entitled to self-destruction through self-centered sexual pleasure, with no regard for the consequences of that behavior. STOPP Report
Pro-Lifers "Loathsome" and "Grotesquely Hypocritical" for Not Caring about Chickens
According to a spokesman for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which recently decried President Obama’s swatting of a fly during an interview, the organization urges "compassion even for the smallest and least of animals," but has no position on the killing of unborn human beings. The spokesman told LifeSiteNews.com in an interview that it is "loathsome" and "grotesquely hypocritical" that pro-lifers oppose abortion, but are unconcerned about the mistreatment of chickens and other animals used in the food industry. LifeSiteNews
Direct Mail School
You are invited to the July 21-22, 2009 Advanced Direct Mail School at the Leadership Institute. This packed, two-day training teaches you how to raise money and generate steady, growing revenue. The cost is only $199, which includes meals, course materials, and lodging (space limited). Register by July 6th to receive an early registration price of $150. Learn how to: Renew and upgrade donors, build better lists, create better letters with better offers, incorporate the Internet into your direct mail program.
TN Planned Parenthood loses gov't funding
The Tennessee legislature has dispatched a strong message to Planned Parenthood. About $1.1 million set aside for family planning in the state will now be distributed mostly to local health organizations and not the taxpayer-supported abortion provider. Earlier this year, Lila Rose of Live Action conducted an undercover video probe at Memphis Planned Parenthood, during which she posed as a 14-year-old girl impregnated by an older man. A staff member advised her how to obtain the abortion without identifying the molester. It is believed Rose's revelation had an effect on lawmakers. OneNewsNow
Republic of Slovakia Approves Bill to Inform Women of Abortion's Risks
The parliament of the Republic of Slovakia has voted to approve an amendment to inform women of the dangers of abortion, the alternatives to abortion, and facts on the development of the unborn child. The measure would also require parental consent before a teen can get an abortion. The bill flies in the face of repeated pressure from the United Nations for Slovakia to do more to promote and expand abortion. LifeNews
Sotomayor worse than Souter
When it comes to the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade and the abortion cases that have since made it to the Supreme Court, Sotomayor is no Souter. Rather, her record shows that for the overwhelming majority of Americans who support at least some restrictions on abortion, she is worse than Justice Souter -- reading a "fundamental right" to abortion into the Constitution. Washington Times, Judicial Review
Hope Alive training
"We will be hosting a Hope Alive Level I training course from August 9th through August 15th, 2009. If you or someone you know is interested you will find the application form and relevant information on the Mount Joy website: www.mtjoycollege.com or on www.messengers2.com . We look forward to hearing from you." --Marie Peeters-Ney
HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY: Raising Money in Difficult Economic Times
Today’s environment is extremely competitive; even the best organizations need to constantly look for new ideas and take advantage of every opportunity. Leaders of successful organizations look for new perspectives which they can apply to enhance their success. Understand why people give and discover how to get them to give to you.
You are invited to attend a seminar sponsored by Strategic Partners, Inc. at Urban Youth Ministries, 514 Lincoln Ave. in Holland, MI, on 7/13/09 from 6:00 pm—9:00 pm. RSVP to (616) 395-2508; light meal provided. For more information, please contact Gayle Carpenter. FREE OF CHARGE to Michigan not-for-profit organizations.
You are invited to attend a seminar sponsored by Strategic Partners, Inc. at Urban Youth Ministries, 514 Lincoln Ave. in Holland, MI, on 7/13/09 from 6:00 pm—9:00 pm. RSVP to (616) 395-2508; light meal provided. For more information, please contact Gayle Carpenter. FREE OF CHARGE to Michigan not-for-profit organizations.
Abortionists Run for Coverage
For the first time in the House and Senate, pro-lifers are faced with the "family planning" nightmare Family Research Council has been warning about: government funding for abortionists. For weeks, key players in the abortion movement have been working with the Obama administration to guarantee that they would profit from any health care overhaul. That lobbying could pay off--quite literally--in the House. FRC
Whether it's hiding in coverage for "family planning" or "outpatient clinics," groups like Planned Parenthood will find a way to become eligible for federal funding. For this reason, FRC is working with Congress to include a provision that specifically and permanently excludes abortion coverage from any health care "reform" plan. Just as taxpayers shouldn't be forced to finance abortion, medical workers shouldn't be required to participate in them. Regardless, not one of the bills currently under consideration includes a conscience exemption to protect health care workers. FRC
TAKE ACTION: Joe DeCook of AAPLOG helpfully explains how to take action on this important issue. "Go to http://www.frc.org/issues. At the top right corner, click on ACTION ALERTS box—actually click on the hot link in that box entitled "Oppose Federal Funding of Abortion in Health Care Legislation." That will bring up a page labeled ALERT. Click on the hot link box which says "Contact your member of Congress…" That will bring up the next page, where you enter your personal information. There is an OPTIONAL box for credit card # if you choose to contribute to FRC for this project. After entering your required information, go near the bottom and click on NEXT —This brings up (mid page) the actual letter that goes to YOUR own congress people. (You may edit the letter if you wish) The personal info is already filled in, all you have to do is, at the bottom, hit SEND MESSAGE."
Whether it's hiding in coverage for "family planning" or "outpatient clinics," groups like Planned Parenthood will find a way to become eligible for federal funding. For this reason, FRC is working with Congress to include a provision that specifically and permanently excludes abortion coverage from any health care "reform" plan. Just as taxpayers shouldn't be forced to finance abortion, medical workers shouldn't be required to participate in them. Regardless, not one of the bills currently under consideration includes a conscience exemption to protect health care workers. FRC
TAKE ACTION: Joe DeCook of AAPLOG helpfully explains how to take action on this important issue. "Go to http://www.frc.org/issues. At the top right corner, click on ACTION ALERTS box—actually click on the hot link in that box entitled "Oppose Federal Funding of Abortion in Health Care Legislation." That will bring up a page labeled ALERT. Click on the hot link box which says "Contact your member of Congress…" That will bring up the next page, where you enter your personal information. There is an OPTIONAL box for credit card # if you choose to contribute to FRC for this project. After entering your required information, go near the bottom and click on NEXT —This brings up (mid page) the actual letter that goes to YOUR own congress people. (You may edit the letter if you wish) The personal info is already filled in, all you have to do is, at the bottom, hit SEND MESSAGE."
Delayed Motherhood Risky
The U.K. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have conducted a study group on reproductive aging. Women are waiting longer to begin having children, but are not aware of the risks. “Women should be supported, rather than constrained, in their life choices. However, both women and society need to be aware of the possible problems that older mothers may encounter.” The potential for pregnancy complications rises as a woman ages, but the major risk they emphasized was the woman’s loss of fertility. “Biologically, the optimal period for childbearing is between 20 – 35 years of age,” they say. Within that period, most women will get pregnant if they choose. But, after 35 it gets much harder to conceive and the possibility of a miscarriage rises. LifeSiteNews, the report
Late-Term Abortions are Never Necessary: Former Abortionist
A former abortionist who is now the president elect of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists has written a persuasive discourse questioning whether late-term abortion is ever necessary. Dr. Mary L. Davenport, M.D., FACOG, observed that the executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers admitted in 1997 that the vast majority of partial-birth abortions were performed on healthy mothers and babies. "Contrary to the assertion of abortion rights supporters that late-term abortion is performed for serious reasons, surveys of late abortion patients confirm that the vast majority occur because of delay in diagnosis of pregnancy. They are done for similar reasons as early abortions: relationship problems, young or old maternal age, education or financial concerns." LifeSiteNews, the report Is Late-Term Abortion Ever Necessary?
Free download for banquet success
Ever since word got out that Shawn Carney and Dave Bereit of 40 Days for Life have helped to raise over $21 million to further the missions of pregnancy centers and pro-life groups, they've been inundated with requests for fundraising advice. The two have spoken at more than 100 fundraising banquets and are constantly asked to share the system we developed to grow the fundraising banquet income from $24,350 to $312,964 for the local pro-life group where 40 Days for Life began. With the down economy and all that's at stake in the pro-life movement right now, they decided to provide organizations with a concise, downloadable report to help increase the income at fundraising banquets ... FREE! Get it now at: http://www.BanquetSuccess.com/specialreport
If that link doesn't work, try: http://banquetsuccess.com/updates/free-special-report.
If that link doesn't work, try: http://banquetsuccess.com/updates/free-special-report.
Plan to allow abortion TV advertizing is criticized
The plan to allow pregnancy advisory services and abortion clinics to advertize on TV and radio was announced earlier this year by the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Broadcast Committee of Advertizing Practice. They believe it could reduce the UK’s teenage pregnancy rate – the highest in Europe – and sexually-transmitted infections. Dr Mark Pickering says, 'Allowing abortion services to advertize on TV would then be saying, “Here is a quick medical fix for the consequences of having sex.” That is giving all the wrong messages and is very disturbing.’ Daily Mail
Mothers Sue Over Tests to Determine Baby’s Gender
Six New York City mothers are suing the maker of a baby sex test that touted its product as "infallibly accurate," saying the test results they received were wrong. The women claim they received incorrect results from the $275 Baby Gender Mentor test by Acu-Gen Biolab Inc., of Lowell, Mass. The suit says the test maker advertised its product as the "gold standard for prenatal gender detection." The company's Web site says the test can determine a baby's sex as early as five to eight weeks' gestation. CNSNews
Guttmacher responds to pro-life accusations of racism
A new report "provides further strong evidence debunking claims by anti–abortion rights activists, who, ignoring all other contextual factors, have long argued that high abortion rates among minorities are the result of supposed aggressive marketing by abortion providers to minority communities. In truth, as the Guttmacher Institute has pointed out repeatedly, abortion rates among racial and ethnic minorities—especially blacks and Hispanics—are directly linked to their higher rates of unintended pregnancy, which in turn reflect pervasive health disparities more generally." Guttmacher
Choosing Not to Keep the Baby
In a story that provides evidence of the power of the Internet and the need for pro-life advocates to play a part in abortion discussions on it, a young women has had an abortion after getting the advice of participants on a popular discussion blog, called Motherlode. Last week, a 22-year old woman name Emmie, who found herself pregnant, wrote to the blog seeking advice. Blogress Lisa Belkin asked her readers to be “kind and wise” in their response to Emmie and later learned she received nearly 700 emails with a range of reaction for or against an abortion. Emmie decided to have an abortion and wrote to the blog about her decision, which she said made her happy. “Once I came to the decision to terminate the pregnancy, so much of the guilt and sadness I’d been feeling melted away.” Motherlode
Let Your Voice Be Heard
The passage of Proposal 2 by a narrow margin in 2008 left many questions regarding human embryonic stem cell research in its wake. To answer those questions, Democratic and Republican lawmakers have come together to introduce the Embryo Research and Fertility Clinic Transparency Act. Letters to the editor and on-line posts are needed to help combat misinformation. The Embryo Research Transparency Act consists of several bills that would codify the wording of Proposal 2 into Michigan Law. RTL of Michigan Action
The Psychology of Infanticide
Pro-choice blogger William Saletan of Slate intriguingly links infanticide to abortion: "If you're unhappily pregnant, you should look at an ultrasound of what you're carrying. That goes for the potential father, too. Nobody can make you look, nobody should make you look . . . [b]ut there's nothing bogus about an ultrasound. It will make you face what's growing inside you and the urgency of deciding whether to terminate it, even if termination is still the right choice. Otherwise, you risk sliding into the mentality of denial. And there's no telling where that ends." Slate
Death is upon us. "Us" being doctors.
The death peddlers here and abroad seek to remove legal protection from pro-life doctors who refuse to perform abortion, refer for abortion, or participate in euthanasia. Euphemisms like "reproductive freedom," the "right to choose," and "death with dignity" justify the assault on our patient's lives and our rights of conscience. But in the midst of this inversion of right and wrong, pro-life doctor groups worldwide are banding together to form a Hippocratic Registry of Physicians. World magazine, Hippocratic Registry
Teen Contraception Use Declining, Level of Sexual Activity Unchanged
Researchers found that from 2003 to 2007, teens' contraceptive use declined by 10%, while their level of sexual activity did not change. The decrease in contraceptive use was particularly prevalent among black teens. The figures take into account the rate of contraception use as well as the types of contraceptives used, as methods vary in effectiveness. Teen condom use leveled off and in some cases declined, according to the study. The study also reported that the teen birth rate increased by 5% from 2005 to 2007. Daily Women's Health Policy Report, the study
Hysterectomies a stem cell source
Discarded fallopian tubes from hysterectomies could be a good source of donor stem cells, say researchers. Work shows they are an abundant source of the immature cells that have the potential to become a variety of the body's tissues, like muscle and bone. BBC
A question of honor
On Thursday, June 18, in the Senate chamber, pro-lifers, stared down a resolution in honor of the slain abortionist, George Tiller. Rather than praise Tiller's legacy of death, House members decided to pass a resolution condemning all violence. Militantly pro-abortion Senators tried without success to find enough sponsors to introduce a resolution paying tribute to all abortion providers and "the services they provide." Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) lamented the fact that her colleagues wouldn't support the idea. She admits people advised her to strip any mention of abortionists if she wanted to pass the measure. She refused, and her cause failed. FRC
Resource: IS LATE-TERM ABORTION EVER NECESSARY?
Resource: IS LATE-TERM ABORTION EVER NECESSARY?
Get to Know: Network for Good Learning Center
The web site that asks: "How can we help you become a fundraising superhero?" With sections on social networking, marketing, web sites, and more. http://www.fundraising123.org/
Youth With a Mission to Host Pro-Life Event in Toronto
A week-long course taking place in Toronto in July will prominently feature discussion of the abortion issue and the pro-life cause, as well as delve into the issues surrounding human trafficking. The course, titled "School of Prophetic Justice, 2009," is being sponsored by Youth With A Mission. The organization annually trains 25,000 short-term missions volunteers and, among many other educational, relief and development services, has a strong focus on pro-life work and crisis pregnancy care. An important aspect of the group's work is the foundation of crisis pregnancy centers and maternity homes, which they call Living Alternatives, with centers located in the US as well as in Romania, England, Belgium, Cyprus, Russia, and Ukraine. LifeSiteNews
Medimmune Will Use Moral Sources for Swine Flu Vaccine
For nearly ten years watchdog organization Children of God for Life has alerted the public on existing and new vaccines and medical products under development using aborted fetal material, and encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to pursue moral avenues of research. So when Medimmune signed license agreements with Crucell NV for aborted fetal PER C6 cell line in 2002 for flu vaccine production, COG for Life immediately alerted the public and asked them to reconsider. A Medimmune public relations representative contacted COG for Life on June 17, 2009, saying, “Medimmune has shifted their focus from PER C6 for swine flu cell culture. Short term, they will continue using chick embryo as they do in all their regular flu vaccines. Long term, they will use MDCK (Madin-Darby Canine Kidney) for cell culture production.” COG for Life
Planned Parenthood's $ 1 million matching gift campaign
Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business, is conducting a new email fundraising campaign based on an anonymous donor who has promised $1 million in a matching donation. “If we can raise a million dollars by June 30, a wonderful donor will match it,” Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards says in the fundraising missive. “Please, take a moment now to make your donation worth twice as much.” LifeNews
U.S. Births Hint at Bias for Boys in Some Asians
The trend is buried deep in United States census data: seemingly minute deviations in the proportion of boys and girls born to Americans of Chinese, Indian and Korean descent. Demographers say the statistical deviation among Asian-American families is significant, and they believe it reflects not only a preference for male children, but a growing tendency for these families to embrace sex-selection techniques, like in vitro fertilization and sperm sorting, or abortion. NY Times
Focus on the Family's new CEO shifts perspectives
This ministry work hasn't changed, Jim Daly, new president and CEO of Focus on the Family, said. The approach has. "We're in a democracy. How do we express Christian ethos in a way that draws people into the discussion?" Daly asked. "We are the church. We have to be more understanding and not expect the world to act like the church. We also don't accept the church acting like the world." Daly says he is results-oriented, not an ideologue. "When those who are right, left and center all say, 'Let's make abortion rare,' let's meet at that starting point," Daly said. "Let's shove off the rhetoric and get together on practical matters." Denver Post
Maafa 21 DVD
They were stolen from their homes, locked in chains and taken across an ocean. And for more than 200 years, their blood and sweat would help to build the richest and most powerful nation the world has ever known. But when slavery ended, their welcome was over. America's wealthy elite had decided it was time for them to disappear and they were not particular about how it might be done. The plan these people set in motion 150 years ago is still being carried out today.
Life Dynamics has just released the Maafa 21 DVD. Over two years in the making this documentary has been called game changer.
Life Dynamics has just released the Maafa 21 DVD. Over two years in the making this documentary has been called game changer.
Call for Swedish abortion register
A report presented to the government on Monday has proposed that Sweden establish a national abortion registry and distribute free contraceptives to students over fifteen in a bid to lower the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions. The author of the government report, Anders Milton, says that “for whatever reasons, we in Sweden have more abortions than other countries in western Europe.” The Local
Twice as Many US Adults Poll as “Conservative” than “Liberal”
A Gallup poll has found that “conservatives” make up the largest ideological group and that “liberalism” is has declined between January and May. In a poll of 1,000 adults, aged 18 and older, interviewed by telephone, Gallup found “conservative” and “moderate” groups are close competitors, at 40 and 35 percent respectively. Those who responded as “liberals” are bringing up a distant rear at 21 percent. A further breakdown shows that 9 percent identify themselves as “very conservative” and 31 percent as “conservative.” Gallup, LifeSiteNews
Pro-Life Group Refused Appeal for Calling an Abortion Activist an "Abortionist"
The Supreme Federal Tribunal of Brazil has allowed a decision to stand condemning a pro-life organization for calling a pro-abortion anthropologist an "abortionist anthropologist" in a caption below a photo of the woman, taken while she debated in favor of the legalization of abortion. The word "abortista" (abortionist) in Portuguese is commonly used to refer to individuals, groups, or ideologies that defend the legalization of abortion, one of whom is anthropologist Debora Diniz Rodrigues. However, a lower court had ruled that the language "gravely offends her personal honor and dignity." LifeSiteNews
Gospel fodder?
Are non-Christians merely "gospel fodder," or are they valuable in spite of their eternal state? Stand to Reason
Prayer request from Evelyn Stone, BFL Int'l Training Consultant
Evelyn's mother, is scheduled for a double bypass heart surgery at 8 AM this morning (Thursday). "Right now we are waiting to hear if it is possible to operate after passing two crisis last night. She had a heart attack on Sunday night that did severe damage and left few good options for treatment."
AIDS denial: A lethal delusion
It is tempting to dismiss the so-called AIDS denialism movement out of hand, but it has a strong internet presence, with a plethora of websites and blogs that can mislead the unwary. While the movement has lately suffered some significant blows to its credibility, it has in the recent past wielded extraordinary influence, especially in southern Africa, the centre of the world's AIDS epidemic. New Scientist
The Scream of the Damned
God's Son is the only person who had the right to ask of the Father, "Why have you forsaken me?" even knowing the answer and having participated in the decision. EPM, page 6
Interesting stuff that was buried in the pile on my desk
I finally went through that tipsy pile and threw three-fourths of it away. What a good feeling! But I also found some stuff that's too good to let go without letting you know about it.
- Fraud in Ministries: How to Respond, page 5 of a 2007 ECFA newsletter
- The Myth of Adolescence, page 4 of Eternal Perspectives, also from 2007
- The Rebelution, web site of Alex and Brett Harris (of "Do Hard Things" and I Kissed Dating Goodbye)
- Prasso Ministries - helps men and women find hope and victory by encouraging them to repeatedly, continually and habitually practice God's Word in their daily lives.
- Fundraising Well is a monthly newsletter that features methods to improve fundraising efficiency through the use of modern technologies and philosophies.
IPPF issues ‘sexual rights’ declaration
The International Planned Parenthood Federation has issued a document entitled Sexual Rights: an IPPF Declaration separating “reproductive rights” from “sexual rights” and declaring, “The entitlement to experience and enjoy sexuality independent of reproduction, and reproduction independent of sexuality should be safeguarded, paying particular attention to those who… are denied such an entitlement.” IPPF
Legal guide aids pro-life cause
Americans United for Life has produced a pro-life legal guide designed to provide lawmakers in every state a useful resource to develop and argue for pro-life legislation. It provides discussions of key life issues and legislative opportunities and gives model pro-life legislation developed by AUL. It also gives specific information on each state across the 50 states, that include a ranking of how each state does in pro-life-type legislation. AUL
Pro-life Leaders Face Death Threats, Require Protection
In the aftermath of the shooting of late-term abortionist, Dr. George Tiller, American pro-life leaders such as Jill Stanek, Troy Newman, and Frank Pavone have been receiving death threats prompting round-the-clock protection from authorities. Pew Sitter
Take HLA With You To The Fair
County fairs and festivals are part of the joy of summer and have historically been venues for education. Human Life Alliance's educational publications help to build that culture by focusing on the humanity of the pre-born child as well as fostering a deep respect for all human life. Just for Girls/Just for Guys promotes abstinence in a trendy format that youth will pick up and read from cover to cover. This magazine will fly off your display table. The LIVE PURE temporary tattoo will draw youth to your booth. While you're affixing the tattoo to their arm you can share the pro-life, pro-abstinence message. Imposed Death is the educational tool that exposes deadly practices that could affect any of us but especially the vulnerable, the aged and disabled. Order these and other resources from HLA.
The science of sex
Thanks to medical science, we now know that casual sex is unhealthy. Not just because of the myriad of sexually transmitted diseases it can cause, to say nothing of the unwanted pregnancies it can create, but because of what it does to the human brain. One News Now
Focus on rule of law, principles
The key to civil dialogue is found in two basic principles, which must be affirmed by proponents of both the pro-life and pro-choice positions. The first principle is respect for the rule of law. This means acknowledging that no one has the right to usurp the rule of law and use violence to further your cause or to harm your opponents. The second basic principle is to focus on the positions they espouse, not on the people they oppose. Demonization of one's opponents poisons the wells of reason and reconciliation and leads to hostility, bitterness and violence. Pro-life and pro-choice advocates both need to repent of attacking their opponents' motives and character. Richard Land
Motivating the millennials
The challenges and rewards of managing the new work force, also known as Generation Y. Association News
Woman charged with masterminding attack on boyfriend who wouldn't pay for abortion
Indolina Perez' boyfriend got her pregnant and wouldn't pay for an abortion. So, authorities say, the Greenacres woman arranged to have two friends beat him, rob him of his jewelry and cash, and steal his car. Palm Beach Post
Lack Of Medical School Training On Abortion Contributes To Decline In Providers
Salon contributor Kate Harding examined how a lack of training in medical schools is affecting the availability of abortion providers in the U.S. According to Harding, although a fear of violence and a tendency of younger doctors born after Roe v. Wade to "take abortion for granted" are "probably" factors in the drop in providers, another important issue is inadequate education in medical schools. Medical News Today
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