Friday, June 29, 2007

Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Successful in Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes



By Hilary White

CHICAGO, June 29, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A new US study offers insights into the way stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be used to successfully treat diabetes. Researchers at the University of Florida College of Medicine studied twenty children aged between two and seven with type 1 diabetes, seven of whom were injected with cord blood cells. The researchers concluded that the study suggests that the cells “jump-start” and correct the patient’s own immune system.

"This is the first attempt at using cord blood as a potential therapy for type 1 diabetes. We hope these cells can either lessen the immune system's attack on the pancreas or possibly introduce stem cells that can differentiate into insulin-producing cells," said the lead researcher, Dr. Michael Haller.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system starts destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas needed to control blood sugar. It can result in heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and death.

The children treated with umbilical cord cells needed an average of 35 per cent less insulin over the following six months, compared with those not given stem cell infusions.

The study was presented yesterday at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago, where researchers cautioned against an overreaction. They said the treatment was not a cure and that the cause of the immune process in diabetes was still unknown, but Dr. Haller said that his team has reason for “cautious optimism.”

Another member of the team, Dr. Desmond Schatz, said, “We expect this effect will be transient, but we will be able to use it in other combinations of therapies.”

Juvenile diabetes is one of the most frequently cited diseases in media reports on the potential for stem cells to cure diseases; but news outlets rarely distinguish between cells taken from embryos or foetuses and the patients’ own bodies. Numerous studies have shown that stem cells taken from the patient’s own body--sometimes called somatic stem cells--as well as umbilical cord cells, produce favourable results for a number of illnesses, while the results from embryonic stem cells remain uncertain at best.

In late May, researchers from the University of Texas reported they had engineered adult stem cells derived from human umbilical cord blood that were able to produce insulin. “This discovery tells us that we have the potential to produce insulin from adult stem cells to help people with diabetes,” said Dr. Randall J. Urban, senior author of the paper.

One biotechnology company in Houston, Texas, announced in 2005 that it was exclusively using adult stem cells in its diabetes research. PharmaFrontiers developed a method of extracting stem cells from a patient’s own blood. Patrick Linbeck, a representative of the company said that like embryonic cells, stem cells from blood have been differentiated into every type of stem cell in the body, without the ethical or medical problems presented by embryo cells.

Adult Stem Cells From Human Cord Umbilical Cord Blood Successfully Engineered to Make Insulin
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/may/07052809.html

URGENT ACTION ALERT



June 29, 2007
FROM: TROY NEWMAN & CHERYL SULLENGER / OPERATION RESCUE TO: PRO-LIFE ACTIVISTS NATIONWIDE RE: URGENT ACTION ALERT re: NEA Teacher Union Abortion Agenda Pro-Lifers to Picket NEA Convention in Philadelphia & NEA offices NATIONWIDE

1) If YOU are within 90 minutes of Philadelphia, please GO and SUPPORT the pro-life picket demo against the NEA leadership's Pro-Abortion agenda/activism. Sunday, July 1 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Arch and 11th Streets from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Announce it in church Sunday.

~OR~

2) If YOU live in states OTHER than PA or are more than 90 minutes from Philadelphia, please GO and SUPPORT the pro-life picket demos in your state's capital city on MONDAY, July 2 from 11 AM - 1 PM at the NEA-affiliate HQ offices. JUST GO! Other pro-lifers will meet you there. Bring along a pro-life friend or two. Bring your children/students! Send out a press statement of your own to your state/local media. Announce it in church Sunday!

Fuller details are available at ChristianNewswire.com
press releases of June 20 and June 27. If you need ideas or info, e-mail BobPawson@bringyourbible.com

"FRIENDS ~ THIS a golden (and rare) opportunity to make a nationwide Pro-Life statement with major media coverage by delivering a significant rebuke to the rabidly pro-abortion leadership of the NEA . Every pro-life group involved is encouraged to generate positive local/state press coverage for itself by participating in this event. Please ~ Just get up and GO! Philly on Sunday... or your state capital on Monday. Thank you." ><> For Life ><> Bob Pawson - Pro-Life Educators And Students (PLEAS)
________________________________


About Operation Rescue
Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.

Click here to make a donation.
________________________________
Web site:
www.operationrescue.orgE-mail: info@operationrescue.org

Word games

Proponents of euthanasia in Mexico invoke Pope John Paul II to aid their cause


Proponents of euthanasia in Mexico are now invoking the name of Pope John Paul II to argue that what they are proposing as euthanasia is exactly what John Paul sought in the last days of his life: the removal of all extraordinary life support devices so he could die in peace.

While it is true that John Paul II asked for and received the removal of extraordinary means of life support, that is not euthanasia. Instead, it is something medically known as orthotanasia: to avoid therapeutic cruelty to the terminally ill -- to prevent the abuse of extraordinary and disproportionate medical means to prolong life with no possibility of recovery, and at the same time to provide the terminally ill patient the palliative medicines and affective support to have a dignified death and never sink into extreme pain and desperation.

"What the Holy Father asked for was the suspension of the extraordinary medical means, but that has nothing to do with what is known as euthanasia," said Cardinal Norberto Rivera, Archbishop of Mexico City, answering the argument of the local legislators that proposed the Life Testament Law for the Federal District (of which Mexico City forms part), which would permit terminally ill patients to renounce every form of medical care to prolong life.

Read the rest of the story here: California Catholic Daily

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Thursday, June 28, 2007

LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes







* Disclaimer: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.

A New (Unconstitutional) Religious Test for a Presidential Appointee? - By Paul M. Weyrich
http://www.freecongress.org/commentaries/2007/070627.aspx

Will it now be necessary for a nominee to deny the teachings of his or her own church in order to be confirmed by the United States Senate?
http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=25979

Only four countries in Europe offer gynecology degrees without requiring abortion
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=9752

Kansas AG Morrison Clears Planned Parenthood in Abortion Records Investigation
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/532533501.html

Incidents Show Abortions Out of Control in Kansas
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/659523499.html

Pushing for Assisted Suicide on Demand
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/blogger.html

Supreme Court Abortion Decision - Fr. Frank Pavone
http://www.catholicexchange.com/node/63130

Amnesty's Fall
http://ncregister.com/site/article/2947

Prime Minister Harper handpicks his (theoretical) successors
http://www.macleans.ca/homepage/features/article.jsp?content=20070628_124250_10832

AP Uses Democrat Talking Points in Fred Thompson Hit Piece
http://newsbusters.org/node/13761

Hardball host Chris Matthews Criticizes Catholic Church for Applying Doctrine to Politicians
http://newsbusters.org/node/13818

The Darfur Genocide and Global Warming By Fred Thompson
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/FredThompson/2007/06/28/the_darfur_genocide_and_global_warming

Bloomberg Candidacy Could Shake Up '08 Race, Analysts Say
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200706/POL20070628c.html

Seoul court grants asylum to Chinese dissident who exposed illegal organ trade
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/06/seoul-court-grants-asylum-to-chinese.php

Al Gore Has Not Responded to Professor's Global Warming Wager, Media Mum
http://newsbusters.org/node/13753

IPCC Scientist: IPCC 'Not in Business of Climate Prediction'
http://newsbusters.org/node/13816

Glaciers Growing in France, Switzerland, and Washington: Will Media Care?
http://newsbusters.org/node/13798

NYC Councilman Wants to Overturn School Nativity Scene Ban
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200706/CUL20070628b.html

China preparing reaction against Pope's message?
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=52071

The U.S. Catholic Church Is Sinking Fast
http://www.newoxfordreview.org/note.jsp?did=0607-notes-sinking

US Senate to open with Hindu prayers
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/US_Senate_to_open_with_Hindu_prayers/articleshow/2152461.cms

NOW endorses pro-homosexual military bill
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/06/now_endorses_prohomosexual_mil.php

Broadcasters Deny Connection Between Societal Violence, Violent Media
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004928.cfm

Pro-Homosexual Bill Advances in California
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/276333503.html

Self-described homosexual priest - "I don't need a priest or a bishop or a pope to tell me who I am"
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=2e5f5522-8b99-4f4c-a5e8-aa020f208231

Rival conferences explore appropriate Catholic response to homosexuality
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=38b1b970-fd4b-4da7-9fa9-b1a00f82dd23

North Carolina Public School Official Labels Homeschool Illegal
http://www.hslda.org/hs/state/nc/200706150.asp

USA Today endorses 'gay marriage,' school says some people born 'gay'
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/06/usa_today_endorses_gay_marriag.php

Angry Mob Assaults Peaceful Christian Witness at Chicago "Pride" Parade
http://www.cwfa.org/articles/13336/CFI/family/index.htm

Celebrities grow rich off climate change alarmism, even as once devout 'global warmists' cool to the theory
http://www.westernstandard.ca/website/index.cfm?page=article&article_id=2597

Is Fred Phelps Funded By NAMBLA? - Who funds his frequent trips across US?
http://www.sierratimes.com/04/10/27/critic.htm




Donate to LifeSiteNews.com at http://www.lifesitenews.com/contribute/

 
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Jesse Ramirez, Considered a “Vegetable” Like Terri Shiavo, Now on His Way to Recovery



By Peter J. Smith

CHANDLER, Arizona, June 28, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Written off by doctors as a hopeless “vegetable”, an Arizona man would not now be on his way to recovery from an accident caused by a marital quarrel if not for his family’s unrelenting struggle for his life.

The Arizona Republic reports that on Wednesday, Jesse Ramirez, awoke from his nearly month long persistent vegetative state (PVS) and now “can hug and kiss, nod his head, answer yes and no questions, give a thumbs-up sign and sit in a chair.”

If not for the past few weeks’ legal battles that ended Tuesday with a favorable settlement for him and his family, Jesse Ramirez, who depended on feeding tubes for food and water, would certainly have died in circumstances very similar to the tragic 2005 death of Terri Schindler-Schiavo.

On May 30, Jesse Ramirez and his wife Rebecca Ramirez were quarreling in their SUV when he lost control and crashed into a pottery market, ejecting them both from the vehicle. Ramirez suffered a broken neck and major head-trauma, while his wife had only minor injuries.

Just before the accident, Rebecca had attempted to jump from the moving vehicle saying she was afraid of her husband, who accused her of marital infidelity. Police have yet to determine what exactly led Ramirez to lose control of the wheel.

Ten days after the accident and Ramirez’s PVS diagnosis, Rebecca ordered the hospice where he was staying to remove his feeding tubes on June 8. Ramirez family then began pleading with her to let them try and save his life.

“I'm asking you for the biggest favor of my life,” Jesse’s father told her. “Can you give my son another chance?” Jesse Ramirez Sr. told the Arizona Republic she then hung up on him.

In desperation, the family turned to the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defense Fund, which challenged the prudence of allowing Rebecca to arbitrate her husband’s fate, considering their recent marital strife.

“We've got to make sure the decision-maker is the very best and most capable one,” senior counsel Gary McCaleb told the Arizona Republic. “She said she was in fear of her life. Ten days later, she's going to say whether he lives or dies? Frankly, it's too much to ask of the wife.”

Maricopa County Superior Court judge Paul Katz agreed and ordered the tubes reconnected while an independent attorney mediated between Rebecca Ramirez and Jesse’s family and talked to Jesse's doctors. Then Tuesday Katz ruled that a court-appointed guardian would make decisions for Ramirez while the court continued to investigate his health.

“As we have discussed here previously, PVS is often misdiagnosed. More importantly, it can't be done accurately after only a few weeks post trauma. So, why the rush in this case to write the man off?” commented bioethics expert and author Wesley J. Smith on his blog. “This much is sure: But for parents willing to fight for his life, Ramirez would be dead today rather than entering the rehabilitation unit.”

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Pope Endorses Stem-Cell Research in Wednesday Audience


LifeSiteNews.com
Wednesday June 27, 2007


By John Jalsevac

ROME, Italy, June 27, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – During the weekly Wednesday audience held earlier today, Pope Benedict expressed his approval for adult stem cell research, distinguishing adult stem-cell research from destructive embryonic stem-cell research, which the Catholic Church strongly condemns.

According to ABC News, the Pontiff made the remarks while greeting members of a conference organized by La Spaienza University about the use of adult stem cells to treat cardiac problems.

"On this matter the position of the Church, supported by reason and by science, is clear," said the Pope.

"Scientific research must be encouraged and promoted, so long as it does not harm other human beings, whose dignity is inviolable from the very first stages of existence."

Adult stem cells have already been used in a host of successful cures, whereas embryonic stem-cell research, which involves the destruction of live human embryos, has yet to be successfully used to treat any particular disease or illness. The Catholic Church has repeatedly expressed its approval of, and support for adult stem-cell research, and condemned embryonic stem-cell research as gravely immoral.

"In the face of the frequent and unjust accusations of insensitivity directed against the Church," said Pope Benedict in September of last year at a conference organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life, "I would like to underline the constant support she has given over the course of her two thousand-year history to research aimed at the cure of illnesses and at the good of humanity."

But the Pontiff added, "If there has been - and there still is - resistance, it was and is against those forms of research that involve the planned suppression of human beings who are already alive, though they may not yet have been born."

"In the face of the direct suppression of human beings," he continued, "there can be no compromise or prevarication; it is inconceivable for a society to fight crime effectively when it itself legalizes crime in the field of nascent life."

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Pope: A Society with Legal Abortion Cannot Fight Crime Effectively
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/sep/06091801.html

Adult Stem Cell Discoveries Could Treat Alzheimer’s and Blindness
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/feb/05021405.html

Why Embryonic Stem Cell Research? It's About Human Engineering, Not Ending Disease
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/may/06050902.html

Human Liver Grown from Cord Blood Stem Cells--Media Ignores UK Breakthrough
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/nov/06110105.html

Adult Stem Cells From Human Cord Umbilical Cord Blood Successfully Engineered to Make Insulin
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/may/07052809.html

Research Provides New Clues about How Adult Stem Cells Work
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/apr/07043007.html

Leukemia and Heart Patients Treated with Stem Cells
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/jan/05012705.html

BREAKING NEWS . . .

The Wichita Awakening - July 14-16, 2007 

A Prophetic Call to End Abortion and Seek Revival

On July 7, (07/07/07) 100,000 young people will gather in Nashville, Tennessee, for a Solemn Assembly to cry out for repentance and national revival.

The desire of this emerging generation is to see the Holy Spirit bring a dramatic spiritual shift across America which will produce culture reformation and radical change. (See theCall.com)

Immediately after the event, hundreds of young people will join a caravan that will travel across country to San Francisco.

On July 14-16, they will be in Wichita, Kansas, to pray for an end to abortion and plead with God for revival and spiritual awakening. They are inviting all Christians from the Wichita area, especially emerging leaders, to come join with them!

Schedule of Events

Saturday: July 14
8:30 P.M. Candlelight Vigil, featuring Rob Schenck, President of Faith and Action, Washington, DC at George Tiller's abortion clinic located at 5701 E. Kellogg, Wichita.

Sunday: July 15
2-4 P.M. Prayer vigil, featuring Wendy Wright, President of Concerned Women for America, Washington, DC at Tiller's clinic, 5701 Kellogg, Wichita.
7-12 P.M. Prophetic praise and Worship. Location: Mid-American All-Indian Center. 650 N. Seneca, Wichita. (See theindiancenter.org)

Monday: July 16
8:30-4 P.M. Prayer throughout the day at Tiller's clinic.
7-12 P.M. Prophetic praise and Worship. Mid-American All-Indian Center

The events will take place rain or shine. Please plan to be a part of history as Christians step out of their indifference and fear and into the purposes of God for this generation. We can see revival come to America and abortion end.

Sponsored by: Generation Life, The Christian Defense Coalition, The Cause USA, Survivors and local Wichita churches and pro-life groups.

For more information call: 202.547.1735

"Below the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly." -Joel 2:15

________________________________

About Operation Rescue

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation.  Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America.  Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates. Click here to make a donation.

________________________________

Web site: www.operationrescue.org

E-mail: info@operationrescue.org        


--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

News from the Trenches


Where is the outrage?

The latest death at the hands of Planned Parenthood is just the most recent in a long line of fatalities and serious injuries to women at the hands of California's abortion giant


Planned Parenthood is fond of telling women considering an abortion that, statistically speaking, the procedure is safer than taking an aspirin. The line is just one of several ways California's biggest abortion business tries to persuade women to end the lives of their unborn babies. But it is far from the truth, and Planned Parenthood knows it. The proof is in their own record of dead or disfigured women who have trusted them – and in the records of state agencies that have inspected Planned Parenthood facilities and found repeated violations of health-care standards.

The most recent example is that of Edrica Goode, a 21-year-old student at Riverside Community College who aspired to be a lawyer one day. "She had dreams of being an attorney," her mother, Aletheia Meloncon, told California Catholic Daily. "She was a very quiet girl, an avid reader. She had just finished Barack Obama's latest two books. And she traveled a lot. Last year she traveled to Tanzania and Kenya in Africa."

Fourteen weeks pregnant, and unbeknownst to her family, Edrica went to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Riverside on Jan. 31 for help. Fifteen days later, the young woman was dead – a particularly poignant ending to her young life because Edrica died on Valentine's Day.

Read the rest of the story here: California Catholic Daily
--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

A Website saved this baby!


Care Net Option Line Heidi found herself pregnant, scared and alone. An abortion seemed the only way out. Then she found the Option line Website. Heidi realized she wasn't alone, that she had life-saving options and that there was someone out there who cared. Heidi made an appointment and chose life for her baby!

We have learned that one of the most cost effective ways to reach pregnant women is through the Internet. And we can use the Internet to lead women to a secure place where they can learn their options, talk to loving counselors, and find a local Pregnancy Counseling Center in their area.

With the help of current donors to the LifeDonor Network, Care Net's website for women in crisis was able to directly communicate to over 80,000 women in the past few months because of internet advertising.

That's why AFA has joined hands with the pro-life ministry of Care Net in supporting the LifeDonor Network. Please consider joining the LifeDonor Network. You can help keep Option-line online in serving women and give them hope. Hope that can save lives.

It only takes a small monthly contribution and your support WILL save lives!

Please go here to learn more about this exciting outreach.

 



--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

CHECK THIS STORY OUT: IT'S NEW TO ME!

“We can sympathize with the unborn child”

Pro-life movement finds support from an unlikely quarter


Steve Cook of San Jose, like most California pro-life advocates, is not surprised when he and his anti-abortion posters attract verbal abuse. After all, "pro-choicers" on the Left Coast have a reputation for intolerance. But after over 25 years of marching, picketing, and speaking out for the unborn, what really hurts, he says, is people screaming, "Traitor!" "Shame!"

This is because Steve represents a group that the Left never expected to find on the anti-abortion side: the Pro-Life Alliance of Gays and Lesbians.

Read the rest of the story here: California Catholic

Monday, June 25, 2007

LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes



* Note: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.

Pope takes Blair to task over Iraq, abortion and stem cells
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/the_blair_years/article1979342.ece

More than 200 votes were not enough to keep tax dollars from foreign abortion providers
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004896.cfm

Pro-Life Activists Gear Up for Fall Campaign
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200706/CUL20070625b.html

Nuns to pray for Pope's letter on China and full religious freedom
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=9650&size=A

Connecticut Governor Vetoes Medical Marijuana Bill
http://www.citizenlink.org/CLNews/A000004888.cfm

High court upholds grassroots lobbying ads; pro-life group ecstatic
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/06/high_court_upholds_grassroots_.php

Supreme Court Says No to Challenge of Federal Faith-Based Initiative
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200706/CUL20070625c.html

Europe has forgotten its families
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/europe_has_forgotten_its_families/

Only in the LA Times: Infamous Anti-Catholic Touted As a 'Devout Catholic'
http://newsbusters.org/node/13710

Changing Patterns in Social Fabric Test Netherlands' Liberal Identity
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/22/AR2007062202015_pf.html

No wedding, no benefits - Only married couples deserve financial support from society.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2007/06/post-6.html?csp=34

Liberal Partnerships No Longer in Store for Wal-Mart
http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=WU07F13

Tell the Truth Boldly, Urges Benedict XVI
http://www.zenit.org/article-19965?l=english

Secularist Europe Silences Pro-Lifers and Creationists
http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/2211

Only One Canadian Same-Sex 'Wedding' in Toronto This Year
http://ca.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2007-06-22T222137Z_01_N22198155_RTRIDST_0_CANADA-SAMESEX-WEDDINGS-COL.XML

Masonry, Atheism and Catholicism
http://www.zenit.org/article-19777?l=english

Teenage girl banned by her school from wearing "purity ring"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,286395,00.html

Democrats hope to hush Rush
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56346

Europe has forgotten its families
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/europe_has_forgotten_its_families/

Freedom of Religion at Political Crossroad
http://www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2007/jhitchcock_freedom_jun07.asp

NYC Mayor bows at the altar of scientism
http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2007/06/nyc-mayor-bows-.html

Swedish Scientist Accuses UN's IPCC of Falsifying Data and Destroying Evidence
http://newsbusters.org/node/13698

Indiana Jones and the prophets of doom
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/indiana_jones_and_the_prophets_of_doom/

Now even spiders, squid and lobsters could have rights
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=463760&in_page_id=1770

Breakthrough pro-life show premieres on EWTN Monday, June 25, 6:30PM Eastern
http://www.coalitionforlife.com/index.cfm

Support families, Pope urges bishops of Togo
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51969

Bishops' committee says Argentinean Supreme Court has defended right to life of the unborn
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=9705

Medical College of Peru embraces abortion
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=9706

Women who use make-up on a daily basis are absorbing almost 5lb of chemicals a year into their bodies
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/06/21/nbeauty121.xml

'Smoking gun' Hillary tape filed in court - Video records alleged felonies by New York Democrat
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56294

California State education chief pushes 'gay' pornfest
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56294

Mexico Introduces Euthanasia Legislation
http://www.zenit.org/article-19920?l=english



--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Pro-Life Position Showing Steady Rise Among US Voters



By Hilary White

LODA, Illinois, June 25, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) -€" A study by a private opinion research firm has shown that since the height of the "€œabortion wars"€ in the 1980'€™s and 90'€™s, public opinion in the US has made dramatic changes towards the pro-life position.

Christopher Blunt, co-author of the study and founder of Overbrook Research, wrote that the analysis shows a complete turnaround in the support for abortion in the last fifteen years. The study, Turnaround on Abortion, cites the debate over partial birth abortion and the move towards a less confrontational approach as one reason for a "€dramatic"€ change in the political climate surrounding abortion.

The study examines changes in pro-life/pro-choice self-identification using 30,000 survey interviews from Missouri from 1992-2006. Percentages of abortion support among US voters, the study showed, have inverted. Respondents were asked: "œOn the debate over abortion policy, do you consider yourself to be pro-life, pro-choice, or somewhere in between?"€

The study'€™s authors write, "€œIn 1992 . . . fewer than one-third (30%) of Missouri voters called themselves pro-life, with just 26% admitting to be strongly pro-life. By contrast, 43% called themselves pro-choice, with 34% describing themselves as strongly pro-choice. In other words, there were more strong pro-choice advocates than total pro-lifers."€

Since then the data shows that pro-life self-identification has grown to 41% with 30% identifying as "€œpro-choice."€ "€œIn other words,"€ writes Blunt, "€œthe turnaround has been nearly complete."€

Of particular interest is a shift among the various demographic groups. In 1992, young women were the most strongly pro-abortion. "€œNow,"€ Blunt says, "€œthey are the most strongly pro-life."€ Voters who rarely or never attend church services, and those with post-graduate degrees, also overwhelmingly self-identifying as "œpro-choice"€ in 1992, had largely shifted away from abortion support by 2006.

The authors speculate that in addition to the prominence of the partial birth abortion debate, the reason for the turn-around is, paradoxically, the Clinton administration'€™s Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. The authors suggest that the Act shifted the emphasis away from confrontational politics and blockades, to peaceful prayer vigils and sidewalk counseling.

€œAs grisly details of partial-birth abortion procedures replaced confrontational (and often violent) clinic protests on the evening news, voters seemed to have changed their minds about who the "€˜abortion extremists"€™ were.€

Read the study, Turnaround on Abortion:
http://www.overbrookresearch.com/docs/turnaround-on-abortion...

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

ANOTHER PRO-LIFE VICTORY!

BREAKING NEWS BULLETIN

U.S. Supreme Court hands pro-lifers another victory


In a 5-4 decision issued this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the group Wisconsin Right to Life, which had been found in violation of federal campaign laws for airing television ads during the last two months of the 2004 general elections.

For the rest of the story go here http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=957c59e7-d785-4af3-bd6a-37eb6a7b93ff

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Sunday, June 24, 2007

LIVE WEBCAM OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT!

Here's the url for this Web Site where there is 24 hour online devotion and viewing of Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament!

http://www.savior.org/devotions.htm

clipped from 68.gmodules.com
blog it

FAR FROM THE TRENCHES


June  2007 -- Far from the trenches in San Diego

"There would be no demons of previous 'relationships' to haunt their married life -- no unwanted pregnancies, no abortions."


Read the Full Article Here:

http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=00cb51ba-2440-4675-a551-1f0f36f85e50

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

Saturday, June 23, 2007

PRESS RELEASE OPERATION RESCUE


Rep. Kinzer To Hold Press Conference Monday RE: Tiller Scandal-Pro-life Support Is Critical!


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Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation. Operation Rescue recently made headlines when it bought and closed an abortion clinic in Wichita, Kansas and has become the voice of the pro-life activist movement in America. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to restore legal personhood to the pre-born and stop abortion in obedience to biblical mandates.


June 23rd, 2007

If you live in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, or anywhere close to Kansas, now is the time to literally DROP EVERYTHING and come to Topeka on Monday at 2 PM to show support for Rep. Lance Kinzer as he calls for charges against late-term abortionist George R. Tiller.

This press conference is being conducted by Rep. Kinzer, and not any particular group. All pro-lifers from all groups are urged to attend. (If you do not live near Kansas, please hold this up in prayer!)

To carpool from Wichita: Meet in the Sam's Club parking lot on N. Rock Road at 11 AM sharp!

To carpool from Overland Park: Meet in the K-Mart parking lot (behind the McDonald's) at I-435 and 87th street at 12 Noon.

Below is Rep. Kinzer's press release:

The State of Kansas Must Stop Illegal Late Term Abortions On Viable Unborn Children

On Monday, June 25th at 2:00 pm State Representative Lance Kinzer will hold a press conference on the south steps of the State Capitol Building to discuss recent developments in the ongoing tragedy of late-term abortion in Kansas.

Topics discussed will include:

· Substantial evidence suggests that viable unborn children capable of surviving outside their mothers wombs are being illegally aborted in Kansas.

· Why are these illegal abortions continuing to take place, and what can and should the State of Kansas be doing to put a stop to these illegal abortions?

· In light of the pending announcement of Attorney General Morrison as to the status of any potential new charges against Dr. George Tiller for performing illegal late term abortions it is crucial that concerned Kansas citizens understand existing Kansas law on late term abortions and the currently available public evidence relating to the performance of illegal abortions in our State.

Representative Kinzer will make a statement regarding these and related issues and will then take questions from members of the media.

Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to Representative Kinzer at (913)461-1227.

http://www.lancekinzer.com





Friday, June 22, 2007

BREAKTHROUGH PRO-LIFE SHOW TO PREMIERE ON EWTN

7 WEEK OLD FETUS

Catholics around the country have been waiting for tangible efforts to help end abortion in their communities and now an Emmy award winning director has produced a show on pro-life activism for EWTN. The show, "BEING HUMAN: 40 Days for Life", shows how everyday Catholics and priests are working to reduce abortion numbers in their towns. This powerful documentary style program will set Catholics across America on fire to peacefully defend the unborn.

The show premieres on Monday, June 25 at 6:30PM Eastern on EWTN and you can help spread the word about this inspirational program. The show is like nothing you've seen before and explores how by relying on Christ and taking your faith to the streets, lives can be saved from abortion.
The buzz of this program has been spreading for weeks and NOW the premiere is here; watch previews at: http://www.coalitionforlife.com/.
Parishes and dioceses across the nation will be promoting this episode in bulletin inserts and masses the weekend of June 23-24. Make a difference by encouraging groups, parishes, listservs, Knights of Columbus, and clergy to be part of this exciting event on Monday, June 25 at 6:30PM Eastern.
Contact: Coalition for Lifehttp://www.coalitionforlife.com/ TX, USShawn Carney - Executive Director, 979 - 846-2825
Deacon John

Thursday, June 21, 2007

LifeSiteNews.com NewsBytes

* Note: The linked items below or the websites at which they are located do not necessarily represent the views of LifeSiteNews.com. They are presented only for your information.


Abortion Supporters Have Taken #1 Spot in Facebook Wish Contest - See Right-hand Sidebar for info on how to vote
http://www.bluewavecanada.blogspot.com/

How the West Really Lost God
http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/7827212.html

Michael Moore Espouses Jesus, Yet He Mocked the Crucifixion, Supports Pro-Choice, And
http://newsbusters.org/node/13628

The Irrationality of Richard Dawkins
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=776

A brilliant exploration of one of the great monsters of history - Josef Stalin
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/mystery_of_malignity/

Networks Convey Excitement Over Bloomberg, the 'Candidate of the Media'
http://newsbusters.org/node/13623

It is global cooling, not warming, that is the major climate threat to the world, especially Canada
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/comment/story.html?id=597d0677-2a05-47b4-b34f-b84068db11f4&p=4

Bishop: Dolls, magazines turn girls into sex objects
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/46912/Bishop-Dolls-clothes-turn-girls-into-sex-objects

500 homeschoolers from 34 states compete in national debate championship
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56213

Wrist slap for 'Have sex, take drugs' school seminar
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56198

In Norway Young teens may get free birth control pills
http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article1171684.ece

Ex-seminary head sees liberal threat
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/06/13/critic_slams_archdiocese_land_sale_as_betrayal/

Telling truth about abortion takes courage, says archbishop, pointing to 'Oz'
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=24451

Legal Abortion Has Increased Illegitimacy
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=24451

To Bishop Trautmann: We are not morons By George Weigel
http://www.archden.org/dcr//news.php?e=424&s=3&a=8902

Papers show Isaac Newton's religious side
http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/06/18/newton.papers.ap/index.html

Sexual union in marriage called appetizer for eternity with God
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=24464&wf=rsscol

Most worrisome was absence of all but a few religious leaders at June 12 dedication of
Washington memorial to Victims of Communism - First Things

http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=774

--
"In Cordibus Jesu et Mariae"

SPIRIT & LIFE NEWSLETTER

Amnesty International: What Part of Murder Don't You Understand?

Abortion is murder. It is not a human right. An unwanted pregnancy for an unmarried woman, especially as a result of rape or incest or in a war zone, is a very difficult thing, but with enough love, care and effort it can be turned into a beautiful thing, no matter what the circumstances. Abortion can never be turned into a good thing. The pro-life movement says, "Why not love them both?", but all efforts are taken to drown out the voice of reason.

Abortion sweeps the problem under the rug and makes the situation "easier" for everyone involved except the woman who must live with the aftermath, and of course, the child who is murdered. Human rights organizations have a mission to provide love, care and effort to help bring about the best possible outcome. Why else do they exist but to bring justice to terrible situations? Abortion is a grotesque injustice.

This is why it is so disappointing that Amnesty International has abandoned the unborn child as deserving human rights protection. Now, this once great human rights organization has bought into the lie that one person's rights over their own body trumps the rights of another person's - the unborn child's - right to life.
Amnesty International's Widney Brown has actually come out and said that: "[The pregnant woman's] right to health and the right to the quality of life that she needs and the healing that she needs, this is what we would say should be the priority," (The National Catholic Register, "No Amnesty for the Unborn," June 12-23). There is no healing to be found in abortion. Abortion is something from which a woman needs to be healed.

Abortion is murder. This is an objective fact. Today it has reached the point of genocide. It is a grave injustice and violation of human rights. It is something Amnesty International should be addressing as a violation not treating as a solution. The humanity of the unborn child is not an "imposition" of one's morality or "religious values" on another. The humanity of the unborn child is an empirical scientific fact. By applying a sliding scale to the value of any innocent human life, Amnesty International has removed any fixed moral standard to which to anchor their mission. As C.S. Lewis would say, they have sawed off the branch on which they were sitting. They have abandoned their moral leverage and joined the tyrants who stand on lies that permit the killing to continue.

Their claim to be a "voice for the voiceless" does not extend to the innocent human being in the womb. By throwing in with the international abortion lobby they have abandoned the moral high ground on which they stood that gave credibility to their mission, opting instead for the quicksand of moral relativism.
Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace stated in the same National Catholic Register article cited above, that Amnesty International has "betrayed its mission" and that if "Amnesty International persists in this course of action, individuals and Catholic organizations must withdraw their support." Amnesty International, of course, responded with the usual smug doublespeak of the Culture of Death.

Of all people, Amnesty International ought to know that killing only begets more killing and this decision has rendered the world a less safe place.

HLI challenges Amnesty International to prove that abortion is anything less than murder - an abuse of the most basic human right - the right to life.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer,President, Human Life International

www.hli.org