Pro-Life Groups Start Effort to Stop President Obama's Taxpayer Funded Abortions
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A collection of pro-life groups will hold a news conference in front of the White House on Friday to announce a new effort designed to stop the taxpayer-funded abortions in President Obama's budget. Obama wants tax-funded of abortions in some circumstances and Congressional Democrats may open up more. As LifeNews.com has extensively reported, Obama's budget opens up pro-abortion funding in two instances. It calls for tax-funded abortions in the District of Columbia by repealing the Dornan amendment that has prevented tax-funded abortion in the nation's capital for many years. The abortion rate in Washington, D.C. is already one of the highest in the nation and Obama's budget's making Americans fund abortions there would violate his pledge to reduce abortions. The Obama budget also changes the language governing funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and loosens it to allow LSC grantees to conduct pro-abortion litigation. The Family Research Council isn't content to let those changes stand and has started a national campaign to make it so taxpayers are not "on the hook for funding abortions." The group is concerned that Obama will work with Congressional Democrats to overturn other protections such as the Hyde amendment. "President Obama has already targeted prohibitions on tax dollars going to pay directly for abortions in our nation's capitol, and that is only the beginning," FRC president Tony Perkins said. "They want to overturn pro-life 'riders' that ensure that U.S. taxpayers are not forced to hand-over their hard-earned dollars to pay for and promote abortion on demand." Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A collection of pro-life groups will hold a news conference in front of the White House on Friday to announce a new effort designed to stop the taxpayer-funded abortions in President Obama's budget. Obama wants tax-funded of abortions in some circumstances and Congressional Democrats may open up more. As LifeNews.com has extensively reported, Obama's budget opens up pro-abortion funding in two instances. It calls for tax-funded abortions in the District of Columbia by repealing the Dornan amendment that has prevented tax-funded abortion in the nation's capital for many years. The abortion rate in Washington, D.C. is already one of the highest in the nation and Obama's budget's making Americans fund abortions there would violate his pledge to reduce abortions. The Obama budget also changes the language governing funding for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and loosens it to allow LSC grantees to conduct pro-abortion litigation. The Family Research Council isn't content to let those changes stand and has started a national campaign to make it so taxpayers are not "on the hook for funding abortions." The group is concerned that Obama will work with Congressional Democrats to overturn other protections such as the Hyde amendment. "President Obama has already targeted prohibitions on tax dollars going to pay directly for abortions in our nation's capitol, and that is only the beginning," FRC president Tony Perkins said. "They want to overturn pro-life 'riders' that ensure that U.S. taxpayers are not forced to hand-over their hard-earned dollars to pay for and promote abortion on demand." Full story at LifeNews.com Obama Administration Officials Pull Report Calling Pro-Life Advocates Extremists
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Obama administration has officially pulled a Department of Homeland Security Report that claims pro-life people may engage in violence or extremism. The document, which has already been sent to police and sheriffs offices across the country, sparked national outrage. The DHS document warned law officials about a supposed rise in "rightwing extremist activity," saying the poor economy and presence of a black president could spark problems. A footnote attached to the nine-page report from the Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis said the activities of pro-life advocates is included in "rightwing extremism in the United States." "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration," the warning said. During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told lawmakers the report has been withdrawn. "The wheels came off the wagon because the vetting process was not followed," Napolitano said, according to the Washington Times. "The report is no longer out there," Napolitano added. "An employee sent it out without authorization." Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Obama administration has officially pulled a Department of Homeland Security Report that claims pro-life people may engage in violence or extremism. The document, which has already been sent to police and sheriffs offices across the country, sparked national outrage. The DHS document warned law officials about a supposed rise in "rightwing extremist activity," saying the poor economy and presence of a black president could spark problems. A footnote attached to the nine-page report from the Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis said the activities of pro-life advocates is included in "rightwing extremism in the United States." "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration," the warning said. During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told lawmakers the report has been withdrawn. "The wheels came off the wagon because the vetting process was not followed," Napolitano said, according to the Washington Times. "The report is no longer out there," Napolitano added. "An employee sent it out without authorization." Full story at LifeNews.comPresident Obama Must Rethink His Stance Against Abstinence Education Funding
by Valerie Huber
Last week the President announced that he would zero out all funding for abstinence education and replace it with $178 million to "prevent teen pregnancy." Since the President released his detailed 2010 budget proposal to Congress, there have been numerous commentaries about the significance of his effort to eliminate abstinence education funding. NAEA calls upon Congress to reject the President's request to eliminate abstinence education funding from the 2010 budget. NAEA also urges the Administration to retract its overreaching decision to zero out abstinence education funding. Abstinence education programs must continue using the same legislative guidelines as have been applied under the previous administrations of Clinton and Bush. There are several questions or areas of concern that immediately arise from President Obama's move to replace abstinence funds with the newly proposed "pregnancy prevention" program. Full story at LifeNews.com Notre Dame President Again Defends Obama Award in New Letter to Graduates
South Bend, IN (LifeNews.com) -- In a new letter to graduating seniors, Notre Dame president John Jenkins once again is defending his decision to invite pro-abortion President Barack Obama to give the commencement address. Jenkins also defends giving Obama an honorary degree, which has caused heartburn for Catholics nationwide. The letter appeared to have been sent to all graduating seniors and graduate students on Monday. Jenkins told the graduating class, "I have never been more proud than I have been watching the way you've conducted yourselves over the past several weeks" during the controversy over the Obama invitation. "The decision to invite President Obama to Notre Dame to receive an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address has triggered debate," he explained. "In many cases, the debate has grown heated, even between people who agree completely on Church teaching regarding the sanctity of human life." Jenkins appeared to wiggle his way out of appearing to support abortion by honoring and inviting Obama by claiming that pro-life advocates could support Obama and disagree on how to reduce abortions. He said the debate came between people "who agree completely that we should work for change and differ only on how we should work for change." Full story at LifeNews.com
Canada March for Life Features 10,000 People, Little National Media Coverage
Ottawa, Canada (LifeNews.com) -- Today, nearly 10,000 people from across Canada participated in the national March for Life, but there is little indication in the mainstream media that anything took place. The Canadian March for Life has occurred for twelve years, but the event marked 40 years of legal abortions. Writing in the National Post today, columnist Michael Coren notes the lack of media coverage. In fact, at press time, only he and LifeNews.com have covered the March for Life have covered the pro-life event today. Coren notes there is routinely "hardly any mention of the event in the media — a contrast with the numerous protests a fraction of the size that tend to receive full and fulsome coverage." That is despite the fact that the March for Life is "intensely reflective of the authentic Canada, unlike most other demonstrations: Conservative and Liberal, able-bodied and handicapped, black and white, Muslim, Christian and Jewish, from every region and background." "One would think this diversity would make it almost worthy of a heritage moment on the CBC or a government grant. Instead it makes the shapers of establishment opinion extraordinarily uncomfortable. As does, of course, any mention of the abortion issue," he says. Full story at LifeNews.com
South Bend, IN (LifeNews.com) -- In a new letter to graduating seniors, Notre Dame president John Jenkins once again is defending his decision to invite pro-abortion President Barack Obama to give the commencement address. Jenkins also defends giving Obama an honorary degree, which has caused heartburn for Catholics nationwide. The letter appeared to have been sent to all graduating seniors and graduate students on Monday. Jenkins told the graduating class, "I have never been more proud than I have been watching the way you've conducted yourselves over the past several weeks" during the controversy over the Obama invitation. "The decision to invite President Obama to Notre Dame to receive an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address has triggered debate," he explained. "In many cases, the debate has grown heated, even between people who agree completely on Church teaching regarding the sanctity of human life." Jenkins appeared to wiggle his way out of appearing to support abortion by honoring and inviting Obama by claiming that pro-life advocates could support Obama and disagree on how to reduce abortions. He said the debate came between people "who agree completely that we should work for change and differ only on how we should work for change." Full story at LifeNews.comCanada March for Life Features 10,000 People, Little National Media Coverage
Ottawa, Canada (LifeNews.com) -- Today, nearly 10,000 people from across Canada participated in the national March for Life, but there is little indication in the mainstream media that anything took place. The Canadian March for Life has occurred for twelve years, but the event marked 40 years of legal abortions. Writing in the National Post today, columnist Michael Coren notes the lack of media coverage. In fact, at press time, only he and LifeNews.com have covered the March for Life have covered the pro-life event today. Coren notes there is routinely "hardly any mention of the event in the media — a contrast with the numerous protests a fraction of the size that tend to receive full and fulsome coverage." That is despite the fact that the March for Life is "intensely reflective of the authentic Canada, unlike most other demonstrations: Conservative and Liberal, able-bodied and handicapped, black and white, Muslim, Christian and Jewish, from every region and background." "One would think this diversity would make it almost worthy of a heritage moment on the CBC or a government grant. Instead it makes the shapers of establishment opinion extraordinarily uncomfortable. As does, of course, any mention of the abortion issue," he says. Full story at LifeNews.com Missouri Senate Approves Bill on Forced Abortions, But Causes Pro-Lifers Problems
Jefferson City, MO (LifeNews.com) -- The Missouri state Senate today approved a bill that would seemingly help women avoid forced abortions, though the measure is not as strong as one the House passed. The compromise bill removed the ban on forced or coerced abortions and replaced it with an informed consent requirement. However, the bill is causing headaches for pro-life advocates, who are calling for it to be defeated or changed. Pam Fichter, the president of Missouri Right to Life, told LifeNews.com that the current bill, if it becomes law, will "endanger Missouri women seeking abortions." The Senate bill "creates a two-tiered system of enforcement based on how frequently an abortion clinic does abortions," Fichter explains. Fichter says this uneven enforcement will come up in court and cause even more problems. "The abortion industry in Missouri will, no doubt, challenge the new law in court. A temporary injunction will be granted, which in effect will suspend not only the new law until the court case is settled but will also suspend the informed consent provisions and reflection period in the current law," she said. Full story at LifeNews.com
Jefferson City, MO (LifeNews.com) -- The Missouri state Senate today approved a bill that would seemingly help women avoid forced abortions, though the measure is not as strong as one the House passed. The compromise bill removed the ban on forced or coerced abortions and replaced it with an informed consent requirement. However, the bill is causing headaches for pro-life advocates, who are calling for it to be defeated or changed. Pam Fichter, the president of Missouri Right to Life, told LifeNews.com that the current bill, if it becomes law, will "endanger Missouri women seeking abortions." The Senate bill "creates a two-tiered system of enforcement based on how frequently an abortion clinic does abortions," Fichter explains. Fichter says this uneven enforcement will come up in court and cause even more problems. "The abortion industry in Missouri will, no doubt, challenge the new law in court. A temporary injunction will be granted, which in effect will suspend not only the new law until the court case is settled but will also suspend the informed consent provisions and reflection period in the current law," she said. Full story at LifeNews.com Wisconsin Right to Life Ads Hit Late-Term Abortions at Madison Surgery Center
Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- Wisconsin Right to Life is running new newspaper ads that spotlight the plan to begin doing late-term abortions at the Madison Surgery Center. The first ad urges patients to say "No" to medical treatment at the center by boycotting its services because of the abortion plan. "Tens of thousands have already signed petitions protesting the late-term abortion plan," WRTL president Barbara Lyons told LifeNews.com. "Current and prospective patients have changed their appointments and even their health care away from the Madison Surgery Center and the UW Health care system," Lyons added. The ad, which is the first in a puissant series that will run in the Wisconsin State Journal. The first ad will appear today and the second ad will appear on Thursday, May 21. Full story at LifeNews.com Nebraska Lawmakers Send Bill for Ultrasound Before Abortion to Second Reading
Lincoln, NE (LifeNews.com) -- Nebraska lawmakers on Thursday send a bill that would allow women a chance to see an ultrasound of their unborn child before an abortion is done to a second reading debate and vote. The unicameral legislature voted 37-5 to move the bill ahead after the Judiciary Committee signed off on LB 675 last month. Sen. John Harms of Scottsbluff hopes the bill will help lower the number of abortions in the state by allowing a woman considering an abortion a chance to see the humanity of their unborn child. "Abortion is an irrevocable decision that's just loaded with future emotional and psychological scars for a woman," he said during the debate, according to AP. Sen. Danielle Nantkes of Lincoln, Sen. Brenda Council of Omaha, and Sen. Amanda McGill opposed allowing women to know more about the development of their unborn child and they claimed the bill was about pushing a political agenda. Julie Schmit-Albin, the executive director of Nebraska Right to Life, has been strongly supporting the measure. Full story at LifeNews.comLouisiana Lawmakers Stop Resolution Honoring Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz
Baton Rouge, LA (LifeNews.com) -- Louisiana lawmakers have stopped a resolution that would have set aside a special day in honor of the Planned Parenthood abortion business. Senator Lydia Jackson had covertly moved SCR 46 off the Senate floor without any debate, but a state pro-life group spoke up against the idea. Pro-life advocates were concerned a similar effort would be made in the House. The Louisiana Right to Life Federation activated its grassroots network and the resolution was halted. Benjamin Clapper, the director of the group, told LifeNews.com that, thanks to the calls and emails of concerned pro-life citizens, "SCR 46, the resolution making May 13th as 'Planned Parenthood Day,' was swept into committee and all but stopped for this legislative session." "While the House Health and Welfare Committee can hear the bill if it chooses, the chances of the resolution reaching the floor again are few and far between," Clapper explained. "For the time being, our legislature has said no to big abortion business again." Full story at LifeNews.com
Baton Rouge, LA (LifeNews.com) -- Louisiana lawmakers have stopped a resolution that would have set aside a special day in honor of the Planned Parenthood abortion business. Senator Lydia Jackson had covertly moved SCR 46 off the Senate floor without any debate, but a state pro-life group spoke up against the idea. Pro-life advocates were concerned a similar effort would be made in the House. The Louisiana Right to Life Federation activated its grassroots network and the resolution was halted. Benjamin Clapper, the director of the group, told LifeNews.com that, thanks to the calls and emails of concerned pro-life citizens, "SCR 46, the resolution making May 13th as 'Planned Parenthood Day,' was swept into committee and all but stopped for this legislative session." "While the House Health and Welfare Committee can hear the bill if it chooses, the chances of the resolution reaching the floor again are few and far between," Clapper explained. "For the time being, our legislature has said no to big abortion business again." Full story at LifeNews.comSpain Govt Approves Plan to Legalize More Abortions, Parliament to Consider
Madrid, Spain (LifeNews.com) -- The government of Spain has approved a plan to expand the law allowing legal abortions there despite strong opposition from the pro-life community. Now the nation's parliament will weigh in on the debate to expand the nation's already-lenient laws to essentially allow abortion on demand. Abortion is already allowed in Spain but the law requires a valid mental health reason for a woman to be allowed to have an abortion. Under Spanish law abortion is technically illegal and abortion is only allowed in case the pregnancy supposedly is a threat to the physical or mental health of the woman (despite the fact abortions typically cause medical and mental health issues). Though the law has been flouted by abortion centers and abortions have been routinely done even in the latter parts of pregnancy, Prime Minister Jose' Luis Rodriguez Zapatero wants the statute removed. There is some question about whether the measure will be approved in the Spanish Parliament because Zapatero does not have a majority and has had a falling out with some MPs over other issues. Full story at LifeNews.com
Madrid, Spain (LifeNews.com) -- The government of Spain has approved a plan to expand the law allowing legal abortions there despite strong opposition from the pro-life community. Now the nation's parliament will weigh in on the debate to expand the nation's already-lenient laws to essentially allow abortion on demand. Abortion is already allowed in Spain but the law requires a valid mental health reason for a woman to be allowed to have an abortion. Under Spanish law abortion is technically illegal and abortion is only allowed in case the pregnancy supposedly is a threat to the physical or mental health of the woman (despite the fact abortions typically cause medical and mental health issues). Though the law has been flouted by abortion centers and abortions have been routinely done even in the latter parts of pregnancy, Prime Minister Jose' Luis Rodriguez Zapatero wants the statute removed. There is some question about whether the measure will be approved in the Spanish Parliament because Zapatero does not have a majority and has had a falling out with some MPs over other issues. Full story at LifeNews.comMaryland Man Kills Pregnant Girlfriend, Likely No Charge for Killing Unborn Baby
District Heights, MD (LifeNews.com) -- A Maryland man has apparently killed his 19-year-old pregnant girlfriend, reportedly because he was upset she was pregnant with his child. Bernard Bellamy, 20 was arrested by police in connection with the death of Valicia Andrea Demery, who was four months pregnant. The homicide appeared to have occurred earlier this week as officials discovered Demery's body on the track surrounding the football field at Forestville Military Academy. Video cameras at the high school linked Bellamy's car to the crime scene and now he faces first-degree murder charges. However, in a turn of events that is upsetting pro-life advocates, it appears prosecutors will not be able to hold Bellamy accountable for killing the baby. Maryland is one of the 36 states that have an unborn victims law on the books, but the statute only allows charges in connection with the death of or injury to a baby who is past the point of viability. Full story at LifeNews.com
District Heights, MD (LifeNews.com) -- A Maryland man has apparently killed his 19-year-old pregnant girlfriend, reportedly because he was upset she was pregnant with his child. Bernard Bellamy, 20 was arrested by police in connection with the death of Valicia Andrea Demery, who was four months pregnant. The homicide appeared to have occurred earlier this week as officials discovered Demery's body on the track surrounding the football field at Forestville Military Academy. Video cameras at the high school linked Bellamy's car to the crime scene and now he faces first-degree murder charges. However, in a turn of events that is upsetting pro-life advocates, it appears prosecutors will not be able to hold Bellamy accountable for killing the baby. Maryland is one of the 36 states that have an unborn victims law on the books, but the statute only allows charges in connection with the death of or injury to a baby who is past the point of viability. Full story at LifeNews.com
