House Panel Pushes Obama Agenda for Tax-Funded Abortions in Washington, DC
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A House subcommittee today pushed forward President Barack Obama's agenda for funding abortions in the nation's capital. A panel put into legislation Obama's request to overturn the Dornan Amendment, which has prohibited taxpayer-funded abortions in Washington for years. Congress, as authorized by the U.S. Constitution, holds complete legislative authority over the District of Columbia and, therefore, determines whether taxpayer dollars will be used to fund abortions for poor women there. Although Congress has banned taxpayer-funded abortions in D.C. for years, the budget request Obama released in May asked, on Appendix page 1209, for Congress to repeal the ban. Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Governmet marked up the District of Columbia budget and included Obama's request for tax-funded abortions. The measure now heads to the full House Appropriations Committee, where it will be considered on Tuesday, July 7. There, pro-life advocates will likely try to offer an amendment to restore the Dornan Amendment and stop Obama's abortion funding agenda. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A House subcommittee today pushed forward President Barack Obama's agenda for funding abortions in the nation's capital. A panel put into legislation Obama's request to overturn the Dornan Amendment, which has prohibited taxpayer-funded abortions in Washington for years. Congress, as authorized by the U.S. Constitution, holds complete legislative authority over the District of Columbia and, therefore, determines whether taxpayer dollars will be used to fund abortions for poor women there. Although Congress has banned taxpayer-funded abortions in D.C. for years, the budget request Obama released in May asked, on Appendix page 1209, for Congress to repeal the ban. Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Governmet marked up the District of Columbia budget and included Obama's request for tax-funded abortions. The measure now heads to the full House Appropriations Committee, where it will be considered on Tuesday, July 7. There, pro-life advocates will likely try to offer an amendment to restore the Dornan Amendment and stop Obama's abortion funding agenda. Full story at LifeNews.comACTION: Contact members of the Appropriations Committee and ask them to restore the Dornan Amendment to stop tax-funded abortions in DC. Find a list of members here.
Sam Brownback Becomes Third Senator to Oppose Pro-Abortion Sonia Sotomayor
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Sen. Sam Brownback became the third senator to officially declare his opposition to the Supreme Court nomination of appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Brownback joined in the fears that have prompted the pro-life community to label her pro-abortion by saying she will be a judicial activist. In a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Brownback said he will vote against Sotomayor's nomination should the Senate Judiciary Committee send it to the floor. "Judge Sotomayor has indicated through past rulings and in her writings that she believes the judiciary should take an activist role and make laws, instead of upholding the law," he said. The pro-life Kansas Republican added, "As Chief Justice [John G.] Roberts said, a justice should be an impartial umpire, not a player in the game. I am afraid Judge Sotomayor wants to be more of a player than an umpire." Brownback, who is not seeking re-election but will likely be the Republican nominee for governor of Kansas next year, was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee until this year. His comments put him in league with pro-life Sens. Pat Roberts, also of Kansas, and Jim Inhofe, of Oklahoma, who have also publicly announced their opposition to Sotomayor. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Sen. Sam Brownback became the third senator to officially declare his opposition to the Supreme Court nomination of appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Brownback joined in the fears that have prompted the pro-life community to label her pro-abortion by saying she will be a judicial activist. In a speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday, Brownback said he will vote against Sotomayor's nomination should the Senate Judiciary Committee send it to the floor. "Judge Sotomayor has indicated through past rulings and in her writings that she believes the judiciary should take an activist role and make laws, instead of upholding the law," he said. The pro-life Kansas Republican added, "As Chief Justice [John G.] Roberts said, a justice should be an impartial umpire, not a player in the game. I am afraid Judge Sotomayor wants to be more of a player than an umpire." Brownback, who is not seeking re-election but will likely be the Republican nominee for governor of Kansas next year, was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee until this year. His comments put him in league with pro-life Sens. Pat Roberts, also of Kansas, and Jim Inhofe, of Oklahoma, who have also publicly announced their opposition to Sotomayor. Full story at LifeNews.comYouTube Removes New Undercover Video Exposing Planned Parenthood on Abortion
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- YouTube, the popular video sharing web site, has removed a new undercover video that exposes dishonest counseling practices at Planned Parenthood abortion centers. The new video shows a Planned Parenthood staff member telling pro-life activist Lila Rose that images of victims of abortion are "not real." Without offering any specific explanation, YouTube removed the new video, which features footage of a Planned Parenthood facility in Tucson, Arizona. After the staffer tells a potential abortion patient that the images of babies killed in abortions are fake, the video shows photographs of a completed abortion and documentation of their authenticity. Lila Rose, the UCLA student who founded Live Action Advocates and whose undercover videos have exposed Planned Parenthood staff members covering up possible cases of statutory rape, told LifeNews.com that YouTube should reinstate the video. "Since the video we posted does not violate any terms of use, we expect YouTube to re- instate it immediately," she said. YouTube's own 'Community Guideline Tips' advise that intense or disturbing imaging should be 'balanced with additional context and information,' which is exactly what Live Action has done." Full story at LifeNews.comACTION: Contact YouTube with your comments at http://www.youtube.com/t/
FDA OKs Generic Version of Plan B Morning After Pill Drug, No Abortion Reduction
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic version of the Plan B drug, also known as the morning after pill. The morning after pill has been hailed by abortion advocates as a method of reducing abortions, but stats in the United States and elsewhere prove otherwise. The new generic of the so-called emergency contraceptive, which can cause abortions in limited circumstances, will be available in a 0.75 mg dosage. Like the non-generic levonorgestrel drug, the generic Plan B pill will be available over the counter to all women aged 17 or older and by prescription to younger teenagers. The FDA originally approved the morning after pill at the end of the Clinton administration in 1999 and, in 2006, it was approved for nonprescription use for women 18 and older. The new approval allows for a generic prescription-only product for girls 17 and younger. No generic of the morning after pill can be approved for nonprescription use for women over the age of 17 until late August, when the marketing exclusively held by Duramed for nonprescription use expires. In March, a federal court ordered the Food and Drug Administration to reconsider its decision preventing minors from purchasing the morning after pill without a prescription. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic version of the Plan B drug, also known as the morning after pill. The morning after pill has been hailed by abortion advocates as a method of reducing abortions, but stats in the United States and elsewhere prove otherwise. The new generic of the so-called emergency contraceptive, which can cause abortions in limited circumstances, will be available in a 0.75 mg dosage. Like the non-generic levonorgestrel drug, the generic Plan B pill will be available over the counter to all women aged 17 or older and by prescription to younger teenagers. The FDA originally approved the morning after pill at the end of the Clinton administration in 1999 and, in 2006, it was approved for nonprescription use for women 18 and older. The new approval allows for a generic prescription-only product for girls 17 and younger. No generic of the morning after pill can be approved for nonprescription use for women over the age of 17 until late August, when the marketing exclusively held by Duramed for nonprescription use expires. In March, a federal court ordered the Food and Drug Administration to reconsider its decision preventing minors from purchasing the morning after pill without a prescription. Full story at LifeNews.comSenate OKs Nomination of Pro-Abortion Harold Koh as Top State Dept Attorney
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Senate has approved the nomination of Harold Koh, the abortion activist President Barack Obama chose as the top lawyer for the State Department. Koh is a concern for pro-life advocates not only because he is pro-abortion but because he thinks it should become an international right. The Senate voted 62-35 to confirm Koh for the influential State Department post. The vote divided largely on partisan and abortion-related grounds with the core group of pro-life Republicans voting against Koh and liberal, pro-abortion Republicans joining all Senate Democrats in supporting his bid. "Too bad his defense of human rights doesn't extend to not-yet-born babies," Charmaine Yoest, the president of Americans United for Life, told LifeNews.com in response to the vote. As the leading attorney for the State Department, Koh could urge the Secretary of State and other officials to press for a new standard beyond the so-called privacy basis to justify keeping Roe and its ruling that unlimited abortions should be legal throughout pregnancy for any reason. Koh has pressed for the importation of 'transnational' social norms on contentious issues like abortion. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Senate has approved the nomination of Harold Koh, the abortion activist President Barack Obama chose as the top lawyer for the State Department. Koh is a concern for pro-life advocates not only because he is pro-abortion but because he thinks it should become an international right. The Senate voted 62-35 to confirm Koh for the influential State Department post. The vote divided largely on partisan and abortion-related grounds with the core group of pro-life Republicans voting against Koh and liberal, pro-abortion Republicans joining all Senate Democrats in supporting his bid. "Too bad his defense of human rights doesn't extend to not-yet-born babies," Charmaine Yoest, the president of Americans United for Life, told LifeNews.com in response to the vote. As the leading attorney for the State Department, Koh could urge the Secretary of State and other officials to press for a new standard beyond the so-called privacy basis to justify keeping Roe and its ruling that unlimited abortions should be legal throughout pregnancy for any reason. Koh has pressed for the importation of 'transnational' social norms on contentious issues like abortion. Full story at LifeNews.comACTION: See how your senator voted on the Koh nomination here and go tohttp://www.Senate.gov to tell your senators how you feel about their vote.
Several New Pro-Life Films and Documentaries on Abortion High in Quality, Info
by Jill Stanek
Many excellent pro-life movies and documentaries have been recently released covering a wide spectrum of our issues. In fact, the movies seem to be coming so fast I have delayed posting this column several weeks to try to catch the latest. Even last week I read of one more but have to draw the line somewhere. My star rating is out of four possible. Because of the volume, I am providing thumbnail reviews. Films are listed in alphabetical order. Full story at LifeNews.com
by Jill Stanek Many excellent pro-life movies and documentaries have been recently released covering a wide spectrum of our issues. In fact, the movies seem to be coming so fast I have delayed posting this column several weeks to try to catch the latest. Even last week I read of one more but have to draw the line somewhere. My star rating is out of four possible. Because of the volume, I am providing thumbnail reviews. Films are listed in alphabetical order. Full story at LifeNews.com
Text of Congressman Chris Smith's Pro-Life Remarks at Right to Life Convention
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The following are the remarks Rep. Chris Smith, the pro-life Congressional leader from New Jersey, delivered to the National Right to Life convention. LifeNews.com was the only news outlet present in person for the remarks, which received two standing ovations: "Congratulations to the National Right to Life Committee on your 37th Convention. The National Right to Life Committee is the flagship, the largest and most effective action oriented voice, among an eclectic, dedicated group of pro-life NGOs. Your Washington leadership isn’t just talented and committed; it is seasoned, mature and tested. At the state level, you constitute the backbone of our movement and put troops in the field, in a selfless expression of love for the disenfranchised and powerless, absolutely based on the core principles of nonviolence and malice towards none—even for those who actually dismember or chemically poison children to death and euphemistically call it choice. To all here, thank you for so courageously standing in the gap and for your noble service in the greatest human rights struggle on earth." Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The following are the remarks Rep. Chris Smith, the pro-life Congressional leader from New Jersey, delivered to the National Right to Life convention. LifeNews.com was the only news outlet present in person for the remarks, which received two standing ovations: "Congratulations to the National Right to Life Committee on your 37th Convention. The National Right to Life Committee is the flagship, the largest and most effective action oriented voice, among an eclectic, dedicated group of pro-life NGOs. Your Washington leadership isn’t just talented and committed; it is seasoned, mature and tested. At the state level, you constitute the backbone of our movement and put troops in the field, in a selfless expression of love for the disenfranchised and powerless, absolutely based on the core principles of nonviolence and malice towards none—even for those who actually dismember or chemically poison children to death and euphemistically call it choice. To all here, thank you for so courageously standing in the gap and for your noble service in the greatest human rights struggle on earth." Full story at LifeNews.comPro-Abortion Groups Keep Exploiting Death of Abortionist George Tiller for Money
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Leading pro-abortion groups continue to devise every method possible to raise money by exploiting the shooting death of late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller. One group is running a signature ad campaign in Ms. magazine while another is selling bracelets like Lance Armstrong's. A new fundraising email from NARAL begins this way, "You've heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve. Well, in honor of Dr. George Tiller's work, we want you to wear yours on your wrist." NARAL is selling purple wrist bracelets with the message "Trust Women," a mantra of sorts of Tiller's that he used to deflect scrutiny from allegations that he lied about the ages of unborn children to justify late-term abortions. "Tiller often wore a button that simply read, 'Trust Women,'" NARAL president Nancy Keenan explained. To honor his message and as a symbol of your pro-choice values, NARAL Pro-Choice America is launching a “Trust Women” wristband campaign." Jill Stanek, a pro-life blogger, condemned the campaign and noted that NARAL is making a 900 percent profit on the bracelets. "NARAL has joined the death peddling. In an email alert yesterday it began selling 'Trust Women 5.31.2009' wristbands for the amazing price of 5 for $10," she noted. "If you donate $25, you get 8 wristbands! (But wait, 8?) And for $35, you get 10! (What?) Turns out the more one gives, the worse NARAL's deal gets." Full story at LifeNews.comCalifornia Pro-Life Advocates Continue Lobbying Against Tax-Funding of Abortion
Sacramento, CA (LifeNews.com) -- With the massive budget and economic problems continuing in California, pro-life advocates are seizing the opportunity to step up efforts to stop taxpayer funding of abortion. As California public officials struggle with keeping the state government solvent, they say cutting abortion funding is one helpful step. The California Catholic Conference is one of several pro-life groups lobbying government officials to cut funding to the Planned Parenthood abortion business as a logical fiscal step. "California public officials are struggling with the budget deficit crisis and a multitude of difficult decisions about how our State collects and spends public money for the common good. Currently on the table are cuts that impact all aspects of government-funded services," the pro-life group said in a Wednesday action alert. Full story at LifeNews.com
Sacramento, CA (LifeNews.com) -- With the massive budget and economic problems continuing in California, pro-life advocates are seizing the opportunity to step up efforts to stop taxpayer funding of abortion. As California public officials struggle with keeping the state government solvent, they say cutting abortion funding is one helpful step. The California Catholic Conference is one of several pro-life groups lobbying government officials to cut funding to the Planned Parenthood abortion business as a logical fiscal step. "California public officials are struggling with the budget deficit crisis and a multitude of difficult decisions about how our State collects and spends public money for the common good. Currently on the table are cuts that impact all aspects of government-funded services," the pro-life group said in a Wednesday action alert. Full story at LifeNews.comKansas Senate Candidate Todd Tiahrt Gets Backing of Pro-Life Organizations
Topeka, KS (LifeNews.com) -- Two pro-life organizations issued endorsements of Rep. Todd Tiahrt, a pro-life Congressman who is seeking the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Sam Brownback. Tiahrt will compete against pro-life Rep. Jerry Moran for the GOP primary and could face former House member Nancy Boyda in the general election. The Kansans for Life political action committee endorsed Tiahrt saying he has a 100 percent pro-life voting record both in Congress and when he served in the state legislature."Equally important to Rep. Tiahrt’s voting record is his depth of knowledge, experience and proven leadership on these and related issues," the group said in a statement sent to LifeNews.com. "The KFL Federal PAC believes it is especially important for the next U.S. Senator from Kansas to possess these qualities given the current administration's determination to remove any and all federal and state regulation of abortion." Full story at LifeNews.com
Topeka, KS (LifeNews.com) -- Two pro-life organizations issued endorsements of Rep. Todd Tiahrt, a pro-life Congressman who is seeking the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Sam Brownback. Tiahrt will compete against pro-life Rep. Jerry Moran for the GOP primary and could face former House member Nancy Boyda in the general election. The Kansans for Life political action committee endorsed Tiahrt saying he has a 100 percent pro-life voting record both in Congress and when he served in the state legislature."Equally important to Rep. Tiahrt’s voting record is his depth of knowledge, experience and proven leadership on these and related issues," the group said in a statement sent to LifeNews.com. "The KFL Federal PAC believes it is especially important for the next U.S. Senator from Kansas to possess these qualities given the current administration's determination to remove any and all federal and state regulation of abortion." Full story at LifeNews.comAmnesty International Blasts Poland For Not Promoting Abortion as So-Called Right
New York, NY (LifeNews.com/CFAM) -- Amnesty International recently issued its 2009 survey of what it considers to be the state of human rights throughout the world. Of particular interest to social conservatives is Amnesty's continued campaign to advance a "right" to abortion globally. In its entry on Poland , Amnesty raps the country for its alleged "Denial of access to abortion for eligible women," citing criticism that Poland received from the Human Rights Council (HRC) in May 2008. It further faulted the government for failing to implement a 2007 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Tysiac v. Poland, concerning a purported "duty to establish effective mechanisms for ensuring women have access to abortion where it is legal." Critics charge, however, that both the HRC criticism and the 2007 ECHR decision highlighted by Amnesty underscore growing trends among "human rights" bodies that increasingly seek to impose obligations on countries based on social policy preferences rather than on hard jurisprudential principles. Full story at LifeNews.com
New York, NY (LifeNews.com/CFAM) -- Amnesty International recently issued its 2009 survey of what it considers to be the state of human rights throughout the world. Of particular interest to social conservatives is Amnesty's continued campaign to advance a "right" to abortion globally. In its entry on Poland , Amnesty raps the country for its alleged "Denial of access to abortion for eligible women," citing criticism that Poland received from the Human Rights Council (HRC) in May 2008. It further faulted the government for failing to implement a 2007 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Tysiac v. Poland, concerning a purported "duty to establish effective mechanisms for ensuring women have access to abortion where it is legal." Critics charge, however, that both the HRC criticism and the 2007 ECHR decision highlighted by Amnesty underscore growing trends among "human rights" bodies that increasingly seek to impose obligations on countries based on social policy preferences rather than on hard jurisprudential principles. Full story at LifeNews.comEncourage Friends to Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
