Juneau, AK (LifeNews.com) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin surprised even some of her closest friends and family on Friday when she announced that she would step down as the state's governor. With political foes trying to make an issue of her trips a
Image by asecondhandconjecture via FlickrBill Would Allow Attorney General to Classify Pro-Life Americans as Terrorists
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A bill that is moving through Congress would allow the nation's Attorney General to classify pro-life Americans as terrorists. Rep. Alcee Hastings, a pro-abortion congressman, has introduced a bill that calls for the Attorney General to have discretion over who is called a terrorist and what groups will be treated as terrorist groups. Congressman Trent Franks, a pro-life Republican from Arizona, talked about the bill: "While the amendment seeks to keep gang members and members of violent groups out of the military, the amendment by its language is much more broad. Specifically, it confers upon the Attorney General the ability to categorize groups as hate groups, and this sounds an alarm for many of us because of the recent shocking and offensive report released by the Department of Homeland Security which labeled, arguably, a majority of Americans as 'extremists.'" Franks continued, "I take extreme offense that the federal government -- through a report issued under the authority of a Cabinet-level official -- would dare to categorize people who are 'dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition or abortion,' as 'right-wing extremists' and it begs the question of whether the Attorney General, under Mr. Hastings' Amendment, can look to the Napolitano report to decide who is an extremist, or can make the same categorization of the majority of Americans as extremists who may then be kept from joining the military, or who may be discharged."
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A bill that is moving through Congress would allow the nation's Attorney General to classify pro-life Americans as terrorists. Rep. Alcee Hastings, a pro-abortion congressman, has introduced a bill that calls for the Attorney General to have discretion over who is called a terrorist and what groups will be treated as terrorist groups. Congressman Trent Franks, a pro-life Republican from Arizona, talked about the bill: "While the amendment seeks to keep gang members and members of violent groups out of the military, the amendment by its language is much more broad. Specifically, it confers upon the Attorney General the ability to categorize groups as hate groups, and this sounds an alarm for many of us because of the recent shocking and offensive report released by the Department of Homeland Security which labeled, arguably, a majority of Americans as 'extremists.'" Franks continued, "I take extreme offense that the federal government -- through a report issued under the authority of a Cabinet-level official -- would dare to categorize people who are 'dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition or abortion,' as 'right-wing extremists' and it begs the question of whether the Attorney General, under Mr. Hastings' Amendment, can look to the Napolitano report to decide who is an extremist, or can make the same categorization of the majority of Americans as extremists who may then be kept from joining the military, or who may be discharged."
Test That Could Show Any Unborn Child's Disease, Lead to Abortions, Coming Soon
London, England (LifeNews.com) -- A new test that could show virtually any potential disease or condition an unborn child has or could develop after birth could come as soon as next year. Along with it are concerns from pro-life advocates that it could lead to more abortions as rate of abortions for unborn children who are diagnosed with down syndrome and other conditions are extraordinarily high. Unlike current tests doctors do not need to know the specific gene mutation involved when using the new gene mapping test. The test, which could cost as much as $4,000, uses a technique called karyomapping which looks for the inheritance of sections of DNA or chromosomes. Rather than knowing the exact gene mutation which is passed down the generations in an family affected by a condition such as cystic fibrosis, doctors can just look for the block of DNA containing a faulty gene. While current tests can scan for a few conditions, the new test could scan for as many as 15,000 and the results would come back in weeks instead of months. Professor Alan Handyside, from London's Bridge Centre, has developed the test and is seeking a British license for it. Clinical trials of the test are due to start by the end of the year. Although the tests could help with early treatment, they could also prompt some parents to have an abortion.
Nancy Pelosi Finds Approval Rating Slipping as Pro-Abortion Agenda Moves Ahead
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- As House Speaker Nancy Pelosi helps pro-abortion President Barack Obama move his pro-abortion agenda ahead, she has found her approval polls slipping. Her rating has gone down, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. It found 38 percent of respondents a
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- As House Speaker Nancy Pelosi helps pro-abortion President Barack Obama move his pro-abortion agenda ahead, she has found her approval polls slipping. Her rating has gone down, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. It found 38 percent of respondents a
Image via Wikipediapprove of Pelosi’s performance, down 15 points since April 2007. The new poll, featuring telephone interviews with 1,001 American adults and conducted from June 18 to 21, finds 38 percent approval of her performance as Speaker while 45 percent disapprove. In April 2007, Pelosi had a net approval rating of 53-35 percent. A new congressional election took place in November 2008 and Democrats received 53 percent the vote and secured 257 seats in the lower house, while the Republicans got 44 percent of the vote and won 178 seats. Pelosi remained the leader of the Democratic Party and, thus the House. Last month, Pelosi said taxpayers should be forced to fund the UNFPA even though it has been shown to work closely with Chinese population control officials who subject women to forced abortions and involuntary sterilizations. She also misled on the issue of embryonic stem cell research in a speech at the unveiling of a statue of President Ronald Reagan. In February, Pope Benedict XVI told Pelosi that Catholics have an obligation to oppose abortion.
Trial Using Adult Stem Cells Could Result in Cure for Type 1, Juvenile, Diabetes
Lexington, KY (LifeNews.com) -- A national trial involving adult stem cells could lead to a cure, or at least a treatment for Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes. Last week, 21-year-old Jeff Spindler, who deals with the effects of the condition, received his third and final injection of what could be adult stem cells at the University of Kentucky Hospital. He is a participant in a national trial sponsored by Osiris Therapeutics, a company based in Maryland. Researchers are trying to determine whether injected adult stem cells can repair tissue damage and help the body produce insulin. Spindler won't find out for two years whether the injections he has been receiving contain stem cells or placebos. The study is double-blind, so even Spindler's physicians don't know which he's getting. The trial tests a substance called Prochymal, which contains donated adult stem cells, not embryonic stem cells. The Prochymal injections contain mesenchymal stem cells, bone-marrow cells that repair tissue damage, Karounos told the Herald Leader newspaper. Now that Spindler has received his last injection, Karounos and other researchers will continue to monitor his health closely for the next two years. Spindler said he hasn't felt much different after the treatments, but he is hopeful the outcome will be good. "I wanted to help them out and help find a cure if possible," Spindler said.
Pro-Life Teachers, Educators and Students Protest Abortion at NEA Convention
San Diego, CA (LifeNews.com) -- Dozens of teachers, educators and students participated in a protest at the national convention of the National Education Association to make it clear that the group's pro-abortion stance is wrongheaded. "A coalition of teachers, including NEA members, parents, taxpayers, students, children, and clergy staged a series of two-hour prayer-&-picket demonstration today at the National Education Association's convention in San Diego and several NEA state affiliate office across America," pro-life teacher Bob Pawson told LifeNews.com. "At least 120 pro-lifers supported the event at the NEA Convention, including 70 students from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust." Dozens of pro-life advocates joined their colleagues in protesting state and regional conventions in cities ranging from Trenton and Denver to Columbus and Lincoln, Nebraska. Pro-Life leaders such as Rev. Walter Hoye, Marie Tasy of New Jersey Right to Life, and others participated in the events. "Our goal is to make the NEA national and state leadership render our union truly neutral on abortion," the NEA-New Jersey teacher added. NEA's leaders must totally disengage the NEA from abortion advocacy. The NEA's official position on abortion should be 'No Position' at all." Pawson concluded, "Abortion is an economic disaster for America in general and teachers in particular. It seems like the NEA leadership is using our collective names and finances to support an act which actually destroys our profession."
San Diego, CA (LifeNews.com) -- Dozens of teachers, educators and students participated in a protest at the national convention of the National Education Association to make it clear that the group's pro-abortion stance is wrongheaded. "A coalition of teachers, including NEA members, parents, taxpayers, students, children, and clergy staged a series of two-hour prayer-&-picket demonstration today at the National Education Association's convention in San Diego and several NEA state affiliate office across America," pro-life teacher Bob Pawson told LifeNews.com. "At least 120 pro-lifers supported the event at the NEA Convention, including 70 students from Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust." Dozens of pro-life advocates joined their colleagues in protesting state and regional conventions in cities ranging from Trenton and Denver to Columbus and Lincoln, Nebraska. Pro-Life leaders such as Rev. Walter Hoye, Marie Tasy of New Jersey Right to Life, and others participated in the events. "Our goal is to make the NEA national and state leadership render our union truly neutral on abortion," the NEA-New Jersey teacher added. NEA's leaders must totally disengage the NEA from abortion advocacy. The NEA's official position on abortion should be 'No Position' at all." Pawson concluded, "Abortion is an economic disaster for America in general and teachers in particular. It seems like the NEA leadership is using our collective names and finances to support an act which actually destroys our profession."
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Pregnancy Center Saves American Soldier's Unborn Child From Abortion
Indianapolis, IN (LifeNews.com) -- The following is written by Christy Ripperger, director of church partnerships at Life Centers, a network of pregnancy centers in central Indiana: "This Monday, as I was praying with volunteers outside of Planned Parenthood, we had the opportunity to meet two ladies who had come there for appointments and invite them to our Life Centers Northwest Women's Center, just a few blocks away. Shortly after I led the first young woman to our Northwest Women's Center for counseling, a second young lady was driving out of the parking lot of Planned Parenthood, where she had just received counsel to have an abortion. She rolled down her window and spoke with one of our counselors. This young woman told me she is a newlywed of six months, and her husband is serving in Iraq. She is dealing with severe morning sickness, she feels all alone and is overwhelmed with the thought of going through a pregnancy by herself. She attends church and is a Christian. Her husband is thrilled at the thought of having his firstborn child and wants his baby. She showed me photos of her handsome husband who is serving our country. As we discussed the miracle and gift of life, we discussed development stages of their pre-born 10-week-old child. I showed her the fetal model that is the size her baby currently is. She said she did not receive this type of eye-opening counsel at Planned Parenthood. The Holy Spirit then led us to talk about the love and loyalty that her husband has demonstrated through his life choices. We talked about his service and how her husband is defending us on foreign soil and standing for freedom for other sons and daughters. The question came immediately in the midst of the counseling. . .who is 'defending' his son/daughter? We both broke down in tears as we considered her husband's love for others, which he is demonstrating by risking his life in the military, while here in the United States his firstborn child's life was in jeopardy. This young bride prayed a tear-filled and sincere prayer telling God she would give life to her unborn child and give Him all of her fears."
Indianapolis, IN (LifeNews.com) -- The following is written by Christy Ripperger, director of church partnerships at Life Centers, a network of pregnancy centers in central Indiana: "This Monday, as I was praying with volunteers outside of Planned Parenthood, we had the opportunity to meet two ladies who had come there for appointments and invite them to our Life Centers Northwest Women's Center, just a few blocks away. Shortly after I led the first young woman to our Northwest Women's Center for counseling, a second young lady was driving out of the parking lot of Planned Parenthood, where she had just received counsel to have an abortion. She rolled down her window and spoke with one of our counselors. This young woman told me she is a newlywed of six months, and her husband is serving in Iraq. She is dealing with severe morning sickness, she feels all alone and is overwhelmed with the thought of going through a pregnancy by herself. She attends church and is a Christian. Her husband is thrilled at the thought of having his firstborn child and wants his baby. She showed me photos of her handsome husband who is serving our country. As we discussed the miracle and gift of life, we discussed development stages of their pre-born 10-week-old child. I showed her the fetal model that is the size her baby currently is. She said she did not receive this type of eye-opening counsel at Planned Parenthood. The Holy Spirit then led us to talk about the love and loyalty that her husband has demonstrated through his life choices. We talked about his service and how her husband is defending us on foreign soil and standing for freedom for other sons and daughters. The question came immediately in the midst of the counseling. . .who is 'defending' his son/daughter? We both broke down in tears as we considered her husband's love for others, which he is demonstrating by risking his life in the military, while here in the United States his firstborn child's life was in jeopardy. This young bride prayed a tear-filled and sincere prayer telling God she would give life to her unborn child and give Him all of her fears."
Wisconsin U's Madison Surgery Center May Compel Staff to Do Abortions
Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- A letter to UW officials has been sent by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) on behalf of various Madison Surgery Center (MSC) staff to seek assurances that no staff member will be compelled to participate in late-term abortions at the facility which are expected to begin in September. The letter was sent to Cheryl Wilson, Administrative Director of the Madison Surgery Center, Jeffrey Grossman, President and CEO of the University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation and Robert Pierce, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Writing on behalf of five named MSC staff members as well as other employees, ADF attorney Matt Bowman told the officials, "We write to ask for clarification and assurance from MSC, Meriter Hospital, the UWMF, the UWHC and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Anesthesiology, that our clients will not be compelled to participate in, provide assistance to, aid, recommend or perform any procedures for abortion at MSC." A recent letter from Peter Christman to MSC employees stated that employees who are at work while abortions are being performed would be expected to assist in "emergencies resulting from" late-term abortions. Christman compared complications in late-term abortions to emergency room cases resulting from drunk driving. He then declared that "health care professionals of course administer treatment despite their personal views of the reason for the injury." The letter says forcing the participation of staff in abortions would violate state and federal laws. Bowman requested a response by July 15.
Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- A letter to UW officials has been sent by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) on behalf of various Madison Surgery Center (MSC) staff to seek assurances that no staff member will be compelled to participate in late-term abortions at the facility which are expected to begin in September. The letter was sent to Cheryl Wilson, Administrative Director of the Madison Surgery Center, Jeffrey Grossman, President and CEO of the University of Wisconsin Medical Foundation and Robert Pierce, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Writing on behalf of five named MSC staff members as well as other employees, ADF attorney Matt Bowman told the officials, "We write to ask for clarification and assurance from MSC, Meriter Hospital, the UWMF, the UWHC and the UW School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Anesthesiology, that our clients will not be compelled to participate in, provide assistance to, aid, recommend or perform any procedures for abortion at MSC." A recent letter from Peter Christman to MSC employees stated that employees who are at work while abortions are being performed would be expected to assist in "emergencies resulting from" late-term abortions. Christman compared complications in late-term abortions to emergency room cases resulting from drunk driving. He then declared that "health care professionals of course administer treatment despite their personal views of the reason for the injury." The letter says forcing the participation of staff in abortions would violate state and federal laws. Bowman requested a response by July 15.
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Indonesia Sees 2.6 Million Abortions Every Year, Professor's Figures Show
Jakarta, Indonesia (LifeNews.com) -- According to a professor, the heavily-populated Asian nation of Indonesia sees more than 2.6 million abortions take place every year. Dr Titik Kuntari, a lecturer at the medical faculty of the Indonesian Islamic University noted the figures and said the abortion rate is approximately 43 abortions per 100 pregnancies. That is significantly higher than the figure of 20 abortions per 100 pregnancies in the United States. "Around 30 percent of the abortion cases were conducted by those aged between 15 and 24 years old," Kuntari said last week according to the WIB news service. Kuntari said comprehensive abortion information is not available for Indonesia but she based the figures on limited local abortion information. According to data based on the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey on married women between 15-49 years old, the abortion rate in 1997 was around 12 percent of the pregnancies, she said. According to the survey carried out in 10 cities and six districts in Indonesia, abortion incidents are higher in urban areas than in rural areas, she said. "More than two million abortions happen annually, and of the total, over one million cases or 53 percent occur in cities," she said. Cities were also more likely to see abortions done in hospitals or stand-alone abortion centers. "The majority clients are between 20 and 29 years old. In urban areas, it was around 45.4 percent, and in rural areas 51.5 percent," she said.
Vietnam Sees Problematic Rise in Male-Female Ratio With Sex-Selection Abortions
Hanoi, Vietnam (LifeNews.com) -- For every 100 girls born to Vietnamese families, there are 112 boys born, a disparity in the sex ratio that has been rapidly increasing in recent years exacerbated by sex-selection abortions. Duong Quoc Trong, deputy director general of the General Office for Population and Family Planning, blamed the rising imbalance on a cultural preference for boys who can "continue the bloodline." He added that the belief that boys can better care for parents as they age has upped the number of sex-selection abortions. In an effort to stop the practice, Vietnamese law has prohibited doctors from revealing an unborn child's sex since 2003. But doctors commonly ignore the law. The birth rate of boys had been increasing in recent decades, but the past few years have seen a more rapid rise. In 1999, the birth rate was considered to be close to the natural rate - around 107 boys for every 100 girls - Trong said. But since 2006, the ratio of boys to girls has steadily risen above normal levels. Last year, the birth ratio in Vietnam was 112 boys for every 100 girls, an imbalance similar to that of China 20 years ago. Trong said that China's current imbalance stood at 120 boys to 100 girls despite measures applied by the government. The rate varies in different provinces in China, but Beijing has given a similar figure. "If we don't have intervention measures, we will repeat the same situation as in China," Trong told reporters at a news conference last week. It is estimated that by 2030 some 3 million Vietnamese men might not be able to find wives because of a shortage of women. That could create a bachelor society and give rise to more crime, more prostitution and sexual slavery and other social problems.
Hanoi, Vietnam (LifeNews.com) -- For every 100 girls born to Vietnamese families, there are 112 boys born, a disparity in the sex ratio that has been rapidly increasing in recent years exacerbated by sex-selection abortions. Duong Quoc Trong, deputy director general of the General Office for Population and Family Planning, blamed the rising imbalance on a cultural preference for boys who can "continue the bloodline." He added that the belief that boys can better care for parents as they age has upped the number of sex-selection abortions. In an effort to stop the practice, Vietnamese law has prohibited doctors from revealing an unborn child's sex since 2003. But doctors commonly ignore the law. The birth rate of boys had been increasing in recent decades, but the past few years have seen a more rapid rise. In 1999, the birth rate was considered to be close to the natural rate - around 107 boys for every 100 girls - Trong said. But since 2006, the ratio of boys to girls has steadily risen above normal levels. Last year, the birth ratio in Vietnam was 112 boys for every 100 girls, an imbalance similar to that of China 20 years ago. Trong said that China's current imbalance stood at 120 boys to 100 girls despite measures applied by the government. The rate varies in different provinces in China, but Beijing has given a similar figure. "If we don't have intervention measures, we will repeat the same situation as in China," Trong told reporters at a news conference last week. It is estimated that by 2030 some 3 million Vietnamese men might not be able to find wives because of a shortage of women. That could create a bachelor society and give rise to more crime, more prostitution and sexual slavery and other social problems.
Scotland Woman Sues Over Negative Genetic Test, Would Have Had Abortion
Edinburgh, Scotland (LifeNews.com) -- A Scottish woman has filed a lawsuit claiming that had a genetic test shown her unborn child had cystic fibrosis, she would have had an abortion. The unnamed woman is suing for £100,000 in damages for alleged medical negligence. The 41-year-old from Edinburgh gave birth to a son who was found to have the genetic disease, and she raised the damages claim against Lothian Health Board. The board tried to have the action dismissed because it did not employ the scientist who carried out the analysis. Last week, however, a judge ruled that she should be allowed to take the case to a full hearing. The Court of Session in Edinburgh was told that the woman had been referred to the Eastern General Hospital, Edinburgh, in July 1994 for ante-natal care. She was sent a leaflet about cystic fibrosis testing. It explained that one person in 25 in Britain had a single cystic fibrosis gene which was harmless. If a man and a woman each carried the gene, there was a one-in-four chance that their baby would have the disease. Parents were offered testing, by supplying a mouthwash sample. The leaflet said if either parent was found to carry a gene further tests would be carried out. It also stated: "If the result does show that the baby is going to have the disease, you may wish to consider termination." Her son was born in February 1995.
Edinburgh, Scotland (LifeNews.com) -- A Scottish woman has filed a lawsuit claiming that had a genetic test shown her unborn child had cystic fibrosis, she would have had an abortion. The unnamed woman is suing for £100,000 in damages for alleged medical negligence. The 41-year-old from Edinburgh gave birth to a son who was found to have the genetic disease, and she raised the damages claim against Lothian Health Board. The board tried to have the action dismissed because it did not employ the scientist who carried out the analysis. Last week, however, a judge ruled that she should be allowed to take the case to a full hearing. The Court of Session in Edinburgh was told that the woman had been referred to the Eastern General Hospital, Edinburgh, in July 1994 for ante-natal care. She was sent a leaflet about cystic fibrosis testing. It explained that one person in 25 in Britain had a single cystic fibrosis gene which was harmless. If a man and a woman each carried the gene, there was a one-in-four chance that their baby would have the disease. Parents were offered testing, by supplying a mouthwash sample. The leaflet said if either parent was found to carry a gene further tests would be carried out. It also stated: "If the result does show that the baby is going to have the disease, you may wish to consider termination." Her son was born in February 1995.
Texas Man Charged With Assisted Suicide in 81-Year-Old Mother's Death
El Paso, TX (LifeNews.com) -- The man who allegedly helped his 81-year-old mother kill herself at the family ranch has been indicted on the rare charge of assisted suicide. Travis Bob Kirchner, 56, is accused of helping his mother, Patricia Janice Kirchner, asphyxiate herself in her garage on Sept. 17. Police initially arrested him on suspicion of murder, but prosecutors sought the lesser charge of assisted suicide. "I know that the El Paso Police Department wanted him charged with murder, but I'm happy that the district attorney and the grand jury rejected that notion," Dolph Quijano, Travis Kirchner's attorney, told the El Paso Times. Officer Chris Mears, a police spokesman, responded, "We're one cog in the criminal justice wheel, so we don't take it personally when a grand jury decides not to indict someone on the original charge." Renee Railey, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Jaime Esparza, said aiding suicide is an uncommon charge in El Paso County. If convicted, Kirchner would face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A murder conviction could have carried a life sentence. An arrest affidavit stated that Travis Kirchner told police he and his mother agreed to commit suicide at her home by sitting in an idling car in a sealed garage. Travis Kirchner told police that he gave his mother two sleeping pills to relax her. After she fell asleep while watching television, Kirchner dragged her by her armpits to the garage, put her inside the car and turned it on, the police affidavit stated.
El Paso, TX (LifeNews.com) -- The man who allegedly helped his 81-year-old mother kill herself at the family ranch has been indicted on the rare charge of assisted suicide. Travis Bob Kirchner, 56, is accused of helping his mother, Patricia Janice Kirchner, asphyxiate herself in her garage on Sept. 17. Police initially arrested him on suspicion of murder, but prosecutors sought the lesser charge of assisted suicide. "I know that the El Paso Police Department wanted him charged with murder, but I'm happy that the district attorney and the grand jury rejected that notion," Dolph Quijano, Travis Kirchner's attorney, told the El Paso Times. Officer Chris Mears, a police spokesman, responded, "We're one cog in the criminal justice wheel, so we don't take it personally when a grand jury decides not to indict someone on the original charge." Renee Railey, a spokeswoman for District Attorney Jaime Esparza, said aiding suicide is an uncommon charge in El Paso County. If convicted, Kirchner would face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. A murder conviction could have carried a life sentence. An arrest affidavit stated that Travis Kirchner told police he and his mother agreed to commit suicide at her home by sitting in an idling car in a sealed garage. Travis Kirchner told police that he gave his mother two sleeping pills to relax her. After she fell asleep while watching television, Kirchner dragged her by her armpits to the garage, put her inside the car and turned it on, the police affidavit stated.
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