LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report
Saturday, July 3, 2010
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Current Headlines
• After Senate Committee Hearings, Pro-Lifers Say Reject Pro-Abortion Kagan
• Senator Orrin Hatch Will Vote Against Elena Kagan's Supreme Court Bid
• Senate Republican Leader, Moderate GOPer to Oppose Pro-Abortion Kagan
• NOW Endorses Elena Kagan for Supreme Court, Ignores Abortion Distortions
• White House Announces New Pregnancy Assistance Fund, Pro-Lifers Skeptical
• Appeals Court Reinstates Case Against Planned Parenthood Over Huge Fraud
• Another Blind Side: How Compassion Sets The Pro-Life Movement Apart
• Wisconsin Right to Life Endorses Scott Walker and Mark Neumann for Gov
• Zogby Poll: Independent Voters want New President to Replace Obama in 2012
• Ohio Senate Poll Has Pro-Life Candidate Rob Portman Leading Lee Fisher
• Washington Voters Likely to OK Pro-Life Dino Rossi, Pro-Abortion Patty Murray
• Kentucky Senate Race Led by Pro-Life Rand Paul Over Jack Conway
• Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, Who Allowed HCR Abortion $, to Run Again
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After Senate Committee Hearings, Pro-Lifers Say Reject Pro-Abortion Elena Kagan
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Now that the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the nomination of pro-abortion Supreme Court selection Elena Kagan have concluded, pro-life organizations say the panel should reject Kagan's nomination. They say she has been exposed as a hardcore pro-abortion activist.
The centerpiece of the hearings from the pro-life perspective came when lawmakers, primarily Sen. Orrin Hatch, queried Kagan about her abortion memos.
Kagan's story seemed to vacillate as she initially could not remember, but then admitted to writing, memos that urged the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to change its position on partial-birth abortions.
While Kagan's memos resulted in pressuring ACOG to back down on its assertion that the three-day-long abortion procedure is never necessary to protect the life or health of a woman, and while the Supreme Court ultimately cited ACOG's revised stance to overturn a state ban on the abortion procedure, Kagan insisted she was merely doing the bidding of former President Bill Clinton, who vetoed a national ban.
Testifying before the committee yesterday, Americans United for Life president Charmaine Yoest told the panel that not only should the Senate reject her nomination, senators should investigate discrepancies between her written record and her testimony to the committee.
She also reminded them that Kagan also sought to influence the American Medical Association and get the AMA to revise its opinion that partial-birth abortions provide no medical benefit for women. Full story at LifeNews.com
Senator Orrin Hatch Will Vote Against Elena Kagan's Supreme Court Bid
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Senator Orrin Hatch is the first member of the Senate Judiciary Committee to officially announce his opposition to the nomination of pro-abortion activist Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court. The panel heard this week from Kagan and pro-life advocates about her memos urging support for partial-birth abortions.
Those memos played a role, Hatch said, in determining his vote.
"I have concluded that, based on evidence rather than blind faith, General Kagan regrettably does not meet this standard and that, therefore, I cannot support her appointment," Hatch said in a statement.
Hatch shares the concerns of pro-life groups about Kagan's status as a judicial activist.
Over nearly 25 years, General Kagan has endorsed, and praised those who endorse, an activist judicial philosophy. I was surprised when she encouraged us at the hearing simply to discard or ignore certain parts of her record. I am unable to do that," Hatch said.
"I also cannot ignore disturbing situations in which it appears that her personal or political views drove her legal views. She promoted the Clinton administration s extreme position on abortion, including the barbaric practice of partial-birth abortion," Hatch added.
The pro-life Utah senator said a lack of experience also played a factor. Full story at LifeNews.com
Senate Republican Leader, Moderate GOPer to Oppose Pro-Abortion Kagan
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The top Senate Republicans and one of a handful of moderate Republicans who is not pro-life are both opposed to the nomination of pro-abortion activist Elena Kagan for the Supreme Court. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said he intends to oppose Kagan on the Senate floor.
With her nomination expected to be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee following contentious hearings this week, McConnell will likely get that chance to vote no.
In her testimony this week, Ms. Kagan acknowledged that it is difficult to take off the advocate s hat and put on the judge s hat,'" the Kentucky pro-life Republican said. "That difficulty is particularly acute for someone like Ms. Kagan, who has spent so much of her adult life practicing the art of political advocacy rather than practicing law."
Unfortunately, Ms. Kagan failed to explain how she could overcome that difficulty, falling well short, in fact, of meeting her own standard for providing the Senate helpful testimony. She was far from forthcoming in discussing her own views on basic principles of American constitutional law," McConnell added.
I do not have confidence that if she were confirmed to a lifetime position on the Supreme Court she would suddenly constrain the ardent political advocacy that has marked much of her adult life. The American people expect a justice who will impartially apply the law, not one who will be a rubberstamp for the Obama administration or any other administration," the leader continued. "For these reasons, I will oppose Ms. Kagan s confirmation. Full story at LifeNews.com
NOW Endorses Elena Kagan for Supreme Court, Ignores Abortion Distortions
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- After tentatively supporting pro-abortion Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan after President Barack Obama announced her nomination, NOW has issued its full-fledged support. However, NOW is ignoring the ways in which Elena Kagan manipulated medical groups' opinion on abortion and women.
NOW's national board voted unanimously to endorse Solicitor General Elena Kagan to become the next U.S. Supreme Court justice.
The vote took place in Boston the day before the opening of NOW's 2010 National Conference.
"NOW calls for a swift confirmation of Elena Kagan by the full Senate. Retiring Justice John Paul Stevens leaves behind big shoes to fill, but after listening carefully to Kagan's testimony during the Senate hearings this week, NOW is confident that she will prove herself a champion of equality and justice for all," said NOW President Terry O'Neill.
O'Neill continued: "If confirmed, Kagan will make history by creating the first-ever trio of women to serve on the United States Supreme Court at the same time, yet another first for this accomplished woman. But this will be more than a symbolic, inspiring achievement for women -- it will be a genuine victory for every woman and girl who benefits from her years of service on the high court."
However, NOW made no comment on questions Kagan faced about memos she wrote during the Clinton administration in which she pressured two medical groups to modify their stance saying partial-birth abortions offer no medical benefit for women. Full story at LifeNews.com
White House Announces New Pregnancy Assistance Fund, Pro-Lifers Skeptical
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The White House has announced an effort it hopes will mute some of the extensive criticism President Barack Obama has endured because of his aggressive pro-abortion agenda. Officials announced late today the creation of the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, but pro-life groups are skeptical.
According to a press statement LifeNews.com received from the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the Health and Human Services Department is behind the new $25 million program, which was part of the abortion funding health care bill.
The funds will be made available to states to support pregnant women and teen parents in what the White House calls an attempt to "build common ground" on abortion.
The grants are designed to do what many in the pro-life movement have done for a long time: provide scholastic assistance for pregnant and parenting teens, assistance for child care and housing, and other programs designed to help prospective young mothers. HHS will award $25 million annually through 2019. Full story at LifeNews.com
Appeals Court Reinstates Case Against Planned Parenthood Over Massive Fraud
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has reinstated the lawsuit filed by a former vice president of a Planned Parenthood abortion business affiliate in California. The case details allegations of massive fraud where the abortion giant overbilled state officials.
P. Victor Gonzalez says the abortion business fired him because he raised concerns about illegal practices of overcharging the state hundreds of millions of dollars on birth control.
The former Planned Parenthood official filed a lawsuit in March 2008 but, in January 2009, a federal district court judge dismissed the case and Gonzalez filed an appeal.
Represented by the American Center for Law and Justice, Gonzalez is now considered a federal whistleblower.
This is a tremendous victory, Jay Sekulow, the ACLJ chief counsel, told LifeNews.com after the decision.
While this case is by no means over, winning this appeal means we have gotten the federal claim over the threshold hurdles and can now get down to the heart of this case: the alleged fraud," he explained.
Gonzalez says his own internal audit estimates that Planned Parenthood overcharged California taxpayers for purchasing birth control by at least $180 million. Full story at LifeNews.com
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Another Blind Side: How Compassion Sets The Pro-Life Movement Apart
by Bradley Mattes
Not long ago, a Hollywood film, The Blind Side, left viewers across America marveling at one family s compassion in adopting a troubled young teen. This week another such story emerged in the folds of a Minnesota newspaper.
It centers on a pregnant eleventh-grader, who, despite pressure from her boyfriend and mother to have an abortion, decided to protect her baby s life. But four months into the pregnancy, La Shay Ester found herself estranged from an already broken family, struggling to juggle school and a full-time job, and in need of some serious help.
That s when the school nurse, Kathleen Hook, stepped in. It started with small gestures a hug, some crackers and juice, a place to rest in between classes but quickly grew into an extraordinary relationship. While others in the school raised disapproving eyebrows, the Hook family offered La Shay a place to live. They eventually became her legal guardians. And that s made all the difference in the world for La Shay.
With the family s support, the teen is pressing on. She graduated from high school months early, just in time for the birth of her son, Santana. By working at a retail supercenter, she saved enough money to purchase a car so she can commute between her job and the daycare. And this fall, she plans to attend a private four-year university one that Kathleen helped her apply for and move in to her own apartment. Full story at LifeNews.com
Wisconsin Right to Life Endorses Scott Walker and Mark Neumann for Governor
Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- Yesterday, Wisconsin Right to Life issued endorsements for Scott Walker and Mark Neumann, the two major Republican candidates for governor. The pro-life group said their pro-life views regarding the protection of innocent human life stand in stark contrast to the pro-abortion position of Tom Barrett.
"Both Scott Walker and Mark Neumann have a deep and abiding respect for the value of human life," said WRTL PAC chair Bonnie Pfaff.
She added, "The election of either of these exceptional candidates would greatly contribute to building a culture of life where the most vulnerable members of the human family are welcomed and protected."
Wisconsin Right to Life legislative director Susan Armacost chimed in and added, "If people care about protecting human life, they shouldn't vote for Tom Barrett."
"Barrett is a pro-abortion James Doyle re-run magnified on right-to-life issues. Barrett voted pro-abortion throughout his entire legislative career including keeping minor girls abortions a secret from parents and keeping partial-birth abortions legal. Radical pro-abortion organizations like Planned Parenthood can always rely on Barrett to support its deadly agenda and has given him their enthusiastic endorsement," Armacost continued.
In the Republican primary contest for governor, a new PPP poll shows a close race for governor but not one for the GOP nomination. Walker leads Neumann 58-19. Full story at LifeNews.com
Zogby Poll: Independent Voters want New President to Replace Obama in 2012
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A new Zogby poll reveals independent voters are tired of pro-abortion President Barack Obama and want to replace him with someone else in the 2012 election. The Zogby survey was conducted June 25-28 with 2,061 registered voters.
Asked if Obama should be re-elected or if they believe it is time for someone new in the White House, 50 percent of those polled said they want someone else in the White House while just 41 percent say Obama deserves another term.
But the big worry for the pro-abortion president is among independent voters, who supported Obama in record numbers in 2008 over John McCain. Now, they told Zogby by a 55-35 percent margin (with the rest undecided) that they want someone new next time around.
Among white voters, 55 percent want a new president, and that compares with 37 percent of Hispanics and 28 percent of black voters. Some 75 percent of evangelicals want a new president as do 59 percent of Protestants, 51 percent of Catholics and 24 percent of Jewish Americans.
Only 4% of NRA members, 8% of tea party followers and 38% of small business owners or partners think President Obama deserves to be re-elected.
Ohio Senate Poll Has Pro-Life Candidate Rob Portman Leading Lee Fisher
Columbus, OH (LifeNews.com) -- The Ohio Senate race between pro-life former Republican Congressman Rob Portman and Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher remains very close.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the state s likely voters shows Portman picking up 43% of the vote while Fisher earns 39%. Four percent would vote for some other candidate and 13% more are undecided.
Portman s support has stayed within a very narrow 42% to 44% range since February. During the same period, Fisher s support has stayed within a 39% to 43% range. The two Senate candidates were in a virtual tie earlier this month and early May.
While Portman holds a double-digit lead among men in Ohio, Fisher holds an edge among women. Among voters in the state not affiliated with either major political party, Portman holds a double-digit edge but a large number of unaffiliated voters are committed to either candidate.
Portman is viewed Very Favorably by 19% of Ohio voters and Very Unfavorably by nine percent (9%). Fisher earns Very Favorable reviews from 19% and Very Unfavorable opinions from 14%.
In May Ohio Right to Life backed Portman, saying, "Ohioans are united regarding the belief that our Congress needs a wake-up call and this November we will deliver a resounding message with the election of new members to Congress to include: Rob Portman."
Washington Voters Likely to OK Pro-Life Dino Rossi, Pro-Abortion Patty Murray
Olympia, WA (LifeNews.com) -- When voters in Washington state head to the polls for the state's first open primary, they will likely back both pro-life Dino Rossi and pro-abortion Sen. Patty Murray in the contentious Senate race. A new SurveyUSA poll finds Murray gets 37% support while Rossi gets 33%.
Said pollster Jay Leve: "It almost doesn't matter whether Murray is a couple points ahead or a couple points behind or she's right in there with Rossi. The two of them functionally are just so far ahead of everyone else that they should be perceived, at least in our reading of the data, as roughly even and together, likely to advance."
There are 15 candidates on the vote-by-mail ballot and the top two finishers advance to the November general election.
In the poll, 19 percent said they were undecided, five percent supported Republican Clint Didier and three percent supported Republican Paul Akers.
In the poll, 38 percent of likely voters said their impression of Murray was favorable; 34 percent said unfavorable. While that it not a huge advantage, Leve points out Murray still appears to be in the favorable column, compared to other politicians such as pro-abortion Governor Chris Gregoire, whose unfavorable rating was 50 percent in the same poll.
Meanwhile, a good sign for Republicans is voter frustration with the status quo. The poll asked voters how enthusiastic they are about voting this year compared to last year. Among Republicans, 49 percent are more enthusiastic this year. By comparison, the majority of Democrats, nearly 60 percent, say they are no more or less enthusiastic than usual.
"I looked at those results and I said here are the Republicans saying, 'What time do those polls open, when do I get my ballot, I'm ready to go,'" Leve said.
Kentucky Senate Race Led by Pro-Life Rand Paul Over Jack Conway
Frankfort, KY (LifeNews.com) -- The U.S. Senate race in Kentucky is little changed from earlier this month, with Republican Rand Paul continuing to hold a modest lead over Democrat Jack Conway.
The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of likely voters shows Paul picking up 49% support to Conway s 42%. Three percent would vote for some other candidate and six percent are undecided.
Support for both nominees is virtually identical to results found earlier this month. Just after Paul s big primary win in May, he bounced to a short-lived 25-point lead over Conway.
With the exception of immediately after his primary win, Paul has received between 46% and 50% support in match-ups with Conway since January. During the same period, Conway has earned between 34% and 41% of the vote. The Democrat has never led in matchups between the two candidates.
While men in Kentucky give the edge to Paul, women are evenly divided between the nominees. Among voters not affiliated with either major political party, Paul holds a 54% to 36% advantage.
Opposition to the pro-abortion national health care bill remains higher in Kentucky than it is nationally, which helps Paul. Sixty percent (60%) of voters in the state favor repeal of the bill, while 36% are opposed.
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the state s voters share a Very Favorable opinion of Paul, while nearly the same number (24%) view him Very Unfavorably. Conway receives Very Favorable reviews from 17% and Very Unfavorable marks from 11%.
Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, Who Allowed HCR Abortion $, to Run Again
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson, the formerly respected pro-life Democrat who paved the way for the massive abortion funding in the health care bill President Barack Obama signed into law,says he plans to run for re-election in 2012.
Nelson brokered a deal with Senate Leader Harry Reid to include minor limits on abortion funding that don't truly ban taxpayer funding on abortion in exchange for becoming the 60th vote for the pro-abortion bill.
"I'm raising money and at this point in time I think I'd have to say that I'm going to run," he told KLIN radio.
His vote for the pro-abortion health care bill and responsibility for the tax-funded abortions in it has put him in a bad place with state voters.
A recent Rasmussen poll had him trailing Republican Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman in a hypothetical matchup. Nelson was reelected to a second Senate term in 2006 with 64% of the vote so a poll having him behind reveals serious consequences for his decision.
After his decision, Nelson attacked pro-life advocates, saying "Now, apparently I didn't say, 'Mother, may I?" about getting input from pro-life advocates before announcing the deal.
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