LifeNews Pro-Life News Report 2/29/16

LifeNews.com Pro-Life News Report
Monday, February 29, 2016

For pro-life news updated throughout the day, visit LifeNews.com.

Top Stories
• Planned Parenthood Closes Abortion Clinic That Had Been Killing Unborn Babies for 35 Years
• Hobby Lobby Founder David Green Endorses Marco Rubio: He is Prepared to be President
• Ted Cruz: “Nominating Donald Trump Will End Up Electing Hillary Clinton”
• 21-Week-Old Unborn Baby Survives Botched Abortion, Hospital Won’t Confirm if Baby Lived or Died

More Pro-Life News• The Amazing Story of Two Sets of Twins Saved From Abortions
• Marco Rubio’s Amazing Pro-Life Moment With a Teen With Down Syndrome• West Virginia Legislature Passes Ban on Dismemberment Abortions Tearing Babies Limb From Limb
• Two Women in U.S. With the Zika Virus Had Abortions, They Didn’t Want a Potentially Disabled Baby
• Ted Cruz: Is Donald Trump Hiding Planned Parenthood Donations in His Unreleased Tax Returns?
• Pro-Lifers Caught Pro-Aborts Vandalizing Their Posters, The College’s Response Was Ridiculous
• Black Pastors Protest Planned Parenthood: “It Undermines the Morals of Our Community”
• Ted Cruz Creates Religious Liberty Advisory Committee to Help Protect Pro-Life Conscience Rights
• Memorial Remembers Woman Who Was Drowned and Burned After She Refused an Abortion
• Democrat Says: Supreme Court Needs a Real African-American, Clarence Thomas Doesn’t Count
• Justina Pelletier’s Family Sues Massachusetts Government for Abducting Their Daughter
• 40 Days for Life Prayer Campaign Saves 196 Babies From Abortion, So Far
• Newspaper Calls Bill to Ban the Sale of Aborted Baby Parts “Anti-Science”
• Mother Invents Special Eyeglasses Just for People With Down Syndrome 
SIGN THE PETITION: Do Not Allow a Vote on Any Obama Supreme Court Nominee

Planned Parenthood Closes Abortion Clinic That Had Been Killing Unborn Babies for 35 Years
Pro-life advocates in Augusta, Georgia have been praying that the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in their city would close for more than three decades. Last week, they said their prayers were answered.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/planned-parenthood-closes-abortion-clinic-that-had-been-killing-unborn-babies-for-35-years/

Hobby Lobby Founder David Green Endorses Marco Rubio: He is Prepared to be President
The company Hobby Lobby is synonymous with pro-life values. It’s case to stop the pro-abortion mandate in Obamacare ultimatly reached the Supreme Court after the company refused to be forced to pay for abortion-causing drugs for its employees.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/26/marco-rubio-donald-trump-would-not-replace-justice-scalia-with-another-pro-life-judge/

Ted Cruz: “Nominating Donald Trump Will End Up Electing Hillary Clinton”
With Super Tuesday tomorrow, the battle line within the republican Party have been drawn between the #AlwaysTrump and #NeverTrump voters. Ted Cruz, in a new interview, is echoing some of the concerns of the pro-life Republican voters who are reading the latest polling data and seeing that a Trump nomination would more likely yield a President Hillary Clinton than nominating either pr-life Senator Marco Rubio or Cruz.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/ted-cruz-nominating-donald-trump-will-end-up-electing-hillary-clinton/

21-Week-Old Unborn Baby Survives Botched Abortion, Hospital Won’t Confirm if Baby Lived or Died
Evidence that a baby may have survived a botched abortion on Friday in Phoenix, Arizona has pro-lifers praying and asking for answers.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/21-week-old-unborn-baby-survives-botched-abortion-hospital-wont-confirm-if-baby-lived-or-died/

The Amazing Story of Two Sets of Twins Saved From Abortions
In November 2014, Milena* arrived at the hospital in Štip, Macedonia, seeking an abortion. She was 40 years old, married with two children, and now, pregnant with t wins. She was afraid, unable to see how she could care for two more children at her age.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/the-amazing-story-of-two-sets-of-twins-saved-from-abortions/
Marco Rubio’s Amazing Pro-Life Moment With a Teen With Down Syndrome
Andra Oyler was afraid that her son Drew would be disappointed when they attended a Houston, Texas rally for Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio last week.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/26/abortion-activists-upset-after-lands-end-apologizes-for-promoting-gloria-steinem/

West Virginia Legislature Passes Ban on Dismemberment Abortions Tearing Babies Limb From Limb
The West Virginia legislature gave final approval today to a bill to ban the dismemberment abortion method that tears unborn babies limb from limb. The West Virginia Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act, SB 10, successfully made it through the state legislature and now it heads to the governor.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/west-virginia-legislature-passes-ban-on-dismemberment-abortions-tearing-babies-limb-from-limb/
Two Women in U.S. With the Zika Virus Had Abortions, They Didn’t Want a Potentially Disabled Baby
At least two unborn babies in the U.S. have been aborted because their mothers were infected with the Zika virus and concerned about possible birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control on Friday.
Click to Read at LifeNews.com:
http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/two-women-in-u-s-with-the-zika-virus-had-abortions-they-didnt-want-a-potentially-disabled-baby/

Ted Cruz: Is Donald Trump Hiding Planned Parenthood Donations in His Unreleased Tax Returns? http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/ted-cruz-is-donald-trump-hiding-planned-parenthood-donations-in-his-unreleased-tax-returns/

Pro-Lifers Caught Pro-Aborts Vandalizing Their Posters, The College’s Response Was Ridiculous http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/pro-lifers-caught-pro-aborts-vandalizing-their-posters-the-colleges-response-was-ridiculous/

Black Pastors Protest Planned Parenthood: “It Undermines the Morals of Our Community” http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/black-pastors-protest-planned-parenthood-it-undermines-the-morals-of-our-community/

Ted Cruz Creates Religious Liberty Advisory Committee to Help Protect Pro-Life Conscience Rights http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/ted-cruz-creates-religious-liberty-advisory-committee-to-help-protect-pro-life-conscience-rights/

Memorial Remembers Woman Who Was Drowned and Burned After She Refused an Abortion http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/memorial-remembers-woman-who-was-drowned-and-burned-after-she-refused-an-abortion/

Democrat Says: Supreme Court Needs a Real African-American, Clarence Thomas Doesn’t Count http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/democrat-supreme-court-needs-a-real-african-america-voice-clarence-thomas-doesnt-count/

Justina Pelletier’s Family Sues Massachusetts Government for Abducting Their Daughter http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/justina-pelletiers-family-sues-massachusetts-government-for-abducting-their-daughter/

40 Days for Life Prayer Campaign Saves 196 Babies From Abortion, So Far http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/40-days-for-life-prayer-campaign-saves-196-babies-from-abortion-so-far/

Newspaper Calls Bill to Ban the Sale of Aborted Baby Parts “Anti-Science” http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/newspaper-calls-bill-to-ban-the-sale-of-aborted-baby-parts-anti-science/

Mother Invents Special Eyeglasses Just for People With Down Syndrome http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/mother-invents-special-eyeglasses-just-for-people-with-down-syndrome/

Utah Legislator Files Bill to Ban Dismemberment Abortions Tearing Babies Limb From Limbount http://www.lifenews.com/2016/02/29/utah-legislator-files-bill-to-ban-dismemberment-abortions-tearing-babies-limb-from-limb/

From 40 Days For Life: DAY 20: Too many children?

Dear Deacon John,

 

Since it’s Leap Day … here’s something worth leaping for!

During this 40 Days for Life campaign, we have reports of 196 children spared from abortion – that we know of!

We have seen a surprising number of situations this campaign where mothers with five or more children have shown up for abortion appointments.

 

Thankfully, these moms turned away.

Mother Teresa said, “How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.”

Our culture often views children as burdens to our time and money. But there is nothing burdensome about the joy, courage and sacrifice of mothers and fathers who put their children before the pressures of the world.

Their sacrifice is real – and so is their love. 

 

Temple Terrace, Florida

 

 

Kim watched as an SUV pulled into the parking lot and a woman walked into the abortion center.

 

Over the course of the next hour, she came out … and went back in. “A pastor from a local church was praying with me on the sidewalk,” Kim said, “and I told him she is struggling.”

 

Finally she came out and got in her car to drive away. “They slowed down when they drove past and I asked if I could give them a brochure – and they said yes.”

 

They told Kim they didn’t know what to do. They already had ten children. She was there for an abortion … but just couldn’t go through with it. They were thinking now of adoption.

 

Falls Church, Virginia

 

 

One of the leaders in Falls Church walked up to a mother and her daughter outside the abortion center, offering to help them.

 

“The mother came forward and took the pamphlet,” she said, “saying she wanted to keep the baby. But it was her daughter that didn’t want the baby.”

So the volunteer turned to her daughter and asked, “Are you considering an abortion?”

 

She said yes – she already had a child … and she picked up the baby who had been sitting in the car.

 

“Well,” said the leader, “you now have two – and this baby is precious, too.”

 

The young woman said she’d had an abortion previously – and wasn’t affected.

 
As the mother and daughter walked away – and into the abortion center – the volunteer started to text a handful of friends to pray for the young woman, that the Holy Spirit would touch her heart.

Two hours later, she came out and was asked if she decided to keep her baby. 

 

She smiled and said, “Yes.” 

 

The 40 Days for Life volunteer responded, “Seriously?”  She repeated, “Yes!”

 

What made her decide to keep her baby? “Mom.”

 

“Yay Mom! You did a great job! Praised be to God!”

 

Her mother was happy to have another grandbaby. “A mother’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit conquered death!” 

 

---

 

Today's devotional is from Rev. Ben Sheldon, president emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-life

Day 20 intention

 

That we may realize the generational impact of abortion.

 

Scripture

 

Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her, and she said,” If it is thus, why do I live?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples, born of you, shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the el-der shall serve the younger.”

— Genesis 25:21-23

Reflection from Rev. Ben Sheldon

What an answer to prayer!

Who dares to say that the unborn are not human, with distinct personality and character right from the moment of conception?

This account emphasizes the vitality and uniqueness of the twins who, because of Isaac’s prayer for his wife, were conceived in Rebekah’s womb.

When Rebekah was told by the Lord that the older would serve the younger
twin, God already knew that Jacob and Esau would lead turbulent and conflicted lives.

God knows us and knows all about us, including our personality and disposition long before we are actually born, indeed, from the moment we are con-ceived in our mother’s womb.

What a tragedy of gargantuan proportions that babies, planned and endowed by the Creator, with distinct and unique personalities and with, perhaps, a future and destiny intended for greatness, have their lives snuffed out by cruel abortionists before they ever see the light of day! May our prayers that the dreadful scourge of abortion in our land may vanish be as fervent as Isaac’s were for Rebekah.

 

Prayer

O, God, you formed us in our mother’s womb and planned a unique and spe-cial life and purpose for each of us, and we do thank you. Grant that we may pray and work for an end to abortion, especially in these 40 days, so that no unborn baby you have made may fail to achieve your divine intention for him or her because of intentional abortion. We pray this for the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Printable devotional

To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/media/day20.pdf

 

For life,

 

SHAWN CARNEY President 40 Days for Life www.40daysforlife.com

 

From 40 Days For Life: DAY 19: Closing at a record pace

Dear Deacon John,

 

“Abortion clinics are closing at a record pace.”

That’s the panic headline in a recent Bloomberg Businessweek article that warns “abortion access” in the United States is rapidly “vanishing.”

We know that to be true ... since one of those closed abortion centers is the Planned Parenthood facility where 40 Days for Life began – the place that now serves as our headquarters in Texas.

 

 
The abortion business is hurting – and the statistics tell the story.

According to the article, many of the closures are credited to legislation that established legal and safety requirements that the facilities couldn’t meet. Most importantly, they also acknowledged that “changing demographics and declining demand were also behind the drop.”

It’s good to see the secular media picking up on this growing trend.

We know of 67 abortion centers where 40 Days for Life vigils took place  that are now closed. We are confident that as we pray, fast and offer loving alternatives at the abortion facilities, even more will close.

Perhaps the one in  your town will be next!

 

Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

 

A man and two women walked up to one of the 40 Days for Life prayer volunteers … and one of the women spoke: “I just want to hear your opinion.”

 

She began a discussion about pregnancies that were the result of sexual assault, and why women who were in that situation should not be “forced to keep their baby.”

 

The volunteer noted that it was without a doubt a painful, traumatic experience … but that the baby, who had done nothing wrong, should not have to die.

 

“Oh yeah,” the woman said, “you are right about that. I just didn't realize that.”

 

She thanked the vigil participants and noted that she’d thought pro-life people were judgmental and hated those who disagreed with them.

 

“We are doing a peaceful prayer vigil as part of the 40 Days for Life campaign,” the volunteer explained, “and we are here to truly reach out to these women, not judging them, because we ourselves are also sinners and are not in any position to be judging others.”

 

“I will definitely spread the word,” the woman said.

 

Tempe, Arizona

 

 

“By the grace of God,” said Lisa in Tempe, “we are seeing people approach us to ask for information regarding alternatives to abortion.”

 

Two women pulled into the Planned Parenthood parking lot and just sat in their car … watching vigil participants pray for about ten minutes.  When they finally got out of the car, they headed straight over to ask the 40 Days for Life team if they had any information regarding pregnancy. 

 

They learned that the two women were aunt and niece. The niece was considering abortion … but it was her aunt doing all the talking.

 

After the volunteers gave them information regarding local pregnancy centers and the development of the baby, they started walking back to their car. They stood beside the car ... talking for another ten minutes before they got in and started the engine.

 

“As they drove by us with their windows rolled down and smiles on their faces,” the volunteer said, “they both began to wave and thank us. Praise the Lord!”

 

---

 

Today’s devotional is from Rev. Rob Schenck, president of Faith and Action.

Day 19 intention

We pray for a renewal of our zeal to offer generous help to the unborn and their families.

Scripture

If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant when they complained against me, what then shall I do when God rises up? When He punishes, how shall I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?

— Job 31:13-15

Reflection by Rev. Rob Schenck

The ground is level as we stand before God.

Job lived with an awe provoking sense of God's expectation of him, particularly regarding his obligation to care for the weak and needy.

He knew that in God's economy everyone stands on level ground when it comes to our status as God's creatures. Because of that central truth, we must take care of each other.

Job also knew that he didn't deserve any of the good things God gave to him. Instead, those blessings came to Job from God's benevolent heart.

As an extension of that knowledge, Job instinctively linked his obligation to be generous to others to God's kindness toward him.

As in Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Job knew that it is an egregious sin to deny to others what we enjoy ourselves.

He actually calls down on his own head severe condemnation and even punishment should he fail to share with others out of his own abundance (see verses 16-23).

Proverbs 3:27 reads, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” Some things are so obvious that we don't even need to pray except to ask of God forgiveness and the power to do what so obviously needs doing.

Prayer

God, forgive us when we try to explain away the obligation we have to help others who need help.

Enable us to not devalue them because they are in the circumstance that they are in, but to see them for what they are, those, who like us, were formed by your hand in their mother's womb. Amen.

Printable devotional

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share:

 

http://40daysforlife.com/media/day19.pdf

 

For life,

SHAWN CARNEY President 40 Days for Life www.40daysforlife.com

 

Spirit & Life - Serving the Church and the Truth

Your Support Helps HLI Defend Life & Family Around the World!  Dear deaconjohn,      It has been another very busy week for the HLI family, for many reasons. I am with Dr. Brian Clowes in Hawaii sharing the Gospel of Life at the invitation of the Diocese of Honolulu's Pro-Life Office and Bishop Larry Silva. Our very kind hosts have kept us busy and well cared for. The "Catholics Reaffirming Life" symposium has been wonderful: We began with a day of teaching priests, religious, and deacons on Oahu, and we will repeat the program for these groups and laity over the remainder of our eight day mission, traveling to various islands. Along with the great weather, the faithful here have lifted our hearts at a very difficult time. We have gone another week without a clarification from the Holy See on the unchangeable nature of our beloved Church's teaching on contraception. The ripple effects continue as well: the media seems affirmed in its claim that the Church has changed its position. A statement has come from the Philippines adding to the confusion. There remains an appearance of division in the Church on this key teaching, as Latin American  bishops who have defended the Church's teaching during the panic surrounding the spread of the Zika virus seem to be on their own. Each time HLI has responded in love and in truth. And we are not alone: LifeSiteNews has gathered several statements  from organizations and thinkers that reaffirm the Church's position. Especially notable was a passionate statement from pro-life champion Jill Stanek, who is not Catholic, but who realizes that the Church's teaching on contraception is essential to shore up the fight against abortion. And the National Catholic Bioethics Center has also published an excellent review of the Church's teaching on contraception as it pertains to the Zika panic. We are not alone. Like many others, including many reading this letter, we at HLI accepted the mission to step out into the world and joyfully defend the most vulnerable using the unchangeable teaching of the Church on life. We believed -- and still believe -- that the truth about the human person as revealed by Christ is best taught in the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. We believe that every human problem, large or small, has at its foundation the act of turning away from God and His law, and that the Church gives us in every age the guidance to understand our times and turn back toward Him. It is our deepest desire to serve the Church and the Holy Father, which is why we will remain in the Truth of Christ. We can do no other. We do this in complete and obedient service to the Church and her Magisterium. Yet it is hard to communicate just how serious this situation is to everyone. A month ago, really the entire history of the Church, a priest like me could stand in front of a class and say with complete confidence that the Church teaches that it is never morally licit for married couples to use contraception. People may have disagreed, but the priest could explain logically from Church teaching and sources like Theology of the Body exactly how this is a foundational teaching for marriage and family. Now, this teaching has not changed in the least, but confusion is rampant. Today I can stand in front of a class full of faithful people -- those who have no desire to dissent from the Church but don't necessarily know what to make out of the news reports following Pope Francis' return flight from Mexico -- and say the same truth, and people wonder if what I am saying is only intended for certain times or situations. We are grateful that you are standing with us during this difficult time. The truth does not change, therefore the Church's teaching on contraception will not change. We redouble our efforts first in prayer, imploring the intercession of Saint John Paul II, Blessed Paul VI, and all the saints who found themselves standing joyfully as a sign of contradiction against a world that seems bent on self-destruction. Peace and strength, my brothers and sisters! Our Church needs us now.   Sincerely yours in Christ,   Father Shenan J. Boquet President, Human Life International Send a reminder: Catholic=Pro-Life! Regarding Contraception Statements from the Philippines In light of these doctrinal teachings, it is difficult to understand the reference to the use of contraception as "a lesser evil," as compared with abortion. This may be the case, but it is morally irrelevant, since the same teachings that engage this question reaffirm that an evil may never be chosen that a good might come from it. These doctrinal truths cannot be changed by a statement made in a press release or interview. Church doctrine clearly allows married couples, with consciences formed in the truth, to use natural methods (fertility awareness/ periodic abstinence) to postpone pregnancy for serious reasons (CC 53, HV 14). - continue -   Send a reminder: Catholic=Pro-Life!  HLI Statement on Adoption of the SOGIE Ordinance in the Philippines   HLI condemns the unjust and ironically-named "Anti-Discriminatory Ordinance for People of Diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE)", approved by the Mandaue City Council earlier this month. Whatever the intention of those who approved it, this ordinance utilizes language now routinely invoked to persecute Christians worldwide. We have seen several Christian-owned businesses fined into closure, business owners' lives threatened, public figures forced to resign - all merely for their failure to keep silent and celebrate the redefinition of marriage and the LGBT lifestyle. - continue -   Send a reminder: Catholic=Pro-Life! Get the latest fact-based brochure, Does Legal Abortion Save Lives, exposing the myth that abortion is healthy. Bulk discounts available. $0.20 |   Buy Now! Share this must-read brochure, Depo-Provera, and educate others about Depo's sixty-plus unhealthy side effects. Bulk discounts available. $0.20 |    Buy Now! In Negative Effects of the Pill, learn the truth about how contraception is not only dangerous to the human body - but to the environment too! Bulk discounts available. $0.20 |  Buy Now! Send a reminder: Catholic=Pro-Life! Send a reminder: Catholic=Pro-Life! Human Life International 4 Family Life Lane ● Front Royal, VA 22630 www.hli.org ● 540-635-7884 ● hli@hli.org