Senators Urge Obama to Replace Souter With Non-Judge, Maybe Hillary Clinton
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- As the discussion about a replacement for retiring pro-abortion Supreme Court Justice David Souter reaches a fever pitch, some senators are urging President Barack Obama to not select a judge for the position. They want a woman and someone outside the judicial realm -- possibly Hillary Clinton. Souter, one of the five-member pro-abortion, pro-Roe majority on the high court, announced last week that he will step down after the Supreme Court concludes its latest term in June. Now, top Democrats are giving Obama advice as he begins the process of developing a short list of replacements. "I would like to see more people from outside the judicial monastery - somebody who has had some real-life experience," Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Pat Leahy told ABC's "This Week" over the weekend. "I think we should have more women. We should have more minorities." Meanwhile, pro-abortion Sen. Arlen Specter, the former Republican ranking minority member on the Senate judiciary panel, told CBS' "Face the Nation" that he would like to see someone "who has done something more than wear a black robe for most of their lives." "Perhaps a statesman - or a stateswoman," he added when asked to elaborate. Some political observers look at the comments and conclude the senators are calling for Obama to nominate pro-abortion Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a former attorney and New York senator, to the high court post. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- As the discussion about a replacement for retiring pro-abortion Supreme Court Justice David Souter reaches a fever pitch, some senators are urging President Barack Obama to not select a judge for the position. They want a woman and someone outside the judicial realm -- possibly Hillary Clinton. Souter, one of the five-member pro-abortion, pro-Roe majority on the high court, announced last week that he will step down after the Supreme Court concludes its latest term in June. Now, top Democrats are giving Obama advice as he begins the process of developing a short list of replacements. "I would like to see more people from outside the judicial monastery - somebody who has had some real-life experience," Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Pat Leahy told ABC's "This Week" over the weekend. "I think we should have more women. We should have more minorities." Meanwhile, pro-abortion Sen. Arlen Specter, the former Republican ranking minority member on the Senate judiciary panel, told CBS' "Face the Nation" that he would like to see someone "who has done something more than wear a black robe for most of their lives." "Perhaps a statesman - or a stateswoman," he added when asked to elaborate. Some political observers look at the comments and conclude the senators are calling for Obama to nominate pro-abortion Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a former attorney and New York senator, to the high court post. Full story at LifeNews.com Obama Talks With Senators About Supreme Court, Pro-Lifer May Lead Opposition
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- President Barack Obama on Monday spoke with two senators about a potential nominee for the Supreme Court. With pro-abortion Justice David Souter retiring in June, groups on both sides of the abortion debate are preparing for a monumental battle. Today, Obama spoke with two key senators, pro-life Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and pro-abortion Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who recently defected to the Democratic Party. Both are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would hold hearings on any nominee and potentially pave the way for a full Senate vote. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs confirmed the phone calls and said the search process for a potential Supreme Court nominee began "some time ago" with the expectation that Obama would have at least one shot at shaping the high court. He said the Obama administration "began identifying a long time ago candidates for what we assumed might be an eventual pick for the Supreme Court." While it is unclear on when Obama will name a replacement for Souter, Gibbs made it appear that pro-life advocates should expect a battle this summer. Meanwhile, it appears a pro-life senator could lead the opposition to a pro-abortion Supreme Court nominee for Republicans. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions will become the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee now that Specter has changed parties. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- President Barack Obama on Monday spoke with two senators about a potential nominee for the Supreme Court. With pro-abortion Justice David Souter retiring in June, groups on both sides of the abortion debate are preparing for a monumental battle. Today, Obama spoke with two key senators, pro-life Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and pro-abortion Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who recently defected to the Democratic Party. Both are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which would hold hearings on any nominee and potentially pave the way for a full Senate vote. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs confirmed the phone calls and said the search process for a potential Supreme Court nominee began "some time ago" with the expectation that Obama would have at least one shot at shaping the high court. He said the Obama administration "began identifying a long time ago candidates for what we assumed might be an eventual pick for the Supreme Court." While it is unclear on when Obama will name a replacement for Souter, Gibbs made it appear that pro-life advocates should expect a battle this summer. Meanwhile, it appears a pro-life senator could lead the opposition to a pro-abortion Supreme Court nominee for Republicans. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions will become the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee now that Specter has changed parties. Full story at LifeNews.com  Democrats for Life of America will hold their annual conference and Hall of Fame dinner on June 17 at the Phoenix Hotel in Washington. Meet pro-life Democrats! See http://www.DemocratsForLife. |
Notre Dame Students to Protest, Boycott Obama Speech, Confront on Abortion
South Bend, IN (LifeNews.com) -- The collection of pro-life student groups at the University of Notre Dame who have led much of the response to the Obama graduation invitation have announced their plans for commencement. Notre Dame Response will hold a peaceful protest when President Barack Obama speaks at the Catholic college. The invitation from Father John Jenkins to the pro-abortion president to both give the graduation address and receive an honorary degree has prompted national outrage. An ad hoc coalition of several pro-life students groups has led the official protest from UND students to the decision. Today, the groups announced their plans for the May 17 event, saying, "ND Response has received official permission to hold a prayerful and constructive demonstration on the South Quad of the University of Notre Dame between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of Commencement." ND Response informed LifeNews.com that a subcommittee it facilitated of 2009 graduates has concluded their discussion of the best way to respond and it appears a large percentage of Notre Dame students will boycott the graduation event. Other students may also confront Obama over his pro-abortion record during the event. "It certainly appears obvious from these announced plans that a large or perhaps the sole focus of that response is a boycott," ND Response indicated in a statement. "There also may be other small groups or individuals amongst the 2009 graduates and their guests who have their own ideas about raising the pro-life issue to Mr. Obama inside the Joyce Center." Full story at LifeNews.com
South Bend, IN (LifeNews.com) -- The collection of pro-life student groups at the University of Notre Dame who have led much of the response to the Obama graduation invitation have announced their plans for commencement. Notre Dame Response will hold a peaceful protest when President Barack Obama speaks at the Catholic college. The invitation from Father John Jenkins to the pro-abortion president to both give the graduation address and receive an honorary degree has prompted national outrage. An ad hoc coalition of several pro-life students groups has led the official protest from UND students to the decision. Today, the groups announced their plans for the May 17 event, saying, "ND Response has received official permission to hold a prayerful and constructive demonstration on the South Quad of the University of Notre Dame between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of Commencement." ND Response informed LifeNews.com that a subcommittee it facilitated of 2009 graduates has concluded their discussion of the best way to respond and it appears a large percentage of Notre Dame students will boycott the graduation event. Other students may also confront Obama over his pro-abortion record during the event. "It certainly appears obvious from these announced plans that a large or perhaps the sole focus of that response is a boycott," ND Response indicated in a statement. "There also may be other small groups or individuals amongst the 2009 graduates and their guests who have their own ideas about raising the pro-life issue to Mr. Obama inside the Joyce Center." Full story at LifeNews.com Euthanasia Advocate Philip Nitschke May Move to United States From Australia
London, England (LifeNews.com) -- Australian euthanasia and advocate Philip Nitschke is considering moving to the United States after British immigration officials rejected his application to move there. Known as the "Doctor Death" of Australia and New Zealand, Nitschke would pose additional problems for pro-life advocates in the U.S. Because of the limits Australia has placed on his attempt to import assisted suicide drugs and promote euthanasia on the Internet, Nitschke has been looking for new stomping grounds. Britain has been his first choice but, after officials there detained him for nine hours over the weekend, he told The Australian that the United States is his next option. "That looks unlikely now, because after that reception I guess the British will be less likely to let me stay," he said. "I'm not sure, but we might be forced to move to the US, which still has freedom of speech and increasingly looks like a less hostile environment." Ultimately, British authorities permitted him to enter the country, but only for the seven days he initially requested. He hopes to increase the number of members of his pro-euthanasia group, Exit International, from its current total of 100 to 200. Should Nitschke decide to move to the United States, he won't receive a good reception from pro-life advocates, disability rights campaigners and bioethicists like Wesley J. Smith, who has been one of Nitschke's biggest opponents. Full story at LifeNews.com
London, England (LifeNews.com) -- Australian euthanasia and advocate Philip Nitschke is considering moving to the United States after British immigration officials rejected his application to move there. Known as the "Doctor Death" of Australia and New Zealand, Nitschke would pose additional problems for pro-life advocates in the U.S. Because of the limits Australia has placed on his attempt to import assisted suicide drugs and promote euthanasia on the Internet, Nitschke has been looking for new stomping grounds. Britain has been his first choice but, after officials there detained him for nine hours over the weekend, he told The Australian that the United States is his next option. "That looks unlikely now, because after that reception I guess the British will be less likely to let me stay," he said. "I'm not sure, but we might be forced to move to the US, which still has freedom of speech and increasingly looks like a less hostile environment." Ultimately, British authorities permitted him to enter the country, but only for the seven days he initially requested. He hopes to increase the number of members of his pro-euthanasia group, Exit International, from its current total of 100 to 200. Should Nitschke decide to move to the United States, he won't receive a good reception from pro-life advocates, disability rights campaigners and bioethicists like Wesley J. Smith, who has been one of Nitschke's biggest opponents. Full story at LifeNews.com Sarah Palin Backs Parental Notification on Teen Abortions Ballot Measure in Alaska
Juneau, AK (LifeNews.com) -- Former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is backing a statewide ballot measure that would require parental notification before a minor teen can get an abortion. With the state legislature failing to approve a parental involvement law, Palin says the parental rights measure is needed. As LifeNews.com reported, a parental consent measure died in the state legislature because Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Hollis French refused to allow a hearing and vote on the bill. Now, former Lt. Gov. Loren Leman has submitted an application to start gathering signatures for the parental notification law and he has Palin's support. In fact, Palin said she would have sponsored the ballot initiative herself, but state attorneys told her she probably shouldn't open up herself to criticism from detractors. "I got a preliminary opinion from [state attorneys] just giving me a heads up that critics would certainly file an ethics charge against me if I were to sponsor an initiative," she said. "So though I maintain I have First Amendment rights just as any other citizen does, I won't flirt with the notion of giving critics more ammunition to keep filing wasteful ethics charges against me, but instead I'll volunteer to be the first signature." Full story at LifeNews.com
Juneau, AK (LifeNews.com) -- Former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is backing a statewide ballot measure that would require parental notification before a minor teen can get an abortion. With the state legislature failing to approve a parental involvement law, Palin says the parental rights measure is needed. As LifeNews.com reported, a parental consent measure died in the state legislature because Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Hollis French refused to allow a hearing and vote on the bill. Now, former Lt. Gov. Loren Leman has submitted an application to start gathering signatures for the parental notification law and he has Palin's support. In fact, Palin said she would have sponsored the ballot initiative herself, but state attorneys told her she probably shouldn't open up herself to criticism from detractors. "I got a preliminary opinion from [state attorneys] just giving me a heads up that critics would certainly file an ethics charge against me if I were to sponsor an initiative," she said. "So though I maintain I have First Amendment rights just as any other citizen does, I won't flirt with the notion of giving critics more ammunition to keep filing wasteful ethics charges against me, but instead I'll volunteer to be the first signature." Full story at LifeNews.com Backers of Pro-Abortion UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Pushing Treaty
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Backers of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a United Nations treaty, are pushing Congress to ratify the document during the Obama administration. Although the treaty contains some language supporting unborn children, it has been used to push abortion on an international scale. The Convention on the Rights of the Child "recognizes that a child needs appropriate legal protection before, as well as after birth." At the same time it "doesn't recognize a child's right to be born," says Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council. Yet, Austin Ruse, the president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute, a pro-life organization that lobbies at the United Nations, says the treaty "has been used by UN Committees, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations to promote abortion." That isn't stopping Meg Gardinier, chairwoman of a national coalition backing the treaty, from pushing Congress to ratify it during the Obama administration. "No U.N. treaty will ever usurp the national sovereignty of this country," she told AP in response to criticism of the treaty. "Ratification would boost our credibility globally." Opponents of the treaty are ready to fight back and pro-life Rep. Pete Hoekstra and pro-life Sen. Jim DeMint, both Republicans, have filed a parental rights amendment that would defend against some of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Backers of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a United Nations treaty, are pushing Congress to ratify the document during the Obama administration. Although the treaty contains some language supporting unborn children, it has been used to push abortion on an international scale. The Convention on the Rights of the Child "recognizes that a child needs appropriate legal protection before, as well as after birth." At the same time it "doesn't recognize a child's right to be born," says Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council. Yet, Austin Ruse, the president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute, a pro-life organization that lobbies at the United Nations, says the treaty "has been used by UN Committees, UN agencies and non-governmental organizations to promote abortion." That isn't stopping Meg Gardinier, chairwoman of a national coalition backing the treaty, from pushing Congress to ratify it during the Obama administration. "No U.N. treaty will ever usurp the national sovereignty of this country," she told AP in response to criticism of the treaty. "Ratification would boost our credibility globally." Opponents of the treaty are ready to fight back and pro-life Rep. Pete Hoekstra and pro-life Sen. Jim DeMint, both Republicans, have filed a parental rights amendment that would defend against some of the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Full story at LifeNews.comArlen Specter Blames Pro-Life Science Policies for Death of Jack Kemp
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Fresh from switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party, pro-abortion Sen. Arlen Specter upset pro-life advocates again over the weekend. He blamed the death of pro-life former Congressman and vice-presidential candidate Jack Kemp on pro-life policies that he claimed are anti-science. Kemp died over the weekend after a bout with cancer, with which he was only diagnosed in January. By the time it was caught, it had spread throughout his body. Now, Specter has, as some pro-life advocates say, "shamefully" used the occasion of Kemp's death to justify his political switch. "If we had pursued what President Nixon declared in 1970 as the war on cancer, we would have cured many strains. I think Jack Kemp would be alive today. And that research has saved or prolonged many lives, including mine," he said. Specter, who has long been a thorn in the side of the pro-life movement for pushing for making taxpayers finance embryonic stem cell research that destroys human life, raised the ire of bioethics author and attorney Wesley J. Smith. "To say that but for GOP policies Jack Kemp "would be alive today," is shameful demagoguery of a self-obsessed politician willing to use the death of a former colleague to justify his own desperate political maneuvers," Smith commented. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Fresh from switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party, pro-abortion Sen. Arlen Specter upset pro-life advocates again over the weekend. He blamed the death of pro-life former Congressman and vice-presidential candidate Jack Kemp on pro-life policies that he claimed are anti-science. Kemp died over the weekend after a bout with cancer, with which he was only diagnosed in January. By the time it was caught, it had spread throughout his body. Now, Specter has, as some pro-life advocates say, "shamefully" used the occasion of Kemp's death to justify his political switch. "If we had pursued what President Nixon declared in 1970 as the war on cancer, we would have cured many strains. I think Jack Kemp would be alive today. And that research has saved or prolonged many lives, including mine," he said. Specter, who has long been a thorn in the side of the pro-life movement for pushing for making taxpayers finance embryonic stem cell research that destroys human life, raised the ire of bioethics author and attorney Wesley J. Smith. "To say that but for GOP policies Jack Kemp "would be alive today," is shameful demagoguery of a self-obsessed politician willing to use the death of a former colleague to justify his own desperate political maneuvers," Smith commented. Full story at LifeNews.com South Carolina Republicans Discuss Abortion Waiting Period, Pro-Life Group Calls
Columbia, SC (LifeNews.com) -- The Senate Republican Caucus is planning a morning meeting on Tuesday to discuss the bill that requires abortion businesses to give women a 24-hour reflection period before an abortion. A Senate committee signed off on the bill last month and now it heads to the full state Senate for a vote. The current waiting period before an abortion is just one hour and state legislators believe 24 hours gives women considering an abortion more time to reflect on its risks and alternatives and will lower the number of abortions. Rep. Greg Delleney, a Republican, is the chief sponsor of the bill, which the state House approved on a 83-23 vote last month. Though the Senate panel approved the bill, Sen. Brad Hutto, an Orangeburg Democrat, promises a tough fight on the measure on the Senate floor. To prepare for that, Republican lawmakers are meeting Tuesday morning to discuss the legislation and South Carolina Citizens for Life informed LifeNews.com that the group is asking pro-life advocates to call their lawmakers to urge support for the bill. "The purpose of the 24-hour waiting period is to require abortionists to inform women about alternatives to abortion and to give her 24 hours to reflect on a decision that cannot be reversed," SCCL director Holly Gatling tells LifeNews.com. Full story at LifeNews.com
Columbia, SC (LifeNews.com) -- The Senate Republican Caucus is planning a morning meeting on Tuesday to discuss the bill that requires abortion businesses to give women a 24-hour reflection period before an abortion. A Senate committee signed off on the bill last month and now it heads to the full state Senate for a vote. The current waiting period before an abortion is just one hour and state legislators believe 24 hours gives women considering an abortion more time to reflect on its risks and alternatives and will lower the number of abortions. Rep. Greg Delleney, a Republican, is the chief sponsor of the bill, which the state House approved on a 83-23 vote last month. Though the Senate panel approved the bill, Sen. Brad Hutto, an Orangeburg Democrat, promises a tough fight on the measure on the Senate floor. To prepare for that, Republican lawmakers are meeting Tuesday morning to discuss the legislation and South Carolina Citizens for Life informed LifeNews.com that the group is asking pro-life advocates to call their lawmakers to urge support for the bill. "The purpose of the 24-hour waiting period is to require abortionists to inform women about alternatives to abortion and to give her 24 hours to reflect on a decision that cannot be reversed," SCCL director Holly Gatling tells LifeNews.com. Full story at LifeNews.com  At your next benefit, treat your guests to the incredible story behind the picture. Sponsors: You Choose the Fee!! To check for date availability click on the link below:http://michaelclancy.com/ |
Air Force Staffer Gets Nearly 10 Years For Killing Baby After Abortion Refusal
Anchorage, AK (LifeNews.com) -- An air force staffer has been sentenced to 9 years, 6 months in prison in connection with charges that he killed his unborn child. Airman 1st Class Scott Boie of Milton, Wisconsin, who is stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, tried to cause his wife to have an abortion using an ulcer drug. When Boie found out his wife Caylinn was pregnant, he asked her to get an abortion, she said Thursday during a court martial. After considering his request, Caylinn decided to keep her baby. As authorities later determined, Boie used his computer to search for abortion drugs and found out about Misoprostol, a stomach ulcer drug that pro-abortion groups misuse to cause a miscarriage as part of the RU 486 abortion drug process or by itself. Boie crushed misoprostol pills he allegedly obtained from his friend Ryan Bollinger into his wife's food in an attempt to cause an abortion. A jury, made up of 10 members of the Air Force, acquitted Boie of killing the baby. Instead, they convicted him on lesser charges of attempting to kill an unborn child. Had he been convicted on the more serious offense, Boie would have faced a maximum of 26 1/2 years in prison. Full story at LifeNews.com Massachusetts Abortion-Free Speech Buffer Zone Gets Appeals Court Hearing
Boston, MA (LifeNews.com) -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit will hold a hearing on Tuesday concerning an appeal of a judge's decision rejecting a free speech challenge to a new buffer zone. Pro-life advocates say the buffer zone limits the free speech rights of abortion protestors and sidewalk counselors. The Alliance Defense Fund says the law is an unconstitutional infringement on First Amendment rights and filed suit against the 35-foot "buffer" zone around abortion businesses in January 2008. The legal group says the law essentially eliminates free speech rights within the zone by restricting pro-life advocates from sharing their message with people entering. U.S District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro disagreed and said in his opinion that the buffer zone statute is "content-neutral and validly regulates the time, place and manner of expressive activity." ADF attorneys appealed the decision to the First Circuit and allied attorney Michael DePrimo will present oral argument before the members of the court tomorrow. Full story at LifeNews.comSlovak Republic Faces Free Speech Lawsuit After Police Shut Down Pro-Life Rally
Kosice, Slovak Republic (LifeNews.com) -- The Slovak Republic, an eastern European nation, faces a free speech lawsuit after police there reportedly shut down a pro-life rally. The Centre for Bio-ethical Reform Europe filed suit on Thursday with the help of attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund. ADF tells LifeNews.com that police put an end to a peaceful pro-life rally that was held in full compliance with domestic law. The pro-life legal group says CBR held its "Stop Genocide" rally to inform people about the atrocities of genocide, including abortion, but Slovak police asserted the signs displayed by participants were too graphic for the general public. "Christians and other pro-life advocates should not be discriminated against and silenced for expressing their beliefs and making people aware of the truth," Europe-based ADF legal counsel Roger Kiska, co-counsel in the case, told LifeNews.com. Full story at LifeNews.com
