Obama Admin Ignored Majority Who Opposed Embryonic Stem Cell Research Rules
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The National Institutes of Health is drawing condemnation today from pro-life advocates who say it ignored the majority of Americans who opposed the proposed guidelines that would implement President Barack Obama's decision to force taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research. NIH yesterday released the new guidelines, which not only allow the destruction of "leftover" human embryos but could open the door to their purposeful creation and destruction. The decision also came with considerable controversy, with the Obama administration apparently ignoring the comments it solicited. Acting NIH director Raynard Kington told The Hill, a newspaper that covers Congress, that a strong majority of the comments were against embryonic stem cell research funding. The agency received more than 49,000 comments from the public after issuing a draft of its guidelines in April, Kington explained, and he noted 30,000 came from people who opposed the immoral research. Kington admitted that NIH ignored such comments as "unresponsive." “We actually did not ask the public whether we should fund research on human embryonic stem cells. We asked the public how we should fund human embryonic stem cell research,” Kington told The Hill. Full story at LifeNews.comPope Benedict XVI's New Encyclical: Social Political Issues Tied to Pro-Life Ethic
The Vatican (LifeNews.com) -- Pope Benedict XVI has released a new encyclical Caritas in veritate (Love in Truth), that says the numerous social political issues are all tied to the pro-life ethic. The leader of the Catholic Church made it clear that human life must be protected from conception on and that the pro-life perspective can't be compromised in pursuit of common ground on other political issues. Although the new paper doesn't mention pro-abortion President Barack Obama, some observers are seeing it as an indirect statement in response to his disingenuous pursuit of common ground on the abortion issue.Pope Benedict says “one of the most striking aspects of development in the present day is the important question of respect for life, which cannot in any way be detached from questions concerning the development of peoples.” The pro-life perspective obligates people to "broaden our concept of poverty and underdevelopment to include questions connected with the acceptance of life, especially in cases where it is impeded in a variety of ways.” He is upset that “some parts of the world still experience practices of demographic control, on the part of governments that often promote contraception and even go so far as to impose abortion.” “In economically developed countries legislation contrary to life is very widespread, and it has already shaped moral attitudes and praxis, contributing to the spread of an anti-birth mentality; frequent attempts are made to export this mentality to other States as if it were a form of cultural progress. Full story at LifeNews.com
The Vatican (LifeNews.com) -- Pope Benedict XVI has released a new encyclical Caritas in veritate (Love in Truth), that says the numerous social political issues are all tied to the pro-life ethic. The leader of the Catholic Church made it clear that human life must be protected from conception on and that the pro-life perspective can't be compromised in pursuit of common ground on other political issues. Although the new paper doesn't mention pro-abortion President Barack Obama, some observers are seeing it as an indirect statement in response to his disingenuous pursuit of common ground on the abortion issue.Pope Benedict says “one of the most striking aspects of development in the present day is the important question of respect for life, which cannot in any way be detached from questions concerning the development of peoples.” The pro-life perspective obligates people to "broaden our concept of poverty and underdevelopment to include questions connected with the acceptance of life, especially in cases where it is impeded in a variety of ways.” He is upset that “some parts of the world still experience practices of demographic control, on the part of governments that often promote contraception and even go so far as to impose abortion.” “In economically developed countries legislation contrary to life is very widespread, and it has already shaped moral attitudes and praxis, contributing to the spread of an anti-birth mentality; frequent attempts are made to export this mentality to other States as if it were a form of cultural progress. Full story at LifeNews.com
San Diego, CA (LifeNews.com) -- During its national convention over the weekend, the National Education Association defeated a measure that would have had it take a neutral stance on abortion. The NEA has long supported abortion, pro-abortion candidates, and sponsored a forum with the former late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller. On Sunday, NEA delegates defeated a proposal that pro-life teachers and educators hoped would make the group abortion neutral. The bylaws amendment would have invalidated NEA Resolution I-16 which says the NEA "supports family planning, including the right to reproductive freedom," which is a code word for abortion. The defeated proposal would have had the NEA take "no position" and would have prohibited the group from filing a Supreme Court brief supporting Roe v. Wade if the Supreme Court ever considers a case that would overturn the decision allowing virtually unlimited abortions throughout pregnancy. It would have also prohibited the NEA from "lobbying for or against legislation regarding the dissemination of birth control information, the funding of birth control procedures, or the sale of birth control products." Jeralee Smith, cofounder of the Conservative Educators Caucus within the NEA, was disappointed by the vote. "Right now they say they have a neutral position on abortion," Smith said. "'No position' means that they could be sued if there was any evidence that they were spending any money or making any effort to help the Roe v. Wade decision. So 'no position' is a much stronger retreat from the current position." Full story at LifeNews.comPoll Shows Americans Becoming More Conservative, Pro-Life Views Responsible
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A new Gallup survey finds that Americans, regardless of their political party affiliation, are calling themselves more conservative in general. The Gallup poll shows the 7 percent increase in the number of people referring to themselves as pro-life is responsible for the change. A previous Gallup poll LifeNews.com reported on showed Americans moving from a 44 to 51 percent position saying they are pro-life on abortion. Despite the results of the 2008 presidential election, Americans, by a 2-to-1 margin, say their political views in recent years have become more conservative rather than more liberal. Some 39 percent of Americans say they are more conservative, 18 percent say they are more liberal, and 42 percent say their views have not changed. These findings, from a June 14-17 Gallup Poll, find Republicans getting more conservative than liberal by a 47-9 percent margin, independents by a 37-19 percent margin, and Democrats by a 34-23 percent margin. Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans call themselves conservative, up from 37% in 2007 and 2008, and the highest level since 2004. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A new Gallup survey finds that Americans, regardless of their political party affiliation, are calling themselves more conservative in general. The Gallup poll shows the 7 percent increase in the number of people referring to themselves as pro-life is responsible for the change. A previous Gallup poll LifeNews.com reported on showed Americans moving from a 44 to 51 percent position saying they are pro-life on abortion. Despite the results of the 2008 presidential election, Americans, by a 2-to-1 margin, say their political views in recent years have become more conservative rather than more liberal. Some 39 percent of Americans say they are more conservative, 18 percent say they are more liberal, and 42 percent say their views have not changed. These findings, from a June 14-17 Gallup Poll, find Republicans getting more conservative than liberal by a 47-9 percent margin, independents by a 37-19 percent margin, and Democrats by a 34-23 percent margin. Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans call themselves conservative, up from 37% in 2007 and 2008, and the highest level since 2004. Full story at LifeNews.comSarah Palin Explains Decision to Step Down, Opens Door to Take on Barack Obama
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is revealing more about why she made the decision to step down as the state's governor at the end of the month. She said her decision came from her independent, maverick personality and she left the door open for a pro-life presidential bid in 2012 taking on President Barack Obama. Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee last year, told CNN that "all options are on the table" for her political future and that she wants to stay involved in the political process. She also told ABC News that she understands there could be negative ramifications of her decision to step down. "You know, politically speaking, if I die, I die. So be it," she said. "That caught people off guard," she said of her unusual decision. "It's out of the box and unconventional. That's what we are as Alaskans and certainly how I am as a public servant." Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is revealing more about why she made the decision to step down as the state's governor at the end of the month. She said her decision came from her independent, maverick personality and she left the door open for a pro-life presidential bid in 2012 taking on President Barack Obama. Palin, the Republican vice presidential nominee last year, told CNN that "all options are on the table" for her political future and that she wants to stay involved in the political process. She also told ABC News that she understands there could be negative ramifications of her decision to step down. "You know, politically speaking, if I die, I die. So be it," she said. "That caught people off guard," she said of her unusual decision. "It's out of the box and unconventional. That's what we are as Alaskans and certainly how I am as a public servant." Full story at LifeNews.comSenate Democratic Leaders Want Party to Stop Filibusters of Abortion Advocates
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Now that Senate Democrats have 60 members with the addition of pro-abortion Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, party leaders are asking rank and file members to oppose any filibusters of President Barack Obama's pro-abortion nominees. But that may be easier said than done. Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a pro-abortion Illinois senator who is the second highest in the party, sent a message to members of his caucus. The message was especially targeted at the dozen or so Democrats who are seen as more moderate than the rest of their colleagues. “Don't let the Republicans filibuster us into failure. We want to succeed, and to succeed, we need to stick together," Durbin said, according to a CQ report. “If they will stick with us on the procedural votes, we at least know that we can move forward,” he told CQ. “They may vote against final passage on a bill, they may vote with Republicans on an amendment. That’s entirely their right to do. But this idea of allowing the filibuster to stop the whole Senate. ... We ought to control our own agenda.” With a shrinking minority, the one method Republicans have to impact the debate on some issues -- including abortion and Obama's pro-abortion nominees -- is to use a filibuster. Full story at LifeNews.com
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Now that Senate Democrats have 60 members with the addition of pro-abortion Minnesota Sen. Al Franken, party leaders are asking rank and file members to oppose any filibusters of President Barack Obama's pro-abortion nominees. But that may be easier said than done. Majority Whip Dick Durbin, a pro-abortion Illinois senator who is the second highest in the party, sent a message to members of his caucus. The message was especially targeted at the dozen or so Democrats who are seen as more moderate than the rest of their colleagues. “Don't let the Republicans filibuster us into failure. We want to succeed, and to succeed, we need to stick together," Durbin said, according to a CQ report. “If they will stick with us on the procedural votes, we at least know that we can move forward,” he told CQ. “They may vote against final passage on a bill, they may vote with Republicans on an amendment. That’s entirely their right to do. But this idea of allowing the filibuster to stop the whole Senate. ... We ought to control our own agenda.” With a shrinking minority, the one method Republicans have to impact the debate on some issues -- including abortion and Obama's pro-abortion nominees -- is to use a filibuster. Full story at LifeNews.comBritish House of Lords Defeats Falconer Amendment to Promote Assisted Suicide
London, England (LifeNews.com) -- Members of the British House of Lords on Tuesday defeated an amendment from Lord Falconer, the former Attorney General, to make it easier for Britons to engage in assisted suicide. The amendment would repeal the already-raddled law that prevents suicide tourism. That is the practice where residents of Britain travel to other nations, typically Switzerland, where Dignitas euthanasia centers are located, to kill themselves. The Falconer amendment would say that "no offence shall have been committed if assistance is given to a person to commit suicide" and sets for provisions for when assisted suicides can be carried out. The current law in England prohibits suicide tourism and calls for as long as 14 years in prison for aiding a suicide, although the law is almost never enforced. Some figures show as many as 115 people have gone to other nations to help kill loved ones without facing any prosecution. Former Labour Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer argued for it saying the there was a legal "no-man's land" that required clarity. After a passionate debate the Lords defeated the amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill by a 194 to 141 vote. Full story at LifeNews.com
London, England (LifeNews.com) -- Members of the British House of Lords on Tuesday defeated an amendment from Lord Falconer, the former Attorney General, to make it easier for Britons to engage in assisted suicide. The amendment would repeal the already-raddled law that prevents suicide tourism. That is the practice where residents of Britain travel to other nations, typically Switzerland, where Dignitas euthanasia centers are located, to kill themselves. The Falconer amendment would say that "no offence shall have been committed if assistance is given to a person to commit suicide" and sets for provisions for when assisted suicides can be carried out. The current law in England prohibits suicide tourism and calls for as long as 14 years in prison for aiding a suicide, although the law is almost never enforced. Some figures show as many as 115 people have gone to other nations to help kill loved ones without facing any prosecution. Former Labour Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer argued for it saying the there was a legal "no-man's land" that required clarity. After a passionate debate the Lords defeated the amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill by a 194 to 141 vote. Full story at LifeNews.comPro-Life Advocates Want Probe of Nebraska Late-Term Abortion Practitioner Carhart
Lincoln, NE (LifeNews.com) -- A coalition of pro-life groups is calling on Nebraska officials to conduct an investigation of late-term abortion practitioner LeRoy Carhart. They have sent Nebraska Attorney General Jon Buning a letter asking him to open a probe into whether Carhart is following state law or putting women's health at risk. Carhart runs an abortion business in Bellevue, an Omaha suburb, and has said he will open a new late-term abortion business in Kansas. That would raplce the one run by late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller, who was shot and killed weeks ago by an activist affiliated with militia groups. The collection of pro-life groups expressed concerns about the legality of certain aspects of Carhart's abortion business. They are also worried about the condition of Carhart's run-down abortion facility that was damaged by an accidental fire earlier this year. Carhart has also indicated he is interested in doing late-term abortions at the facility. Full story at LifeNews.com
Lincoln, NE (LifeNews.com) -- A coalition of pro-life groups is calling on Nebraska officials to conduct an investigation of late-term abortion practitioner LeRoy Carhart. They have sent Nebraska Attorney General Jon Buning a letter asking him to open a probe into whether Carhart is following state law or putting women's health at risk. Carhart runs an abortion business in Bellevue, an Omaha suburb, and has said he will open a new late-term abortion business in Kansas. That would raplce the one run by late-term abortion practitioner George Tiller, who was shot and killed weeks ago by an activist affiliated with militia groups. The collection of pro-life groups expressed concerns about the legality of certain aspects of Carhart's abortion business. They are also worried about the condition of Carhart's run-down abortion facility that was damaged by an accidental fire earlier this year. Carhart has also indicated he is interested in doing late-term abortions at the facility. Full story at LifeNews.comOhio Poll: Majority Oppose Abortion, Tax-Funding, Say Abortions Hurt Women
Columbus, OH (LifeNews.com) -- A new poll in Ohio shows a majority of the state's residents oppose abortion and say that abortion causes problems for women. Sponsored by Ohio Right to Life, the poll is a part of the new Ohio Cultural Index the group will maintain to show how Ohio residents view pro-life and governmental issues. Wenzel Strategies conducted the statewide survey June 23-26, 2009 with 824 registered voters and it has a 3.4 percent margin of error. A total of 60 percent of Ohio voters said they were opposed to abortion with 47.9 percent saying they strongly opposed abortion. Just 26.7 percent of those polled said they favor legal abortions. The results were strong across the board regardless of party, location or socioeconomic status. The poll found 80 percent of Republicans oppose abortion compared with 54.7 percent of independents and 46.5 percent of Democrats. With some Ohio residents saying they are neutral, a plurality of independents and Democrats oppose abortion. Some 59.5 percent of women oppose abortion as do 60.7 percent of men. Full story at LifeNews.comIRS Holds Tax Status Over Pro-Life Iowa Group That Opposes Planned Parenthood
Des Moines, IA (LifeNews.com) -- The Internal Revenue Service is targeting a pro-life Iowa group that acts in part as a watchdog over the Planned Parenthood abortion business. It is refusing to grant nonprofit tax status to the Coalition for Life of Iowa unless it agreed to limit its "picketing" and "protesting" of Planned Parenthood. In papers to the group, the IRS questioned the "educational" nature of the Coalition's materials, prayer meetings, talks and other pro-life activities. Responding to what it considered threats, attorneys with the Thomas More Society in Chicago are coming to the defense of the pro-life Iowa group. In their response, TMS attorneys told the IRS that it is in danger of violating the First Amendment and that the request for tax exemption should be promptly granted.Thomas Brejcha, president and chief counsel for the Thomas More Society, told LifeNews.com that the repeated questioning of the Coalition suggests the IRS may be denying or delaying tax-exempt status to an eligible organization based solely upon its religious affiliation and speech. Full story at LifeNews.com
Des Moines, IA (LifeNews.com) -- The Internal Revenue Service is targeting a pro-life Iowa group that acts in part as a watchdog over the Planned Parenthood abortion business. It is refusing to grant nonprofit tax status to the Coalition for Life of Iowa unless it agreed to limit its "picketing" and "protesting" of Planned Parenthood. In papers to the group, the IRS questioned the "educational" nature of the Coalition's materials, prayer meetings, talks and other pro-life activities. Responding to what it considered threats, attorneys with the Thomas More Society in Chicago are coming to the defense of the pro-life Iowa group. In their response, TMS attorneys told the IRS that it is in danger of violating the First Amendment and that the request for tax exemption should be promptly granted.Thomas Brejcha, president and chief counsel for the Thomas More Society, told LifeNews.com that the repeated questioning of the Coalition suggests the IRS may be denying or delaying tax-exempt status to an eligible organization based solely upon its religious affiliation and speech. Full story at LifeNews.comPro-Life Group: Nebraska Regents Should Discuss Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Lincoln, NE (LifeNews.com) -- A Nebraska pro-life group says that, in light of the new embryonic stem cell research guidelines the NIH has released, that the University of Nebraska Board of Regents should hold a special meeting. Nebraska Right to Life has written a letter to board chairman Kent Schroeder with the request.
Nebraska Right to Life is asking the regents to review NU's current policy. "Chairman Schroeder has indicated in the media that the issue of unethical medical research will not come up at the Regents' September meeting as he will be absent and the issue is too important to discuss without the full Board present," Julie Schmit-Albin, director of the group, told LifeNews.com. Schmit-Albin is frustrated because the regents had indicated they would be willing to discuss the policy but appear to be backtracking. "The Regents already put off discussion of its policy governing unethical research earlier this year when NU President James Milliken asked them to wait until the commentary period on the new federal guidelines had elapsed," she explained. Full story at LifeNews.com
Lincoln, NE (LifeNews.com) -- A Nebraska pro-life group says that, in light of the new embryonic stem cell research guidelines the NIH has released, that the University of Nebraska Board of Regents should hold a special meeting. Nebraska Right to Life has written a letter to board chairman Kent Schroeder with the request.Nebraska Right to Life is asking the regents to review NU's current policy. "Chairman Schroeder has indicated in the media that the issue of unethical medical research will not come up at the Regents' September meeting as he will be absent and the issue is too important to discuss without the full Board present," Julie Schmit-Albin, director of the group, told LifeNews.com. Schmit-Albin is frustrated because the regents had indicated they would be willing to discuss the policy but appear to be backtracking. "The Regents already put off discussion of its policy governing unethical research earlier this year when NU President James Milliken asked them to wait until the commentary period on the new federal guidelines had elapsed," she explained. Full story at LifeNews.com
Encourage Friends to Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
