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by presented be will Award ley (See page 2 for the Assembly flyer) Assembly the for 2 page (See - Flat The Walk. Life Respect Hall. Faneuil historic
year start here. start year the most walkers for the 2010 2010 the for walkers most the 16 (2:00-4:00pm) at Boston’s Boston’s at (2:00-4:00pm) 16
legislator office numbers. office legislator
Pro-Life victories in the coming coming the in victories Pro-Life J. Flatley Award for registering registering for Award Flatley J. Assembly for Life on January January on Life for Assembly
List of buses, DC map, and and map, DC buses, of List
the 2011 Assembly for Life. Life. for Assembly 2011 the trowski will accept the Thomas Thomas the accept will trowski keynote address at the annual annual the at address keynote
mite pre-march caucus. pre-march mite
Stand up for the unborn at at unborn the for up Stand - Os Muriel Director Heartbeat three decades) will deliver the the deliver will decades) three
- dyna a hosting and legislators
tives in memory. in tives to the Hanafins of Burlington. Burlington. of Hanafins the to ture in the Boston media for for media Boston the in ture
repeal Obamacare petitions to to petitions Obamacare repeal
- Representa of House pro-life Year Award will be presented presented be will Award Year - fix (a Carr Howie WRKO’s
MCFL will be presenting our our presenting be will MCFL
con Hill and electing the most most the electing and Hill con
emonies. The Family of the the of Family The emonies.
Howie Carr Carr Howie Paul Keleher Photo Keleher Paul
pates Record Crowds Record pates
- Bea on representation pro-life - cer of master the be will Graf
- Antici Life for March United States Senate, increasing increasing Senate, States United impassioned pro-lifer Jeannine Jeannine pro-lifer impassioned
Scott Brown’s election to the the to election Brown’s Scott Former talk-show host and and host talk-show Former
ble pro-life victories, including including victories, pro-life ble of The Pro-Life Vote.” Pro-Life The of 14
- nota of one was year past The “The Unacknowledged Power Power Unacknowledged “The
gram. sachusetts. Howie will speak on on speak will Howie sachusetts.
- pro the in participate also will - Mas in analysts political tute
pella Choir. Deacons for Life Life for Deacons Choir. pella - as most the of one considered
informed on pro-life issues. pro-life on informed - Cap A School’s Montrose the talk show in Boston. He’s also also He’s Boston. in show talk
job of keeping legislators well- legislators keeping of job tainment will be provided by by provided be will tainment the most popular drive-time drive-time popular most the
Eva Murphy, charged with the the with charged Murphy, Eva - Enter Martins-Riberio. Marta Herald columnist and host of of host and columnist Herald
Meet MCFL’s new lobbyist, lobbyist, new MCFL’s Meet Carr is a long-time Boston Boston long-time a is Carr
House House
At Assembly for Life, Jan. 16 Jan. Life, for Assembly At
Presence in the State State the in Presence
Talk-Show Host Howie Carr Speaks Speaks Carr Howie Host Talk-Show
5-12
tory of the pro-life movement movement pro-life the of tory the young. the and confided, “I want to be just just be to want “I confided, and
- his the in speakers sought-after was on educating and activating activating and educating on was down beside her, snuggled in, in, snuggled her, beside down
Jefferson was one of the most most the of one was Jefferson across the state, her main focus focus main her state, the across who was nine at the time, sat sat time, the at nine was who
Jefferson.
ticular audience. Nationally, Dr. Dr. Nationally, audience. ticular While she stressed organization organization stressed she While ished, the Keough’s youngest, youngest, Keough’s the ished,
our beloved Dr. Mildred Fay Fay Mildred Dr. beloved our
- par the for tailored always were test for high school students. students. school high for test - fin she After Keough. Priscilla
Honoring the life and legacy of of legacy and life the Honoring
well-reasoned arguments which which arguments well-reasoned - Con Oratory Committee Life people at the home of Paul and and Paul of home the at people
Special Tribute Section Tribute Special portant, they remembered her her remembered they portant, sion of the National Right to to Right National the of sion Jefferson spoke to about sixty sixty about to spoke Jefferson
- im More cheered. and clapped - divi Massachusetts the for ey person. Not too long ago, Dr Dr ago, long too Not person.
4
orator. When she spoke, people people spoke, she When orator. - mon raise to working been had awards and was a truly humble humble truly a was and awards
Dr. Jefferson was a champion champion a was Jefferson Dr. ten days before her death she she death her before days ten bragged about her honors and and honors her about bragged
MCFL Annual Dinner Annual MCFL
and deep. deep. and finity with young people. Just Just people. young with finity tin Hyatt noted that she never never she that noted Hyatt tin
ment in Massachusetts at at Massachusetts in ment
been left by her death is wide wide is death her by left been - af special a had Jefferson Dr. - Mar Fr Harvard, at Life ferson’s
- move pro-life the applauds
our country. The void that has has that void The country. our that! - Jef Dr of Celebration the At
mittee President Wanda Franz Franz Wanda President mittee
example of what is best about about best is what of example Jefferson proudly bragged about about bragged proudly Jefferson minds and hearts. and minds
- Com Life to Right National
the edge of life and a dignified dignified a and life of edge the like you when I grow up.” Dr. Dr. up.” grow I when you like because of her ability to move move to ability her of because
cent witness for those on on those for witness cent Principles
- magnifi a was She Hyde.
ing Return to First First to Return ing
Photo by Priscilla Keough Priscilla by Photo William, Pierce and Krysta Keough. Keough. Krysta and Pierce William,
with Congressman Henry Henry Congressman with
Life Walk. From left: Anne Flaherty, Katrina Keough, Dr. Jefferson, Jefferson, Dr. Keough, Katrina Flaherty, Anne left: From Walk. Life - Lead Pro-lifers Mass.
vious answer – right there there right – answer vious
young people is evident in this photo from the 2008 MCFL Respect Respect MCFL 2008 the from photo this in evident is people young
- ob the gave I importance.
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT: Dr. Jefferson’s love and affection for for affection and love Jefferson’s Dr. RIGHT: ALL ARE KIDS THE
Times reporter asked her her asked reporter Times 3
she was. The Los Angeles Angeles Los The was. she
that is the kind of speaker speaker of kind the is that
bered after thirty years – – years thirty after bered
Assembly for Life. for Assembly - Remem was. she speaker
accomplishments at this year’s year’s this at accomplishments and asked what kind of a a of kind what asked and
recognized for their pro-life pro-life their for recognized speak thirty years ago ago years thirty speak
The Hanafin family will be be will family Hanafin The had heard Dr. Jefferson Jefferson Dr. heard had
told me that her husband husband her that me told
Family of the Year the of Family
piece on her. The reporter reporter The her. on piece
Globe ran a wonderful wonderful a ran Globe
the youth of the United States States United the of youth the W Jefferson! The Boston Boston The Jefferson! Page 2 Page
See JEFFERSON MEMORIAL MEMORIAL JEFFERSON particular interest in turning turning in interest particular Mildred Fay Fay Mildred
pro-life movement, and of her her of and movement, pro-life - Massa of Directors of Board beloved Dr. Dr. beloved
tional part she played in the the in played she part tional of innocent human life, the the life, human innocent of e have lost our our lost have e
- founda the of recognition In into enthusiastic protectors protectors enthusiastic into By Anne Fox Anne By
Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson Endowment Fund Endowment Jefferson Fay Mildred Dr.
Massachusetts Citizens for Life Establishes the Establishes Life for Citizens Massachusetts
News
Vol. 32, No.1 32, Vol.
MCFL
USPS #25329 USPS
Boston, MA 02129 MA Boston,
2011 Boston, MA Boston,
529 Main Street Main 529
Jan./Feb. Postage Paid Postage
The Schrafft Center Schrafft The Periodical 2 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 3
MCFL Establishes Mildred Fay Jefferson Endowment
Jefferson Memorial Continued form Page 1
chusetts Citizens for Life has established the Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson Endowment Fund in her honor to further her work with young people through internships, confer- ences, contests, and other educational efforts. Assembly for Life Howie Carr is going to speak at the Assembly about the un- acknowledged power of the Members of the extended Hanafin family pose with their Scott Brown push cards prior to distributing them. pro-life vote. Howie is a re- spected political observer and commentator. After the Scott Brown election and, again, af- ter the election of many new pro-life state representatives, It’s a (Pro-life) Family Affair several knowledgeable politi- cal commentators alluded to Family of the Year Award Celebrates Three the “abortion vote” but they don’t want to draw attention Generations of Hanafins to it because our candidates are not theirs. It is obvious that people do not recog- Charlie and Rose Hanafin at a family wedding nize the power of the pro-life vote – not pro-lifers ourselves athy Hanafin Coluci Matt is the grandson of pro- ers at St. Margaret’s in Burl- asked if it was okay to start and certainly not the press or was a little reluctant life stalwarts, Rose and Char- ington to support Heartbeat a pro-life club,” said Kathy. the politicians. It is impor- when Bob Rigby lie Hanafin of Burlington. for over sixteen years,” said “She was told to write a pro- Knominated her for the job Busloads of Hanafins are Kathy. Heartbeat, a Burling- posal, but then they tried to tant that we continue to run and elect pro-life officials. It as sole chairman for the new expected to be at the MCFL ton resource center that aids put her off saying it was too is much easier for a pro-life MCFL Chapter in Burling- Assembly for Life on January women in crisis pregnancies, late in the year.” As a junior, person to run for office with ton, but she knew where to go 16 to receive the Family of the became the most recent re- Kayla had to make a proposal the assurance that the pro-life for help. She called her neph- Year Award. cipient of MCFL’s Thomas to the principal and the super- vote is there. ew, MCFL’s youngest Board of Inspired by a cousin who J. Flatley Award because of intendent and find a teacher An Adult Stem Cell Miracle Directors member Matthew was interested in starting an the pro-life activities of some sponsor. At the high school’s Here in Boston Hanafin, and asked him if he MCFL chapter in Roslindale, younger Hanafins, Matt and Activities Fair, the new club Her husband reports that would assist as co-chair. “I had Rose and Charlie began the his cousin Kayla. received eighty signatures “Alice (not her real name) un- this idea to ask Matt for help,” Burlington chapter in 1975. The Flatley Award goes to from interested students. Now derwent a stem cell transplant said Kathy, “and he said yes.” Between hosting Rose Drives the beneficiary organization being granted “semi-official” in July and Aug. of 2009. Of course, when you are one for Mother’s Day and find- that brings the most regis- status, the club needs money of eleven children, with over ing sponsors for the Respect tered walkers to the October to pay the teacher sponsor, as This was the last option she Matt Hanafin’s passionate 60 nieces and nephews, you Life Walk to Aid Mothers and event. Bolstered by members required by the school. Kayla had. They used her stem cells pro-life conviction wowed are probably going to find Children in Boston. of a new pro-life club started Coluci is now a senior, “I for transplant. The cells were Massachusetts Citizens for Life the crowd at the 2010 some pro-life help. Especially “My aunt, Helen Dignan, by Kayla Coluci, Heartbeat think they’re just waiting for collected from her bone mar- MCFL Respect Life Walk row before they began trans- if your name is Hanafin. and her friend Marge Skehan, narrowly beat out Worcester’s her to graduate,” her mom plant. The cells were cleaned MCFL News Kathy is the daughter and have been hosting baby show- Visitation House and Quin- said. of as many cancerous cells as cy’s Friends of the Unborn in Burlington High School isn’t Anne Fox, President, Publisher Helen Cross, Editor bringing out the most walk- out of the woods yet. Rose and possible and then frozen. Elisabeth Cross, Reporter Jay Guillette, Reporter ers. Charlie Hanafin are expecting The next process was massive Janet Callahan, Reporter doses of a chemical to destroy “As a sophomore at Burl- their sixtieth grandchild soon. ALL OTHER CELLS IN Mission Statement: In recognition of the fact that each human life is a ington High School, Kayla HER BODY. At this point continuum from conception to natural death, the mission of Massachusetts they returned the stem cells Citizens for Life, is to promote respect for human life and to defend the right to life of all human beings, born and preborn. We will influence public previously frozen into her policy at the local, state, and national levels through comprehensive educa- bone marrow. tional, legislative, political and charitable activities. She was effectively dead and we had ten days to wait to see The Schrafft Center: 529 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129 if her stem cells would in fact (617) 242-4199, fax (617) 242-4965 re-grow again in her body. IT www.masscitizensforlife.org WAS A LONG WAIT. If they Pioneer Valley Office: P.O. Box 96, Ludlow, MA 01056 did not re-grow she would die. (413) 583-5034 The miracle came on the MCFL News - USPS # 25329 is published bimonthly by Massachusetts Citizens for Life, Inc., 529 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129-1100. ninth day!!!!! President Anne Fox shares a laugh with Matt Send address changes to: This summer Alice was Hanafin after his dynamic speech at the 2010 Massachusetts Citizens for Life - 529 Main Street - Boston, MA 02129 working in her flower gardens MCFL Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers and again and having a wonderful Children on Boston Common. Student Lifeline members from Burlington led off this year’s Respect Life Walk. time.” 4 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 5 MCFL Annual Dinner Packs a Punch Massachusetts pro-lifers leading the way toward a return of first principles and a culture of life says National Right to Life Committee President Special Tribute Section
MCFL Board of Directors member Pastor Basil Yarde and PRESIDENT’S DAY: MCFL President Anne Fox (L) and National Right his wife with newly unveiled portrait of Dr. Mildred Jef- to Life Committee President Wanda Franz ferson. A talented vocalist, Rev. Yarde thrilled the audience with his stirring rendition of “Healing Rain.”
n the eve of reach inevitably has very bad only a few years to impose ra- an historic consequences. The history of tioning. How long will it take voluntary euthanasia in the own lives are at stake. If the election, government-run health care the federal government?” “Land of the Free” - suppos- public is fully educated on people“O are looking for a return programs in other countries She cited a letter from a group edly free. We must work to the dangers of the law, it will to our basic principles, and has demonstrated that they called Docs4PatientCare who repeal the new Health Care increase the possibility of full we in the pro-life movement are not financially sustain- consider the new health care Reform Law not only to pre- repeal We have a big educa- can help articulate the pro-life able. Sooner or later, they law an issue so stark that it is vent government funding of tional job in front of us.” principles that under-gird our run out of money. As funding literally life and death for mil- abortions, but also to prevent American way of life. Here in becomes limited, rationing is lions of Americans in the years government-sanctioned de- Photos by Massachusetts, you are doing imposed to save money.” ahead.’ Franz cited a portion nial of health care when our John Curry that for your citizens. You are Data from government-run of the letter which was quot- educating ed in the Wall and lead- “We have a big educational job in Street Journal. ing the “ ‘In addition way back front of us.” - Wanda Franz to badly exac- to a cul- erbating the ture of life in America,” said health care systems in Cana- current doctor shortage,’ the National Right to Life Presi- da and Britain indicate sur- new law will bring ‘major cost dent Wanda Franz speaking at vival rates for many illnesses increases, rising insurance pre- the MCFL Annual Dinner on are much lower than in the miums, higher taxes, a decline October 30 at the Lantana in United States. Instead of al- in new medical techniques, a Randolph. lowing people to pay more fall-off in the development of Dr. Jefferson at Boston University Medical School in 1975. AP Photo “The greatest new threat to themselves, progressives find miracle drugs as well as ration- the right to life is the passage a “two-tiered” health system ing by government panels and of the new health care law,” unfair. Their solution is pre- by bureaucrats like passionate Franz continued. The law’s venting people from buying rationing advocate Donald two most dangerous effects better care. “The result is a Berwick that will force delays Mildred Fay Jefferson, MD are increased federal funding system that provides ‘fairness’ of months or sometimes years of abortion and the denial of by forcing poorer health on for hospitalization or surgery.” Chapter Service Award winners Pat and Jim Reilly of the April 6, 1926 - October 15, 2010 lifesaving medical treatment all.” The law legitimizing these West Roxbury/Roslindale Chapter (center) with President causing premature and invol- Franz pointed out that Mas- practices has been passed and Anne Fox and Chapter Chair Mike Murray untary death. sachusetts is already running will inevitably lead to in- “The public’s persistent op- out of money as the expected position to the new health savings of state-mandated care law rests in large part universal health care did not “I became a physician in order to help save lives. on an intuitive understand- materialize. “It took the bu- ing that governmental over- reaucrats of Massachusetts I am at once a physician, a citizen, and a woman, and I am not willing to stand aside and allow the concept of expendable human lives to turn this great land of ours into just another exclusive res- ervation where only the perfect, the privileged, and the planned have the right to live.”
President Wanda Franz with Knights of Columbus The Burlington Chapter’s Kathleen Lopolito (third from right) was honored with State Deputy Michael Baldner the pro-Life Community Award Photo by Kathy Coluci 6 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 7
Millie
• African-American woman to graduate st from Harvard Medical School • Female surgical intern at Boston City Hospital 1 • Woman admitted to membership in the Boston Surgical Society
Bachelors degree from Texas College, Tyler, Texas Masters from Tufts University, Medford, MA Recipient of 28 Honorary degrees, including receiving an honorary doctorate with Mother Teresa
“Knowing her devotion to the unborn,” said Barbara Rockett, M.D., “I asked Dr. Jefferson if she wanted to become a member and she said yes. It became her life’s calling, protection of the unborn.” Dr. John B. Cadigan remembers first meeting Dr. Jefferson when they were both students at Har- vard Medical School. “There was “We have built on early foundations laid by William Lynch, M.D. And Bart Heffernan, a group of students gathered M.D. - visionaries of remarkable prescience. When Dr. Lynch and Joyce Dwyer, R.N. Joined with Joseph Stanton, M.D., Henry Armitage, M.D. And others in 1970 to create an organiza- around the piano laughing and tion which became the “Value of Life Committee (VOLCOM), this state’s first public pro-life singing. Dr. Jefferson was holding organization was born. forth in her outgoing and engag- As impressive as internist Dr. Stanton’s professional credentials and personal gifts were, his most valuable contribution was the understanding that the battle to defend the sanctity ing manner.” of life could not be won by any one group alone: No One Profession, No One Religion, No One Political party, or No One Social Or Economic Group and No One Gender. Dr. Stanton reached me through Barbara Rockett, M.D., who I had known as a Surgical Resident at Bos- ton City Hospital (now Boston Medical Center). A 1972 non-binding referendum question placed on the ballots of twenty carefully selected cities and towns would have repealed the laws against abortion in this Commonwealth. Con- cerned citizens, many of whom had been reached by VOLCOM, came forward to fight the question. When the opponents won, 55-45, the citizen-activists stayed together to become Massachusetts Citizens forLife.” - Dr. Jefferson’s President’s Letter in the 2008 MCFL Resource Journal
Life’s Calling 8 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 9
Impossible not A to be noticed Multiplicity of Thea Rossi Barron’s speech from Dr. arranged meeting with a Senator or Jefferson’s memorial service on Novem- Representative. Of course, she came ber 26, 2010 at Harvard Memorial with her ever-present, tote bags, one Church. on each shoulder, filled to capacity. She often came with a friend who had Gifts volunteered to drive her around. It I met Dr. Jefferson in the fall of was impossible not to be noticed as 1975. I had relocated to the Wash- we walked the halls of Congress: this ington area from Michigan with charismatic woman with the beauti- my three children and was tracking ful face, beaming smile, dignified down job leads in the vicinity of the bearing and steel-trap mind. National Press Bldg. I knew that Behind the ladylike presence was NRLC had its office there, so after the most eloquent advocate for the an interview, I went up to introduce unborn whom I had ever heard. Fearless and tireless warrior myself. For the previous five years, A life well spent as an attorney in Michigan, I had One day, when I had taken Nobility and service become part of the public debate on her to meet Sen. Robert Griffin, after Immense vitality abortion, frequently as a member of a a half-hour or so of conversation, panel with physicians and clergymen. he turned to me and said: “Thea, if A woman of grace My intent was to offer my services as you did not have a Dr. Jefferson, you Brilliant “A moral and ethical gauge a volunteer speaker, until I became could never have invented a bet- Heroic employed. ter spokesperson. She is a beautiful, by which we can measure articulate, educated black woman, a A pro-life icon So I introduced myself to surgeon, and not even a Catholic, but Dignity ourselves and others” the Executive Director, a gentleman a Methodist.” She broke all stereo- An inspiration from Utah. During the course of our types that got in the way of a mean- Outgoing and engaging brief visit, Dr. Jefferson came into the ingful discussion of abortion. - Dr. R. Gary Heikkila room and said, “Ray, I’m going back That year the big push in the pro-life Gem of wisdom to Boston now.” She looked over at movement was to pass legislation Beautiful inside and out me and smiled but Ray did not offer to prohibit any federal funding of any introductions. After she left the abortion. After months of footwork, room, I asked if that was Dr.Mildred including getting a telegram from the Jefferson, and he said yes. I excused Rev. Jesse Jackson and a letter from myself and said that I was going to President Jimmy Carter opposing the Said Fr. Martin Hyatt, who spoke at Dr. Jefferson’s Memorial Service as a friend of the family, “She was able to listen to people introduce myself to her. federal funding of abortion, in 1977, as if they were the only thing going on in her life. She never bragged that it was she who converted Ronald Reagan from a pro- the Hyde Amendment to the HEW I briefly told her of my 11 appropriation bill passed. Our floor abortion to a pro-life Governor of California. I didn’t learn until last year that Dr. J. had received an honorary doctorate along years in private practice in Michigan leaders were from both sides of the legislative hearings. Along the way, I told Mildred about his sug- with Mother Teresa in 1976.” and informed her of my willingness aisle, beginning with Cong. Henry she was awarded twenty-eight honor- gestion, and she agreed. As far as I to volunteer as a debater. She gave Hyde and Cong. James Oberstar, the ary degrees from American colleges know, that opportunity never mate- me that knockout smile, took my original sponsors of the amendment, and universities. rialized. However, on her own, she business card and said we would be in and Jesse Helms and Tom Eagleton in gave up a twenty year surgical practice Fr. Hyatt read a list from the web site where people had written their memories of Dr. Jefferson: touch. the Senate. Mildred’s effectiveness as to be available to speak out against Virtuous, genuine, strong, pure of heart, radiant smile, courageous, faithful, loving daughter, in- NLRC was not the only organiza- a pro-life advocate in Washington abortion as a physician whenever and telligent, giving, intense, single-minded, prayerful, holy, joyful, graceful, compassionate, warm, In the spring of the follow- tion working on this effort. But it was still legend as we moved into a wherever she was asked. As she did ing year, 1976, she called to say that was the largest organization and the new millennium. In 2000, I was so, she inspired many young people good things come in small packages, disciplined, charming, concerned for others, loyal, spar- she had obtained the funding to hire only one with the benefit of several asked to join the board of directors to follow her into the movement. kling eyes, passionate, creative, patriotic, peaceful, wonderful, gift from God. a lobbyist for NRLC and offered thousand chapters across the fifty of a recently-formed organization me the position. By that time, I was states and hundreds of members who called Democrats for Life of America. Mildred was a person of faith working part-time with a Washington were willing to come to Washington While up on the hill seeking Mem- but she did not wear it on her sleeve. law firm. Wise woman that she was, to speak to their Senator and Repre- bers of Congress as advisory board If she was active in a church, I was she explicitly suggested that I not sentative. But most important of all, members, I stopped into see Henry not aware of it. She did not attach respond immediately, that I give it a we had a trump card: Dr. Mildred Hyde. I told him what I was doing herself to possessions and relied on lot of thought, because this decision Fay Jefferson. and he was delighted as the Demo- the generosity of others. But she was would affect the rest of my life. She crats, he said, needed all the support a fearless and to her last days, tire- knew whereof she spoke. After Dr. Jefferson’s terms as they could get. Then out of the blue, less, warrior for the most vulnerable President were over, I left NRLC. I he turned to me in a serious tone members of our society. From my I did accept the offer -- the continued to represent her on the hill and said, “You know what the best perspective, as a Catholic Christian, next day. Since I had been long ac- on behalf of her Right to Life Cru- strategy for the pro-life movement she got it right. tive in the Democratic Party, she said sade. By 1979, I made the decision would be? Someone ought to pay that she wanted me to focus on the to return to the private practice of Dr. Mildred Jefferson just to travel God bless you, Mildred, and thank Democrats. And so our collabora- law. As most of you know, Mildred around the country and speak out on you for the example of a life well- “The deeds of the just shall follow them.” tion began, and soon the position stayed as a board member of NRLC behalf of the unborn.” Coming from spent. evolved into a full-time job. Mil- and other pro-life organizations. an orator of such outstanding renown dred would come down from Boston She was in demand as a speaker all as Cong. Hyde, that was quite a state- several times a month and together over the fifty states, in Canada and ment. we would go up on the hill for a pre- in Europe and she testified before Congressional, state and municipal 10 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 11 Red, White and Blue First and Fore- Through and Through most, A Pro-Life
“She always wore a blue business suit, red scarf, and Physician her signature white cowboy hat.” -Don Feder Dr. Jefferson testified in Congress that the deci- Said Don Feder, “ Because of the passionate way she read “We come together from all parts of our land, we come rich and sions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton “gave the Declaration of Indepen- poor, proud and plain, religious and agnostic, politically commit- my profession almost unlimited license to kill. dence and the way she sang ted and independent. The right to life cause is not the concern of the Star Spangled Banner, only a special few, but it should be the cause of all those who care With the obstetrician and mother becoming the you got the impression that about fairness and justice, love and compassion, and liberty for she was red, white and blue all.” worst enemy of the child and the pediatrician through and through. Patrio- Dr. J. writing in the 1977 National Right to Life Convention becoming the assassin for the family, the state tism and pro-life go hand and Journal hand. What could be more must be enabled to protect the life of the child, American than fighting for the defense of human rights, born and unborn.” seeking justice for the weakest Dr. Jefferson’s regard for young men is evident in this photo taken at the among us and insisting that During her Memorial Service, Dr. Rhode Island Right to Life Convention. She considered it an imperative our laws reflect Judeo-Chris- John Cadigan shared a memory of that young people be armed with factual infomation in order to counter- tian morality.” earlier days. He remembered discuss- act the propaganda of main stream culture. ing this part of the Hippocratic Oath “We hold these truths to be with Dr. Jefferson: “I will not give a self-evident, that all men are woman a pessary to cause an abor- created equal, being endowed tion.” by their Creator with certain, Continued Marianne Luthin, “Dr. unalienable rights. Among Jefferson was first and foremost a these are life, liberty and the pro-life physician who took to her pursuit of happiness.” Decla- heart and soul the Hippocratic Oath ration of Independence to protect and nurture human life “That document harkens back and love all. In order to promote her to one far older,”Proclaim devotion to the Hippocratic provi- liberty throughout the land, sion in medicine she had to make the justice shall thou pursue. difficult decision to move beyond the Therefore choose life, that medical world that she had toiled so you may live.” long and so hard to become a respect- - Deuteronomy ed member of. She could not remain silent as her “Pro-life is part of a great tra- chosen profession increasingly ac- dition. Abraham Lincoln said cepted and then endorsed the taking A gifted orator and educator, one of Dr. Jefferson’s great passions was training that Americans are bound of human life.” young people to be informed and articulate proponents of the pro-life movement. together by the distant chords Seen here with the Oratory Contest finalists of 2008, the contest winner would go of memory, stretching from on to present his speech at the National Right to Life Convention. every battlefield and patriot “If knowledge is power, ignorance grave to every hearth and must be the ultimate infirmity. hearthstone. The struggles The Birth Control-World Popu- and sacrifices of generations lation Control Movement, the From a fund-raising letter Dr. Jefferson allowed that a doctor who did abor- a good citizen, an ethical physician- past bind us together in help- original and permanent umbrella wrote in 2007 tion under the permission of that minding my own business while ing us maintain liberty and for the adversaries of the Right to state’s laws would not be considered contributing to society, there were justice for all. Her grave is Life Movement (no matter how “I had no prior interest or experi- “unethical.”As soon as the resolu- people organizing who were work- now a patriot's grave.” often they change their individual ence in politics or social activism. tion passed, pro-abortion groups ing day and night to destroy the organizational names), has seduced The media-driven awareness of rushed to exploit the propaganda things I believed in and that they Wanda Franz said, “She was millions in the United States and “sexual politics” and the feminist triumph. Many of is were worried were willing to use the power of a black pioneer, but she did around the world into a state of movement provided deep uneasi- that the AMA would collapse its the law to force my participation in not advocate for the issue that mind control by exploiting general ness but not enough for me to do founding position against abortion what I know to be morally wrong. one might expect. She didn't ignorance of the facts of pregnancy anything about it. Then on a March for the crassly pragmatic reason of Even today, many people believe advocate for things that af- and the biology of life before birth. morning in 1970 a surgeon friend reducing the malpractice possibility mistakenly that somehow they can fected her personally, but for Worldwide campaigns to substitute from another hospital, Dr. Barbara of abortionists who could now be remain uninvolved in this great life those whose rights and lives emotional “freedom of choice” Rockett, called to remind me of a accorded automatic acceptance and ans death conflict. They still do not she perceived to be in danger. sloganeering for factual informa- resolution that had been introduced respectability. understand that the reason the pro- She reached out to all parties tion developed by the abortion-ad- into the House of Delegates of the Without an understanding of the abortionists needed the January 22, to return to the founding vocates have been quite effective in American Medical Association to be impact of the AMA abortion resolu- 1973 abortion decisions was to be principles of the Declaration influencing government and social voted on in its upcoming meeting. tion in causing the moral tsunami able to use the sales-appeal of “legal of Independence.” policy internationally against the We had never discussed abortion, that has overtaken our society, I abortion” and to stretch the mean- unborn.” but she sensed we shared the same would have remained on the side- ing of “legal” beyond anything - Dr. Jefferson in the 2008 MCFL moral and ethical views. The resolu- lines. Shaken by the harsh realiza- written in either of the abortion Resource Journal tion did not condone abortion, it tion that although I had tried to be decisions, Roe v. Wade, or Doe v. Bolton. 12 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 13
“MCFL is a “Movement” organiza- tion. We are unlike other school, Fall River Chapter Hosts Educational Seminar church, social, fraternal, political or civic organizations of clearly- ies”. We were excited to have a full A light luncheon was served at a mod- defined or limited objectives. We house with over 60 people present. est cost of $5.00. The event was hosted work with the passionate convic- Feedback from the attendees was they by Holy Name Parish , Pro- Life Com- tion of respecting the sanctity of were so grateful that we held the event mittee. Barbara Wenc headed up pub- life and defending the right to life and asked us to be sure to invite them licity and Jane Wilcox and Sue Plonka of all innocent human beings from again when we hold future workshops. arranged a great luncheon.” conception to natural death. We have taken on the responsibility for changing a death-dealing culture which is needlessly plunging toward extinction by destroying its own young.” - President’s Letter, 2008 MCFL Resouce Journal
Dr. Jefferson with intern Sean Harrington Bea Martins, Chair of MCFL Greater Fall River Chapter, Dan Avila, Esq., Associate Director of Mass. Catholic Conference MCFL and Rev. Nic Austriaco of Providence College “Who could forget picking up the phone at all hours of the day or night and By Bea Martins We had two knowledgeable and hearing “THIS is Doctor Jefferson, calling for Mr. Chairman...” very interesting speakers: Dan Avi- - Phil Moran The Greater Fall River Chapter la, Esq. spoke on “Assisted Suicide of MCFL sponsored a Respect Life Threatens Massachusetts” and Rev. Workshop from 8:30 am to 1:00 p.m. Nic Austriaco, presented “Disorders “Attendees were extremely interested and responsive to the “There were so many memorable at Holy Name School in Fall River. of Consciousness – New Discover- moments, eloquent speeches, her As MCFL President at the Respect speakers. Everyone had ample time to get all their questions ‘points of personal privilege Ma- Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Chil- answered,” said Bea Martins. dame Chairman,’ her gift of oratory, dren in 2007. unforgetable voice and mastery of language,” said Phil Moran.
In Memory of Dr. Jefferson by Gertrude Reen Charles and Carol Crossed Ray Neary Gertrude and Charles Hanley, Jr. Jack and Linda Kinsey
Anne Muggeridge by Anne Fox and Betty Nowlan
Arlene LeFebvre by Michele LeFebvre, Irka Tkaczuk. With David Bereit at the 2007 Respect Life Walk Donald & Pat Messmore 2008 Oratory Contest Finals by Ginny Messmore In Honor of Joanne DeGeorge Ellie Golden Joseph Shubster by the Fox Family by the Arise Group at Holy Name Church, West Roxbury, MA Tolbert Curry Jr. by the Board of Directors, Leo and Patricia Deschamps Massachusetts Citizens for Life by the Greater Lawrence Chapter
Speaking at the Hingham Public Library in 2002. “I was new to the movement and I expected her to talk Mary C. Towle Bernadette and Jim O’Connor about her struggle,” said Helen Cross. “But I found by Karen Fairbrother out that her personal achievements weren’t the strug- by Bernadette Berset gle that she was interested in talking about.” With Kathy Peters (left) and Colleen Spellecy at the opening of the Susan B. Maybeth Sonn Patricia Murray Finn Anthony Birthplace by Edward Sonn by Tom Finn 14 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011 Jan./Feb. 2011 MCFL News 15 March for Life January 2011 Washington, D.C. Information Please MCFL’s Eva Murphy New lobbyist a pro at finding the answers 2
1 9 8 7 3 4 5
Eva Murphy’s knowledge of the inner workings of the State House will be invaluable 6 PART SLEUTH/PART HISTORIAN: MCFL is for her new job as MCFL lobbyist. Photos by Helen Cross proud to announce the hiring of Eva Murphy as our new lobbyist Buses to Washington Map Key va Murphy is a woman in love firms and the State House Library. political analysts, and historians. Murphy: Yes. The most important one 1) The Capitol with knowledge. MCFL News MCFL News: MCFL News: is getting sponsors for the Woman's 2) Russell What is the State House What do you expect to 1) Friends of the Unborn caught up with Murphy recent- library? be doing as a lobbyist for MCFL? Right to Know Bill. Every two years, MCFL Pre- info @pvmcfl.org 3) Rayburn Ely on her way to work at a Boston-area with the new Congress, bills have to be Jan. 22-25, 3 night stay and retreat 4) Longworth Murphy: The State House library is Murphy: I’ll be MCFL's resource per- Susan Lopes (413) 592-6015 at St. Elizabeth Seton’s Shrine in Em- law firm. the state government library. It was- son at the State House. If a legislator refiled. In order for a bill to be consid- March Caucus, Walter James (413) 733-4580 5) Cannon mitsburg. $375 includes bus, single MCFL News: What is your educa- started in 1826 to serve members of wants to know the latest information ered it needs a number of legislators to 6) Metro - Capitol South room and 5 meals. Send check to: tional background? the legislature, it also houses resources on some aspect of pro-life legislation, I sponsor it, though we have had spon- 9-10:30 am 7) Metro - Smithsonian Friends of the Unborn, Walk Murphy: I received a Bachelor of Arts from the various government agencies will get him that information. sors before, we need to go through the 8) Massachusetts meeting place process again. 38 Edgemere Rd. Quincy, MA 02169 5) Greenfield 7th St. NW and Madison Dr. NW degree from Wellesley College and such as the Department of Environ- I’ll also be MCFL’s visible presence Plans for the pre-March Massachu- President Anne Fox and I will be 2) Diocese of Worcester Red eye bus leaves Sunday, Jan. 23 at 9) March Grandstand two Masters degrees from the Univer- mental Protection or the Department on the Hill. I will make myself known setts Caucus on Jan 24th in DC is meeting soon with Rep. Elizabeth Buses will leave from St. Paul’s Ca- 10:00 pm. Returns Monday, Jan. 24 sity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. of Labor. to legislators and their staffers at the coming along beautifully. So far we Porirer who has been the primary thedral on Sun., Jan. 23 following the after the March. Cost : $45 (teenagers Russell Senate Office Building One was a degree in Musicology. As a reference librarian I love pro- State House and develop a relation- have speaking Robert Alt from the sponsor of the Woman’s Right to Respect Life Mass at 7:30 p.m., and free) Sen. John Kerry Room 304 MCFL News: How did a musicology viding information for people who ask ship with them. It's especially impor- Heritage Foundation on repealing Know Bill in the past. We need to get will travel to the Basilica of National Contact: Larry Filiault (413) 863- Sen. Scott Brown Room 317 degree turn into a career? for it. I’m also a genealogy researcher. I tant to know the staff and have a rela- Obamacare, Professor Michael New started as soon as our new legislators Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 4777 (H) or (413) 774-2918 (W) MCFL Caucus Room 325 Murphy: A musicologist works pri- work for the New England Genealogi- tionship with the staffers of unfriendly on the tremendous impact of the pro- marily as a researcher, I thought that cal Society. reps and to find out who's with us and are seated. in time for Monday a.m. Mass fol- 6) North Adams life movement during 2010, Professor lowed by the March for Life at noon. Red eye bus leaves Sunday, Jan. 23 at I could use my research background MCFL News: Who might ask for who isn't. MCFL will be hosting a Legislators’ Dwight Duncan on current legisla- Buses will return to Worcester imme- 10:00 pm. Returns Monday, Jan. 24 Cannon House Office Building professionally, as a reference librar- information at the State House? We need to cultivate the newly elect- Breakfast on January 12 at the State tion, including a new initiative that diately following the March, arriving after the March. Rep. Stephen Lynch Room 221 ian. That idea got me started working Murphy: People who work in the ed pro-lifers in the legislature. House to introduce the pro-life legis- he is working on for Massachusetts, back at St. Paul’s at approximately Cost: $25 Rep. James McGovern Room 438 in libraries. I’ve worked at the Boston State House, people who work for the MCFL News: Is there any current leg- lation that we will be filing. and Thea Rossi Barron, who spoke at 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Contact: Dan Kelly (413) 448-8460 Public Library, libraries for various law various agencies, teachers, scholars, islation that you will be working on? Dr Jefferson’s Memorial, will speak on Cost for the 2011 trip is $75 per seat 7) Weymouth Longworth House Office Building Lobbying. for registrations postmarked by Dec. Red eye bus leaves Sunday, Jan. 23 at Rep. Michael Capuano Room 1414 The Caucus will be in the usual room 31. After Dec. 31, cost is $85 per seat. 9:00 pm. Return Monday, Jan. 24 at Rep. John Olver Room 1111 in the Russell Senate Office Building Contact: Respect Life Office (508) 5:00 pm. Rep. Niki Tsongas Room 1607 (Room 325). I must tell you, how- 929-4311 or Alison Ledoux at: Cost: $50 (students $10) Pro-Life Year in Review ever, that “Our Caucus Room” is now [email protected] Contact: Sally Healy (781) 848-3796 Rayburn House Office Building called “The Kennedy Caucus Room.” 8) Burlington Rep. Barney Frank Room 2252 How did the Senators Vote on Pro-Life Issues? National Right to Life Committee Hot coffee and pastries will be avail- 3) Belmont/Waltham/Watertown Leave Saturday, Jan. 22 at 10:00 pm. Rep. Keating Room TBA Voting Record Rating able to keep everyone warm and well- Red eye bus will leave from St. Mary’s Anti-Life Vote Pro-Life Vote Depart Monday, Jan. 24 at 5:00pm. Rep. Ed Markey Room 2108 John Kerry: 0% fueled for the day’s activities. Church in Waltham on Sunday, Jan. DISCLOSE ACT Cost: $193 Double Occupancy, Rep. Richard Neal Room 2208 Scott Brown: 100% After the Caucus, we will be deliv- 23, 8:15 pm, arriving at St. Peter’s Kerry: FOR ($172 Triple; $147 Quadruple; $285 Rep. John Tierney Room 2238 ering the Repeal Obamacare Petitions Church on Capitol Hill. Bus will de- Brown: AGAINST Single) to each of the ten Massachusetts Con- part from St. Peter’s approx. 5 pm on DISCLOSE imposed restrictions on free speech about federal politicians and would make it difficult for corporations (including nonprofits such as Contact: Theresa Gorey (978) 475- gressmen. Please send your petitions Monday, Jan.24, returning home ap- MCFL or the National Right to Life Committee) to spend money to communicate with the public about the actions of federal officeholders. DIS- 6673 or (978) 886-2911 (cell) or Massachusetts to the MCFL Office by Jan. 19th. We prox. 1:00 am on Tuesday, Jan. 25. CLOSE would also have forced donors to publish their involvement in political ad campaigns. [email protected] will still get signatures after that, but Cost is $35/adults, $25/students and- Marchers to Meet Jane Finn (978) 658-6115 or (978) they won’t be delivered at the March. children. Burris Amendment in the Defense Appropriations Act Contact: Maryanne Quirk (617) 489- 618-5005 (cell) at 7th Street Kerry: FOR 4298. Mail check to Claire Dondis at 9) Malden/Burlington Meeting place is the south- Brown: AGAINST 583 Belmont St., Belmont, MA 02478 Leave Sunday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 am west intersection of 7th The Defense Appropriations Act included the Burris Amendment which requires tax funding of abortions in military facilities, repealing the longstand- 4) Chicopee area (Malden) and 8:00 am (Burlington). Street NW and Madison ing ban on the use of military medical facilities to perform elective abortions.. Brown voted against the Burris Amendment in Committee. If the bill got Red eye bus leaves Sunday, Jan. 23 at Depart DC on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Drive NW. Look for the Blue to the floor, there weren’t enough votes to stop it. Cloture needed 60 votes to allow the bill to come to the floor. Brown’s 41st vote against cloture kept 11:00 pm, returning Monday, Jan. 24 11:00 am. Knitted Caps and the MCFL the bill, which would have passed, from a vote. after the March. Cost: $200 Double Occupancy ($310 banners that identify the Cost: $45 (students $25). Single) Massachusetts contingent. Confirmation of pro-abortion Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court Contact: Lauren Congo, MCFL Pio- Contact: Janet Callahan (781) 324- People start to gather at Kerry: FOR neer Valley office (413) 583-5034 or 3564 or [email protected] noon, although many people Brown: AGAINST arrive later. 16 MCFL News Jan./Feb. 2011
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