The Luminary Lighting the Way to a Pro-Life America Votes PRO-LIFE What Does it Mean for Louisiana?

√ Pro-Life President √ Pro-Life Senate Majority √ Pro-Life House Majority

Foster Campbell (D) Senate Runoff Dec.10th: Where Do They Stand?

WINTER 2016 John Kennedy (R) Louisiana Right To Life

1.866.463.5433 | www.ProLifeLouisiana.org Executive Insights Benjamin Clapper, From Platitudes to Particulars: The Value of Questionnaires Executive Director For the average citizen, the issue of abortion is a yes, no, or maybe question. Their position is typically general, without getting into the weeds.

But when candidates are running for elected office, generalizations are not helpful in A Lesson for the Abortion Industry analyzing how they will vote, especially in Louisiana where it is electorally beneficial to There are many things that can be learned from the recent election. But there is one be pro-life. Simply stating you are “pro-life,” while a good first step, is not enough. Last lesson I hope Planned Parenthood takes to heart: America does not support abortion- time I checked, when a Congressman arrives at the Capitol he or she does not cast a on-demand. general all-encompassing vote to the question, “Are you pro-life or pro-choice?” It’s not that simple. Planned Parenthood spent more than $30,000,000 to try and elect its dream candidate as President. This mountain of cash enabled the group to contact more Louisiana Right to Life utilizes questionnaires to evaluate how candidates will vote voters than ever. The outcome? Not so positive. on legislation. Questionnaire responses put meat on the bones of a candidate’s platitudes. I would have to imagine it would be easier to answer a questionnaire than The 2016 election, along with poll after poll, showed that Americans are not cast a pressure-packed controversial vote with the world watching. supportive of abortion-on-demand. , in the final debate, exposed Hillary Clinton’s support of this agenda. While the election results were driven by To all the candidates out there, present and future: Don’t try to fool us. If you say you many factors, Planned Parenthood has to wonder if its abortion money hurt Clinton’s are pro-life, put it on paper! Remember, we want to know your values, chances. In 2016, abortion was not a winning issue in America for Planned but, as citizens, we pay you to vote. Parenthood.

Pro-Life Gumbo Celebrating 25 Years of Defending Life in the Legal Looking for A Perfect AreArena you a Louisiana attorney or law student? Please consider joining Louisiana Lawyers for Life, which recently re-launched as a project of Louisiana Right to Christmas Gift? Life. L to R: Sharon Rodi, Suzanne Tierney, Brenda Desormeaux, Ryan Verret Look to Us! Louisiana Lawyers for Life was founded 25 years ago in 1991 to join Louisiana attorneys and Acadiana Fuels Youth Still looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that law school students together to support the legal special someone? Look to us! You can purchase protection of human life, born and unborn, from Education at Chers a 2017 Celebrate Life wall calendar, pro-life abortion, euthanasia, and infanticide through legal, merchandise, or a Luminary membership as a gift. legislative, and educational means. The organization Bébés! You can also make a donation in someone’s honor. accomplished much in its first 10-15 years, but its All money raised goes to defending life in the state of activities subsided in recent years. The group’s goal Louisiana Right to Life hosted the third annual “Chers Louisiana through education, legislation, activism, and is to assist with Louisiana Right to Life’s legal and Bébés: Acadiana's Soirée For Life” on Wednesday, Nov. 2, service. legislative endeavors, both at the State Capitol and in at Le Pavillon in Lafayette. federal and state courtrooms. The partnership will • Pro-Life Merchandise: You will find a variety of items strengthen the pro-life cause in Louisiana. Hundreds attended and were generous in their donations available for sale at www.ProLifeLouisiana.net/Shop, to the Dr. Zerben Bienvenu and Dr. William Smith Fund including our popular Preaux Life T-shirts, magnets, In light of the recent Supreme Court decision striking for Acadiana Pro-Life Education, which funds pro-life and bumper stickers. The new 2017 wall calendars down common sense safety regulations for abortion education of middle and high school students across are available, and the shop also features two new facilities, it is clear we have an uphill battle ahead of Acadiana through interactive presentations and activities. T-shirts, the 2017 Louisiana Life March “Protect us. In order to ensure that Louisiana women and their Them Both” themed T-shirt and the Louisiana Black unborn children are protected, it’s essential that the Brenda Desormeaux and Suzanne Tierney were honored Advocates for Life “Unborn Lives Matter” T-shirt. There pro-life legal community comes together to voice its at the event for their many years of service to the pro-life are also a limited number of the 2016 Life March “Life support for a change in the status quo. cause in Acadiana. Desormeaux, who currently runs is Priceless” T-shirts available. No shirts are dated, so a pregnancy resource center and maternity home, and they are great to wear at all times of the year! Lawyers for Life socials, providing networking Tierney are both past presidents of Louisiana Right to opportunities for pro-life attorneys as well as updates Life. Newly installed Bishop Douglas Deshotel gave the • Luminary Membership: The Luminary is printed on pro-life legal developments in Louisiana and the keynote address, stressing the fundamental importance of three times a year, and like the one you are reading U.S., are planned for members, and we will place ads pro-life cause. now, they contain a variety of pro-life stories to keep in newspapers and other publications across Louisiana you up to date. Consider giving a year’s Luminary on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, reminding fellow Thanks to the support of those at Chers Bebes, and many membership as a gift. The recipient will receive The citizens of this legal travesty. others, Louisiana Right to Life’s team is on the road every Luminary three times mailed directly to their home week to speak to hundreds of students. Need a pro-life as well as an “I Stand for Life” member car decal Membership is open to all presentation for your youth audience in Acadiana or and magnet. The recipient will also receive a letter Louisiana attorneys for a elsewhere? Contact us today! 1.866.463.5433 or detailing your gift, or we can get it to you to put under yearly donation of at least [email protected] the tree! Visit $100 and law students for a www.ProLifeLouisiana.net/Member to order. donation of at least $25. All • What better way to honor a loved one than by donations are defending life, from conception to natural death? tax-deductible to Make an end-of-the-year, tax-deductible donation the fullest extent Krista to Louisiana Right to Life in someone’s honor. We’ll of the law. Corbello send a certificate of donation to the honoree, or we with students at St. Peter & can get it to you to go under the tree. Visit www. Paul School ProLifeLouisiana.org/2016Donation to give the gift of For more information and to join online, visit in Scott, LA life! LALawyersforLife.com.

Any questions, call us at 866-463-5433 or email

Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Hope for the Future Louisiana Runoff "Boy Without Becoming A Hope for Life Elections are Dec. 10 A Brain" Pro-Life Activist

Pg 2 | The Luminary: A Publication of Louisiana Right to Life Sandy Cunningham, Communications Director

Choose Life License Plate Program Helps Women Mulling Adoption Program Has Raised More than $377,000 Since Its Inception

Have you seen a Choose Life license plate on the road? Do you have one on your vehicle? If not, please consider making the switch. For each Choose Life license plate issued by the state of Louisiana, $25 goes to agencies working with mothers considering adoption for their unborn child!

The Louisiana Choose Life License Plate program, managed by Louisiana Right to Life, has distributed more than $377,000 to pro-life pregnancy centers, adoption agencies and other family organizations since its inception in 1999, despite a very bumpy start.

Before the license plate even went into production, the New York Center for Reproductive Law and Policy filed a lawsuit to stop distribution of the plate. In late 2002, after that attempt failed, the plates finally went on sale. But just months later, in mid-2003, a federal judge stopped the sale of all specialty plates in Louisiana. Finally, in 2006, the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles began selling all specialty The Choose Life Plate Saves Lives! plates again, including the Choose Life plate. And thanks to sale of those plates since then, grants have been awarded regularly since 2008. Here is a sampling of how the agencies have spent 2015 grant money: In 2008, 10 agencies split $20,000. In 2016, 26 qualifying agencies received grants totaling $36,400. BEACON HOUSE ADOPTION SERVICES: THIS YEAR'S RECIPIENTS ARE: “In January 2016 we were contacted by a potential birth mother whose family had forced her to leave the family home due to her pregnancy. We provided some A Pregnancy Center and Clinic, Lafayette emergency funds for her to have temporary lodging and food while she considered her Ark-La-Tex Crisis Pregnancy Center, Shreveport plans and tried to work things out with her family. Ultimately she did decide to place Beacon House Adoption Services, Baton Rouge for adoption, and getting some distance from her parents allowed them all to discuss Caring to Love Ministries, Baton Rouge the situation and work together toward a solution.” Catholic Charities/Access Pregnancy and Referral Centers, Metairie Catholic Charities, Diocese of Baton Rouge CATHOLIC CHARITIES/ACCESS: Community Center for Life, Gretna “Leslie began coming to ACCESS early in her pregnancy for a pregnancy test and Crisis Pregnancy Help Center of Slidell ultrasound. We completed a Medicaid application for her and helped her find a doctor Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center, Thibodaux by offering physician referrals. We continued providing case management services Danielle Inn, Covington and upon her fifth month of pregnancy she indicated she was considering adoption for DesOrmeaux Foundation, Lafayette her unborn baby. … She began receiving counseling services and was provided with Family Life Federation, Baton Rouge material support. She ultimately chose a family to adopt her little girl, and through her Family Resource Clinic, Livingston open adoption, keeps in touch with them through visits, email and photos.” Gideon Christian Fellowship International, Heart of Hope - A Sanctuary for Women, Keithville COMMUNITY CENTER FOR LIFE Life Choices of North Central Louisiana, Ruston “Community Center for Life was very grateful to be able to help a pregnant client Lily of the Valley Ministries, Alexandria desiring to be rescued from sex trafficking. We assisted in purchase of her airfare Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, Monroe and safe transport to the airport for relocation out of state to an End Slavery Safe New Life Crisis Pregnancy Center, Leesville House. She is choosing adoption for this child after two inflicted miscarriages from her Pregnancy Care Center/Living Alternatives, New Orleans abusers.” Restoration House, Hammond St. Elizabeth Foundation, Baton Rouge VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA OF NORTH LOUISIANA (New Beginnings Volunteers of America of North Louisiana, Alexandria Pregnancy Services) Woman's New Life Center, Metairie “Amber was 16 and unsure what she wanted to do. Her family was encouraging her Women's Resource Center, Natchitoches to raise the child, telling her they would help. Amber wasn’t willing to do that, but she knew she couldn’t raise the baby alone, either. Amber then decided she would look According to the state statute, 50 percent of the money organizations receive must be into placing the child for adoption…. Volunteers of America North Louisiana was able used to provide for the material needs of expectant mothers considering adoption, such to ensure that Amber had needed maternity clothing, personal hygiene items, nutritious as clothing, housing, medical care, food, utilities and transportation. The remaining snacks and bus passes to her OB appointments. … Amber delivered a healthy baby money can be used for counseling, training and providing pregnancy testing. and later that week placed him for adoption. Amber recently visited us and had a copy of her high school diploma. She was excited to be going to college this fall.” Get Your Choose Life Plate TODAY! www.ChooseLifeLA.org or 1.866.463.5433 WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER “K.A. arrived at the center determined to have an abortion. After the initial counseling session, the volunteer counselor offered the client an ultrasound. She agreed and during the ultrasound exclaimed, ‘That’s my baby!’ Following this, the client no longer wanted to have an abortion but decided to choose adoption. From this point we provided her with a list of adoption agencies and continued to minister to her throughout the remainder of her pregnancy… In addition to working with the client, Page 7 she chose to introduce us to the adoptive family. She also invited us to visit her at the hospital just following the birth of her child. The Choose Life funds were used to assist Becoming A this client in a couple of ways. On a few occasions we purchased gas for her so that Pro-Life Activist she could go to doctor’s and WIC office appointments. We also assisted her in paying for utilities and purchasing essential hygiene items.”

The Luminary: A Publication of Louisiana Right to Life | Pg 3 Pro-Life Victories Abound During Legislative Session

America Votes: A Huge Victory for Human Life

Nov. 8 turned out to be a great night as America’s pro-life consensus was confirmed with huge wins in the Presidency, the House and the Senate.

Despite the media buzz and pundit reports claiming pro-abortion Democrat Hillary Clinton would win the presidency, the ending was just the opposite: Pro-life candidate Donald Trump will be the 45th president of the .

And perhaps just as stunning, when all votes were counted, Republicans held the majority in the Senate, with just one seat, now in a runoff in Louisiana, yet to be decided. The House also maintained its Republican majority, as was expected. ***

Now, for the first time in a decade, pro-life officials The GOP had a 54-46 majority prior to the election and had to defend 24 incumbent seats. With just the Louisiana runoff election left, the Senate has a 51-48 will lead our country in Washington, D.C. margin.

National Right to Life President Carol Tobias was quick to point out the importance KEY PRO-LIFE SENATE WINS: of Trump’s election to the pro-life cause. • Sen. Rob Portman, Ohio, beat a popular Lt. Gov. Ted Strickland. • Sen. Richard Burr, N.C., held off abortion-on-demand proponent “Clinton and the Democratic Party have taken the most extreme abortion position Deborah Ross. possible, including support for late abortions when the baby can feel pain and • Sen. Ron Johnson, Wis., came from way behind to beat Russ Feingold, seeking to change the law so that taxpayer dollars would be used to fund abortion who was endorsed by Planned Parenthood. Louisiana Right to Life’s on demand,” Tobias said. “Donald Trump took a strong, principled pro-life position, affiliate, Wisconsin Right to Life, worked extremely hard on this race. heard by millions of Americans in the third debate. He never backed down on his opposition to abortion, and he won.” Other races that were crucial to maintaining a pro-life majority were won by Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Sen. Roy Blunt of Trump has promised to appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court. The late Missouri and Sen. Todd Young of Indiana. Justice Antonin Scalia's seat will be filled quickly, and two pro-abortion, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Stephen G. Bryer, are 83 and 78, respectively. Justice Anthony GOP seats lost to the Democrats were in Illinois, where Rep. Tammy Duckworth Kennedy is 80, so a President Trump could have the opportunity to replace as many beat incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk, and in New Hampshire, where Maggie Hassan as four of the nine-member Supreme Court. beat Sen. Kelly Ayotte. The New Hampshire seat was a loss to the pro-life cause as Massan supports using tax dollars to pay for abortion, but the Illinois seat won’t see He has also pledged to: much difference as Sen. Kirk has been the most pro-abortion Republican voice in the • Make the Hyde Amendment permanent law to protect taxpayers from having Senate and was the lone Republican to vote against defunding Planned Parenthood. to pay for abortions. • Eliminate Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer funding if the group continues to There are currently two Republicans who are not reliably pro-life, Alaska Sen. Lisa perform abortions. Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins, so this makes Louisiana’s Senate runoff • Sign the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act into law. election relevant in helping solidify the pro-life majority.

What the Election Results Mean for Louisiana

While pro-life progress has been in made in Louisiana over the past eight years, that progress has often been met with federal opposition. Like many others expecting Hillary Clinton to win the Presidency, we expected that opposition to remain, and possibly, become stronger.

But Donald Trump’s surprising victory opens doors for the pro-life movement in Louisiana and gives hope that our pro-life convictions may become concrete. Now, we must be careful in our optimism. With a slim pro-life majority in the Senate held in check by a vociferous pro-abortion block of Senators with the power of the filibuster, it is likely everything will not happen at once.

But, even with that disclaimer, let’s look at what we can hope will happen in our state.

No More Tax Money for Planned Parenthood on Claiborne Avenue: As Planned Parenthood looks to expand its abortion business in Louisiana, it has been our goal to ensure it cannot receive tax dollars while performing abortions. The Obama Administration and the courts have been stonewalling any effort to put a firewall between abortion and tax dollars. Even legislation just passed this past legislative session to defund abortion businesses had a tough road ahead in the federal judiciary. For us to defund Planned Parenthood in Louisiana, we will need a law passed by Congress. President-elect Trump committed that as long as Planned Parenthood performed abortions, he is not in favor of it receiving our money. A law defunding Planned Parenthood would protect Louisiana’s current policy preventing taxpayer dollars from going to abortion facilities.

New Judges, New Decisions: New judges, both on the Supreme Court and at the lower levels, could revive the fate of laws overwhelmingly passed by the Louisiana legislature. The recent Supreme Court decision preventing from enforcing its law requiring abortion physicians to have admitting privileges at a local hospital was disappointing for our effort to protect the health and safety of women. Our similar 2014 law still hangs in limbo. And seven pro-life laws passed in 2016 are pending legal challenges in federal district court. With time, President Trump, assuming his judicial choices are consistent with his pledges, can stem the tide of Obama’s judicial takeover.

Pg 4 | The Luminary: A Publication of Louisiana Right to Life Runoff Election for U.S. Senate, Don't Forget! VOTE House Seats is Dec. 10 Dec.10th! Louisiana Right to Life Encourages Citizens to Vote Pro-Life Where do the

Louisiana will have a new U.S. Senator on Dec. 10, either candidates Republican State Treasurer John Kennedy or Democratic Public Stand on Life? Service Commissioner Foster Campbell. The Duke family, from left, first row: J.P., Lesley, and TheCameron; two men and were second the top row: vote Cody, getters Christon, in a andcrowded field of 24 John Kennedy (R): Daniel. (J.P. is married to Cody.) competitors in the Nov. 8 primary. The open Senate seat currently -Answered Louisiana belongs to pro-life Sen. , who did not seek re-election. Right to Life Kennedy, who is pro-life, has no voting record since he has not Questionnaire previously served in an elected position that casts votes, such as 100% Pro-Life the House or Senate. He answered both Louisiana Right to Life and National Right to Life’s candidate questionnaires 100 percent pro-life. Kennedy has included his pro-life position in some of his -Answered National Right John Kennedy (R) campaign ads, stating in his TV commercial that he believes in to Life Questionnaire Foster Campbell (D) “protecting the unborn.” 100% Pro-Life Campbell did not answer either candidate questionnaire after Louisiana Right to Life contacted his campaign multiple times encouraging him to submit his answers. On the campaign trail, Campbell has stated he is pro-life. He has a pro-life voting record of Foster Campbell (D): 82 percent during his time in the state Senate, where he served from -DID NOT Answer Louisiana 1976-2002. Right to Life Questionnaire

Records on scored life votes are unclear between 1976 and 1990. Between 1990 and 2006, Louisiana Right to Life has recorded 11 -DID NOT Answer National scored pro-life votes. During that time, Campbell voted pro-life nine Right to Life Questionnaire times and anti-life two times. His record portrayed him as pro-life on the issue of abortion except in the cases of rape and incest.

CONGRESSIONAL RACES

Three current pro-life Congressmen for the state of Louisiana won re-election to their Garret Graves of the 6th Congressional District were easily re-elected. Louisiana Right congressional seats on Nov. 8, while two races that feature no incumbent will be to Life is especially excited to work with Majority Whip Scalise, whose position in decided in runoff elections on Dec. 10. Congress will afford him a significant role in shaping pro-life policy.

U.S. Rep. and Majority Whip Steve Scalise of the 1st Congressional District, Pro-abortion incumbent Congressman Cedric Richmond of the 2nd Congressional Congressman Ralph Abraham of the 5th Congressional District and Congressman District also won re-election.

3RD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT RUNOFF

Rep. , the district’s current Congressman, gave up his seat to run for Senate, where he finished third in the crowded field. Twelve candidates vied for the 3rd Congressional District seat, with two pro-life Republicans, Scott Angelle and Clay Higgins, winning the top two spots.

Scott Angelle (R): - Answered Louisiana Right to Life Questionnaire 100 percent Pro-Life.

Clay Higgins (R): - Revised his initial Louisiana Right to Life Questionnaire and answered 100 percent Pro-Life. Background: On Aug. 31, Mr. Higgins answered the questionnaire 93 percent Pro-Life. At the time, he chose not to answer Question 14, and therefore took no stance on the issue of assisted suicide and/or euthanasia. On Nov. 11, Mr. Higgins submitted a revised questionnaire, answering yes to No. 14, indicating he is opposed to assisted suicide and euthanasia. Mr. Scott Angelle (R) Clay Higgins (R) Higgins stated, "Note the ‘and/or,’ along with what I perceived as a lack of clarity regarding the term ‘assisted suicide,’ caused me to refrain from answering the question. I am completely against ‘euthanasia’ of any kind. However, I am in support of an American's right to be disconnected from artificially sustained ‘life.’"

4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT RUNOFF

Rep. John Fleming, the district’s current Congressman, gave up his seat to run for Senate, where he finished fifth. Eight candidates vied for the 4th Congressional District seat, with Democrat Marshall Jones and Republican State Rep. Mike Johnson finishing as the top two vote-getters.

Mike Johnson (R): - Answered Louisiana Right to Life Questionnaire 100 percent Pro-Life. - Answered National Right to Life Questionnaire 100 percent Pro-Life. - Has a 100 percent pro-life voting record in the state House of Representatives.

Marshall Jones (D): - Did not answer Louisiana Right to Life Questionnaire - Did not answer National Right to Life Questionnaire Mike Johnson (R) Marshall Jones (D) - Mr. Jones has no voting record since he has not previously served in an elected position that casts votes.

The Luminary: A Publication of Louisiana Right to Life | Pg 5 “Boy Without a Brain” Makes Dave Andrusko Guest Columnist Remarkable Recovery British Family Rewarded for Giving Noah’s Life a Chance

On Saturday, Oct. 30, the British Department of Health But given the devastating diagnosis and a “do not resuscitate” order placed on Noah, announced it had approved the Walls did arrange a funeral for him prior to his birth, assuming he would die in what is euphemistically called utero or shortly thereafter. Noah was born March 6, 2012, and “to their surprise,” the “Non-Invasive Pre-Natal Gutierrez-Cachila wrote, “he let out a cry. Although he had health complications, Testing” for use by the hearing him cry and knowing he was alive was more than enough for Rob and Shelly National Health Service. It is to keep fighting for their son.” a more accurate prenatal test that can be given earlier in After he was born, scans showed Noah’s brain was worse than previously expected, pregnancy and is absolutely with only 2 percent present in a thin layer at the front of his head. Immediately, Noah guaranteed to increase the was rushed into a double operation. Surgeons closed up of the hole in his back number of eugenic abortions. and inserted a shunt in the back of his head to help drain the fluid that was placing immense pressure on his brain. Both operations were successful. 279 medical professionals wrote a letter of protest, Even though progress had been made, Noah would visit the hospital many times as which included commenting he grew to be treated for his health complications. But Noah is now doing remarkably about a highly controversial well. He scampers around using a wheelchair and braces. He continues to show signs consultation in which of Improvement. the Royal College of Obstetricians and “He chooses things and makes decisions. He never shuts up, and he can sing as Gynecologists suggested well,” Shelly told the Daily Mail. “It is absolutely amazing. To look at him you wouldn’t the “cost-effectiveness” know there was anything wrong.” of caring for people with Down syndrome could Most amazing of all, a brain scan taken when Noah was 3 showed his brain had be considered as a factor. According to the Daily Mail, “It called for a ‘rigorous developed considerably to almost full function. As the Daily Mail reported, Shelly economic analysis,’ including lifetime care costs.” said, “We just cannot believe it; he’s a miracle. No one expected this to happen. We’ve had three years not knowing how long he’s going to live, so to hear his brain’s This recommendation came exactly one day after the Gospel Herald published a almost back to normal is beyond belief. Rob and I broke down when we heard the heartwarming story by Suzette Gutierrez-Cachila about 4-year-old Noah Wall, who, news. It was like a dream. I’ve never known anything like it, even the consultants were “against all odds” has “grown to be a lively boy and is living proof that abortion does in tears.” not have to be the answer” when parents are given a dreadful prenatal diagnosis. Have the Walls ever regretted their decision to refuse abortion, given what they’ve Early on in pregnancy, doctors told Noah’s parents, Rob and Shelly Wall, their unborn been through and the prospect of future surgeries? Not at all. They are thankful to son was riddled with physical challenges. They were told Noah was missing a have Noah in their lives every single day and are working to raise awareness for quarter of his brain, would be paralyzed from the chest down, would suffer from spina spina bifida. bifida, would face a life-threatening condition called hydrocephalus, and would be threatened with the possibility of having the chromosomal abnormality called Edwards Noah should take a visit to the British Department of Health to remind them, and the Syndrome. entire world, that abortion should never be the solution. We never know when we are preventing a miracle like Noah. “We were offered termination five times,” Rob said in a recently released documentary, “The Boy Without a Brain.” “It was never an option for us. To me, we Visit www.hugsfornoah.co.uk to learn more about Noah and watch portions of the wanted to give Noah that chance of life.” recent documentary. Follow them on Twitter at @HugsForNoah At left is a scan of Noah’s brain taken at birth. At right is a scan taken when he was 3, showing the brain had developed considerably, almost to full function.

Noah with his parents, Rob and Shelly Wall

Medical Ethics National Alert: Assisted Suicide Advances in Colorado By Ryan Verret, Associate Director

Even though the election ushered in the hope of pro-life Colorado becomes the sixth state to legalize the Maryland, and Minnesota for next year – just to name a progress on the national stage, our fight against doctor- dangerous practice, joining California, Oregon, few. The group is also advocating for legislation in the prescribed death has taken a step backwards. Washington, Vermont and Montana, where the Supreme New Jersey Legislature right now. Court of Montana allows a doctor, if prosecuted or sued IN COLORADO for assisting in a suicide, to raise the defense that a Pro-life Americans must be on their toes to stem the tide Proposition 106 in Colorado passed by an person consented. of assisted suicide. overwhelming 64.6 percent of the vote on Nov. 8, overturning the trend of defeating assisted suicide at the IN WASHINGTON, D.C. ballot box. In 2012, Louisiana Right to Life participated The District of Columbia’s City Council took preliminary “But we worry … that Proposition 106 would in efforts to defeat assisted suicide at the voting booth steps in early November to legalize assisted suicide. entice insurers to drop expensive treatments for in Massachusetts, where it failed by 51.9 percent of the Unless its mayor vetoes a coming vote, which is unlikely, terminal patients even when medical advances vote. D.C. will soon join these other states. might add months or years more to a life that a patient may wish to take.” Voters approved assisted suicide in Colorado even after MORE ON THE HORIZON the Denver Post announced its opposition, concluding The main organization pushing assisted suicide, - Denver Post’s Editorial Against Assisted Suicide, that the measure lacked “proper safeguards.” Compassion and Choices (formerly the Hemlock Society), has already set its sights on Hawaii, New York, Oct. 11, 2016

Pg 6 | The Luminary: A Publication of Louisiana Right to Life By Alex Lucas Loyola Students for Life Leader

L: Alex Lucas with Governor ; R: Alex Lucas (center) testifying before the Health and Welfare Committee My Journey to Becoming A Pro-Life Activist

In April 2015, at the end of my junior year at Brother Martin High School, God denied a Cemetery of the Unborn, featuring 3,600 flags, representing the number of lives lost one of my greatest wishes, to be an officer in the school’s chorus and drama clubs. I to abortion daily. I also planned a pro-life flagpole memorial service, which we held in have been a performer since I was in second grade, having performed in nearly 30 front of the cemetery in memoriam of the unborn. musicals and in countless other choirs and events. So when I did not win a position in either club, I was devastated. Last January I went to Washington, D.C. for my first March for Life. The historic blizzard forced the NOLA marchers to return home early, but before we left we attended Geaux A month earlier my religion teacher advertised this educational pro-life camp, at the Forth, a rally for all Louisiana marchers, and I had the honor and privilege of speaking time called Camp Joshua. So when I lost those positions I thought to myself, “Well, I to more than 1,000 students. When we got home, exhausted and disappointed, a have absolutely nothing to lose. I might as well go.” And so I did, and it changed my small group of us went to the Baton Rouge Life March, where I was able to help carry life forever. I will never again be able to view human life the same way, especially not the leading banner. in the case of the innocent, unborn child, due to the highly informative and educational weekend of speakers and workshops. Armed with this new knowledge, I was inspired I continued participating in pro-life events during my senior year, even assisting with and impassioned to take action, and my pro-life journey began. the Door Hanger Campaign to end the barbaric practice of dismemberment abortion in our state. But one of my proudest accomplishments came on April 20, 2016, Pro-Life I was without a leadership position for my senior year, but I was determined to find a Day at the Capitol, when I became the first high school student in Louisiana history to club I was passionate about to lead, and Crusaders For Life, our campus pro-life club, testify in the Louisiana Health and Welfare Committee on a pro-life bill. I testified on HB provided me with the perfect opportunity. I focused my time and energy on pro-life 606, which defunded abortion providers in our state. HB 606 was eventually passed, events. and last summer, while at the Capitol for a counter protest against Planned Parenthood, I had the unique opportunity to witness Gov. John Bel Edwards sign this bill into law. That summer I planned a Day of Prayer at the now defunct Causeway Medical Center abortion facility. I contacted area Catholic high schools and Catholic Youth I’m now a freshman at Loyola University, and several of us have re-established the Organizations to take hour-long time slots for this day in early June. By the end of the Loyola Students for Life Club, absent since 2007. We have about 40 people interested day I was successful in drawing more than 30 others to pray with me, and the Clarion in joining, have already attended several pro-life events, and are currently in the Herald, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, did a story on process of becoming an official club. Being pro-life in college is difficult, especially at the event. That same month I was contacted by St. Charles Ave. Magazine and was the extremely liberal Loyola, but despite the difficulties, we are proud to be voices for named the 2015 Student Activist of the Year. life and truth on our campus.

That summer I immersed myself in the pro-life movement, attending many rallies, the I’ve been truly blessed to become a leader in the pro-life movement, despite its Joshua Leadership Institute week, and even the National Right to Life Convention, held difficulties. I treasure every single experience and relationship that I have formed here in New Orleans. When the Center For Medical Progress videos exposing Planned through this work and look forward to continuing this work for years to come. Parenthood’s sale of fetal body parts broke in August 2015, that only added to my motivation to help.

I began my senior year that month and worked on bringing pro-life awareness and events to my campus, often being taunted or marginalized as the “obsessed, pro-life kid.” I did not care what they were saying though, because I knew what I Alex Lucas, front, and other was doing was right and just. That year, with the support of several teachers and students stage a counter other pro-life students, our club hosted a meeting of all area high school pro-life clubs, protest against Planned participated in the 40 Days For Life prayer campaign, planned a schoolwide assembly Parenthood on the steps of on pro-life issues, ran a precious feet pin campaign for Respect Life Month, and set up the state Capitol.

Pro-Life Persuasion Tip: Answering Relativistic Objections and Responses

In the last issue we discussed the arbitrary difference between the Alive, Distinct, Human being and the human “person,” using the SLED test. If you discriminate against a slave, but don’t stop me from owning a slave,” or use other serious modern issues such the unborn person simply because of size and appearance, level of development, as human trafficking or child abuse. Ask the person if they are fine with this statement. environment, or degree of dependency, then you must be consistent across all stages of If they are not, it shows that they are, again, placing a different standard on the unborn human life! and considering them to be without value and less than human. This helps you refocus on discussing the humanity of the unborn and trotting out the toddler. However, regardless of the science, logic, and philosophy you use to defend your position, it is very common for your reputation and character to be personally attacked. While similarly using other human rights issues, consider informing the debater about what your local crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life organizations actually do in Have you ever heard these objections? abundance for the physical and mental well being of mothers and their children in crisis • “If you don’t like abortion, don’t have one.” situations! • “It is hypocritical for you to oppose abortion unless you are willing to care for the woman and her (unwanted) child.” If presented with the “personally opposed” situation, ask the person a simple question: “Why are you personally opposed to abortion?” If they say they oppose abortion • “I’m personally opposed to abortion, but I don’t believe you should impose your view because it kills an unborn child, repeat the statement back to them: “So you actually on others.” believe abortion takes the life of an unborn child, but you are OK with people being allowed to kill their unborn children?” These objections are relativistic and “ad-hominem” arguments. “Ad-hominem” is a logical fallacy that translates as “to the man,” meaning the debater is directing his Sometimes, people have never been directly challenged on their relative viewpoints, and rebuttal against your personal character in an attempt to discredit or undermine your that may be all it takes for someone to embrace the pro-life position! argument, rather than truly defend his own position. When a debater attacks you personally, just remember to pause, breathe, and then walk Simple responses to these objections are to change the issue at hand to one they will be them logically and compassionately through their thought process in order to get back on opposed to while using their phrasing. For example, “If you don’t like slavery, don’t own track with the real issue at hand.

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