May 2017 U.S. House passes American Health Care Act of 2017 Bill would prohibit federal taxpayer dollars from flowing to plans that cover elective and dramatically reduce taxpayer dollars to nation’s abortion giant

WASHINGTON – Seven Planned Parenthood Federation Committee (NRLC), the passage of the bill will be long years after President of America (PPFA). federation of state right-to-life included in NRLC’s scorecard Obama signed the sweeping In advance of the vote, organizations, advised House of key right-to-life votes. abortion-expanding “Patient the National Right to Life members that the roll call on The NRLC letter states: “As Protection and Affordable Care enacted, the PPACA contains Act” (PPACA), the U.S. House multiple provisions authorizing of Representatives has passed federal subsidies for abortion, the American Health Care Act and abortion-expanding of 2017 (H.R. 1628), 217-213. regulatory mandates. A 2014 The House took this critical first GAO report revealed that over step towards protecting life by, 1,000 federally subsidized among other things, restoring plans nationwide were covering the longstanding principles elective abortion. The American of the Hyde Amendment with Health Care Act would repeal respect to federally funded the provisions of law that health coverage, and blocking, for one year, most federal See “Passes,” page 23 payments to affiliates of National Right to Life heralds Trump Administration’s modernization of pro-life foreign aid policy

WASHINGTON – The Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life Committee the National Right to Life (NRLC) commended the Trump Committee, the federation of Administration for announcing state right-to-life organizations, an expanded policy named said, “Under the Obama Promoting Life in Global Health Administration, the U.S. Assistance, which will apply foreign aid program was pro-life conditions to a broad hijacked to promote abortion range of health-related U.S. worldwide. We commend foreign aid – a policy signaled in President Trump and his a January presidential order and explained in more detail by the See “Foreign Aid,” page 40 President Donald Trump holds up his Memorandum reinstating the State Department Monday. after signing it in the Oval Office. (CBS/AP) Editorials PPFA looking for new language to cloak, conceal, and camouflage their radical agenda

Every once in a while, an article in a pro-abortion publication fills in details on developments that took place a while back. By fleshing out the thinking that went into the decision, pro-lifers can better understand the strategy of our benighted opposition, particularly Planned Parenthood. Enter “Why Planned Parenthood Is Ditching The ‘Pro-Choice’ Label, According to Cecile Richards,” which appeared last week in a publication called Bustle. Just to be clear--which the headline is not--Richards and her organization “ditched” the “pro-choice” label several years ago. In the interview with Chris Tognotti, Richards (PPFA’s CEO) goes into some detail why the pro-choice canard bit the dust, starting in 2013. Richards’ explanation is absolutely fascinating and hugely revealing. Tognotti first paraphrases Richards: “Planned Parenthood has been evolving its expression of long-standing ideals on to suit the times, in part because of young peoples’ resistance to such black-and-white labels.” Then to Richards in her own voice: “I think the language is completely outdated, and in Cecile Richards fact, we found by talking to younger people that they President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America are so against being labeled in any way,” Richards says. “And I think in some ways the ‘pro-choice versus their own decisions about their pregnancy without the pro-life’ labels miss the point here. Because abortion interference of politicians ... [or] members of Congress and pregnancy — these are deeply personal issues that who aren’t in their situation and can’t appreciate what most women will have to think about or deal with in they’re dealing with.” their lifetime, and what the vast majority of people in this country believe is, women need to be able to make See “PPFA,” page 26 The May NRL News: a potpourri of riveting, uplifting stories to share with pro-life friends

True story. Honestly. I received a call last week from someone with anomalies, and the medically vulnerable elderly. Back to the I’ve known for years who runs a very effective state right to May issue… life organization. Her praise for last month’s digital edition of While we could have printed ten articles, instead we post four NRL News was so effusive I was embarrassed. But the comment about the Democratic Party’s headlong rush into political oblivion that stuck with me was, “What can I do share this wealth of Some, like Independent Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders who knowledge?” caucuses with the Democrats, occasionally like to pretend their Before we talk about just a few of the many stories in a terrific tent is large enough to include a stray pro-life Democrat or two. May edition, let me just implore you to use your social media When they do, NARAL goes ballistic, Democrats pledge their outlets to spread the word. When we went from publishing a undying allegiance to abortion on demand, and securely fold the newspaper on newsprint to publishing a digital version of the “pro- flap. life newspaper of record,” even an old ink-stained wretch like me No doubt the likes of Sanders are saying to themselves, “Doesn’t understood the change meant we could move every byte in our 41 NARAL understand the only kind of ‘pro-life’ Democrat we’d page edition instantaneously worldwide to anyone with a desktop ever support is someone like Pennsylvania Senator Robert Casey, computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Jr., who rarely, if ever allows, his ‘personal opposition’ to abortion Which means you can forward selected stories or the entire to affect this vote?” issue. And I hope you do because there is a great deal in the issue that is pertinent to our battles on behalf of the unborn, babies born See “NRL News,” page 26 From the President Carol Tobias

Recognizing Special Women

Hopefully, we love and appreciate our is a day of intense sadness and deep regret. mothers every day of the year but the We pray for them and renew our efforts to second Sunday in May is set aside as that help those hurting from that irreversible day to pay special tribute to these women decision. who did so much for us and who gave so Then there are the women who may have much of themselves to help us grow. been “like a mother” to you. It may be a For those of us active in the right-to- grandmother, big sister, or aunt who stepped “My mother was the most beautiful life movement, we recognize that there in when your mother couldn’t. It may be a woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my are different kinds of mothers. Many gave neighbor or special lady from church, or mother. I attribute my success in life to the birth to their children and raised them, maybe a teacher, that helped to guide you moral, intellectual and physical education or are raising them, to adulthood. Some and support you along the way. I received from her.” —George Washington mothers were unable or unwilling to take We honor and thank all the women who on the responsibility of raising a child have played a part in loving children; for All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe and selflessly gave up their child through molding them into the persons they are to my angel mother.” —Abraham Lincoln adoption, allowing someone else the today. Almost 70 years ago, country artist opportunity to be a mother, to love and raise Eddy Arnold made famous a song that paid From the beginning of time, mothers have the child. special tribute to mothers for all they do. held a special place in our hearts. Mothers In the midst of all the special attention love us and take care of us; they nurture us rightfully given to mothers on Mother’s M-O-T-H-E-R and teach us right from wrong. Mothers Day, we also acknowledge those women M is for the million things she gave me give us advice and counsel; they encourage who at some time in their lives tragically O means only that she's growing old us and push us to pursue our dreams. had an abortion. For many, Mother’s Day T is for the tears she shed to save me H is for her heart of purest gold E is for her eyes with love-light shining R means right and right she'll always be

Put them all together they spell mother A word that means the world to me

M is for the mercy she possesses O means that I owe her all I own T is for her tender sweet caresses H is for her hands that made a home E means everything she's done to help me R means real and regular you see

Put them all together they spell mother A word that means the world to me

Motherhood is an amazing vocation with a lasting impact for many years to come. As 19th century poet Robert Browning summarized it, “Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” Happy Mother’s Day! 4 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Mothers’ Day is for the moms who are hurting, too

Our celebration of Mothers’ model laws that give women babies to dismemberment from post-abortion syndrome, Day this week speaks to the the right to know information abortion bans, and many or even from the emotional loss deep respect we all have about fetal development, and other legal protections – we of a baby through abortion, you for the love and sacrifice of about help and alternatives have dramatically reduced the know it is one of the additional women who give so much of terrible tragedies of the injustice themselves to raise and care of abortion. for children, the future of our Anything we can do to prevent world. an abortion, and to prevent the We can’t ever forget all that suffering a mother might face, they give. is certainly doing God’s work. But sadly, our society often Please consider ways you forgets – even sweeps under might be able to help both that the rug – the suffering of so unborn child and his or her many women who have been mother. You can join a local victimized by the lies of the Right to Life chapter to help abortion industry. These spread the truth about fetal women were convinced by development and help that’s those lies that their unborn available to women in need. babies were nothing more You can advocate with than a “glob of cells,” or “just your state and national tissue,” so they had . representatives to pass life- Finding out the truth about saving laws that reduce the the development of their number of abortions, and the babies, sometimes years later, number of women hurt by has led many to the deepest abortion. pain and regret – and no help Just as important, you can whatsoever from the industry support National Right to that gladly took their money for Life’s efforts in these life- an abortion, and then walked saving areas. The laws we’ve away. passed have greatly reduced National Right to Life has the number of abortions in this done more to prevent that country. And the education we tragic suffering than any other available to them before they number of women who only do helps women see that there organization. have an abortion. too late find out that what are better outcomes for them We’ve done so through And through another set Planned Parenthood calls a and their unborn babies. pro-life education that does of our model state laws that “glob of cells” is in reality a Please help today by making everything it can to get give women the right to see living, growing child deserving a generous contribution to our women the facts about fetal ultrasound images of their of protection. vital work. Your support will development before Planned babies before an abortion. And that has prevented untold not only be deeply appreciated, Parenthood and other abortion In fact, through all of our emotional suffering for so many but might help save a life . . . advocates can. laws that reduce the number mothers. and make a mother’s life so We’ve done it through of abortions – from bans on If you’ve ever known much better! National Right to Life-inspired abortions of pain-capable someone who has truly suffered 5 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Baby born with only a fifth of his brain an inspiration to parents and all who learn about “Jaxon Strong” Dad to speak at NRL Convention 2017 By Dave Andrusko

“Once Brittany and I was born with a brain just one They tell us in the Introduction, doctors flatly told them their took our baby home, fifth of the size of a typical the book is written “to answer son would die very, very soon we stopped asking God brain? (The technical term is all the questions and comments after birth. to heal Jaxon, and we microhydranencephaly.) we haven’t been able to respond Very quickly the Buells faced started thanking God Everything. Let me explain. to…and perhaps a few that a crossroads. They could stay for making him just The Buells have a Facebook haven’t been asked yet.” mentally prepared for his death the way he is. Now we page they call “Jaxon Strong.” Weaved through the book, “or we could focus on his life see Jaxon as perfect.” while hoping and praying — From “Don’t Blink,” for the best.” They decided by Brandon and Brittany to “focus on the business of Buell. living.” The book can only be We like to use NRL News understood through the lens Today to remind you each and of faith–the Buells are devout every week of the upcoming Christians–and by grasping NRL Convention in Milwaukee their bedrock principle that June 29-July 1. Believe it or not, every life matters and that it’s just a little over six weeks Jaxon was not a “mistake.” before you will be entertained, “Within a few weeks,” educated, and motivated by Ben Mrs. Buell writes, “I began to Shapiro, our opening speaker. see–and trust–that God had a (See nrlconvention.com for purpose for Jaxon’s life. And if registration information.) Jaxon died, God would have a I’d to use this post to talk reason for that, too. God loves about a workshop which, if it is those who bear His image, even 1/20th as good as the book co- the smallest and most helpless written by one of the workshop among us, and His purposes speakers, will be one you will are often hidden from earthly not want to miss. eyes.” The title of the book, written For people who will find it a by Brandon & Brittany Beull, is mystery why a couple would “Don’t Blink.” Fans of Kenny center their lives around a Chesney will recognize that as little boy with such severe the title of one of his songs. In it limitations–in a word skeptics– a man who has just turned 102 this book offers memorable is asked, “What’s the secret to answers on many levels. life,” and answers, Don’t Blink. Brandon and Jaxon Buell For example, near the Through his song, Kenny beginning, they write, “Most is wisely advising us to slow As of this morning it has over from the first page to the last, is of all we’re writing in the hope down, to realize that our 420,000 “likes.” They post a gentle acknowledgement that that our joy can splash from children are children for what everyday pictures to remind while many will understand these pages into your life. We will seem like just a blink of an their followers and partners, why they didn’t just “let Jaxon adore our son, and we celebrate eye and just as fast our better “We’re an ordinary family with go,” many more probably him for being the marvel and half will have been the love of an extraordinary son, and we’re won’t. After all, once an inspiration he is.” our life for 50 years. doing our best with what we’ve (incorrect) prenatal diagnosis of What can that possibly have been given.” spinal bifida was made, doctors to do with Jaxon, a little boy, Together they have formed advised them repeatedly of the See “Jaxon,” page 17 now a little over two years old, what is, in every sense of the possibility of aborting. Then an almost-medical miracle who term an interactive community. (with even more certainty) 6 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org The importance of “you can tell me anything” when a woman is facing a crisis pregnancy By Dave Andrusko

Last week we reposted a Just a quick reminder of (understandably) “what if I’m Your parents might be terrific story that appeared at the plot. Daisy had a brief not up to the job?,” Elizabeth shocked, but you are Newsbusters– “CBS’s ‘Madam affair with Joe Garcia, a CIA reassures her in a sincere voice literally the light of Secretary’ Surprises With operative who was killed that Daisy is strong–“You are their lives and they’ll Pro-Life, Pro-Motherhood and now discovers that she is one of the strongest women get over it. And Joe’s Message.” pregnant. Daisy’s folks, she I have ever met. Even if you parents raised a hero, Dawn Slusher did a wonderful tells Elizabeth, are “church don’t feel like it right now so, really, how bad can job in talking about the May 7 people. This isn’t exactly ’cause you’re drowning in a sea they be? Then you got episode, “The Seventh Floor.” I what they had envisioned for of hormones.” all of us here. God help would like to revisit the actual me” and the baby’s father’s Later Daisy says, “Guess you [a joke]. scene from Madam Secretary parents know nothing about I always thought that I may and discuss briefly why it is Daisy or the baby. have to do it alone, but not The entire exchange is only a few minutes long and ends with this: Daisy: Thanks.

Elizabeth: It’s a beautiful world, Daisy. And the best ride is just about to start.

What has Daisy learned–or been reminded of? At this time when she is “all emotional,” and “having a breakdown in front of my boss,” she has emotional resources she may have forgotten; that any parent’s first responsibility is to protect the child who did not will him or herself into existence; that she very, very powerful and what First and foremost, Elizabeth like alone-alone.” What is she is not in this alone–in addition it tells us about helping women McCord’s voice is bathed in really saying? Do I have to do to her family and the family of find a life-affirming response to understanding and affirmation. this alone? the baby’s father, Daisy has her a crisis pregnancy. Where Daisy might have To which Elizabeth (a family at her job at the State They are called actors and expected, at a minimum, a mother of three herself) Department; and that for all the actresses for a reason. You lecture from her boss, when responds, “Yeah. [Then a challenges that will undoubtedly have to watch and listen to she asks if she “can tell you pause.] You know, maybe arise, “the best ride is just about Secretary Elizabeth McCord something?,” Elizabeth quietly every mother feels that way, to start.” (Tea Leoni) reassure a responds, “You can tell me no matter who’s in their life. Rarely do you see (as Dawn panicky and newly pregnant anything.” I mean, at the end of the day, Slusher put it) “an encouraging Daisy Grant (Patina Miller) to The importance of her it’s just you and the baby pro-life, pro-motherhood appreciate how it’s not just the willingness to listen, be non- and… It’s my job to protect speech” in any of pro-abortion words but the feelings behind judgmental, and shore up Daisy him. Or her.” tripe that comes out of them that are so helpful to cannot be overstated. But Elizabeth reminds Daisy Hollywood. But this is episode Daisy. When Daisy wonders she is not alone. is that rarity. 7 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Ohio Bill Would Ban Dismemberment Abortions that tear living Babies Limb From Limb

Editor’s note. The following abortions of living unborn director of Ohio Right to Life. Lehner, Lou Terhar, Bob is excerpted from a post babies, a procedure in which “This law is all about shining a Hackett, Joe Uecker, Kris distributed by Ohio Right to the abortionist first dilates the light on the brutality of a very Jordan, Frank LaRose, and Life, NRLC’s state affiliate. woman’s cervix and then uses common abortion procedure Jay Hottinger. Seven states steel instruments to dismember that is happening in facilities have passed dismemberment Ohio’s Dismemberment and extract the baby, piece across this state and country. … abortion bans since 2015. Abortion Ban (S.B. 145) has by piece. The D&E abortion Former and current abortionists Ohio Right to Life asks its been introduced in the Ohio procedure is usually performed have testified to the brutal members to send a letter of Senate by pro-life Senators between thirteen and twenty- nature of this procedure. It is support to their state senators Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and four weeks LMP. incumbent on the State of Ohio using its Legislative Action Steve Wilson (R-Maineville). “The Dismemberment to draw the line against this Center at ohiolife.org. The legislation, which has Abortion Ban is a game- barbaric practice.” seven co-sponsors, would changer in the ,” The legislation is being co- prohibit said Devin Scribner, executive sponsored by Senators Peggy 8 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Indiana AG Appeals Ultrasound Ruling, Defends Dignity for Unborn Law Pro-life Community Pleased Common Sense Law Is Being Defended

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana sponsors wrote unborn. Our intend activist judges anytime they Attorney General Curtis Hill It is our belief that with HEA 1337 was to find an they don’t has appealed Federal Judge the State of Indiana ensure that Indiana’s like.” Tanya Pratt’s March 31 ruling plays a pivotal role policy is to value life Judge Pratt has a history in which she granted an no matter who you are, of siding with the abortion injunction against the 18-hour where you come from, industry. Before the 2016 ban ultrasound requirement in the or what your disability on abortion for the sole reason “Dignity for the Unborn law” may be; so to have of the child’s sex, race, national [HEA 1337]. that belief labeled as origin or a potential disability Indiana has long required that an “undue burden” is could go into effect, Pratt sided an ultrasound be done before disheartening to state with Planned Parenthood and an abortion. But in 2016 the the least. the American Civil Liberties law was updated to require Furthermore, to Union and blocked the law. that the ultrasound be done have the court insist When Planned Parenthood at least 18-hours before the that mothers who are filed a lawsuit against the abortion. Women are already about to make this 18-hour ultrasound law, it required to received informed life-altering decision admitted it only had ultrasound consent information at least do so without the full machines at four of its then- 18-hours prior to an abortion, amount of information 23 locations around the state. so this change aligned the two possible is worrisome, In contrast, there are more requirements into the same given that the use than 50 ultrasound machines time frame. of ultrasounds is at pregnancy resource centers Planned Parenthood of standard procedure for around the state providing free Indiana and Kentucky sued expectant mothers. services to pregnant women. the state over the ultrasound The ultrasound machines at provision and Judge Pratt “The pro-life community pregnancy resource centers granted their request. Indiana Attorney General is pleased Attorney General have been purchased by gifts Curtis Hill Last month, the co-authors Hill is defending our state’s from thousands of Hoosiers and sponsors of the Dignity for common sense ultrasound law,” who care deeply about women the Unborn law urged Hill to in protecting and said Mike Fichter, President and their health, and who appeal Pratt’s ultrasound ruling preserving all life by and CEO of Indiana Right to believe women deserve to in a letter. upholding the dignity Life. “It’s disappointing that be truly informed about their In the letter to the AG, the and humanity of the Planned Parenthood turns to pregnancies. 9 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Baltimore Pregnancy Center to Save Babies Right Next Door to Busy Planned Parenthood By Jay Hobbs It’s a strategic goal of most at least the end of 2017, adding Mississippi, Florida, San Diego, abortions or , the pro-life pregnancy centers to to a current client load of 1,200 New Orleans and Kansas. center took legal action against locate as closely as they can women each year. Another pro-life organization is the mayor and city council, to an abortion provider, giving At three stories, the space will in the process of relocating next stopping the law from taking a woman considering abortion be larger than what the center to an in Raleigh, effect and kick-starting a legal one last chance to make a needs to serve its own clients, so N.C. as well. process that is still ongoing. choice for life. the hope is to use the additional Gaines said his strategy for In spite of the abortion lobby’s So, when a sidewalk space to welcome in other relaying the news to people for failure to make the law stick in counselor praying in front of tenants with complimentary the first time boils down to a Baltimore—costing taxpayers a large Planned Parenthood in missions that include adoption, formula so simple it may not be $330,000 at the county level, in downtown Baltimore noticed a addition to legal fees—similar “For Sale” sign on the office next legislation has been adopted at door in January, he called Greater the state level in a California Baltimore Center for Pregnancy law that is likely headed to the Concerns with an offer. Supreme Court. He would purchase the space Hawaii, meanwhile, is poised outright, giving the center its to enact a law that mirrors fifth location—and first next the California legislation, door to an abortion business. while Illinois adopted a 2016 After a walk-through of the change to its Healthcare premises, however, the center Right of Conscience Act that did the unthinkable and turned would force pro-life medical down his offer. The price tag to professionals—including those renovate the three-story facility at pregnancy centers—to refer into anything remotely useful their patients for abortions was too steep to move forward. and counsel them as to the Two days later, another man post-abortive healing and found in most fundraising how- “benefits” of the procedure. called. He too was a volunteer community resources. to books. “It’s incredible to watch sidewalk counselor in front of Founded in 1980 as one of “I say, ‘God has really done how God works even through the Planned Parenthood, and, the very first urban pregnancy something unique recently and I the designs of those who hearing that the center had centers in the nation, the want to show it to you,’” Gaines oppose the life-saving work of turned down the first man’s center’s new location next said. “I don’t tell them what it’s pregnancy help centers,” Jor-El proposal, he offered to cover door to Planned Parenthood about, I just tell them to look up Godsey, president of Heartbeat the remaining costs. is just around the corner from Google and put in the address International—a worldwide Soon, a third man contacted another first—the Basilica of 328 North Howard St., network of 2,100 affiliates, Carol Clews, the organization’s of the National Shrine of the Baltimore. It’s just shock and including Baltimore Center for executive director, volunteering Assumption of the Blessed awe when I show that to folks, Pregnancy Concerns—said. his services as an architect at no Virgin Mary, the first Catholic but that’s where we’ll be.” “We expect to be opposed in cost. cathedral built in the U.S. While the new location this work, so it’s encouraging “Out of a clear blue sky, God “Our community is so marks a new chapter at Greater to see God’s people so richly shot his lightning bolt right next excited,” Clews said. “They Baltimore Center for Pregnancy bless his people after they’ve door to Planned Parenthood,” feel so strongly that this is of Concerns, the center is already remained steadfast in an Robert Gaines, the center’s the Lord that they just can’t a known entity to the national especially difficult season. director of development said. stand it. From parish priests to abortion lobby—which knows “Most importantly, we look “It became clear after that ministers of churches, to people its bottom line is more and forward to the good reports of second offer that God was on on our donor lists, to people more in jeopardy with every lives saved from the violence the move. And he absolutely we see at various meetings, pro-life center that opens near of abortion right next door wanted to place us there, so we everybody is just awestruck.” an abortion business. to Planned Parenthood in reconsidered.” When the new location opens When the city of Baltimore Baltimore.” With the office space in need up, it will join a growing number imposed a city ordinance on of a full gut and remodel, of ultrasound-equipped centers pro-life centers in 2010, forcing Editor’s note. This appeared Clews and Gaines say they next door to abortion businesses, them to post signage saying at Pregnancy Help News and is hope to start serving clients by including those in Philadelphia, they did not offer or refer for reposted with permission. 10 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pope John Paul: A Great Man Who Could Have Been Aborted By Maria Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

A champion of life—that title was at risk even before he was But Emilia proved the doctor His absence would have expertly captures the work and born. Kengor points to a report wrong. She came through created a vacuum that no one legacy of Pope John Paul II. that the Pope’s mother “was the pregnancy and childbirth else could fill—because no one More than a decade after his in such precarious health that and delivered a baby Kengor else was quite like him. death, the author of Evangelium her doctor advised her not to described as “healthy and And therein lies one of the Vitae (The Gospel of Life) continue her pregnancy.” strong as an ox.” Emilia great tragedies of abortion. It remains one of the greatest heroes of the pro-life movement, respected by people of all faiths and all walks of life. The story of Pope John Paul II’s life is filled with suspense, heroism, and intrigue. What is particularly striking is the number of times during the course of his long life, he escaped death. His life hung in the balance when he was hit by a vehicle in his youth. His life was certainly at risk when the Nazis invaded Poland. In 1981, after assuming the Papacy, he nearly died from an assassin’s bullet. In the new book The Pope and the President, author Paul Kengor paints an intriguing portrait of the lives of pro- life stalwarts Pope John Paul II [Karol Jozef Wojtyla] and President Ronald Reagan. The two have been credited with playing key roles in the Pope John Paul II breaking down of the Berlin Wall, a long-standing symbol According to Kengor’s predicted that Karol Józef creates a dark abyss where our of Communism. The two also account, the doctor told Emilia Wojtyła, who would become heroes might have stood. shared a passion for defending Wojtyla, “You have to have John Paul, would be “a great With the birth of Karol innocent human life and played an abortion.” The physician’s man someday.” Wojtyla, history changed—so hugely instrumental roles rationale was that Emilia’s life A great man who could have very, very much for the better. in combating what the Pope was at stake and that she should easily lost his life to abortion. May all of us, of all faith memorably described as a abort her child to preserve it. Ponder for a minute how traditions, live out his legacy “culture of death.” The Vatican Insider said of the different the world might be by defending mothers and their The Pope and the President incident, “John Paul II was in had this champion of life never children from the scourge of notes that the future Pope’s life danger of not being born.” entered into it. abortion. 11 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Younger Evangelical Protestants just as staunchly pro-life as Older Evangelical Protestants By Dave Andrusko When you read Pew Research It’s whether you can live with polls on anything having to do millions of unborn children with our issues, you have to dying because the Supreme read very, very, very carefully– Court gutted the abortion laws and all the way to the end. And of all 50 states. that includes an analysis posted Notice how firmly younger yesterday under the headline, Evangelicals are in their “Though still conservative, defense of unborn children. young evangelicals are more Even though the wording is liberal than their elders on designed to get the fewest some issues.” responses (anytime you In one sense this is old news talking about making anything times ten. Millennials take more “illegal,” the positive numbers “liberal” stances on a number go down), almost two- of issues, reflecting changes in thirds (63%) of Millennial attitudes in the wider culture. Evangelical Protestants Before we get to abortion, it’s agree that “abortion should worth noting, however, that not be illegal in all/most cases.” until the very last paragraph do And the different with Older you learn, “And while younger Evangelical Protestants is evangelical Protestants are miniscule–66% agreement less conservative than older compared to 63%. evangelicals in several areas, Or, to quote directly they remain more conservative from Pew, “And there is no than their generational peers in statistically significant gap their attitudes regarding all the at all in the abortion views of issues above.” older and younger evangelicals: But more importantly, the Millennial evangelicals are other “surprising” result is a just as likely as their older surprise only to those who do counterparts to say abortion not understand that abortion should be illegal in most or all is different from all the other cases (65% versus 63%).” hot-button issues of our day. Good news. 12 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Study claims waiting period laws don’t work even though minds are changed and lives saved By Randall K. O’Bannon, Ph.D. NRL Director of Education & Research America’s abortion research clinic complete a survey being touted are of those who Despite the fact that the academy—UCSF (University indicating their “certainty” were still available, still open reality of abortion’s detrimental of California, San Francisco)— about their abortion decision. to researchers after that first physical and psychological has produced another study Three weeks later, researchers visit where they received the effects is well documented, claiming that yet another sought to conduct phone state mandated right to know researchers made awareness category of pro-life legislation interviews with those same information. We don’t know of or belief in such things an is ineffective, or even has women to determine what how many of these missing indicator of a woman not being harmful consequences. This they had done, whether there women chose not to have well grounded in her decision. time, according to authors The study doesn’t directly say Sarah Roberts, Elise Belusa, how this “lack of knowledge” Sarah Combellick, Lauren impacted a woman’s decision, Ralph, and David K. Turok, the or whether there was anything offending law is Utah’s 72 hour said or done in the initial survey waiting period. or in the counseling session to The law, researchers directly or subtly undermine acknowledged, “did not prevent these claims. most women who presented for However it does seem to information visits from having indicate that women who abortions” but had, they believed the researchers’ asserted, “burdened women version of risks (that abortion is with financial costs, logistical safer than childbirth, that there hassles and extended periods of are no special risks of breast dwelling on decisions they had cancer, infertility, depression, already made.” had been any changes in their abortions after getting the etc. associated with abortion) However, when UCSF “certainty,” and the factors they information and thinking about were much more likely to be conducted its three week may have affected that change. it for 72 hours. “certain” of their decisions followup, the data shows According to the study, 63% But it is not unreasonable after their “information visit.” something UCSF did not of patients reported no change to think that those who went No real surprise there. wish to highlight. There were in their “certainty” because of through with their abortions, Utah requires information women who did change their the information they received in whose minds were not on such risks, information minds about abortion after their initial visit. Seventy-four changed, may have been more about fetal development, their counseling sessions and percent said that the waiting likely to take a phone call and alternatives to abortion three-day wait, who were still period had no impact on their from the abortion researchers be included in its pamphlet. pregnant and no longer seeking “certainty.” conducting the study than those But if clinic staff echoed the abortion. The researchers also said who did not. research team in dismissing The study, “Do 72-Hour that of those changing, more It also is important to note that state information or minimizing Waiting Periods and Two-Visit reported increasing “certainty” these researchers were hardly or denying risks, it may have Requirements for Abortion than decreasing “certainty” neutral, objective observers. unjustifiably contributed to Affect women’s Certainty? A due to either their information They made it a point in their hardening their decisions. Prospective Cohort Study,” visit or their additional wait initial inquiry to determine Despite the pressure and appeared in the April 5, 2017 time. And most of the changes these women’s “abortion the sales pitches, there were edition of the journal Womens that occurred were among the knowledge.” How? By women who did change their Health Issues. Four of the 8% who had been “conflicted” checking to see whether or not minds. The UCSF team says five authors--Roberts, Belusa, about their decision at the they believed what researchers that 8% of the patients they Combellick, and Ralph--are beginning. called “common abortion interviewed told researchers of the Bixby Center at UCSF, A few important caveats myths” – that childbirth is safer the information session and the while the fifth--Turok-- is of are worth noting right off the than abortion, that abortion 72 hour wait period made them the University of Utah. bat. Not all 500 of the women causes depression, that abortion Researchers had 500 women completed the final survey – is linked to breast cancer, or See “Waiting,” page 32 who showed up for an initial just 309 did the follow up. infertility, or that most women appointment at an abortion This means that the results experience regret after abortion. 13 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org London parents file appeal in hospital battle to treat baby Charlie By Kathy Ostrowski, Legislative Director, Kansans for Life

Charlie Gard, who suffers Many thousands of well- unjustifiable. But it’s a logical to disclose any futility policies from a rare, life-limiting wishers on social media have outgrowth of the reality of upon request. chromosomal condition that encouraged his parents, and rationed care–particularly When the medical elite deem weakens his muscles, turned 9 pledged over $1.3 million in Britain with the National that certain patients should be months in the Great Ormond denied medical care, those Street Hospital (GOSH) of who object are considered as London. throwing a “monkey wrench” But the raging battle over in the system. Charlie’s treatment options–and whether parents’ attorney found an the government hospital service email from a doctor at GOSH has sole medical authority over who called the parents a those decisions–is far from ‘spanner in the works’ due over even though a High Court to their exploration of all ruling last month defends death medical options available for Charlie. internationally. His parents, Connie Yates GOSH asserts that further and Chris Gard, are devastated treatment would unnecessarily that their decision-making “prolong” Charlie’s suffering. rights over Charlie’s care In an interview on British ITV, have been crushed. They met Connie said: today’s deadline to file a legal “If there is no complaint to prevent Charlie improvement we will from being taken off life- let him go. We just support. According to Britain’s want to give him a The Sun, a new legal team chance. Charlie is still has been hired and made the strong and stable. He is required application. growing more beautiful No time line for court FEATUREWORLD by the day.” acceptance of the appeal has Charlie Gard’s parents released this new image of them beside their been announced. baby son in his hospital bed Appeal judges will be Chris and Connie have been considering whether Charlie’s constantly at Chris’s bedside at pounds (roughly $1.7 million Health Service–coupled with parents have a reasonable GOSH since October. Charlie dollars) to Charlie’s GoFundMe changes in medical ethics. chance of success before is believed to be one of only 16 account to cover expenses for It is sadly no longer the allowing a full appeal hearing known babies ever to have had the overseas trip. assumption that medical to be held. The Mail reported this mitochondrial-depletion Yet on April 11, the U.K. High facilities feel bound to sustain the couple’s new attorneys disease. Court ruled against the parents, a patient’s life. Instead, doctors may be looking at using His parents are being holding that GOSH could keep can delegate treatment as not to human rights laws to defend prevented from taking him Charlie, shut off his ventilator, be administered because it will their case. to the for an and allow the baby to “die with • not cure the underly- “Before he was hired, the innovative treatment called dignity” on the grounds that the ing disease; and /or couple’s new lawyer Charles nucleoside bypass therapy. proposed U.S. treatment could • not produce an “ac- da Silva wrote on his firm’s The treatment has not yet not “cure” him. ceptable” quality of Facebook page that the High been published, according to life. Court ruling ‘highlights that not Connie, but has shown success. FUTILITY JUDGMENTS Such care is alternatively only doctors but judges can get It involves administering The idea that any court called “non-beneficial,” it wrong too,” the Daily Mail natural compounds to remedy can deny parents the right “medically inappropriate,” or reported. the mitochondrial depletion to remove their son from a “futile.” A new law in Kansas, The world’s parents are syndrome Charlie suffers. hospital seems absurd and Simon’s Law, requires hospitals watching. Stay tuned. 14 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Georgia 6 special election, Omaha Mayoral election: Shaping the political narrative for 2018? By Karen Cross, National Right to Life Political Director The special election to replace supports using tax dollars to On May 25, a pro-life/pro- highlighted the problem pro-life Rep. Tom Price (R) pay for abortion. abortion contest will be held in Democrats have in insisting on in Georgia’s 6th congressional The abortion issue has and Montana to fill the at-large seat supporting only pro-abortion district is being lauded by many will continue to play a central formerly held by pro-life Rep. candidates, a problem that will as a bellwether race for the role in elections in 2017. The Ryan Zinke (R), who is now continue to cause them to lose 2018 elections. special election in Kansas’ 4th director of the Department of elections across the nation (see Eighteen candidates vied for congressional district won by the Interior. story page one). Price’s vacant seat. Because no pro-life Ron Estes was also a Greg Gianforte (R), who is Stothert defeated challenger candidate received more than clear-cut pro-life/pro-abortion pro-life and has been endorsed Heath Mello, who caved to 50% of the vote, a special runoff contest. by National Right to Life, pressure from pro-abortion will be held on June 20 between The National Right to Life will face musician Rob Quist Democratic leadership and now the top two: Karen Handel (R), supports abortion on demand. who is pro-life, and Jon Ossoff As reported in NRL News (D), who is not. Today, in April, Democratic The Georgia 6 special election National Committee Chairman has become the most expensive Tom Perez declared that the House race in political history. DNC would only support More than $30 million has candidates who support an been reportedly spent in the extreme abortion agenda of congressional race. abortion on demand. This Following the April 18 special position disregards pro-life election National Right to Life Democrats and the majority of endorsed Handel to replace Americans who do not support Rep. Tom Price who stepped unlimited abortion. down to become Secretary of “By forcing all Democrats Health and Human Services. to pledge fealty to the abortion Recent polling has Handel industry’s extreme agenda, with 49%, Ossoff with 47%, Tom Perez has completed the and 4% undecided. party’s transformation and The National Right to Life sent the message that pro- Victory Fund was actively life Democrats are no longer involved in the Georgia 6th welcome in their party,” said special election. Through Carol Tobias, National Right phone, email contacts, and to Life Committee president. social media, National Right to “With this pro-abortion litmus Life Victory Fund reached out Victory Fund phoned thousands (D), who supports unlimited test for Democratic candidates, to identified pro-life households of pro-life voters informing abortion. the Democratic Party will in the district encouraging them of the differences between Most recently, the Omaha continue to lose elections.” them to vote against Democrat the candidates, and posted mayor’s election, won by Look for election updates Ossoff, who supports a policy sharable graphics and articles National Right to Life-endorsed in future editions of www. of abortion on demand, and on social media as well. Republican Jean Stothert, nationalrighttolifenews.org. 15 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Miracle baby survives birth at 23 weeks, in tears, mom begs doctors to aggressively treat little Paige By Dave Andrusko

Whatever their positions said. “I was still a size suffering. But Paige was nothing if not on abortion, many British 12 and hadn’t had any “He told me my baby a fighter. She was transferred to newspapers are utterly morning sickness or only had a 25 per cent one hospital for specialty care fascinated by stories of cravings. I was totally chance of survival,” and over the course of more than premature babies who are born unprepared.” Zoe said. four months she was transferred on the cusp of when it would be “I couldn’t let my between several hospitals. legal to abort them (24 weeks). But just ten days later she little girl die without Paige was discharged on A recent example is Zoe started bleeding at work and a fight. I begged them December 16, 2015. Evans Ambrose and her daughter was rushed to the hospital to do everything they ends her story on this very Paige. Their story in incredible where she went into labor. And could to save her life encouraging note. and in the end they Today, the tot still agreed.” needs daily hormone treatment and has an (Later in the story, reporter underactive thyroid, Evans explains, “Lifesaving but she is regularly treatment is offered only checked over by if parents ask for it and doctors. the paediatrician feels it is “Paige will always appropriate.”) suffer with diabetes Ambrose’s labor lasted seven and tests for her eyes hours–“I was so worried she are ongoing, but she is wouldn’t survive. I prepared expected to live a long for the worst,” Ambrose told and full life,” Zoe said. Evans–before Paige was born “She is everything to at Dartford’s Darent Valley us and the thought that Hospital in Kent, England. when I first saw her Paige was, of course tiny she was as tiny as a £10 and “in her first few days, the note still amazes me. little girl had a hemorrhage “This year she is off in her lungs and a bleed on the oxygen. the brain. She was diagnosed “We didn’t know that

Born weighing a tiny 1lb 5oz, the little girl was smaller than a £10 note (Photo: SWNS.com) on multiple levels. then devastating news. Back in 2015, Ambrose was “I’d been in labour for an hour surprised to discover she was before a doctor told me they pregnant at all, much less 22 didn’t legally have to save my weeks along. baby because she was going to She told the Mirror be born before 24 weeks” and “It was only when had a small chance of survival, I moved house and she told The Mirror’s Sophie visited my new GP Evans. that I found out I The paediatrician was pregnant. I was apparently said the Little Paige is now enjoying life at her home in Greenhithe, Kent shocked.” hospital would not try (Photo: SWNS.com) Zoe said she was to save her daughter even more stunned to unless she “came out as partially sighted in one Paige was coming, but discover she was 22 trying to breathe.” eye and, at just three weeks now she’s here we are weeks along. But he said they old, had to undergo stomach so grateful for our little “It was crazy,” she would relieve any surgery.” miracle.” 16 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org The moral bankruptcy of saying the worth of a human being depend on the desires or decisions of others By Paul Stark, Communications Associate, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life A journalist once asked I submit the answer assertions, the value of an relating to human beings in Cecile Richards, president of depends an awful lot unborn child is determined by utero. Under Minnesota’s fetal Planned Parenthood Federation on the feeling of the factors external to that child. homicide law, for example, of America, when she thinks parents.” It is determined,in particular, “Whoever … causes the unborn children become by the desires or decisions of death of an unborn child with valuable. The late James McMahon, a someone else. Robert P. George premeditation and with intent “I think every woman has practitioner of second- and third- and Christopher Tollefsen to effect the death of the unborn to make her own decision,” trimester abortion, claimed that call this the “attribution child” is “guilty of murder of she said. “I’m the an unborn child in mother of three the first degree” children. For me, (Minnesota life began when Statutes 609.2661). I delivered them. But the law makes … But that was one exception (as my own personal, the U.S. Supreme that’s my own Court’s abortion personal decision.” rulings require): Richards could “‘Whoever’ does have argued that a not include the human embryo or pregnant woman” fetus doesn’t have (609.266). rights because of If a pregnant some characteristic woman wants the of the child (e.g., death of her unborn her immature child, then killing appearance, her is legal. If the dependency, her pregnant woman inability to perform doesn’t seek the sophisticated child’s death, then mental functions). killing her is an But Richards took act of unjustified a different tack. homicide. Legal She said the protection of that worth of the unborn human being is a “personal depends entirely decision” that on the desires of each pregnant woman makes. “the soul or personage comes view”: Rights are attributed or another person. It has nothing The lives of Richards’s own in when the fetus is accepted bestowed by others. to do with the child herself— children began when she by the mother.” Étienne-Émile It’s difficult to believe that it has only to do with how decided they did. Baulieu, a French doctor an idea like this is widely held. someone else feels about her. Many others have expressed a who developed the RU486 But the attribution view is at That’s the attribution view. So similar view. “I think [the status () abortion drug, work, implicitly, in the way what, exactly, is wrong with it? of the unborn is] up to each declares, “It is up to each person many people in our culture talk The attribution view individual to decide what they to define whether there is, or is about the unborn. If unborn completely misunderstands believe,” says Dawn Laguens, not, a person developing in the children are welcomed into life, what rights actually are. another Planned Parenthood uterus. The definition ... may they are called babies. If they executive. change for each pregnancy.” are the targets of abortion, they Then there s former MSNBC One Presbyterian minister are embryos, fetuses, “tissue,” host Melissa Harris-Perry who said, “I think someone becomes or “products of conception.” See “Bankruptcy,” page 23 asserts, a person when they are loved.” The attribution view also is “When does life begin? According to all of these enshrined in our current laws 17 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Sex-Selection abortion results in huge gender disparity in Canadian women born in India By Dave Andrusko

A study published in “The sex ratios are so Centre for Health Policy. boys is “counterintuitive,” he the Journal of Obstetrics distorted, they cannot be “Across the globe, by added. and Gynecology Canada explained by natural causes, comparison, the odds of having The study also found that the documents that for Indian Dr. Marcelo Urquia said,” a boy over a girl are slightly disparity is dramatically higher women migrating to Canada, a higher: 107 boys for every among women whose mother preference for boys over girls 100 girls,” Howlett explained. tongue was Punjabi: 240 boys does not diminish, regardless “The study builds on previous to 100 girls–almost 2 ½ to 1. of how long they have lived research led by Dr. Urquia that “The ratio of males to females in Canada, the Globe and Mail found a deficit in Canada of did not differ according to reported. more than 4,400 girls over two when women arrived in Researchers analyzed birth decades.” Canada,” Howell reported. records in Ontario hospitals of As you would expect, the women born in India who had chances of sex-selection delivered up to three live births abortion dramatically increase for the period between April in the second trimester 1993, and March 2014. They when the baby’s sex can be found that women having determined. their third child who already Dr. Marcelo Urquia Dr. Urquia told Howell, had two daughters were found “We know that the longer to have given birth to almost according to Karen Howlett. immigrants are in Canada, twice as many baby boys (192) Dr. Urquia, the lead author, the more likely they are to as baby girls (100), according is a research scientist at the align to the host country.” The to the newspaper. University of Manitoba’s “entrenched” preference for Baby born with only a fifth of his brain an inspiration to parents and all who learn about “Jaxon Strong” From page 5

A little further in Brandon for Jaxon.” Consequently summarize and recapitulate the the little things. Use writes, “Brittany and I used to they seize and cherish every lessons of Brandon, Brittany, your words carefully, see God as the heavenly healer. moment, remembering that and Jaxon we can apply to recognizing the power Now we see him as the author “Sometimes we grow immune our own lives and our own they wield. Savor of His perfect will.” Near the to the ordinary wonders of life.” difficulties. each day. Believe in end, he concludes, “I don’t Here are two of my favorite “Life will no doubt miracles. Remember know what the future holds for pearls of wisdom. Brittany throw you a curveball that you’re not alone in us, and I haven’t spent a lot of and Brandon don’t worry at some point, if it this. And always look time worrying about it.” about milestones Jaxon hasn’t hasn’t already. When up. For that’s where we When I finished “Don’t reached but the ones he has. that time comes, we find real strength.” Blink,” it occurred to me the Avoid the what-ifs. “But the hope you’ll be able to book is actually the Buells truth is, even if he didn’t have find inspiration from A tremendous book that will ministering to us. The lessons microhydraencephaly, we still Jaxon’s life. Trust be on sale at the convention. they have learned (first and wouldn’t have any guarantees. your gut. Embrace Please attend their workshop foremost “that God has a plan Life is a gift, but it’s an uncertain uncertainty. Live which is Saturday, July 1 from for his life, even if it’s one we gift. So all we can do is embrace the life you’ve been 1:15 – 2:30 pm. never could have imagined the beauty in the midst of the given, not the one You can register online for the ourselves”), they share with us. uncertainty, knowing that’s the you imagined. Know convention at nrlconvention. For example, they went from best groundwork for a miracle.” when it’s time to give com/register. being “needlessly busy to Near the end, and without and when it is time making every moment count being the least bit preachy, they to receive. Celebrate 18 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org NRL Convention 2017 provides an antidote to anti-life rhetoric regarding stem cells By David Prentice Stem cells. Those words can against those who are interested a young human life barely providing help to patients. conjure up many images for not in helping patients, but in started on its existence yet the Within the past year there those who hear them: cures, funding their laboratories and biological truth is clear: one of have been many advances death of young human beings, promoting their own careers. us. Gladly, people are not faced in adult stem cell science, millions and billions of taxpayer Embryonic stem cells with the choice of accepting or including new strategies and dollars, lab-coated scientists, continue to be portrayed by rejecting an unethically-derived advances using adult stem petri dishes, and patients with some scientists as the ultimate therapy. cells to treat stroke (even years serious conditions—waiting, stem cell therapy, despite the Adult stem cells have been after the stroke event), multiple hoping, disappointed, or treated. sclerosis (putting people into These varied and disparate remission, not just stopping images and thoughts come progression of the disease), not only because the science and improving repair of both of stem cells can be complex knee joints as well as damaged at times, but also because a hearts. People need to know the great deal of misinformation truth: adult stem cells provide has been, and continues to effective tissue repair, without be, pushed out in the public destroying the life of the stem realm. That misinformation cell donor (who is often, with often comes from scientists and adult stem cells, the patient politicians who hope to benefit himself!) from steering the public’s As a scientist, I am fascinated imagination--and dollars-- by the wondrous complexity toward themselves. continuing lack of evidence for making good on the empty and capabilities of adult stem The NRLC convention has their efficacy, whether it be the promises of embryonic stem cells, other natural progenitor been a welcome antidote to few patients who have received cells for decades, yet continue cells, and our human body. some of this anti-life rhetoric injections of embryonic to be ignored or defamed As a patient advocate, I am regarding stem cells, the stem cells, or in the many by proponents of embryo- heartened by the results seen different types of stem cells, lab mice and rats who have destructive research. Yet the not only in the laboratory but the real results especially with undergone embryonic stem cell facts bear out their real answer also in the clinic with ethical, respect to patient outcomes, experiments. Despite all of as “lifesaving” cell therapy. successful adult stem cells, and and the ethical questions that the promises about “lifesaving Over 1 ½ million people only wish for faster progress should be asked regarding any research” and the billions have been treated with adult and more resources to bring stem cell research. I enjoy of taxpayer dollars spent on stem cells, and their lives about more and improved adult discussing this topic of stem embryonic stem cells in the saved and health improved stem cell treatments, as well as cells every year, because there last two decades, there is still for dozens of diseases and increased accessibility to their are still many people, even not a single validated case of medical conditions. These are benefits. many medical professionals, “lifesaving” results with such real people and real benefits, Adult stem cells are the true who do not know the truth cells. and continued adult stem cell gold standard for stem cells about stem cells. Embryonic stem cells also research provides real hope when it comes to patients. And people do want to face an insurmountable barrier for more and more people. know the truth, about trends in for their acceptance by many Many of these adult stem cell Editor’s note. Dr. Prentice is research and about developing people: harvest of embryonic therapies are still experimental, Vice President and Research therapies for patients. They also stem cells requires the but they are validated in the Director of the Charlotte Lozier want to be armed with the facts destruction of a human embryo, published scientific literature as Institute. 19 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Dr. Joel Brind to update pro-lifers on latest developments on abortion and breast cancer at 2017 NRL Convention

Editor’s note. For the latest are less wealthy, less educated is, as it were, the last risk factor rate among eligible patients. information about the June women. standing to explain, in large part, While participation rates are 29-July 1 convention, go to This development in breast why breast cancer is a disease of usually high—over 90%–100% nrlconvention.com. cancer research provides the “higher” classes. is rather unheard of. independent support for the So what does this mean? Here’s Q: What have been the most ABC link from a completely Q: What new or additional my hypothesis . Considering prominent developments in the different approach than classical weaknesses have sprung up in how hard high quality medical ABC link in the year since you epidemiology: comparing case against the ABC Link? care is to come by for most last spoke at the National Right long-term trends among large Dr. Brind: I’m glad you women in the relatively non- to Life Convention? groups of women with different asked! Now here’s a surprise. affluent countries of South Dr. Brind: On the scientific characteristics. As your readers know one Asia, breast cancer patients front, the most prominent would To some extent, there is a of the primary defenses used may be concerned that by not certainly be the new systematic to dismiss the reality of the participating it may negatively review and meta-analysis on ABC link is something called impact their treatment. Hence, the ABC link in South Asia “response bias.” The reason there may be some subtle form (Indian subcontinent) that we there appears to be more breast of coercion at play. So, when at the Breast Cancer Prevention cancer among women who have it comes to answering specific Institute are currently preparing aborted (the argument goes) is questions about sensitive issues for publication. At this point because women who do not have such as abortion history, the I can say that the overall risk breast cancer are more likely patients decline to answer these increase for women who have than women with breast cancer questions, which shows up an induced abortion is far higher to deny their abortion history. as missing data in the tables. than the risk in the West and in Or, conversely, those women Meanwhile, healthy women China. who have been diagnosed with who are asked to participate in I expect that by the time of the breast cancer are more likely to a breast cancer study who don’t NRLC convention, the paper come clean about their abortions want to report on such sensitive by my colleagues and myself than are healthy women. Thus it issues are more likely to simply will have been submitted for would only appear (falsely) that opt out of participation in peer-reviewed publication. As Joel Brind, Ph.D. abortion was associated with the study altogether. So the of last year, we had identified breast cancer, due to recall bias. population of healthy controls 15 primary studies on abortion correlation between social I have argued for years that is then fleshed out with women and South Asia which reported class and certain known risk there is simply no evidence to who don’t mind disclosing such data on the ABC link, and since factors, such as later age at support this hypothesis. personal information, and little then, we have found 5 more. So first childbirth, having fewer But now, I tell you that in or no data goes missing. our paper will review 20 studies children, and breastfeeding them studying the South Asian (unless any more pop up before less. However that has failed to data, I have found evidence of Q: So what is the bottom line? we submit the paper!). explain most of the observed response bias! But it isn’t bias in Dr. Brind: The bottom line is social gradient in breast cancer the direction of overestimating that since fewer breast cancer Q: What about abortion and incidence. What Carroll did the relative risk of abortion. patients who had abortions the Western world? Has any is compare the social gradient Rather, it is in the direction of report them, abortion is other research been published and breast cancer incidence underestimating the risk! underreported among patients lately on the ABC link? among the different countries So, without giving away too compared to controls, and the Dr. Brind: Another recent of the UK, i.e., England and much from our new study, I have relative risk is underestimated development is newly Wales, Scotland, and Northern found that in several studies in the study. More on this at the published research from the Ireland. A striking finding of which show little or no risk Convention in Milwaukee this British actuary Patrick Carroll, his new study is that the social increase for women who’ve had summer! who heads the Pension and gradient is steepest in England an induced abortion, there is a Population Research Institute and Wales, where abortion rates tendency for there to be missing For more information about in London. Very briefly, Carroll are highest, while the gradient data on abortion predominantly the annual NRLC convention, used the long-standing rigid is substantially reduced in among breast cancer patients, which takes place June 29 demarcations of social class in Scotland, where the abortion rather than healthy women. through July 1 in Milwaukee, the UK to study a worldwide rate is lower. It seems that there are several Wisconsin, please go to characteristic of breast cancer: But most striking is that studies in which all of the nrlconvention.com. The fact is there is a social in Northern Ireland, where patients identified as breast Go online to register at gradient: wealthier. Better abortion is still largely illegal cancer patients in a given time nrlconvention.com/register. educated women are more and rare, the social gradient period participate in the study, susceptible to breast cancer than almost disappears! So abortion i.e., there is a 100% participation 20 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org New website advises U.S. women how to self-abort “SASS” advises how chemically-induced abortion will not be distinguishable from a spontaneous miscarriage By Randall K. O’Bannon, Ph.D., NRL Director of Education & Research

Dangerous chemical abortions Women, calls their service “an advice is to tell women that combination with are legal, loosely restricted, and information-delivery project,” there are no blood or urine tests (a powerful prostaglandin) widely available at abortion though a disclaimer on the to distinguish her chemical and for misoprostol alone. clinics all over the United website note that consultation abortion from a spontaneous Taking things further, they States. However, that isn’t good is not meant as a substitute for miscarriage, so she does not give specific advice on “How enough for some of the world’s professional medical advice need to share this information can I find abortion pills?” most ardent abortion advocates. (Washington Post, 4/27/17). with medical staff at the ER. (For example, they helpfully They want them available in That website identifies One of the stated aims of the mention that “some internet every town, from any sort of Women Help Women as program is to be able to help veterinary supply stores and vaguely medical establishment, “an international group of self-aborting women avoid veterinarians” use misoprostol via doctors they only meet on activists, trained counselors prosecution. “to treat ulcers and arthritis in a web-cam, available over the and non-profit organizations If for some reason, the women dogs.”) counter at any local pharmacy, and even available for order A web connection online or in the mail. many strands Every one of these methods is A few other things about the already in use, being tested, or people involved are important being promoted. to know. Kinga Jalinska was The latest twist that has the formerly an employee of media all aflutter is a new , the website website by those who brought allowing women to order us the “abortion ship,” country abortion pill, and Women on specific ‘abortion-hotlines,” Waves, perhaps best known and the online abortion pill for the abortion ship and for webite “I need an abortion.” abortion hotlines promoting This one, however, is use of misoprostol in countries specifically geared towards where abortion is illegal. American women, who, the and foundations.” It says decide they’d prefer a more Women on Waves is linked as sponsors say, are finding their “We bridge the gap between clinical setting, the counselors source of additional information “access” to abortion threatened reproductive rights advocacy direct them to clinics in their on the Women Help Women by state abortion limits and a efforts and service provision.” area as well as foundations that website, as are well known, hostile new administration. might help cover costs. long time promoters of the How it’s supposed to work Despite assurances to the abortion pill, Ibis and Gynuity. Support for Self-Induction Using guidelines from the press that they do not sell One of their “scientific The website, called pro-abortion World Health abortion drugs to American advisors” is Angel Foster, a abortionpillinfo.org, set up by a Organization (WHO), one or women, the Women Help member of the University of new group from the Netherlands more of 23 on-line staffers find Women website has a link Ottawa health sciences faculty called Women Help Women. It out how advanced the woman’s women can click if they want and board member of the claims not to be trying to sell pregnancy is, determine to “get abortion pills.” They National Abortion Federation any abortion pills to American whether she has any conditions do warn that, in the U.S., many that just happened to be part women, but only offers that would medically disqualify states require that abortion of a group of academics guidance to women to women her, and discuss the doses pills be dispensed by “licensed pleading for the U.S. Food who want to abort using widely and administration that are health care clinicians” and say and Drug Administration to available medications. recommended for aborting. She that women can be arrested for further loosen restrictions on The name of their “service” will be given information about using pills not coming from a mifepristone so it could be sold is Self-managed Abortion: Safe what complications to watch clinician. and Supported (SASS). for and told to seek medical Nevertheless, they do give Kinga Jelinska, the executive care if these occur. information on dosages for both See “Websites,” page 31 director for Women Help Part of Women Help Women’s mifepristone (RU-486) given in 21 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Judge John Noonan: RIP By Dave Andrusko

Judge John Noonan, a pro- for the 9th Circuit. He served Choice: Abortion in America both a “humanistic” and a life icon, passed away April 17 the court for 11 years before in the Seventies”; and as theological “commandment” at the age of 90. Strangely, for a assuming senior status in 1996. author of the 1995 opinion that against the taking of unborn man of such enormous impact, For veteran pro-lifers, upheld a Washington state law life. Here’s the latter: word of his death was slow to banning assisted suicide. The perception of the reach even organizations such Two years later, the Supreme humanity of the fetus as NRLC on whose board he Court unanimously upheld both and the weighing of once served. Washington’s and ’s against Noonan unfurled his laws prohibiting assisted other human rights steadfast, principled opposition suicide. In Washington v. constituted the work of to abortion and assisted suicide Glucksberg, the Court found the moral analysts. But in books, lectures, law review that Washington state’s law what spirit animated articles, and legal opinions. did not violate constitutional their abstract Noonan was often (and rightly) guarantees of “liberty”; and in judgments? For the described as a Renaissance man Vacco v. Quill that New York’s Christian community whose breadth of subject matter similar law did not violate it was the injunction of is staggering. constitutional guarantees of Scripture to love your After a distinguished equal protection. neighbor as yourself. academic career, first as a Judge John Noonan Noonan’s essay opening “The The fetus as human member the University of Morality of Abortion: Legal was a neighbor; his Notre Dame Law School Noonan is best remembered and Historical Perspectives” life had parity with faculty which he joined in 1960 for three accomplishments was titled “An Almost Absolute one’s own. The and then in 1966, as professor (although there were many Value in History.” It was and commandment gave of law at the University of others): the books, “The remains so instructive that it is life to what otherwise California, Berkeley, Noonan Morality of Abortion: Legal required reading for students would have been only was nominated by President and Historical Perspectives,” attending National Right to rational calculation. Ronald Reagan in 1985 as a which he both edited and Life’s Academy. judge on U.S. Court of Appeals contributed to, and “A Private He concludes his essay with 22 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Swedish midwife opposed to abortion appeals to European Court of Human Rights By Michael Cook Swedish midwife Ellinor should not be a requirement perform, accommodate, assist, general council of the Swedish Grimmark has decided to for employment as a medical or submit to an abortion.’ As a Medical Association recently appeal to the European Court of professional. In accordance member state, Sweden must be agreed to work toward a legal Human Rights in Strausbourg with international law, the held to its obligation to respect right to conscientious refusal to over Sweden’s hard line on court should have protected this freedom.” refer patients to clinics offering conscientious objection. Ellinor’s fundamental right to The shut-up-or-leave alternative medicine. The The Swedish Appeals Court freedom of conscience,” said approach to conscientious doctors feel that these upstarts decided last month that the Robert Clarke, of the Alliance objection in healthcare issues should not be included in the government can force medical Defending Freedom (ADF is widely accepted in Sweden. healthcare system. professionals to perform and International), an American In a recent article in the Journal The second is the very real cooperate in abortions, or else be forced out of their profession. Because the ruling in Grimmark v. Landstinget i Jönköpings Län appears to contradict international law protecting conscientious objection, Grimmark wants to appeal to Strasbourg. Three different medical clinics denied her employment because she will not assist with abortions. In Sweden, midwives are essentially nurses who specialize in pregnancy and child birth and seldom do abortions. It would have been relatively easy to find a way to accommodate Grimmark’s preferences. However, the clinics’ Ellinor Grimmark speaking to the press intransigence has meant that Grimmark and her family have group which is helping with of Medical Ethics, bioethicist possibility that Sweden may had to move to neighbouring Grimmark’s case. Christian Munthe, of the someday legalise euthanasia Norway. “In the beginning, I “The desire to protect life University of Gothenburg, or assisted suicide. The was hoping to stay in Sweden,” is what leads many midwives explains that “No legal right medical profession opposes she told Fox News. “But we and nurses to enter the medical to conscientious refusal for this unless the law includes have now made Norway home. profession in the first place,” any profession or class of a provision for conscientious I have a job here where they Clarke said. “Instead of forcing professional tasks exists in objection. So paradoxically, are not concerned with my desperately needed midwives Sweden, regardless of the as Munthe points out, at the beliefs.” out of their profession, religious or moral background moment the Swedish solution In November 2015, a district governments should safeguard of the objection.” Swedes feel to conscientious objection both court found that her right to the moral convictions of a strong commitment to civic supports abortion and blocks freedom of conscience had not medical staff. The Parliamentary duties and non-discrimination. euthanasia. been violated by refusing to Assembly of the Council of However, the “Swedish employ her. That court even Europe has affirmed that ‘no solution” may be eroding, Michael Cook is editor of required her to pay the local person, hospital or institution for two reasons, neither of MercatorNet. This appeared at government’s legal costs of shall be coerced, held liable, them related to Grimmark’s Bioedge and is reposted with 100,000 Euros (US$106,000). or discriminated against in any complaint. permission. “Participation in abortions manner because of a refusal to The first is political. The 23 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org U.S. House passes American Health Care Act of 2017 From page 1 created this system, and prohibit health care bill ensures that we are reallocated to community health care spending beyond a any future federal tax credits are one step closer to getting health centers. Over one-third governmentally imposed limit. from subsidizing the purchase the federal government of all abortions in the U.S. are It is critical that Americans of plans that cover elective entirely out of the business of performed at PPFA-affiliated have access to quality life- abortion, thereby restoring the subsidizing abortion.” facilities. For additional saving healthcare to preserve longstanding principles of the NRLC strongly supports up-to-date information their lives, care that will not be Hyde Amendment with respect the language in the bill that on the extent of Planned rationed more each year. to federally funded health would block, for one year, most Parenthood’s involvement H.R. 1628 is a special coverage.” federal payments to affiliates of in abortion, see www. type of legislation called a “National Right to Life Planned Parenthood. It would nrlc.org/communications/ “reconciliation bill.” This praises the Republican close the largest pipeline for ppfamediabackground/ means that it cannot be blocked leadership for putting this bill federal funding of Planned In addition, the American in the Senate by filibuster. together and making sure the Parenthood, Medicaid, and Health Care Act retains Nevertheless, the bill may most vulnerable members of apply as well to the CHIP and employer-paid health insurance face formidable obstacles our society are protected,” the Title V and Title XX block as a fully untaxed benefit. The in the Senate. The NRLC said Carol Tobias, president of grant programs, thus covering American Health Care Act endorsement applies only to the National Right to Life. “Over roughly 89% of all federal postpones the “Cadillac tax” current House language. If the two million Americans are funds to Planned Parenthood. which is designed to create a bill is altered in a way adverse alive today because of the The amounts denied to tax disincentive to suppress to pro-life interests, the position Hyde Amendment. This new Planned Parenthood in effect private, nongovernmental will be reevaluated. The moral bankruptcy of saying the worth of a human being depend on the desires or decisions of others From page 16

“The thing about moral true, would lead to all sorts rights—about whether, for these rights depend on what status,” explains Oxford legal of absurdities. “What, for instance, it is wrong to kill other people think or feel or philosopher John Finnis, “is example, would be the case if a her. It may be wrong for one decide. ... that it is not a matter of mother conferred a right to life person and right for another. So nobody holds the choice or grant or convention, upon her unborn embryo and a The permissibility of killing is attribution view as a general but of recognition.” Dignity father did not?” ask George and a “personal decision,” Cecile rule. People only hold it with and rights—as affirmed in Tollefsen. Can someone have Richards says. Our feelings regard to those particular such landmark human rights rights and not have rights at the dictate moral reality. human beings whom they wish documents as the Declaration same time? What if a pregnant But no one holds this view to deny protection against of Independence and the woman changes her mind about consistently. Indeed, Richards lethal violence. The attribution United Nations’ Universal the value of the unborn—does and other defenders of abortion view, in practice, is very Declaration of Human the child transform from non- think that women have a moral selective. Rights—are inherent in the person to person and back to right to abortion regardless It is an attempt by those individuals who have them. non-person again? of the desires or decisions of who have power to define out They are not conferred by And what would happen if others. Women have this right of existence the rights of the other people; they make a woman didn’t “accept” or even when legislatures, courts, powerless who have gotten demands on other people “love” a child, or “decide” or governors, or presidents say in the way. Richards, in her whether those people like it “feel” that she mattered, even otherwise. interview, offered no reasons or not. after birth? In ancient Greece Abortion defenders also, to justify excluding the unborn “[I]t is the very nature of and Rome, a father or family presumably, recognize that from the respect and protection a right, or valid claim upon patriarch often decided whether workers have a moral right not that are owed to every other another, that it cannot be to “accept” a newborn baby or to be exploited by employers, human being. But she wanted denied, conditionally delayed, kill her by exposure. that women have a right to to exclude the unborn. And so or rescinded by more powerful The attribution view seems protection against sexual she said that we can simply others at their behest,” writes to amount to a form of moral assault, and that homeless decide that unborn children feminist scholar Sidney relativism. There is no objective people have a right to life even don’t matter. Callahan. fact of the matter about whether if they are not “wanted” or This is moral and intellectual The attribution view, if someone has basic human “loved” by anyone. None of bankruptcy. 24 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org “Autos for Life” needs your help to make 2017 a great year for Life By David N. O’Steen, Jr. Now that we are fully into our best year ever! thankfully, as all of us in the pro- continued support in making Spring, depending on what part This is where you can help. life movement know, we now 2017 a great year for the pro- of the country you live in, you Your donated vehicles can be also have some of the greatest life movement! may already be busy cleaning of any age, and can be located opportunities in decades! If you or someone you know out your attic and closets anywhere in the country! With our educational efforts has a vehicle to donate, please and garage. Maybe you have All that we need from you is we will continue to see a contact me, David O’Steen Jr., a project car occupying the a description of the vehicle driveway or garage. Or perhaps (miles, vehicle identification you have a minivan no longer number (VIN#), condition, needed because the kids are features, the good, the bad, etc.) all grown--or an extra car that along with several pictures (the is rarely being used but you’re more the better), and we’ll take still paying insurance on it! care of the rest. Digital photos What to do? preferred, but other formats We’ll take it! By donating work as well. your vehicle to the National Please note that you don’t Right to Life Educational have to bring the vehicle Foundation, you can help save anywhere, or do anything with the lives of countless unborn it. And there is no additional babies, and you receive a tax paperwork to complete. The deduction for the FULL SALE buyer picks the vehicle up AMOUNT! directly from you at your The “Autos for Life” convenience! All vehicle program has received a great information can be emailed to variety of vehicles from pro- us directly at dojr@nrlc, or sent lifers all across the country. by regular mail to: We have received everything from classic and luxury cars “Autos for Life” dramatic reduction in the at (202) 626-8823 or dojr@ to minivans, boats, economy c/o National Right to Life number of abortions each year. nrlc.org. cars. and jet skis! The National 512 10th St. N.W. We also know that we will Please join us in helping to Right to Life wishes to thank all Washington, D.C. 20004 continue to see those numbers defend the most defenseless in of the dedicated pro-lifers that decline even more as we teach our society. With your prayers have donated their vehicles to Often when I write, it is the truth about how abortion and continued support, we this great program. to remind you of the great hurts babies and their mothers. know we will win! We are looking to make 2017 challenges ahead. But, “Autos for Life” needs your

25 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Experiment Brings Artificial Womb Closer to Reality By Randall K. O’Bannon, NRL Director of Education & Research

It’s a staple of science fiction, Some of the animals were If those children could be Something else to consider most famously in Huxley’s humanely killed to allow given the chance to extend their is the psycho-social impact of Brave New World. Rows of examination of their brains, time in the womb an additional being in a biobag for several bubbling vats of amber liquid organs and other tissues, but four weeks, the 9/8/15 JAMA weeks rather than the warm, holding developing babies others were allowed to live data suggests that survival rates tight familiar confines of the of various ages hooked with and were bottle fed. Dr. Alan might jump, going as high as mother’s womb. tubes and wires to nutrients and Flake, leader of the project, 87% for babies born at 26 weeks Moreover sometimes monitors. told the London Telegraph, and 94% for children born at 27 issues that seem relatively Well, it turns out it doesn’t “They appear to have normal or 28 weeks. Furthermore, their straightforward in animal look exactly like that, but a new development in all respects.” prospects for being discharged testing turn out to be experiment done with premature sheep at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia written up in the journal Nature Communications shows that the artificial womb may be closer to reality than anyone might have thought. Instead of a hard vat full of bubbling goo and a whole lot of tubes and wires plugged into a fetal body and brain, the device developed by doctors at the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital is something more like a large sealed zip lock bag, a flexible pouch filled with fluid continuously being exchanged by one entry and one exit tube ensuring that the developing animal has clean, healthy “amniotic” fluid. According to the research team, the only direct connection to the animal is via an artificial Photo credit: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia “umbilical artery/vein” connecting to the animal’s own The concern and aim of from the hospital without any considerably more complex umbilical cord. This provides researchers, they write in major problems would also with humans. needed oxygen, nutrients to “An extra-uterine system to greatly improve. And there are any number of the animal, removing waste physiologically support the “Flake says the group hopes ethical questions which must be products. The animal’s own extreme premature lamb,” is to test the device on very addressed. heart manages the circulation so to provide “a bridge between premature human babies within The authors say that there as not to overtax the developing the mother’s womb and the three to five years,” according is nothing in their model that organ with excessive pressure. outside world,” as Dr. Flake to NPR’s Rob Stein. However a should lead people to believe The aim is to artificially told the London Telegraph, for number of hurdles remain. this technology would be duplicate, as much as possible, human babies born extremely Though chosen for their applicable at even earlier the mother lamb’s natural womb prematurely before lung and similarities at the given stage of stages. Those babies are too environment. organ formation is complete. development, the development fragile for this technology and Though still in its early animal A separate study on prematurity of animal and human fetuses are Dr. Flake told reporters that testing stages, the experiment in general appeared in 2015 in the not identical. Lambs at that stage there was no technology “even appears to have been successful. Journal of the American Medical are larger, and researchers do not on the horizon” to replace a Six pre-term lambs, living and Association. Researchers found know if the umbilical vessels of mother’s womb at the earliest developing in the artificial that survival rates for premature lambs function exactly the same stages of fetal development environment for as much as infants had improved in recent way as those of the human fetus. (Telegraph, 4/25/17). a month, “breathing” and years with better treatment and The balance of chemicals and “Flake says his team has no swallowing normally, growing interventions. By 2012, one- fluids in the amniotic fluid will interest in trying to gestate a wool, opening their eyes, and third of babies born at 23 weeks need to be just right, as will the fetus any earlier than about developing properly functioning survived, as did 9% of children gas exchange and nutrients of 23 weeks into pregnancy,” nerves and organs. born at 22 weeks. the artificial umbilical system. according to Stein. 26 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org PPFA looking for new language to cloak, conceal, and camouflage their radical agenda From page 2

Okay, I get that pro-choice provider to talk to wants, and paid for with the label was the best is “outdated” and that younger about those options,” taxpayer dollars. way to articulate those people are not big on “labels,” Richards says. “And So in pitching “pro-choice” feelings. Obviously, but the rest of her quote is that’s why we’ve really overboard, has Planned your own decision gobbledygook. Besides, “Pro- quit using political Parenthood trimmed its sails? of whether or not to choice” was always outdated; labels that are really Are you kidding? Of course not. employ the label of it was intended to avoid frankly very binary, PPFA is a $1.5 billion “non- “pro-choice” is a matter discussing what the “choice” in which most people profit,” one of whose major of personal preference. consisted of. In today’s world don’t feel like they profit centers is the revenue But the most prominent of 4-color ultrasounds and reflect how important from killing 320,00+ unborn women’s health care omnipresent image of unborn and personal these babies annually. PPFA is just provider in the United babies, it’s awfully difficult decisions are.” as extreme, just out of the States was open to to keep a straight face and mainstream of public opinion adapting, all while still talk about something as “Binary”? That was the whole on abortion as it has always upholding its basic meaningless as “choice.” premise of the “pro-choice” been and always will be. ideals. Richards’ next response mantra. You were either pro- Tognotti concludes by telling is even more illuminating-- choice or a crazy pro-lifer. us Translation? Pro-choice’s again not for she says but for But if you are Planned Planned Parenthood shelf-life has long since expired. what is tucked in between the Parenthood and you read the decided to shift If even Planned Parenthood gibberish; same data points we do, you are the language years understands it is time to “ditch “We really think it’s fully aware that “pro-choice” ago because of how the label,” all pro-abortionists important that women has come to be (accurately) personal feelings ought to get the message: they have all their health understood as pro-abortion for surrounding pregnancy need new language to cloak, care options, and that any reason or no reason, as and abortion are and conceal and camouflage their they have a trusted late in pregnancy as a woman found that ditching radical agenda. The May NRL News: a potpourri of riveting, uplifting stories to share with pro-life friends From page 2

Perhaps my favorite story in at the NRL Convention which wouldn’t have any guarantees. David Prentice, Ph.D., with an issue that has pretty much takes place June 29-July 21in Life is a gift, but it’s an a fascinating overview of the everything is a review of “is Milwaukee. For information, uncertain gift. So all we can latest developments in stem “Don’t Blink,” written by see www.nrlconvention.com.) do is embrace the beauty in the cell research that do not require Brandon and Brittany Buell While too many doctors midst of the uncertainty, know killing human embryos. (See page five). I could hardly were too willing to give up on that’s the best groundwork for And, of course, we have put down their book about their son, the Buells were not. a miracle.” multiple other stories built around their son Jaxon; I read it in two “Don’t give in, push,” they Just a couple of other words the same theme as the Buells’ sittings. counsel parents. about the May digital edition experience: parents who refuse Jaxon was born with Looking ahead to Jaxon’s of National Right to Life News. to heed the advice of doctors to microhydraencephaly, a future, they tell readers, “We We have a bundle of stories abort their unborn children. devastating brain injury. are not Pollyannas and we about state legislation and (as Please read the May issue of Doctors knew ahead of time he accept our son’s condition. We if often the case) obstreperous NRL News cover to cover and was significantly injured and are realists who choose to be judges eager to substitute their pass it along to your prolife reminded Brittany and Brandon optimistic.” policy preferences for those of family, friends, and contacts. over and over again they could Which allows them to write elected officials. And be sure to go www. abort Jaxon. But they were such powerful statements We have interviews with Joel nrlconvention/register so you made of sterner stuff--they are as this: “But the truth is, Brind, Ph.D., about new studies can arrange to be at the 2017 devout Christians-- and did not. even if he doesn’t have on the link between induced NRL convention. (Brandon Buell will be speaking microhydraencephaly, we still abortion and breast cancer, and See you in Milwaukee! 27 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-abortion House Democrats lament Trump’s first 100 days By Dave Andrusko It comes as no surprise, (UNPFA).” Not a whiff, be eliminated. It will be comprehensive health but a passel of pro-abortion not a hint about why the directed instead to other care for women.” Get out House Democrats sent pro- funding was cut. The State family planning and health of the abortion business, life President Donald Trump Department determined programs not involved in PPFA. And finally a letter, dated May 1, with their own scorecard for the • “Appointments that President’s first 100 days in Jeopardize Women’s office. Health.” The nearly 150 Equally unsurprisingly, House Democrats mention the very litany of issues and only the “Attorney appointments NRLC lauded General” (Jeff Sessions) and assigned an “A” to are and the “Secretary of Health the very same issues and and Human Services” appointments that our opposite (Tom Price) because they numbers describe as a “constant “are the most high-profile and unprecedented attack” on examples.” In fact, the “women and their families.” Trump Administration is Let’s just take a few examples. stocked with pro-lifers, including Vice President • New Supreme Court Mike Pence, Counselor Justice Neil Gorsuch Kellyanne Conway, Chief whose confirmation, these of Staff Reince Priebus, House Democrats charge and UN Ambassador “puts Roe v. Wade at Nikki Haley, to name just Risk.” What is at “risk” a handful. is that the High Court now has one more justice It’s often said you can judge a who, as President Trump man by the enemies he makes. described him,” is deeply When that includes the likes of faithful to the Constitution Representatives Jerrold Nadler, of the United States” and Pro-life President Donald Trump Keith Ellison, Nita Lowey, and who “will decide cases Rosa DeLauro, you are really based not on his personal that its activities in China’s population control on firm ground. preferences, but based on China are complicit program. Then there is As a closing aside, remember a fair and objective reading with that nation’s their latest self-inflicted of the law.” Nothing coercive population • “Defunding Planned wound–the bizarre instance is more threatening to control program, the Parenthood.” The by DNC chairman Tom Perez pro-abortionists than implementation of President has made it that there is no room for pro- justices unwilling to which includes forced abundantly clear, “I am lifers in the Democratic Party. find imaginary “rights” abortion and involuntary committed to…defunding That calls to mind Napoléon lingering in “penumbras” sterilization. House Planned Parenthood as Bonaparte’s timeless advice: and “emanations.” Democrats write about long as they continue “Never interrupt your enemy the laudatory things that to perform abortions, when he is making a mistake.” • “Eliminating U.S. could be done with U.S. and re-allocating their Funding to United Funding. But United funding to community Nations Population Fund States funding will not health centers that provide 28 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-abortionists argues the unborn are not ‘living and breathing’ By Paul Stark Sometimes pro-choice ad- Perhaps the pro-choice Breathing as we usually think AC to DC current; vocates say that pro-lifers care advocate means “living” in of it, using the lungs, does not the energy connection only about the unborn (i.e., a different sense — a social begin until birth (or shortly changes, but the basic the human fetus or embryo) or moral one. But it seems after). But the biological mechanics remain the rather than “actual living, misleading to use the term process of respiration, same.” breathing human beings” (or “living” in this way, since we involving the transfer of variations on that phrase). Of commonly use that term in the oxygen, begins long before The change in the mode of course, pro-lifers do care about biological sense to describe birth. The means of respiration respiration obviously does not already-born human beings, living plants, animals, insects, is different for human beings change the kind of thing the and to suggest otherwise is an etc. still in the womb, but the fact unborn/newborn is (a living organism of the human species). No scientifically informed person would ever say so. Nor is it clear how such a change could possibly be relevant to whether someone has fundamental dignity and basic rights. Indeed, I have never seen anyone seriously argue that it is. A person who has become dependent on a medical ventilator, for example, is still a person who may not be killed without just cause. So: The being killed by abortion is a living, respiring, fast-growing organism, a human being, a member of our species, like you and me, indefensible slander (and an In any case, one must of respiration is the same. The only at a much earlier stage ad hominem attack irrelevant explain what “living” in this late Dr. Bernard Nathanson, of life. Defenders of abortion to the ethics of abortion). But moral/social sense actually a prolific abortionist and co- favor denying unborn human here I want to address the means, and offer reasons to founder of NARAL (before he beings the kind of moral implication that the unborn is think that it serves as a valid famously changed his mind), respect and legal protection not “living” and “breathing.” criterion for having the right explained: that are owed to human beings The unborn is obviously not to be intentionally killed. “[A]t the end of at later developmental stages. living in a biological sense, It is far from obvious that we pregnancy, [the fetus/ They are free to make their exhibiting metabolism, cellular may discriminate between newborn child’s] case. But it simply will not do reproduction, reaction to members of the species Homo growth needs simply to claim that human beings in stimuli, and rapid growth. sapiens on the basis of age/ outstrip the ability of the womb are not “living and Indeed, the unborn is not development and acquired the placenta to supply breathing.” only living, but is a distinct, characteristics, permitting the food and oxygen, so the complete, self-integrating, self- killing of some but not others. lungs and mouth must Editor’s note. Paul Stark is developing organism, and a (I argue against such a view take over. The organism Communications Associate for member of the human species. here http://prolifemn.blogspot. is put into a different Minnesota Citizens Concerned He or she (sex is determined com/2011/12/moral-status-of- physiological milieu — for Life, National Right to Life’s from conception) is a living unborn-human-beings.html.) and nothing more. It state affiliate. human being. What about breathing? is like switching from 29 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Turning “surplus” embryos into jewelry is “sacred art” By Dave Andrusko

A friend passed this news Then they heard about Baby which the company one that you can have story along to me and even Bird Hummingbirds’ service. expertly preserves and forever.” though it takes an awfully lot to What kind of jewelry did she cremates, creating a surprise me, this left me gaping. choose? A heart pendant, “so type of ‘embryo ash’. As for the Staffords, Mrs. There is a company in she could carry her babies close “We are experts in Stafford tells Mayoh that the Australia that is making couples to her heart, where they should preserving DNA so six-year IVF journey was “a leap for joy, according to Lisa Mayoh at kidspot.com.au, couples such as Belinda and Shaun Stafford who created more human embryos via IVF than they implanted. What is the source of their “joy and comfort”? They are “turning embryos into keepsake jewelry.” And, no, I am not making this up. “Now Ms Stafford has all of her babies with her every day – including seven embryos in her heart-shaped pendant worn close to her heart, always.” You have to read the full story to fully appreciate what is taking place. The couple had three children via IVF–Lachlan, 4, and 21-month-old twins Charlotte and William. be. She now carries her babies that it can be set in a strain on our marriage and just We’re told that storing with her everywhere she goes.” jeweler’s grade resin,” plain hard.” the extra embryos was too Mayoh interviewed Amy she said. “Finding this has expensive “and disposing of McGlade, founder of Baby Bee brought me so much them unimaginable.” What to Hummingbird. She said they’ve This “sacred art,” she says, comfort and joy. do? crafted thousands of pieces of is not only “special,” but is “I finally at peace and What about later implanting jewelry since 2014, including “providing a beautiful and my journey complete. some of the remaining embryos? 50 from human embryos. meaningful way to gently close “My embryos were “I wanted to keep having more Cost? Anywhere from $80 to the door.” my babies – frozen in babies but the emotional toll, $600, depending on the piece. “What a better way time. plus financially it was too much,” She describes making jewelry to celebrate your most “When we completed Mrs. Stafford told Mayoh. from human embryos as “sacred treasured gift, your our family, it wasn’t There was another option. “I’d art.” According to Mayoh child, than through in my heart to destroy heard others had planted them in Ms McGlade, who has jewelry? them. the garden but we move a lot, so been a midwife for 10 “It’s about the “Now they are I couldn’t do this.” After all, she years, said families send everlasting tangible forever with me in a added, “I needed them with me.” them ‘embryo straws’ keepsake of a loved beautiful keepsake.” 30 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pelosi and the pretence that there is room for pro-lifers in the Democratic Party By Dave Andrusko It is unfair on many grounds too much time on this,” literally and figuratively by Casey, Jr. will run for re- to expect pro-abortion House switching to her five children that.” election as a “personally Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in six years response and how Fourth, since this is not on opposed” pro-lifer next year (D-Ca.) to offer a cogent, or could anybody say anything the video, you have to piece the with a record free, or virtually even coherent, explanation to her about abortion with that discussion together. Referring free, of any pro-life votes. of her position on abortion. track record.] to the “diversity” within the One other quick point, She’s been at this a long time, Third, immediately after she party and the unwillingness courtesy of the Post’s Karen so when the topic comes said the abortion issue was to “kick out” pro-lifers, she Tumulty. Democrats are eager up she reflexively touts her to make gains in the 2018 Catholicism and the fact that elections, which, of course, is she had five children in six the reason they are stonewalling years, and then floats (usually any and all initiatives coming unchallenged) into a logjam of out of President Trump and the head scratching non sequiturs. Republican leadership in the She gave an interview House and Senate. Tumulty to assorted reporters at the writes Washington Post ealier this But the opposition month. Unfortunately the video party is also gripped by the Post posted online not only an internecine battle jumps around, it also only for its own identity, touches on some of the issues moving leftward with the news stories address. calls for ideological So taken together, let’s see purity by portions what sense we can make of the of its activist liberal video and the stories. base while also trying First, we are to believe to reach out to the that with regard to abortion, Pro-abortion House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi rural, working-class “This is the Democratic Party. Americans who turned This is not a rubber-stamp fading among Democrats, pointed to “Bob Casey — you against Democrats last party.” Pelosi talked about her Pelosi remarked, “It’s not know Bob Casey — would year. extended family which includes fading in the hearts and minds you like him not to be in our Abortion has become members who are not pr-choice. of the people who are that party?” a flash point. “You think I’m kicking them way.” (“That way”?) “Bob Casey” was the pro- out of the Democratic Party?” Warming to the topic, Pelosi life Governor of Pennsylvania. So we get ying and yang, As if that had anything to do then riffs about what did in Pelosi, by contrast, is referring back and forth, between the with anything. Democrats/Hillary Clinton in to Robert Casey, Jr., the likes of DNC chair Tom Perez Does that mean that a pro- 2016. senator from Pennsylvania who announces that support for lifer could “get the nomination” That’s why, you who is uniformly on the side abortion is “non-negotiable” [presumably a reference to a know what? That’s of pro-abortionists, including and pretend openness to pro-lifer being endorsed for any why Donald Trump most specifically Planned pro-life Democrats when, in office]? Well, Pelosi responds, is president of the Parenthood, yet calls himself truth, there is only “room” “I don’t think so. It depends on United States — the “pro-life.” for Democrats who keep where you are talking about.” evangelicals and But Pelosi has an answer their pro-life convictions and Hmmm. Hold that thought. the Catholics, anti- for that, hidden in the garbled their voting records totally Second, referring again to marriage equality answer about whether pro- compartmentalized. abortion, “It’s kind of fading [slaps her hand on lifers can get the party’s Anyone who thinks the as an issue. It really is.” Later, the table], anti-choice “nomination.” Democratic Party is inching when a reporter asks her to [slaps her hand on the [I]t’s not usually pro- over from its abortion-on- “clarify,” Pelosi says yes, she table again]. That’s life or not. It’s how far demand posture is in for a rude is talking about the Democratic how he got to be you are willing to go on awakening. Party. “I don’t think you’ll see president. the issue. So headlines that talk about many candidates going out Pelosi saying “Democratic there and saying ‘I am running Pelosi then bitterly adds, But if you are willing to go candidates should not be as a prolife candidate.’” “Everything [else] overlooked,” anywhere “on the [abortion] forced to toe party line on [That’s when she told referring to other issues. issue,” you go nowhere in abortion,” are blatantly reporters, “But let’s not spend “Everything was trumped, the Democratic Party. Robert misleading. 31 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-life victory in Omaha Omaha Mayoral Election Demonstrates Continued Problem Democrats Have With Pro-Abortion Stand

WASHINGTON – Last said Carol Tobias, National country, Democratic candidates sign that read, “We don’t need Tuesday’s mayoral election Right to Life president. “The must have pro-life votes in Planned Parenthood.” in Omaha won by pro-life National Right to Life Victory order to win, however they also Manchin, who claims to Republican Jean Stothert Fund phoned thousands of must appease the pro-abortion be pro-life, has a 33% pro- highlighted the problem identified pro-life voters in masters of the Democratic life voting record in the 115th Democrats have that will Congress. There are similar continue to cause them to lose situations in other parts of the elections across the nation. country where Democratic After Democratic National senators must have pro- Committee Chairman Tom life votes to win including Perez decided that the DNC Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly, would only support candidates Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey, who support an extreme and North Dakota Sen. Heidi abortion agenda calling for Heitkamp. They will seek to unrestricted abortion for any get pro-life votes while trying reason – including late abortions please the pro-abortion masters after 20 weeks and taxpayer WV Senator Joe Manchin, who claims to be pro-life, has a 33% pro-life of the Democratic Party. voting record in the 115th Congress. Here he tries to have it both ways. funding of abortion – Omaha Images from Axios.com “The pro-abortion Democratic mayoral candidate side cannot match the Heath Mello flip-flopped on Omaha with information Party. The most ridiculous infrastructure and grassroots abortion and decided to support about the differences between evidence of this recently took base of National Right to abortion on demand. pro-life Mayor Jean Stothert place when West Virginia Life and its 3,000 chapters “As soon as we learned and Heath Mello.” Democratic Senator Joe and state affiliates, which can that Heath Mello caved to National Right to Life and its Manchin appeared in a picture respond quickly anywhere in pro-abortion Democratic state affiliate, Nebraska Right holding a Planned Parenthood the country,” Tobias added. pressure to support unlimited to Life, also shared information sign that read, “I stand with “With this latest litmus test abortion, National Right to about the race through social Planned Parenthood.” Manchin for Democratic candidates, Life immediately endorsed media. later appeared in a picture the Democratic Party will pro-life Mayor Jean Stothert,” In pro-life areas of the with a pro-life group holding a continue to lose elections.” 32 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Study claims waiting period laws don’t work even though minds are changed and lives saved From page 12 less certain of their decision to Abortion advocates routinely studies like this one prove that argue that the demonstration abort. insist women have already such laws are ineffective and that conflict is rare makes the Given the numbers of fully considered their options unneeded, but the opposite is “logic behind singling out patients remaining in the study and made up their minds so that true. It would be wonderful abortion... difficult to accept.” till the end, that means that such informed consent laws are if every woman were given But the reason for these laws somewhere between 24 and 25 unnecessary. full and unbiased information is because this is a unique women were influenced by the What does UCSF propose to about fetal development, decision; it is one that involves information they received and do about this? To jettison right abortion’s risks and alternatives deliberately killing another found that the additional period to know and waiting period to abortion that are better for human being. With such of reflection moved them away laws (of course) and to allow the both mother and child, without profound consequence hanging from abortion. abortion clinic staff to identify the industry’s spin and denial, in the balance, the least that Other reports by the same those “high conflict” patients and great if that changed every can be done is to make sure the authors using the same data and then recommend delays abortion determined woman’s mother knows what abortion (Perspectives on Sexual and and reconsiderations as the staff mind. But even in its imperfect involves, what the life affirming Reproductive Health, 12/16; sees fit. Your salesperson shall implementation, it does change alternatives are, and is given a Contraception, 3/17) found decide whether or not you need some minds and save some lives. bit more time to think about it. that 11% of women were still their product. The authors say that these Some women consider that pregnant at the time of the three Given that their own data “laws presuppose that women information and choose to let week follow up survey, a few showed decreased certainty are conflicted about their their babies live. And even this still seeking to abort, but most among even some low conflict abortion decision and require study from high-profile pro- of those indicating they were patients, this hardly seems a health care providers to treat abortion researcher advocates no longer seeking abortion. wise choice. all woman seeking abortion as proves that. The UCSF team wants to Supporters of abortion think if they are conflicted.” They claim that the majority of those patients reporting reduced certainty were women already displaying what it called “high conflict” scores. These were women, UCSF says, who indicated on their first survey that they did not know or were unsure about the options available to them (unclear from the context whether this referred to alternatives to abortion or just different abortion methods) who gave some indication they were less likely to stick with their initial decision. While UCSF data does appear to show more patients in the high conflict group becoming less certain, it also showed there were still some in the “low conflict” group who also indicated less confidence after the counseling sessions and waiting periods. That researchers would admit that required counseling and waiting periods would affect anyone at all is itself remarkable. 33 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Planned Parenthood Honors Hillary Clinton with “Champion of the Century” award By Dave Andrusko You would expect someone common ground, but be no reason for abortion; was asked. who received Planned I know for sure it is and believes, with missionary The total picture Parenthood’s “Champion higher ground.” zeal, in going forth to destroy was of a candidate of the Century” award to be protective abortion statutes only adding to the in lockstep with the largest A few paragraphs later around the world. things she blames for abortion “provider” in the Clinton said she finds Of course Mrs. Clinton is her loss rather than known galaxy and that’s what it “bewildering” when “a human being.” So, too, are truly looking inward. Hillary Clinton delivered at people ask her why she the hundreds of millions of She acknowledged her Planned Parenthood’s 100th cares so much about additional unborn children own flaws, yes, but she anniversary gala. women’s health issues. around the world who will also seemed to suggest die if she and her friends they were rather at International Planned inconsequential and at Parenthood, Marie Stopes, one point appeared to International, and Ipas have sarcastically dismiss their way. the magnitude of them. Just a word in passing, about Clinton’s continuing blindness The most embarrassing to her own role in losing to comment, because it was pro-life Donald Trump. The transparently false and so easily Washington Post’s Aaron Blake disproved, was when Clinton said captured in two sentences “I’ve watched a million the thrust of her performance presidential debates at a Women for Women in my life, and I was International Luncheon: waiting for the moment Hillary Clinton said when one of the people Tuesday that she takes asking the questions “absolute personal would have said, ‘Well, responsibility” for so, exactly how are you Hillary Clinton at Women for Women International Luncheon [Reuters] her 2016 loss. But she going to create more doesn’t, really. jobs?’ Right? I mean, Laura Bassett, writing at the “I’m a grandmother,” I thought that, you Huffington Post, tells us that she said, “and much to And the worst part is that know, at some moment Clinton the surprise of many, her comments are just a down that would happen.” said abortion is a health I am a human being. payment on the self-delusion she and core economic I’m also a person of will be peddling at book length: But everyone knew that the issue. But, she added, faith who doesn’t take Clinton suggested first question in the first debate “anyone who wants my positions lightly or in an interview at a out of the moderator, Lester to lead should also come to them with a “Women for Women” Holt, was about jobs! Indeed, understand that cavalier attitude.” event in New York that Holt didn’t like Trump’s first fundamentally, this is her forthcoming book response and pressed him for an issue of morality.” No pro-lifer, and certainly not would include plenty more specifics. “Let us respect me, would ever accuse Mrs. about how misogyny Can’t wait for her new book. people’s convictions,” Clinton of being “cavalier” contributed to her loss, By the time it is published, she said. “But never about abortion. She is deadly adding it to the blame in addition to ramped up back down from serious. she has assigned to allegations of misogyny, no our commitment to She believes with complete FBI Director James B. doubt she will find 300 other defend the ability of conviction that abortion is a Comey and Russian reasons–all having nothing every woman to make positive good. Clinton ardently hacking. And by the to do with her disastrous these deeply personal believes there should never, end of the interview, campaign and her personal decisions for herself. ever be a limit on abortion; she also blamed the unpleasantness–to explain why I wish there were fervently believes there need debate questions she she lost. 34 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Abortionist admits: ‘Abortion is killing. Nobody can argue with that’ By Sarah Terzo “Abortion is killing. Nobody regret all the agonizing is not an animal; he or she is a if the human race still exists, can argue with that. When the – it has helped me human being. The abortionist, the combination of DNA that fetus is inside the uterus it is to understand the as a doctor, knows this. resulted in this child will never alive and when the pregnancy problems that each Humans give birth to human appear again. A preborn baby terminated it is dead – that by woman faces when beings. Two human beings is a distinct human life, which, any definition is killing.” deciding about her will never have nonhuman like all of us, is unique and Pro-lifers say every abortion abortion. offspring. A pregnant woman unrepeatable. takes a human life – and will never give birth to a duck or The author of the GQ article, surprisingly, many abortionists Another abortionist quoted in squirrel. A preborn baby has his Tom Junod, says the nurses agree. GQ says: or her own human DNA from who work with the abortionist ClinicQuotes.com has a I’m not taking that life the moment of conception. The also acknowledge that abortion collection of no fewer than 60 [of the baby] out of abortionist admits he is killing, is killing. He writes: quotes from abortionists and anger or cruelty; I’m and the only thing he can be In truth, the nurses abortion workers admitting that taking that life for a killing is a human being. and clinic workers life begins at conception and/or that what they do is killing. For example, Dr. Bertran Wainer called abortion “killing.” Abortion is killing. Nobody can argue with that. When the fetus is inside the uterus it is alive and when the pregnancy terminated it is dead – that by any definition is killing. … I think abortion is the destruction of something which is potentially irreplaceable, human and of great value, which is the tragedy of abortion. But it is not purpose. I feel like the The abortionist’s “prayer” know precisely what of greater value than American Indian did- to the baby he has killed asks is happening and the woman seeking the I’m saying a prayer the baby’s spirit to “move on most will tell you that abortion. to that animal: Give to other places.” Whatever they arrange a costly me your life so that I one believes about the afterlife bargain and that Another abortionist also can accomplish this and where the souls of aborted abortion, although the admits how abortion ends a purpose, ‘speed thy babies go after they are killed, only way to ensure the human life: spirit on to other it is clear that the abortionist is freedom of women, “is I can now say openly places’ so that the life deliberately depriving the child the termination of a that I do think I am that is lost will one day of this life. kind of life.” ending a life every time be replaced. And the baby that is lost is I do an abortion, but I irreplaceable. The aborted child This “kind of life” is human. do it as someone who This unnamed abortionist had his or her own genetic The abortion workers justify has certain skill which freely acknowledges that what makeup that is different from abortion because it gives a is put at the disposal of he does is killing. He compares that of any other person who has woman “freedom” they feel a woman who does not himself to a hunter who has ever lived. This genetic makeup want her pregnancy killed an animal, presumably is different from anyone who See “Abortionist,” page 39 to continue. I do not for food. But a preborn baby ever will live. In a billion years, 35 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Guttmacher offers its own“alternative facts” in phony attempt to debunk studies that highlight abortion’s horrific impact By Dave Andrusko

I understand that even a pro- we are entering a fact-free era discusses on page 19. As is the that they did not dust off abortion think-tank which is when it comes to setting policy case with so much pro-abortion one 2005 pro-abortion study not exactly hurting for money around sexual and reproductive blather, time has stood still. that argued there is no good is not going to grind out new health and rights,” you know Studies from 2003 and 2004 evidence the unborn can feel propaganda on a daily basis. we’re going to get it (the truth are trotted out as the last word pain before 29 weeks! That was Which is why Guttmacher as opposed to “alternative to disprove that having an preposterous then, it is even more ludicrous now, so maybe that’s why. Point? Let’s say for the sake of argument it was proven even to Gold’s and Nash’s satisfaction that the unborn child can experience pain at 25 weeks. Does anyone–anyone–believe Guttmacher would change its tune? Of course not. They would just reach into their bag of excuses and tell us why it’s just too bad the kid experiences pain beyond imagination. cranked out, ”Flouting facts”) straight from the horse’s induced abortion increases the Their conclusion? the Facts: State Abortion mouth. chances of a woman having The current environ- Restrictions Flying in the Face #2. Gold and Nash tell us there breast cancer. Those “rebuttals” ment makes it critical of Science,” by two veteran are “at least 10 major categories were lame over a decade ago to arm policymakers pro-abortion apologists, Rachel of abortion restrictions conflict and there has been a great deal with the facts they Benson Gold and Elizabeth with the established scientific of evidence from South Asia need to adopt sound, Nash. It’s a tiresome rehash evidence.” That those experts since demonstrating that the evidence-based policies of the same old, same old providing “established overall risk increase for women that support—rather assertions using the rusty hook scientific evidence” are who have an induced abortion than thwart—women’s of “fake news” or “flouting the comprised of Guttmacher itself, there is far higher than the risk efforts to get the care facts” to go a step further to its friends at hotbeds of pro- for women in the West and in they need, and to take a shot at “an antiabortion abortion advocacy, or medical China. overturn measures that universe” that “has long been organizations which eons Second, there is what clearly flout the facts. an evidence-free zone.” ago threw their lot in with the Gold and Nash categorize “Evidence free zone?” Yikes. pro-abortion movement goes as “Restrictions Using Fetal The only “facts” these “10 Let me make a couple of unmentioned. Pain as a Pretext.” Really? A major categories of abortion observations here. #3. We have rebutted each of “pretext” that an unborn child restrictions conflict with” #1. Guttmacher loves, loves, Guttmacher’s claims, in many can experience pain at 20 are the “facts” generated loves to self-reference. They cases often. To take just two weeks? Ask yourself this. by and recycled by the are the intergalactic experts so examples…. First, the assertion Gold and Nash cite two Abortion Establishment, when Guttmacher says, “many that there is no link between studies that establish 24 weeks its handmaidens such as observers” (aka Guttmacher) abortion and breast cancer as a minimum threshold (if not Guttmacher, and in-the-tank are “deeply concerned that which, as it happens, Dr. Brind beyond). I found fascinating medical organizations. 36 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org According to pro-aborts, even pictures of babies in the womb are “graphic images” By Jonathon Van Maren

Editor’s note. This appeared city buses (they will be running story that made this claim, images on public last month at endthekilling. for the next three months.) so the journalist writing the transit. ca, a Canadian pro-life This is how the Peterborough story obviously knew that organization, and is reposted Examiner covered the story: she was misrepresenting the Again, there it is—simple with permission. A plan from city advertisement. She also twice photos of human beings council to make referred to the images as developing in the wombs of Pro-lifers uncomfortable changes to their “graphic images of fetuses” their mothers are considered with most forms of educational advertising policies to and quoted a post-abortive “graphic images” by the outreach often pinpoint their prevent a pro-life group woman who complained that pro-abortion media. And discomfort very specifically from ever running the images were “spewing earlier today, [Premier]Justin on one thing: Abortion victim pro-life ads on public bigotry.” Trudeau’s Minister of the Status photography makes people transit – with graphic So it turns out that even of Women Maryam Monsef— upset. There are a variety of images of fetuses – was photographs of healthy human who recently proclaimed that responses to this, of course— ratified by council on babies are now “graphic lack of access to abortion was images of abortion victims Monday night, even images,” simply because a human rights violation— should make us upset, because after several women the reminder that babies do, took to Facebook to condemn CCBR’s ad and say the same thing: Many residents have recently shared with me their displeasure that graphic anti- choice advertisements are now appearing on Peterborough transit. First of all, I want to commend all of those who have been little human beings are being told council they failed in fact, grow in the womb engaging respectfully physically torn limb from limb. by not blocking the ads is discomfiting to a society in this conversation But often, I point out the fact in the first place. that is determined to deny about a difficult topic… that regardless of whether we Two ads are coming them their rights. In January, While the federal choose to use photographs to public transit this the Peterborough Examiner government cannot of abortion victims in our week – likely Tuesday. referred to the ad as a “graphic take actions to stop outreach, people will always They come from the anti-abortion ad.” The same or mitigate these get upset, and they will always Canadian Centre for characterization was used by ads in their current accuse pro-lifers of being Bioethical Reform, and Kawartha News: configuration, anyone extreme. It is the truth that we they feature graphic In January, at the who is concerned bring that upsets people, not images of aborted request of Councillor may want to consider the method we use to bring it. fetuses. Dean Pappas, council contacting Advertising That’s why pro-lifers have been asked for City staff to Standards Canada, attacked at Life Chain, while There’s one problem with report back on , one, which is a national sidewalk chalking, and virtually that description: Our ad does options to adjust the not-for-profit self- any other form of outreach you not include any photographs city-wide advertising regulatory body for can think of. of aborted babies. It simply policy to ensure advertising in Canada. Let me give you one shows two photographs of harmful messages are example. Recently, the city children in the womb followed not allowed on city of Peterborough reluctantly by a blank red circle, with the property, and, two, the allowed the Canadian Centre words “Growing, Growing, municipality’s legal See “Images,” page 39 for Bio-Ethical Reform to run Gone” beneath them. A photo options to prevent pro-life ads on the backs of of the ad was included in the the display of graphic 37 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org How Can Belgian Catholic Psychiatric Hospitals “Adjust” for Euthanasia? By Nancy Valko I was in disbelief when I was a lot of pressure, treated Emily was obviously suicide for people with read Michael Cook’s article but pressure doesn’t wrong when she claimed that psychiatric problems and “Belgian Catholic psychiatric mean that we have to Emily’s suffering was so bad other countries like Canada hospitals ‘adjust’ their view capitulate” that it was “not compatible with are debating similar measures. of euthanasia.” I had to read life” and that her life did not Ethicists now write articles the translated version on the And have “sufficient quality.” like ”Euthanasia for Reasons Brothers of Charity order’s “Indeed, the presence Emily is not the only one of Mental Health,” exploring statement itself myself to see if of the brothers is not to change her mind. A 2014 the concept of including people this was “fake news.” nearly sufficient, but Belgian study of 100 psychiatric with mental illness. Thankfully, Brother Rene Stockman, the superior general of the Brothers of Charity order, spoke out and said he was devastated by the news and then did three things: “(F)irst we informed the whole congregation that as general superior we cannot accept this decision, because it is going totally against our charism of the charity. Secondly, we informed the Belgian Bishops conference about the situation and I am in contact with the president, Cardinal De Kesel. Also the Nuncio is informed. Thirdly, we informed the Vatican and all the information has also secularization patients asking for euthanasia In the meantime, families like been given to the is also poisoning showed that “8 postponed or mine will continue to struggle Secretariat of State. the congregation in cancelled the procedure.” The with safety and treatment issues In the meantime we Belgium.” study’s authors rationalized for our severely and chronically continue to offer our that these cancellations were mentally ill relatives. We want clear arguments why Ironically, this comes less “because simply having this real help for our loved ones, not we can never accept than 2 years after a pro- option gave them enough peace assisted suicide or euthanasia. euthanasia.” assisted suicide UK news of mind to continue living”! It is not compassionate, service documentary titled (Emphasis added) supportive or humane to have Brother Rene also warned “24 and Ready to Die” about Fortunately in 2016, our loved ones “put down” like that: Emily, a depressed young the American Psychiatric dogs. “In reality, only a Belgian woman, was released Association passed a resolution few brothers are but ended with the young opposing assisted suicide for Editor’s note. This appeared still involved in the woman changing her mind at the mentally ill. on Nancy’s blog and is reposted government of the the last moment. Despite this, with permission. organization, so the the documentary continued to Conclusion majority are lay- support euthanasia even though As at least 3 European people. Yes, there one psychiatric “expert” who countries now allow assisted 38 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Federal Judge permanently enjoins Louisiana law requiring abortionists to have admitting privileges By Dave Andrusko

It’s not as though U.S. However, on February 24, Act 620 yesterday, Judge a vigorous defense. “A District Judge John deGravelles 2016, an unanimous three- deGravelles repeatedly cited federal court struck down hadn’t already signaled where judge panel of the 5th Circuit the Supreme Court’s June large portions of Missouri he stood, but his April 26th Court of Appeals lifted the 27, 2016 decision in Whole law that protect the health decision to permanently enjoin Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt and safety of women who Louisiana’s law that requires striking down portions of the seek to obtain an abortion,” abortionists to have admitting Texas omnibus pro-life law Hawley said. “This decision privileges at a hospital within (HB 2). was wrong. I will appeal. 30 miles was still a bitter blow. As NRL News Today has noted Missouri has an obligation In early February 2016, on many occasions, plaintiffs to do everything possible to Judge deGravelles found in Hellerstedt did not contest ensure the health and safety that the admitting privileges several other components of women undergoing medical requirement would place an of HB 2, including a ban on procedures in state licensed “undue burden” on Louisiana abortions performed on unborn medical facilities.” women seeking an abortion. He babies capable of experiencing “We are reviewing [Judge issued a preliminary injunction ban. John deGravelles’] opinion preventing the law from being Also as noted elsewhere this and will determine how to best enforced against the clinics month, two other courts cited proceed,” Attorney Elizabeth involved in the challenge: Hope Hellerstedt in striking down Murrill, with the Louisiana Judge John deGravelles Medical Group for Women pro-life laws: Tennessee and Attorney General’s Office, told in Shreveport, Bossier City judge’s order. Louisiana agreed Missouri. The Associated Press. Medical Suite in Bossier City, not to enforce the law until Missouri’s Attorney General and Causeway Medical Clinic further notice. Josh Hawley criticized the in Metairie. In permanently enjoining judge’s decision and promised 39 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Abortionist admits: ‘Abortion is killing. Nobody can argue with that’ From page 34 she would not have otherwise. through hell over this. The they’re bad – you see little arms them to And Then There Were They justify the killing. But punishment is themselves. They and feet… little, but you know None [http://abortionworker. they do not deny that the killing don’t need people outside to tell what they are, and you know com]. takes place. them they’re going to hell. what’s really being done. Many (though perhaps not One of the abortion workers “Back-alley” abortions were She knows that what is “really all) abortion workers know in the facility expresses mixed not the scourge pro-abortion being done” is the actual killing they are taking a life every feelings about the work she activists claim they were, and of a real human being. It seems time they commit or assist in an does. The author of the article legalizing abortion did not have that this abortion worker might abortion. This stands in contrast describes her as “a recovering a huge influence on abortion be receptive to pro-lifers’ efforts to pro-abortion advocates who Catholic” who “seems on the deaths. The abortion worker to reach out to her. She realizes claim that abortion is just the verge of tears.” Committing “doesn’t approve” and says that abortion is wrong, and that removal of some “tissue” or abortions seems to be taking a she’s just “doing her job.” it hurts women and kills babies. “cells.” Those who witness toll on this woman. She says: But she is clearly uneasy. She may be right on the edge abortions every day cannot hide I don’t approve, but it doesn’t It is the emotional trauma of of quitting her job. When you from themselves the reality that matter if I don’t approve. I’m the women that bothers her go sidewalk counseling at an abortion kills babies. doing my job. I’m doing what so much, but the plight of the abortion facility, keep in mind I’m trained to do, and so is Doc aborted baby also moves her. that there may be workers like Editor’s note. This appeared – it’s better than that back-alley She says: this woman. Reach out to them at LiveActionNews and is sh*t! These girls put themselves The later ones, though, with compassion, and refer reposted with permission. According to pro-aborts, even pictures of babies in the womb are “graphic images” From page 36 Pro-lifers have to realize show them blissful, happy something: Abortion supporters images of pre-born children, are always going to claim that we are “spewing bigotry.” It we are extreme because they doesn’t matter what method despise our simple message pro-lifers use. of human rights for all human At the end of the day, we beings. If we use photos of are telling a culture that kills aborted babies as evidence in its children what happened to the court of public opinion, they those children, and they are announce that such pictures are not going to be happy with “too graphic.” that. Confronting the culture If we use photos of healthy is a difficult thing to do, but it babies in the womb, they report must be done. In the meantime, that we are using “graphic I’m not going to take pro-life images.” If we show people strategy cues from people what happens to three hundred who want abortion to remain pre-born children in Canada legal—and even think photos every day, they accuse us of of babies in the womb are “too using hateful imagery. If we graphic.” 40 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org National Right to Life heralds Trump Administration’s modernization of pro-life foreign aid policy From page 1 appointees for taking steps to family planning programs expanded policy will reach to control), the declined funds to ensure that U.S. taxpayer administered by the U.S. a substantially expanded array are re-directed to compliant funds are directed through Agency for International of overseas health programs, organizations that provides organizations that work to Development (USAID) and the including those dealing with services of the same type. preserve human life, not to State Department. However, HIV/AIDS, maternal and Over the years, various take it.” in the decades since 1984, a child health, and malaria, and “studies” have purported to The policy at issue was number of new health-related including some programs show that the pro-life policy originally announced by the foreign assistance programs operated by the Defense has increased the abortion Reagan Administration in 1984 have been created, under which Department. The policy will rate in certain countries, at an international population the U.S. provides support not apply to disaster-relief and ostensibly by reducing the conference in Mexico City, and to private organizations that humanitarian-relief programs, amount of contraceptive therefore until now it has been interact with many women of nor to direct aid to foreign assistance provided by specific officially known as the Mexico childbearing age in foreign governments and multi-lateral organizations that declined to City Policy. That policy required nations. All too many of these organizations. accept U.S. funds under the that, in order to be eligible for organizations have incorporated The family planning policy. The structural bias of certain types of foreign aid, promotion of abortion into their programs previously covered such studies is generally evident: a private organization must programs – even in nations were funded in the range of they typically gloss over the sign a contract promising not which have laws that provide $500-600 million annually. The ideological commitment to to perform abortions (except legal protection to unborn current aggregate funding for abortion that produces non- to save the mother’s life or in children. the programs covered by the compliance decisions by some cases of rape or incest), not to When President Trump expanded policy is about $8.8 organizations, and blame the lobby to change the abortion reinstated the pro-life policy on billion annually, according to U.S. policy rather than the laws of host countries, and not January 23, he also instructed the State Department. voluntary noncompliance to otherwise “actively promote the Secretary of State “to As in the past, the pro-life decisions for the claimed abortion as a method of family implement a plan to extend the policy will not result in any subsequent local diminishment planning.” The Mexico City requirements of the reinstated reduction of spending in any of of services. Also typically Policy has been adopted by Memorandum to global health the programs covered. When an excluded from analysis is the each Republican president assistance furnished by all organization decides to refuse impact of the re-directed funds since, and rescinded by each departments or agencies.” funds (generally, because it where they actually are used. Democratic president. Today, the State Department has an ideological commitment Under previous Republican announced the implementation to promoting abortion as just presidents, the policy applied of the President’s directive. The one more method of birth 41 May 2017 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org New website advises U.S. women how to self-abort From page 20 at local pharmacies (“Activist that the reason he would not medical pregnancy termination the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, Abortion Academics Want advocate women self-aborting over the counter.” under full medical supervision RU-486 Sold at Your Local right now is not any concern have ended up hospitalized. A Pharmacy,” NRL News Today, for safety, but the threat of Dangers Disregarded number of women have bled 2/24/17). prosecution (Washington Susan Yanow, one of to death, died from ruptured None of this is surprising. Post, 4/27/17). the consultants to Women undetected ectopic pregnancies, It simply serves the point Elsewhere, Grossman has told Help Women, admitted to or contracted rare but deadly of making clear that all the the media that “we have few, Cosmopolitan (4/27/17) that, infections. efforts to loosen restrictions, few concerns about” women even with WHO protocols, It is hard to see how such develop new delivery methods, using these drugs on their own. misoprostol, one of the drugs complications would not be challenge the laws of pro-life He says (particularly about they are promoting, is only multiplied in the absence of countries, to downplay safety misoprostol) that it is “very between 80 and 85% “effective.” direct medical monitoring. concerns are all of one piece, safe and effective” that “women This would leave an awful lot Women Help Women would originating from the same basic can safely use it on their own” of women enduring significant have people believe this is circle of activists, who are if they have “information on pain and bleeding and either why they are there–to ensure coordinating their attacks. how to use it” (The Guardian, not aborting completely or not that women use these drugs One person the media 4/27/17). aborting at all. correctly and safely. But many turned to for comments was Grossman is hardly some When misoprostol began to of the most serious problems University of California neutral observer commenting be sold on the black market mentioned above happened – San Francisco abortion for the news. He was a in Brazil in the 1990s, there when women did use the drugs researcher Daniel Grossman. signatory, along with Angel was a sudden rash of births of as they were told. Grossman was key in raising Foster, with the academics babies with fused or missing The chemical abortion the specter of a rise in self- seeking sales of mifepristone at fingers or toes, club feet, partial process is inherently bloody induced abortion from new local pharmacies, and has just facial paralysis, etc. They were and painful and dangerous. limits in Texas just two years published a paper in the British believed to be associated with And encouraging women to ago (Texas Policy Evaluation Journal of Obstetrics and use of the drug (The Lancet, believe that they can easily, Project, Research Brief, Gynaecology (March 2017) May 30, 1998). safely manage these nightmares 11/17/15). Grossman tells brazenly titled “A research Thousands of women legally all alone is the height of a Washington Post reporter agenda for moving early taking abortion drugs here in irresponsibility.