June 2020 Letter from 116 House members ask H.R. 6742, the Protecting Life in Crisis Act, be included in the next bipartisan COVID-19 relief package. By Dave Andrusko

On June 5, Rep. Mike Amendment, there are already The letter asks that H.R. towards abortions or abortion Conaway (R-TX) led 116 efforts underway to undercut 6742 — the Protecting Life coverage. In addition, this bill Members of the House in and bypass these long-held in Crisis Act — be included also addresses any attempts to sending a letter to House protections.” in the next bipartisan use refundable tax credits from and Senate leadership stating COVID-19 relief package. being used to purchase coverage that it is essential that Hyde "This straightforward on the exchanges or for COBRA protections are applied to any legislation extends existing continuation coverage.” funding or tax credits provided Hyde Amendment protections The letter concludes with this for the health care needs of to any COVID-19-related powerful declaration: unemployed Americans. healthcare provision." “The respect for life “Polling consistently shows that Specifically, the letter is one of the founding a majority of Americans do not explains, H.R. 6742 “prohibits principles of both support using tax dollars to fund any funds that are authorized or our nation and of our abortion,” the letter explains. appropriated for the purposes healthcare system. No The House Members of preventing, preparing for, or system that subsides emphasize that “Despite the responding to the COVID–19 abortion can be said longstanding congressional and pandemic, domestically and to fully life up to that public support for the Hyde Rep. Mike Conaway internationally, from going principle.” To the pregnant woman in these tumultuous times: Circumstances can change in a baby’s heartbeat By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

I remember the instant I I began to love my baby at found out I was a mother. the moment of confirmation of I had been volunteering at her conception. While I have a local pregnancy resource always been adverse to water, center, assisting women who I guzzled it down, believing it were facing challenging was best for baby. I carefully circumstances. I had been monitored my daily diet to make praying that I would conceive a sure I was consuming sufficient child, but for months, the prayer calories for myself and my little seemed to go unanswered. beloved one. Never an athlete, That day, I summoned up the I began a pregnancy-friendly courage to ask my supervisor exercise routine to aid in my for a pregnancy test. She delivery. gently took me aside and, after examining the test results, See “Heartbeat,” page 28 confirmed what I had felt in my heart: I was finally pregnant! Editorials Joe Biden: One year after his flip-flop on the Hyde Amendment As we wrote yesterday at NRL News Today, Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of one of the most revealing flip-flops in ages. In the space of a single day, pro-abortion former vice president Joe Biden, the Democrats’ by default presidential candidate, first affirmed his long-time support for the Hyde Amendment and then beat a hasty retreat. Biden, multiple times an awful presidential candidate, apparently still hadn’t grasped that his party’s new orthodoxy is a bright green light on abortion on demand through all 40 weeks and a flashing yellow light (for now) on infanticide. So, suddenly his support for the Hyde Amendment, credited with saving over two million lives, was expendable-- as will be the lives of the next two million babies whose deaths would be financed by the taxpayer. As I re-read the gobbledygook that passed for an explanation of his somersault, I was reminded that fluency has never been Biden’s calling card. I remember (and then looked up the transcript) of the Democrats first 2008 Presidential debate. As the Brits would say, I was gobsmacked when I read moderator Brian Williams’ question. Many were the kind real journalists would ask, not the softballs we see teed up nowadays when Democrats running for President are asked questions by an-in- the-tank media corps. Here’s what Williams said (it was obviously more a joke among buddies than a question) on April 27, 2007: voters in this country that you would have the discipline WILLIAMS: Senator Biden, words have in the past you would need on the world stage, Senator? gotten you in trouble, words that were borrowed and SEN. BIDEN: Yes. (Laughter.) words that some found hateful. An editorial in the Los MR. WILLIAMS: Thank you, Senator Biden. (Laughter.) Angeles Times said, “In addition to his uncontrolled verbosity, Biden is a gaffe machine.” Can you reassure See “Biden,” page 23 An ex-abortionist declares, “I’m just glad that God is using me to do something good now.” Even if they do not become public pro-life advocates, who can understand that we understand how often a woman (or girl) finds more persuasively make the case against abortion than women herself in a situation where virtually every person in her circle of who now understand the full gravity of their decision to abort and friends and family wish the child would just “go away.” It takes wish with every fiber in their heart they could bring their child steely character to stand up for the little one when so many voices back to life? How can it not be when the pain of abortion is so raw, are shouting, “There is an easy solution. Take it!” so unmediated, the need for forgiveness so all-consuming? Likewise, that spirit of forgiveness extends to those abortionists Periodically, I visit sites where women are able to safely confess who have come out of the darkness of death and destruction and (no lesser word will do) their regret, remorse, and what can only be into the light. Who would better know the ugly, monstrous reality described as repentance. I read one account last month in which a of the slaughter of unborn children on an industrial scale? woman wrote, “I pray every time for forgiveness to God and my Last week in NRL News Today, we reposted Sarah Terzo’s kind- child I even named my child ‘my Angel child’ may his/her little soul hearted analysis of the journey of an ex-abortionist from a woman find peace and may he/she know that mommy loves him/her so so who saw performing abortions as a kind of “challenge” to a very much and may he/she forgives mommy.” effective pro-life advocate. Dr. Kathi Aultman said Pro-lifers are above all else a forgiving lot. The irony is that so I was challenged by the procedure and I really hate to many pro-abortionists smirk at the very idea that we can condemn say this, but the bigger the better. I cringe now when I the unjust taking of the life of an unborn child without wishing ill to the mother. “Hypocrisy” they insist. They simply cannot See “Ex-abortionist,” page 28 From the President Carol Tobias Our Country Needs the Pro-Life Movement More Than Ever These past few months have shown homes. The eventual total of deaths will be overrode a patient’s me, once again, why our country needs staggering. advance directive or the pro-life movement. As the NRLC More than ever, during this time of the family’s wishes. mission statement reads, “America’s first depression, anger, and bewilderment, I was proud of the document as a new nation, The Declaration our nation needs to adopt the pro-life Trump administration of Independence, states that we are all movement’s foundational philosophy: that for making very clear, ‘created equal’ and endowed by our Creator each human being is important, unique, and through the Office of ‘with certain unalienable Rights, that awe-inspiring. Civil Rights in the among these are Life….’ Our Founding Of all that has happened, I am grief- Department of Health Fathers emphasized the preeminence of stricken most of all by the roughly and Human Services the right to ‘Life’ by citing it first among 40,000 of our elderly brothers and sisters and through the Federal Emergency the unalienable rights this nation was who died in nursing homes and assisted Management Agency, that such violations established to secure.” living centers. I fully expect there will of civil rights were not acceptable and The pro-life movement promotes the be investigations as to why and how so would not be tolerated. sanctity of life, recognizing the value, many residents in long-term care (LTC) The lives of the elderly and those with dignity, and worth of every human life. facilities die. MCCL, our Minnesota state disabilities are not less valuable than other The pro-life movement champions the affiliate, has called for the resignation lives and should not be treated as though principle that each human life is unique of the Minnesota Department of Health they were. and unrepeatable, that he or she should be Commissioner. This is why we need the pro-life respected, cherished and protected. A question that needs to be asked is: movement. Our mission of promoting the My heart aches when I look at all that has were the lives of these elderly COVID-19 dignity of human life is critical at this time. happened in the last few months. patients deemed not as important as the The pro-life movement focuses on Lives have been lost in the demonstrations lives of others? abortion and euthanasia. We are a voice for and riots that followed the cruel and tragic What was alarming were the news articles those who have no voice. Our message-- death of George Floyd. More than 112,000 about healthcare providers and “ethicists” that each human life has value-- needs not of our fellow Americans have already frankly discussing the possibility of only to be heard but also to be incorporated died from the COVID-19 virus. There rationing care based on the age and into the way our culture treats everyone… are already preliminary studies about the ability of those affected by COVID-19. born and unborn. number of lives lost due to loneliness and Others raised the possibility of instituting Whether our nation realizes it or not, it subsequent suicide during the months- mandatory “do not resuscitate” orders needs the pro-life movement to continue long shutdown that bound people to their for COVID-19 patients, even if doing so raising the banner for life. 4 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org “Baby Leah”—the ‘Miracle preemie’—leaves NY hospital after her mom gave birth to her while fighting COVID-19 in a coma By Dave Andrusko

During this pandemic and its (surprising early), she’d nearly associated quarantine, we can doubled her weight! use all the good news we can Her mom, Adriana Torres, get. only found out that she had a Enter “Baby Leah”—known baby girl after she emerged as the “miracle preemie” who from her coma, WNYW is “pulling off a second surprise reported. on her doctors,” according to “Two days after the baby was WNYW. born, the mom was out of coma Her birth was a double-barrel and she came back on her 41st miracle. She was 11 weeks birthday, so she came and saw early and “her mom was in a the baby for the first time and coma during birth because she things started to brighten up,” was battling the coronavirus at said NYU Winthrop Hospital the time”! Dr. Nazeeh Hanna. Born on April 8th by “The baby is leaving the C-Section, Baby Leah, of hospital way earlier than we course, was small–2 pounds thought it would be. We are and 15-ounces. But when she very happy for Leah that she is was released from the hospital going home to her family.” in Mineola, N.Y. May 27 To the pregnant woman in these tumultuous times: Circumstances can change in a baby’s heartbeat From page 1 I read the pregnancy book While she was a cherished born of a dark-haired, brown- To the pregnant woman recommended by my mother- part of my heart, she was eyed Mama. She did not gain in these tumultuous times, in-law and the breastfeeding separate from me all along, legitimacy at her birth—it I offer you this wisdom, guide published by the La Leche with her own distinctive DNA. was another, albeit highly born of years of mothering: League. I devoted myself to my That DNA made her a blonde- important, stage in her already Circumstances can change new cause: the cause of being haired, blue-eyed beauty, legitimate life. in a baby’s heartbeat. The the best mother I could be. struggles you face today could This coming week, my be long gone a year from daughter celebrates another now. But one fact remains: birthday. I am enchanted and that baby within you bears amazed at the incredible person a beauty and dignity which she has become. cannot be erased. Yours is an But I knew she was a one- awesome responsibility but of-a-kind individual long ago, also a bountiful blessing. You when I first learned of her will never regret bringing presence in my womb. I could that blessing into the world. not deny her humanity any So happy birthday to more than I could deny my all the June babies, and own. She was precious from the congratulations to all your awe- start, loved from the beginning, inspiring mothers! You truly and treasured throughout the make the world a brighter, more trimesters. loving place. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 5 Did you know just how radical Joe Biden’s positions are on abortion? By Karen Cross, National Right to Life Political Director

Editor’s note. The following government’s brutal one-child “faltering and declining,” • Working to codify Roe is a handy primer that you can policy, “Your policy has been and “transforms how people v. Wade (which means share not only with pro-lifers one which I fully understand— experience us, relate to us, and, unlimited abortion on but also all those millions of I’m not second-guessing—of most important, remember us. demand); Americans who are not pro- one child per family.” The one- We are no longer remembered • Supporting the abortion extremists like Mr. child policy was built around as vibrant and engaged but repeal of the Hyde Biden. coerced abortions, late-term as feeble, ineffectual, even Amendment (which abortions, and infanticide. pathetic.” Emanuel said that means taxpayer Did you know Biden beyond age 75, he would refuse funding of abortion on supports the Democratic Did you know Biden’s not only cancer screenings demand); and, platform of unlimited abortion lack of respect for life and advanced life-saving • Restoring federal through birth? In 2019, Ilyse includes surrounding himself treatment, but also flu shots and funding for Planned Hogue, president of NARAL with advisers who hold the antibiotics. Think of all of the Parenthood, including Pro-Choice America, said, “At vulnerable elderly in low vibrant people you know and through Medicaid a time where the fundamental esteem? Biden included Dr. love who are “living too long” and Title X (which is freedoms enshrined in Roe Ezekiel Emanuel, a University past age 75! (Biden is 77, by the taxpayer funding to are under attack, we need full- of Pennsylvania bioethicist, way.) the nation’s largest throated allies in our leaders.” in his team of advisers on the abortion provider and She added, “We’re pleased that coronavirus. Dr. Emanuel Did you know Joe Biden’s promoter). Joe Biden has joined the rest of has written explicitly that he official campaign site includes the 2020 Democratic field in “hope[s] to die at 75,” because the following on his list of Now you know. coalescing around the Party’s “living too long” renders people priorities in his 2020 campaign? core values — support for abortion rights…”

Did you know that last June, Biden changed his position on taxpayer funding of abortion? He now wants to overturn the Hyde Amendment, which, by eliminating virtually all federal funding of abortion, has saved well over two million lives. Once a supporter of the Hyde Amendment, Biden now vigorously endorses using taxpayer dollars to pay for unfettered abortion on demand. Read more about this here.

Did you know Biden pledges that his judicial nominees would “support the right of privacy, on which the entire notion of a woman’s right to choose is based.” [The Washington Post, 10/15/19.]

Did you know that in 2011, as Barack Obama’s vice president, Biden said of the Chinese 6 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Men shouldn’t be silent on abortion or be silenced By Paul Stark, Communications Associate, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

Men don’t have a uterus. isn’t correct. The truth of a determine whether or not that ethical view of it. This claim They can’t get pregnant. They statement (e.g., “abortion is view is true, we must assess it isn’t about moral reality but don’t fully understand what it’s unjust”) is independent of the on its own merits, not dismiss it rather about epistemology— like to experience pregnancy, characteristics of the person because of a particular person’s about knowledge. “Maybe it’s childbirth, or abortion. All of who happens to be making the traits. true that abortion is wrong,” that is true. statement. Abortion supporters may try the abortion supporter could And it’s why, when men That’s how reality works. to disregard the arguments of say, “but you don’t know that. express a pro-life view on In the case of abortion, the pro-life men, but doing so is Because you’re a man. So your abortion or offer an argument opinion isn’t worth listening for that view, defenders of to.” abortion often tell them they In fact, many pro-life men can’t have a say. They don’t do have a kind of personal have a right to speak to the issue experience with abortion— because they are men. Their performing it, encouraging it, view is frequently dismissed on discouraging it, being hurt by that basis. it, surviving it. But the more “I don’t understand how any fundamental problem is this: man thinks that he has the right We can know the truth (or offer to dictate to women what they sound arguments in support) of should do with their body,” says a proposition about something Trevor Noah, host of The Daily without direct experience of Show. “Men know nothing that something. about what it’s like to be a We can know, for example, woman.” Former presidential that spousal abuse is wrong candidate Pete Buttigieg even if we aren’t husbands who says that if you’re a “male treat their wives terribly. We can government official,” then you know that infant abandonment shouldn’t try to protect unborn is bad even if we can’t relate children at all. to the desperation of a teenage It seems like there are two mother. We can offer cogent ways to interpret this “men arguments for our views about can’t have a say” dismissal. social welfare policies even if First, abortion defenders could we aren’t welfare recipients mean that the fact that someone ourselves. is a man (or lacks certain Indeed, defenders of abortion experiences) counts against probably don’t want to disregard the merits of his view on the opinions of infertile women abortion—it’s a reason to think or abortion-supporting men that his pro-life view is false or (such as the seven men who that his argument is faulty. decided Roe v. Wade) even But this is a classic example though they can’t experience of the ad hominem fallacy pregnancy and abortion. And in reasoning. That’s when pro-life position is either true or not the same as refuting those if those people can be justified someone attacks or focuses on false irrespective of the gender arguments. in holding and advocating their his opponent’s characteristics of a person who holds it, and But there’s a second views, then so—in principle— rather than dealing with the pro-life argument is either interpretation of the “men can’t can pro-life men. the issue or argument sound or unsound irrespective have a say” dismissal. Maybe This doesn’t mean experience under consideration. It’s a of the gender of a person who abortion defenders mean that can’t be important and fallacy because, even if the advocates it. After all, millions because men can’t experience informative. And there’s a sort claims about the person are of women, alongside millions pregnancy and abortion, they accurate, it doesn’t follow of men, hold the pro-life view or aren’t in a position to know (or See “Silent,” page 14 that his position or argument make the pro-life argument. To be justified in believing) their www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 7 “Miracle Baby” survives two potentially lethal conditions, parents ignored the advice from doctors that abortion “was the best option.” By Dave Andrusko

When first-time mother Kimberly’s unborn baby two doctors but I refused.” to have private scans and Kimberley James said, “We girl was diagnosed with two When she was diagnosed with blood tests, saying, “We were had a very rocky start to our potentially lethal conditions: cystic hygroma a month later, determined to go ahead with pregnancy,” it might qualify hydrops fetalis (severe swelling “I was again told I could abort the pregnancy.” as the understatement of the due to an abnormal level of the baby but I just trusted that On May 9, Kimberley and Nick welcomed 7lb 6oz Penelope at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Scott wrote. “Penelope stunned doctors by arriving in perfect health, with both her life-threatening conditions disappearing by the time her mum went into labour.” Doctors were and are mystified (“gobsmacked,” as Kimberley colorfully described their reaction). “Penelope defied all odds and the hydrops disappeared at 16 weeks and the cystic hygroma also disappeared after 20 weeks,” Kimberley told Scott. “The doctors all said it was unheard of for the hydrops to disappear and we still to this year. Four times she was told fluids) and cystic hygroma (a she would survive.” Kimberley day don’t know what caused it abortion would be the best fluid-filled sac, usually found in added, ‘It must have been three or why it went away.” option. Mrs. James told Ellen the area of the baby’s neck). or four people I was told, quite As for little Penelope, Mrs. Scott of Metro News. Each time The doctors’ counsel came forcibly, that a termination was James said, ‘We are so in love Mrs. James and her husband, when these conditions were the best option.” with her and so thankful that we Nick, said no, and now they first diagnosed, Kimberly told They said no “because it was continued with the pregnancy are the parents of “our miracle Scott. After she was diagnosed absolutely not what we wanted despite the extremely poor baby.” with hydrops (at 12 weeks), “I to do.” prognosis at the start. “ Why the lethal advice? was offered a termination by Instead they decided to pay “She really is a little miracle.” 8 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org A portrait of an American hero: “Created Equal: Clarence Thomas In His Own Words” By Dave Andrusko

At first blush, you no longer. Everyone is listening General Manager, rose to serve on the may wonder what voice to you now,” President Trump General Audience highest court in the synthesizers and a recent drew a line in the sand. It was a Programming at land.” revealing documentary on direct threat to the old ways of PBS. “Michael Pack’s “His intellectual the life of Roe v. Wade critic doing things. latest film continues journey is just as Justice Clarence Thomas This changing of the guard is PBS’s long tradition remarkable,” said could possibly have in not a novel idea. Had Obama, of airing point-of- producer/director common. Stay with me for a the orator, said many of the view, biographical Michael Pack. “He few paragraphs, and it will all same things, he would have documentaries that was raised by his come clear. grandfather with I ran across this awhile back strict discipline, taught on the Internet and it continues by Catholic nuns in to absolutely fascinate me. parochial schools, Employing a voice synthesizer, yet he rebelled and someone has former President became a ’60s radical Barack Obama “reading” who supported the President Trump’s 2017 Black Panthers, only inaugural speech. What did to rethink his way we—or at least yours truly— back to his traditional learn? beginnings. He went That Mr. Obama could to work for Ronald deliver a prepared speech. Reagan as a rare It was arguably his greatest African American strength. In 2004, the then Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas conservative, and now largely obscure Illinois state serves as one of the Senator running to become a been hailed as nothing short of empower audiences most influential justices United States Senator delivered a liberator. But because Trump with new information on the Supreme Court. a speech to the Democratic said it… and points of discussion We offer viewers a National Convention which The media, reliably pro- that are both insightful chance to hear Thomas’ became by universal consensus abortion and virtually and relevant.” story directly from the the springboard for his eventual uniformly pro-Democrat, went man himself, a unique presidential run. after him hammer and tong and Justice Thomas’ journey to opportunity.” I also learned that in the hands has ever since. the Supreme Court (where of a gifted orator, President Enter “Created Equal: he has served longer than any It’s an incredible, inspirational Trump’s speech soared. The Clarence Thomas In His other current member of the saga. So why isn’t Thomas contents didn’t change, the Own Words” which aired Court) is the ultimate Horatio revered, held up as an shining presentation did. on PBS May 18. Perhaps Alger story. example of how anyone can And while I did not learn this someone knows how in the “Justice Thomas’ make it in America, even if they (it was hardly new information world a documentary wholly life is a remarkable began their lives in a broken to me), I was reminded that the sympathetic to Justice Thomas journey, the quint- home living in a shack without substance of what President made it on PBS, because I sure essential American indoor plumbing? Trump said three years ago don’t. But consider this: success story,” said Of course you know the was remarkable and genuinely “This film gives executive producer answer. In Thomas’s terse historic in its challenge to the fascinating insight Gina Cappo Pack. “He words, he was “the wrong kind status quo. into one of the most began life in Gullah- of black guy,” so “he has to be When he said, “January 20th important and yet speaking Pin Point, destroyed.” 2017, will be remembered as enigmatic public Georgia, suffered There were not many reviews the day the people became the figures in the country,” poverty and privation of “Created Equal: Clarence rulers of this nation again. The said Perry Simon, in Savannah, dealt with forgotten men and women of Chief Programming the vicious iniquities of See “Thomas,” page 12 our country will be forgotten Executive and segregation, and yet www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 9 In spite of the spin, new CBS News survey holds very encouraging news for pro-lifers By Dave Andrusko

So how does CBS News no numbers. (They are likely Or (the rare occasion CBS in a few circumstances” (39%) headline its latest survey on huge.) News provides specifics) that or “illegal in all circumstances” abortion? “Roe v. Wade: Most Or, “How frequently one 55% believe abortion should (21%). support keeping it in place.” attends religious services plays be “available but with limits” Back to keeping Roe. How True, but fundamentally a role regardless of religious [31% ] or “should not be is the question posed to misleading, as we’ll discuss in affiliation. Those who attend permitted” (24% ) versus just respondents? “What should the a moment. Supreme Court do about Roe What would be a headline vs. Wade, the 1973 decision that that better captures the made abortion legal—keep it as important findings? “Four is or overturn it?” in 10 Americans [42%] say But besides “mak[ing] the issue is so important to abortion legal,” what does Roe them they could not vote for a allow? Sex-selection abortions candidate who disagrees with are legal. Targeting babies them on it.” That is a great because they would have Down many Americans. syndrome is legal. Slaughtering Over and over, polls have huge babies well into the shown that among these single- second and third trimesters is issue voters, there are many legal. more who vote pro-life than Is the public buying into that? who vote pro-abortion. religious services weekly are 42% who say they believe Of course not, which is why Guess what? Jennifer inclined to feel abortion should abortion should be “generally these questions are worded they DePinto and Anthony Salvanto not be permitted and to think available.” way they are: to ensure that don’t bother to tell the reader Roe should be overturned, These questions are DePinto and Salvanto can lead the breakout. while those who attend less maddeningly imprecise. When their story with “Nearly two- Or, how about “Most white often support keeping Roe you get specific, as Gallup thirds of Americans want Roe v. Evangelicals” think Roe v. Wade in place.” Kind of does, you find that a whopping Wade kept in place.” should be overturned. Again important, wouldn’t you say? 60% want abortion legal “only Geez. 10 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Couple welcomes ‘miracle’ premature identical quadruplets during pandemic By Nancy Flanders Jenny and Chris Marr were had any siblings, and had no thrive. Thankfully, the issue Harrison (2 pounds, 6 ounces), shocked to learn last year that knowledge of multiples on never arose. Hardy (2 pounds, 10 ounces), they were expecting identical either side of the family, so they “The babies shared incredibly Henry (2 pounds, 6.7 ounces), quadruplets – a one in 11 to were floored. well,” said Dr. Lauren Murray, and Hudson (1 pound, 15 15 million chance. There are “The tech – who was doing the couple’s OB-GYN at Texas ounces) were born within three only 72 such births known to the initial (scan) – she gave Health Presbyterian Hospital minutes. have ever been reported in the me a funny look,” Chris told Dallas, who called the babies “It’s incredible,” said Jenny. world, and though today they TODAY. “We were like, ‘Oh a “miracle.” She added, “There “We called them our baby birds are thrilled with their bundles what’s going on now?’ We were no incidents on the because they really looked like of joy, when they first learned got worried again. She was sonogram even leading up to baby birds.” All of the boys spent about 10 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, according to TODAY, with three of them needing oxygen support. They were discharged in May, and their parents have special ways of telling them apart. “They each have little bitty characteristics,” explained Chris. “When we sit down and look at them we can figure out who they are but if you just look at them from a distance, they all look the same.” But if that method fails, the babies each wear an ankle bracelet so they never get mixed up. The family of six is settling into their new life at they were having four babies really cute. She said, ‘I’m not where we were worried that home amid social distancing at once, they were more scared supposed to say this, but y’all one of them, or two or three of and quarantine. They hope their than anything. got four babies.’” them, would be significantly story can bring joy to people “It sounds horrible to say, The news was further smaller.” during this uncertain time. but I don’t know if it was complicated by the fact that Labor began early, as is often “It was kind of hard to wrap necessarily tears of joy,” Chris all four babies were sharing the case with multiples, at 28.5 our head around but we’re told the Washington Post. “We one placenta, which can make weeks gestation at the start of doing good with it,” said were completely overwhelmed it difficult for all the babies to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jenny. “It’s fun, it’s exciting. and, frankly, terrified.” grow properly and at the same “For my first time (during my To be able to share these little Initially, the couple was told rate. If one baby was stronger, pregnancy) I anticipated the miracles… it’s just been really they were expecting triplets, but he could take all the nutrients worst,” said Jenny. “Maybe we special.” after getting used to the idea, and leave the others weaker. were going to have sick babies they learned from their maternal But doctors reassured the and they were going to be in the Editor’s note. This appeared fetal medicine department that couple that if that did indeed NICU.” at Live Action News and is there was actually a fourth happen, they could attempt She underwent a C-section reposted with permission. baby. Neither Jenny nor Chris surgery to help all the babies and on March 15, babies www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 11 Female Republican politicians were the most vocal about defunding Planned Parenthood By Secular Pro-Life

On May 18 the Journal of than Republican’s on women’s wondered if they reflect the message, compared to Women, Politics, & Policy issues. To her surprise, though, “intensity gap” between pro- regulations or statistics published “Standing Up For her analysis found the opposite choice and pro-life people: the meant to support Women? How Party and to the be the case. idea that those of us against Planned Parenthood, Gender Influence Politicians’ which may require a Online Discussion of greater amount of text Planned Parenthood.” In this or explanation. study, researcher Morgan Johnstonbaugh analyzed tweets This theory is so transparently by members of the 114th House biased I actually laughed a little of Representatives regarding when I read it. I expect pro- Planned Parenthood. She lifers will continue to mystify narrowed the focus to tweets researchers who can’t see past made between July 1 and their own worldviews. Novemeber 1, 2015, during a Not all pro-choice tweets heated debate on whether to require a lot of nuance. defund PP in response to the Johnstonbaugh points out that CMP videos suggesting PP previous research found female sells fetal organs. Democrats are traditionally Johnstonbaugh hypothesized the most vocal about women’s that women would write issues, suggesting an apparent more tweets about Planned Female Republicans abortion are more likely to contradiction with this Parenthood than men, and constituted 5% of feel passionately about the study’s finding. However the Democrats would write more the House and wrote issue than those who support contradiction exists only if than Republicans. 12.6% of the tweets the status quo. For example, we view Planned Parenthood For her hypothesis about about Planned according to PRRI, “Americans solely through a “women’s gender, Johnstonbaugh Parenthood while male who oppose the legality of issue” lens. Johnstonbaugh’s theorized that “men may be Republicans made up abortion (27%) are significantly additional analysis confirms disinclined from dicussing and 51.7% of the House more likely than those who that many people see more addressing women’s issues and wrote 68.6% of the support the legality of abortion factors in the PP controversy. because feminine issues are tweets about Planned (18%) to say they will only vote She examines how often perceived as having lower Parenthood. for a candidate who shares their House members framed the status.” (If she is aware of the views on the issue.” Planned Parenthood discussion “no uterus, no opinion” factor and Apparently Johnstonbaugh in the following ways: — the vocal and persistent didn’t enterain the intensity 1. Women’s Issue: insistence that men have no While it is clear that gap theory, though. Instead she defunding PP is right to speak about abortion women write more speculated that Republicans important particularly — she doesn’t mention it.) tweets about Planned wrote more PP-related tweets to women Johnstonbaugh’s analysis did Parenthood than because pro-life ideas are 2. Planned Parenthood find that female Democrats men within their simplistic, whereas the pro- Healthcare: defunding are more vocal about this issue political party, female choice perspective is too PP will harm people than male Democrats, and Republicans are the nuanced to convey over Twitter: who rely on the org for female Republicans are more most active members in This unexpected healthcare vocal about the issue than male the online discussion. finding may be related 3. Alternative Healthcare: Republicans. to the ease with which there are better For her hypothesis about Female Republicans were provocative pro-life healthcare options than political party, Johnstonbaugh the most vocal group, followed propaganda can be PP theorized that there would be by male Republicans, female spread on Twitter by more PP-related tweets from Democrats, and lastly male incorporating videos, See “Female,” page 18 Democrats than Republicans Democrats. images, and only 140 because Democrats focus more As I read these results I characters for each 12 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Pro-life, Pro-woman: Reaching Out to Pregnant Women Facing Challenges By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

One of the greatest attributes World Wide Web. Chances of the pro-life movement are you or a friend can find a is the concern it shows to center within driving distance pregnant women facing serious of home. You can find the challenges in their lives. complete list here. There is no woman in You can also call the toll- Pennsylvania–or across the free hotline at 1-888-Life- country–who should feel as Aid. Compassionate, caring if she is being forced into individuals are ready to take abortion. Help is as close as the your call. nearest cell phone or Internet To be pro-life is to be pro- connection. woman…both supportive of The Pennsylvania Pro- the woman carrying a child… Life Federation has the most and of the daughter inside her comprehensive list of PA mother’s womb. pregnancy care centers on the A portrait of an American hero: “Created Equal: Clarence Thomas In His Own Words” From page 8

Thomas In His Own Words” harshly critical, and many the janitors to each justice’s law the High Court in his direction as opposed to the Niagara of read as if they had not (to be clerks.” even as he has created a stable complimentary reviews of polite) done their homework. But he is more than a good of young conservatives who are “RBG,” a hugely flattering One particularly vicious man whose ”booming laugh found everywhere in the pro- “portrait of an unlikely rock critic (on the grounds that fills the corridors.” Thomas is life Trump Administration and star: Justice Ruth Bader Thomas insisted during his a powerful and deeply under- in the federal courts. Ginsburg.” hearings that he had not had rated intellectual force. Justice Thomas is a There were some that a conversation about Roe v. Thomas has written more than remarkable man who has understood that Thomas is (in Wade) concluded that Thomas 600 opinions, “30 percent more suffered more slings and arrows Kathleen Parker’s words) an was “incurious.” than any other sitting justice,” in his nearly 72 years than most “American hero” for what he He’s a go-along-to- as one of his former law clerks armies. had overcome. get-along kind of guy, remarked. But he endured, he And, yet, because he’s a man who worked “He wrote the most persevered, he refused to give a conservative, a sin hard and achieved concurrences, dissents, in when 99.9% of the rest of us especially grave to something and enjoyed and opinions of any justice would have buckled. How? some because he is a steady rise without during each of the past five Parker concluded her column black, and because he ever being driven to terms, according to data from with this insight: opposes Roe v. Wade, explore things. He was SCOTUSblog,” Emma Green, Audiences will learn he is reviled by the a bureaucrat. writing in the Atlantic, tells us. why Thomas rarely many who, were he “Should Thomas remain asks questions and ideologically otherwise, I don’t think it is humanly on the high court until his why he never gives would herald him possible to be more wrong. 80th birthday, as has become up. A clue can be as a triumph of Let’s count the ways. common, he would become found inscribed on a individual will and As Jeffrey Toobin wrote back the longest-serving justice bust Thomas keeps of grace over seemingly in 2007, with his “effusive good in U.S. history,” adds Kyle his grandfather, who insurmountable odds. nature,” Thomas is “universally Smith. often said to the young adored.” As another critic of the And, as we’ve written on Clarence: “Old Man “Were he ideologically documentary conceded in the other occasions, “At long last, Can’t is dead. I helped otherwise”–four words that first few paragraphs, “Unlike Justice Thomas’ enormous bury him.” explain everything. most of his colleagues, he influence is beginning to be Most reviews were snide, learns everyone’s name, from recognized.” He has moved www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 13 US Tells UN Secretary General to Focus on Life-saving, not Abortion By Marie Smith, Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

The acting administrator for to abortion as an to and its derivatives without promoting the US Agency for International ‘essential service.’ from the Global HRP, abortion. Now is Development (USAID), John Unfortunately, the and drop the provision not the time to add Barsa, sent a strong message Global HRP does of abortion as an unnecessary discord to United Nations Secretary just this, by cynically essential component to the COVID-19 General António Guterres placing the provision of the UN’s priorities response. (SG) letting him know that of ‘sexual and to respond to the the United States stands with reproductive health COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump’s strong pro- nations that have pledged to services’ on the same life message to the 74th UN protect the unborn. level of importance The SG is also reminded of General Assembly is quoted in In the letter, Barsa expressed as food-insecurity, the controversy that exists at the the letter to underscore U.S. the Trump administration’s commitment to saving all lives: concern that during the “Under the leadership pandemic the SG, his staff, of President Donald and the UN’s funds, programs, J. Trump, the United and specialized agencies need States has made clear to stay focused on life-saving that we will ‘never tire interventions and not seek to of defending innocent advance abortion in countries life.’ President Trump with pro-life laws. said in his address to The letter reminds the SG the 74th UN General that the U.S. is the world’s Assembly that the largest donor of global health UN simply has ‘no and humanitarian assistance business attacking the with USAID disbursing over sovereignty of nations $3.5 billion to the UN in fiscal that wish to protect year 2019, $650.7 million to innocent life.’ Indeed, combat the pandemic globally the UN should not with $45.3 million of that to intimidate or coerce UN agencies. It expresses Member States that are U.S. belief that the “delivery essential health care, UN over terms that reference committed to the right of essential health care is the malnutrition, shelter, abortion: to life.” first priority around the globe and sanitation. Most “Member States In conclusion, Barsa objected during this time” and secondly egregious is that the are deeply divided to UN use of the pandemic to that the U.S. believes severe Global HRP calls over the use of the advance access to abortion, an food shortages which “could for the widespread term ‘sexual and act opposed by many countries represent a second, deadly distribution of reproductive health’ which seek to protect the impact of the pandemic in many abortion-inducing and its derivatives, and unborn: countries” must be prioritized. drugs and abortion it is among the most “To use the COVID-19 The acting USAID supplies, and for the polarizing issues raised pandemic as a administrator explained that promotion of abortion in UN negotiations. justification to pressure the Trump administration’s in local country The Global HRP, governments to change concern is based in part on the settings.” and the activities their laws is an affront UN’s Global Humanitarian of UN agencies to the autonomy of each Response Plan (Global HRP), The U.S. seeks removal of and bodies moving society to determine its and its $6.71 billion coordinated the controversial term “sexual forward, should use own national policies appeal. Mr. Barsa writes, and reproductive health” from clear language and on health care. The Therefore, the UN the UN’s humanitarian plan. take clear action to United States stands should not use this According to Mr. Barsa, address the real needs with nations that have crisis as an opportunity “Therefore, I ask that of vulnerable people pledged to protect the to advance access you remove references around the world unborn.” 14 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org The inclusive Old Pledge is still the Best Pledge By Jean Garton Editor’s note. May 25 was as a nation, we remember the Version. With Liberty and There is the Pro-Abortion Memorial Day. I often asked freedoms we enjoy because Justice for All: that is, the Version. With Liberty and Jean, who passed away in of the valor and sacrifice of perfect, productive, and Justice for All women who December 2016, to write about the members of our military planned. have a right to control their commemorative dates, the services. There is the Elitist Version. own bodies and because a fetus kinds of days where Americans Memorial Day is marked with With Liberty and Justice for is not a person and because a are encouraged to think about parades, services of all sorts, All, except for those who are woman has a right to choose who we are as a people. and because, and because, and because…. Jean, my friend of more than It is an anti-democratic 30 years and the author of the version of the Pledge that pro-life classic “Who Broke has become one, long run- the Baby?” sent me this post on sentence that evades the just prior to Memorial Day, Pledge’s core meaning. 2016. I am re-running her great But, then, there is the Pro- message as a tribute to her and Life Pledge. It comes without an inspiration to us all. exceptions but with quotation On May 30, 2016, the marks because the words of the United States again observed singing of patriotic songs and, “inconvenient” or “unwanted.” Pledge are not ours to change: Memorial Day. of course, citizens reciting the There is the Materialist “With Liberty and Justice for First called Decoration Day, Pledge of Allegiance. Version. With Liberty and All.” it is a date set aside in 1868 to Those key words – With Justice for All, but not for the Period! remember the men and women Liberty And Justice For All – poor, dependent, or those who That phrase speaks of an who lost their lives in wars have long been taken at face existence some deem too costly inclusive, not an exclusive, fought in the then short history value. However, in practice to preserve and defend. society. It is that great and of our beloved country. today, they have been amended There is the Escapist Version. historic truth to which Pro- While always a poignant day, and revised and revamped. With Liberty and Justice for…. Lifers pledge themselves. it also a grateful day. Together, There is the Pompous It all depends. Men shouldn’t be silent on abortion or be silenced From page 6 of experiential knowledge that whether they are true or false United States and around the people of all backgrounds. we can’t possess without the using evidence and logic. world embrace this argument— What matters is whether or relevant experience. Just as Consider the pro-life view. including women who have not it’s sound. What matters civilians don’t know what it It’s based on (1) the fact personally experienced is whether or not the pro-life feels like to engage in military established by embryology that unexpected pregnancy, position is true. combat, men don’t know human embryos and fetuses are childbirth, abortion, the And if it is, then men shouldn’t what it feels like to undergo members of the species Homo placement of children for be silent. They should join with pregnancy or childbirth or sapiens and (2) the principle adoption, poverty, abuse, and pro-life women to advocate and abortion. Yet claims about the that all human beings have pregnancy resulting from defend the rights of children in morality of war and abortion human rights and should not sexual assault. And pro-life utero, to support their mothers, are not matters of experiential be subjected to unjust acts of men embrace the very same and to help bring an end to the knowledge but of propositional lethal violence. argument. The argument is injustice of abortion. knowledge. We can determine Countless women in the accessible and knowable by www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 15 Former president of CBS News laments that “Much of journalism has become the clarion voice of the ‘resistance’” to President Trump By Dave Andrusko

Malcolm Gladwell is the clarion voice of the ‘resistance’ (BTW, a quasi-prominent night TV hosts who author of many best sellers, The dedicated to ousting the MSNBC host actually had the have broken the Tipping Point perhaps the best president, even though he was courage to ask that the same boundaries of what was known. A one-sentence grabber legally elected and, according standards be applied to pro- considered acceptable on Amazon reads, “The tipping to the polls, enjoys the support abortion former vice president political humor for point is that magic moment of about 44% of likely 2020 Joe Biden as are used when networks. when an idea, trend, or social voters.” the person is not in favor with behavior crosses a threshold, A news industry stocked with the cable network. A flood of Put another way, it is tips, and spreads like wildfire.” pro-abortionists who are liberal Fire “X” tweets immediately acceptable to lace even the Wikipedia provides a more on a host of issues is nothing washed over the Internet.) straightest of straight news technical definition: “In new. Nor is the willingness to Two other points. First, story with heaps of the sociology, a tipping point is a toss overboard standards of Sauter writes reporter’s hostility to President point in time when a group—or journalistic integrity that would News organizations Trump. No surprise, perhaps, many group members—rapidly been unthinkable not so long that claim to be when that same reporter will and dramatically changes its ago unique. neutral have long been vent his or her spleen all day behavior by widely adopting a What is different is that much creeping leftward, and long on their twitter feeds. It is one thing to have a bias. Acknowledging that and working to eliminate it from your reporting is praiseworthy– and formerly was the norm. It is, however, quite another thing to have an agenda which, in this case, is to defeat President Trump at all costs, including (unacknowledged) damage to the media. Forwarding that mission, alas, merits a badge of honor. Second, “Journalism affects social cohesion. Convinced of its role and its legitimacy, however, the media doesn’t seem to much care.” The irony here is almost enough to choke you. The same reporters/ columnists/editorial page writers who will thrash previously rare practice.” of the prestige media—such as their loathing of Mr. Americans for opting out of However, we understand the New York Times—has so Trump has accelerated reading The New York Times the idea, Van Gordon Sauter, thrown their lot in with “the the pace. The news and the Washington Post or former president of CBS resistance,” they couldn’t draw media is catching up watching the three major News, believes the media’s back even if they wanted to. with the liberalism networks and CNN cannot see long-standing “liberal tilt” has Their audience would rebel. of the professoriate, what countless millions of us moved to a dangerous new But that’s not in the cards the entertainment see. They live in a different posture. anyway. “The news media industry, upscale world. Writing in the Wall Street seems very comfortable with magazines and the Or, as Sauter observes, Journal, Sauter argues, “Much its product and ability to sell literary world. Recent “Ultimately, the media finds the of journalism has become the it,” Sauter writes. arrivals are the late- ‘deplorables’ deplorable.” 16 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org ACLU opens second front in war against FDA-mandated protections for women undergoing chemical abortions By Dave Andrusko During the COVID-19 clinics, medical offices and unnecessary in-person visits,” of women who take abortion pandemic, among the most hospitals; only by, or under the ACLU lawsuit “asks for an drugs will require follow- significant objectives of the the supervision of, a doctor emergency order allowing the up surgery, and three percent Abortion Lobby is to eliminate certified to prescribe the drug; mifepristone to be dispensed could end up in the emergency FDA-mandated requirements and only to patients who have through the mail or by room. Self-managed abortions that safeguard the health of signed an F.D.A.-approved pharmacies.” from home are especially women who undergo chemical— patient agreement.” Through all this, the FDA has dangerous; in fact, half of “medication”–abortions. And as always, the ACLU held firm in its requirements, abortion providers do not Such abortions involve tells us none of this is necessary, supported by pro-life consider them safe, according two drugs: mifepristone in fact is discriminatory. elected officials and pro-life to a 2019 survey published and misoprostol. The long- in the journal Contraception. sought objective is to allow Further, medication abortion mifepristone to be dispensed becomes even more dangerous by pharmacies and (better yet in situations where women from their perspective) through cannot access emergency the mail. The ultimate goal medical care. This is is highly-dangerous Do-It- especially concerning during Yourself abortions. the COVID-19 pandemic as NPR tells us, “In a federal emergency rooms are currently lawsuit filed in Maryland being overwhelmed. on behalf of the American In addition, as NRL News College of Obstetricians and Today reported, National Right Gynecologists (ACOG) and to Life joined more than four other groups, the American In its May 27 filing, the organizations, such as National dozen pro-life and pro-family Civil Liberties Union requests ACLU opened a second front in Right to Life. groups in a letter sent to the U.S. an emergency order lifting its war on REMS. Going back In a letter sent to FDA Food and Drug Administration regulations requiring patients to 2017, it said it wants REMS Commissioner Stephen Hahn, asking the FDA to take action in the United States to pick eliminated for medication M.D., thirty-eight Senators against the illegal sale of up the drug at a hospital or abortions. and 121 Representatives abortion-inducing drugs. medical facility,” an allusion to The new suit is “more narrow,” urged “robust enforcement” “Internet sales of mifepristone the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and NPR’s Sarah McCammon tells. of the REMS involving the have the potential to multiply Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Paraphrasing the ACLU’s Julia mifepristone abortion-drug the inherent dangers of the The ACLU has targeted Kaye, McCammon writes that process. The members of drug combination, further REMS for years. Under its the ACLU is “asking the court Congress wrote, endangering women’s lives provisions, as summarized by to suspend the rules during the Despite claims that which are already at risk in the Patrick Adams of the News pandemic only.” medication abortion is safe and abortion procedure,” said Carol York Times, “mifepristone Cynically trading on attempts easy, research proves that as Tobias, president of National can be dispensed only in during the pandemic to “forego many as five to seven percent Right to Life. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 17 Pro-abortion publication goes into full hysteria mode because pro-life group is “Incredibly Effective—and Dangerous” By Dave Andrusko When a pro-abortion federal legislative hearings compelling pro-life torn apart. In full snark mode, down to the last metatarsal and provide lawmakers with pregnancy centers Endicott tells this is part of publication like Mother Jones scientifically questionable to tell women where “the recently renewed hysteria describes you as “Incredibly claims to support abortion they can go to obtain around infanticide.” Effective—and Dangerous— bans, mandatory ultrasounds, state-subsidized When talking about fetal Anti-Abortion Activists,” it and abortion waiting periods,” abortions. ACOG’s pain in front of a congressional is the ultimate compliment, Endicott writes. “And then, work has gotten so committee, the group’s but in a backhanded way. So when those laws are challenged political that in 2008 executive director “even we shouldn’t be surprised in court, AAPLOG officials it added a lobbying t[ook] out a small model of a that Marisa Endicott is not and doctors testify and submit arm. I was refused fetus and a medical clamp to content just to smear the amicus briefs on behalf of their when I asked if I could mimic pulling its limbs off one American Association of cause.” direct our dues only by one as she gave a play by Pro-life Obstetricians and How, exactly, does that to the organization’s play of the procedure,” an irate Gynecologists (AAPLOG) for differ from what the American nonlobbying arm. Endicott complains. To talk its public policy initiatives; she College of Obstetricians about tiny arms being yanked warns her reader ominously, and Gynecologists (ACOG) *Endicott laments that off or heads crushed is “both “Your OB-GYN could be one routinely undertakes? It policy makers in the Trump extremely graphic and full of of them”! doesn’t, of course. Dr. administration listen to falsehoods about so-called Endicott’s story is plenty long Christina Francis, president AAPLOG. Again, that is fetal pain,” Endicott reports to (over 5,000) words, but allow of the American Association precisely what the American her readers. me to summarize her main of Pro-life Obstetricians and College of Obstetricians and Final thought. The credentials points. Gynecologists, cut to the chase Gynecologists and the equally of pro-life organizations, *By definition—and I do in an op-ed that appeared in the pro-abortion American Medical whether they be medical, like mean by definition—whatever Wall Street Journal on March 4: Association habitually does AAPLOG, or educational/ comes out of AAPLOG is ACOG routinely when pro-abortion Democrats legislative/political like suspect—“fringe science,” puts politics ahead of hold the White House. And, by National Right to Life, will “scientifically suspect anti- medicine by adopting stark contrast, whatever ACOG inevitably be caricatured and abortion research.” This is to be the most extreme and the AMA say is treated by minimized by the Abortion contrasted with the impeccable positions on abortion. the media as if it came down Industry, backed up by pro- work done by American It has lobbied and from Mt. Sinai. abortion medical organizations, College of Obstetricians and briefed against As I mentioned, this story and echoed by pro-abortionists’ Gynecologists, which offers parental notification of goes on and on and on. Just media enablers. cover for every pro-abortion minors and informed- one other of the many reasons But all of us persevere for the initiative and criticism of every consent laws, and in Endicott is so angry: AAPLOG simple reason our cause is just law, statute, administrative rule favor of taxpayer- testifies and lawmakers listen and our analyses accurate. that doesn’t make the abortion funded abortion. It respectfully. Worse yet, it’s what Mother Jones may hate us, industry happy. has advocated for they testify about, for example, but millions of mothers love *”AAPLOG doctors act as laws restricting speech the capability of unborn babies what we do for them and expert witnesses in state and around clinics and to experience pain as they are unborn babies. 18 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Why It’s Wrong I Was Aborted (Unsuccessfully) By Melissa Ohden

5. Not because I’m now, as an abortion supporter once called me, a “success story” as a writer, speaker, and Master’s level prepared social worker…

4. Not because I’m free of a disability or long-term health consequences because of the “procedure”….

3. Not because the abortion was forced upon my birthmother…. 2. Not because it was late-term… Rather that abortion was wrong

1. Because I was then and am now a human being with inherently dignity and value.

Editors note. This appeared on Melissa’s blog. In 1997 she survived a saline abortion. Female Republican politicians were the most vocal about defunding Planned Parenthood From page 11

1. Fetal Rights Issue: Republicans and Parenthood in the context of be less vocal about women’s defunding PP will help Democrats discussed fetal rights. That’s basically issues generally, but Planned protect unborn children Planned Parenthood another way of saying pro-life Parenthood is not simply a 2. Condemn Planned as a women’s issue people will discuss abortion “women’s issue” topic. It goes Parenthood: defunding and healthcare issue, from a pro-life perspective. well beyond that. PP is a way to condemn Republican women Johnstonbaugh’s finding Johnstonbaugh called her PP for immoral also discussed it as a about Republicans vs findings about Republicans treatment of fetal tissue fetal rights issue. Democrats is mystifying only if vs Democrats “unexpected,” you view PP solely through the “counterintuitive,” and Unsurprisingly, she found If you have any understanding “women’s issue” framing, but I “surprising,” but they shouldn’t almost exclusively Democrats of the pro-life perspective, this don’t know why anyone would be. Pro-lifers have been quite used the frame “Planned finding should be predictable. do that. You don’t have to be that vocal, for decades, about the Parenthood Healthcare,” Pro-life people recognize the involved in the abortion debate facts that we view abortion as while Republicans used fact that abortion kills humans. to know that many people view a human rights issue and we the frames “Alternative We view those humans as PP as a more complicated and care deeply about the problem. Healthcare,” “Fetal Rights children (morally relevant controversial organization. If pro-choice people could Issue,” and “Condemn Planned young humans deserving Huge swaths of the country — internalize our most basic Parenthood.” Both parties used protection). So we view including countless women, premise — not agree with it the frame “Women’s Issue,” abortion first and foremost btw — see abortion as an issue necessarily, just recognize it’s though Democrats used it more. as a human rights violation. that affects not only women what we think — they would But here’s the important part: Of course pro-life politicians but also preborn children. Pro- be caught off guard less often. While both female are going to discuss Planned life Republican women might www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 19 Latest numbers show fewest abortions in Arkansas since 1977 By Rose Mimms, Executive Director, Arkansas Right to Life

The provisional data released In Arkansas, Planned their parent’s knowledge or up from 321 in 2018. Very last week by the Arkansas Parenthood’s one clinic in Little consent. It was a repeat of the disturbing is the continued Department of Health on the Rock is the leading provider same exact statistic in 2018. The increase in the number of number of induced abortions and responsible for most of the possible physical, emotional repeat abortions reported 1,048 in the state in 2019 reported 1,237 deaths by this method, and spiritual consequence were having their second or the lowest total number of though the other abortion clinic of abortion on a child who more abortion, a whopping 35 abortions in the state since the provides surgical and chemical is making a life and death percent. state began reporting in the as well. That’s up from 979 in decision without the input of a These numbers tell a story mid-70s–2,963. One abortion is 2018, accounting for more than parent is incomprehensible. An about women. Some, when too many but that drop is a very 40 percent of the total number advocate should be appointed faced with the life and death good thing and a reminder that of abortions in Arkansas. to speak for the minor child and decision of abortion, are pro-life education pays off. RU-486 (“medication her unborn child in those court provided a free ultrasound or Since the 1990s when legal abortion”) involves two drugs proceedings. the opportunity to hear the abortion reached the highest of taken 72 hours apart. The first A particularly shocking beating heart of their baby, and 1.6 million, both the abortion kills the baby up to 10 weeks; number is the Induced find support from a pregnancy rate (the number of abortions the second expels the dead baby. Abortions by Race. There help center, friend or parent, per thousand women of child- It’s remarkable (and a cause were 1,317 White, 1,373 and choose life instead of bearing years) and the total of great consternation to pro- Black, 221 to other, and 52 abortion. By contrast there number of abortions have abortionists) to note that a unknown. This graphically were other girls who felt that continued to drop consistently. mother can change her mind reveals a disproportionate their only choice was to go to a However, because we never after taking the first pill and abortion choice by women of judge instead of their parent or lose sight of the truth that possibly save her baby if she color based on the population to an abortion provider whose each and every abortion takes does not take the second drug of our state. While this number only option was to stop the a human life, all who call but take progesterone to try to fluctuates from year-to-year, beating heart of their baby as themselves pro-life agree that counter the effects of the first it is always disproportionate the solution to their crisis. the new numbers will rally all drug. when compared to population, Yes, fewer women chose of us to continue educational According to the report, 1369 a pattern that is repeated in abortion in Arkansas. But for and legislative efforts to suction abortions were reported most if not all states. the 2,963 who did, the pro-life make the abortion decision in the first trimester and Unmarried women age 20- movement offers love, help and unthinkable for any mother in 355 dismemberment (D&E) 29 account for 1,793 of the healing if you want it and the a crisis pregnancy situation. So abortions at 12-plus weeks. 2,963, or roughly 60 percent promise that abortion does not we have much work to do. And one “other” for a total of of legal abortion in Arkansas. have to be your only choice One of the most compelling 2,963. (Unmarried women of all ages should you face another crisis numbers in the data tells us that Another interesting statistic had 2,575 accounted for 87 pregnancy. chemical abortion is soaring is the 13 judicial bypasses that percent of all abortions. The work to end abortion as a preferred method to stop were granted for teenagers up In addition, 338 women came won’t stop until the demand the beating heart of the unborn to 17 years old that allowed a to Arkansas from surrounding for abortion is no more. Much child. likely surgical abortion without states to obtain an abortion, work to do. 20 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Healthy Baby Boy Safely Surrendered at Arkansas’ First Safe Haven “Baby Box” Location

BENTON – A baby has been who joined with me to add the and healthy baby boy! What counties. Mimms stressed the saved in Arkansas via the first baby boxes to the Safe Haven a miracle! Jeremiah 1:5,” importance of the billboard surrender at a Safe Haven Baby law. A few days ago, instead Bledsoe said in a statement. campaign and the importance Box in Benton, Arkansas Right of leaving a baby by the side Arkansas Right to Life has of mothers knowing about to Life Executive Director Rose of the road or on a doorstep, promoted the Safe Haven Law the Safe Haven Law and the Mimms announced May 28. Safe Haven Baby Box hotline On Sunday, May 24, at number (1-866-9922291) listed approximately 5:01 p.m. a on all billboards. newborn infant was placed “The Safe Haven Law in the Safe Haven Baby Box can help a mother to safely located at Benton Fire Station surrender her child to an No. 3, 2717 Edison Ave., said official location, hospital, law Mimms. The Safe Haven Baby enforcement or manned fire Box location in Benton was department in Arkansas or dedicated Sept. 18, 2019. anonymously in a Safe Haven “We are grateful that the Safe Baby Box,” Mimms said. Haven Baby Box provided this The Safe Haven Law, mother with a safe, anonymous enacted in Arkansas in 2001, surrender alternative for her is designed to protect babies and her child. I applaud her from being hurt or killed from bravery and the sacrificial gifts abandonment by parents who of life and adoption that she has are unwilling or unable to given her son through the Safe provide parenting. Under the Haven Baby Box program,” law, a parent may surrender an said Mimms. infant 30 days or younger at a To announce additional hospital emergency room or details of the surrender, a law enforcement agency, but press conference will be held in 2019 the law was amended at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 29, to include manned fire stations at the location of the surrender as a surrender location. The in Benton, and will feature amended law, sponsored by Monica Kelsey, founder of Arkansas Sen. Bledsoe and Safe Haven Baby Boxes, said Rep. Rebecca Petty, also Mimms. approved the installation of Arkansas Senator Cecile Safe Haven Baby Boxes at Bledsoe applauded the surrender locations. Arkansas Legislature for someone placed a new born and Safe Haven Baby Boxes supporting the Safe Haven Law baby in the Safe Haven Baby through an ongoing statewide Arkansas Right to Life is the and the impact it is having on Box where the baby was warm billboard campaign that began state affiliate of National Right saving children. and protected. Arkansas now in Harrison in June 2019. to Life. “I am so grateful to my has the first baby saved through Since then, billboards have colleagues in the Legislature the baby boxes …a beautiful been placed in 13 Arkansas www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 21 MCCL calls for resignation of Commissioner Malcolm as crisis continues in Minnesota’s long-term care centers Change in leadership and policy needed in order to protect lives of the vulnerable

ST. PAUL — On June 4, a Star Tribune report, “even with on the phone are not in infected patients to the rates in Minnesota Citizens Concerned nursing homes with poor compliance with infection- facilities that have not. for Life (MCCL) called for infection-control standards, as control standards. MDH has “The grave dangers to the resignation of Minnesota well as large and deadly clusters declined to publicly disclose residents of long-term care Department of Health of the virus, have been allowed the number of deaths in each facilities—and the need to (MDH) Commissioner Jan keep the virus out of such Malcolm and an immediate facilities—have been clear end to the state’s policy of from the beginning. That was placing infected COVID-19 months ago,” says Fischbach. patients in long-term care “This is an emergency, and centers—especially centers Commissioner Malcolm and with known infection-control her team are not getting the problems. About 80 percent of job done. Minnesota deserves Minnesota’s coronavirus deaths better. No category of humanity have occurred in long-term is expendable. No group care or assisted living facilities, of human beings should be according to MDH. forgotten.” “Other states have learned As of June 4, 896 of not to transfer infected patients Minnesota’s 1,115 coronavirus into nursing homes. They deaths have taken place in long- have found alternatives in term care or assisted living order to better protect people. facilities. The COVID-19 Minnesota still hasn’t,” says death rate in Minnesota’s MCCL Executive Director nursing homes is worse than Scott Fischbach. “There are the rates in the neighboring no excuses. We are simply to accept infected patients from facility or identify which states of Wisconsin, Iowa, failing the most vulnerable hospitals.” facilities fail to meet safety North Dakota, and South members of our state. A change Last Wednesday, MDH standards. Dakota, according to data in leadership and policy at released reports documenting Commissioner Malcolm from the federal Centers the Minnesota Department of the failure of several continued to defend the policy for Medicare and Medicaid Health is now long overdue.” Minnesota nursing homes of returning COVID-19 patients Services. MDH’s policy has generated to control the spread of the to care facilities during a MCCL has previously sought significant media attention and coronavirus from patients who legislative hearing on Tuesday. to draw attention to this ongoing criticism from elder advocacy have the disease. On Tuesday, She acknowledged that her crisis and to the importance groups, lawmakers, the families the department said that 20- department has not compared of protecting elderly, sick, of nursing home residents, and 30 percent of facilities it had infection transmission rates in and disabled members of our others. “As it stands,” noted either looked at or talked facilities that have accepted society. 22 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Appeals court panel uphold injunction of Kentucky abortion law By Dave Andrusko

As we wrote back in can’t doctors in Kentucky do conflict between the To amplify a couple of January, although the line of it?” interests of the EMW points… questioning does not always Clay was unpersuaded, physicians and some, *There is the contention indicated what a judge is arguing fetal demise has no perhaps the majority, that learning to administer thinking, it seemed clear that benefit for the mother and poses of the patients that one of the techniques that two of three judges of a 6th potential dangers to her. they seek to represent. ensure the poor baby has U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Writing for Courthouse News, All of the evidence passed before ripped apart is panel were going to uphold Kevin Koeninger did a very fair practically brain-surgery. It’s a permanent injunction job summarizing Judge Bush’s not, as expert testimony at granted by U.S. District Judge dissent. the trial illustrated. Moreover, Joseph McKinley, who, in In the dissent, Bush as Judge Bush noted, “Dr. 2019, found House Bill 454 said it was odd that Davis–whom EMW called unconstitutional. “not a single person as an expert but did not hire Sure enough, on June 3 whose constitutional as one of their physicians– Judges Eric Clay, an appointee rights are directly acknowledged that an of Bill Clinton, and Senior U.S. impacted by the law is a intrafetal or intraamniotic Circuit Judge Gilbert Merritt party to the case,” and digoxin injection is within Jr., a Jimmy Carter appointee, argued the case should the standard of care for an concluded that it was “unduly have been dismissed OB/GYN to perform; indeed, burdening the right to elect for lack of standing. she herself had performed abortion” to require fetal While physicians and such injections. Likewise, the demise before the baby is torn abortion providers National Abortion Federation apart in a dismemberment are generally granted states in its 2018 Clinical abortion. third-party standing Policy Guidelines for Abortion John Bush, appointed by Pro-life Kentucky Attorney Care that an intraamniotic or to sue on behalf General Daniel Cameron President Donald Trump, of their patients, intrafetal digoxin injection offered a brilliant 10- Bush was skeptical presented at trial about is a permissible option for page dissent in which he that the providers patient preference accomplishing fetal death systematically dismantled the in this case could circumstantially before a D&E procedure.” majority opinion. satisfy the “closeness supports a finding *Judge Bush wrote that “The The suit was brought by requirement” of such a that at least some – reasons why a woman would Louisville’s EMW Clinic, position. and potentially, most make the choice for fetal which challenged the law right Bush cited expert – of patients seen by demise” prior to an abortion” after it was signed by former testimony from the plaintiffs would favor were “demonstrated at trial. Gov. Matt Bevin. As NRL trial that showed the effect of H.B. 454 Dr. Anthony Levantino testified News Today wrote previously, a large percentage because those patients that in a D&E procedure, the “[f] the parties agreed to suspend of women seeking would want fetal etus dies from dismemberment enforcement of HB 454 pending second trimester demise before a D&E.” from literally having arms and the outcome of the federal court abortions prefer to He added, “The legs pulled off”; “[it] bleed[s] to trial. have a fetal demise statute essentially death.”Another physician, Dr. Deputy Solicitor General procedure before the requires that abortion David Berry, described a D&E Matthew Kuhn told the judges abortion, and said this providers at EMW procedure in which the doctor in January, created a conflict of receive the necessary “pulled out a spine and some “We, Kentucky, can change interest between the training, which in mangled ribs and the heart was how abortion procedures are abortion providers turn would allow actually still beating.” It is not performed to make them more and the patients they those women who difficult to understand why a humane,” adding that the state represented in the suit. prefer fetal demise to majority of women would want of Ohio already has a similar “At the very least,” obtain it before the the heart to stop beating before law on the books. “If doctors in he wrote, “the proof at D&E procedure is the fetus undergoes such an Ohio are already doing it, why trial reflects a potential performed.” ordeal.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 23 Doctors now assist suicide by Zoom By Wesley J. Smith We are always told that “strict talk about an oxymoron in this patient’s primary physician. Making people dead quickly guidelines will protect against circumstance! — means of That also means some don’t. becomes the overriding abuse.” communication. From “Dying And that means some people imperative and suicide It’s always been baloney. Virtually,” published in The are assisted in suicide by prevention for the seriously As sold, assisted suicide was Conversation: supposed to only be engaged [Dr. Carol] Parrot between doctors of long- says she sees 90% of standing and patients well her patients online, known to the prescriber. visually examining a That was violated in the very patient’s symptoms, first legal assisted suicide in mobility, affect and Oregon. The doctor in that breathing. case — referred by an assisted- “I can get a great suicide advocacy organization deal of information — only met the patient two for how close a patient weeks before she received her is to death from a poison pills. Skype visit,” Parrot Very quickly, death doctors explained. “I don’t feel began to assist the suicides of badly at all that I don’t patients they have never treated. have a stethoscope on In California, a part-time ER their chest.” doctor — who spent most After the initial visit, recent years as a photojournalist whether in person or doctors they have never met in ill goes into total eclipse. The — quickly set up a suicide online, aid-in-dying the flesh and who have never easier it is to get people dead, practice after assisted suicide physicians carefully examined them. the better. was legalized. There have also collate their prognosis This is a breach of all the Those with eyes to see, let been many cases of oncologists with the patient’s prior assuring promises that were them see. assisting the suicides of ALS medical records and made when assisted suicide was patients, and other similar out- lab tests. Some also legalized. But those promises Editor’s note. Wesley’s great of-specialty death facilitations. consult the patient’s were never meant to be kept. columns appear at National Now, death doctors are primary physician. Only to give false assurance. Review Online and are reposted assisting suicides of patients It is amazing to me how with his permission. they may never have met via Did you catch the last bit legalizing assisted suicide Zoom and other telehealth — there? Some “consult” the transforms peoples’ thinking. Joe Biden: One year after his flip-flop on the Hyde Amendment From page 2

The Biden Gaffe Machine, sentences in search of an on Biden through thick and for sure is that as sturdy and of course, is in full throttle. elusive predicate, Biden’s thin. unwavering a champion of In speaking off the cuff (and message is crystal-clear to You will hear supporters/ unborn children President also off of teleprompters, for the Planned Parenthoods and reports offer many reasons why Donald Trump has been, Joe that matter), Biden’s language NARALs. Biden is not such a bad guy. He Biden will match him with a is a stranger in a strange He is with them with all the may be a prince of a fellow at lethal discipline to multiply the land. But for all his verbal enthusiasm of a convert to the home, for all we know. number of dead babies at home malapropisms and baffling cause of death. You can count But what we can know and abroad 24 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org “What are you afraid of?” Pregnancy center helps women overcome fear By Kim Hayes “What are you afraid of?” along with great hope for more them, such as STD testing. What is obviously another During the challenges of pregnancy centers to take on The center gives vouchers to great opportunity to get 2020, Care Net Pregnancy the issue among their clients clients to go for testing and clients’ needs met through the Center of Central Texas is in the future provided they are treatment when needed. This distribution of vital resources helping its clients process able. has been effective in reducing (baby items, formula, hand this question, leading to life- In addressing the benefits the center’s expenses. sanitizer, toilet paper, cleaning changing pregnancy help. as well as the challenges of a The center uses the supplies, face masks, etc.) has Helping clients choose life residential outreach McGregor opportunity of negative opened up a mini mission field while walking with them stated, “I wish other centers toward independence is the would take the risk and address focus at Care Net of Central this issue.” Texas which works as well to The Guesthouse was started turn clients’ fear into freedom. in 2014 and completed in The center has had such a 2016 with 14,000 square significant positive impact feet, complete with kitchen on Waco, Texas and the area, seven guest rooms, surrounding communities administrative area and such that it has drawn recent accommodations for at least 28 attention from the media for its women and children. work in meeting clients’ needs The name is intentional, during the current pandemic. this is not a permanent home, Speaking with Deborah but a place where “guests” McGregor, her passion to serve will gravitate toward a stable and inspire others to serve is home for themselves and their apparent. children (or expected child). McGregor is an attorney and This facility, built on donated has been the CEO of Care Net land, took $2.8 million to of Central Texas since 2006. complete, and the goal to pregnancy tests to offer clients as people are looking for hope. The Guesthouse, the center’s meet core needs of clients is abstinence education, and The center utilizes spiritual residential outreach for no less ambitious. Yet donors encourages them to take the 21- counselors to address specific homeless mothers, is perhaps come alongside these efforts day love challenge (abstinence needs, separate from the secular the most unique component once they see how it results in dare/trial to demonstrate the needs addressed by medical of this multifaceted pregnancy changing clients’ lives. positive effect of control and other staff members. The care center. To maintain the safety of the over one’s choices as a single mobile outreach program is This program expands Guesthouse’s residents and person). equipped with a 3D ultrasound the center’s impact with be assured they are ready to Another area where Care and travels with trained clients, addressing core needs work toward independence, all Net of Central Texas has sidewalk advocates. The wrap such as housing, childcare, clients undergo drug testing pivoted resources, came after around advertising on the employment, transportation, and background checks. experiencing “no-shows” of vehicle offers a message of education and medical care, Clients would only be deemed clients for one-on-one classes. hope to every neighborhood it as clients live on site for up to ineligible from housing Utilizing other agencies’ enters. six months. It is an opportunity should there be a case of false expertise, bringing in trainers During the pandemic, Care for homeless mothers to identification. Next, a plan for parenting and other classes Net of Central Texas staff has face off with all their fears is laid out to begin working has enhanced the center’s contacted every pregnancy and find a solid path toward through the challenges unique curriculum, and freed up client they have served in the independence. to the client and her situation. staff and resources to focus past three years to ask, “How Care Net of Central Texas Part of McGregor’s strategy elsewhere. are you doing? Is there anything highlights the services provided is focusing on more long- The center’s mobile outreach by the Guesthouse in a video. term services to assist clients, program has energized the staff McGregor has strong passion referring them to state and local this spring in the midst of the See “Overcome,” page 25 for the issue of homelessness, services, rather than duplicating pandemic. www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 25 During the pandemic, “Hercules” to the rescue of pregnant women By Maria V. Gallagher, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

The star of “Hercules” is ‘essential’ by government were offering prayers that “the need us.” coming to the rescue of pregnant bureaucrats during the thousands of babies slaughtered Research has shown that women at the epicenter of the Coronovirus outbreak, and are never forgotten.” as many as 60 percent Coronavirus pandemic. church attendance is judged Meanwhile, the online of abortions are coerced, Actor Kevin Sorbo co-hosted non-essential, we don’t have fundraising event was meaning that women are an online event May 28 to to study long to diagnose the entitled, “Pregnancy Help being pressured by boyfriends, benefit the life-saving work of morbid condition of America.” for the Pandemic & Abortion husbands, parents, and others the Good Counsel maternity Following the revelations Epicenter.” It verified how to abort their children. Pro-life homes in the Northeastern Good Counsel homes are advocates are concerned that United States. reaching out to mothers and some individuals may use the You can learn more babies during these especially pandemic to prey upon the fears about the organization and trying times. of vulnerable pregnant women. the online event at www. “We will not shut out women Leading medical professionals goodcounselhomes.org/ in need during this most critical have confirmed that COVID-19 The non-profit organization time,” said the CEO of Good cannot be transmitted from a operates five maternity homes Counsel, Sandra Jones. “As mother to her preborn child in New York and New Jersey, people are staying home, as through the placenta. areas especially hard hit by the they should, tensions will heat As Good Counsel’s COVID-19 crisis. up. For those who are now website notes, since 1985 the Outspokenly pro-life, Sorbo Kevin Sorbo unemployed, depression and organization has “helped more last month stated on the social anxiety will rise. Domestic than 7,800 homeless women media platform Twitter: “In about West Philadelphia violence will escalate the longer and children move from a crisis a nation where liquor stores, abortionist Kermit Gosnell’s this goes on. Good Counsel will situation to receive concrete marijuana dispensaries, and “House of Horrors,” Sorbo respond with immediate help help and build a brighter abortion clinics are deemed and his wife stated that they for women and children who future.” “What are you afraid of ?” Pregnancy center helps women overcome fear From page 24 you need? How can we pray for need proven to be immense, but provide care at the Care Net of best comprehensive services you?” the staff presses on, trusting in Central Texas facility, providing and opportunities for clients. It is their normal policy to God’s provision for what will essential care for mother and This wide focus on client follow clients for three years, be needed in the days ahead.” child, enabling center staff to needs has been instrumental in which blesses clients and McGregor considers the continue working with clients the center effectively serving enables the center to track center to be a conduit for on an ongoing basis. This the communities in and around births and other successes for individuals to serve. She arrangement allows clients to Waco. keeping their supporters up to believes people want to help get immediate prenatal care With all this support, clients date. and often don’t know how. Care should Medicaid coverage need at the center experience Additionally, in these Net of Central Texas continues to be established. solutions where fear is exposed times making these follow- to find ways for people to come The broad range of services, to the truth that resources up calls has been yet another together and also bless women utilizing experts from the and encouragement open up opportunity to remind clients in need by positively affecting community to provide prenatal possibilities. of the hope and compassion clients and their children. care and conduct classes, offered by the center. Prenatal care is not just along with case management Editor’s note. This appeared “The response has been suggested to clients. Prenatal services, has helped Care Net at Pregnancy Help News and is huge,” McGregor said, “and the care providers are contracted to of Central Texas provide the reposted with permission. 26 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org What will newest Gallup poll tell us about abortion and public opinion? By Dave Andrusko

Each year, typically in June abortion and for asking follow- views on abortion has important at all) and more say a (or at the very end of May), up questions. In 2018, Gallup been inching up over candidate must agree with them Gallup releases its most up- found that a total of 53% wanted the past decade. The on abortion. to-date assessment of where abortion legal “only in a few figure is now 29%, So, who does this benefit? the American people are on circumstances” (35%) or “illegal compared with 20% Saad wrote abortion. With a presidential in all circumstances” (18%). when Gallup last asked Currently, 26% of election coming up November In 2019, Lydia Saad casually this in 2016 [Note—an pro-choice adults say 3 that will feature pro-life observed, a total of 60% want increase of 9 points in they will only vote for President Donald Trump against a candidate who shares pro-abortion former Vice their views on abortion, President Joe Biden, this year’s up from 17% in 2016. results will be more important However, the matter than ever. continues to be more Let’s review what Gallup told important as a voting us in 2019. The results were issue to pro-life than very encouraging. pro-choice adults, as On May 29, Gallup gave us the it has in every Gallup results of what it calls its “Values measure since 2004. and Beliefs poll.” People are Thirty-five percent of asked straightforwardly whether pro-life adults now say a given behavior is “morally they will only vote for acceptable” or “morally wrong.” abortion legal “only in a few just three years], and a like-minded candidates Although she conspicuously circumstances” (39%) or “illegal low of 13% in 2008. on the issue, an increase did not point it out, in the story in all circumstances” (21%). Meanwhile, the from 23% in 2016. written by Gallup’s Megan That is a big, big jump of 7 percentages saying a Brenan, we discover that the points. candidate’s position Just to be clear, in 2016 more percentage of Americans who 2. What about voting based on abortion is just one pro-life adults than pro-choice believe abortion is morally on a candidate’s position on of many important adults said “they will only vote acceptable is tied for its lowest abortion? issues they take into for a candidate who shares their point in six years—42%. We cautioned NRL News account when voting, views on abortion”—23% to Conversely, the percentage Today readers last June not to or that abortion is not 17%–a 6 point advantage. of Americans who believed get lost in the fact there is more important to their vote, But in 2019 the gap is even abortion is morally wrong was overall interest in abortion. That have been trending larger–35% to 26%–a nine point at its highest point in seven is important but secondary. Look down — currently advantage. years—50%. at which side has the largest at 44% and 26%, 3. What about self- One month later (June 25, to increase in the percentage of respectively. identification? This bounces be exact) Gallup published the people who will only vote for Not only is the around, but the overall point is results of a survey with this candidates who agree with them overall percentage of that in 1996, 56% self-identified let’s-minimize-the-significance on abortion. Americans saying that as pro-choice to only 37% who headline: “Majority in U.S. Here are three long passages abortion is key to their self-identified as pro-life. As Still Want Abortion Legal, With from Saad’s account. vote at a record high, recently as 2015, 50% identified Limits.” Consistent with all but the percentage as pro-choice to 44% who Talk about burying the lead! prior Gallup trends is at its peak among identified as pro-life, Gallup Our headline was much more on the subject, most self-identified “pro- reports. representative: “Latest Gallup Americans say that choice” and “pro-life” In 2018, 48% said they were poll shows strong increases in abortion is not critical Americans. pro-life, 48% said they were pro-life sentiment.” Here’s what to their vote, but the pro-choice. Even-steven. the results actually showed us. percentage saying they So, before going further, But in 2019, 49% identified as 1. We have frequently would only vote for a let’s summarize. Fewer people pro-life to 46% who identified praised Gallup for asking more candidate for major say abortion is “just one of as pro-choice. discerning questions about office who shares their many important issues” (or not www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 27 Planned Parenthood’s abortion propaganda is essential…for skyrocketing profits By Ryan Scott Bomberger, co-founder, Radiance Foundation Editor’s note. This is excerpted number has drastically fallen center affiliated with Planned 331,796 to their highest number from a post that appeared at by 600,000 individuals to 2.4 Parenthood would provide.” to date: 345,672 precious the Radiance Foundation and million. Despite providing far less human lives wiped out. is reposted with permission. Breast cancer exams (which healthcare and having an They’re not going to let a No one exposes the lies the are essential) plummeted astonishing number of fewer pandemic stop them from Planned Parenthood spews from 830,312 to 265,028 clients, Planned Parenthood profiting. better and more adeptly than between 2009 and 2018; PAP alarmingly increased their Abortion activists have fully Mr. Bomberger. tests plunged from 904,820 forced taxpayer-funding relied on lies for decades while to 255,682 in the same time from $487 million in 2009 euphemisms mask the violence Somehow the “My Body period at Planned Parenthood. to $617 million in 2018. And they advocate. My Choice” crowd doesn’t That’s a massive drop of 68% guess which “service” didn’t “Essential healthcare” is understand the difference and 72% respectively. Prenatal decrease? The violence of essentially the new “choice.” between an elective “choice” care barely even exists, falling abortion, of course. In that And they’ll keep playing and essential healthcare. 76% to a mere 9,798 services ten year time period, Planned semantics while an industry Likewise, federal judges or less than 0.1% of Planned Parenthood upped the number profits from any crisis, whether who defend the supremely Parenthood’s total services. of abortions committed from global or individual. wrong Roe v. Wade decision Considering the majority of also confuse the difference women become mothers by the between constitutional and age of 44—86% to be exact— unconstitutional. how does a self-proclaimed If abortion is “essential “leading women’s healthcare healthcare” then slavery was provider” provide so little for “essential job care.” mothers? Pandemics don’t change a lie. Planned Parenthood can hide … behind the facade of “abortion Why is Planned Parenthood is essential healthcare” all they so religiously devoted to want. Abortion is essential abortion? It’s not merely revenue. Without it, they’d fold. some fake feminist principle. It’s why they gave up Title-X It’s profit. Despite serving funding. The new president hundreds of thousands less of Planned Parenthood made clients and delivering over a it abundantly clear in a CBS million less critical medical interview that the federation services than ten years ago, was fully devoted to abortion. Planned Parenthood’s profits In response to being asked [“excess of revenue over if they would “change their expenses”] skyrocketed 600%. abortion model to comply Six hundred percent. with Title X regs,” Planned In 2009, the abortion giant Parenthood president Alexis generated $18.5 million in McGill-Johnson stated profit. In 2018, their haul was emphatically: “Absolutely not. I $111 million. Ten years ago, was on the Board when we voted they were reportedly serving to ensure that abortion was one 3.0 million clients. In 2018, that of our core services that every 28 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org To the pregnant woman in these tumultuous times: Circumstances can change in a baby’s heartbeat From page 1

I read the pregnancy book separate from me all along, born of a dark-haired, brown- important, stage in her already recommended by my mother- with her own distinctive DNA. eyed Mama. She did not gain legitimate life. in-law and the breastfeeding That DNA made her a blonde- legitimacy at her birth—it To the pregnant woman in guide published by the La Leche haired, blue-eyed beauty, was another, albeit highly these tumultuous times, I offer League. I devoted myself to my you this wisdom, born of years new cause: the cause of being of mothering: Circumstances the best mother I could be. can change in a baby’s This coming week, my heartbeat. The struggles you daughter celebrates another face today could be long gone birthday. I am enchanted and a year from now. But one fact amazed at the incredible person remains: that baby within you she has become. bears a beauty and dignity But I knew she was a one- which cannot be erased. Yours of-a-kind individual long ago, is an awesome responsibility when I first learned of her but also a bountiful blessing. presence in my womb. I could You will never regret bringing not deny her humanity any that blessing into the world. more than I could deny my So happy birthday to own. She was precious from the all the June babies, and start, loved from the beginning, congratulations to all your awe- and treasured throughout the inspiring mothers! You truly trimesters. make the world a brighter, more While she was a cherished loving place. part of my heart, she was An ex-abortionist declares, “I’m just glad that God is using me to do something good now.” From page 2

say that, but I wanted to do the biggest ones I could. It Unable to see unborn children was a challenge, and my whole focus was being good at –only fetuses and embryos— what I did and stretching the limits. Aultman threw herself into becoming a superb technician. Aultman passed stops (such as having a baby of her own) that Her conversion was slow in you might think would surely persuade her to instantly get out of coming, but the tipping point of the killing trade. But it didn’t. no longer performing abortions The tipping point was a particular woman and her companion. (becoming a pro-life advocate Then the next woman came in with a friend, and sometimes came later) came about when people did want to see the tissue. And the friend said, “Do you she saw the utterly cavalier way want to see the tissue?” And she said, “No. I just want to kill it. some women would undergo And it just hit me, like cold water in the face. And I thought, multiple abortions. “What did this baby do to you?” It’s not the baby’s fault. But there were many more Dr. Kathi Aultman Exactly. What did this poor hapless baby, who did not will his or miles to do. Along her path, she became a Christian and at one herself into existence, “do to you?” point in her life, went to a Christian healing center where a woman But the power of words on paper, no matter how eloquent (or from her church worked. She prayed with Aultman, and Aultman graphic) cannot take the place of watching the interview Aultman said, “It really took God asking me, “Are you more powerful than gave to Lisa Rose of Live Action [www.youtube.com/watch?v=3- I am? That I can forgive you and you can’t forgive yourself?’” u6v8jp_ys&feature=emb_rel_pause] out of which Terzo posted “I never understood what crying your eyes out meant until that her synopsis. point,” Aultman said. She felt “forgiveness.” In just 22 emotional minutes, we come to understand the reasoning Aultman ends the interview with this remarkable conclusion: Aultman employed to justify to herself performing abortions. “I’m just glad that God is using me to do something good now.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 29 Learning the ropes as a pro-life intern and making an impact on behalf of life By Mary Kate Griffin

Editor’s note. Mary Kate is from the sale of the Choose encouraging advocates to S.C. license plate are also an intern at South Carolina Life S.C. Department of purchase Choose Life S.C. encouraged to share their Citizens for Life, NRLC’s Motor Vehicles license plates. license plates and share stories using the hashtag. state affiliate. Internships are Proceeds will help fund the via social media how they The social media component crucial to rearing up the next South Carolina Association demonstrate care for themselves of the campaign enables generation of pro-life leaders. of Pregnancy Care Centers in and others while driving. and empowers advocates to share pro-life testimonies and Today marks my ninth day connect with other members of interning with South Carolina the pro-life community. Citizens for Life. I am soaking The Choose Life S.C. car up all the information I can tag has a long history. In 2000, about managing social media the South Carolina General accounts, best practices for Assembly passed a Choose writing press releases, and for Life tag. It was signed into law engaging with constituents and by then Governor Jim Hodges political candidates. but immediately challenged As an aspiring public in federal court by the mega relations professional, all abortion business Planned these skills will be applicable Parenthood. Ultimately, the U.S regardless of where I end 4th Circuit Court of Appeals up. But there is something struck down the Choose Life particularly rewarding about tag in South Carolina on the conducting public relations on Mary Kate Griffin grounds that the “Choose Life” behalf of a pro-life nonprofit message was unconstitutional that educates, advocates, and its mission to support women There is a reason we are because the general assembly lobbies for unborn children and facing unplanned pregnancies. doing this right now beginning did not provide a “Choose the medically vulnerable. This campaign was in late May. Death” message. Already I have the intentionally designed The 100 days of the campaign In the next South Carolina opportunity to publish press to combat the false (and coincides with what is known General Assembly, lawmakers releases for our email tree and malicious) narrative that the as the “100 deadliest days.” responded by passing legislation launch a marketing campaign pro-life movement is merely According to AAA Carolinas, giving the South Carolina for the Choose Life S.C. license “pro-birth” and doesn’t care there is a 14% increase in Department of Motor Vehicles plates. The campaign launched about babies after they are crash fatalities involving teens the authority to assign specialty May 25, 2020, and I am excited born. Yes, we are indeed pro- between Memorial Day and tags for qualifying nonprofit to see its effect over the next birth in addition to the myriad Labor Day. The Choose Life organizations. That is how few months. of other joy-filled events that a S.C. car tag campaign promotes South Carolina Citizens for Life We have had the “Choose human life celebrates. the right to life message and was able to acquire the tag. Life S.C.” license plate tag Life is sacred from conception encourages safe and courteous My hope for this campaign option since 2004. But with to natural death and supporting summer driving. is that the South Carolina the advent of social media pregnancy care centers by way Pro-life advocates who Association of Pregnancy Care and its enormous reach, SCCL of pro-life car tags is one of the purchase a plate can share Centers receives the funds it is gearing up to promote many ways to share the positive their pro-life story and needs to offer the best care purchases by reaching a cyber pro-life message. automobile safety habits on available to women in troubling audience. Encouraged and assisted social media using the hashtag pregnancies and that the public The campaign’s goal is to by Holly Gatling, executive #ChooseLifeSC. Those who agrees it is better to “Choose raise $100,000 in 100 days director of SCCL, we are already own a Choose Life Life.” 30 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Memorial Day Reflection: A 50-Year Remembrance By Anthony J. Lauinger, State chairman of Oklahomans For Life and Vice President of National Right to Life

Editor’s note. National Right while passing through this life. gifts of grace. The European leader commented to Life Vice President Tony Your presence here tonight is freedoms we celebrate that, ‘This Iraq thing is just Lauinger and his brother testimony to Joe’s having had on Independence Day another effort to expand the Joe were classmates in the such an impact. were made possible American empire.’ A retired Georgetown University Class He touched so many lives by the sacrifices we American General who was of 1967. Joe was killed in during those brief, fleeting commemorate on there heard the comment and combat in Vietnam on January 8th, 1970. Tony spoke at a commemoration at Georgetown on the 50th anniversary of Joe’s death this past January. His words are a testimony to the beauty, value, and dignity of every human life.

One of the more realistic movies about Vietnam was based on a book with the poignant title, We Were Soldiers Once, and Young. It seems so long ago, now – that period when so many in our class went off to join the military. But when we think of those who died, it’s as if they are frozen years when he was with us. Memorial Day. To the responded: ‘We have sent many in time. He continues to touch so many valiant few who paid young men and women abroad In thinking about Joe, lives today… the price, we owe an to fight for the freedom of nothing has really changed Joe was born on July 5th, the incalculable debt.” others. The only land we have over these 50 years since his day after Independence Day. ever asked for in return was death: not our love for him, As it happened, Joe was home Last June, on the 75th land to bury those who were not our sense of loss, our pain at on leave for a few days before anniversary of D-Day, I heard able to return home.’” his absence… In some ways, heading to Vietnam, and it was an interview with former By the world’s measure, we his presence among us is as after Mass on the Fourth of July Education Secretary Bill members of the Class of ‘67 strong and real today as it – where the recessional hymn Bennett from the American are old, while Joe, and several was then. And just as he was that day was “America the cemetery at Normandy. The others of our classmates, are in life, Joe continues to be a Beautiful” –that Joe left home cemetery there is one of forever young. May we benefit catalyst for bringing together for the last time. many around the world where from the wisdom of age and those he loved – and who I once read a beautiful essay America’s honored dead have from God’s good grace to live loved him – in friendship, which concluded with these been laid to rest. Secretary out our lives in such a way fellowship, and love. words: Bennett related a poignant bit that we might all one day be One of the most meaningful “Few of us have earned of history: reunited forever in the loving things that can be said about the freedoms we “Thirteen years ago,” he arms of the Lord… someone is that she or he had enjoy; we’ve received said, “there was a conference a positive impact on others them by bequest, as in England. A prominent www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 31 Teenager stabbed to death after she refused to abort By Dave Andrusko

Last week, 18-year-old where the incident happened Brendah Atuhaire, who was on Thursday, the couple has three months along in her had several fights as a result pregnancy, was found lying in a of misunderstandings since the pool of blood with a knife next virus-induced lockdown was to her in a house in a city in announced by the president,” Western Uganda. Alex Ashaba reported. Two publications, the Face of Vincent Twesige, the Malawi and The Daily Monitor spokesperson for the Rwenzori reported that her unnamed West Police, “said the suspect boyfriend allegedly stabbed was found trying to commit her to death after she refused to suicide” and that “he has been abort. admitted to Fort Portal regional “According to residents of referral hospital,” according to Bukwali village, East Division Ashaba. 32 June 2020 National Right to Life News www.NRLC.org Northern Ireland Assembly rejects radical abortion law imposed on the country which includes abortion until birth for babies with disabilities By Dave Andrusko

On June 2, by a vote of 46-40, March 31. According to the non-fatal disabilities, including that abortion to birth for non- the Northern Ireland Assembly Society for the Protection of Down’s syndrome.” fatal disabilities and Down’s voted “in favor of a motion Unborn Children (SPUC), The day before the vote, the syndrome is not acceptable,” rejecting the ‘imposition’ of 129 unborn babies were killed Catholics bishops of Northern said Nola Leach, chief executive abortion legislation by the in Northern Ireland between Ireland urged members to reject o f t h e p r o - l i f e g r o u p C A R E N I . Westminster parliament,” The March 31 and May 22. the new abortion regulations, “The Northern Ireland Catholic News Agency [CNA] Assembly has effectively reported. “The Abortion voted against the imposition Regulations 2020, imposed of extreme abortion legislation by the British Parliament and the UK Government must during a governmental crisis in now withdraw the Regulations. Northern Ireland, permits the “It cannot ask the Westminster unrestricted killing of unborn Parliament to pass regulations babies until the 14th week of on a devolved matter when pregnancy and until birth if the the Assembly has not only child is suspected of having a been restored but also voted to fetal anomaly, such as Down indicate that it does not support syndrome. the Regulations. Previously, abortion was “It would also involve strictly limited to case where Heidi Crowter asking MPs and Peers to the “mother’s life was at risk or vote for a form of disability if there was risk of long-term or Heidi Crowter illustrated the which they said were imposed discrimination which belongs permanent, serious damage to power of a single determined “without the consent of the not only to another century but her mental or physical health,” advocate. The 24-year-old people of Northern Ireland.” In another millennium. according to the CNA. woman, who has Down their June 1 letter to legislators, “If the Government proceeds While non-binding, “the vote syndrome, is a tireless advocate the bishops wrote, “Politicians that then MPs and Peers will send a signal to MPs in for disability rights. and all people of good will, must vote to reject these Westminster who are due to Assembly members voted in who recognize the extreme Regulations.” vote on the regulations and give favor of a motion which read: nature of the Regulations, She concluded, “We must a boost to those campaigning “That this Assembly welcomes should not meekly acquiesce to remember that laws send for abortion laws to be the important intervention their promulgation.” social signals and we believe determined by the Northern of disability campaigner “This is a very welcome the regulations proposed by Ireland Assembly,” the CNA Heidi Crowter and rejects outcome and it’s good to see Westminster will harm, not reported. the imposition of abortion the Northern Ireland Assembly help, women and babies across The new law took effect legislation that extends to all sending such a clear message Northern Ireland.” www.NRLC.org National Right to Life News June 2020 33 U.S. Agency for International Development tells U.N. to stop treating abortion as “essential” humanitarian re- lief during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Dave Andrusko

It’s not as if we needed to stop treating how the UN has already gone pledged to protect the another reminder of the nearly abortion as “essential” off course: unborn. infinite difference it makes to humanitarian relief [T]he UN should not have a pro-lifer residing at 1600 during the COVID-19 use this crisis as an Near the end of his letter, Pennsylvania Avenue, but it can pandemic. opportunity to advance Barsa again reminds Gutterres never hurt to remember all that The letter is access to abortion as that the administration of pro-life unprecedented in its an “essential service.” it is essential that Donald Trump has done and direct criticism of the Unfortunately, the the UN’s response to continues to do, for the cause of UN bureaucracy’s Global HRP [the the pandemic avoid unborn babies. promotion of abortion UN’s Humanitarian creating controversy. It’s no secret that the UN as humanitarian aid. Response Plan] does Therefore, I ask that is not exactly a hothouse of just this, by cynically you remove references pro-life sentiment. It is also The letter, sent by John Barsa, placing the provision to “sexual and no secret that more than once, Acting Administrator of the of “sexual and reproductive health,” the Trump Administration U.S. Agency for International reproductive health and its derivatives from has admonished various UN Development, to UN Secretary services” on the same the Global HRP, and Agencies and the UN itself to General Antonio Guterres, can level of importance drop the provision of back off. For example, in his be read in its entirety at https:// as food-insecurity, abortion as an essential address to the 74th UN General bit.ly/3f4oQK9 essential health care, component of the UN’s Assembly, President Trump has Barsa is unsparing in his malnutrition, shelter, priorities to respond said the UN “has no business criticisms which are as and sanitation. Most to the COVID-19 attacking the sovereignty of numerous as they are specific. egregious is that the pandemic. Global HRP calls Member States for the widespread are deeply divided distribution of over the use of the abortion-inducing term “sexual and drugs and abortion reproductive health” supplies, and for the and its derivatives, and promotion of abortion it is among the most in local country polarizing issues raised settings. in UN negotiations. The Global HRP, and The way the UN all-too-often the activities of UN works is to strong-arm pro- agencies and bodies life countries into compliance, moving forward, should which Barsa denounces in no use clear language and uncertain terms. take clear action to The UN address the real needs should not intimidate of vulnerable people or coerce Member around the world nations that wish to protect For example, Barsa begins States that are without promoting innocent life.” by reminding Guterres that the committed to the abortion. Now is Put the two together, add U.S. is the “largest donor of right to life. To use the not the time to add the desire of pro-abortionists global health and humanitarian COVID-19 pandemic unnecessary discord to exploit the COVID-19 assistance” and that “As the as a justification to to the COVID-19 pandemic, and you get these UN and Member States around pressure governments response. opening sentences from a story the world work to address the to change their laws written by Stefano Gennarini, pandemic of COVID-19, I is an affront to the Congratulations to Mr. J.D. urge you, your staff, and the autonomy of each Barza for again reminding us The head of UN’s funds, programs, and society to determine its “that under the leadership of the U.S. Agency specialized and technical own national policies President Donald J. Trump, for International agencies to stay focused on on health care. The the United States has made Development told the life-saving interventions.” United States stands clear that we will ‘never tire of UN Secretary General Barsa immediately illustrated with nations that have defending innocent life.’”