MCFL News The Schrafft Center US Postage Paid 529 Main Street Boston, MA Boston, MA 02129 Pending Periodical MCFL Life News Permit #PP597 March/April 2009 Mailing Label Volume 30 Number VVMMVolume 1 TimesLife30 March?Volume Tragic Choices:March/AprilAs her doctor predicts a child with Down Syndrome, one woman is pressured to abort Kathleen had not asked for a test And yet when she went in for scientists to stop such genetic “I’ve noticed they treat you very or a diagnosis of the potential differently when you have a child problems her baby would face. her tests she noticed a common testing in the womb as its only past age 35,” Kathleen said. Many women undergo an theme, the medical practioners consequence can be abortion. In “They’re looking for trouble, they increasingly accepted despite its couldn’t understand why she previous years amniocentesis, test you and make it an anxious risk to the child considering that would keep this imperfect specifically, was only given to situation. All this technology is such testing carries a 0.5-1% risk child. Even though she had women having children later in supposed to help us solve SynS of miscarriage and also that such good health insurance through life, thought at greater risk for her husband Steve’s job at abnormalities such as Down testing has a 10% error rate. No, see TRAGIC CHOICES - Page 12 her doctor had predicted Downs Babson College, her medical Syndrome and autism. due to wrinklinon the head in the choices were limited. The two doctors she had gone through Laura’s Law ultrasound and She thought of the previous pregnancies with Would Laura have changed had gone to another practice. her mind if she had had the Those that replaced them were chance to see her unborn less inclined and less supportive child through ultrasound? A TRAGEDY AVERTED - Kathleen Heaslip ignored advice of what choice she planned to to abort Conrad when a doctor diagnosed Down Syndrome. Ultrasound option added to make despite their prognosis. the “Woman’s Right to aving had four boys Kathleen had not asked for a test There are over 450 different Know Bill. 3 already, Kathleen or a diagnosis of the potential issues that can be screened. Even HHeaslip could detect the problems her baby would face. though only 1% of abortions are unspoken words in the nurse’s Many women undergo an am- reported for the reasons of fetal Assembly for Life eyes: ‘you already have so niocentesis test to screen such abnormalities, the rates of many…’ So when her problems, which has become women testing their children in obstetrician diagnosed her fifth increasingly accepted despite its the womb have been rising with “Life, liberty, and the pursuit pregnancy with trisomy 21, risk to the child considering that new tests such as blood tests early of happiness” was the theme known popularly as Down such testing caries a 0.5-1% risk in the pregnancy and of the afternoon as WBZ’s Syndrome, the tone of the of miscarriage and also that such amniocentesis testing at about Dan Rea spoke out publically on abortion to a packed pregnancy changed. testing has a 10% error rate. No, seven months. Both tests carry house at Faneuil Hall. It was a tough moment, and a her doctor has predicted Down certain risks, and often detect tough thing to hear. It meant her Syndrome due to wrinkling on items which serve no purpose 4-5 baby wouldn’t be “normal” but the back of the head in the ultra- except to point out abnormaliti- also meant she would be sound and fading which he es that cannot be changed such pressured to abort the child. thought indicated holes in the as Down Syndrome. Some J Join us for the back of the head. religious leaders have even asked Convention! Of women who She thought of the children she “The Life You Save Will Be had already been blessed to give receive a diagnosis That of a Loved One” is the birth to, and the support network topic of this year’s conven- of Down Syndrome, afforded to them. She had tion. Nationally known an estimated 90% already had four boys, and none expert, Burke Balch, will be had any problems. She was one choose abortion the keynote speaker. of five and her husband one of 8-9 Her prenatal pregnancy test at two, none of whom had any seven and a half months was met similar issues. Her mind raced by a staff reminding her of the through the possibilities. Raised Baby Safe Haven obstacles her baby would face. in a religious family and Kathleen said “the nurse surrounded her entire life by pro- Law practitioner asked me that in life activism, abortion wasn’t a Conrad Heaslip Norwood Police Chief carrying the child to term, that I consideration. Bartley E. King, Jr. and Fire realized he was going to have Chief Michael J. Howard problems. I waited for her to lead the way for placement go into more detail, but she left of these life-saving signs. it at that. It was a very emotionally vacant environment. 12 The day after the same nurse called me back to read off a list Birth Control Pills of problems the baby was likely to have, and then pointed out and Pollution that I had ‘chosen not to Synthetic estrogens contribute terminate’ as though it was on a to contamination of water- piece of paperwork that I had ways and are being blamed to opt-out of the abortion. I for a disturbing effect on was shocked at her suggestion THE HEASLIP BROTHERS - Conrad (left) is a very wildlife. and left that practice immediately typical three year old shown here enjoying a beach day 14 for another more welcoming. with his family.

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Life sLife In Massachusetts The Status of Abortion and Euthanasia Issues in Legislation and Culture by Anne Fox MCFL President love celebrating Advent and Mr. Bush signed into law the Partial Birth us fund abortions in this country appears trivial. Christmas. We don’t light our Abortion Ban, the Unborn Victims of Violence That will be followed by ending the ban on I lights or decorate our big Act, and the Born Alive Infants Protection Act partial birth abortions, removing parental tree until Christmas Eve, but (the starkest contrast!). His administration consent, etc. we stretch the season to issued regulations to protect the consciences of On Inauguration Day, a reporter from the Wall the Feast of the all health care providers and recognize the unborn Street Journal shadowed me and talked to the Presentation. child as a “child”. He repeatedly vetoed millions pro lifers I worked with that day. The paper Last year, my of dollars in appropriations for the UN wanted to cover people who weren’t mesmerized son, John Paul Population Fund (UNFPA) because of its by the proceedings in DC. The reporter was gave me an complicity in the coercive One Child Policy in really curious about the juxtaposition of the dates ornament of the the People’s Republic of China. President Bush – Inauguration on the 20th, March on the 22nd. White House. advocated a complete ban on cloning and was I’m sure he thought we had chosen Jan 22nd As I took it off instrumental in the UN passage of such a ban. with the Inauguration in mind. I explained to the tree a few days ago, I realized how much him that both dates are immutable, but it got we are going to miss President George W. “Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, in me thinking. All of the subsequent Supreme Bush. I packed away the ornament in its Court abortion decisions have come down near presentation box and put it in the special one of his last speeches, spoke the The fact that Roe v Wade and Doe v Bolton Christmas drawer. I wish I could keep as for us all, “We shall not weary. came down in January near the beginning of the carefully and safely the things President Bush We shall not rest until every Court’s calendar tells us the Court was so did for life! unborn child is protected by law arrogant that they thought their decisions would Even in the depths of contemplating the and welcomed in life.” be uncontroversial, that everyone would go along Obama Abortion Agenda, as the National with their view of a world where human worth Right to Life Committee has dubbed it, just and dignity depend on the whims of others. Well, the thought of Chief Justice John Roberts and The international forces of death were stymied we are here to show them how wrong they were! Justice Samuel Alito is enough to make us at the UN during his administration. We have worked hard for 36 years and we are eternally grateful to President Bush. As we know, President Obama has promised going to be working harder than ever. The contrasts are stark. His first day in office, his radically pro abortion supporters that he will There is another serious life concern with the President Bush reinstated and enforced the wipe every protective anti-abortion law off the Obama Administration. That is Health Care. Mexico City Policy. As soon as the Marchers books. It looks as though the Freedom of Choice In my last column, I described a number of anti- left D.C., President Obama demolished it. In Act may be too hot for the public to swallow life practices that are becoming standard spite of Obama’s incredible popularity, only 35% whole, so he will attack the laws one by one, operating procedures here in Massachusetts. If of people approve. Mr. Bush banned federal probably starting with the Hyde Amendment. Obamacare is enacted, there is the real potential funding of research that required the destruction Now that you and I are again funding groups that as many lives will be intentionally taken at of human embryos. That seems to be one of like Planned Parenthood International which the end of life as at the beginning. Please post Mr. Obama’s pet projects. Mr. Bush talked about perform abortions and advocate for legalization the save-a-life magnet I have mailed you and welcoming every child into life. Mr. Obama of abortion in developing countries, where the plan to attend our Convention, “The Life You talked about being punished with a child. people view this as cultural imperialism, making Save Will Be That of A Loved One” (see p 8). Fr Richard John Neuhaus, in one of his last MCFL News - PP 597 is published bi-monthly by Massachusetts Citizens for speeches, spoke for us all, “We shall not weary. Life, Inc., 529 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129-1100. Application to We shall not rest, until every unborn child is mail at periodical rate is pending at Boston, MA Postmaster. Send address protected in law and welcomed in life” changes to: Life Times, 529 Main St., Charlestown, MA 02129-1100

Massachusetts Citizens for Life

MCFL News Events Calendar Anne Fox, President, Publisher Marie Sturgis, Executive Director Henry Luthin, Chairman of the Board Helen Cross, Editor Misson Statement: In recognition of the fact that each human life is Pioneer Valley Annual Mother’s Day Dinner a continuum from conception to natural death, the mission of Massachusetts Thursday, May 7, 6 pm, Chez Joseph, Springfield Citizens for Life, is to promote respect for human life and to defend the right to life of all human beings, born and preborn. We will influence public Keynote Speaker: Rod Murphy policy at the local, state and national levels through comprehensive For more information: Monica Butler (413) 746-0655 educational, legislative, political and charitable activities. MCFL Annual Dinner The Schrafft Center; 529 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129 (617) 242-4199, fax (617) 242-4965 Keynote Speaker: Anthony Esolen, PhD., author of Web address: www.masscitizensforlife.org The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization Pioneer Valley Office: P.O. Box 96, Ludlow, MA 01056 (413) 583-5034 Friday, September 18, 6 pm, Lantana, Randolph

MCFL News - PP 597 is published bimonthly by Massachusetts Citizens for Life, Inc., 529 Main Street, Charlestown, MA 02129-1100. Application to mail at periodical rate is pending at Boston, MA Postmaster. Send address changes to: Massachusetts Citizens for Life - 529 Main Street - Charlestown, MA 02129 www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

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Quick facts on “Laura’s Law,” Woman’s Right to Know the “Laura’s Life-saving legislation introduced by MCFL Law”/”Woman’s by Marie Sturgis Right to Know” MCFL Executive Director bill: aura Hope Smith was a “We think Laura’s death epito- lively, perky, attractive 22 mizes the need for such a law Present consent law on the Lyear old woman. She (“Laura’s Law”/”Woman’s books needs to be updated and 1.Current law al- came from Honduras and was Right to Know” bill). We truly current abortion consent lows abortionists to the adoptive daughter of Tom believe that Laura would be forms, like the one given to control the amount and Eileen Smith. She loved with us today had this Bill been Laura, don’t provide sufficient of information given the color blue, walks on the passed prior to her death in information about abortion beach and the man she hoped September 2007. The decision risks and alternatives. to women to marry very soon. Laura Laura made to abort her child came from a strong Christian was misinformation at best, or home and was opposed to with no information, at worst. Reflection time - women abortion. If Laura had truly been told and need time to think about what 2. Abortion business Few people know what really understood the correct infor- they are doing and have a right practices try to rush motivated Laura to make an mation, if Laura had seen the to know all the medical risks appointment to end the life of sonogram of her 13 week child associated with abortion pro- women into a hur- her unborn child that Septem- with 10 fingers and 10 toes, we cedure. Laura did not have this ried decision ber. Laura brought her girl- know her heart and conscience opportunity - knowing the risks friend Karen Trott for emo- would not have allowed her the she would be alive today. tional support for the first of action she choose.” two appointments that day. The Smith’s requested that the Requires doctors to inform Laura Hope Smith’s life was name for the “Woman’s Right each woman of pertinent in- suddenly cut short when on to Know” bill be changed to formation that is considered a 3. Informed consent September 13, 2007, when she “Laura’s Law”. The MCFL core part of the abortion deci- at 13 weeks pregnant, died dur- Board of Directors unani- sion. Laura deserved to be fully is a basic human ing an abortion performed by mously agreed. informed about the dangers of right Dr. Rapin Osathanondh. Like The bill was filed on 1/12/ abortion. most of us, Laura did not re- 09 with House docket number alize that this would be her fi- #1037 as of this writing. Please nal day on earth. thank Representatives Elizabeth Requires the Department of 4. It is the duty of Laura’s parent’s are convinced Poirier (R-N.Attleboro), Public Health to provide com- state government that their daughter would be Angelo M. Scaccia (D- Bos- prehensive information in a alive today if she had been ton), Jeffrey Perry (R- to provide its citizens pamphlet, web page and tele- given truthful information Barnstable) for taking action to with information on about her unborn child and the introduce and co-sponsor the phone recording formats. health issues risks of abortion. measure. Laura’s life could have been saved by a telephone call. Her parent’s addressed their The bill before the Massachu- concerns in a letter to MCFL setts legislature will make sure in which they stated: women are fully informed Provides that fetal develop- 5. Ultrasounds re- about abortion, fetal develop- ment information be given duce the number of ment, options, and childbirth and if the woman requests to abortions before they make any hasty, life see an ultrasound it will be altering decisions. There is little provided. Laura never got to question that legislation like this see the 10 toes and 10 fingers merits bi-partisan support. of her unborn child.

LAURA DESERVED (Photos of Laura courtesy of Eileen Smith) NO LESS! “Laura’s Law” Affirming Women’s Right to Know Essential Information Before Abortion A Legal Summary the Act’s purpose—to ensure that ev- rights under the Massachusetts patients the General Court has indicated that ery woman considering abortion re- bill of rights, a listing of agencies pro- abortion clinics do not provide all of the Section 1 Finds that an important ceives complete information and suffi- viding pregnancy and adoption services, protections guaranteed by the Patients state interest exists in ensuring a fully cient reflection time, thus reducing the pictures and scientifically accurate de- Bill of Rights. informed choice and sufficient reflec- possibility of harm arising from inad- scriptions of each two-week stage of Section 5. Provides that any parts of tion time for women seeking abortion, equately informed choices. Women fetal development and factual summa- the Act not found unconstitutional shall and that key provisions of the current deserve no less. ries of the risks associated with abor- remain enforceable. informed consent law (M.G.L. ch. 112, Section 2. Titles the bill as “Laura’s tion and childbirth. Also ensures that § 12S) are either inadequately enforced Section 6. Requires the Act to take Law,” referring to Laura Hope Smith, a the woman is offered the opportunity or are not enforced at all. effect immediately upon passage. Massachusetts woman who died in 2007 to view an ultrasound or to hear the A federal court in Massachusetts de- as a result of complications from a le- heartbeat of her unborn child. Please feel free to copy or clip out the clared the fetal description and 24 hour gal abortion. Requires that before an abortion is quick facts or legal summary for distri- reflection period sections unconstitu- bution or to send to your legislator. Section 3. Reaffirms the original but performed a physician orally inform tional in 1981. This judgment was never Also, be sure to ask your legislators to never enforced requirements in M.G.L. each woman of information considered vacated even after the U.S. Supreme sign on and co-sponsor this pro-woman ch. 112, § 12S that women must be pro- material to the abortion decision of a Court upheld similar provisions in Penn- bill. vided with a description of fetal devel- reasonable person in her circum- sylvania in 1992. Thus, these portions opment, allowed a twenty four hour stances. Also requires the woman to of the current law are not being imple- reflection period before an abortion, be asked whether she has seen the mented. Moreover, the current abor- Also reaffirms the current written con- materials described in this section, con- tion consent forms fail to provide suffi- sent requirement. sidered alternatives, and wants the op- cient information about abortion risks portunity to pursue other options. and alternatives and the consent pro- Strengthens the original law by requir- WOMEN DESERVE Section 4. Amends M.G.L. ch. 111, § cess needs to be strengthened. Enact- ing the Department of Public Health to 70 to expressly include all abortion pro- ing a new statute would bypass the old provide comprehensive information in NO LESS! viders in the list of facilities subject to judgment and strengthen protections for pamphlet, web page and telephone re- the requirements of the Patients Bill of women. cording formats. Such information shall include a description of the woman’s Rights Act. This law applies already to In addition, this section establishes all “clinics,” and yet testimony before www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected]

AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org 4 MCFL News MCFL Assembly electrifies crowd by Elisabeth Cross t’s the afternoon of January of which was “spiritual shift.” asked everyone to speak out to 25, 2009 and Boston’s His words were echoed, in their friends and legislators. historic Faneuil Hall is the many other speeches of the 18-year-old Christina Bennett, I th site of the 36 Annual afternoon, that we were “ready a student at Massachusetts Massachusetts Citizens for Life to continue the fight” against College of Pharmacy and ‘Assembly for Life’. As abortion. Health Sciences and MCFL spectators filed in and took their MCFL President Anne Fox. oratory contest winner won a seats, the speakers for the event Fox started out by saying how standing ovation for her were seated on the stage, below a large painting of the ithout life,there’s no Founding Fathers in diplomatic “ action. The aura of excitement liberty, and there can surrounding the event was W be no happiness.” Dan Rea heightened by the anticipation of hearing WBZ’s Dan Rea’s the Pro-Life movement had speech on the immorality of first speech in such a public been “working hard for 36 scientist’s use of embryonic setting, on his opposition to years.” She remarked that stem cells for research. abortion. numbers collected from When Pastor Yarde returned Eve Lindquist, Executive Thursday’s March for Life in to the podium he said there Director of Visitation House Washington, showed that the needed to be more young would be accepting the first number of people from people like Christina Bennett ever 2008 Thomas J. Flatley Massachusetts had grown from whose “thinking is right”. He Award later that afternoon. 1,000 the year before to 1,500 then introduced Nightside The Worcester, Massachusetts this year, and asked everyone Radio Host Dan Rea to deliver home for pregnant women to call their congressman to the keynote address. As soon received the award as the “make noise”. as Rea took his place at the organization that registered the Rabbi Henry M. Morse of podium he took the most walkers for the 2008 the Messianic Congregation opportunity to praise the Respect Life Walk to Aid Sha’ar Hashamayim, who had speeches that day as “inspiring”. Mother’s and Children served as a missionary for Jews In an aside to Rabbi Morse, Asked what it meant to receive for Jesus. Rabbi Morse was to Rea said that while the Rabbi the Flately Award. she said, give the Intercessory prayer, was a “Jew for Jesus”, he was IN THE HALLS OF DEMOCRACY - Father David “It’s a great honor to be the which he did, rather a “Christian for Israel”. Mullen prepares to recite the Pledge of Allegience. first. This award is important humorously; keeping the Rea began his address by (All photos by Ben Wetmore) to me because in life, he was a audience laughing almost reading the “Life, liberty, and great supporter of Visitation continuously the entire time. the pursuit of happiness” part procedure”. “We’re engaged in win the abortion argument by House. Mr. Flatley was one of But there were also moments of the Declaration of a battle,” he said, and it would convincing those people, Rea our benefactors and he of seriousness, as when he Independence. He talked about only be won when people’s was asked what you could do echoed Pastor how Pro-Lifer’s could win the minds we’re changed about to facilitate good will. “I firmly Yarde by abortion argument by abortion. believe that in your own describing a “convincing the American The Assembly for Life ended community you can reach out ‘spiritual battle’. people that life begins at with the chorus singing The to people you have a lot in “We’re not just conception”, but also said that Battle Hymn of the Republic, after common with”, he answered, fighting the law” he believed that there good which MCFL News was able and “Maybe they have a he said. The people on both sides, just not to interview keynote speaker different opinion, but can Rabbi urged the “extremists”. He also called Dan Rea. Rea told us that “To better understand your point people to to attention how abortion see the amount of spirit in this of view”. mobilize, to disproportionately affects room is uplifting” and impart, to be a poor, black and, and Hispanic talked a little about his “doer, not just a women and that these should radio show. He said that hearer”, that we not be having abortions at this the show got caller’s should “celebrate rate because of their from as far away as life”, and spoke circumstances. Rea ended his Siberia and South out against the address by reaching back to it’s America and that those “culture of beginning and telling the who call in seem to death”. Speaking audience “without life, there’s know more than the FLATLEY AWARD WINNER Execu- from the Book of no liberty, and there can be no average person about tive Director Eve Lindquist receives the Deuteronomy he happiness”. the issues. When award on behalf of Visitation House. shouted, “We Auxiliary Bishop of Boston; reminded of his choose life!” twice Rev. Robert Francis Hennessey, comments in his speech THE FOUNDING FATHERS recognized the importance of before inviting the crowd to attended the Assembly in place about how there are are good company for Master of this life saving ministry. join him on one last loud “We of Cardinal O’Malley. In his good people on both Ceremonies Rev. Basil Yarde and Visitation House opened in choose life!” Having Benediction Rev. Hennessey sides and that you can keynote speaker WBZ’s Dan Rea. 2005 on the Feast of the thoroughly fired up the room, stated that the Pro-Life Visitation and since then we’ve Rabbi Morse closed with a movement must renew the saved 54 babies”. Hebrew blessing and returned appeal to join the “culture of The Cardinal Spellman Chorus to his seat. life” and told the story of opened the Assembly with a Rev. David Mullen of the how, as a young priest, he tried rousing rendition of He Reigns. MCFL Board of Directors. to help a friend who had Pastor Basil Yarde, Director of stated, “Mass Citizens for Life confided to him that she had Church Relations at WEZE is your voice,” a plea for had two abortions. It was Radio and First Thrust funding while a basket came from this friend that Rev. Ministries took the podium around for collections. He Hennessey said he learned that for the Invocation, the theme spoke of an “uphill battle” and abortion was not a “sterile www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org MCFL News 5 Rabbi Rocks Faneuil Hall Thunderous chants for life in response to rabbi’s request “We Choose Life!”

YOUR MAMA CAN DANCE - The Assembly for Life proved to be a family friendly event and a chance for moms to show off their dance steps.

“We Choose Life!” ROCKIN’ RABBI Henry M. Morse of the Messianic Congregation Sha’ar Hashamayim inspired the Assembly with exortations to join with him in proclaiming, “We Choose Life!”

INNOCENCE ABOUNDS in the face of a youthful participant. “We Choose Life!” MUSICALLY ENTHUSED audience THE CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL members joined along with the Cardinal Video of this event including Dan Rea’s CHOIR with soloist CJ Hawes signing How Great is Our God Spellman choir and rock band with speech is available on our web site. infected the Assembly with youthful exuberence and joy. clapping and song.

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Chapter Challenges How would you respond in this situation? #1 Harassment on a Life Chain

An article entitled, “Everyone Knows In general, never touch somone in this That!” from the December 2008 issue type of rage, it can be seen as a physical of the New Oxford Review described the attack or harassment. A better way to author’s disturbing encounter with an keep this woman from walking into the abusive woman during an otherwise street would have been to back-up uneventful life chain. While adults and away from the oncoming traffic, reduc- children were distributed along the road ing the unintentional threat that touch- peacefully holding pro-life signs to be ing produced. read by passing motorists, a woman A column on eHow.com, entitled “How stopped her car, took pictures and then to Deal With An Angry and Bitter Per- started a frightening, expletive-laden son,” says, an optional response that is personal attack against the author, his “the hardest but the most rewarding, is friend, pro-life people in general and to listen to that person and let them the Catholic Church in particular. The throw all the anger they can muster at “obscenity-laden verbal barrage” con- you because the angry person isn’t re- Life Chain along Route 5 in Longmeadow. (File Photo) tinued despite whatever the two gentle- ally striking out at us to hurt us. They men said to her. When a hand was put need someone who is strong enough on her shoulder to keep her from walk- to handle what they are throwing at us, ing into traffic while she was blinded needing someone not to run away, but When Confronted: by her anger, she yelled, “take your to listen to them.” hands off me, I’m going to have you 1) Stay Calm arrested!” Chapter meetings are a great place to 2) Ask children to leave practice possible confrontational situa- 3) Remember that any Fortunately, this type of situation is a tions. Just as troops are never sent into unwanted contact can be very rare occurence. But it offers a re- battle untrained, chapters are the natu- considered assault flection on two ideas, one practical, one ral training grounds to better equip our philosophical: How should a problem members for presenting the pro-life 4) The leader should ad- like this be handled, and how can people view in the public square. dress any uncomfortable be better trained to deal with anger? or controversial issues Seasoned veterans may not need this Practically, it’s better not to try to en- type of training, but negative experi- 5) Don’t try to convert the gage the other side when they are ences can easily scar new recruits to the individual. The purpose of blinded by rage. These hurting souls are pro-life movement and discourage a life chain is mass com- not capable of nor are they interested them from further participation. munication. Angry protester at 2004 March for in rational debate when they are caught Women’s Lives (Photo Ben Wetmore) in an emotional firestorm. Any com- I am timid by nature and shrink from passionate pro-life person can recog- confrontational situations. One day I nize the tormented conscience of a per- asked my son, a Marine with combat Chatter Box : What’s on your mind? son scarred by an abortion experience. experience in Iraq, how he dealt with the fear of injury or death as he pa- Theresa Gorey: “Many are wondering where the news coverage was of the In Closed: 99 Ways to Stop Abortion, au- trolled the mean streets of Fallujah. He 2009 March for Life in Washington. This is the largest annual protest held in thor Joseph Scheidler, advises people said, “you remember the mission, you our nation’s capital, yet media outlets never seem to think that it is newsworthy. to avoid arguing with passersby. “Step keep forefront in your mind, what it is I think that there is fear of making the general public aware of the magnitude of out of the line to discuss the issues, don’t that you’re here to do.” the pro-life movement. They fear the enormous crowd of young adults who shout back at hecklers, and always be turn out; young people who understand that they are true survivors.” We are here to defend life, to save lives, courteous.” Theresa Gorey writes from Andover, Massachusetts to create a culture of life and for life. This can be a tall order for many of Colbe Mazzarella (Commenting on an article in the New England Journal of us who are not trained counselors, po- Everything we do should be with this in mind, that someone’s life depends on Medicine that criticized a new South Dakota Law which says that abortionists licemen, or work at the Registry of must show women a booklet and discuss it.) Motor Vehicles. The natural reaction to us and that this is OUR mission. “NEJM says that telling women how developed their baby is, describing the personal abuse is either fear or anger, If you would like to respond after effects of abortion, etc. would ‘threaten the physician-patient relationship.’ especially when children are involved. to this column send to: Just what relationship is that? Post-abortive women describe a ten minute procedure with few words and no discussion. Most fast food drive-through [email protected] workers have a deeper relationship with their customers than most abortionists.” Colbe Mazzarella is an MCFL member and a lawyer who works Your Generous Gifts for Life with post-abortive women Linda Kinsey: On January 22, I attended the March forLife in Washington, D.C. In Honor of Bernadette and Jim O’Connor Two days before the March, I had an incident occur with my eyes while opening a by Bernadette Berset hot oven. I had assumed that my eyes would be okay, but Iwas mistaken. In Honor of Dr. Trudy Murphy I had stopped into Senator Kerry’s office after the March to sign my comments by Jean Healey about the rights of unborn babies, and I asked his aides for help with my eye problem. I was only interested in getting information on a place to go that could In Honor of the Marriage of Dr. Anne Osowski to Robert J. Rutkowski help me. The aides, though they seemed willing to help, were not willing to provide by Joanne Osowski information such as hospitals or facilitites with phone numbers that I could check out. In Memory of Leonard Peterson I was told, “It’s a liability issue.” I am very familiar with the liability issue when it by Richard Howard and the Reading Cursillo Community, Noreen A. comes to the rights of unborn babies. What I wasn’t expecting, was that as a born Normand, Co-workers at the Guidance Department of Valley Stream person from the senator’s state, I would face such treatment. High School, Mary R. Young, Bud and Emelie Burnham, Richard An aide from a Montana senator’s office gave me the name of a nearby hospital Homewood, Edward and Christine Lehman along with directions to get there. At no time did concern for their liability seem an issue. Linda Kinsey is co-chair of the North Adams Chapter. In Memory of Anne-Marie Stubbs by Gilbert G. Stubbs Send submissions to Chatterbox at: [email protected] www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org MCFL News 7

All the Chapter News that’s fit to print Where we are Contrary to whatever the New York Times would like people and to believe, pro-life activity is flourishing. The grass-roots Where we’re going... movement of Massachusetts Citizens for Life is best exem- plified by its chapters, which are alive and well as a recent sur- MCFL proudly announces the By using more effective tabling techniques you can vey revealed. recruit more people to the pro-life cause. Fully 20 chapters have had hiring of Ben Wetmore as some type of life-saving activ- Basics of effective tabling ity during the past year, whether outreach director 10 Major Rules large or small, MCFL chapter 1. Talk to everyone who walks by - ask them Ben Wetmore was hired in January members have saved babies by: one simple question. as the Outreach Director, overseeing Rose Drives a new push to develop chapters, 2. No chairs at all and keep the handouts to a Rose Drives raise money to memberships, donations, web pres- minimum. send Marie Sturgis to the State ence and the overall pro-life outreach 3. Be sure you are in an area of high foot traffic. House to speak against deadly of the organization. embryonic stem cell research 4. Contact the people right away after you We’re expecting great things from table, actually call them. Life Chains him, and he has a strong background 5. Stand in front of the table. How many lives, hearts and having been a campaign manager for minds are changed by the road- a U.S. Senate campaign, consultant to 6. Dont’ let your friends distract you, don’t talk side presence of members wit- a statewide referendum, a campus or- to anyone longer than it takes for them to nessing for a culture that re- ganizer, training in ‘political technol- sign-up, it’s a numbers game. Use one on one spects life? ogy’ for the Leadership Institute and time later for philiosophical discussions. Educational seminars also having been the former Presi- New Outreach 7.Verify information through Facebook. dent of Students for Life of Director Ben Wet- Fr. Tad Pacholczyk led a semi- 8. Don’t let opponents get you distracted, Americawhere he was a board mem- more brings strong nar on ethical stem cell research defuse big arguments ber for nearly six years. leadership skills to and end of life care to vulner- 9. Note anyone who seems like aleader, try to the position. able patients. We’re happy to have him and hope recruit them to table with you on the spot. that you get to meet him soon! Baby Showers 10. It will be tough to get started, force your- Chapters support a number of self to talk to the first ten. It will quickly get easier. crisis pregnancy centers. While Helen’s Ultimate Bake Sale these events provide vital ma- The lowly bake sale is practically a license to print money terial needs to mothers and babies, they also educate the 1) Choose a location and a Church basements, gathering Large crowds mean large prof- public, many of whom have date. Popular choices are spaces, halls, etc. must be large its. Look for churches that have never heard of the myriad of Valentine’s Day or Mother’s enough to accomodate tables 4 or 5 masses or one very large support services available to Day. You could also choose a and people. Make sure the service. women in need. dull time, like the middle of space you want is available. January when there is little go- Bake Sales ing on and people welcome an The lowly bake sale is a gold event. mine that savvy chapters take 2) List your bakers/help/ Besides your chapter members, Large crowds mean a lot of advantage of! The money re- schedule. One of the reasons the church’s pro-life group, baked goods are needed. Not ceived from a bake sale can be this works so well is that it friend’s, etc. can be recruited to everyone needs to be a talented used to fund an intern to call doesn’t take alot of time or bake, set-up, or man the tables. pastry chef, you can buy baked potential members or print an effort. People drop off their items at a grocery store and educational brochure about the baked goods going into mass repackage. dangers of the morning after or service and then man the pill. table afterwards for 15 minutes. Support Pro-life Political 3) Maximize “Profits” Does your church have a children’s Chocolate! Craft stores or Candidates Think who and when do service or coffee after mass? candy shops such as Lorraine’s people like to eat sweets? in Hanover have custom molds By electing pro-life political Buy raw ingredients on sale. for lollipops or single choco- candidates for office, legislation (Remember, we can’t actually If a store is selling quick bread lates for all sorts of events. that protects innocent life sell items. We ask for a mix at half price, they can be Think roses for Mother’s Day, stands a better chance of be- suggested donation.) the backbone of your sale. hearts for Valentine’s Day, first ing enacted. When a candidate Ask an organization, such as the communions, graduations, etc. tells why he is pro-life, his mes- K of C, to donate cookie dough. sage is a powerful tool to 4) Some details Cash box, change, schedule, Depending on the pastor, the change hearts and minds shopping bags, paper plates, money may be turned into the Chapters can help by distrib- plastic wrap, tags and pens for church and he will write a check uting literature, holding signs, marking items to MCFL Or the chapter trea- or making phone calls. surer may deposit the money into the chapter’s account and write the check. 5) Afterwards Make sure area is cleaned up A thank you note to the pastor. before you leave. along with a small stipend is greatly appreciated.

www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected]

AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org 8 MCFL News

Massachusetts Citizens for Life Convention The Life You Save Will Be That of a Loved One

Saturday, March 28, 2009, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Boston College Law School 885 Centre Street, Newton, off exit 17, Mass Pike

Featuring: Burke Balch, J.D., Director, Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics

MCFL Convention Program Confirmed Participants: 8:30 - 9:00: Registration and Coffee

Daniel 9:00 - 9:15: Welcome, Anne Fox, MCFL President Avila, J.D. 9:15 - 10:30: Burke Balch, “The Danger of Health Care Denied”

Professor 10:45 - 11:30: Panel One, Part One Scott Fitzgibbon, J.D. “What constitutes proper, basic care that a patient deserves?” Peter Morin, M.D., Robin Loughman, R.N., Allison Ledoux, Certified Catholic Bioethicist, Allison and three other health careprofessionals will each make short presentations Ledoux, Certified 11:30 - 12:45: Lunch Catholic Bioethicist 12:00 - 12:45: Panel One, Part Two “What constitutes proper, basic care that a patient deserves?” Robin The panel will be available in a question and answer format. Loughman, R.N. 1:00 - 1:30: Oratory Contest Finals Henry Luthin, J.D. 1:30 - 2:45: Burke Balch, “How Massachusetts and America Can Afford Health Care Without Rationing: A Positive Plan” Peter Morin, M.D. 2:45 - 3:30 Breakout session with Burke Balch

David 2:45 - 3:30 Panel Two Stormberg, M.D. “National legal foundations that will help if someone is not receving proper medical attention” Mike Help and advice from the legal professionals Barnett, Leadership Director, “A positive response to serious prenatal diagnosis” American Life League “ The proper use of ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders. Is it ever acceptable to refuse medical attention?” Victor Pap, “When is it simply depression, not a wish to die?” Executive Director Catholic Citizenship 3:30 - 3:50 “Health Care Agent: Why you must have one, the best one to have, how to be sure it is honored, reviewing the MCC form in the convention packet”

3:50 - 4:00 Closing Remarks

4:30 Mass will be held at the Law School Chapel www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org MCFL News 9

Keynote Speaker: Burke Balch, J.D. Director, Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics

The Danger of Health Care Denied (9:15 am) How Massachusetts and America Can Afford Health Care Without Rationing: A Positive Plan (1:30 pm)

Burke J. Balch, a graduate of New York University School of Law and Williams College, now serves as Director of the Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics which specializes in euthanasia-relatesd issues and is associated with the National Right to Life Committee. He has worked as Attorney-Advisor for the U.S. Commis- sion on Civil Rights, helping to write a report on denial of life-saving medical treatment to children with disabilitites (“Baby Doe” cases). He was Chief Staff Counsel for the National Legal Center for the Medically Dependent and Disabled, and worked as a lawyer for the Americans United for Life Legal Defense Fund. A law review article he co-authored was repeatedly quoted by the United States Supreme Court in support of its 1997 decision that there is no federal constitutional right to assisted suicide. In addition, he has published articles on BURKE BALCH - Keynote speaker for the MCFL abortion, on ethical issues related to witholding and withdrawal of food, fluids, and Convention is a nationally recognized expert on a wide life-saving medical treatment, and on advance directives. variety of issues that impact the right to life. He is a co-author of the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, and has spoken widely and published on topics related to parliamentary procedure. CHAPTER He is married to National Right to Life Committee Director of State Legislation Mary Spaulding Balch. They have two living children: Bridget, 17, and James, 14. WORKSHOPS: Chapter Workshops RECRUITMENT Chapter workshops will cover a wide variety of topics from basic fundraising to political influence through lobbying.. Whether it’s learning how to hold a successful bake sale or recruiting candidates for political office, there’s something for everyone from the beginner to the seasoned pro-lifer. Chapters may want to send as many members as possible to take advantage of all the workshops. We hope to videotape these presentations for chapter use in the future. ELECTIONS AND LOCAL CANDI- DATES Registration Form

WORKING WITH The Life You Save Will Be That of a Loved One COLLEGE STU- Includes coffe and pastry, lunch, and materials DENTS COST: $25.00 per person through March 15, 2009 $30.00 per person after March 15, 2009 RECRUITING Boston College Law Students are invited as our guests* YOUNG Other students may apply for scholarships* PEOPLE

I enclose $______for ______participants

BASIC I enclose $ ______for ______to help support the Convention/provide scholarships FUNDRAISING

Total Enclosed $ ______

ACTIVITIES Name ______Please send payment to: AND ACTIONS Massachusetts Citizens for Life Street ______Schrafft Center, 529 Main St. Charlestown, MA 02129 City ______State ____ Zip ______Online registration at: POLITICAL INFLUENCE: E-mail ______www.masscitizensforlife.org BASICS OF Telephone ______LOBBYING

I am a Boston College Law Student ___ Other student ___

* Registration must be received by March 25, 2009 to guarantee lunch.

www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected]

AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org 10 MCFL News At last! Remarkable breakthroughs for diseases and injuries: Adult stem cells Effective treatments for an ever widening array of illnesses, scientists have discovered in just the last six months 1

1Brain injury 7 Stroke Four year old Maia Friedlander was unable to walk properly, Stroke victim Walter Blast recovered use of his right arm after chew food without choking or talk without struggling. a “teabag” of stem cell - filled capsules was placed in his brain. Infusion with umbilical cord blood allowed neurogenesis, Genetically altered bone marrow stem cells produce a drug that the ability to make new neurons essential for learning and protects the cells from dying, allowing cells to repair the memory, to heal her body. She nows talks, plays and hugs damage caused by the stroke. her mother Jillian said. “She’s had a second chance at life.”

2 Windpipe reconstruction 8 Cerebral palsy A mother from Columbia was given a new windpipe Infusions of their own cord blood help rejuvenate covered with tissue grown from her own adult stem . the brains of children with cerebral palsy. cells. Bone marrow cells were cultured to create enough cartilage and tissue cells to cover a donor wind- pipe. The windpipe was then successfully transplanted in June. She has resumed taking care of her children and 9 Autoimmune diseases does not need any immuno-sppressive medication. Bari Martz was only a year away from death caused by scleroderma. Scleroderma is a disease where the immune system attacks the connective tissues that support the 3 Pulmonary hypertension skin and internal organs. After treatment with her own Adult stem cells modified to produce nitric blood stem cells, Bari is able to flex her hands again and oxide and reintroduced back into the patient’s her lung functionhas improved to the point where she body has enabled them to resume normal can even climb stairs. activities without shortness of breath. 10 Spinal cord injury Heart tissue regeneration Olfactory ensheathing cells, specialized adult cells that 4 surround nerves, can be safely transplanted from a You may soon be able to grow your own heart bypass with your patient’s own nose into his damaged spinal cord. own adult stem cells. Congestive heart failure is being treated by putting some of the patient’s own stem cells into the damaged muscle. Doctors are experimenting with a “scaffold” that may allow umbiilical cord stem cells to differentiate enough build a new heart valve. 11 Kidney damage Kidney damage may be prevented or healed by the signaling mechanism of stem cells transplanted 5 Digestive tract from a person’s own bone marrow. Bone marrow stem cells when reinfused into children whose digestive tracts were destroyed by an overactive immune system have enabled these children to return to a normal life. Not only 12 Bone healing did the cells repair the damaged intestine, but they also corrected Stem cells harvested from a patient’s bone marrow and the initial immune system imbalance. multiplied in a lab can then be used to stimulate bone growth when reintroduced into the body at the site of the fracture. 6 Cancer Susan Fister has been cured of leukemia since an adult stem Knee cartilage injury cell transplant of umbilical cord blood in 2004. Her immune 13 Scientists can now repair common sports injuries to the system helped her recover quickly after a recent torn knee ligament knee through the use of a “living bandage” made of a as stem cells participate in the repair of all the organs in the body. stem cell coated collagen scaffold to repair tears to the Researchers are also studying delivery of anti-cancer drugs via meniscal cartilage. stem cells loaded with nanoparticles to target breast cancer cells.

ADULT STEM CELLS Stem cells from wisdom teeth 1) Wisdom teeth may 2) A form of stem cell 3) Stem cells have one day replace em- found in wisdom teeth the ability to grow bryos for sources of was able to grow into into other human cells More recent stem cells other cell forms discoveries Flexible stem cells 1) Flexible stem cells 2) These cells have the 3) These cells have no can now be grown from same flexibility as em- ethical problems human testes stem bryonic stem cells. cells

1 Insight, “Adult Stem Cell Success Stories - 2008 Update: July-December,” David Prentice, PhD, William L. Saunders, JD, Jan Ledochowski, and Lukas Lucenic, Family Research Council www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org MCFL News 11

MCFL proudly announces The Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest Pro-Life Scholarship for High School Juniors and Seniors 2009

The Massachusetts Citizens for Life Oratory Contest strives to promote the ability of high school juniors and seniors to share their pro-life views with others. Although speaking ability is important, this contest seeks to 2007 Oratory Contest Winner Krysta help teens organize and express their pro-life views. We also strive to Keough with Bella star Eduardo Verastgui at give the contestants an opportunity to meet other pro-life teens. the National Right to Life Convention in Kansas City Students who are currently There will be four regional Applications are due March 17. winner and his/her guardian to juniors or seniors in high school contests to select contestants for The top three winners of the the National Right to Life are invited to take part in this the state contest: Pioneer Valley regional contest will go on to Committee Convention in contest. Contestants will re- Region, Worcester or Central compete in the state contest to Charlotte, NC, the weekend of search, write, and present an Mass. Region, and the North- take place at the MCFL Con- June 19-21 to take place in the original pro-life speech on ern or Southern Greater Bos- vention, March 28. NRLC Oratory contest. Sec- abortion, infanticide, euthana- ton Regions. Students will par- Prizes will be awarded to the ond place prize $200, third sia, or stem cell research. The ticipate in the regional contest top three state winners: First place $150. speech is to be 5-7 minutes long. closest to their home. place $250 and a trip for the

For more information: students [email protected] For application form see our website at: www.masscitizensforlife.org

Bella Producer Leo Servino at NRLC Con- vention. He was also a Brownback supporter.

ORATORY CONTEST CONTEST APPLICATION FORM Please print STUDENT NAME:______ADDRESS: ______Kansas Senator Sam ______Brownback (All photos courtesy of Priscilla ______Keough) PHONE: ( )______AGE: ______GRADE:______SCHOOL: ______

STUDENT SIGNATURE ______

PARENT SIGNATURE ______

Return this form by March 17 to: Mass Citizens for Life Attn:Priscilla Keough The Schrafft Center 529 Main Street Boston, MA 02129 Oratory contest participants posing for posterity Contact: Massachusetts Citizens For Life, Inc. at (617) 242-4199 or [email protected] website www.masscitizensforlife.org

www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected]

AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org 12 MCFL News Cleft palate also diagnosed through ultrasound At the same time that Kathleen’s doctor mistakenly told her that her baby had Down Syndrome, he did cor- rectly diagnose Conrad’s cleft palate. Cleft lip and palate are easily correctbile by surgery, but chil- dren with these conditions are often aborted. Kathleen’s insurance pays for Baby Conrad’s cleft lip and abortions, but not dental repair palate were corrected by surgery, calling it “cosmetic.” surgery.

At the birth of Trig, Palin “It took me a month to ask SAFETY FIRST -Norwood Chief of Police, Bartley E. King, Jr. (left) and Fire Department released a statement that the doctor if Conrad had Chief Michael J. Howard, pose outside of the Norwood Police/Fire Station with the Baby summed up her feelings for her Down Syndrome, no one had Safe Haven sign. (Photo by Elinor Rafferty) child, “Trig is beautiful and mentioned it.” already adored by us. We knew Conrad was born three years through early testing he would years ago on January 24th, Norwood’s Chiefs take the lead in offering face special challenges, and we without Down Syndrome, feel privileged that God would the doctor and the prediction Baby Safe Haven site entrust us with this gift and allow from the ultrasound had been us unspeakable joy as he entered wrong. by Elinor Rafferty our lives. We have faith that every No one had bothered to tell baby is created for good Kathleen. Conrad had a cleft pal- The Town of Norwood ment with no questions asked. Headquarters door as a conve- purpose and has potential to ate that would require some cor- must be very proud of their The training procedures were nience for the women. make this world a better place. rective surgery, but would not Chief of Police, Bartley E. given to every police officer and We invite you to look around We are truly blessed.” face the same difficulties as had King, Jr. and Chief of the Fire fire fighter because this could your town or city to see if one In 2004 there were a variety been predicted and repeatedly Department, Michael J. occur at any time of the day or of these signs is displayed any- of articles about Down suggested to Kathleen. Howard. These two compas- night. where offering this life-saving Syndrome abortions, with some Sitting in their house in Dedham sionate men rose to the occa- Once a baby is dropped off, program. Just think about the pro-abortion stalwarts conflicted with the four foot waterline sion when approached about the Department of Child and horror stories concerning about whether this specific protecting the valuables from the offering the “Safe Haven” pro- Family Services is notified and someone finding the body of targeting of children in the young children, Kathleen noted gram for women and girls who, the baby is taken to the a recently delivered baby in the womb was appropriate. Trying that their Blue Cross Blue Shield for one reason or another, Norwood Hospital for an ex- trash. to quell this intellectual issue, insurance covered abortion, but choose not to keep their new amination. Congratulations to the Town Barbara Ehrenreich in the New not his dental repair as it was a born baby. The sign may be displayed of Norwood for having two York Times made a point in the ‘cosmetic’ surgery. Cleft is The program offers these anywhere in the town; however, exceptional men who do not article “Owning up to Abortion” another deformity occurring in women the opportunity to the two Chiefs opted to dis- hesitate to walk the extra mile that every reason was legitimate about 1/700 births that can be drop their new born off at ei- play the Safe Haven sign out- for life. You must be very and to concede that any abortion detected through prenatal ther the Police or Fire Depart- side of the Police and Fire proud! was somehow illegitimate was to screening, and though it is often erode the “rights” to terminate an easy surgical correction, it has To report a sighting of a Baby Safe Haven sign, or if you would like a child no matter if its deformity also led to a rise in abortions in more information about placement of these life-saving signs in your was easily correctible like cleft pregnancies where it is identified community write to: [email protected] palate, or non fatal like Down and has led to calls for such Syndrome or the sex-selective abortions to be outlawed, As doctor predicts Down Syndrome, woman pres- abortions seen in China and India. specifically in Britain. “Conrad’s a really good kid. • TRAGIC CHOICES sured to abort He’s actually been through so Continued from Page 1 problems, not make new ones.” estimated 10% error rate Governor Sarah Palin as the Vice “It took me a month to ask if Conrad Many women are put in a meaning that many of those Presidential nominee. Palin gave delicate situation trying to children are lost to tragic choices birth at age 42 in 2008 to her fifth had Down Syndrome, nobody had determine what to do with a based on faulty test results. child, a son named Trig, who was mentioned it.” child facing such significant The popular conception of diagnosed with Down much speech therapy that he problems. As prenatal testing has Life with Down Syndrome, Syndrome. Many in the media This abortion mindset that speaks better than his older become more mainstream shaped by television shows like gave a very hostile response to creates the false need to justify brothers, and he’s very… estimates vary on the rate of “Life Goes On” and a variety her choice to carry Trig to term. the existence of those with precocious. Even though most abortions for children in the of stereotypes, has been Nicholas Provenzo, a writer, Down Syndrome also gave days he’s wearing a Batman womb saddled with a Down changing in recent years due to even went so far as to advocate Kathleen pause, and reflection as costume, he is still very mild- Syndrome diagnosis. One thing better care. The upper limit of the morality of aborting Trig, she was giving birth to Conrad. mannered, polite and a real is clear, that the total number of what those with Down and similarly disabled children Kathleen said she wrote a note charmer. He always asks if he children born with Down Syndrome can achieve has been like him, as causing “too great to the doctors and hospital staff looks nice and is handsome, Syndrome had historically been increasing and some people an economic burden on society” that “I wanted no one to be with which of course he is. His about 5500 a year, and has already have been enrolling in higher while being only “marginally me or my child unless absolutely brothers are good about looking dropped to around 1000 a year. education and also becoming productive” in their lifetimes. necessary. I didn’t want him to after him, but he’s such a unique Of women who receive a more mainsteam. These Though not the mainsteam of be a freak for them to look at, little boy, I often think about what prognosis of Down Syndrome, advances, sadly, are coming as the media reporting, Palin certainly and I didn’t want to deal with he’ll be like as a young man.” an estimated 90% choose technology to identify them in went through a very rough anyone except my husband. I just “The scary thing is that just in abortion even though 41% of the womb is wiping away their relationship with the media due needed this time alone, just him my immediate circle of friends, women self-identify as pro- future generations. in no small part to her pro-life and I. I didn’t think it was too two others have also had a life.The prenatal amniocen- During the presidential campaign principles and also her personal much to ask, for that kind of misdiagnosis of Down tesis test as well, has an the Republicans chose Alaska Syndrome.” www.masscitizensforlife.org pro-life- 617 choices. 242-4199 -courtesy. MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org MCFL News 13 MCFL Proudly Announces our 23rd Annual Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Children

Walk 2009 Presents You Helped Me Choose Life A Mother’s Story A celebration of the mothers who choose life for their children and themselves

MCFL announces the theme of this Services such as pregnancy assis- a family-friendly physician, or a car- Save the Date! year’s Annual Respect LifeWalk tance, counseling, adoption referrals, ing voice on the telephone, these pro- to Aid Mothers and Children:“You shelters, and educational programs, life organizations are on the front lines This year’s Walk kicks off from Helped Me Choose Life,” featuring treat women with the human dignity daily. Boston Common’s Parkman Band- the stories of the women who were denied them by the abortion culture. This year’s Walk will feature speak- stand, located at the corner of helped to choose life for their unborn Whether it’s providing a safe, com- ers who will inspire you with their sto- Tremont and Boylston Streets, on children through the beneficiary or- fortable bed to sleep in, hot food on ries of perserverence and hope. ganizations who receive financial sup- the table shared in the company of A perspective on right to life that you Sunday, October 4, 2009 port from the Walk. friends, top-notch medical care from won’t get on the six o’clock news. at 1:30 pm. It’s That Time Again ! ENTER THE “2009 WALK BABY” CONTEST VOTE ONLINE

Respect Life Walk FOR THE BABY OF YOUR Sunday,October 4, 2009 CHOICE!

The MCFL 2009 Walk Committee continues When a number of baby photos the tradition of featuring a baby as a highlight have been received, they will be of the Respect Life Walk to Aid Mothers and Children. The winning photograph will be posted online at: printed on our posters and sponsor pledge www.masscitizensforlife.org forms. Now you can enter your baby, grandchild, niece, nephew, or a friend’s baby. For safety and fairness, babies will not be identi- fied by name and you may vote one time only! This year’s MCFL “Walk Baby Contest” starts immediately! The Walk Committee retains the right of the The MCFL 2009 Walk Committee members make up the photo selection final selection. judges. Please submit photos that capture the message of the beauty of innocent human life VOTE!

The rules are simple, easy ENTRY FORM to follow, and require these criteria: BABY’S NAME: ______

1) The baby must be between 6 BABY’S GENDER: ____M ____F BABY’S DATE OF BIRTH: ______months and 24 months of age and PARENT (S): ______a current photo, preferably shot by a professional studio. ADDRESS: ______2) The photo must be at least 3”x 5” in size. CITY: ______STATE: ______ZIP CODE: ______3) The photo must be submitted to the MCFL office and received PARENT (S) TELEPHONE NUMBER, INC. AREA CODE: ______no later than May 20, 2009. I give MCFL permission to use the enclosed photo for the “2009 Walk Baby Contest” and understand that it becomes the 4) You must complete the entry property of MCFL upon submission and is non-returnable. MCFL reserves the right to edit, adapt, trademark, copyright, form in its entirety. publish, and/or transfer to third parties all photos/submissions. I also understand and agree that the photo of the baby 5) Your photo submission is selected can be used for any and all promotion of the 2009 Walk. I understand and hereby give MCFL permission to us my non-returnable, becoming the child’s name in any publication MCFL deems appropriate. All entries must be submitted for receipt by May 20, 2009 at MCFL. Please send to: MCFL, Attn: Walk Committee, The Schrafft Center, 529 Main Street, Boston, MA 02129-1100. property of MCFL, and gives permission to MCFL to use the Parent (s) Signature: ______photo in this contest.

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AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org 14 MCFL News

Results of Colorado study report influence Is the birth control pill of estrogens in the environment wreaking havoc on the

Dr. David Norris is a Pro- environment? fessor of Integrative Physiol- Federation document causing ogy at the University of Colo- doubt and controversy in Europe rado in Boulder. His research interests include the effects of The birth control pill, widely There are many sources of endocrine-disrupting chemicals considered indispensable for synthetic estrogen in industrial- on amphibians and investigat- modern life, has been impli- ized countries. Phenols and ing reproductive problems in cated as a source of environ- chlorinated hydorcarbons con- fish living downstream from mental contamination. tain significant amounts of es- waste water treatment plants. 4 A recent report by the Inter- trogen. These are contained in Following up on reports that national Federation of Catho- herbicides, pesticides, and in- “feminized fishes” have been lic Medical Associations dustrial by-products. The pub- appearing in the water below (FIAMC) has generated a range lic is in general more aware of treatment plants in industrial- (A) Normal fish ovary (C) Normal fish testis of reactions from the Euro- industrial pollution than they are ized countries, Dr. Norris col- (B) Intersex reproductive organ showing production of pean media, surprise and con- of pharmaceutical pollution. lected and examined white both sperm and eggs in these microscopic sections cern from some, to doubt and Laurel Butler, a member of suckers in Boulder Creek. He derision from others. the Sierra Club, an environmen- compared recently collected “The pill has for some years tal organization, said, “Why specimens with fish collected in Dr. Norris concluded that the line imbalances can result from had devastating effects on the aren’t women in this generation 1950 and noticed significant presence of both natural and estrogen exposure. Thyroid in- environment by releasing doing more to protect the en- changes including altered sex synthetic estrogen containing hibitors can affect the develop- tonnes of hormones into na- vironment? You’ve got a popu- ratios (more males than fe- chemicals in the wastewater is ment of the nervous system ture” through female urine, said lation screaming for instant, males), production of female the cause of reproductive dis- and cause mental retardation.2 Pedro Jose Maria Simon easy birth control and pharma- proteins by males, and the pres- ruption in the white sucker Plastics, animal waste, per- Castlevi, President of the Fed- ceutical companies answering to ence of intersex gonads ( the population. 5 sonal care products, foods, eration. “We have sufficient their demands.” production of sperm and eggs Concerned about the expo- contribute to estrogen pollu- evidence to state that a non- in the same reproductive organ. Planned Parenthood contin- sure of these hormones on tion. Dr. Norris’s study showed negligible cause of male infer- ues to market the pill to an ever Contraceptive-like effects human beings, Dr. Norris that fish are about ten times tility in the West is the environ- wider and younger audience as observed in both males and fe- noted that fetuses and new- more sensitive to the estrogen mental pollution caused by the the best means available to limit males were not seen in suckers borns are especially vulnerable. from birth control pills than pill.” 1 fertility. It seems ironic that the living upstream from the treat- Numerous reports show that they are from estradiol, a natu- A Washington State study in pill may be just as effective for ment plant.1 thyroid problems and adrena- ral estrogen. 2003 and a 2005 Environmen- men. 1University of Colorado Museum of Nat ural History: Reserach and Collections: Object of the Month, 1/27/2009 tal Protection Agency (EPA) 1 “Contraceptive pill is polluting envi- http://cumuseum.colorado.edu/Research/Objects/jun08_sucker.html ronment: Vatican newspaper,” APS team study have produced re- News 2 “Birth control pills spark an environmental debate,” Lisa Cupido, Columbia News Service, Feb. 19, 2008, sults showing reduced fertility 2 “Birth control pills spark an environ- http://jscms.jrn.columbia.edu/cns/2008-02-19/cupido-birthcontrol in male fish. Fish were also dis- mental debate,” (cited left) covered who contained both 3 “Dire effects of estrogen pollution,” male and female characteristics. www.naturodoc.com 4 The cause was attributed to syn- Ibid 5 thetic estrogen. 2 “Birth control pills spark an environ- mental debate” The UK Environmental For more information Agency identified the pill as a on estrogens and pollutant in 2002, after finding health: gender ambiguity in fish in Brit- Tulane University ish rivers. Similar findings have e.hormone.tulane.edu/ been reported from the Uni- Is it safe? Is everyone on the pill whether they NIEHS National Insti- Better wastewater treatment may be versity of Pittsburgh and the desire it or not? 3 tute of Environmental needed to safeguard water supplies. University of New Brunswick. Health services Stealth Pro-Life Hero: Bernard Madoff You may have heard that ponzi scheme. By paying Parenthood. Picower gave out Feminists for Life President Bernard Madoff reportedly dividends out of new $268 million since its 1989 bilked investors out of nearly investments, a large number of founding off of assets of $1 Serrin Foster to Speak in Boston $40 billion in the nation’s largest investors and foundations lost billion. huge chunks of their The lack of grants coming Feminists for Life President Serrin Foster will be in the portfolios. What from Picower due to their Boston area for a series of lectures entitled: you may not have bankruptcy has caused Planned heard is that Mr. Parenthood to lay off 30 staff The Feminist Case Against Abortion Madoff is one of the members so far this year smartest stealth pro- reportedly 20% of their staff, Monday, March 9, 7 pm, Harvard Law School, Pound 201 lifers out there. and has even extended to For one of the another radically pro-abortion Tuesday, March 10, 9 pm, Tufts University organization, the American foundations Cabot Auditorium - Cabot Intercultural Center bankrupted was the Civil Liberties Union has also Picower Foundation had to lay off 10% of its staffers. Wednesday, March 11, 12:30 pm, Boston College Law out of Florida, which Thank you, Bernard Madoff, School East Wing - Room 115A finances none other for helping to scale back these than the nation’s largest groups which will undoubtedly Wednesday, March 11, 7 pm, Boston College Blessing in disguise - Financier abortionist: Planned save more babies. McGuinn 121 Bernard Madoff www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org MCFL News 15 Book Review

Death As a Salesman “In the absence of traditional authority, advertising has be- What’s Wrong With Assisted Suicide? come a kind of social guide. It depicts us in all the myriad situ- ations possible to a life of free “The man who kills a man kills a man. The man who kills himself choice. it provides ideas about kills all men. As far as he is concerned, he wipes out the world.” style, morality, behavior.” G. K. Chesterton Ronal Berman Advertising and Social Change. Author Brian P. Johnston de- ted suicide. He blames their sen- death or a debilitating illness, designed to address one of the scribes Hemlock Society sational reporting approach for could then see death as a legiti- most common motives for re- founder Derek Humphrey as a leading to more suicide and mate option out of all the avail- questing assisted suicide, fear of the “death salesman.” A self-de- requests for suicide. The power able choices. unknown. He discusses the scribed “advocacy journalist,” of suggestion can produce One of the great features of different kinds of fears with Humphry became a master of “suicide clusters” whenever sui- the book are gray bordered helpful suggestions on how using the media to mass mar- cide is accepted as an answer pages which are designed for families can help their loved one ket assisted suicide to our cul- to life’s problems. easy reference. “Dealing With cope. ture. Along with Jack Other chapters include hos- Kevorkian, an agressive eutha- n aggressive euthanasia movement pice care, living wills vs. health nasia movement was able to was able to persuade many people care proxies, the historical persuade many people to dis- to discard 3,000 years of medical record of societal rejection of card 3,000 years of medical and A assisted suicide, and how vul- 1. Assisted suicide is social ethics and change laws and social ethics. nerable populations, especially being marketed to that protect the ill, infirm, de- Polls have shown a steady in- Pain” lists highlights of patient the elderly become at risk for the general public in pressed and disabled. crease in social acceptance of management, including the rec- manipulated suicuide or eutha- the same way that assisted suicide and euthanasia ommendation of a team ap- Death as a Salesman examines nasia. toothpaste is sold. the issues of assisted suicide and since Kevorkian’s appearance proach involving patients, fami- of Geraldoand other after- lies and health care providers. The book ends with an ex- the emotional issues that sur- cellent question and answer for- noon talk shows with his He discusses the best clinical 2. Promoters of rounding it in a way accessible mat. Johnston emphasizes that “death machine” and the pub- approach to pain management death such as Jack to the average person. Espe- the emotional foundation of lication of two best sellers by along with barriers related to Kevorkian and cially enlightening is the psychol- assisted suicide must first be Humphry, Jean’s Way and Final health care professionals, pa- Derek Humphry ogy of suicide. recognized and ackowledged Exit. Johnston shows how tients themselves or the health have used mass Johnston takes the media to people conditioned by a con- care system. before reasonable arguments communication ef- task for its promotion of assis- sumer culture and who fear “Dealing with Fear” is also well can prevail. fectively to sway public opinion.

New York Times article from 1933 3. Assisted suicided is being marketed Chilling reminder that times haven’t changed by preying on people’s fears of NEW YORK TIMES, OCTOBER 8, 1933 pain and loss.

Nazis Plan to Kill Incurables to End Pain; 4. Society has his- torically rejected as- German Religious Groups Oppose Move sisted suicide. By The Associated Press 5. Abuse of assisted BERLIN, OCT. 7 - The Ministry to accept this method of short- carefully trace the history of no life suicide laws is ram- of Justice in a detailed memoran- ening the sufferings of the case and personally exam- pant in the Nether- dum explaining the Nazi aims re- incurables who are tormented ine the patient.In insisting that still lands, where as- garding the German penal code by pain.” euthanasia shall be permissible sisted suicide is le- announced its intention to autho- In Lutheran circles, too, life only if the accredited attend- valuable gal. rize physicians to end the suffer- ing physician is backed by two ings of incurable patients. is regarded as something that experts who so advises, the to the God alone can take. 6. Vulnerable peo- The memorandum, still lacking Ministry believes a guarantee A large section of the Ger- ple: the elderly, in- the force of law, proposed that is given that no life still valu- State man people, it was expected firm, disabled, or de- “it shall be made possiblefor able to the State will be wan- in some interested circles, pressed will be ma- physicians to end the tortures tonly destroyed. will of incurable patients, upon re- might ignore the provisions for nipulated into sui- The legal question of who may quest in the interests of true euthanasia, which overnight be cide request the application of eu- humanity.” has become a widely-dis- cussed word in the Reich. thanasia has not been defi- wantonly This proposed legal recogni- nitely solved. The Ministry 7. Pain can be con- In medical circles the ques- tion of euthanasia-the act of merely has proposed that ei- trolled tion was raised as to just when destroyed providing a painless and peace- ther the patient himself shall a man is incurable and when ful death- raised a number of “expressly and earnestly” ask his life should be ended. 8. Untreated depres- fundamental problems of a re- it, or “in case the patient no ligious, scientific and legal na- sion is the main rea- According to the present longer is able to express his son assisted suicide ture. desire, his nearer relatives, act- plans at the Ministry of Jus- is chosen. The Catholic newspaper tice, incurability would be de- ing from motives that do not Germania hastened to observe: termined not only by the at- contravene morals, so re- “The Catholic faith binds the tending physician, but also by quest.” conscienceof its followers not two official doctors who would

www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected]

AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org 16 MCFL News Enormous Crowds March for Life Washington sees double the numbers from previous years Estimates of 250,000 marchers attending

Creative expression through pro-life signs seemed the order of the day., many carried signs with text from President Obama’s inauguration speech. (See below)

“For those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that OUR spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; It was definitely a family affair for many in the crowd. This YOU CANNOT OUTLAST US, AND WE WILL lucky youngster got to see something besides the wall of surrounding adults. (Photo by June Newman) DEFEAT YOU!”

Photos by Ben Wetmore

(excluding top left and bottom left)

Policemen guarding the Capitol. People were still waiting to start walking hours after the march began.

For more photos of the March for Life Go to:

picasaweb.google.com/ masscitizensforlife/

Elinor Rafferty, President Anne Fox, and June Newman model MCFL’s “Blue Look” while awaiting the start. Passing by the Longworth Building on the way to the Supreme Court. www.masscitizensforlife.org - 617 242-4199 - MCFL@masscitizensforlife www.masscitizensforlife.org - (617) 242-4199 - [email protected] AIM: massprolife AIM: massprolife - Twitter: massprolife - blog.masscitizensforlife.org

AIM: massprolife citizensforlife.org