LifeBeat for May 17, 2008

Paul Etterling, author of Genuine Faith and the Test of Love, provides advice for parents who receive an adverse prenatal diagnosis and how the prolife movement can reach out to people who are facing an adverse prenatal diagnosis. To listen, click here.

Michigan State Medical Society goes neutral on killing human embryos for research

Thanks to the work of prolife physicians and prolife legislators, the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) has changed their position on embryonic stem cell research. Since 2003, the MSMS, which represents more than 14,000 physicians in Michigan, had an official position which favored embryonic stem cell research. During a recent gathering, the members of the MSMS adopted a neutral position on human embryonic stem cell research and will provide its membership with more information on the issue over the next year.

Read Representative Kevin Green's letter, signed by 55 additional State House Members, to the Michigan State Medical Society.

LifeBeat for May 10, 2008

Paul Etterling, author of Genuine Faith and the Test of Love, discusses the short life of his son David who had anencephaly, a neural tube defect with a 100% fatality rate. Paul and his wife were able to celebrate the life of their son even though he lived for only a short time. To listen, click here.

LifeFacts - Systemic Scleroderma successfully treated with patient's own stem cells

Amy Daniels at the age of 37 was afflicted with scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease known to "turn people into stone." It affects the connective tissue in the body, rendering skin and organs hard and thick. Amy's face became so taut that it affected her appearance, her speech and her ability to chew and close her mouth. The skin on her hands became so tight that her fingers were fixed in a claw like position. Her digestive tract became so inflamed that she lost her ability to eat. Her lungs went from a 90% breathing capacity to 43% in a few short months.

Amy was introduced to a doctor who offered her an unbelievable treatment. First her own stem cells were collected and stored. She was then given chemotherapy and medicine to wipe out her immune system. Her own stem cells were reinfused and began the healing process.

Just 6 months after her transplant, Amy was able to go back to work. She can cross her fingers, make a fist, lift her arms over her head, open her mouth, button her buttons, fix her daughter's hair, go up a flight of stairs and chase the kids around the park. There is no cure for Sclerodoerma, but through the use of her own stem cells, Amy has hope for a bright future.

For more information, click here.

Skip the flowers and boxes of candy -- make a lasting gift to LIFE in honor of a special woman.

Mother's Day gives us an opportunity to not only thank our mothers, but also a chance to thank those women who have made a difference in our lives. Right to Life of Michigan would like to give you an opportunity to honor a special woman. We have created an on-line Honor Page so that women can be recognized.

By giving a small donation to the Right to Life of Michigan Educational Fund, you too can add a name to the Mother's Day Honor Page. If you would like, we will notify that special someone that a donation has been made in her honor and that her name has been added to our Mother's Day Honor Page.

LifeFacts - Stem cells identified in spinal cord -- offers hope for relieving back pain

Researchers have identified stem cells in the inter vertebral discs in the human spine. This could be the first step towards using a patient's own stem cells to repair their degenerating discs, relieving neck and back pain. When spinal discs degenerate, their natural ability to produce water-binding molecules (or proteoglycans) decreases. The cushioning effect is lost so pain and disc damage results. The next step is to unlock the key to re-activating the disc stem cells, and repopulate the disc with 'shock-absorbing', water-binding proteoglycans. Although further research is necessary, this discovery offers hope for so many afflicted with chronic neck and back pain.

For more information, click here.

Share your petition story

People are circulating petitions to have Michigan's Constitution changed. The proposed change would allow the killing of human embryos in Michigan for stem cell research. Men and women hold your pens! Cures are being falsely promised by these paid circulators: cures for cancer, cures for people with spinal cord injuries and cures to diabetes. Much is being pledged if Michigan’s Constitution is changed. Unfortunately, what’s being peddled to get people to sign the petition are lies. Get the facts before you act.

Have you had an experience with an individual circulating a stem cell petition who misled you about what they wanted you to sign? Did they claim embryonic stem cells have already been used to treat human patients? Did they claim embryonic stem cell research was illegal in Michigan?

StemCellResearchCures.com now has a place where you can share your story.

LifeBeat for May 3, 2008

Dr. Francis Beckwith talks about some common mistakes prolifers can make when talking about abortion. He also discusses problems with often used pro-choice arguments. To listen, click here.

Signers Beware!

The following letter was submitted to the Grand Rapids Press after I was asked to sign a "stem cell" petition.

Recently, as I was taking a walk to my local library, I was approached by two women who asked if I was a registered voter and if I would sign their petition. “Petition for what?,” I asked. “Stem cell research,” they responded. When I asked “what kind of stem cell research?,” they pointed me to a specific talking point on a purple sheet underneath their petitions which discussed the theoretical promise of embryonic stem cell research and all the diseases it would supposedly cure. I was then pointed to a copy of a Grand Rapids Press article on Kadi DeHaan, a young woman who suffered a spinal cord injury, and told embryonic stem cells were used to treat her.

I’m familiar with Kadi’s story and I knew her improvement was due to strenuous physical therapy along with trips to Russia for injections of her own adult stem cells, not embryonic. Embryonic stem cells have never successfully been used to treat any human patient.

Besides falsely attributing Kadi’s success to embryonic stem cells, the paid signature gatherers (they told me they’re getting $1 a signature) never mentioned the petition would legalize the killing of human embryos for research purposes.

Voters who oppose killing the most defenseless of human beings should be careful when approached to sign a “stem cell” petition. Some paid circulators are trained to say whatever it takes to get you to sign, regardless of whether what they’re saying is true or not.

LifeBeat for April 26, 2008

Dr. Francis Beckwith discusses popular pro-choice arguments and why those pro-choice arguments fail. To listen, click here.

LifeFacts - "Reprogrammed" Stem Cells Alleviate Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in Rats

Brain-damaged rats with Parkinson's who once wandered in uncontrollable circles were successfully treated with stem cells from ethical sources. The researchers started with adult skin cells from mice and reprogrammed them back to an embryonic-like state. These cells, known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), are like a "blank slate" which can be coaxed into becoming any cell in the body. In this case, the cells were coaxed to become neural cells and then transplanted into the rat's brain tissue. Within 8 weeks, the cells were generating dopamine, resulting in eight of the nine rats showing marked improvement.

"These cells are more readily available and much less controversial than embryonic stem cells. But they seem to have identical potential," said Rudolf Jaenisch, from the Whitehead Institute who oversaw the work. His lab has already used this reprogramming technique successfully to treat sickle cell anemia in rodents.

For more information, click here.

LifeBeat for April 19, 2008

Dr. Francis Beckwith discusses his prolife book Defending Life. He also talks about how Roe v. Wade has been the most misunderstood U.S. Supreme Court decision. To listen, click here.

LifeBeat for April 12, 2008

Kurt Ramspott, president of Guys for Life, talks about why the role of men in abortion is often overlooked. He also discusses how Guys for Life reaches out to men who are involved in an unplanned pregnancy. To listen, click here.

What does embryonic stem cell research with no restrictions look like?

Perhaps you have seen them on a college or university campus or at the farmer's market -- people circulating petitions to have Michigan's constitution changed to allow the destruction of human embryos in Michigan for stem cell research.

Proponents of embryonic stem cell research in Michigan are pushing this petition drive because they want Michigan researchers to be on the “cutting edge” of embryonic stem cell experiments. The recent announcement out of Britain that scientists there have been able to create cloned embryos by mixing human DNA with the eggs of cows in an attempt to get embryonic stem cells precisely demonstrates that cutting edge.

In hopes of creating embryonic stem cell lines to match the DNA of human patients, British scientists at Newcastle University have resorted to creating cloned hybrid embryos which are part human and part cow. Cow eggs were used for these cloning experiments because researchers have had difficultly obtaining a large enough quantity of human eggs.

Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing said, “The cutting edge of stem cell research in Britain gives us a sneak preview at what unrestricted embryonic stem cell research looks like, and it isn’t pretty. Britain is a disturbing example of what happens when scientists aren’t restricted by solid ethical boundaries. The idea of ‘Can I do this?’ quickly overwhelms any thought of ‘Should I do this?’ This is what happens when respect for human life is discarded so all avenues of stem cell research can be explored.”

Researchers with the North East England Stem Cell Institute “used human eggs from consenting in vitro fertilization patients, but these are in short supply. Animal eggs are considered to be a viable alternative for research.”

Listing said, “There is a reason why Michigan has laws against the destruction of human embryos for research. What is happening at the North East England Stem Cell Institute is a reminder of why guidelines are critical for scientists.”

LifeBeat for April 5, 2008

Kurt Ramspott, president of Guys for Life, talks about how he came to work with men who are involved in an unplanned pregnancy and the role men can play in a woman's decision to have an abortion. To listen, click here.

More Abortion and More Profits at Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood's 2006-2007 Annual Report again shows how America's leading abortion provider continues to increase its share of the abortion market. The number of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood facilities rose to 289,750 in 2006 from the previous record high of 264,943 abortions in 2005. Approximately, 1 in 4 abortions performed in the United States are now performed at Planned Parenthood. The number of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood continue to increase despite the national decrease in the number of abortions.

While the number of abortions performed at Planned Parenthood grew, the number of prenatal clients and adoption referrals both decreased to 11,058 and 2,410, respectively. Planned Parenthood now commits 26 abortions for every pregnant prenatal client it sees and commits 120 abortions for every adoption referral. Abortion is clearly the number #1 choice for Planned Parenthood.

Increasing their annual total of abortions also didn't hurt Planned Parenthood's checkbook. Their annual revenue passed the $1 billion dollar for the first time and their profits (revenue over expenses) totaled a staggering $114.9 million (up from $55.8 million in 2005-2006). Planned Parenthood's net assets total $951.8 million dollars.

Planned Parenthood's 2005-2006 Annual Report can be downloaded at their web page here.

LifeBeat for March 29, 2008

Lauren Migliore, president of Students for Life of Michigan, talks about the activities of prolife college groups and why it's important for prolife college students to be active on campus. To listen, click here.

LifeFacts - Toddler with Cerebral Palsy Recovering after Infusion with his own Cord Blood Stem Cells

The joy surrounding the birth of Dallas, after his parents spent three
years trying to conceive, turned to heartbreak when he was diagnosed
with cerebral palsy at 8 months old. Dallas could not breast feed,
crawl, sit up, clap or speak. He just screamed in an effort to
communicate. Dallas participated in a clinical trial at Duke University
using his own umbilical cord blood stored after his birth. The procedure
to infuse Dallas' own stem cells back into his bloodstream took less
than an hour. No less than five days later, he was laughing, clapping,
waving and said, "Mama".

There is no cure for cerebral palsy and it is very expensive to manage
over a person's lifetime. Whereas it costs about $2,000 to salvage cord
blood at birth and $120 a year to store it. The doctors expect Dallas,
now two, to be completely cured by the age of seven. Dallas and his Mom
and Dad were featured on NBC's Today Show on March 12, 2008.

For more information, click here and here.

Critical Reading of the Stem Cell Research Ballot Question Committee's web page

At www.stemcellresearchcures.com, there's a new critical reading of the text on the front page of the Stem Cell Research BQC's web page. The Stem Cell Research BQC hopes to legalize the killing of human embryos for research in Michigan by gathering signatures and putting the question on Michigan's ballot in order to change Michigan's Constitution.

The front of their web page has a number of misleading claims regarding the potential of embryonic stem cell research and why this research isn't already curing people. Take the time to read this critical reading of their web page and visit www.stemcellresearchcures.com so you'll be ready if someone wants you to sign a petition on embryonic stem cell research.

LifeBeat for March 22, 2008

Scott Klusendorf, President of the Life Training Institute, again talks about making a persuasive case for the prolife position. It is often important when discussing abortion to ask people who are pro-choice to back up the criteria they use to discriminate against the unborn with reasons for why they think their criteria are valid. To listen, click here.

Students for Life of Michigan Conference

On March 29, 2008, Students for Life of Michigan will be holding their annual conference. Students for Life of Michigan's annual conference is a time for prolife college students from across the state to come together for a weekend of networking, education and fun. The event will be held at the Ave Maria School of Law, located at 3475 Plymouth Rd. in Ann Arbor. There will be a number of prolife speakers including Congressman Tim Walberg, Rebecca Kiessling and Right to Life of Michigan Legislative Director Ed Rivet. The conference fee of $15 includes three meals and a hotel stay on Friday night. More information about this event can be found online at www.sflmichigan.org.

Michigan Senate passes parental consent revisions

On March 11, the Michigan Senate voted 25-12 to pass prolife legislation which would prevent minors from going to a neighboring circuit court if one circuit court denies their attempts to receive a judicial bypass to get an abortion without parental consent. S.B. 1059 also provides uniform standards for courts to follow as guidelines in determining whether or not to waive parental consent for a minor seeking an abortion. The legislation now moves on to the Michigan House where a similar bill (H.B. 5650) is waiting for a vote. For more information about this legislation, click here.

LifeFacts - Adult Cells Function Identically to Embryonic Stem Cells

Scientists at UCLA have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells back to an embryonic-like state, confirming work previously done in Wisconsin and Japan. This research sidesteps ethical roadblocks, since there is no need to destroy human embryos or obtain large quantities of human eggs. "Our reprogrammed human skin cells were virtually indistinguishable from human embryonic stem cells," said Kathrin Plath who headed up the study. The implications could be enormous since by reprogramming the cells, a limitless source of pluripotent, immune-compatible cells would be available for tissue engineering and transplantation. The reprogrammed cells could be coaxed into becoming beta islet cells to treat diabetes, hematopoetic cells to treat leukemia, or motor neuron cells to treat Parkinson's, for example.

For more information, click here.

LifeBeat for March 15, 2008

Scott Klusendorf, President of the Life Training Institute, talks about making a persuasive case for the prolife position. Though the unborn are smaller, less developed, in a different environment, and have a different degree of dependency than most born people, none of those differences make the unborn less valuable than born human beings. To listen, click here.

LifeBeat for March 8, 2008

Chaunie Brusie talks about her experience as a pregnant student enrolled in college and her efforts to convince her university to provide more resources for pregnant and parenting students. To listen, click here.