Thursday, May 31, 2012

How did your U.S. Representative vote on a bill to ban sex-selection abortion?

On May 31, the U.S. House of Representatives conducted a roll call vote on the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 3541), a bill to make it unlawful to perform or coerce a sex-selection abortion. The vote was 246-168 in favor of the bill – a strong majority, although short of the two-thirds vote required under Suspension of the Rules. The use of abortion as a means of sex selection is a major social problem in a number of Asian countries, including China and India, but it does not end there. Multiple academic papers have put forward evidence that the practice of sex-selection by abortion is increasing in the United States.

Prolife vote for Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act

Pro-abortion vote against Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act

Rep. Benishek Rep. Amash
Rep. Camp Rep. Clarke
Rep. Huizenga Rep. Conyers
Rep. McCotter Rep. Dingell
Rep. Miller Rep. Kildee
Rep. Rogers Rep. Levin
Rep. Upton Rep. Peters
Rep. Walberg


LEARN MORE AT THE PROLIFE ACTION CENTER

President Obama opposes bill to prohibit sex selection abortions

Yesterday, ABC News reporter Jake Tapper asked White House staff what President Obama's position was on legislation to ban sex-selection abortions. The White House issued him a statement which noted President Obama's opposition to this legislation because the "government should not intrude in medical decisions or private family matters in this way."

FULL STORY

Another video exposes Planned Parenthood's willingness to perform sex-selection abortions

The prolife group LiveAction released another undercover video today showing Planned Parenthood staff advising a woman who prefers a son on how to have a sex-selective abortion. This video was taken in New York City at their flagship Margaret Sanger Center. The U.S. House is expected to vote today on PRENDA, which would enact a federal ban on sex-selective abortions.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Nation's leading abortion provider to spend millions attacking Mitt Romney

The Planned Parenthood Action Fund recently released a new commercial attacking Mitt Romney for his prolife stand and his desire to eliminate federal taxpayer dollars going America's biggest abortion provider. As with nearly everything Planned Parenthood does, the commercial is far from truthful. Even the NY Times notes the deception in the ad.
"When Mitt Romney says, ‘Planned Parenthood, we're going to get rid of that,'" the ad says, "Romney is saying he'll deny women the birth control and cancer screenings they depend on."

That statement can be misleading. Mr. Romney was answering a question about what federal funding he would target for elimination or reductions if he is elected. His campaign has said he wants to end federal funding of Planned Parenthood, not the organization itself.
Planned Parenthood plans to spend $1.4 million airing the ad in swing states.

FULL STORY

LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD'S ABORTION AGENDA

Legislation would ban sex-selection abortion in U.S.

On May 31, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on, under Suspension of the Rules, a bill to prohibit the use of abortion as a method of sex selection in the United States – the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 3541). The use of abortion as a means of sex selection is a major social problem in a number of Asian countries, including China and India, but it does not end there. Multiple academic papers have put forward evidence that the practice of sex-selection by abortion is increasing in the United States.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION

Life After 40: Week 7


During the sixth week of pregnancy tiny nostrils are visible and the baby’s hands and feet are beginning to take shape.

LEARN MORE AT LIFE AFTER 40

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Michigan man arrested after allegedly trying to kill ex-girlfriend, unborn child

Two men have been arrested for attempting to kill a pregnant woman and her unborn child by setting her on fire and shooting her. One of the men was the father of the unborn child. The woman, who was able to escape, was 9 months pregnant at the time of the attack and recently gave birth. An apparent motive in the attack was the woman's pregnancy.
The suspect then drove her around in her Saturn Vue for about ten minutes before stopping in an alley in Detroit. That was near I94 and I75.

Then the man said two things.

"He said 'you know why this is happening' and then he asked her about how far along she was," says Commissioner Green.

The woman, who is nine months pregnant, says she felt liquid poured on her, then heard a match strike and then she was on fire.....

Police say the possible motive for the attack is the boyfriend not wanting another child.

FULL STORY

Planned Parenthood caught willing to help in sex-selection abortions

Live Action released an undercover video today showing a Planned Parenthood in Texas willing to help an actor abort a daughter because the actor claims she prefers a son.

The U.S. House is expected to consider the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act tomorrow, which is a federal ban on sex-selection abortions.

View video below:

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Life After 40: Week 6

During the sixth week of pregnancy the baby’s neural tube closes, eventually becoming the fully-formed brain and spinal cord. The baby’s tiny heart is already pumping blood and beats 80 times a minute, and she is 1/8 of an inch long.

LEARN MORE AT LIFE AFTER 40

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Gallup poll finds "pro-choice" view at record low, more people label themselves prolife

A recent Gallup poll found that only 41% of Americans identify themselves as "pro-choice." This is down from 47% in July of 2011 and the lowest percentage ever recorded by Gallup. The poll also found that 50% of Americans identify themselves as "pro-life."

The poll found the support for the "pro-choice" position has fallen among Republicans, Democrats and Independents.


FULL STORY

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

43 Catholic dioceses, Universities, and other groups sue to stop HHS mandate

David Andrusko with National Right to Life reported that 43 Catholic dioceses, schools, hospitals, social service agencies and other institutions filed suit recently, accusing Obama's Department of Health and Human Services of violating the First Amendment and federal law by requiring Catholic organizations to "sacrifice their beliefs in order to be able to continue their mission of serving all people in need."

The lawsuit is the latest to challenge the HHS mandate in court, following multiple lawsuits which are already working their way through the legal pipeline.

FULL STORY

Youth awarded for prolife speeches, essays

Oratory Contest

On May 19th, 19 students from across the state of Michigan competed in Right to Life of Michigan's 23rd Annual Oratory contest.

Pictured from left: Kristina Cherniausky, First Place, North Oakland RTL. Robert Linstrum, Second Place, Gaylord RTL. Alicia VanDerhoof, Third Place, Midland Co. RTL.

First place went to Kristina Cherniausky of North Oakland Right to Life. Kristina a home-schooled senior. Her speech was on how abortion negatively affects women and how Planned Parenthood doesn't want them to have an informed choice. Kristina will be representing us at the national oratory contest in Crystal City, VA on June 30.

Second place went to Robert Linstrum of Gaylord Right to Life. Robert is a home-schooled senior. His speech debunked pro-abortion arguments.

Third place went to Alicia VanDerhoof of Midland County Right to Life. Alicia is a junior at Midland Christian School. The theme of her speech was how abortion stops a beating heart.

Prolife Youth Award

Right to Life of Michigan's annual youth award went to Sarah Huber, nominated by Grand Rapids Right to Life. Sarah is graduating from West Catholic High School and plans on attending Marquette University. Her essay stressed that her generation has the power to end abortion but just needs to motivate itself to action.

Elise Steffke of Southern Downriver Right to Life and Caleb Krichbaum of Lenawee County Right to Life received honorable mentions. You can read essays and learn about their volunteer activities on Right to Life of Michigan's Youth Award page.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Forced abortion opponent arrives in America

Blind Chinese lawyer Chen Guangcheng has safely made it to the US, along with his immediate family. Chen is a critic of China's one-child policy and the forced abortions which are used to enforce the policy.
Chen has emerged as a political hero among Chinese dissidents and some U.S. officials for his activism in China — where his name is banned from the Internet — a status that became magnified after his escape from house arrest last month and secret flight totheU.S. Embassy. A self-taught lawyer, he had been imprisoned for years as an outspoken opponent of the state's treatment of women and its one-child policy.

FULL STORY

Former abortionist testifies before Congress

Former abortionist and prolife speaker Dr. Anthony Levatino testified recently at a congressional hearing on a bill that would ban abortions in the nation's capital past 20 weeks. He explains the abortion procedure he used and asked how such a barbaric procedure could not inflict pain on an unborn child.



More information about The District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803)

Friday, May 18, 2012

Embryonic stem cell proponent Michael J. Fox admits problems and challenges with embryonic stem cells

For years, actor Michael J. Fox has been an outspoken advocate for human embryonic stem cell research. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 20 years ago and created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to fund research into the disease.

In the last decade, Fox has lent his voice to advocates of embryonic stem cell research on numerous occasions. He appeared in television ads in both Missouri and California, praised President Obama's decision to expand federal funding of embryonic stem cell research and even campaigned for politicians in favor of killing human embryos for research and campaigned against prolife politicians.

Now, in an interview with Diane Sawyer, Fox notes there are problems and challenges with embryonic stem cells and they're now focusing his foundation's money and energy on other ways of attempting to treat and cure Parkinson's disease.
Michael J. Fox, whose turn from Parkinson's disease patient to scientific crusader made him one of the country's most visible advocates for stem cell research, now believes the controversial therapy may not ultimately yield a cure for his disease, he told ABC's Diane Sawyer in an exclusive interview.

There have been "problems along the way," Fox said of stem cell studies, for which he has long advocated. Instead, he said, new drug therapies are showing real promise and are "closer today" to providing a cure for Parkinson's disease, a degenerative illness that over time causes the body to become rigid and the brain to shut down.

"Stem cells are an avenue of research that we've pursued and continue to pursue but it's part of a broad portfolio of things that we look at. There have been some issues with stem cells, some problems along the way," said Fox, who suffers from the diseases' telltale tics and tremors.

For more than a decade, prolife organizations like Right to Life of Michigan have been pointing out the numerous problems with embryonic stem cells and the unlikelihood of them ever being used in large scale efforts to combat disease. After years of failures, even the staunchest of embryonic stem cell proponents are beginning to realize that cures from embryonic stem cells aren't right around the corner.

FULL STORY

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Mayor apologizes for insensitive comment made toward prolife people

It started at a Planned Parenthood fundraiser. Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell said, ". . . every year, the forces of darkness seek to deprive women of the health and education they need by choking off the funding to Planned Parenthood."

And then the calls and e-mails started coming in to the Mayor's office from across the country. Prolife people communicated their disappointment and stated they did not appreciate being labeled "the forces of darkness."

At the Grand Rapids City Commissioners' Meeting May 15, Mayor Heartwell apologized for calling prolife people "the forces of darkness." He said, "My comments were insensitive, and I deeply regret them. I apologize."

Right to Life of Michigan Education Coordinator Chris Gast said, "Several people directly addressed Mayor Heartwell expressing anger and sadness that their elected mayor would disparage their efforts to promote respect for life. A couple of people said they accepted his apology, but his comment had wounded them deeply because abortion had touched them personally."

A question remains: How will the story end? At the local, state and federal levels we have the opportunity to elect men and women who will represent our values and our respect for human life. Mayor Heartwell's comments generated a moment of outrage, but let's remember the power and privilege we have each time we participate in an election. When it is time to vote, please remember to be a voice for the voiceless at all levels of government.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Leading abortion advocacy group endorses Obama

On Tuesday, NARAL Pro-Choice America (formerly known as the National Abortion Rights Action League) endorsed President Obama is his attempt to be re-elected. In their press release, NARAL's president notes Obama's position in favor of legal abortion and says Obama "understands that we cannot know the situation of every woman who is considering abortion. That's why he believes that every woman should be able to consult with her doctor in making the personal, private decisions that are best for her and her family."

The press release then goes on to list some of Barack Obama's pro-abortion accomplishments including refunding organizations that provide and promote abortion overseas and vetoing prolife legislation.

FULL STORY

Life After 40: Week 5

During the fifth week of pregnancy the baby's organ systems are beginning to develop and the baby’s heart starts to beat, just 21 days after fertilization.

LEARN MORE AT LIFE AFTER 40

Monday, May 14, 2012

Forced abortion opponent escapes house arrest, pleads for chance to leave China

In 1978, China introduced its one-child policy which restricts urban couples from having more than one child unless they are willing to pay enormous fines. In 2007, China’s vice-minister at the National Population and Family Planning Commission noted that 35.9 percent of China’s population fell under the one-child policy while 52.9 percent of the country’s population (typically couples from rural areas) were allowed to have a second child, but only if the first child was a girl and 9.6 percent of the country were allowed a second child regardless of the first child’s gender. Only 1.6 percent of China’s population was allowed to have more than two children.

The controversial Chinese policy has many detractors, but the authoritarian Chinese government quickly silences those who speak out against the one-child policy and how the policy is enforced. One person the local government officials have attempted to silence for nearly a decade is Chen Guangcheng.

Since 2005, Chen Guangcheng, a blind, self-taught lawyer from China, has had only a handful of moments of freedom. Chen’s crime? He spoke out against local government authorities who were forcing women to have abortions, often in the third trimester. Before being arrested Chen set up community meetings in which victims of the local government would speak out about what they went through and exposed how authorities in the city of Linyi were forcing thousands of women to have abortions. Local authorities would also often intimidate and harass family members of couples who were pregnant with an illegal child until the pregnant woman was located.

In May of 2012, Chen made worldwide headlines after he released a video of himself free from his home detention. Miraculously, he escaped his home confinement after tricking his guards into believing he was bedridden. His escape included scaling walls, going without food and water for 17 hours and resting in pig pens. Chen eventually found someone willing to contact his friends who then brought him to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

While Chen may have escaped house arrest, he has still not been allowed to leave China. For a number of weeks he has been confined in a hospital while he waits to hear if government officials will allow him to leave with his family to the United States. Chen left the protection of the U.S. Embassy to be with his family, who he felt were in danger. U.S. officials have not been allowed to see him with regularity.

While we do not know how Chen’s case will end up, we can hope that his escape and the news it generated shed a light on China’s atrocious one-child policy and the horrific practice of forced abortion.

Study finds prolife laws help save teen lives

Michael New, a professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, explains how a recent study shows that laws which require parental involvement before an abortion have reduced suicide rates for female teens.
This spring the journal Economic Inquiry published a study by Joseph Sabia and Daniel Reese which found very solid evidence that pro-life parental involvement laws reduce the suicide rate for teen females. This peer-reviewed study is both methodologically rigorous and well done. Analyzing state-level suicide data from 1987 to 2003 and holding constant both state-level trends and a range of economic and demographic factors, it finds that parental involvement laws reduce the suicide rate for teen females anywhere from 11 to 21 percent. The authors argue that this is because parental involvement laws reduce the incidence of stressful life events. These include unprotected sexual intercourse, STDs, pregnancies, and abortions.

FULL STORY

Friday, May 11, 2012

NARAL president resigns, notes vigor of prolife movement

Nancy Keenan, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America (formerly known as the National Abortion Rights Action League) announced her retirement last night. According to the story, she was concerned she was failing to reach youth with a pro-abortion message:
While most young, antiabortion voters see abortion as a crucial political issue, NARAL’s own internal research does not find similar passion among abortion-rights supporters.
The future is prolife!

FULL STORY

Mother shares inspiring story of baby boy who is blind

In the video below, a mother explains the story of the birth of her child, who is blind, and how some people in the world see children with disabilities.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Life After 40: Week 4

During the fourth week of pregnancy the baby is the size of a period at the end of a sentence, and cells in the baby have separated off to form the placenta which will nourish the child until birth. The baby has already communicated to her mother’s body with hormones to let her know she is growing in the womb.

LEARN MORE AT LIFE AFTER 40

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

White House tours require unborn children to be registered

While President Barack Obama may be opposed to any piece of prolife legislation and believes that recognizing when life begins is "above his paygrade," the White House Visitors Office requires expectant mothers to register their unborn children when they sign up for a tour. The Washington Free Beacon reports on an e-mail from White House Visitors Office director Ellie Schafer which describes how pregnant women should register their unborn children before a White House tour and a soon to born child should be part of the count of tour guests. The e-mail even refers to unborn children as babies.

The e-mail reads, in part:
We have received a number of calls regarding how to enter security information for a baby that has not yet been born.

Crazy as it may sound, you MUST include the baby in the overall count of guests in the tour. It's an easy process.

LAST NAME: The family's last name

FIRST NAME: "Baby" as a first name
MIDDLE NAME: NMN as in No Middle Name
DOB: Use the date you are submitting the request to us as their birthday
GENDER: if the parents know put that gender down if not, you can enter either M or F as we'll ask you to update it at the time of birth.

FULL STORY

Friday, May 4, 2012

China's war on baby girls isn't over

In light of the all the news surround Chen Guangcheng and his pleas to be allowed to leave China after being imprisoned for exposing the prevalence of forced abortion, Jing Zhang, president of Women's Rights in China discusses China's continuing war on baby girls.
Since Chen Guangcheng's escape, the high-profile persecution initiated by the Susong Family Planning Commission has created panic among benefiting families and their communities. Many lives are directly threatened. Government agents have announced that any family with an "illegal" birth will face a fine of 50,000 yuan ($7,700, about ten times China's annual per capita income). Any woman found to be pregnant "illegally" — without a birth permit — will face a forced abortion.

Family Planning agents have also threatened to take action against volunteers and employees of the Infant Assistance Program if they do not cooperate with the authorities by turning over all material related to the program.

In the 30 years of the brutal one-child policy, hundreds of millions of infants have been killed. This has led to serious social problems that are now obvious — not only the gender imbalance but also the aging of the general population. Regardless, the PRC government forges ahead with its notoriously inhumane policy.

FULL STORY

Life After 40: Week 3

During the 3rd week of pregnancy, the baby’s cells are dividing and growing rapidly as she travels down the fallopian tube to implant in the wall of the womb so mother can nourish the developing child.

LIFE AFTER 40

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Mother shares story of her daughter with special needs at RLM affiliate dinner

The Daily Telegram highlighted Lenawee County Right to Life's annual benefit dinner. The dinner featured speaker Ellen Salter whose daughter, Meghan, has special needs.
Meghan spent the first two years of her life in the hospital — the first five weeks on life support. Even now, she cannot breathe without a respirator and is fed with a feeding tube.

"She cannot hold a doll, she will never go to school. Though she can't move her body, this does not mean Meghan is less of a human being. She has a soul," Salter said. "Souls can never be destroyed......"

"She knows how to love. Meghan has a heart of gold. She is a pure joy for us," Salter said. "She may not look perfect to you or to anyone else, but she is not disposable. She has tremendous value, as witnessed to all who lay their eyes on her."

FULL STORY

If you were pregnant from rape, what would you do?

CadillacNews.com covered the emotional prolife personal story of Rob and Laurie Kohlhaus, who spoke at the Wexford-Missaukee Right to Life dinner on Monday.

Twenty-six years ago, the high school sweethearts became engaged. But Laurie delayed their marriage plans to help her mother fight cancer. She got a job in a gas station working alone at night. She felt safe because the police post was across the street.

But one night, she was raped at gunpoint. She was told she was lucky she survived the savage attack.

Traumatized, things got worse when she found out she was pregnant.

Everyone, including the police chief, told her to get an abortion and get on with her life.

But some friends disagreed and encouraged the couple to reconsider.

"In our hearts, we knew it was wrong," Laurie said. "But we weren't in any condition to raise a child. My rights were violated but it would be wrong to violate the rights of an innocent, unborn child. We chose adoption."

FULL STORY