Partial Birth Abortion Ban Passes Michigan House by a Vote of 74-32

On the evening of May 27, 2008, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 74-32 to pass S.B. 776, the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. This legislation is modeled after the federal ban on partial-birth abortion and would make it a felony to perform a partial-birth abortion in Michigan. S.B. 776 was passed in the Michigan Senate by a vote of 24-13 in January of 2008.

S.B. 776 will now be sent to Governor Granholm. Once it reaches her desk, she will have 14 days to either sign it, veto it, or allow it to take effect without her signature.

More information on this legislation can be found online here.

LifeBeat for May 31, 2008

Dr. Ken Edwards talks about the current events regarding efforts to coerce prolife doctors into referring women to abortion providers. He also discusses what people can do to help make sure prolife doctors aren’t forced into violating their consciences. To listen, click here.

Michigan’s Abortions Decrease in 2007 to the Lowest Number on Record

According to statistics released May 22, 2008, from the Michigan Department of Community Health, the number of abortions performed in Michigan decreased in 2007. The report from the Michigan Department of Community Health states that 24,683 abortions were performed in Michigan during 2007 compared to 25,636 Michigan abortions in 2006, a drop of 3.7 percent or 953 abortions . Since 1987, there has been a 49.7 percent decrease in the number of abortions performed in Michigan annually. Abortions in Michigan have decreased three of the last four years and the total from 2007 represents the lowest number of reported abortions in Michigan since reporting began in 1979.

For more information, click here.

LifeBeat for May 24, 2008

Dr. Ken Edwards discusses a recent opinion on the limits of conscience from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and its suggestion that prolife doctors should refer women for abortions. To listen, click here.

LifeFacts - Multiple Sclerosis Patient Treated with Own Adult Stem Cells

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1995, Barry Goudy self-administered weekly injections and suffered flu-like symptoms that would last all weekend. The side effects of the medication changed his personality by causing him to become irritable and his quality of life gradually deteriorated. He gained weight, felt bloated and acquired Bell's Palsy which damaged his optic nerve, blurring his vision. With continued use, he eventually became immune to the medication.

Barry happened upon a study at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago using experimental stem cell research. In May of 2003 Barry's stem cells were harvested and cultured. In July, he received the adult stem cell transplant. After 4 months he went back to work, symptom free. This coming July, Barry will be celebrating his 5th year free from any symptoms of MS and is looking forward to an active life of playing racquetball, golf and coaching hockey.

For more information, click here.

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.