(A3a4d4) American pro life laws

The Pro Life Movement in America is fighting back against the destruction being caused by the anti life forces rampant in that once great nation. Some of the initiatives by the Pro Life movement are supported by President George Bush. ******* As of this date, 06-05-19, there are 23 items in this folder. ********************************************************************************************************************* ******* item 1 INDIANA'S WOMEN'S RIGHT TO KNOW LAW UPHELD BY FEDERAL COURT ******* item 2 MISSISSIPPI STATE SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DECISION PROHIBITING ABORTION ******* item 3 LOS ANGELES COURT ALLOWS WOMEN TO SUE AFTER BOTCHED ABORTIONS ******* item 4 OHIO SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO PREVENT ASSISTED SUICIDES ******* item 5 TEXAS COURT UPHOLDS LAW PROHIBITING TAXPAYER-FUNDED ABORTIONS ******* item 6 WISCONSIN COMMITTEE PASSES HEALTH WORKER CONSCIENCE CLAUSE BILL ******* item 7 TEXAS GOVERNOR SIGNS UNBORN VICTIMS AND RIGHT TO KNOW BILLS ******* item 8 OHIO BILL REMOVES FUNDING FROM PLANNED PARENTHOOD ******* item 9 VIRGINIA PRO-LIFE LAWS TAKES EFFECT JULY 1, 2003 ******* item 10 MINNESOTA RIGHT TO KNOW LAW TAKES EFFECT JULY 1, 2003 ******* item 11 MINNESOTA ABORTION NUMBERS LOWEST SINCE 1998 ******* item 12 CONGRESSIONAL BILL INTRODUCED TO PROTECT PRO-LIFE HOSPITALS ******* item 13 TENNESSEE CHOOSE LIFE PLATES WILL DRAW PRO-ABORTION LAWSUIT ******* item 14 MISSOURI SENATE OVERRIDEDS VETO ON RIGHT TO KNOW BILL ******* item 15 BUSH SIGNS PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ******* item 16 HARVARD-MIT STUDY SHOWS PRO-LIFE LAWS REDUCE MUMBER OF ABORTIONS ******* item 17 WISCONSIN SENATE APPROVES PRO-LIFE HEALTH WORKER CONSCIENCE CLAUSE ******* item 18 CALIFORNIA'S HIGH COURT: KILLING A FETUES, EVEN UNKNOWINGLY, CAN BE MURDER ******* item 19 PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS PRO-LIFE UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT ******* item 20 MISSISSIPPY BECOMES CASE STUDY FOR REDUCING ABORTIONS THROUGH LEGISLATION ******* item 21 MICHIGAN GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL GIVING COLLEGE STUDENTS ABORTION ALTERNATIVE ******* item 22 SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE APPROVES SAME SEX MARRIAGE BAN ******* item 23 ABORTION BAN SIGNED INTO LAW BY SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR ********************************************************************************************************************* ******* item 1 INDIANA'S WOMEN'S RIGHT TO KNOW LAW UPHELD BY FEDERAL COURT ******* From: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: Indianapolis Star, Pro-Life Infonet; September 17, 2002 ******* Indianapolis, IN -- A federal appeals court Monday revived a pro-life state law requiring women to be presented abortion information in person from an abortion practitioner at least 18 hours before an abortion. ******* Women seeking an abortion in Indiana currently are allowed to get information about abortion and its risks beforehand over the phone. Women in Indiana will now get the information, as well as facts on fetal development, in person. ******* This is a major victory for women, states Indiana Right to Life executive director Mike Fichter. The information required by Indiana law is basic, common sense information that any woman seeking an abortion has a right to know, and there is no other way to deliver this information properly than by face-to-face interaction. ******* Similar laws in other states have significantly reduced the number of abortions. ******* It was unclear how soon the 64-page opinion would take effect. One expert said it would be at least three weeks before any changes come into play, but even those involved in the case said they are still reviewing the decision. ******* "We're happy to see that the argument prevailed," said Staci Schneider, press secretary for the attorney general's office, which is representing the state in the lawsuit that eventually led to Monday's ruling. Schneider said she had not read the opinion and could not comment further. ******* Lawyers for the abortion facilities that filed a suit opposing the law said they are reviewing the opinion. They plan to decide later this week whether to seek another hearing before the full appeals court in Chicago or take the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. ******* "What it amounts to is an obstacle placed in front of women with no corresponding benefit whatsoever," said Simon Heller, an attorney with the pro-abortion New York-based Center for Reproductive Law and Policy. ******* Pro-life advocates disagreed and argued the law would both reduce the abortion rate and help women choose alternatives. ******* "Women should have the right to know and time to think over the consequences," said Joan Byrum, president of Right to Life of Indianapolis. ******* The appeals court reversed a permanent injunction imposed by U.S. District Judge David Hamilton in March 2001. That injunction prevented the state from enforcing the part of a 1995 law that required women in Indiana to make two trips to the abortion facility -- the first to receive the required information and the second to undergo the abortion. ******* The law requires women seeking an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency, to be counseled about the risks and alternatives to abortion. They also are to be offered the chance to see pictures or drawings of a fetus at the same stage of development as their own. ******* The person performing the abortion, a referring physician, physician's assistant, nurse or midwife can provide the counseling, which includes information of adoption alternatives. ******* Seven abortion facilities and an abortion practitioner sued in federal court, alleging the measure violated women's civil rights. Dr. Gregory Wilson, commissioner of the Indiana State Department of Health, and Marion County Prosecutor Scott Newman were named as defendants. ******* About 16 other states require have Women's Right to Know laws. ******* "The law will impose an undue burden on women and their constitutional right to choose to end a pregnancy," Hamilton wrote in his permanent order. He found that the two-trip requirement would prevent 10 percent to 13 percent of Indiana women from getting an abortion. ******* But U.S. 7th Circuit Court Judges Frank Easterbrook and John Coffey disagreed. ******* "Pro-life legislation that fails to pose a substantial obstacle for 87 (percent) to 90 percent of a state's women is reasonable, sensible and lawful under the Constitution of the United States and the State of Indiana," Coffey wrote. ******* Currently, women seeking abortions are sent an information packet before getting counseling over the phone, a representative of an Indianapolsi abortion facility said. She arranges conference calls four times a week with women seeking abortions, she said. ******* "I don't feel like we're telling them anything they don't already know," she claimed. ************************************************************************************************************************ ******* item 2 MISSISSIPPI STATE SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DECISION PROHIBITING ABORTION ******* From: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: Associated Press; September 29, 2002 ******* Jackson, MS -- A lower court ruled correctly in blocking a 17-year-old's abortion because there was no adult available with legal status to give consent for it, the Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled. ******* The girl, who has since turned 18, did not have a legal guardian, though she lived with her aunt. The girl's mother is dead and the girl had no contact with her father. ******* In a ruling issued Dec. 13 but released Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld an Adams County chancery judge's Dec. 7 decision that the 17-year-old was not mature enough decide whether to have an abortion and that the abortion was not in her best interest. ******* There is sometimes a delay in publishing a decision after the Supreme Court handles a case as an emergency, a court official said. ******* The girl, identified only by the initials A.W., had been living with her aunt since her mother's death in 1996. ******* Among reasons for wanting an abortion, A.W. cited her intentions to enroll in college, fear that her child was at high risk of being born with Down syndrome or cancer, and that she had considered suicide and was therefore too emotionally unstable to bring a child into the world. ******* The girl argued that her aunt supported her decision but would not consent to the abortion because she feared excommunication from her church. The girl's aunt did not testify. ******* The court record did not show whether the teenager later had an abortion out of state. ******* The Supreme Court said that even if the girl's aunt had given permission for the abortion, that would not have been legal because the aunt was not a legal guardian. ******* In writing for the court, Justice Oliver E. Diaz, said the chancellor made his decision after a careful evaluation of the girl's situation. ******* "The chancellor ultimately found that the A.W. was simply afraid of the responsibility motherhood," Diaz wrote. "This Court will not second guess the chancellor where the record supports the chancellor's findings and the chancellor was in the best position to evaluate the maturity level of A.W." ******* All justices concurred, except for Justice Chuck McRae who did not participate. ******* Gail Chadwick, executive director of the pro-abortion American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, said the decision highlights several flaws in the state's parental consent law since it appears to deny access to abortions for minors without legal guardians. ******* "I have to wonder under what circumstances a minor would have been granted a parental (consent) bypass by the chancery court judge," Chadwick said. "It appears that she provides compelling evidence of her maturity and the problems that she was anticipating if she was forced to carry this pregnancy to term." ******* Pat Cartrette, executive director of Right to Life of Jackson, said the Supreme Court's decision properly upheld the state's parental consent law that some judges waive too easily. ******* "I think what it does is follow the spirit of the law," she said. "It is good to know there are some judges who take the judicial bypass seriously." ******* The Pro-Life Infonet is a daily compilation of pro-life news and information. ******* To subscribe, send the message "subscribe" to: [email protected]. ******* Infonet is sponsored by Women and Children First (http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.org). ******* For more pro-life info visit http://www.prolifeinfo.org and for questions or additional information email [email protected] ******************************************************************************************************************* ******* item 3 LOS ANGELES COURT ALLOWS WOMEN TO SUE AFTER BOTCHED ABORTIONS ******* From: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune; November 5, 2002 ******* Baton Rouge, LA -- The Louisiana Supreme Court has refused to consider a case attacking a 1997 pro-life law that gives women up to 10 years to sue over injuries they, or their unborn children, suffer as a result of abortions. ******* The law puts no limit on the amount of money a woman can win in a lawsuit against an abortion practitioner for a botched abortion. ******* In fact, the law specifically exempts abortions from the state medical malpractice system, which limits what a patient can recover for a botched medical procedure to $500,000, including $100,000 paid by the doctor and the rest by a patient compensation fund to which participating doctors contribute. ******* The ruling, issued Friday, means efforts to challenge the abortion liability law as an unconstitutional restriction on the availability of abortions have failed in both federal and state courts, which say that there is no controversy for the judicial system to consider because no abortion practitioners have been sued yet. ******* Pro-life say the measure will protect women, but abortion advocates say the law will make it even more difficult to get abortions in Louisiana because abortion practitioners will be unable to get malpractice coverage for a 10-year liability window -- making people less likely to perform abortions in the state. ******** "This decision simply means that abortion doctors cannot use the courts to strip women of their statutory right to seek redress for abortion injury," Dorina Bordlee, a staff attorney with Americans United for Life, told the Pro-Life Infonet. ******** "An extended period of time to bring a lawsuit is reasonable because abortion providers often do not warn women of the medical studies that show very serious long-term effects of abortion, such as breast cancer and risks to future childbearing." ******* Louisiana is the only state with such a pro-life law on its books, but others will follow suit if the one here holds up, said New Orleans attorney William Rittenberg, who filed the lawsuit challenging the Louisiana law on behalf of abortion practitioners. ******* But Shreveport attorney Mike Johnson of the Louisiana Law and Justice Foundation, a pro-life public interest law firm, said abortion practitioners may still be able get insurance. ******* "The reason many are not properly insured, or not insured at all, is because they know there is very little enforcement of the laws against them," Johnson said. "We've had experiences where juries have found great amounts of negligence (by abortion practitioners), and the plaintiffs can't collect because there is no insurance." ******** He said abortion practitionrs also know that if they're hit with a big judgment, "All they have to do is file for bankruptcy and open up under another name." ******* Six members of the high court voted against hearing the case. One member, Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, voted to take up the matter. ******* The ruling is the latest defeat for the law's opponents. ******* Last year, a federal appeals court dismissed a similar lawsuit they had filed, saying it was a matter for Louisiana state courts to consider. ******* Rittenberg then took his clients' case to state district court in Baton Rouge, where they won an order to keep the law from being enforced. After the attorney general's office appealed, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in May reversed the ruling, and the dispute headed to the state's highest court. ******* The Pro-Life Infonet is a daily compilation of pro-life news and information. ******* To subscribe, send the message "subscribe" to: [email protected]. ******* Infonet is sponsored by Women and Children First (http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.org). ******* For more pro-life info visit http://www.prolifeinfo.org ******* and for questions or additional information email [email protected] ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 4 OHIO SENATE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO PREVENT ASSISTED SUICIDES ******* From: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: Ohio Right to Life; November 13, 2002 ******* Columbus, OH -- On November 13, 2002, the Ohio Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee unanimously approved Sub. H.B. 474, the Compassionate Care Bill. ******* Sub. H.B. 474, which is sponsored by Rep. Merle Kearns (R, Springfield), would 1) create a Compassionate Care Task Force to make recommendations on providing better pain control and palliative care to persons with terminal illnesses or severe chronic pain; and 2) deter assisted suicide by declaring it to be against the public policy, authorizing professional discipline against health care professionals who assist a suicide, and authorizing injunctions against any person who is preparing, is in the course of, or has assisted a suicide. ******* Before passing the bill, the Senate committee approved an amendment, supported by Ohio Right to Life and the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, which clarified provisions indicating that the assisted suicide portion of the bill did not affect the ability to refuse informed consent to health care or the ability to provide comfort care in good faith. ******* The bill, which was passed by the Ohio House 83-7 in May, now goes to the full Senate. ******* The Pro-Life Infonet is a daily compilation of pro-life news and information. ******* To subscribe, send the message "subscribe" to: [email protected]. ******* Infonet is sponsored by Women and Children First (http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.org). ******* For more pro-life info visit http://www.prolifeinfo.org and for questions or additional information email [email protected] *********************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 5 TEXAS COURT UPHOLDS LAW PROHIBITING TAXPAYER-FUNDED ABORTIONS ******* From: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: Associated Press, Pro-Life Infonet; December 31, 2002 ******* Austin, TX -- The state os Texas is not constitutionally obligated to pay for abortions for poor women, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. ******* The 8-0 ruling, with one abstention, upheld a pro-life state law that prohibits the use of state Medicaid money for abortions except in cases of rape or incest or when the mother's life is in danger. It also held that the state has a legitimate interest in promoting childbirth over abortion. ******* "This was an attempt by abortion advocates to subvert the will of the people of Texas," said Denise M. Burke, staff counsel of Americans United for Life. "Texas's decision to use taxpayer money to fund only limited types of abortions is in direct compliance with federal requirements, principally the Hyde Amendment." ******* The state rules are patterned after the federal Hyde amendment that prohibits public funding of abortion. ******* The Texas court overturned a lower court ruling, and rejected a 1998 lawsuit filed by abortion practitioners and facilities who said the state should pay for abortions for poor women suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy and other complications that may present health risks during a pregnancy. ******* The restriction is unfair to women, because men on Medicaid cannot be denied any ``medically necessary'' procedure, argued Bonnie Scott Jones, a lawyer for the pro-abortion New York-based Center for Reproductive Law and Policy. ******* "The term 'medically necessary abortion' is just another way of saying 'abortion on demand' or abortion for any reason," said Burke. "The U.S. Supreme Court has defined 'health,' within the context of abortion, so broadly that the term 'medically necessary' would include women who are suffering from stress, who are simply having an overly emotional day, or who have limited budgets, not just women whose health or life is actually threatened by a pregnancy." ******* Attorneys for the state contended the law does not discriminate against women. ``It's only those women who make that ultimate choice to have an abortion who are treated differently,'' Jeff Boyd said. ******* The Supreme Court's opinion stated that the law is neutral on matters of gender because it simply denies money for treatment not covered by federal money. ******* The court also rejected claims by abortion advocates that refusal to fund such abortions violated the Texas Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). ******* -- We help more than 25,000 people each week find pregnancy help and information. Every month, women choose life because of Pregnancy Centers Online. Please consider a link to us on your web site at http://www.pregnancycenters.org ****************************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 6 WISCONSIN COMMITTEE PASSES HEALTH WORKER CONSCIENCE CLAUSE BILL ******* From: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: Pro-Life Infonet; April 23, 2003 ******* Madison, WI -- On a vote of 8 to 1, the Assembly Labor Committee today approved Assembly Bill 67, legislation to protect the conscience rights of health care professionals in a number of specific situations. Authored by Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville), the legislation is considered to be the most significant step forward in this area in over 30 years. Sen. Carol Roessler (R-Oshkosh) is the State Senate leader on this issue. ******* "We are so appreciative of Rep. Hundertmark's tremendous leadership on this issue," said Susan Armacost, Legislative Director of Wisconsin Right to Life. "Her legislation would protect Wisconsin's doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical students and others from losing their jobs or being sued because they refused, on moral or religious grounds, to participate in abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia and unethical research. The ethical issues surrounding activities that demean the sanctity of human life are increasing for health care professionals. Ten years ago, the main ethical issue for right to life health care professionals was abortion. But today, there are many more, including unethical research that requires the death of living human embryos. This legislation is truly forward looking and will serve health care professionals in good stead for years to come." ******* Armacost also had high praise for Rep. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), Chair of the Labor Committee. "Rep. Nass dealt with AB 67 in an extremely fair and timely manner. He is committed to the passage of well drafted legislation and we commend him for his diligence in this regard." ******* Voting for the passage of AB 67 were Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), Rep. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater), Rep. Dan Vrakas (R-Hartland), Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton), Rep. Jean Hundertmark (R-Clintonville), Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Beaver Dam), Rep. Wayne Wood (R-Janesville) and Rep. Terry VanAkkeren (D-Sheboygan). The sole opponent of the measure was Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee). ******* "We thank the members of the Committee who voted for this much needed legislation and look forward to Assembly action on the bill," said Armacost. ******* -- The legacy of one of America's greatest Presidents is under attack! There are many revisionists that are trying to remove Ronald Reagan's pro-life legacy from history! His great book, Abortion and the Conscience of a Nation is back in print! Get your copy now. It's a wonderful gift for any pro-lifer or Reagan fan! The new edition is updated, and includes essays by Wanda Franz, President of NRLC; the Honorable William Clark, former National Security Advisor and the man called "spiritually closest to Reagan;" and Brian Johnston, Western Director of NRLC. Available for $12 or 2 for $20 at http://www.californiaprolife.org/reagan/reagan.htm or call 1 800-924-2490. ********************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 7 TEXAS GOVERNOR SIGNS UNBORN VICTIMS AND RIGHT TO KNOW BILLS ******* from: The Pro-Life Infonet ******* Reply-To: Steven Ertelt ******* Source: Pro-Life Infonet; June 21, 2003 ******* Austin, Texas -- Governor Rick Perry signed two key pieces of pro-life legislation last week. ******* One bill allows criminals to be prosecuted for killing or injuring unborn children during the course of an assault against a pregnant woman. The other allows women the right to know information about abortion's risks and alternatives 24 hours prior to having an abortion. Similar bills in other states have been credited with significantly reducing the number of abortions. ******* Pro-life groups hailed the passage of the bills and praised Perry for signing them. ******* "Governor Perry's signature on these pro-life bills marks history for Texas women, their health, and their unborn children," Elizabeth Graham, Associate Director of Texas Right to Life told the Pro-Life Infonet."Women will now be empowered to make informed choices regarding their pregnancies; they will be informed of all the dangers of abortion prior to their decision." ******* The "Right to Know" bill by Rep. Frank Corte, R-San Antonio, also requires that women be offered photographs of fetal development. ******* Abortion advocates opposed the right to know bill saying it would make abortions more difficult to obtain, especially for women in rural areas where no abortion facilities are nearby. ******* Graham said Texas Right to Life worked closely with Governor Perry on the legislation and the bills had his strong support throughout the legislative process. ******* "Governor Perry recognized the deficiency in Texas that the unborn children of pregnant women were not protected under Texas law," Graham explained. ******* Sen. Ken Armbrister, D-Victoria, sponsored the unborn victims bill. It defines an unborn child as a person under law from the moment of conception to allow them to qualify as victims under homicide and assault statutes. ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 8 OHIO BILL REMOVES FUNDING FROM PLANNED PARENTHOOD ******* Columbus, OH (LifeNews.com) -- Pro-life taxpayers in Ohio have reason to celebrate this week. The Ohio legislature has approved a budget bill which will change the way the state funds women’s health programs. Under the compromise bill, the state "family planning" program is being replaced with a "women’s health services" program starting January 1, 2004. The new program will give priority to services provided by local health departments rather than by Planned Parenthood, which currently receives most of the $1.7 million in Ohio family planning funding. ******* --- To learn how you can reprint LifeNews.com articles, visit http://www.LifeNews.com/reprint ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 9 VIRGINIA PRO-LIFE LAWS TAKES EFFECT JULY 1, 2003 ******* Richmond, VA (LifeNews.com) -- Two key pro-life laws passed by the Virginia state legislature are set to take effect July 1. One implements parental consent before a teenage girl can have an abortion and the second is another attempt by the legislature to ban partial-birth abortions. http://www.lifenews.com/state20.html ************************************************************************************************************************* ******* item 10 MINNESOTA RIGHT TO KNOW LAW TAKES EFFECT JULY 1, 2003 ******* St. Paul, MN (LifeNews.com) -- It took nearly a decade, but pro-life advocates in Minnesota finally won passage of a pro-life bill that will help women avoid the emotional and physical turmoil of abortion and save the lives of hundreds of unborn children.On July 1, the Women's Right to Know bill will take effect and abortion facilities will be required to provide women with information about fetal development and abortion's risks and alternatives before legally being able to perform an abortion. Similar pro-life laws in other states are credited with reducing the abortion rate by as much as one-third. http://www.lifenews.com/state21.html ************************************************************************************************************************* ******* item 11 MINNESOTA ABORTION NUMBERS LOWEST SINCE 1998 ******* from http://www.lifenews.com/state27.html ******* Minneapolis, MN (LifeNews.com) -- The Minnesota Health Department reported Tuesday that the number of abortions in the state during 2002 was the lowest since the department began collecting annual abortion data in 1998. The report comes the same day as a new pro-life law goes into effect that pro-life groups hope will reduce the abortion number further. The state Health Department reported 14,186 abortions performed in Minnesota in 2002. During 2001, 646 fewer abortions were performed. The Women's Right to Know law, supported by pro-life organizations, requires abortion facilities to present women with factual information about fetal development and abortion's risks and alternatives. Similar laws in other states have proven effective in reducing the number of abortions. ******* http://www.lifenews.com/state27.html ************************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 12 CONGRESSIONAL BILL INTRODUCED TO PROTECT PRO-LIFE HOSPITALS ******* Thursday, July 17, 2003 ******* Subject: LifeNews.com Report 7/17/03 #3021 ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" ******* LifeNews.com Report ******* Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Two pro-life Senators have introduced legislation in Congress designed to protect hospitals whose policies prohibit performing abortions. The Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (S. 1397), sponsored by pro-life Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ben Nelson (D-NE), passed the House of Representatives with a strong bipartisan majority last year but was not considered in the Senate. "This modest bill protects health care providers who choose not to get involved in the destruction of innocent human life," said Gail Quinn, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. http://www.lifenews.com/nat42.html ************************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 13 TENNESSEE CHOOSE LIFE PLATES WILL DRAW PRO-ABORTION LAWSUIT ******* Thursday, July 17, 2003 ******* Subject: LifeNews.com Report 7/17/03 #3021 ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" ******* LifeNews.com Report ******* Nashville, TN (LifeNews.com) -- Whether Tennessee drivers can purchase Choose Life plates for their vehicles now rests in the hands of the courts thanks to an upcoming pro-abortion lawsuit. The state affiliate of the ACLU is planning to file suit against the plates. ACLU spokesperson Hedy Weinberg said, "This litigation has nothing to do with abortion. It has nothing to do with the pro-choice position or the anti-choice position. It has to do with the First Amendment. "Brian Harris, president of Tennessee Right to Life, isn't surprised by the upcoming lawsuit. ******* http://www.lifenews.com/state45.html ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 14 MISSOURI SENATE OVERRIDEDS VETO ON RIGHT TO KNOW BILL ******* Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 02:02:38 EDT ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" ******* Jefferson City, MO (LifeNews.com) -- Abortion facilities in Missouri will now be required to make information available to women regarding abortion risks and alternatives, thanks to an override vote in the Missouri Senate. On Thursday, the Missouri Senate voted 25-8 to override pro-abortion Gov. Bob Holden's (D-MO) veto of the Right to Know bill. Now the bill, which has helped reduce abortions in other states, will become law. Five Democrats joined all Senate Republicans in supporting the override. The law requires abortion practitioners to furnish women with information 24 hours before an abortion about any medical, psychological, or emotional risks associated with abortion. A woman considering an abortion must sign a statement saying she received the information. Abortion practitioners who fail to supply the information can be prosecuted. Similar bills in other states have proven effective in reducing the number of abortions by as much as one-third. http://www.lifenews.com/state140.html ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 15 BUSH SIGNS PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ******* Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 23:21:09 EST ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" and "LifeNews.com Report" ******* For news updated throughout the day, visit www.LifeNews.com ******* Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Before a crowd of more than 400 pro-life lawmakers and activists, President Bush signed into law the first federal ban on an abortion procedure since the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision. "For years, a terrible form of violence has been directed against children who are inches from birth, while the law looked the other way," Bush said at the signing event. "Today, at last, the American people and our government have confronted the violence and come to the defense of the innocent child." "The best case against partial birth abortion is a simple description of what happens and to whom it happens. It involves the partial delivery of a live boy or girl, and a sudden, violent end of that life. Our nation owes its children a different and better welcome," Bush added. http://www.lifenews.com/nat189.html ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 16 HARVARD-MIT STUDY SHOWS PRO-LIFE LAWS REDUCE MUMBER OF ABORTIONS ******* Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2004 03:30:00 EST ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" ******* For news updated throughout the day, visit www.LifeNews.com ******* Boston, MA (LifeNews.com) -- A study done by a post-doctoral fellow at the Harvard-MIT Data Center indicates something pro-life groups have always known: pro-life laws on abortion reduce the number of abortions performed. The research, by Harvard-MIT Data Center post-doctoral fellow Michael J. New and published by the Heritage Foundation explains the key role of pro-life legislation passed by state legislatures that led to the decline in the number of abortions by 17.4 percent during the 1990s."Those states that adopted pro-life legislation during the 1990s experienced larger reductions in abortion rates and ratios than those states that did not adopt such legislation," the study shows. Using regression analysis, New's research shows that, by the end of the 1990s, four common types of state pro-life legislation were effective at reducing the number of abortions. Looking at state abortion data for every year from 1985 to 1999 (while holding a variety of economic and demographic factors constant), the study shows the number of abortions was reduced thanks to the impact of parental involvement laws, bans on taxpayer-funded abortions, Right to Know (or informed consent) laws and partial-birth abortion bans. ******* http://www.lifenews.com/nat299.html ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 17 WISCONSIN SENATE APPROVES PRO-LIFE HEALTH WORKER CONSCIENCE CLAUSE ******* Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2004 ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" ******* Madison, WI (LifeNews.com) -- The Wisconsin state Senate has approved what is being described as the most comprehensive conscience clause bill in the nation. The pro-life measure is designed to ensure that health care workers in the state will not be forced to take part in anti-life activities against their will. "Abortion, assisted suicide, euthanasia and unethical medical experiments involving the deliberate destruction of in-vitro human embryos or the use of tissue from aborted babies are activities that many health care professionals and facilities want no part of," said Susan Armacost, Legislative Director for Wisconsin Right to Life. "They recognize that each of these activities entails the intentional destruction of human life and participating in them would violate their most deeply held beliefs." http://www.lifenews.com/state359.html ******* For news updated throughout the day, visit www.LifeNews.com ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 18 CALIFORNIA'S HIGH COURT: KILLING A FETUES, EVEN UNKNOWINGLY, CAN BE MURDER ******* From: [email protected] ******* Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 ******* By David Kravets, Associated Press Writer ******* SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The state Supreme Court strengthened California's fetal-murder law Monday, declaring that the killing of a pregnant woman counts as two homicides even if the perpetrator was unaware the victim was pregnant. The 6-1 decision overturns a 2002 lower court ruling that said a killer must know the victim was pregnant to be guilty of murdering the fetus. ******* California's fetal-murder law was passed by the Legislature in 1970. The law is being used to prosecute Scott Peterson in the deaths of his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son. More than two dozen states have passed various versions of a fetal-murder law. ******* President Bush signed similar legislation last week to make it a crime to kill a fetus during the commission of a federal offense, and that law does not require knowledge of the pregnancy. Both the federal legislation and California's law exempt the killing of a fetus during an abortion. ******* The Legislature adopted the fetal-murder law after the state Supreme Court overturned the fetal-murder conviction of a Stockton man who, while beating his estranged wife, killed her unborn child. At the time, the court said California's murder law did not recognize a fetus. ******* California's justices reached Monday's conclusion two years after a state appeals court overturned the fetal-murder conviction of Harold Taylor, a Vietnam veteran found guilty of murdering his former lover, who was at least 10 weeks pregnant. ******* On appeal, Taylor claimed he did not know Patty Fansler was pregnant, and he argued that he could not be prosecuted for murdering her fetus, which died when Taylor shot and killed the woman in 1999. ******* The lower court agreed, ruling that murder in California requires "malice aforethought" - a willful intent to take the life of another - and a "conscious disregard" for life. ******* In reinstating Taylor's fetal-murder conviction, Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown said Taylor "did not need to be specifically aware how many potential victims his conscious disregard for life endangered." ******* Because of the ruling, Taylor's 40-year prison term for killing the woman and other offenses is expected to be increased by 25 years, prosecutors said. ******* In dissent, Justice Joyce L. Kennard endorsed the lower court decision, saying California's fetal-murder law was vague and "susceptible to two equally reasonable constructions." ******* California's law applies to fetuses beyond eight weeks of gestation. The federal rule applies to an unborn child "at any stage of development." ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 19 PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS PRO-LIFE UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT ******* Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 ******* From: "Steven Ertelt" and "LifeNews.com Report" ******* Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- In a touching ceremony in the East Room of the White House, President Bush signed a bill that will afford additional legal protections to pregnant mothers and their unborn children. "As of today, the law of our nation will acknowledge the plain fact that crimes of violence against a pregnant woman often have two victims," President Bush said. "And therefore, in those cases, there are two offenses to be punished. "Under this law, those who direct violence toward a pregnant woman will answer for the full extent of the harm they have done, and for all the crimes they have committed," the president added. Pro-life groups applauded President Bush's latest pro-life action. "We applaud the President for bringing justice to women and their children who are victims of violent crime," said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., spokesperson for the U.S. Bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "Thanks to him, and to a bipartisan majority of Congress, a woman who loses her child to a brutal attacker in a federal jurisdiction will no longer be told that she has lost nothing," Ruse added. http://www.lifenews.com/nat417.html ******* For news updated throughout the day, visit www.LifeNews.com ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 20 MISSISSIPPY BECOMES CASE STUDY FOR REDUCING ABORTIONS THROUGH LEGISLATION ******* From: "LifeNews.com" ******* Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 ******* For news updated throughout the day, visit LifeNews.com. ******* Jackson, MS (LifeNews.com) -- Doing what was thought impossible, the state of Mississippi has found a way to significantly reduce the number of abortions despite the fact that the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision allowing abortions still stands. Thanks in part to a plethora of pro-life legislation, that has helped lead to the closing of all but one abortion business in the state, abortions in Mississippi have decreased by half in the last decade. After peaking at 8,814 in 1991, the number of abortions in 2002 fell to just 3,605. Even one abortion is too many for pro-life groups that have been working in the state, but the sharp decline is cause for celebration. "We don't need to wait for the Supreme Court to outlaw abortion," says Pat Cartrette, executive director of Pro-Life Mississippi. Mississippi has a sweeping conscience clause allowing any medical professional to opt out of participating in an abortion, it is one of two states that requires both parents to give consent before an abortion, and it requires abortion practitioners to tell women about abortion's risks and alternatives. The state also passed an unborn victims law that targets criminals such as Scott Peterson who kill or injure an unborn child as a result of attacking a pregnant woman. Those laws have contributed to the abortion decline, according to an attorney with Americans United for Life. "The dramatic decrease in abortions shows that life-affirming laws and public policy can save lives," said Nikolas T. Nikas, general counsel for Americans United for Life, explained. Other states such as South Carolina and Kentucky have seen a similar decrease in the number of abortions performed following the passage of numerous pro-life laws. ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 21 MICHIGAN GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL GIVING COLLEGE STUDENTS ABORTION ALTERNATIVE ******* From: "LifeNews.com" ******* Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 ******* For news updated throughout the day, visit LifeNews.com. ******* Lansing, MI (LifeNews.com) -- Pro-abortion Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm signed a bill this week that would give practical help and referrals to pregnant women on college and university campuses. The bill sets up a fund to make grants to the institutions to run programs that would help pregnant students find referrals for prenatal care, foster care, baby needs, adoption and other services that will help women find alternatives to abortion. The legislation is the brainchild of Feminists for Life of America (FFLA), a pro-life group that helps show how abortion hurts women and presents better solutions for pregnant women. "For too long women have been pressured -- primarily by a lack of practical resources and emotional support -- to choose between sacrificing their education and sacrificing their children," explains FFLA president Serrin Foster. "Pregnant and parenting students deserve better information, resources and support," Foster explained. "This bill is a revolutionary step for women-and the country." In most states across the country, college students and college-aged women have the highest abortion rates. Most universities provide no help for pregnant students and some colleges will pay for abortions in their university health plans but not for prenatal care or delivery. Foster said she hopes the legislation will be a model for other states to use. ******************************************************************************************************************** ******* item 22 SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE APPROVES SAME SEX MARRIAGE BAN ******* Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 19:06:48 -0600 ******* From: Associated Press, March 1, 2005 http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/110233 02.htm via "Mission America" ******* COLUMBIA, S.C. - The House easily agreed Tuesday to change South Carolina's Constitution to deny the recognition of same-sex marriages from other states. ******* The legislation is intended to "bolster and strengthen the defense of traditional marriage and defend traditional values in South Carolina," said Rep. Greg Delleney, R-Chester. ******* Sixteen other states already have changed their constitutions to define marriage, Delleney said. South Carolina and 10 other states now are doing so, he said. ******* The Constitution would have a section added that says marriage is "exclusively defined as a union between one man and one woman." The amendment would void all other types of unions, including those recognized in other states. ******* The legislation won second reading with a 96-3 vote, well above the two-thirds majority needed for approval. The House will give routine third reading to the bill Wednesday. ---------------------- Mail service for Mission America provided by American Family Online www.afo.net ******* Mission America www.missionamerica.com ******************************************************************************** ******* item 23 ABORTION BAN SIGNED INTO LAW BY SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR - by John-Henry Westen ******* From: LifeSiteNews via Robert A. Jason ******* Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 ******* PIERRE, March 6, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds has signed into law the first abortion ban in the United States since the 1973 Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision. The bill, House Bill 1215, passed with strong bi-partisan support in both houses and makes abortion a felony in the state, punishable by up to five years imprisonment. It is to go into effect this July. ******* The only exception to the South Dakota law would be cases where the life of the mother was in danger. Lawmakers successfully avoided making changes to the bill that would allow abortions in cases of rape, incest, or for the "health" of the mother, exceptions which usually cripple the application of laws against abortion. It does not prohibit abortifacient drugs such as the morning after pill in cases of rape or incest. ******* On signing the bill the Governor stated, "In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them." ******* The Governor acknowledged that the law is "a direct challenge" to Roe vs. Wade and said he expects the law to be taken to court and prevented from going into effect in July. "That challenge will likely take years to be settled and it may ultimately be decided by the United States Supreme Court. Our existing laws regulating abortions will remain in effect," said Rounds. ******* Rounds did suggest however that a reversal of opinion from the Supreme Court is possible. ******* Rounds concluded his remarks saying: "While this is a state and national issue, I want to emphasize that whatever the courts decide, South Dakotans will continue to care about both the unborn child and mother. If we are pro-life, we must recognize the need to take care of women who are faced with a difficult pregnancy. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, we cannot protect the innocent child, unless we protect and care for the mother. We must help each mother to see the value of the gift that is a child, and nurture the mother for her own sake and for the sake of her child. ******* "Our state is committed to helping greater numbers of pregnant woman who will allow their babies to grow inside them and be born. In both the private and public sector in South Dakota, we have healthcare options, economic assistance before and after birth, adoption services, and, most importantly, people who want to help pregnant women, young mothers and their children." ********************************************************************************

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The following warning is a prophetic message given to me, Frank Wagner, in November of 1974. ******* LISTEN TO THE CRY OF THE ABORTED CHILDREN. THEIR CRY IS NO. THEIR CRY IS A CRY OF TERROR. HEED THEIR CRY. ******* This prophecy is now being fulfilled. ******* For details about the source, meaning and fulfillment of this prophetic message go to ******* http://ca.geocities.com/fwagner4/index.html ******* email me at *** [email protected] ***