abortion
PARTIAL BIRTH ROUND III: In a statement dated 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) stated, “The discussion should be focused on whether we will continue allowing babies to be brutally murdered with a procedure that the AMA and physicians across the country say that is never medically necessary, and even pro-choice supporters of the ban have called this infanticide.”
In a statement dated 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) stated, “The discussion should be focused on whether we will continue allowing babies to be brutally murdered with a procedure that the AMA and physicians across the country say that is never medically necessary, and even pro-choice supporters of the ban have called this infanticide.”
COMMENT: Might we ask, Senator Santorum, why does your bill contain an exception? It is not a ban at all.
(Reading: “Santorum Reintroduces Partial Birth Abortion Ban Legislation,” 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum)
PERSONHOOD: Senator Bob Smith (R-N.H.) has introduced S.907: Right to Life Act of 1999. This bill would protect all innocent human beings from fertilization on without exception. In other words, the bill would not discriminate against any human beings.
(Reading: Congressional Record, 4/28/99, S.907; full text: U.S. Congress)
(Action: co-sponsors are needed.)
birth control pill
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
(Copies of this ad are available from ALL upon request. Your mailing address or fax number is requested.)
cloning
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
(Reading: “Doctor Wants ‘Cloning’ License,” Sunday Times, 4/25/99)
condoms
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
COMMENT: No comments were provided regarding the failure rate of condoms in the quest to protect the user from sexually transmitted disease.
(Reading: “Condom Practices of Urban Teens Using Norplant Contraceptive Implants, Oral Contraceptives, and Condoms for Contraception,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4/99, pp. 929-937; for details on actual condom failure rates see ALL’s Condom Fact Sheet)
fertility drugs
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
(Reading: “Fertility Drugs and the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers: Results of a Long-Term Follow-up Study,” Fertility and Sterility, 5/99, pp. 853-859)
end-of-life care
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
On the West Virginia Initiative web site a “proposed outcome” states “to educate the state legislature about the benefits of a comprehensive health care decisions act,” which in some states leads directly to killing. For example, in Virginia the decision to starve Hugh Finn to death was protected by the state’s health care decisions act.
(Reading: “End-of-Life Care in West Virginia,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, p. 113; The West Virginia Initiative)
health care rationing
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
COMMENT: This sounds utilitarian to me.
(Reading: “Medicare’s Imminent Rationing and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY),” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, p. 91)
organ donations
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
(Reading: “Organ Donation State Imperative,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, pp. 89-90; F or information on the new rules and regulations, check Health Care Financing Administration)
vaccines
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
(Reading: “Official Vaccine Policy Flawed,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, pp. 106-109; e-mail “>Dr. Schlafly or visit his web site)
violence
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFAor check the American Family Association web site.
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFA or check the American Family Association web site.
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFA or check the American Family Association web site.
wal-mart
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
COMMENT: Since when is a chemical that kills a tiny human being a “basic medication”?
(Reading: “Tell Wal-Mart to Stop Barring Women From Getting Emergency Contraception!” Medical Students for Choice e-mail alert, 5/3/99)
ADDENDUM: Wal-Mart has been rightly thanked for its refusal to sell the abortifacient “morning-after” pill, Preven. However, Dr. Bo Kuhar of Pharmacists for Life International points out, “Don’t forget Wal-Mart will not honor the conscience clause (unless the rare situation of 2 RPh’s on duty arises) and they have reprimanded and forced out pharmacists with a conscience. As well, they continue to stock abortifacients masquerading as ‘contraceptives.’ Let’s not fall into their hands too easily.”
(Action: e-mail “>Wal-Mart, thanking them for the step in the right direction, and asking that they do even more.)
reflect
Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with himself and with God the Father because they have been united to him by faith and determination to do his will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence to God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.
-St. Cyril of Alexandria, A.D. 444
pray
Lord, teach me how to be a branch on your tree of life that bears fruit according to your will. Protect me from temptation. Amen.
PARTIAL BIRTH ROUND III: In a statement dated 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) stated, “The discussion should be focused on whether we will continue allowing babies to be brutally murdered with a procedure that the AMA and physicians across the country say that is never medically necessary, and even pro-choice supporters of the ban have called this infanticide.”
In a statement dated 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) stated, “The discussion should be focused on whether we will continue allowing babies to be brutally murdered with a procedure that the AMA and physicians across the country say that is never medically necessary, and even pro-choice supporters of the ban have called this infanticide.”
COMMENT: Might we ask, Senator Santorum, why does your bill contain an exception? It is not a ban at all.
(Reading: “Santorum Reintroduces Partial Birth Abortion Ban Legislation,” 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum)
PERSONHOOD: Senator Bob Smith (R-N.H.) has introduced S.907: Right to Life Act of 1999. This bill would protect all innocent human beings from fertilization on without exception. In other words, the bill would not discriminate against any human beings.
(Reading: Congressional Record, 4/28/99, S.907; full text: U.S. Congress)
(Action: co-sponsors are needed.)
birth control pill
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
(Copies of this ad are available from ALL upon request. Your mailing address or fax number is requested.)
cloning
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
(Reading: “Doctor Wants ‘Cloning’ License,” Sunday Times, 4/25/99)
condoms
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
COMMENT: No comments were provided regarding the failure rate of condoms in the quest to protect the user from sexually transmitted disease.
(Reading: “Condom Practices of Urban Teens Using Norplant Contraceptive Implants, Oral Contraceptives, and Condoms for Contraception,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4/99, pp. 929-937; for details on actual condom failure rates see ALL’s Condom Fact Sheet)
fertility drugs
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
(Reading: “Fertility Drugs and the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers: Results of a Long-Term Follow-up Study,” Fertility and Sterility, 5/99, pp. 853-859)
end-of-life care
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
On the West Virginia Initiative web site a “proposed outcome” states “to educate the state legislature about the benefits of a comprehensive health care decisions act,” which in some states leads directly to killing. For example, in Virginia the decision to starve Hugh Finn to death was protected by the state’s health care decisions act.
(Reading: “End-of-Life Care in West Virginia,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, p. 113; The West Virginia Initiative)
health care rationing
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
COMMENT: This sounds utilitarian to me.
(Reading: “Medicare’s Imminent Rationing and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY),” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, p. 91)
organ donations
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
(Reading: “Organ Donation State Imperative,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, pp. 89-90; F or information on the new rules and regulations, check Health Care Financing Administration)
vaccines
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
(Reading: “Official Vaccine Policy Flawed,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, pp. 106-109; e-mail “>Dr. Schlafly or visit his web site)
violence
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFAor check the American Family Association web site.
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFA or check the American Family Association web site.
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFA or check the American Family Association web site.
wal-mart
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
COMMENT: Since when is a chemical that kills a tiny human being a “basic medication”?
(Reading: “Tell Wal-Mart to Stop Barring Women From Getting Emergency Contraception!” Medical Students for Choice e-mail alert, 5/3/99)
ADDENDUM: Wal-Mart has been rightly thanked for its refusal to sell the abortifacient “morning-after” pill, Preven. However, Dr. Bo Kuhar of Pharmacists for Life International points out, “Don’t forget Wal-Mart will not honor the conscience clause (unless the rare situation of 2 RPh’s on duty arises) and they have reprimanded and forced out pharmacists with a conscience. As well, they continue to stock abortifacients masquerading as ‘contraceptives.’ Let’s not fall into their hands too easily.”
(Action: e-mail “>Wal-Mart, thanking them for the step in the right direction, and asking that they do even more.)
reflect
Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with himself and with God the Father because they have been united to him by faith and determination to do his will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence to God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.
-St. Cyril of Alexandria, A.D. 444
pray
Lord, teach me how to be a branch on your tree of life that bears fruit according to your will. Protect me from temptation. Amen.
PARTIAL BIRTH ROUND III: In a statement dated 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) stated, “The discussion should be focused on whether we will continue allowing babies to be brutally murdered with a procedure that the AMA and physicians across the country say that is never medically necessary, and even pro-choice supporters of the ban have called this infanticide.”
COMMENT: Might we ask, Senator Santorum, why does your bill contain an exception? It is not a ban at all.
(Reading: “Santorum Reintroduces Partial Birth Abortion Ban Legislation,” 4/29/99, Senator Rick Santorum)
PERSONHOOD: Senator Bob Smith (R-N.H.) has introduced S.907: Right to Life Act of 1999. This bill would protect all innocent human beings from fertilization on without exception. In other words, the bill would not discriminate against any human beings.
(Reading: Congressional Record, 4/28/99, S.907; full text: U.S. Congress)
(Action: co-sponsors are needed.)
birth control pill
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
ACNE TREATMENT AD: The Salt Lake Tribune ran an ad stating, “Wanted: Women age 14 and over to take part in a research study to test an internal oral contraceptive used to treat moderate facial acne.”
(Copies of this ad are available from ALL upon request. Your mailing address or fax number is requested.)
cloning
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
LICENSE, PLEASE! Paul Rainsbury of England is seeking a license to “split an embryo to create two children – one of which could then be frozen,” reports the Sunday Times. A practicing gynecologist, Rainsbury argues that “the ‘back-up’ embryo could be stored in case the first child died.”
(Reading: “Doctor Wants ‘Cloning’ License,” Sunday Times, 4/25/99)
condoms
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
NORPLANT+CONDOMS: California researchers studied 399 urban teens who had either used Norplant, or the pill, or condoms alone. The study found that teens who choose Norplant are less likely to use a condom than those who use the pill are.
COMMENT: No comments were provided regarding the failure rate of condoms in the quest to protect the user from sexually transmitted disease.
(Reading: “Condom Practices of Urban Teens Using Norplant Contraceptive Implants, Oral Contraceptives, and Condoms for Contraception,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4/99, pp. 929-937; for details on actual condom failure rates see ALL’s Condom Fact Sheet)
fertility drugs
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
CANCER RISK? Researchers reviewed files of 1,197 infertile women to determine possible relationships between the use of fertility drugs (clomiphene citrate) and breast and ovarian cancers. Though potential risk was not confirmed, researchers report “further follow up of this cohort, as well as patients from other reported series, well into their sixties is required before making a definitive statement about the risk of ovarian and breast cancers among infertile women and after the use of fertility drugs. Our study also lacked data on family history of cancer and use of oral contraceptives, which are also risk factors for both breast and ovarian cancers.”
(Reading: “Fertility Drugs and the Risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancers: Results of a Long-Term Follow-up Study,” Fertility and Sterility, 5/99, pp. 853-859)
end-of-life care
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
WEST VIRGINIA: Dr. Jerome Arnett comments on reports that Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is funding a new West Virginia initiative to improve end-of-life care: “As a pulmonologist who provides care to the seriously ill, I wonder whether this is the foot in the door to begin a duty to die/euthanasia program via the public-private partnership of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and government authorities in my state.”
On the West Virginia Initiative web site a “proposed outcome” states “to educate the state legislature about the benefits of a comprehensive health care decisions act,” which in some states leads directly to killing. For example, in Virginia the decision to starve Hugh Finn to death was protected by the state’s health care decisions act.
(Reading: “End-of-Life Care in West Virginia,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, p. 113; The West Virginia Initiative)
health care rationing
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
MEDICARE: Medical Sentinel reports that the January 1999 Medicare B Bulletin describes a calculated cost per “quality-adjusted life years (QALY)” formula, meaning “Medicare will determine the quality of life you have and ‘adjust’ (shorten?) your life accordingly.”
COMMENT: This sounds utilitarian to me.
(Reading: “Medicare’s Imminent Rationing and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY),” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, p. 91)
organ donations
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
NEW FEDERAL LAW: The new federal organ procurement referral law, according to reports in Medical Sentinel, “prohibits physicians from discussing the topic of organ donation with the patient and family. The law requires that this type of communication only be done by a ‘designated requester,’ who we are told is a person who has had special training and who is approved by the government to discuss such things.” The report concludes, “patient privacy, confidentiality, free speech between physician and patient, and the very Oath of Hippocrates itself have all been sacrificed for the purported ‘greater good of the group’ for the purpose of procuring more organs.”
(Reading: “Organ Donation State Imperative,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, pp. 89-90; F or information on the new rules and regulations, check Health Care Financing Administration)
vaccines
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
GOVERNMENT POLICY: Roger Schlafly, Ph.D. comments in Medical Sentinel, “The CDC is not likely to move to an open and honest vaccine policy any time soon. There is too much money and politics favoring a dictatorial vaccine policy. . . . The current policies of misinformation and intimidation are much more effective, and in the eyes of CDC do-gooders, anything which purportedly benefits children and promotes government medical programs is a good thing.”
(Reading: “Official Vaccine Policy Flawed,” Medical Sentinel, 5-6/99, pp. 106-109; e-mail “>Dr. Schlafly or visit his web site)
violence
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFAor check the American Family Association web site.
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFA or check the American Family Association web site.
LITTLETON AFTERMATH: The American Family Association, struck by the insensitivity of comments made by radio personality Howard Stern, has issued an action alert, requesting supporters to contact the radio station, KCPK-FM and Stern’s national advertisers. For a complete action alert, e-mail “>AFA or check the American Family Association web site.
wal-mart
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
UPDATE: Medical Students for Choice has generated a letter-writing campaign to the president of Wal-Mart, stating, “Wal-Mart has an obligation to provide basic medication at its pharmacies.”
COMMENT: Since when is a chemical that kills a tiny human being a “basic medication”?
(Reading: “Tell Wal-Mart to Stop Barring Women From Getting Emergency Contraception!” Medical Students for Choice e-mail alert, 5/3/99)
ADDENDUM: Wal-Mart has been rightly thanked for its refusal to sell the abortifacient “morning-after” pill, Preven. However, Dr. Bo Kuhar of Pharmacists for Life International points out, “Don’t forget Wal-Mart will not honor the conscience clause (unless the rare situation of 2 RPh’s on duty arises) and they have reprimanded and forced out pharmacists with a conscience. As well, they continue to stock abortifacients masquerading as ‘contraceptives.’ Let’s not fall into their hands too easily.”
(Action: e-mail “>Wal-Mart, thanking them for the step in the right direction, and asking that they do even more.)
reflect
Just as the trunk of the vine gives its own natural properties to each of its branches, so, by bestowing on them the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the only-begotten Son of the Father, gives Christians a certain kinship with himself and with God the Father because they have been united to him by faith and determination to do his will in all things. He helps them to grow in love and reverence to God, and teaches them to discern right from wrong and to act with integrity.
-St. Cyril of Alexandria, A.D. 444
pray
Lord, teach me how to be a branch on your tree of life that bears fruit according to your will. Protect me from temptation. Amen.