abortion
CONSCIENCE CLAUSE: An excellent brochure produced by the New Hope Life Center, a project of Catholics United for Life, details the law in each of the 50 states regarding legal protection for those who are involved in the medical profession and do not wish to participate in aborting children. Contact: The Saint Luke Project, New Hope Life Center, New Hope, Kentucky 40052; 502-549-7020.
An excellent brochure produced by the New Hope Life Center, a project of Catholics United for Life, details the law in each of the 50 states regarding legal protection for those who are involved in the medical profession and do not wish to participate in aborting children. Contact: The Saint Luke Project, New Hope Life Center, New Hope, Kentucky 40052; 502-549-7020.
birth control pill
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
(Reading: “The Pill Leaves Women Vulnerable to Gum Disease,” New Scientist, 11/27/99)
corporations
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
(Reading: Timothy Plan news release, 12/9/99) (Contact: Exxon-Mobil, 5959 Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas 75039)
eugenics
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
(Reading: “End of Compensation for Unwanted Healthy Children,” The Lancet, 12/4/99, p. 1924)
TECHNO: Techno-Eugenics is an e-mail newsletter that “stems from the work of academics, activists and others in the San Francisco Bay Area who are concerned about the direction of the new human genetic technologies.” The update is not a pro-life effort, and it is currently irregular in delivery. A web site is planned. Interested parties should e-mail a request to be placed on the distribution list to “>Marcy Darnovsky, Ph.D.
good news
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
(Reading: Ringling Brothers; you may thank them by contacting: Feld Entertainment, Inc., P.O. Box 39845, Edina, MN 55439-9458)
in vitro fertilization
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
(Reading: “Early Pregnancy Losses in In Vitro and Oocyte Donation,” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 1061-1065)
personhood
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
(Reading: “Drunken Driver Innocent of Vehicular Manslaughter,” The Press-Enterprise (Banning), 11/25/99)
TEXAS: A wrongful death case, Parvin v. Dean, was decided in favor of the parents of a nine-month-gestational-age child who died after the mother was involved in a car accident involving a negligent driver. The Second District Court of Appeals decision is said to have avoided the question of whether or not the baby was “an individual,” which must be proven before a party can recover damages in a wrongful death case. In a previous Texas Supreme Courtcase, Witty v. American General Capital Distributors, the justices ruled that “the legislature did not intend the words ‘individual’ or ‘person’ to be construed to include an unborn fetus.”
(Reading: “Parents Can Sue for Loss of Unborn Child,” Texas Lawyer, 11/29/99)
politics
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
COMMENT: No exceptions, not even when the honoree made his living killing people.
(Reading: “Why Did Bush Name Texas Road After Abortionist?” e-mail to Judie Brown, 12/9/99; Associated Press report, 12/10/99; report on the actual G. W. Bush approval: Lone Star Report, 6/6/97)
CORZINE: New Jersey Democrat Jon Corzine is vying for the seat vacated by Senator Frank Lautenberg and touts his unqualified support for abortion in his “Position Paper on the Rights of Women.”
(Reading: Jon Corzine web site)
selective reduction
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
(Reading: “Octuplets and Ethics,” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 970-972)
REDUCTION PRIOR TO IMPLANTATION: Dr. Avner Hershlag argues against Carson Strong, saying, “Basic secular morality should recognize the absurdity of aborting a life not yet created. Mandating patients’ consent to selectively reduce high multiples borders on coercion.” But he says “transfer of two embryos at the blastocyst stage can eliminate the risk of triplets . . .”
COMMENT: What if there are more than two? Hershlag’s position denies that the embryonic baby is a human being prior to implantation.
(Reading: “Multifetal Prophylaxis-A Reality?” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 973-974)
stem cell
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
(Reading: “Stem Cell Transplants Up Survival Odds in Some Cancers,” Reuters Health, 12/5/99)
NIH COMMENT PERIOD: For information on what to say in your comments, or additional background on the problematic nature of destructive embryonic research involving stem cells see Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics. The prevailing opinion regarding these tiny boys and girls is expressed in a Los Angeles Times editorial, “The fact that this research, highly promising though it is, uses organisms that could develop into humans has stalled federal funding and generated fierce opposition.”
COMMENT: Further evidence of the dehumanization of persons who are very tiny but exquisitely designed by God.
(Reading: “Stem Cell: Suggestions for Responding to NIH,” Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity e-mail update, 12/8/99; “Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Guidelines Are ‘Welcome News,'” Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 12/8/99)
web news
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
reflect
He labors under a dangerous disease who willingly speaks of the vices of others, and discloses them rashly. Such a one often covers with a false pretext of zeal for piety and justice the things which he says out of mere levity or from a bad disposition. When thou hast to reprove anyone, exhort and admonish him rather than reproach or revile him, so long as the matter admits of gentleness. If severity is necessary, see that thou art severe without bitterness. Let not anger or any selfish motive urge thee to more vehement correction, but only the love of God and the good of souls. Let thy reason remain ever tranquil. Let holy discretion rule and temper even the severity of thy words. Persecute the sin, not the man. For man is a good thing, created by God; sin is a bad thing, made by man. When thou seemest outwardly to inveigh sharply against anyone, inwardly pity him with secret affection, and in thy heart prefer him to thyself. If thou feelest thy mind to be seriously disturbed, either defer the correction till the disturbance has passed away, or speak but a few words without impetuosity.
-From “Peace Not as the World Gives,” the writings of Ludovicus Blosius; compiled by Rev. F. X. Lasance
CONSCIENCE CLAUSE: An excellent brochure produced by the New Hope Life Center, a project of Catholics United for Life, details the law in each of the 50 states regarding legal protection for those who are involved in the medical profession and do not wish to participate in aborting children. Contact: The Saint Luke Project, New Hope Life Center, New Hope, Kentucky 40052; 502-549-7020.
An excellent brochure produced by the New Hope Life Center, a project of Catholics United for Life, details the law in each of the 50 states regarding legal protection for those who are involved in the medical profession and do not wish to participate in aborting children. Contact: The Saint Luke Project, New Hope Life Center, New Hope, Kentucky 40052; 502-549-7020.
birth control pill
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
(Reading: “The Pill Leaves Women Vulnerable to Gum Disease,” New Scientist, 11/27/99)
corporations
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
(Reading: Timothy Plan news release, 12/9/99) (Contact: Exxon-Mobil, 5959 Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas 75039)
eugenics
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
(Reading: “End of Compensation for Unwanted Healthy Children,” The Lancet, 12/4/99, p. 1924)
TECHNO: Techno-Eugenics is an e-mail newsletter that “stems from the work of academics, activists and others in the San Francisco Bay Area who are concerned about the direction of the new human genetic technologies.” The update is not a pro-life effort, and it is currently irregular in delivery. A web site is planned. Interested parties should e-mail a request to be placed on the distribution list to “>Marcy Darnovsky, Ph.D.
good news
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
(Reading: Ringling Brothers; you may thank them by contacting: Feld Entertainment, Inc., P.O. Box 39845, Edina, MN 55439-9458)
in vitro fertilization
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
(Reading: “Early Pregnancy Losses in In Vitro and Oocyte Donation,” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 1061-1065)
personhood
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
(Reading: “Drunken Driver Innocent of Vehicular Manslaughter,” The Press-Enterprise (Banning), 11/25/99)
TEXAS: A wrongful death case, Parvin v. Dean, was decided in favor of the parents of a nine-month-gestational-age child who died after the mother was involved in a car accident involving a negligent driver. The Second District Court of Appeals decision is said to have avoided the question of whether or not the baby was “an individual,” which must be proven before a party can recover damages in a wrongful death case. In a previous Texas Supreme Courtcase, Witty v. American General Capital Distributors, the justices ruled that “the legislature did not intend the words ‘individual’ or ‘person’ to be construed to include an unborn fetus.”
(Reading: “Parents Can Sue for Loss of Unborn Child,” Texas Lawyer, 11/29/99)
politics
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
COMMENT: No exceptions, not even when the honoree made his living killing people.
(Reading: “Why Did Bush Name Texas Road After Abortionist?” e-mail to Judie Brown, 12/9/99; Associated Press report, 12/10/99; report on the actual G. W. Bush approval: Lone Star Report, 6/6/97)
CORZINE: New Jersey Democrat Jon Corzine is vying for the seat vacated by Senator Frank Lautenberg and touts his unqualified support for abortion in his “Position Paper on the Rights of Women.”
(Reading: Jon Corzine web site)
selective reduction
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
(Reading: “Octuplets and Ethics,” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 970-972)
REDUCTION PRIOR TO IMPLANTATION: Dr. Avner Hershlag argues against Carson Strong, saying, “Basic secular morality should recognize the absurdity of aborting a life not yet created. Mandating patients’ consent to selectively reduce high multiples borders on coercion.” But he says “transfer of two embryos at the blastocyst stage can eliminate the risk of triplets . . .”
COMMENT: What if there are more than two? Hershlag’s position denies that the embryonic baby is a human being prior to implantation.
(Reading: “Multifetal Prophylaxis-A Reality?” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 973-974)
stem cell
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
(Reading: “Stem Cell Transplants Up Survival Odds in Some Cancers,” Reuters Health, 12/5/99)
NIH COMMENT PERIOD: For information on what to say in your comments, or additional background on the problematic nature of destructive embryonic research involving stem cells see Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics. The prevailing opinion regarding these tiny boys and girls is expressed in a Los Angeles Times editorial, “The fact that this research, highly promising though it is, uses organisms that could develop into humans has stalled federal funding and generated fierce opposition.”
COMMENT: Further evidence of the dehumanization of persons who are very tiny but exquisitely designed by God.
(Reading: “Stem Cell: Suggestions for Responding to NIH,” Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity e-mail update, 12/8/99; “Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Guidelines Are ‘Welcome News,'” Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 12/8/99)
web news
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
reflect
He labors under a dangerous disease who willingly speaks of the vices of others, and discloses them rashly. Such a one often covers with a false pretext of zeal for piety and justice the things which he says out of mere levity or from a bad disposition. When thou hast to reprove anyone, exhort and admonish him rather than reproach or revile him, so long as the matter admits of gentleness. If severity is necessary, see that thou art severe without bitterness. Let not anger or any selfish motive urge thee to more vehement correction, but only the love of God and the good of souls. Let thy reason remain ever tranquil. Let holy discretion rule and temper even the severity of thy words. Persecute the sin, not the man. For man is a good thing, created by God; sin is a bad thing, made by man. When thou seemest outwardly to inveigh sharply against anyone, inwardly pity him with secret affection, and in thy heart prefer him to thyself. If thou feelest thy mind to be seriously disturbed, either defer the correction till the disturbance has passed away, or speak but a few words without impetuosity.
-From “Peace Not as the World Gives,” the writings of Ludovicus Blosius; compiled by Rev. F. X. Lasance
CONSCIENCE CLAUSE: An excellent brochure produced by the New Hope Life Center, a project of Catholics United for Life, details the law in each of the 50 states regarding legal protection for those who are involved in the medical profession and do not wish to participate in aborting children. Contact: The Saint Luke Project, New Hope Life Center, New Hope, Kentucky 40052; 502-549-7020.
birth control pill
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
GUM DISEASE: A study by dental researchers in Britain and Sri Lanka has shown that the Pill can damage women’s gums, though the extent is still not known.
(Reading: “The Pill Leaves Women Vulnerable to Gum Disease,” New Scientist, 11/27/99)
corporations
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
EXXON-MOBIL: The Timothy Plan announced that Exxon-Mobil made a corporate decision to eliminate “domestic-partner” health-care benefits from the newly-merged companies’ corporate benefits package.
(Reading: Timothy Plan news release, 12/9/99) (Contact: Exxon-Mobil, 5959 Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, Texas 75039)
eugenics
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
GREAT BRITAIN: The House of Lords eliminated the right of parents of healthy children to sue for damages because the “birth resulted from negligence in medical treatment intended to prevent conception or to terminate pregnancy.” The decision does not apply to handicapped children.
(Reading: “End of Compensation for Unwanted Healthy Children,” The Lancet, 12/4/99, p. 1924)
TECHNO: Techno-Eugenics is an e-mail newsletter that “stems from the work of academics, activists and others in the San Francisco Bay Area who are concerned about the direction of the new human genetic technologies.” The update is not a pro-life effort, and it is currently irregular in delivery. A web site is planned. Interested parties should e-mail a request to be placed on the distribution list to “>Marcy Darnovsky, Ph.D.
good news
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
RINGLING BROTHERS WELCOMES BABIES: Every child born in the U.S. within the last twelve months is entitled to a free admission ticket to the circus, which can be used at any time during the child’s life!
(Reading: Ringling Brothers; you may thank them by contacting: Feld Entertainment, Inc., P.O. Box 39845, Edina, MN 55439-9458)
in vitro fertilization
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
PREGNANCY LOSS: Researchers compared early pregnancy loss among couples desiring pregnancy who became pregnant as a result of natural relations, in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation. The study indicates that artificial methods result in a higher rate of early pregnancy loss. The conclusion is that “implantation may be subjected to abnormal conditions in assisted reproduction.”
(Reading: “Early Pregnancy Losses in In Vitro and Oocyte Donation,” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 1061-1065)
personhood
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
CALIFORNIA: In San Bernardino, Judge Mary Fuller ruled that a baby girl born after her mother was involved in a traffic collision “did not meet the definition of a viable human being” and consequently the drunk driver was not guilty of vehicular manslaughter. The baby, eight months gestational age, was born prematurely and died after four hours on life support at Loma Linda University Medical center.
(Reading: “Drunken Driver Innocent of Vehicular Manslaughter,” The Press-Enterprise (Banning), 11/25/99)
TEXAS: A wrongful death case, Parvin v. Dean, was decided in favor of the parents of a nine-month-gestational-age child who died after the mother was involved in a car accident involving a negligent driver. The Second District Court of Appeals decision is said to have avoided the question of whether or not the baby was “an individual,” which must be proven before a party can recover damages in a wrongful death case. In a previous Texas Supreme Courtcase, Witty v. American General Capital Distributors, the justices ruled that “the legislature did not intend the words ‘individual’ or ‘person’ to be construed to include an unborn fetus.”
(Reading: “Parents Can Sue for Loss of Unborn Child,” Texas Lawyer, 11/29/99)
politics
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
BUSH: Responding to questions about why he named a Texas highway after Houston abortionist John B. Coleman, his aides said, “The Texas Legislature voted overwhelmingly to name the highway after the father of an African-American state legislator” and that “no Texas Governor has ever vetoed a ceremonial bill such as this.”
COMMENT: No exceptions, not even when the honoree made his living killing people.
(Reading: “Why Did Bush Name Texas Road After Abortionist?” e-mail to Judie Brown, 12/9/99; Associated Press report, 12/10/99; report on the actual G. W. Bush approval: Lone Star Report, 6/6/97)
CORZINE: New Jersey Democrat Jon Corzine is vying for the seat vacated by Senator Frank Lautenberg and touts his unqualified support for abortion in his “Position Paper on the Rights of Women.”
(Reading: Jon Corzine web site)
selective reduction
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
QUALITY CONTROL AND PREEMBRYOS: Bioethicist Carson Strong opines regarding the transfer of “multiple preembryos to the woman’s uterus” and recommends that the freedom of potential parents who seek assistance from reproductive technology “be limited” as treating physicians agree that “potential procreators should have a responsibility to avoid conceiving when there is a high risk that a child will be significantly handicapped. Making it difficult for couples to breach that responsibility would appear to be reasonable limitation on their reproductive freedom.”
(Reading: “Octuplets and Ethics,” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 970-972)
REDUCTION PRIOR TO IMPLANTATION: Dr. Avner Hershlag argues against Carson Strong, saying, “Basic secular morality should recognize the absurdity of aborting a life not yet created. Mandating patients’ consent to selectively reduce high multiples borders on coercion.” But he says “transfer of two embryos at the blastocyst stage can eliminate the risk of triplets . . .”
COMMENT: What if there are more than two? Hershlag’s position denies that the embryonic baby is a human being prior to implantation.
(Reading: “Multifetal Prophylaxis-A Reality?” Fertility and Sterility, 12/99, pp. 973-974)
stem cell
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
ETHICAL USES: Researchers from the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center in Seattle report that stem cells which are collected from the blood of a matched donor and infused intravenously will increase the survival rate of patients with high-risk blood and immune system cancers.
(Reading: “Stem Cell Transplants Up Survival Odds in Some Cancers,” Reuters Health, 12/5/99)
NIH COMMENT PERIOD: For information on what to say in your comments, or additional background on the problematic nature of destructive embryonic research involving stem cells see Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics. The prevailing opinion regarding these tiny boys and girls is expressed in a Los Angeles Times editorial, “The fact that this research, highly promising though it is, uses organisms that could develop into humans has stalled federal funding and generated fierce opposition.”
COMMENT: Further evidence of the dehumanization of persons who are very tiny but exquisitely designed by God.
(Reading: “Stem Cell: Suggestions for Responding to NIH,” Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity e-mail update, 12/8/99; “Stem Cell Research: Federal Research Guidelines Are ‘Welcome News,'” Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 12/8/99)
web news
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
ABORTION TV: A new web site offering graphic education on pro-life positions.
reflect
He labors under a dangerous disease who willingly speaks of the vices of others, and discloses them rashly. Such a one often covers with a false pretext of zeal for piety and justice the things which he says out of mere levity or from a bad disposition. When thou hast to reprove anyone, exhort and admonish him rather than reproach or revile him, so long as the matter admits of gentleness. If severity is necessary, see that thou art severe without bitterness. Let not anger or any selfish motive urge thee to more vehement correction, but only the love of God and the good of souls. Let thy reason remain ever tranquil. Let holy discretion rule and temper even the severity of thy words. Persecute the sin, not the man. For man is a good thing, created by God; sin is a bad thing, made by man. When thou seemest outwardly to inveigh sharply against anyone, inwardly pity him with secret affection, and in thy heart prefer him to thyself. If thou feelest thy mind to be seriously disturbed, either defer the correction till the disturbance has passed away, or speak but a few words without impetuosity.
-From “Peace Not as the World Gives,” the writings of Ludovicus Blosius; compiled by Rev. F. X. Lasance