abortion
ACCESS: A report in Medical Economics revealed a continuing decline in abortion providers and observed the impact violence is having on the business.
A report in Medical Economics revealed a continuing decline in abortion providers and observed the impact violence is having on the business.
(Reading: “Will Violence End Patients’ Access to Abortion?” Medical Economics, 5/10/99, pp. 51-58, 61-63)
bioethics
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
COMMENT: Excuse me?
(Reading: “Decisions Regarding Treatment of Seriously Ill Newborns,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 6/2/99, pp. 2041-2043)
birth control pill
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
(Reading: “IGF: Insulin-Like Growth Factor,” 5/23/99 transmission to Judie Brown from John Wilks; “Modification of Plasma Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Binding Proteins During Oral Contraceptive Use and the Normal Menstrual Cycle,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3/99, pp. 530-536)
SAFE? In the official government record of speeches from Great Britain’s House of Commons, Health Minister John Denham pointed out that in the past ten years “there have been a total of 2,406 adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the combined oral contraceptive pill . . . a fatal outcome was reported in 104 of these reports.” He also pointed out that recorded deaths are incomplete since “not all deaths suspected to be related to the use of the combined oral contraceptives are reported to the Medicine Control Agency. . . .”
(Reading: Hansard, 5/26/99, p. 156; “100 Deaths in Decade Blamed on the Pill,” The Daily Telegraph [Sydney], 5/28/99, p. 40)
birth defect registry
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
(Reading: Republican National Coalition for Life FaxNotes, 6/7/99)
(Contact: Janine Hansen, Nevada Eagle Forum, 702-356-9055)
congress
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
(Reading: NARAL press release 6/8/99; 6/4/99 e-mail from Congressman Coburn’s office. For details contact “>Roland Foster.)
human embryo
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
(Reading: “Comment on ABA’s Proposed Frozen Embryo Disposition Policy,” Fertility and Sterility, 6/99, pp. 994-995)
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES II: Bioethicist John Robertson, commenting on the American Bar Association (ABA) policy, opines that the policy “overlooks the important interests that a person has in avoiding unwanted reproduction, particularly with the gametes of the person from whom he or she is now divorcing.”
(Reading: “Disposition of Frozen Embryos by Divorcing Couples Without Prior Agreement,” Fertility and Sterility, 6/99, pp. 996-997)
pedophilia
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
(Reading “American Psychiatric Association Medical Director Criticizes APA’s Publication of Pedophilia Study,” 6/1/99, FRC press release)
pregnancy
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
(Reading: “Differences in Preferences for Neonatal Outcomes Among Health Care Professionals, Parents and Adolescents,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 6/2/99, pp. 1991-1997)
selective reduction
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
(Reading: “Multifetal Pregnancy Reductions of Triplets to Twins: Comparison with Nonreduced Triplets and Twins,” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5/99, pp. 1268-1271)
violence
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
(Reading: “Woman Gets 18-Year Term in Death of Infant Twin,” Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/2/99)
reflect
He that has been taught by the gift of grace, and been instructed by the scourge of its withdrawal, will not dare to attribute anything of good to himself, but rather acknowledge himself to be poor and naked.
Give to God what is his [Matthew, 22:21] and take to thyself what is thine; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; but as to thyself, be sensible that nothing is to be attributed to thee but sin and the punishment due to sin.
-The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
pray
Lord, help me to know that he who puts himself first will be last, while he who surrenders all to you, and puts himself last, shall be first (Luke 14:11).
ACCESS: A report in Medical Economics revealed a continuing decline in abortion providers and observed the impact violence is having on the business.
A report in Medical Economics revealed a continuing decline in abortion providers and observed the impact violence is having on the business.
(Reading: “Will Violence End Patients’ Access to Abortion?” Medical Economics, 5/10/99, pp. 51-58, 61-63)
bioethics
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
COMMENT: Excuse me?
(Reading: “Decisions Regarding Treatment of Seriously Ill Newborns,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 6/2/99, pp. 2041-2043)
birth control pill
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
(Reading: “IGF: Insulin-Like Growth Factor,” 5/23/99 transmission to Judie Brown from John Wilks; “Modification of Plasma Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Binding Proteins During Oral Contraceptive Use and the Normal Menstrual Cycle,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3/99, pp. 530-536)
SAFE? In the official government record of speeches from Great Britain’s House of Commons, Health Minister John Denham pointed out that in the past ten years “there have been a total of 2,406 adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the combined oral contraceptive pill . . . a fatal outcome was reported in 104 of these reports.” He also pointed out that recorded deaths are incomplete since “not all deaths suspected to be related to the use of the combined oral contraceptives are reported to the Medicine Control Agency. . . .”
(Reading: Hansard, 5/26/99, p. 156; “100 Deaths in Decade Blamed on the Pill,” The Daily Telegraph [Sydney], 5/28/99, p. 40)
birth defect registry
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
(Reading: Republican National Coalition for Life FaxNotes, 6/7/99)
(Contact: Janine Hansen, Nevada Eagle Forum, 702-356-9055)
congress
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
(Reading: NARAL press release 6/8/99; 6/4/99 e-mail from Congressman Coburn’s office. For details contact “>Roland Foster.)
human embryo
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
(Reading: “Comment on ABA’s Proposed Frozen Embryo Disposition Policy,” Fertility and Sterility, 6/99, pp. 994-995)
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES II: Bioethicist John Robertson, commenting on the American Bar Association (ABA) policy, opines that the policy “overlooks the important interests that a person has in avoiding unwanted reproduction, particularly with the gametes of the person from whom he or she is now divorcing.”
(Reading: “Disposition of Frozen Embryos by Divorcing Couples Without Prior Agreement,” Fertility and Sterility, 6/99, pp. 996-997)
pedophilia
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
(Reading “American Psychiatric Association Medical Director Criticizes APA’s Publication of Pedophilia Study,” 6/1/99, FRC press release)
pregnancy
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
(Reading: “Differences in Preferences for Neonatal Outcomes Among Health Care Professionals, Parents and Adolescents,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 6/2/99, pp. 1991-1997)
selective reduction
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
(Reading: “Multifetal Pregnancy Reductions of Triplets to Twins: Comparison with Nonreduced Triplets and Twins,” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5/99, pp. 1268-1271)
violence
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
(Reading: “Woman Gets 18-Year Term in Death of Infant Twin,” Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/2/99)
reflect
He that has been taught by the gift of grace, and been instructed by the scourge of its withdrawal, will not dare to attribute anything of good to himself, but rather acknowledge himself to be poor and naked.
Give to God what is his [Matthew, 22:21] and take to thyself what is thine; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; but as to thyself, be sensible that nothing is to be attributed to thee but sin and the punishment due to sin.
-The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
pray
Lord, help me to know that he who puts himself first will be last, while he who surrenders all to you, and puts himself last, shall be first (Luke 14:11).
ACCESS: A report in Medical Economics revealed a continuing decline in abortion providers and observed the impact violence is having on the business.
(Reading: “Will Violence End Patients’ Access to Abortion?” Medical Economics, 5/10/99, pp. 51-58, 61-63)
bioethics
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
NORMAN FOST: Editorializing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Norman Fost, M.D., writes “The problem is how to define the best interests of an infant with an ambiguous future, and how much to weigh the opinions of the key players-the parents and the health care professionals.” And, “There is an emerging consensus that prolonged intensive care for certain extremely low-birth-weight infants-less than 22 weeks’ gestational age at the least-is extremely unlikely to result in a life that could be construed as being in the child’s interests.”
COMMENT: Excuse me?
(Reading: “Decisions Regarding Treatment of Seriously Ill Newborns,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 6/2/99, pp. 2041-2043)
birth control pill
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
ABORTS: John Wilks, B. Pharm MPS, M.A.C.C.P., comments on a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that addressed the question of how the pill effects insulin-like growth factor (IGF), one of several growth factor systems important in endometrial cyclic development and in implantation. Because the pill elevates a family of binding proteins, known as IGFBPs, through the presence of IGFBP-1, the process of implantation is negatively effected. Wilks explains, “By binding to developing human embryo via the trophoblast, it [IGFBP-1] acts to impeded the normal process of embryonic attachment to the endometrium. . . . In a non-pill user, IGF-11 acts to inhibit anti-implantation action of IGFBP-1.” Wilks points out that “the roles of IGF and IGFBP represent a new, emerging field of research into the multitudinous factors involved in the process of implantation.”
(Reading: “IGF: Insulin-Like Growth Factor,” 5/23/99 transmission to Judie Brown from John Wilks; “Modification of Plasma Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Binding Proteins During Oral Contraceptive Use and the Normal Menstrual Cycle,” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 3/99, pp. 530-536)
SAFE? In the official government record of speeches from Great Britain’s House of Commons, Health Minister John Denham pointed out that in the past ten years “there have been a total of 2,406 adverse reactions suspected to be associated with the combined oral contraceptive pill . . . a fatal outcome was reported in 104 of these reports.” He also pointed out that recorded deaths are incomplete since “not all deaths suspected to be related to the use of the combined oral contraceptives are reported to the Medicine Control Agency. . . .”
(Reading: Hansard, 5/26/99, p. 156; “100 Deaths in Decade Blamed on the Pill,” The Daily Telegraph [Sydney], 5/28/99, p. 40)
birth defect registry
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
NEVADA: A recently passed state law establishes a state registry to record the births of babies with birth defects, babies who are stillborn and young children who are diagnosed with congenital abnormalities. Nevada Eagle Forum President Janine Hansen says it “presumably will be linked with a national registry.”
(Reading: Republican National Coalition for Life FaxNotes, 6/7/99)
(Contact: Janine Hansen, Nevada Eagle Forum, 702-356-9055)
congress
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
RU-486: JUST SAY NO! Congressman Tom Coburn (R-Okla) led Congress in blocking FDA approval of the abortion drug RU-486. The amendment to the Department of Agriculture-FDA spending bill, passed June 8, is worded “None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Food and Drug Administration for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion.”
(Reading: NARAL press release 6/8/99; 6/4/99 e-mail from Congressman Coburn’s office. For details contact “>Roland Foster.)
human embryo
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES I: Three female “bioethics” commentators who oppose the ABA’s position on disposing of frozen embryos write “One argument in the [ABA] report accompanying the proposed policy is that the ‘right not to procreate . . . is extinguished at the moment the embryo is created.’ In presenting this argument, the report focuses on the opposing party’s original intent to procreate by engaging in the IVF process. Although we concede that the party who opposes implantation at one time did intend to procreate, the right not to procreate still exists while the embryo remains frozen, outside the womb.” The commentators also opine that “a person should not be forced to become a genetic parent against his or her will,” that the embryo is “genetic material,” and that a woman always has the right to abort.
(Reading: “Comment on ABA’s Proposed Frozen Embryo Disposition Policy,” Fertility and Sterility, 6/99, pp. 994-995)
DISPOSING OF FROZEN EMBRYONIC BABIES II: Bioethicist John Robertson, commenting on the American Bar Association (ABA) policy, opines that the policy “overlooks the important interests that a person has in avoiding unwanted reproduction, particularly with the gametes of the person from whom he or she is now divorcing.”
(Reading: “Disposition of Frozen Embryos by Divorcing Couples Without Prior Agreement,” Fertility and Sterility, 6/99, pp. 996-997)
pedophilia
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
STUDY OPPOSED: Family Research Council, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and others denounced a study by the American Psychological Association claiming that pedophilia is not as harmful as once believed. Dr. Steven Mirin, Medical Director for the American Psychiatric Association, called the study “junk science.”
(Reading “American Psychiatric Association Medical Director Criticizes APA’s Publication of Pedophilia Study,” 6/1/99, FRC press release)
pregnancy
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
NEONATAL OUTCOMES: Researchers examining the attitudes toward newborns who had either a slight disability or a profound one compared attitudes among medical professionals with those of parents and adolescents. They found that health professionals tend to rate “utility scores” among children born with disabilities at a lower status than do parents and adolescents. “Quality of life” makes the difference for medical professionals. “Overall, neonatologists and nurses had similar preferences . . . [and] rated some health states as worse than death.”
(Reading: “Differences in Preferences for Neonatal Outcomes Among Health Care Professionals, Parents and Adolescents,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 6/2/99, pp. 1991-1997)
selective reduction
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
TRIPLETS TO TWINS: Researchers comparatively studied 143 triplet pregnancies that were reduced to twins with 812 twin pregnancies and 12 non-reduced triplet pregnancies. They concluded “reduction of triplets to twins is a medically justifiable procedure not only from an actuarial viewpoint but also from the ethical perspective of supporting patients’ autonomy and respect for patients’ individual circumstances.”
(Reading: “Multifetal Pregnancy Reductions of Triplets to Twins: Comparison with Nonreduced Triplets and Twins,” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5/99, pp. 1268-1271)
violence
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
OHIO: Sentencing 20-year-old April Parson, convicted of smothering one of her two-month-old sons, Judge Robert Ruehlman said, “It’s our country’s fault. We have sanctioned the wholesale slaughter of unborn children. . . . We sanction it, and we wonder why they do it after they’re born. We reap what we sow in this country.” He sentenced Ms. Parson to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and eight years for child endangering.
(Reading: “Woman Gets 18-Year Term in Death of Infant Twin,” Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/2/99)
reflect
He that has been taught by the gift of grace, and been instructed by the scourge of its withdrawal, will not dare to attribute anything of good to himself, but rather acknowledge himself to be poor and naked.
Give to God what is his [Matthew, 22:21] and take to thyself what is thine; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; but as to thyself, be sensible that nothing is to be attributed to thee but sin and the punishment due to sin.
-The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
pray
Lord, help me to know that he who puts himself first will be last, while he who surrenders all to you, and puts himself last, shall be first (Luke 14:11).