file: /pub/resources/text/ProLife.News/1994: pln-0410.txt --------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life Communications - Volume 4, No. 10 July, 1994 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This newsletter is intended to provide articles and news information to those interested in Pro-Life issues. All submissions should be sent to the editor, Steve or the assistant editor Sean ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) Researchers Paint Ovral as Chemical Savior Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine put out a report in a recent Journal of the American Medical Association(JAMA) claiming that Ovral, also known as the "morning after pill" could "could reduce the number of unintended pregnancies by 1.7 million and the number of abortions by 0.8 million each year". The report lauded Ovral as a 'morning after' [read contragestive/ abortifacient] solution, that "In Europe is marketed, available and used." The report also stated that in England "British women will soon be able to buy over the counter the combined estrogen/progestin pills that are marketed for emergency contraception." Currently, One version of the pill is available in the United States by prescription, but it is not recommended for post-coital use. In Europe, Ovral is used as a 'morning after' product. According to Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories of Philadelphia, Ovral's manufacturer, The pill has been marketed in the United States since 1968 but only as a `before' pill. To date, the company has not sought government approval for its use as a morning after pill. The pill is actually a four-tablet dose of estrogen-progestin pills taken two at a time at 12-hour intervals, within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. This would essentially cause the lining of the uterus to be untenable for a developing child, if conceived. What the news and _JAMA_ reports fail to consider is that their claim really is _to reduce the number of *surgical* abortions by chemical means_; In reality they are predicting 2.5 million chemical abortions per year in the United States alone. [Saying that "morning after pills could stop up to 800,000 abortions a year" is like saying euthanasia can stop millions of cancer deaths... - Eric Ewanco] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) California Experiment Successful with Another Chemical Savior In November and December in Tustin, California, nine women volunteered to participate in an experiment by Dr. William Moss: Each woman was less than eight-weeks pregnant, and was injected in the buttock with a drug called methotrexate, a cancer-fighting drug common in chemotherapy because it kills fast-growing cells. Several days later, an artificial hormone called misoprostol was placed in the vagina. It makes the uterus contract and expel what remains of the pregnancy. Moss reported that several women complained of bad cramps, and that all the pregnancies were terminated, with no serious apparent side effects. A feminist group raised objections to doctors (like Moss) using women as guinea pigs for their experiments. A spokesman for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration commented that what Moss is doing is permissible, yet the California Medical Board has refrained from judgment. Evidently, some doctors have been using methotrexate for several years to end particularly dangerous early pregnancies - such as ectopic pregnancies, backed up by a 1991 study published in _Obstetrics & Gynecology_ which concluded that methotrexate is "safe and effective and preserves reproductive potential," and claimed a success rate of 96.7%. For comparison, surgical abortions are successful in killing the developing child about 99% of the time. A 21-year-old woman, who asked her name be withheld to protect her privacy, had her abortion this way. "It's more natural," she said. "You (get) your pills, and it's done with. It's a good plan for people who are afraid to go through surgery and general anesthesia." Thus pregnancy is again reduced to the level of yet another disease: the obviously `natural' thing to do is to go to the doctor, `take your pills' and be `done with' it. Somehow this view seems to forget a certain small someone. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) News from Around the Globe: *Fredericton NB Canada* Abortion Clinic Opens, Challenged in New Brunswick On 28 June, Canadian abortion practitioner Dr. Henry Morgentaler defied New Brunswick provincial law by opening an abortion clinic in Fredericton. He performed five abortions as pro-life picketers demonstrated against the clinic, then called a news conference to denounce the province's laws. "Here in New Brunswick, it's as if we're in the Middle Ages again," Morgentaler complained. New Brunswick law permits abortions, but requires that they be be performed in hospitals with the prior approval of two doctors. New Brunswick health minister Russell King says he will ask the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons to restrict Morgentaler's license to practise, and launch an inquiry into his conduct. The province's Medical Act adds that if the College of Physicians refuses to investigate the clinic within seven days, then King can ask a judge to revoke Morgentaler's license. *Dublin, Ireland* Human Life International opens new office in Ireland US-based Human Life International (HLI), the world's largest anti-abortion organization, is opening a permanent office in Dublin to campaign for a third referendum on abortion. *Dublin, Ireland* 14 YEARS FOR "X" CASE MAN The man at the center of the "X" case was jailed for a total of 14 years by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The 43-year-old Dublin businessman had earlier pleaded guilty to two charges of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl when she was aged thirteen and fourteen and of indecently assaulting the girl on another occasion. The offenses were committed in 1990 and 1991. The guilty plea came after two years during which he appealed all the way up to the European Court of Human Rights to have the case dropped and tried to blame a youth from the neighborhood for the girl's pregnancy. On becoming pregnant, the girl in the case was blocked from traveling to England for an abortion. Apparently threatening suicide, this led to an Irish Supreme Court decision permitting travel for her to abort her child, which she did. *Washington, DC* Hyde Amendment Challenged Again The pro-abortion forces on Capitol Hill are preparing to repeal the Hyde Amendment which prohibits federal funding of abortions for poor women in the Medicaid program except in cases of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is threatened. Members of Congress who serve on the House Appropriations Committee will be the first to reconsider the Hyde Amendment, possibly as early as June 16. [ The Irish items are from _THE IRISH EMIGRANT_ (Issues No.381 and 382), 23 May and 6 June 1994. To subscribe contact editor Liam Ferrie ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) Primary Abortionist in Mississippi Suspended Dr. Thomas Tucker, the primary abortionist in Mississippi, was suspended April 22 for professional misconduct. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure lifted his license for a minimum of five years after finding him guilty on 32 of 34 charges against him. Tucker owns four clinics in Mississippi and Alabama, and says he performs more than 60% of the 5,000 to 7,000 abortions performed each year in Mississippi, and had performed as many as 150 abortions a week. CNN Reported this figure at 90%. Most of the Mississippi charges against Tucker were filed after inspectors found controlled drugs in unlocked drawers at his clinics, outdated drugs, and hundreds of signed, undated prescription forms. The board heard testimony that Tucker's employees routinely altered patients' records to circumvent Mississippi's 24-hour waiting period law, and overestimated the ages of unborn children so Tucker could charge more for the abortions. Tucker, 50, faces more serious charges in Alabama, where a patient died in April. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has accused Tucker of allowing staff members to perform abortions with no doctor present, while he gave them instructions by telephone. The board also says he allowed unqualified staff members to perform Pap smears, administer anesthesia, and insert birth control devices. The board says one patient bled to death in 1991 when Tucker refused to call an ambulance, explaining that he had already referred a patient with complications to the hospital that day. Many of the Alabama charges are based on the testimony of a former clinic employee. Later in May, it was reported that Angela Hall died after 4 days due to a perforated uterus after an abortion by Tucker in a Birmingham clinic. Reports do not indicate that any criminal charges having been made against Dr. Tucker. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) Purdue University Alumni Magazine Smears Pro-Lifers The _Purdue Alumnus_, in its Summer 1994 issue, printed a letter that charges pro-lifers with murdering doctors. The letter in question was a tirade against smoking restrictions in Ross-Ade Stadium that impugns the integrity of "moral crusaders" of all types. "[A]ll through American history," said the writer, Jerry Silverman, "there have been people whose profoundly held moral beliefs have brooked no contradiction. ... [P]ro-lifers know that abortion is murder. That's the thing about imposing a single set of moral values on a heterogeneous society: issues are viewed in black and white ... Fevers run high and tempers run short when the country is in the thrall of a moral crusade. ... Pro-lifers murder doctors. Fear rules, and the rights of dissidents are trampled. ..." I called the editor [Tim Newton] and asked how he could ever have printed such a letter without editing out the more inflammatory parts. He said they have had some discussions since it appeared, and agree that it was a mistake. I asked if they were going to print an apology. He said that they were. I asked if the apology would mention that only one pro-lifer has ever murdered a doctor, and that the action was disavowed by the mainstream pro-life movement. He said they would _consider_ it. I would encourage all pro-life Purdue alumni, faculty, staff, and students to contact the editor and urge him to do this. Here's the address: > Tim Newton - Editor, _Purdue Alumnus_ > Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 > (317) 494-5184 - Ed Gehringer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) The Right to Write: Here is a sample letter concerning the push by the Clinton Administration to include pro-abortion language and commitments for funding in the UN Population documents under consideration: Dear [Congressman's or Senator's name goes here] On the divisive topic of abortion, there is at least one piece of common ground, shared by nearly all Americans--that taxpayer dollars ought not be used to finance abortions. The Clinton administrations attempt to repeal the Helms Amendment of 1973 so that American foreign aid may "pay for the performance of abortion as a method of family planning" is an attack on this consensus. Please vigorously oppose this effort and other efforts of the Clinton administration to promote abortion worldwide--it is blatant cultural imperialism in attempting to change the laws of 95 countries whose laws oppose abortion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) Announcements: *Susan B. Anthony List Seeks Support* Certainly you've heard of EMILY's List and the WISH List - two Political Action Committees (PACs) devoted to funding strictly pro-abortion women candidates. This is the prolife movement's response: The Susan B. Anthony List. Initially organized by the National Women's Coalition For Life, the Susan B. Anthony List (SBAL) has been active in funding the campaigns of women candidates in California, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Texas. In fact, was responsible, in part, for the stunning primary victory for Beverly Clark, a newly outspoken leader in the Black pro-life movement. The SBAL is seeking individuals who can contribute $100 each. This money will be split between two candidates of your choice from a profile listing they provide. However, if this is not possible, they still need your help. Marjorie Dannenfelser, SBAL's Executive Director, she indicated she could use the help of college students to spread the word to those who might be able to contribute. For more information, contact Marjorie at: 5310 N. 26th Road, Arlington, VA 22207. Let her know you heard about SBAL here! - Steve Ertelt -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- *Arkansas Collegians for Life* (ARCL) is going to be hosting a fall pro-life convention for those pro-life collegians in the Southeast. The "1994 Southeast Regional Collegians for Life Convention" will be held November 5th or 12th. Various speakers will make presentations on topics ranging from Health Care, to Pro-Life Politics, to Organization Development. Additionally, Arkansas Collegians for Life is working towards providing housing for the night for those who need it. ARCL is the Arkansas affiliate of American Collegians for Life, the largest national collegiate pro-life organization. All pro-life college students and organizations from the following states are invited to attend: Texas, Arkansas, Louisana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. If you would like more information about this Conference, please contact Steve Ertelt at or write to: ARCL, Hendrix Box 3246, Conway, AR 72032. Please spread the word about this important and exciting opportunity! - Steve Ertelt, ARCL President -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- *National Youth Day* August 4-7, 1994 - McNichols Sports Arena, Denver, CO Theme: Youth: It's Our Move! A youth-organized event in response to Pope JPII's challenge to the youth to "enlighten the world and show it the path to life." Event opens Aug 4 at noon with an outdoor concert at Barnum Park. Aug 5-7 there will be talks, discussions, Masses, prayer and music, centered around the youth's involvement in family, sanctity of life, the Church, and the Sacraments. Speakers include *Mother Teresa*, Bishop Drona (Philippines), *Fr. Frank Pavone* (Priests for Life), Fr. Ken Roberts (EWTN), Paul Lauer (YOU! magazine), *Dr. Bernard Nathanson* (ex-abortionist), and many active youths and youth groups who will give powerful testimonies on this youth movement. Music from Michael O'Brien, RADIX, David Meece, Marty Rotella, Michael John Poirier, Misty Cruzan, and others. Registration is $25, and is open to all youths ages 13-39, and adult group chaperones. Contact: National Youth Day, PO Box 612410 San Jose, CA 95161 phone: (408)955-9935 FAX: (408)955-9940 email: (Reg Valencia) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8) Reader Questions: Pro-Choice Harrasment? [v4n9] Ed Gehringer asked about cases of pro-choicers harassing pro-lifers. You might want to check out the movie THE BRUTAL TRUTH, by American Portrait Films, P.O. Box 19266, Cleveland, OH 44118, 800/736-4567. It's about incredible police violence and judicial tyranny against peaceful pro-life protestors. As for harassment by pro-choice protestors, there is a section in THE EXTERMINATION OF CHRISTIANITY by Paul Schenck, Huntington House Publishers. See page 82. (BTW, our public library purchased this book after I requested it. If your local library does not seem to have the pro-life materials you want, just ask them if they will buy it. They pride themselves on having a balanced collection.) - Caroline Brannigan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9) Reader Comments - Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) After reviewing the FACE bill and the US Bill of Rights, it seems awfully clear that the bill is a violation of the Constitution. From face: "for an offense involving exclusively a nonviolent physical obstruction, the fine shall be not more than $10,000 and the length of imprisonment shall be not more than six months, or both, for the first offense; and the fine shall be not more than $25,000 and the length of imprisonment shall be not more than 18 months, or both, for a subsequent offense;" >From the First Amendment to the Constitution: > "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or > prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, > or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to > petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Wouldn't any march or public assembly be a "nonviolent physical obstruction"? - Dave Sacco [ Note that the resource file "Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994" has been updated to include a Roll Call of which representatives voted for, against or abstained from voting on the bill. Ask for "FACE". Ed.] -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- A couple of comments on v4n9: 1) In the list of contraceptive methods that James Crawford posted, I did't see the Billings (mucous) method under periodic abstinence. In a World Health Organization test involving 10,000 women in Calcutta, this method had results comparable to the Pill. 2) Despite the propaganda of the pro-aborts, it appears that only about 30% of health insurance policies cover abortion without an extra cost rider. The Family Research Council got these results when the Coats amendment was being debated. - Phil McLane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote of the Month: "Is birth control an abortion? Definitely not. An abortion kills the life of a baby after it has begun. It is dangerous to your life and health. It may make you sterile so that when you want a child you cannot have it. Birth control merely postpones the beginning of life." - from a Planned Parenthood pamphlet issued in August 1963. +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Credits: | | 1 - Many thanks to Reader Eric Ewanco | | 2 - From a May 94 article by Teri Sforza from the _Orange County Register_, | | Santa Ana, California. Many thanks to Reader Dr. Fred Worth | | 3 - Many thanks to readers Julian Smith and Ed Gehringer | | 4 - From an EP Article in the _Christian News and Herald_, May 15, 1994, | | with many thanks to reader Alan Carpenter. | |QOM - Many thanks to reader Marty Helgesen | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Anyone desiring information on specific prolife groups, literature, tapes, or help with problems is encouraged to contact the editor.