Pa Pro Life News

January 15, 2009

Pennsylvania Pro-Life Online News from the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

A twice-monthly publication of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation/4800 JonestownRd., Suite 102/Harrisburg, PA/17109/717-541-0034.

If you have any trouble accessing any of these stories, you can find them on our website at http://www.paprolife.org/resources/e_news.html
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKReLg8dl09w7AuHi3QsBoW8mGD1LP_EUR8ebSKdShmbruuBdkPagavUf6OJqlwrwAdYy0SBEsXZyaDEwQ1wJjpgG77RzEHbFpSLMFUgk5-4RyyokXjTiYl3mXOZtaGpBR3jW7K4xAyomvg==]
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Don’t Delay–Sign the Petition Against FOCA Today!

If you haven’t done so already, please make it a point to sign our online petition against the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) at

http://www.paprolife.org/foca/foca4.htm
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRc8nSlTIzYtgAtug0A-KqsV34icN3WzNQhW9wRHxQHRTBAHEPz-BYWtgDWA9V45OornltZGw2Kl6pEvMiHEm6y0NZCMpB4pPsHj9B40rm3cuXxsnnAHZ7F4ia5R9llUOBc=]

FOCA is a radical piece of legislation which would wipe out virtually all limits on abortion, including Pennsylvania’s landmark Abortion Control Act. That would mean no more parental consent, informed consent, or 24-hour waiting periods for abortion. It would also mean the return of the heinous practice of partial-birth abortion. Please make sure you share the link with your pro-life friends and family members as well.

Also, if you’re organizing a bus trip to the March for Life, please go to
http://www.paprolife.org/Facts%20About%20FOCA.pdf
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRf-r6mcDV_uhc5WoOfWamQwJGkDc0UhgyP6rYj2_W5pOU2FMrWlgTxxV4EfrjJiwy0OOf2cMMXRIVkMEgrWFuN9jSdZq7lvTVF82rkUfGs1jaZ6v7n1JsNKFEB9G_yJ7k5JoNsNffRSgQ==]
, print out the flyer about FOCA, and distribute copies to those riding your bus. Many pro-lifers are still unaware of FOCA and just how bad it would be for unborn babies and their mothers. Download the FOCA brochure today!

In This Issue

Don’t Delay–Sign the Petition Against FOCA Today!
Opportunity to Share Your Thoughts with the Obama Transition Team
March for Life Especially Significant This Year

Join our Mailing List! [http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1102375385223]

Opportunity to Share Your Ideas With the Obama Transition Team

For your information, the Obama Transition Team is compiling a citizen’s briefing book for the President-Elect. You can share your ideas for the briefing book at
http://citizensbriefingbook.change.gov/
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRfaQfcBDifAlY–zXU0wr8qKg8sRljjhRZOd8Hvpe4k-8JhiM1UAPXxEwfs–T-w4ktD0AxQ0D6ypvRG4t_lf15_x0odiGAO0uIDUO84MabVi7kUZ5JMA6T]

March for Life Especially Significant This Year

The March for Life will be especially poignant this year, given pledges from the Obama Administration and Congressional leaders to push pro-abortion measures in 2009. If you need more information about the Washington, D.C. march on January 22nd, please visit www.marchforlife.org
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRfeU5j7tx6flkmxkUrtcMm9v2KzuCG0suAKt4VacP4xj4MeY3MErVGlB5rzvYu5EUXstwdAyP18P-s7qVwLHbn1NZEPnpX1ymvtNWi_KROLYw==]
. If you’d like information about local bus trips to the march, e-mail
[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]].
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Importance of Judicial Races Should Not be Underestimated

By Charlene Bashore, Esq., Legislative/Political Action Committee Director
([email protected] [mailto:[email protected]])
In 2009 Pennsylvanians will elect one new State Supreme Court Justice, three new
Superior Court Judges and two new Commonwealth Court Judges. The primary election
will be May 19 with the general municipal election following on November 3. We
cannot overlook the importance of electing pro-life judges and justices! For example,
just recently, a judge in Montana legalized assisted suicide in that state.

(See http://www.lifenews.com/bio2692.html
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRcjTXOmB4jUQj5hy0Yb5GrxGonk1LgRhwbu45_TvUMCTtM2PDYXW6vi5onv5AEI2EkH1QfgHtPiBxVfLGD3DNWARpnEE_Yd_WrGICOg8KK8XKIwOnFK3Tey]
.) Judicial races rarely attract the attention of either the media or the electorate
to the same degree as legislative elections. Their significance, however, should
not be underestimated by the pro-life community.

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Most Americans Want Limits on Abortion

By Maria Vitale, Education Director
([email protected] [mailto:[email protected]])
I came upon an intriguing story from Baptist Press the other day–one which clearly
shows that Roe versus Wade runs counter to the beliefs of the vast majority of
Americans.
The story related a poll conducted for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
by Harris Interactive.
The survey results were astounding. More than 80 percent of the Americans surveyed
indicated that abortion should either be prohibited or limited.
The reason that this finding is so significant is this: Roe versus Wade, the tragic
1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, paved the way for abortion for any reason during
all nine months of pregnancy.
Specifically, the poll shows 38 percent of respondents believe abortion should be
limited to cases of rape, incest, or a threat to the life of the mother…33 percent
say abortion should be limited to the first 3 or 6 months of pregnancy…and 11
percent believe in a total ban on abortion.
Only a paltry nine percent favored the Roe regime of unlimited abortion throughout
pregnancy.
Some Congressional leaders and President-Elect Barack Obama have endorsed the Freedom
of Choice Act (FOCA). That act would strike down virtually all limits on abortion.
But this new poll shows that that is not the direction that the American people
want. Eighty-eight percent support informed consent laws…73 percent support parental
involvement. Both of those common-sense restrictions would be eliminated under
FOCA.
It’s time for some public officials to wake up and read the poll results. Americans
do not want abortion on demand. I would imagine they never really did.
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PA Alternatives to Abortion Program Sets Record

From a Real Alternatives press release
Harrisburg, PA – Real Alternatives, statewide administrator for the award-winning
Pennsylvania Alternative to Abortion Services Program, reports that in fiscal year
2007-2008, a record 19,747 women were provided comprehensive counseling, mentoring,
and support throughout their nine months of pregnancy and 12 months after the birth
of their baby…
"We have seen a steady decrease in annual abortions since the start of the program
13 years ago…We are striving for the day when no woman in the Commonwealth feels
that she must have an abortion – that is what the program is about," said Kevin
I. Bagatta, Esquire, Real Alternatives President & CEO.
In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, 118 Real Alternatives-funded pregnancy
support centers, Catholic Charities, social service agencies, maternity homes, and
adoption agencies throughout the Commonwealth provided services to 19,747 women
at 83,263 visits. There is a center within an hour of every woman in Pennsylvania.
Since its inception 13 years ago, the program has served over 150,000 women at over
645,329 office visits.
Bagatta continued: "This state-funded support program is the only program in the
Commonwealth dedicated to lowering abortions after there is a crisis pregnancy.
It continues to work because of the approximately 500 counselors and mentors statewide
meeting the needs of women in unplanned and crisis pregnancies. By providing a
counselor
to be with the woman in need from the moment she finds out she is pregnant to 12
months after the birth of the baby, this program empowers her to overcome her
obstacles
and crisis. She is not alone. She knows someone is with her to help her. An alternative
to abortion is not a pamphlet, it is another person….it is one woman seeing another
woman in crisis and loving her and supporting her like she is her own daughter.
This program represents the best in America."
For more information, call Kevin I. Bagatta, Esq. at 717-541-1112.
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Silent No More Documents Women’s Pain After Abortion

Some of the most eloquent spokespersons for the pro-life movement are women who
have undergone abortions. The Silent No More Awareness campaign, which is made
up of women who regret their decisions to abort, has documented the pain women suffer
after abortion in an inspiring video. You can view it at

[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRcWdP7-fKqwNOmXC8PEzOokFHgwKkCRpWrCfHh7DW6dTdD01UInvLi8ilF_kxJY5d5bYnHRSAGTLUYEQGDH2qoodJoqVb1EUyl2OfsM-s4TzredpehHilWb8cp8xc9mMlfdlm6Gd-SXeA==]
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Ultrasound Technology Changes the Face of Abortion Debate

Syndicated columnist Lori Borgman believes that a picture is worth a thousand
lives–when
it comes to ultrasound. You’ll find her inspiring column about how ultrasound
technology
is revolutionizing the abortion debate at http://www.lifenews.com/nat4734.html
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKReOCLuq6u8p5EdjH_asFui6q9NvTg947tc5XPO9HRldFtK3mY-l6LPghCobxS9QZaR_OEW13IAcPRMFLXZaCx7mLb1-b8H0Mir_gIG5-1tdBb54Rrmyo0b2]
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Attention PA Students: Win Cash Prizes!

Pennsylvania students can win cash prizes in the 2009 Pennsylvania Pro-Life Essay
and Oratory Contests.
The deadline for essay entries is March 1. Students in grades 7-12 are eligible.
Contestants must write a pro-life essay about abortion, infanticide, euthanasia,
or stem cell research. Word limit is 500 for grades 7-9 and 750 for grades 10-12.
Each essay should include a cover page with the student’s name, address, phone
number, grade, and name of school or indication that he or she is homeschooled.
Essays can be e-mailed to [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
or mailed to the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation; 4800 Jonestown Rd., Suite 102;
Harrisburg, PA; 17109.
The oratory contest is open to high school juniors and seniors. Students must prepare
and deliver a five to seven minute pro-life talk on abortion, infanticide, euthanasia,
or stem cell research. Students compete in a regional contest in March or April;
the top two finishers in each regional contest then go on to the state contest in
Harrisburg April 26th. Students interested in competing should e-mail
[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] or call 717-541-0034 for more details.
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Dr. Alveda King to Speak in Berks County

Dr. Alveda C. King, author, civil rights activist, and niece of Dr. Martin Luther
King, will speak at Shepherd of the Hills Church on Saturday evening, January 24,
at 7 p.m. Her talk is entitled, "Keeping the Dream Alive." There will be a Q &
A time following her presentation, with refreshments to follow the meeting. There
will also be a book table for those interested. Dr King will also speak at the
Sunday morning worship services on January 25, at 8 & 10:30 a.m.
Shepherd of the Hills is located about 4 miles from Boyertown, PA. on Hoffmansville
Road. The church phone is 610-754-6446. For more information, visit
www.shepherdofthehillschurch.org
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRd8rmYWCLzYVHdjKyghNUYpv6b6Aa7ej3S0QBIg5LUwoY6V3LcagUoWV6dLy3z26RJNi2veORzT2eMYXq3tiMDTGpL4Oe5yMlMXGh-3lLyAUlZ2FYCToECZAphv2y-4X14=]
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PA Pro-Life on the Air–Lehigh and Delaware Valleys

If you live in the Lehigh or Delaware Valley, please plan to tune in, tape, DDR
or TiVo the half hour television show, "60 Live with Pat Huber" on Monday, January
19th at 10:00 a.m. or at 8:00 p.m. the same day. The program will air on Christian
television station WBPH TV60. If you don’t know whether your television provider
carries the station, check with your provider or visit the station’s website at
www.wbph.org
[http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001mgRHoleaKRd9qmFlDkGYVzvGv1fe740ehmgbQ3l2pnB_O85JCNgC5NCw1igFr3DwDO_4xaDnjSICYbWZw4emhSpkGQPOskLHSgaiw6OgMXU=]
, and click on "COVERAGE."
Pat’s guests will be Michael Ciccocioppo, executive director of the Pennsylvania
Pro-Life Federation, and Heather Wilson, the Federation’s southeast regional
coordinator.
They will discuss a variety of relevant pro-life topics including what we can expect
from the incoming Obama Administration and how we can each strive to defend the
right to life in the challenging years ahead. It is must-see TV!
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Chapter Information from Around the State

Erie People for Life: 31st Annual Pro-Life Prayer Breakfast; January 17 at 9 a.m.;
Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center. Special guest speaker, Ramesh Ponnuru,
senior editor of National Review Magazine and author of The Party of Death. For
more information, call 814-459-1333.

Pro-Life of Mercer County–Annual Pro-Life Breakfast; January 17th at 9 a.m. at
the Hickory VFW Banquet Center, featuring Michael Clancy, the photojournalist who
took the amazing photo of an unborn child, Baby Samuel, reaching out from his mother’s
womb. For tickets, call 724-662-0890.
Beaver County Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life–21st Annual Respect Life
Memorial Service–6 p.m., January 17th, at the Gazebo in the Park across from the
Beaver Courthouse. Participants will then process by candlelight to the First
Presbyterian
Church at 252 College Avenue to conclude the program with pro-life speakers and
musical presentations. For more information, call 724-728-3235 or e-mail
[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]].
Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life–Annual Respect Life Prayer
Breakfast;
January 31st in St. Mary’s Center in Scranton. Keynote speaker is Theresa Burke,
founder of Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries for women and men who’ve suffered the pain
of abortion. Members of PHL will receive notice of the breakfast in early January.
Others should phone 570-343-5099 for reservations.
Live in Southeast PA? Contact SE Regional Coordinator Heather Wilson to find out
more about joining a chapter in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, or Philadelphia
County. You can reach Heather by phone at 610-480-8743 or by e-mail at
[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]].
Live in the Southwest? If you’d like to become involved in a chapter, contact Southwest
Regional Coordinator Bryce McMinn, who set up a regional office in Washington County.
Here’s his contact information: Bryce C. McMinn, Southwest Regional Coordinator;
Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation; 74 Oak Spring Road, Suite 101; Washington, PA
15301; Work Phone: 724-228-1162; Cell Phone: 412-835-2812; E-Mail: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]].

If you’d like to join a chapter and you live in another part of the state, contact
Executive Director Michael Ciccocioppo at [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]
.

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Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation | 4800 Jonestown Rd., Suite 102 | Harrisburg | PA |
17109