SuzyB.org

Tell the GOP to Protect Life: Speak Out!

nomatterhowsmall — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:30:00 -0400

Remember 1994? The Republican Party released its "Contract with America" six weeks before the mid-term elections and took back Congress with a 54-seat swing on Election Day.

Absent from the Contract was any emphasis on policies that protect the unborn. When the new Congress convened, pro-life legislation was not a real priority. Protecting women and unborn babies from the violence of 4,000 abortions per day was put on the back-burner.

A detailed analysis of what looks to be the incoming Congress shows that it will likely be one of the most pro-life in history. But we cannot take anything for granted. We must assure the incoming leaders that there is a strong pro-life mandate and that Americans expect serious leadership and real progress in protecting unborn children.

We must first recover from our setbacks by moving the ball back to where it was prior to the Obama, Reid, and Pelosi regime and then begin to move the ball forward. We can’t just stop and repeal the pro-abortion agenda; we must work to advance our ambitious pro-life legislative priorities in order to save unborn lives.

Once again, much like 1994, the Republican Party has an opportunity to take back Congress and is drafting a legislative blueprint similar to the original Contract with America to lay out its plans should Republicans take the majority this November.

The protection of women and their children from the violence of abortion and the protection of taxpayers from funding it must be an integral part of any legislative blueprint released by the leadership of the GOP, and should be included under a specific plank addressing family values.

Speak out for Life today by telling the Republican Party leadership that pro-life legislation must be a priority in its legislative blueprint for America.

With the majority of Americans identifying themselves as pro-life, and with an even stronger majority agreeing that tax dollars shouldn't fund abortion, the consensus for passage of serious pro-life legislation couldn't be stronger.

Consider these common-sense pro-life legislative initiatives that enjoy broad support across America:

1. Legislation such as the “Protect Life Act” which would ensure that no federal funds authorized under the health care reform law are used to pay for abortions or subsidize insurance plans that cover abortions, prevent any part of the federal government from forcing insurance plans to cover abortions, and codify strong conscience protections.

67% of Americans oppose taxpayer funding of abortion in health care, according to a January 2010 poll conducted by Quinnipiac University.

2. Legislation such as the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” which would establish a permanent government-wide prohibition on the use of taxpayer dollars for abortion.

61% of Americans support a ban on taxpayer funding of abortion, according to a November 2009 poll conducted by CNN.

3. Legislation establishing parental consent for minors seeking abortion.

69% of Americans support parental consent for minors under 18 seeking an abortion, according to a July 2006 poll conducted by Gallup.

4. Legislation such as the “Child Pain Awareness Act” which would require abortion providers to notify women who want to have an abortion 20 weeks after fertilization that the evidence suggests their unborn child feels pain and they may request anesthesia for their unborn child in order to reduce or eliminate the pain.

77% of Americans favor such legislation, according to an April 2004 poll conducted by Zogby.

The Republican Party needs to hear from pro-life Americans. Speak out for Life today to ensure your voice heard on behalf of unborn children and their mothers.

Send a message today to the Republican Party to let them know that when the ball is in their court, we expect no less than a slam-dunk for our pro-life agenda.

DANNENFELSER: 'Mama Grizzlies' Embody Authentic Feminism

nomatterhowsmall — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:24:00 -0400

Just in time for the SBA List's "Conversation on Pro-life Feminism" this morning at The Yale Club in NYC (Which is now available to watch in full), SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser had an op-ed on Politics Daily continuing to herald the arrival of the 'mama grizzlies':

The day after another remarkable primary there is no question that the political apple cart is thoroughly upset and a realignment is taking place. As the final votes are counted, pro-choice Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) nears defeat to the pro-life Joe Miller, another pro-life attorney general candidate emerges from the Florida Republican primary,
and the tea parties once again displayed their power at the polls.

But the remarkable political trends at work in 2010 involve more than a swing of the pendulum in a conservative direction. Masked by the debate over deficits, health care reform, immigration and "tea parties" is a development of potentially far-reaching significance: the redefinition or, if you will, the restoration of an authentic feminism that is pro-equality, pro-woman, pro-opportunity and pro-life.

Agree or disagree with this contention, pundits from across the political spectrum are taking a fresh look at a key development in Campaign 2010: the nomination and strong competition for major office of vibrant, pro-life women who both embody and embrace a vision of womanhood that bridges the modern feminist divide between motherhood and selfhood.
Evidence of this development is impossible to miss for those paying attention: far greater numbers of highly credentialed pro-life women are running for every level of public office, most notably Senate seats and governorships. In several high-profile races, the question of authentic feminism is argued by the candidates themselves as in the Boxer-Fiorina Senate race in California. A haven for abortion-centered feminism may see its 17-year incumbent and ardent modern feminist knocked off by a strong, pro-life, successful CEO who fits the roots of feminism far more closely.

The emergence of a restored, authentic feminism could not be timelier: Aug. 26, 2010, is the 90th anniversary of when the final state ratification was forwarded to Washington, D.C., and the 19th amendment to the Constitution enacted Women's Suffrage into law. Nine decades after that historic event, the 2010 midterm elections are emerging as the "year of the pro-life woman."
In academic, political and media circles and in the hearts of many women, an honest assessment is underway on the meaning of authentic women's leadership. The modern feminist movement helped to make enormous strides in advancing the economic rights of women, and in creating opportunities and legal protections in the workplace, athletic arenas, academia, and other areas of endeavor. But it did so at the profound cost of dividing women and diminishing their exceptional creative power as bearers and protectors of human life.

Evidence supports the fact that the "founding feminists" of the 19th century did not expect or desire this division. Susan B. Anthony's newsletter, "The Revolution," refused to carry advertisements for abortifacients, a potential source of significant revenue in its day, and regularly denounced abortion and infanticide. Anthony's Quaker background informed her perspective and kindled her passion. She abhorred the oppression of any human being, opposing abortion and drunkenness as tools of male oppression. But the masthead of her newsletter read: "Men, their rights and nothing more; women their rights and nothing less." She did not believe building rights was a zero sum game, but that all humanity's rights flourish when all are observed. Women's rights grew because of this view, not out of a call to restrict those of unborn children and men.

Today, despite this history, few terms provoke more animated debate than "pro-life feminism." Defined in much of the academic and mainstream media as a core principle of contemporary feminism, the idea of abortion rights has spurred many women, who otherwise embrace the ideals of equality of opportunity, to reject the label of "feminist." But increasingly the number and strength of the pro-life women rising in business and elsewhere -- and now emerging as candidates for offices from mayor, to governor, to member of Congress, to U.S. senator -- are forcing a profound reconsideration.
A renewed, redefined feminism evident in this election cycle's trends witness the flowering of the natural roots of feminism. If those trends continue, 2010 will be the "Year of the Pro-Life Woman."

“Pro-life Feminism”

nomatterhowsmall — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:32:00 -0400

These days, few terms provoke more animated response from both the pro-life and pro-abortion sides than "pro-life feminism."

And why?

The right to end the life of an unborn child has been defined by most of the academic world and mainstream media as the centerpiece of contemporary feminism, causing many women, who otherwise support the ideals of equality of opportunity, to reject the label of “feminist.” But the increasing number and strength of pro-life women rising in business, academics, and now the political world is changing this notion. These women, including those endorsed by the SBA List Candidate Fund like Carly Fiorina in California, Nikki Haley in South Carolina, and Michele Bachmann in Minnesota, are forcing a profound reconsideration of the concept of authentic “feminism.”

The modern feminist movement helped to make strides for women—but at what cost? The death of untold numbers of unborn children and women—that is the profound cost of dividing women from their children and diminishing their exceptional creative power as bearers and protectors of human life.

Susan B. Anthony and the early feminists of the 19th century did not expect or desire this division between mother and child that has been perpetuated by women like Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda. The evidence is on our side: Susan B. Anthony’s newsletter, “The Revolution,” refused to carry advertisements for abortifacients, a potential source of significant revenue in its day, and regularly denounced abortion and infanticide.

Tomorrow at The Yale Club in New York City, an academic panel entitled “A Conversation on Pro-life Feminism” will continue the national conversation on the meaning of authentic women's leadership and address the charges and challenges that are being mounted in the media with increasing frequency (and occasional desperation) by advocates of the modern feminist revisionism.

This panel event will be streamed live online tomorrow morning (Thursday, August 26th), from 9:30 to 11:00 AM.

Our scholars, led by Helen Alvaré, J.D, M.A., of George Mason University's School of Law, will address:
•   The claim that the first wave of women's rights activists were pro-life
•   The ethical and philosophical harmony of a pro-life feminist position
•   The long-term significance of the array of strong, pro-life female candidates running for federal, state and local offices this year

Don't miss this chance to hear from the experts on the history of authentic pro-life feminism and its implications, particularly as we approach the midterm elections and the "Year of the Pro-life Woman." Register now to watch the live webcast of the conversation.

Marjorie Debates NARAL Virginia Over Abortion Clinic Regulations

nomatterhowsmall — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:21:00 -0400

Have you heard the news from Virginia? Yesterday, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli released a legal opinion that abortion clinics should be regulated by the state and held to the same health and safety standards as hospitals. Similar regulations already exists in 27 states, but pro-abortion groups like the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) of Virginia have already begun to attack this commonsense proposal designed to protect women.

This morning SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser had a debate with Tarina Keene of NARAL Virginia, who proved once again that pro-abortion advocates fight for radical abortion ideology—not women.

The SBA List will be working in the coming weeks to push pro-life Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia to support Attorney General Cuccinelli’s proposal. The lives of women in Virginia—and across the country—are on the line each day and our ideological differences should be set aside to make sure women are treated with respect and care in the safest possible conditions.

CBN: Federal Abortion Funding Fight Hits the Road

nomatterhowsmall — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 09:36:00 -0400

Check out this great interview with Congresswoman Musgrave in front of the U.S. Capitol with the Votes Have Consequences Express!

From CBN News:

The pro-life Susan B. Anthony List is taking its fight against government-funded abortions on the road.

The group has started a cross-country bus campaign to call out lawmakers who agreed to an executive order on abortion funding, and also urge that more be done to prevent tax dollars from going to abortion groups.

During last-minute health care bill negotiations, Congressman Bart Stupak and several others gave up on insisting tough anti-abortion language be put in the legislation. Instead, they accepted an executive order to be signed by President Obama that would forbid taxpayer funding of abortions through the new law.

Former Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave has been traveling on the Susan B. Anthony List bus, and feels the order is insufficient.

"We've had an opinion from Congressional Research Services saying that the executive order is not sufficient to prohibit taxpayer funding of abortions," she said. "Take a look at the real story. These people said they were pro-life. They caved on the big one. The executive order is a sham."

The candidates and their supporters insist Musgrave and her group are wrong.

Meanwhile, Musgrave says her bus journey to each candidate's home district has shown her the pro-life cause is still a powerful one for voters.

"It hits very hard. The majority of Americans now self-identify as pro-life," she said. "There are more and more young people who are pro-life. We saw a poll just come out that shows 53 percent of the women now say abortions are just too easy to get."

Military Base Abortions

JupHerr — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:20:00 -0400

As you may know, this May the Senate Armed Services Committee voted for an amendment from Senator Roland Burris of Illinois that will allow hospitals on military bases to provide elective abortions, funded by our tax dollars.

Regardless of any legal or political battles on the issue, the citizens of the United States oppose abortions in military hospitals proposed by this amendment. According to a poll conducted on July 14-18 by The Polling Company for the Center for Military Readiness and the Military Culture Coalition, Americans oppose abortions on military bases by a 49% to 41% margin. The percentage of voters strongly opposed (42%) outpaced those strongly in favor (26%). The poll also found that members of the military stand strongly against this practice, opposing it by 14 percentage points (51% oppose vs. 37% support). Both Independents (54% opposed vs. 37% supported) and Republicans (70% opposed vs. 22% supported) are resolutely against abortions in military hospitals.

Current law provides exceptions for abortions to be performed to save the life of the mother or in the cases of rape or incest--but that wasn’t enough for pro-abortion activists like Sen. Roland Burris.

According to http://www.lifenews.com/nat6376.html, Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi led the fight in the Senate Armed Services Committee against Burris’ amendment and spoke out about it on the Senate floor earlier this summer saying, "…if this stands, our military installations, Fort Bragg, Columbus Air Force Base, Keesler Air Force Base in my home state of Mississippi, their medical facilities will be able to be used for abortions, performed late term, abortions performed for purposes of sex selection, abortions performed for any reason."

Apparently, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee who voted in favor of this amendment are defending their vote by claiming that the amendment doesn't technically result in taxpayer funding for abortion. The truth is, if the Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations bill passes with the Burris amendment, abortions on-demand will be performed at military hospitals—and it will be at the taxpayer’s expense.

Americans United for Life President Charmaine Yoest pointed out that military base hospitals are totally paid for by American taxpayers in terms of personnel and supplies.

"Advocates for the amendment argue that the change would not amount to taxpayer funding for abortion, but this is completely false. American taxpayers will be footing the bill for elective abortions by paying for these military facilities, additional equipment, and the use of needed military personnel to perform abortions. Further, more money may be used to search for, hire, and transport new personnel to perform those abortions.”

There is still time to fight the inclusion of the Burris amendment in the DOD appropriations bill—which won’t be voted on by the Senate until they return from recess in November. Visit the SBA List Action Center right now to take action and show congress your opposition to abortions on military bases. Let your voice be heard: our troops deserve better and the assault on the conscience of American taxpayers, and to Life must be stopped.

Pro-Life Victory in South Carolina: 24-Hour Wait Period before Abortion

billyvalentine — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:03:00 -0400

Great news out of South Carolina today. Over 20 states have similar laws on the books:

Joined by state lawmakers and pro-life advocates at the Carolina Pregnancy Center in Spartanburg, Gov. Mark Sanford today signed H.3245, a bill establishing a 24-hour waiting period before abortions. The new law requires that a woman considering an abortion be given a full day to review materials objectively explaining what an abortion is and how to determine the age of an unborn fetus.

Setting the record straight

billyvalentine — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:30:00 -0400

Catholics United, a group funded by George Soros, a self-avowed atheist and longtime financier of Planned Parenthood, NOW, and NARAL, sent disruptive protesters to our Votes Have Consequences stop in Erie, Pennsylvania where local pro-life activists called out Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper for selling out Pennsylvania values by providing a key vote for the passage of Obama’s health care bill.

The protesters – led by James Salt, political director of Catholics United and close associat e of Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius (an avid pro-abortion activist and cheerleader of late-term abortionist George Tiller) – followed the bus as it made additional stops in Meadville, Grove City, and Butler.

It is important to note that during the health care debate, Catholics United actively opposed efforts to add Hyde amendment language to the bill to ensure taxpayer dollars wouldn’t be used to pay for abortions in health care legislation. From the start to the end of the debate, Catholics United worked to undermine the efforts of honest lawmakers working to protect the unborn, their mothers, and the conscience of American taxpayers.

So it comes as no surprise that Catholics United is now doing everything they can to undermine our efforts to educate pro-life voters as the mid-term elections draw near.

Catholics United protesters claimed the SBA List is lying about funding for abortion in health care because of an executive order issued by President Obama.

The problem with their argument is that the executive order doesn’t hold any legal weight, isn’t worth the paper it’s written on, and does not even attempt to address all the funding problems in the bill.

The executive order reiterates the accounting gimmick under which federal subsidies will be used to pay for insurance plans that cover elective abortion that Rep. Bart Stupak – the leader of the Democrats who sold out – objected to in a December press release: “… the segregation of funds to pay for abortion is another departure from current policy prohibiting federal subsidy of abortion coverage.”

For proof that the executive order did not ban federal funding of abortion in the health care bill, look no further than Pennsylvania, site of our rallies and Catholic United's protests.

Just over a month ago, on July 13th, HHS approved $160 million in federal taxpayer funding for Pennsylvania to establish a new high-risk insurance pool program that would cover any legal abortion in the state.

Only after the National Right to Life Committee and other pro-life groups and lawmakers very publicly protested the funds did HHS decide to ensure the taxpayer subsidized plan wouldn't include elective abortion.

But in assurances to pro-abortion groups, White House Office of Health Reform Director Nancy-Ann DeParle wrote in a blog post, “is not a precedent for other programs or policies given the unique, temporary nature of the program and the population it serves.”

So, it wasn't the executive order that made the difference, only a very public outcry only because pro-life groups were paying attention.

Thus, decisions made on whether abortions will be covered in taxpayer-subsidized health care will be decided on a case-by-case basis by President Obama’s appointees to HHS, not his executive order. And even if the executive order had any weight, it could easily be reversed by future presidents.

Instead of an executive order, Dahlkemper and other once pro-life Democrats could have held their ground and demand the insertion of statutory Hyde language permanently banning the health care bill from funding abortion. Of course, Catholics United opposed Hyde language, saying it went “too far.”

Stupak and Dahlkemper folded their cards, caved to party bosses, and now they are learning the consequences of their actions. Stupak has already retired, and our Votes Have Consequences project – with your continued support – is ensuring that every voter that cares about the protection of the unborn in Kathy Dahlkemper’s district knows she sold them out. And they’ll remember in November.

-- Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List

Bus Tour Hits Indiana State Fair, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

billyvalentine — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:20:00 -0400

Over the weekend, the Votes Have Consequences Express hit the Indiana State Fair where the staff enjoyed eating different foods you can only find at a decent state fair:

On Sunday, the bus headed to Toledo, Ohio where it met up with local pro-life activists for a cook-out.

And today, the bus tour hit the Keystone State, making stops in Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper's district. As noted last week, Dahlkemper preempted the bus tour on the very front page of her Congressional website.

Besides her own spin, Dahlkemper supporters organized by Catholics United, a pro-abortion front group funded by pro-abortion billionaire George Soros, who also funds Planned Parenthood, NARAL and NOW, came to our stop in Erie and followed the bus to our additional stops:

More on them later.

Luckily, four times as many local pro-life activists were there to support their local speakers including Tim Broderick, director of People for Life; Abigayle A. Koller, team facilitator of Rachel's Vineyard; Marielle Lafaro, first vice president of People for Life, and Ed Franz, former candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 3rd District:

And here's a great shot from our stop in Meadville:

Bus Tour Day 4

billyvalentine — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:02:00 -0400

The Votes Have Consequences Express continued roaring through Indiana today, making stops in New Albany, Seymour, Columbus, Franklin, and in Indianapolis. Tomorrow, it'll head to the Indiana State Fair before heading to Ohio and Pennsylvania.

The most exciting development today was that the Indiana chapter of National Organization for (Pro-Abortion) Women actually showed up! What they failed to bring without a message. When asked by reporters why exactly they were there and why they were protesting us, they couldn't provide an answer.

And that's no surprise to me. They organized to stick up for Reps. Brad Ellsworth and Baron Hill... but Ellsworth and Hill want their constituents to believe that they fought against taxpayer funding of abortion. So I don't see how having pro-abortion supporters bolsters their argument. The logic of NOW is just mind boggling.

Anyway, have a great weekend, SuzyB readers and we'll continue to give you updates from the road.

Great pic from today's stop in New Albany, IN

NOW: We're getting "slammed" by Pro-Lifers

billyvalentine — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:38:00 -0400

Looks like the Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour will have some company in Indianapolis tomorrow from the ever-shrinking and always aging National Organization for (Pro-Abortion) Women:

The Indiana Right to Life and the Susan B. Anthony List are having a state tour. The goal is to push the idea that abortions are funded by taxpayers and focus on Joe Donnelly and Brad Ellsworths’ vote on the health care bill.

We need action! We are getting slammed by the anti-choicers. Please join us Friday, August 13th, 3:15 pm at the Statehouse for the Indianapolis stop. Please pass this information to other like-minded groups also.

Here's what I don't get.

If Reps. Brad Ellsworth and Baron Hill were responsible for ensuring that taxpayers didn't fund abortion in ObamaCare like they claim, why is NOW rushing to their defense? Hmmm.......

Bus Tour Day 3

nomatterhowsmall — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:55:00 -0400

This morning, the Votes Have Consequences bus tour had a great start in Terre Haute, IN, the heart of Rep. Ellsworth's district. We had a ton of local media out to hear from Congresswoman Musgrave, Jennifer Buell from Wabash Valley Right to Life, Ryan McCann,, the Executive Director of Indiana Family Action, to name just a few of the great pro-life speakers!

From Terre Haute, it was off to Vincennes where we were joined by local pro-lifers, including Father John Sasse, Associate Pastor, St. John the Baptist and St. Vincent De Paul Parish. (Thanks for the tips on where to get the best Indiana watermelons, Fr. John!)

And off to Evansville, where we had a great crowd despite the 103+ (F) degree temperatures. It has been hot out here in Indiana, but one thing is for sure: this long, hot summer hasn't burned off any voter intensity on the Life issue. Votes Have Consequences, and Reps. Ellsworth, Hill, and Donnelly will be hearing from Hoosier voters at the ballot box in November.

On to Jasper, Indiana.. check back for updates!!

Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour is coming to Pennsylvania!

billyvalentine — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:30:00 -0400

The Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour is coming to Pennsylvania!

You can thank Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, a Democratic Congresswoman selling out the 3rd District for making it all possible.

In 2008, Kathy Dahlkemper campaigned for Congress as a pro-lifer and won. But when push came to shove, Dahlkemper caved to Pelosi and Obama and is personally responsible for ushering in the biggest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade by supporting ObamaCare.

Kathy Dahlkemper put politics above principle, sold out Pennslyvania values, and now it's time for her to pay.

The Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour will roll through her district this upcoming Monday, August 16th. Here's a quick rundown of the press conferences and speakers. Local activists are invited to attend and bring homemade signs.

8:45 AM: Erie at the Erie Intermodal Transportation Center, speakers include Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, Tim Broderick of People for Life, and Abigayle A. Koller of Rachel's Vineyard.

10:30 AM: Meadville at the Bicenntential Park. Speakers include Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave and Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania

12:15 PM: Grove City at the Grove City Memorial Park. Speakers include Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave.

1:45 PM: Butler at the Diamond Square Park. Speakers include Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, Amy Scheuring of the Woman's Choice Network and Chelsea Rearick of Life Choices.

If you're in the area, make sure to bring your friends, co-workers, family, etc. to any of the stops.

We already know that Dahlkemper is a tad bit worried about the bus roaring through her district considering the current splash on the front-page of her Congressional website:

Considering that Dahlkemper's name is spelled wrong -- Dahlkekmper -- and the text contains grammatical errors, I'd say her efforts to spin are off to a bad start.

Why the spin?

Check out our PA-03 polling results here -- 3 out of 4 voters in Pennsylvania's 3rd District oppose taxpayer funding of abortion, and oppose the overall health care bill by a margin of 51% to 39%. Monday should be fun.

Bus Tour Day 2

nomatterhowsmall — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:36:00 -0400

We started off this morning with a flat tire in South Bend, IN, but thanks to a quick repair, we were on the road again in no time. The bus even made it in time to our South Bend stop for a photo op!

On to Rochester and Kokomo, IN..

And finally on to Lafayette, where Collin Knolhoff, a young pro-life speaker and activist, joined Congresswoman Musgrave and Tom Minnery.

VIDEO: SBA List Bus Stops in Fort Wayne, IN

nomatterhowsmall — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:15:00 -0400

Check out the great coverage yesterday's Fort Wayne, IN stop of the Votes Have Consequences bus tour.

Bus Tour Day One!

nomatterhowsmall — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:33:00 -0400

The Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour has begun. This morning, the first stop was in Cincinnati, Ohio, where SBA List spokeswoman Marilyn Musgrave was joined by Paula Westwood of Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati, Bobbi Radeck, and a number of other pro-life activists from Ohio!

Members of Catholics United, a George Soros-funded group masquerading as a pro-life organization, was also there in an attempt to disrupt our first stop. Catholics United, along with the Catholic Health Association, defied the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and national pro-life groups by supporting the health care reform bill without real pro-life language. Thank you so much to all of our members in Cincinnati and the surrounding area who came out to stand up for the unborn and their mothers. Abortion is not health care!!

The SBA List ladies are now on their way to Muncie, Indiana. Check back later for more updates!

Updated: Marilyn Musgrave in Muncie, IN.

And on to Fort Wayne...

Wrapping up the first day in Elkhart, IN!

"A picture's worth a thousand words..."

Laura4Life — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:06:00 -0400

Did you know that “data suggest that among at risk women the combined provision of counseling and ultrasound results in nearly 60% more stated decisions for life than with counseling alone”?! 60%! Statistics created by Focus on the Family’s “Option Ultrasound Program” have concluded that since OUP’s humble beginning in 2004 roughly 81,000 babies have been saved. 81,000 precious and beautiful lives! Between 2004 and 2010 OUP has granted 378 ultrasound machines and 128 sonography trainings throughout the country. “The Option Ultrasound Program (OUP) provides grants to qualifying pregnancy medical clinics for 80% of the cost of a new ultrasound machine or sonography training for your medical personnel.”

Approximate costs for an ultrasound machine average: $21,000 - $33,000

Approximate training costs: $13,000 - $17,000

Saving a life & seeing your child for the first time: PRICELESS

With the help of Focus on the Family’s OUP, pregnancy medical clinics can file to become eligible to receive an ultrasound machine for their ministry at %20 of the cost (Focus on the Family covers the other 80%). Lee of Tennessee shares with Focus on the Family that “…going back to that first ultrasound, where I saw his heart beating, and then to hold him in my arms when he was born, I just thank God for every moment of it…that I made the right choice.” OUP had worked with organizations like Project Ultrasound to help more at risk women view ultrasounds and choose life. Project Ultrasound states that “Between seventy and ninety-percent of "abortion minded" mothers who see an ultrasound choose life, but only 40% of crisis pregnancy centers nationwide are equipped with ultrasound machines due their extremely high cost.”

Likewise, the Knights of Columbus have created the “Ultrasound Initiative.” “The Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative seeks to provide medically certified pro-life pregnancy centers with the modern technology to monitor the health of babies in utero, and to allow mothers to visually experience their development.” The ultrasound is literally a “window to the womb” in which parents are able to see and realize that their child is a human being not a “choice.” Creator and Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson stated that “Even from the early stages of pregnancy, a mother can see her developing child, hear the baby’s heartbeat, and to recognize the miracle of the new life within her.”

“To actually know that everything had developed in such a short amount of time, if I could not have seen that, I would still have been in disbelief that that is still a child. Just to see that big bright light (the heart beat) coming out of the machine was just incredible. To know that that was a human and that was a part of me…you just gain this closeness that was really life chancing for me and I guess that was the point that I had to stand up and say that this is my child too.” – A fathers ultrasound experience

Votes Have Consequences Express Hits the Road

nomatterhowsmall — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:12:00 -0400

The SBA List's Votes Have Consequences Express is headed cross country for its first stop tomorrow morning: Cincinnati, OH.

Tomorrow at 8:45 AM at Fountain Square (500 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202), SBA List spokeswoman and fmr. Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave will be joined by Paula Westwood of Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati, Bobbi Radeck, and other pro-life leaders and activists from across Ohio to say, "Votes have consequences!" to Congressman Steve Driehaus.

Planning to be there??
Email: information@sba-list.org, and check out www.sba-list.org/bustour for more details on the other stops!!

Judge Gives Virginia OK to Press On With Health Care Lawsuit Against Feds

JupHerr — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 18:03:00 -0400

Check out the latest progress with a lawsuit against the government's health care bill.

Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour

JupHerr — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:23:00 -0400

Starting next Tuesday, while Members of Congress are home for their August recess, the SBA List team will travel across Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio to bring a message to the “pro-life Democrats” and the voters in their districts!

As you may remember, we’ve done it before, but this time it’s different.

Seven months ago we stood outside district offices across the Midwest with messages of thanks and encouragement, imploring Reps. Brad Ellsworth, Kathy Dahlkemper, Steve Driehaus, Joe Donnelly, Baron Hill and Marcy Kaptur to hold firm to their pro-life principles and honor the will of their constituents.

Those Representatives, along with Congressmen Bart Stupak and Alan Mollohan, had all the bargaining power in their hands—the power to ensure lifesaving language be included in the health care bill. But, as we all know, they chose to compromise their principles and pass a bill without sufficient language protecting the unborn and American conscience.

That was their choice and now, through the expansion of “health care,” untold numbers of unborn babies will lose their lives before they’ve even taken their first breath.

So next week when the SBA List travels through Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio, on our Votes Have Consequences bus tour, it will be to mobilize pro-life voters across these districts. The only way to stop the Obama-Pelosi legislative agenda, repeal their deadly laws and cancel the gusher of tax dollars they’re channeling to abortionists, is to make sure that authentic pro-life leaders are elected in November!

Do you live in Pennsylvania, Indiana, or Ohio? Come visit us on tour! If you – or any of your friends– live near any of the cities and towns along the tour route, we’d love for you to join us and send an even stronger message for Life in 2010. Look for more updates on the SuzyB blog and SBA List website as we confirm our locations.

SBA List’s Votes Have Consequences Bus Tour

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cincinnati, OH

Muncie, IN

Fort Wayne, IN

5Elkhart, IN

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

South Bend, IN

Rochester, IN

Kokomo, IN

Lafayette, IN

Crawfordsville, IN

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Terre Haute, IN

Vincennes, IN

Evansville, IN

Jasper, IN

Friday, August 13, 2010

New Albany, IN

Seymour, IN

Columbus, IN

Franklin, IN

Indianapolis, IN

Saturday, August 14, 2010

State Fair in Indianapolis, IN

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Toledo, OH

Monday, August 16, 2010

Erie, PA

Meadville, PA

Grove City, PA

Butler, PA

More information about exact time and locations in the destination cities will be posted soon. We hope to see you there!

Indiana Planned Parenthood Caught On Tape Giving Fabricated Medical Information

loveletslive — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:16:00 -0400

In late July Live Action, an awesome pro-life group that goes undercover to Planned Parenthood clinics, released yet another video exposing the medical misinformation and lies that Planned Parenthood provides to women who seek counselling.

Here’s the video:

This is the third video that Live Action has released in their Rosa Acuna Project, which is a multi-state undercover investigation focused on exposing medical misinformation and manipulative counseling at Planned Parenthood. It’s ironic that this is exactly what Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups accuse of pro-life crisis pregnancy centers.

Pregnancy care centers across this country are a huge threat to Planned Parenthood clinics because they offer women something other than a dead baby. They offer women actual emotional, practical, medical, and even financial help when they need it most. Planned Parenthood can’t stand losing abortion clients and money, and attacks CPC’s every chance it can by claiming they are providing unscientific information and promoting rediculous legislation.

Thank you Live Action for showing the world that it is Planned Parenthood and pro-aborts who are afraid of science and give manipulative medical information, not CPC’s and pro-lifers!

First Embryonic Stem Cell Treatment on Humans Approved

JupHerr — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:24:00 -0400

The FDA recently announced that they have approved cloning company Geron’s request to use embryonic stem cell therapy for patients with spinal cord injuries. Embryonic stem cells have never been used in humans because the technology has never been proven to work on animals without side effects. The results of embryonic stem cell tests haven’t changed but the government’s decision to allow the use of embryonic stem cell treatment has.

Studies continue to prove that the use of embryonic stem cell treatment results in rejection of the cells from the body, or side effects such as the growth of teratomas or cysts. Despite concerns from the scientific community, Geron has been eager to engage in human embryonic stem cell therapy since 2005.

In a Lifenews.com story, Jerry Silver, neuroscience professor and stem-cell researcher at Case Western Reserve University, warns, “Frankly, I cannot conceive of a human trial with the use of human embryonic stem cells following immediately from experiments in rodents only. Many treatments that work in rodents to alleviate disease fail miserably in humans.” Stem cell researchers like Silver warn that success with rats does not necessarily mean that the procedure will be successful in humans. Even in the most recent tests there were side effects on the rats used, which can be found directly from Geron’s website.

Since the FDA has announced the approval of Geron’s bid while major health and moral concerns remain, some people are questioning the motives of Geron, who states “safety” as the primary endpoint in their scientific studies. The timing also seems to suggest political or moral strategy, as Geron announced the FDA’s approval of their embryonic stem cell treatment 4 days into Barrack Obama’s presidency, but has been "on hold" until now. Dr. David Prentice, former biology professor at Indiana State University and fellow at the Family Research Council comments in an article on Life news. "Even many pro-embryonic stem cell scientists have expressed reservations about Geron's trial, that it is not proven even in rats. The concern for many of us is that Geron is endangering patient's health and very lives, to make a political point and increase their stock price."

President Obama supports the use of embryonic stem cells in humans, even though there has been no proof of human success with embryonic stem cells despite years of research. President Bush on the other hand put limits on embryonic funding, and designated more money towards adult stem cell technology, which has already been successful for years in treating more than a hundred diseases and conditions. Dr. Pretice goes on to advocate adult stem cells. "In the meantime, adult stem cells have already shown published scientific evidence for safety and successful repair of spinal cord injury in patients. Only adult stem cells offer both an ethical and successful path to healing.”

This recent FDA approval proves that legislation and funding in our country is moving towards the proven-dangerous and less effective embryonic stem cell treatment, and away from the already successful adult stem cell treatments. This is being done with your money to “progress” medical technology and health care. This is a paradox that no logical tax-paying citizen wants to support.

Pro-Life Hero - Congressman Chris Smith!

Laura4Life — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:07:00 -0400

Yesterday, “Pro-life human rights advocate and U.S. Congressman Chris Smith testified at a U.N. subcommittee hearing on the Millennium Development Goals, where he argued that strong evidence indicates that encouraging legal abortion would harm the U.N.’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality rates all over the world.” Today, Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) introduced legislation that combines provisions against abortion funding into one power-packed piece of legislation that will ensures the federal government is not funding elective abortions called the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.” And Tonight, Representative Chris Smith will be receiving the Wilberforce Leadership Award at the Students for Life of America 3rd annual Summer Social in Washington. Congressman Chris Smith is a modern day pro-life hero! As stated above, Chairman of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, Chris Smith has created and introduced the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” to prohibit abortion funding at all levels of government. In a letter to Lifenews.com, Congressman Chris Smith states that:

"For over 30 years, a patchwork of policies has regulated federal funding for abortion. Together these various policies ensure that the American taxpayer is not involved in funding the destruction of innocent human life through abortion on demand…This comprehensive approach will reduce the need for the numerous separate abortion funding policies and ensure that no program or agency is exempt from this important safeguard…"

Lifenews.com adds that “The bill essentially could be called a Hyde Amendment Plus, as it wraps together the Hyde Amendment, related to programs funded through the HHS appropriations, along with the Helms amendment, which applies to overseas programs, the Smith FEHBP amendment to stop abortion funding in federal employee health insurance programs, the Dornan amendment prohibiting abortion funding in the District of Columbia, and other policies governing programs such as the Peace Corp and federal prisons.” This block of federally funded abortions is essential! “According to a recent GAO report, Planned Parenthood receives over $300 million a year in taxpayer funds. This act would not only defund abortion organizations but would also make the Hyde and Helms amendments, and other pro-life protections that must be renewed annually, permanent law.”

Thank you Congressman Chris Smith for all that you do to protect the sanctity of Life and congratulations on tonight’s award!

Vote Life-Vote Fallin

JupHerr — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:52:00 -0400

Last night’s results of the gubernatorial primaries in Oklahoma were historic, yielding a race between Republican Mary Fallin and Democrat Jari Askins for Governor. The United States has only seen two female candidates face off in a general election for Governor three times. Oklahoma will soon have its first female governor regardless of the outcome. But make no mistake; these two female candidates are very different. Only one candidate holds the same stance on Life that the early feminist pioneers of our country held so dearly.

Like Susan B. Anthony and the other trailblazing, early feminists, Mary Fallin fights for Life. After Fallin’s win last night, SBA List Candidate Fund President Marjorie Dannenfelser said, “A new women’s movement which affirms its original pro-life roots is making its way across the country, and Rep. Fallin is one of its brightest stars.” Mary proves this with her 100% Pro-Life voting record.

The people of Oklahoma want pro-life laws put into effect, but current Governor Brad Henry has vetoed all pro-life legislation that makes it to his desk. One such bill requires mothers seeking abortions to see an ultrasound of their child before the procedure. This bill has been vetoed by Henry twice, but Mary Fallin will stop the deadlock and sign these important pieces of legislation.

With Mary Fallin as Governor, major progress will be made in the fight for Life. The people of Oklahoma need women like Mary Fallin as governor, who will work tirelessly for the unborn and their mothers- securing basic human rights for all. Hopefully, in the future, more states will be as lucky.

The Komen Connection

JupHerr — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:36:00 -0400

October will be here before we know it, and that means National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Good hearted people will buy pink merchandise from organizations that support breast cancer research. The largest of these organizations is Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Fighting Breast Cancer is a noble cause, however the people behind the pink movement don’t always adhere to their mission to, “Save lives, empower people, [and] ensure quality care for all…”

The problem is that the affiliates of Susan G Komen for the Cure donate millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood. Eric Winer, chief scientific advisor for SGK said in a letter addressing their affiliation with Planned Parenthood that, “Planned Parenthood uses these funds only for breast health education, screening, and treatment programs,” and that SGK checks the organization twice a year to make sure the money donated is used only for the previously mentioned purposes. Even if Planned Parenthood only uses the money towards measures to fight breast cancer, it does not change the fact that donations to fight breast cancer also help Planned Parenthood carry out their role as the largest abortion provider in the nation. When Planned Parenthood gets funding “just to help breast cancer,” it allows for donations from others to go straight to funding abortions. If nothing else it gives the organization more money to thrive.

There are also studies that link abortion to breast cancer- which is precisely what SGK is supposed to be fighting against. These studies have been disputed for years, but in an article “Planned Parenthood deepens link to breast-cancer group,” Jill Stanek uses the most basic of logic to explain how abortions cause more breast cancer (at least indirectly). The following are facts that SGK acknowledges; childbearing protects women from breast cancer (The more children you have and the sooner you have them decreases your chance for breast cancer), breast-feeding protects against breast cancer, and never having children or delaying having children increases a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. So it is pretty obvious that abortion helps cause Breast Cancer, simply because having children helps prevent breast cancer.

Since the pro-life cause is “kind of a big deal” here at SBA List, as well as a root of faith for many pro-lifers, we should all make sure we know where our donation money is going during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Knowingly giving money to help the pro-abortion agenda is not “morally permissible” in the Catholic Church, despite what the “Susan G. Komen for the Multiple Causes” website may say.

Quit Meddling in Kenya!

KHudson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:44:00 -0400

Kenya may soon have a new constitution…with a little help from their friends: American friends, that is. The referendum to be held on August 4 is supported by the United States, though this “support” favors the “yes” vote. The Obama representative to Kenya originally did not openly support the proposed Constitution but rather the referendum process itself…until today. Michael Ranneberger, the US Representative to Kenya, has publically declared his support of Kenya’s proposed pro-abortion constitution.

In this new constitution, abortion, which is currently illegal (minus exceptions to save the mother’s life,) will include re-defined allowances for the procedure for health reasons as determined by a medical professional; the new provisions are vague and broadly defined. This translates into abortion on demand. "We, the Catholic bishops…are convinced that the constitution will result in liberalisation of abortion laws," stated John Cardinal Njue, according to LifeNews.

“Evidence gathered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Inspector General (IG) Donald Gambatesa clearly shows that the Obama Administration has funded grantees with the express purpose of identifying and mobilizing tens of thousands of “yes” votes.” LifeNews

These recipients include The Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya (COTU) receiving $91,106.66 to “marshal a coalition of pro-Constitution individuals, institutions, and organizations to drum up political support for the Proposed Constitution by organizing a public rally at the historic Kamukunji Grounds, Nairobi.” Also included in the funding is the Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance (KMYA), receiving $56,953.33 from the US for “one of a series of activities that aim to contribute to an ‘overrepresentation’ of the YES voters at the next referendum. Specifically, OTI will provide support to Kenya Muslims Youth Alliance (KMYA) in the form of transportation and communications” according to LifeNews.

The population of Kenya is overwhelmingly pro-life. In March of this year, the polling company Synovate asked voters the following question: “Thinking about abortion, which of the following is closest to your view?” Approximately 69 percent of Kenyans are against legalizing abortions while only 9 percent support it. About 16 percent said abortion is not a big deal while 6 percent had no opinion.
When asked, “When do you believe human life begins?” only 19 percent stated that human life begins at the time of birth. Some 77 percent of Kenyans stated that life begins at conception.

“Respondents were also asked about their views concerning the new Kenyan Constitution and found only 19 percent support it as currently written, while a majority, 52 percent, want Parliament to revise the document before passage.” LifeNews

America ought to be that “City on the Hill” as proclaimed and envisioned by early Americans. We have regressed so far that we kill our own for the sake of selfish pursuits and are now encouraging other nations to follow our lead. We have descended into a country promoting a culture of death. Are we not content with the 50 plus million children aborted since 1973 and the numerous birth control options? Must we intrude into the politics of other nations and promote our agenda there, too? I think not.

A Little Insight from JP2!

Laura4Life — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:34:00 -0400

In his theological time bomb (called one of the “boldest reconfigurations of Catholic theology in centuries”) Theology of the Body, Pope John Paul II helps readers understand what it means to be human and why God so beautifully created us man and woman. The series of Wednesday audiences delivered between 1979 and 1984 have been compiled by Christopher West into a book called Theology of the Body Explained – still a hard read! Thankfully, Christopher West has further simplified his explanation of the Theology of the Body Explained into a simpler and much smaller version titled Theology of the Body for Beginners, which is much more accessible to a metro-commuting, non-theological expert, such as myself. However, my mind is blown away with every passing day because of the truths jumping off of each page– it is no wonder the Theology of the Body is expected to be a theological time bomb of the 21st century! Today’s chapter was on abortion.

In the Theology of the Body, Pope John Paul II explains that when unions are “oriented towards love and life, they build families and, in turn, cultures that live the truth of love and life. When it is oriented against love and life, the sexual act breeds death – what John Paul II grimly, yet accurately, describes as a “culture of death” is a culture that, failing to recognize the infinite worth of every human person, chooses death as a “solution” to its problems.” Still confused about the connection between our choices and the culture of death? In his explanation, Christopher West says “Asks yourself: Why do we kill approximately 4,000 unborn babies every day in the United States alone? Because we are misusing and abusing God’s great gift. Make no mistake: in the final analysis, the abortion debate is not about when life begins [it begins at the moment of conception and ends at natural death]. It is about the meaning of sex. What most men and women who fight for abortion want is not so much the “right” to kill their offspring, but the “right” to have unrestricted sex without consequences.” Consequences which are a violation of the trust God has in each of us, especially women. God entrusts women with the ability to be mothers in both the spiritual and physical sense. Joyce Little explains this as “a violation of trust, indeed of the most basic trust, whereby God the Father entrusts to the care and protection of a mother every child he creates.” “Concern for the child, even before birth, from the moment of conception and then throughout the years of infancy and youth, is the primary and fundamental test of the relationship of one human being to another.” This fundamental relationship between mother and child is the very reason women will lead the Pro-Life movement! Women like Jane Norton and Sharron Angle who are protecting the innocent unborn babies of our world by standing up for their femininity, dignity, and mission in life.

In his encyclical Evangelium Viate (The Gospel of Life) John Paul II writes “It is an illusion to think we can build a true culture of life if we do not…accept and experience sexuality and love and the whole of life according to their true meaning and their close interconnection” (EV 97) He then discuses the importance of respecting the meaning and dignity of human life – a logic which does not necessarily “bode well” with all of our popular culture. This is why John Paul II urges the 21st century to be the century that takes on the task of building a culture of life and opposing the culture of death. LOVE LET’S LIVE!

The "Very Extreme" Elena Kagan

smorris — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:11:00 -0400

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 16-3 in favor of confirming Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. The mainly party-line vote (Sen. Lindsey Graham was the only Republican to vote in favor), comes after a several week long questioning period. Despite having never argued a case at trial and never having argued before the Supreme Court, Elena Kagan was nominated by President Obama to be Solicitor General of the US on January 2009. Sixteen months later, on May 9, 2010 it was announced that President Obama had selected Kagan to be the replacement justice for pro-abortion Justice John Paul Stevens and serve on the highest court in the land, despite having no judicial experience whatsoever.

Kagan, who has expressed support for the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade served as a law clerk for pro-abortion Justice Thurgood Marshall, one of the seven concurring justices of Roe. Kagan has cited Marshall as her inspiration and “role model.” In the 1990s Kagan worked in the Clinton administration drafting letters for the president and advising him on a number of matters, including abortion. Kagan’s nomination has been subject to intense scrutiny for a number of reasons, including her barring of military recruiters from the Harvard campus when she was the Harvard Law Dean and her belligerence towards groups such as the NRA, which she grouped together with the Ku Klux Klan. However, none of her positions have drawn more concern than her positions on abortion.

From 1995 to 1999, Kagan served as President Bill Clinton's Associate White house Counsel and Deputy Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council, during which time Congress passed the Partial Abortion Ban by a two thirds margin. However, under Kagan’s advice, President Clinton vetoed it which put him at risk of being overridden, a bad political situation. Kagan urged him to support the more moderate version of the ban, with an amendment from then Minority Leader Tom Daschle, which included an exception for “the health of the mother.” “Health of the mother” has been used by pro-abortion doctors and activists for decades to obtain elective abortions for frivolous, non-health related reasons. In fact, most doctors agree that partial birth abortion is never needed to protect the health or life of the mother. LifeSiteNews.com reports “[The] American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists…panel in October of 1996 drafted a medical report on partial-birth abortion, which stated that they “‘could identify no circumstances under which [partial-birth abortion] would be the only option to save the life or preserve the health of the woman.’“ The article goes on to detail how Kagan altered the report to fit her own agenda.

“Kagan, however, in a December memo called the draft a "disaster" and wrote the following statement, which [she] included in the final draft of the ACOG report: ‘"An intact D&X [dilation and extraction, or partial-birth abortion], however, may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman, and a doctor should be allowed to make this determination."’

Kagan is likely to have also interfered with testimony from the American Medical Association also regarding partial birth abortion. By tampering with the statement by the ACOG, Kagan displayed a complete disregard for judicial objectivity and ethical boundaries. It is no wonder that Americans United for Life’s Bill Saunders called Kagan “very extreme” and warned against her nomination, which he predicted would be “bad” for pro life causes.
This week SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser wrote a letter to every senator urging a “no” vote on Kagan’s confirmation, citing “deep concern over her objectivity in weighing factual information concerning abortion” and “a willingness to bend medical facts to support an ideological point of view,” which she called “inconsistent with the temperament required of a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.” Kagan’s confirmation vote will likely happen before August 6, when the Senate begins a five week recess. So far nine senators, including Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have announced they will vote against confirmation. In addition to the Susan B. Anthony List, National Right to Life Committee, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Right to Life Advocates, Pastors for Life, and Operation Rescue have expressed opposition to Kagan’s confirmation.

Planned Parenthood Names Pelosi “Champion of Women’s Health”

loveletslive — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:54:00 -0400

Thursday night, as reported by Lifenews, Planned Parenthood threw a party-featuring 300 cheering high school students and college students where Cecile Richards presented Nancy Pelosi with the “Champion of Women’s Health” award.

Since “Women’s Health" is primarily a euphemism for abortion, I’m actually inclined, for once, to agree with Planned Parenthood. Pelosi certainly is their champion! Her efforts to ram health care that includes taxpayer funding of abortion down the throats of Americans, for which she is being rewarded, practically make her the abortion queen. Or maybe Cecile Richards is the queen? Pelosi can be abortion princess.

Another thing Pelosi is the champion of : hypocrisy. The prime example of this being her blatant actions and words against life while still, bizarrely, claiming to be a faithful Catholic.

Pelosi has earned her title. We’ll let her keep it, but let’s do everything we can to take away her power.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Random

loveletslive — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:38:00 -0400

The Good:

The Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill into law on Wednesday that requires clinics to offer every woman an ultrasound as well the opportunity to listen to her unborn baby’s heartbeat. The state will also provide literature on the risks associated with abortion- including this awesome sentence:

"The life of each human being begins at conception. Abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being." (AP)

Missouri is also doubly awesome for being the 5th State to opt-out of taxpayer funding of abortion in the new federal health care bill, following Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The Bad:

Nebraska has been passing some great legislation, like the Fetal Pain Bill previously blogged about on SuzyB. They also passed a law that required mental health screenings for women seeking abortions to determine if they have risk factors for mental or physical problems after abortions and to determine if they were being pressured into the procedure. The bad part is, on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press, District Judge Laurie Smith Camp put a halt to a law at the request of Planned Parenthood, who calls the screenings “irrelevant to abortion.” It’s pretty apparent which side really cares about the health of women.

The Ugly:

In addition to Pennsylvania, as Kathryn Lopez of the National Review reports, New Mexico will be receiving federal funding for a high risk pool state health plan, 37 million dollars to be exact, which covers “elective-abortion services.” This is just the beginning of the federal funding of abortion consequences of the health care bill.

The Random (but profound):

Harry Reid has a lot of voices speaking against him. Even from beyond the grave.

In Charlotte McCourt’s obituary, which appeared in Tuesday’s Las Vegas Journal-Review, her family wrote:

““We believe that Mom would say she was mortified to have taken a large role in the election of Harry Reid to U.S. Congress. Let the record show Charlotte was displeased with his work. Please, in lieu of flowers, vote for another more worthy candidate.”

McCourt is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, whose members tend to be very pro-family and pro-life. Reid, who is also LDS, was obviously not living up to those values.

Let’s all make sure we’re joining the voice of Charlotte McCourt, fulfilling her dying wish, and demand support for pro-life Sharron Angle for Nevada Senate.