We just learned that the Judiciary Committee will hear the Bill, which is the same as the ballot question on doctor prescribed suicide, H3884, on March 6th at 1:00pm. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. We will need a major presence. The legislature could pass H3884 and it would be all over.
I listed the wrong date for the lawyer's meeting with Jennifer Popik. The actual date is Thur, Feb 16th at 6:00pm at the MCFL office.
We are changing the date for the nurses' meeting so that you nurses will have more time to reach out before the hearings. There will be another nurses' meeting in the western part of the state later.
Also, because the hearings are close, we invite all pharmacists to attend the nurses' meeting. The process for developing Nurses Against Doctor Prescribed Suicide and the information members need will be the same for the Pharmacists.
All the correct information is now listed below. The actual fight is beginning. We are ready. We need to get moving.
If you are a doctor, please visit www.doctorsagainstsuicide.com. Drs. John Howland, Mark Rollo, and many others are doing a stellar job of identifying doctors in the state who are opposed to DPS. I know you will want to work with them.
If you are a lawyer or law student, you are invited to the MCFL office at the Schrafft Center in Charlestown at 6:00pm on Thursday, February 16th for a special evening. Jennifer Popik, JD, from the Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics in DC, is coming to give a legal analysis of the proposed law in Massachusetts. Jennifer and the Center have been involved in all the other states where DPS has come up. She will go into many interesting aspects of the proposal. I hope this will help prepare you to speak out and write Letters to the Editor. Please reply to this email or call 617-242-4199, X 230 to let us know you are coming because we will provide a light supper.
If you are a nurse or a pharmacist or a student in either area, you are invited to the MCFL office at the Schrafft Center in Charlestown from 9:30am to 11:30 am on Saturday, February 18th. We will talk about the petition, it implications for you and what you can do as an individual and as part of a nurses' or pharmacists' group. Please note that retired professionals are every bit as necessary as those still in the field.
There is no protection to keep pharmacists from being required to fill those deadly prescriptions!
Please pass this along to all doctors, lawyers, nurses, and pharmacists whom you know and anyone else who might want to testify. Thanks! Anne
The MCFL Caucus was amazing! At one point I had to ask some people to move out to the foyer because I was concerned about fire laws.
It is wonderful to see the number of young people, but I also saw many who have come every year since the 70's.
I will be sharing with you information from all our wonderful speakers. Prof New closed the caucus with his usual great analysis of state laws. She told us that planned parenthood has announced that 2011 was their worst year ever! Twenty-Four states passed 92 pro-life laws. Prof New's figures along with those reported by Texas at the NRLC Board meeting, indicate that states have defunded PP by more than $120 million.
A local radio station is broadcasting live.
Congressmen are lined up to speak. The drizzle is very heavy as we set off.
Sunday: 39 years and 55 million dead babies. Who knows how many damaged women.
Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston and others who are interested can join the Marchers in prayer as they journey to DC on Sunday at a local church at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm. http://www.bostoncatholic.org/...
For Sunday also, we have joined Jill Stanek who says. "This Sunday, January 22, pro-life bloggers, tweeters, facebookers, commenters, debaters, apologists, and rabble-rousers will band together to counter NARAL's Blog for Choice Day by asking them everywhere they can, "What do you mean by that word, 'choice'"?
"The pro-life bloggers and their contributors are using the same day to ask them: 'exactly what do they mean by CHOICE'? Feel free to join the party. If you tweet, add #tweet4choice to your effort. Use your facebook or similar accounts too! It's good clean fun, and will drive NARAL nutz."
If you can't make the assembly on the 29th, you can still hear Wayne Cockfield.
"The Dangers of Doctor Prescribed Suicide - to You and to Society"
Wayne Cockfield, USMCRet, nationally known pro-life speaker who lost both his legs and partial use of one hand in battle, will speak about the dangers of the Doctor Prescribed Suicide petition, which will be on the Massachusetts ballot. Phelan Center, Blessed Sacrament Parish, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester, on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7:30 pm. Sponsored by Massachusetts Citizens for Life.
Sunday ushers in the 40th post-Roe year. When the cause is life we will never give up. For those of us in Massachusetts, it will be the most challenging year we have ever had. With that in mind, we have chosen a more active, forceful logo for these emails. I hope you like it.
I leave at the crack of dawn Saturday morning for the National Right to Life Board meeting in DC. I'll let you know what is happening there. Anne
After hearing the local church bell toll for someone who had passed-on, I got to thinking:
I understand wanting to honor the person, but it seems out of balance, only hearing a bell for death.
Wouldn't it be just awesome, if there were a similar (nowadays digital) bell sound, that could ring out from atop the hospitals when someone enters this life? It should be a lighter tone, not so ominous sounding, if you know what I mean. But I for one would get a kick out of hearing it each time. It's hopeful.
Janet tells me that many buses are full but she can still fit in a few more people. The Braintree bus definitely has a few spaces. Sign up ASAP so that we can get your MCFL knitted cap to your bus captain. http://www.masscitizensforlife...
We have some delightful news about the Caucus. The link is a press release telling about a wonderful new program we have just started, which will be included at the Caucus. Michael will address Caucus-goers. http://massprolife.com/compone...
We just received news that the 2013 March for Life will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013! It will be the 40th Anniversary and we will have come off a winning election. Now that it will be Friday, we can all go. Looking forward to seeing you in DC and/or the Assembly on the 29th! Anne
As you are marking your new 2012 Calendar, please note these important dates:
Jan 14: Open House for anyone who is thinking of speaking on the life issues. You are invited to the MCFL Office to hear current speakers present what they say and what it is like to be an MCFL Speaker. All are welcome, 9:30 am - noon. Please call 617-242-4199 X 230 to register.
Jan 23: Massachusetts Caucus, Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Builiding, Washinton DC, 9:30 am - 11:30 am. We will hear from Hadley Arkes, Dwight Duncan, Karen Cross, Jennifer Popik, Dan Avila, Thea Rossi-Barron, Michael New, and Michael Pakaluk. They are experts in areas affecting us - like the Scott Brown election and the Doctor Prescribed Suicide petition. Coffee and pastries provided
Jan 23: March for Life, noon to 3:00. The buses are filling up quickly. Check http://www.masscitizensforlife... for bus information.
Jan 29: Assembly for Life, Faneuil Hall, 2pm - 4pm. Nationally known Wayne Cockfield, USMCR, who lost both legs and partial use of his hands on active duty, will speak about the dangers of the Doctor Prescribed Suicide petition. The Treblemakers from The Montrose School were so popular last year. They have agreed to sing again.
Feb 21: Student Lobby Day at the State House: meet legislators, learn the process, have a private tour.
Dec 31, 2011: Last day for matching gift challenge. I am so grateful to all who have given. If you have not yet supported our life-saving efforts, please help right now, http://www.masscitizensforlife... Thank you all! Anne
I think everyone is behind schedule because of the delightful weather we have been having. Jan 22nd is fast approaching! The March for Life and Massachusetts Caucus will be Monday, Jan. 23rd
Bus Captains are already hard at work making arrangements for you and Janet is doing her usual outstanding job of coordinating. The Year 2012 is going to be huge for us, so start it off with a bang!
I hope every one of us can get to the March! Anne
39th Annual March for Life
Buses with one or two overnight stays
Departs from: Burlington Mall
Departure Date & Time: Sat. Jan. 21st at 10:00 PM
One-night (Sun.) stay at Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Hotel
Return home at 5:00 PM after the March arriving home around 2:00 AM
Cost: $196 per person, double occupancy (other rates available)
Contact: Theresa Gorey at 978-475-6673; Cell 978-886-2911;
email thegoreys@comcast.net or Jane Finn at 978-658-6115; Cell 978-618-5005
Departs from: Immaculate Conception in Malden
with second pick-up at St. Margaret's in Burlington
Departure Date & Time: Sun., Jan. 22nd at 7:30 AM
Two-night (Sun. & Mon.) stay at Holiday Inn, College Park, MD
Return home on Tues., Jan. 24th arriving home around 8:00 PM
Cost: $210 per person, double occupancy; $315 single (other rates available)
Contact: Janet Callahan at 781-324-3564 or janet.callahan@yahoo.com
Departs from: St. Anne's in Salem
Departure Date & Time: Sun., Jan. 22nd at 6:00 AM
Two-night (Sun. & Mon.) stay at hotel along the Capitol Beltway in MD
Return home Tuesday, Jan. 24th
Cost: $165 per person, double occupancy
Contact: Bill Kirby at 978-821-2556
Departs from the following locations: Orleans, E. Sandwich, Wareham
and another location to be determined (possibly New Bedford)
Departure Date and Time: Early Sun., Jan. 22nd
Two-night (Sun. & Mon.) stay at Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill
Return home Tuesday, Jan. 24th
Cost: $230 per person, double occupancy
Contact: Kevin Ward at 508-291-0949 or fkw194722@yahoo.com
For information on "Red-eye" buses contact Janet Callahan at 617-242-4199 ext. 230 or jcallahan@masscitizensforlife.org.
The U. S. Senate is expected to vote as soon as Thursday, but more likely next week, on the second omnibus bill that contains the State/Foreign Operations, Energy and Water, and Financial Services appropriations measures. Four amendments are expected which will help deter the federal government from financing abortions and the abortion industry.
1) Sen. Orrin Hatch, Utah, will offer a pro-life amendment to strike language in the bill sponsored by Sen. Lautenberg, N. J., that prohibits any future presidential administration from reinstituting the Mexico City Policy that Obama removed by executive order during his first week in office. Support Hatch Amendment to remove Lautenberg language.
2) Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska is floating an amendment to negate language in the minibus bill that would remove the current Dornan Amendment - the D.C. Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayers from being forced to pay for abortions in the District of Columbia. Support Johanns Amendment to restore Dornan Amendment.
3) Sen. Roger Wicker, Mississippi, has an amendment to totally de-fund the UNFPA via the omnibus bill. The House had cut funding from Obama's $55 million to $40 million. Support Wicker Amendment.
4) Sen. Tom Coburn, Oklahoma, is sponsoring an amendment which would restore the ban on coverage of elective abortions in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Support Coburn Amendment.
CALL SEN. BROWN, 202-224-4543. URGE HIM TO VOTE PRO-LIFE. TELL HIM TO VOTE AGAINST THE ENTIRE MINIBUS BILL IF THE AMENDMANTS ARE NOT APPROVED.
When you call, you are asking for the four items in bold. National Right to Life called the current Senate version a "cluster bomb of pro-abortion provisions" (see MCFL email of Nov 2). I want to thank our friend, Steve Ertelt at Life News for the recent analysis.
Physician Assisted Suicide/ Doctor Prescribed Suicide
"WORDS THAT WORK"
Sunday, Nov. 13, Assumption College, Worcester, 12:30pm to 4:30pm, La Maison Francaise Building. This year's Chapter Leadership Conference is different from those in the past. Pro-lifers and anyone who wants to be prepared for this battle are urged to attend.
Monday, Nov 14, St John's Seminary, Brighton, 12 noon - 2:30pm. Lunch in the Refectory. Presentation in the Medeiros Classroom. Clergy and pro-lifers.
Wednesday, Nov 16, St. Stanislaus Hall, Main Street, West Warren, 12 noon to 2:30pm. Clergy and pro-lifers.
NB. All presentations include lunch, so please register at 617-242-4199 X 230 or reply to this email with your name, address and phone number. Be sure to register by three days before the event you plan to attend.
When this issue heats up and your friends are falling for the death arguments, you will be so grateful you had the chance to learn from Rita! Find out more about Rita at http://www.patientsrightscounc...
Yesterday afternoon, HR 2354 was proposed. National Right to Life calls it a "cluster-bomb of pro-abortion provisions". When you read their information below, you will see how dangerous this legislation would be. Please call Sen. Brown immediately - 202-224-4543 - Urge him to oppose HR 2354. This is top priority. Thank you! Anne
HR 2354 would repeal or weaken pro-life policies:
1. The "Lautenberg Amendment," on pp. 479-80, added by the Appropriations Committee, would prohibit any future president from diverting U.S. population assistance funds away from overseas groups that perform and actively promote abortion.
2. Language (on page 225) would effectively repeal the "D.C. Hyde Amendment," which was restored as part of the negotiated FY 2011 continuing resolution, replacing it with the previous meaningless language that guarantees a resumption of government-funded abortion on demand in the Federal District.
3. The bill omits (and would therefore repeal) the ban on coverage of elective abortion in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. This pro-life policy has been in effect, with one brief interruption, for over 25 years. The result of the minibus language would be direct federal funding of health plans that cover abortion on demand for millions of federal employees and their dependants, including Members of Congress and congressional staff.
4. Language that weakens the longstanding restriction on funding of abortions by the Peace Corps (page 265).
In addition, the bill contains these additional objectionable and/or questionable elements:
5. It sets funding for population assistance at "not less than $700 million" (p. 391). while the House bill provides for not more than $461 million. The Obama Administration has turned this program into an engine for promotion of abortion.
6. Report language on one of the component committee-reported bills, S. 1601, specifies that the UNFPA shall receive $40 million; the House bill would defund UNFPA. As you know, the UNFPA is deeply involved in China's coercive population control program, which relies heavily on government-coerced abortions. NRLC opposes funding for the UNFPA.
7. The bill would make changes to the longstanding abortion-related restrictions sometimes referred to loosely as the "Helms language." It does not appear that these changes are of great consequence, but we see no need for them and the reasoning behind them is unclear.
The hardest changes come from within, changing lifestyles. As America has grown richer, we have gotten more accustomed to long hours, quicker meals and lazier entertainment. Instead of complicated storylines, it's a half hour sitcom. Instead of highbrow humor, it's hucksters and slapstick. If we want a different culture, though, we have to start within ourselves. If we want to form a society that makes the most of every potential, we should stop squandering our own in front of a television which so routinely lies to us.
To list out the many shortcomings of the television would be a waste because in one's mind those things would be weighed against the instant gratification of watching a show. And this argument is not about the trade-off in intelligence, or the emotional stunting television causes children and even adults, because you could easily say "well, that happens to other people, not to me..."
This is about the choices you make with your time and how you want to live. Living as a receiver for Manhattan advertising is not actualizing our full potential, it's relegating ourselves, it's a demonstration of a lack of self-respect, of the innate power, beauty and untapped potential within each of us and within each group or family.
Mass for Miscarried and Still Born Children, Saturday Nov 5th at 9:30 AM
St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, MA 01810
St. Augustine's in Andover is hosting a Mass of Remembrance for all babies who have died through miscarriage, stillbirth or in early childhood. All are welcome, especially mothers, fathers and families who want to honor their children and heal from the tremendous pain of their passing. Those attending the Mass will have the opportunity to present cards with the name of their children written on them to the presiding priest during the service. All children's cards presented during the Mass of Remembrance will be placed in a basket. After the service, the basket will be brought to the Monastery of Saint Clare in Andover. During the month of November, the Nuns will pray for all those children whose names have been placed in it. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Sexton at 978-258-0433 or kathy@greenler.com
I am forwarding this along to you for your information, for those of you who would like to attend.
Join us for 1 hour to save a lifetime! The Longmeadow Chapter of Mass Citizens for Life and the Knights of Columbus Council #5406 will hold their annual Life Chain on Saturday October 15, 2011 from 11AM-12 Noon on Route 5, Longmeadow St., in Longmeadow. If you would like to attend, please meet at St. Mary's Church parking lot, 519 Longmeadow St. in Longmeadow to pick up signs at 10:30AM. For more information, please call Marilyn at 413-567-6085.
PS. You still have time to sport your Choose Life License Plate at the Dinner. Let's fill the Lantana Parking lot with the beautiful plates. https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us...
When there are large numbers of families, young people with their friends, old faithful pro-lifers, amazing musicians, and inspiring speakers all gathered together to help the groups who help women and children, there is a highly successful Walk to Aid Mothers and Children. Yesterday was one of the best!
I want to thank the committee, Helen Cross, Nicholi McLaughlin, Connie and Cathleen Murphy, Elinor Rafferty, June Newman, Steve Fielding, and Ed Long and all his South Boston helpers.
Led by the master, Master of Ceremonies, Edward F. King, the speakers were wonderful! Sincerest thanks to Cardinal Sean, Marianne Luthin, David Franks, and Sean Harrington. And, of course, Charlie, the Walk Baby came. He is the hit of the show where ever he goes.
Lift Ministries is an extremely talented group of young musicians. It was such a pleasure to be welcomed by their joyful music as I came across the Common. The singing of the students from Immaculate Heart of Mary, Still River, was delightful.
We were very fortunate to have Jane Cogliano arrange for public service announcements last week on 96.9 WTKK.
Most of all, hugest thanks to every one of you who walked or sponsored a walker. After all, support for the helping organizations is the goal.
Yes, you say, but I want to see the pictures. So do I and I'll send them along as soon as they are ready.
Again, thanks to everybody who made it a great day for life! Anne
CareNet of Fitchburg has invited us to hear Catherine Adair share her story - from prochoice feminist and abortion clinic worker to a committed Catholic working to end abortion. She will share the truth about what goes on behind the doors of the abortion clinic and what you can do to stop it. This looks amazing! I certainly hope to make it! Anne
Saturday, October 1st at 2:00 P.M.
St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall 63 Sheridan St. Fitchburg
Of course, the MCFL Walk to Aid Mothers and Children is coming next Sunday. MCFL is so proud to be able to provide this opportunity to help groups to raise money for their wonderful work. If you do not have your pledge sheet, check the Walk appeal, the MCFL News, print it, http://massprolife.com/attachm... or call the office, 617-242-4199.
MAIM, Massachusetts Against Individual Mandate: signature collecting is going great guns across the state. If you would like to help, please reply. And check out the very informative web-site.
Partial Birth Abortion Ban. Michigan just passed overwhelmingly! The federal ban is great, but each state needs to pass its own. Hearings are Oct 5th at the State House at 1:00pm. Please plan to attend and testify.
Linda Thayer, our ace education person, says the best way to educate legislators is pictures. We will have information about the procedure. We would like to show pictures of premature babies who would have been at risk for PBA. If you have pictures of a child, grandchild, etc, would you press reply and send along, please? They will help legislators to see what is happening. PAB Ban is the only law that actually outlaws abortions!
40 DAYS FOR LIFE starts this week. There are already many gracers occurring. Please check the email I sent last week for locations and contacts.
THE BIG E. Our wonderful people in the Pioneer Valley have a fabulous MCFL booth and a billboard by the entrance which will be seen by, literally, millions of people. You can still visit this week.
Free FAMILY MEMEBERSHIP TO MCFL. If you get your first Choose Life plate this month or next and are not currently a member, just send a picture of your new plate or a copy of registration and $40 membership is yours.
I know this is a long email, but there are so many things going on. I am preparing a separate email to update you on PAS/DPD. Please watch for it. Anne
I know you have heard about the 40 DAYS FOR LIFE efforts. You probably heard David Bereit speak about 40 DAYS at the MCFL Walk a couple of years ago. If you have read Abby Johnson's Unplanned, you know the power of this prayer effort.
People across Massachusetts are about to start a 40 day vigil. You will see the locations are such that one of them will be convenient for you to participate. I hope you will be able to join. This state certainly needs the prayers. Blessings on you and all those working on this fine effort! Anne
This special offer is for those of you who are not currently members of Mass. Citizens.
Get your Choose Life license plate during September or October and send us a picture of your plate or a copy of your registration.
We will credit you with an MCFL Family Membership ($40.00 value). This will enable you to receive the MCFL News, to belong to a local Chapter, to attend the Annual Convention at a Members' Discount, and to vote at the Annual Meeting in June 2011. Most important, you will personally be helping to restore the Culture of Life!
It is so exciting to see Choose Life Plates on the highway! I just saw number 322 on Rte 128 in Needham. I am looking forward to seeing you on the road and having you as part of our MCFL family! Anne
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