They say the performance of the stock market in January predicts the rest of the year. If attendance at Student Lobby Day predicts how our pro-life work will go for 2012, things will be very good! The youngsters kept coming and coming and coming - from as far as the First Congressional District to as close as Brighton. Attendance was four to five times that of last year, which was our first year. We could not have dealt with a bigger crowd and given them the tour and visits. We are considering offering field trips during school next year as well.
We are most grateful to Reps. Sheila Harrington, Groton, and Matthew Beaton, Shrewsbury, who each spent a great deal of time with the youngsters and shared with them the pro-life way they look at legislation and procedures. Also, Eva Murphy did an excellent job coordinating and making it all run smoothly. And I enjoy very much touring our beautiful State House with the youngsters. A good day was had by all and we look forward to expanding next year. I'll let you know when pictures are posted in the MCFL website. Anne
-Meet and hear prolife legislators
-Learn about prolife legislation
-Learn dangers of Doctor Prescribed Suicide Bill.
-Find out how to lobby
-Take a tour of the State House
-Enjoy a complimentary lunch
-Visit the offices of your State Representative and Senator.
Meet in Room 437
RSVP to action@masscitizensforlife.org or by phone (617)242-4199
PHARMACISTS OPPOSED TO DPS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012, 9:30 - 11:30
MASSACHUSETTS CITIZENS FOR LIFE OFFICE
SCHRAFFT CENTER, 529 MAIN STREET, CHARLESTOWN
DPS threatens you as a pharmacist because there is no conscience protection for you. The legislature just announced the March 6th hearings. There isn't time for separate meetings of the various professions, so we are inviting you and nurses to the MCFL office this Saturday. There will be a presentation about the DPS, how to form professional groups to fight the ballot question, and we hope, the formation of groups of pharmacists and nurses.
Please invite all the pharmacists and nurses you know.
RSVP: Press "reply" or call 617-242-4199 X230 . Please let us know even if you can't come so that we can keep you informed. I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday. Anne
All the polls (and common sense) show that nurses are viewed by the general public as the most creditable people when it comes to doctor prescribed suicide. Yes, doctors are next.
The Mass Medical Society voted 3-1 against doctor prescribed suicide. The doctors who worked on that effort have formed "Doctors Against Suicide" to fight the ballot question.
I know there are many, many wonderful nurses out there who are just as concerned. Testimony on DPS is coming up at the State House. I am hoping that will be a good vehicle for nurses to organize.
We had planned to meet early in March but have moved it up because testimony is March 6th. So...
NURSES OPPOSED TO DPS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2012, 9:30 - 11:30
MASSACHUSETTS CITIZENS FOR LIFE OFFICE
SCHRAFFT CENTER, 529 MAIN STREET, CHARLESTOWN
DPS threatens pharmacists because there is no conscience protection for them. The legislature just announced the March 6th hearings. There isn't time for a separate meeting for pharmacists, so we are inviting them to meet with you. The presentations about the DPS and how to form a group will be the same. Then we'll split up to actually form the groups.
Please invite all other nurses and pharmacists you know.
RSVP: Press "reply" or call 617-242-4199 X230 . Please let us know even if you can't come so that we can keep you informed. I'm looking forward to seeing you on Saturday. Anne
~Meet and hear pro-life legislators
~Learn about pro-life legislation
~Learn dangers of Doctor Prescribed Suicide Bill.
~Find out how to lobby
~Take a tour of the State House
~Enjoy a complimentary lunch
~Visit the offices of your State Representative and Senator.
Meet in Room 437
RSVP to action@masscitizensforlife.org or by phone (617)242-4199
Or use our easy registration application on the MCFL website (CLICK HERE)
January 4, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A standard pro-abortion argument hinges on the premise that a baby inside his mom's womb attacks her bodily integrity. The developing baby is seen in this light as an intruder, a parasite, a threat to the woman's autonomy. From this perspective the pregnant woman is viewed as being occupied. The only way she can continue to exercise her interest in bodily integrity, the argument goes, is to be liberated through the termination and expulsion of the invader.
But science paints a vastly different picture about the actual relationship between a baby in utero and his or her mother, showing that, far from being a parasite, the unborn child can help heal his mother for the rest of her life, as beneficial cells from the child pass into the mother's body during pregnancy
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
We pro-lifers are keen political observers and participants because we know that politics is part of the process to restore the Culture of Life. Last night a good chunk of the country joined us to watch the results of the Iowa caucuses. Of course, pro-lifers are very fond of Rick Santorum!
We in Massachusetts wish Governor Romney would recognize the failings of state-controlled health care and come up with a better way to accomplish his laudable goals but we do not fault his pro-life position.
In the last few days we have had calls at the MCFL office from operatives of other campaigns trying to get us to criticize Romney's positions on life. The governor's positions are pro-life and we feel confident that they will stay that way.
During the fall, national media called for interviews. This 11/11/11 article from the Wall Street Journal, about the Romney turning point in 2005, is an example of where we have referred these operative,
"Mr. Romney as governor pressed forward with a health-care law that he saw as his legacy, a market-driven approach that was in vogue with many conservative thinkers at the time. Now, it appears he may have miscalculated: The Massachusetts health-care law remains a major burden on his quest for the Republican nomination.
Mr. Romney met with abortion-rights activists while running for governor in 2002. He assured them he would protect women's right to choose abortion and said he would neither expand nor restrict such a right as governor, according to Nicole Roos, chairwoman of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts' political-action committee. She adds that he said he didn't wish to be called "pro-choice" and didn't like the "pro-life" label, either.
A leading abortion foe, Anne Fox of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, says she didn't even bother to reach out to Mr. Romney during the 2002 campaign, presuming that he was no ally.
Both groups found a change in 2005. In July of that year, Mr. Romney vetoed legislation that would have widened access to the Plan B emergency-contraceptive pill, by requiring hospitals to offer it to all rape victims and allowing some state-approved pharmacists to sell it without prescription.
To Mr. Romney, this was a principled decision consistent with his pledge not to change Massachusetts law relating to abortion.
Ms. Roos of NARAL says that although Mr. Romney had made such a pledge orally, he had stated in the group's written questionnaire that he supported efforts to expand access to emergency contraception.
The day after the veto, Mr. Romney wrote in a Boston Globe op-ed piece that his convictions on the issue had "evolved," and declared "I am prolife"-embracing a label Ms. Roos says he had avoided as a candidate in 2002.
Ms. Fox of Citizens for Life says her antiabortion group began having regular contact with a Romney aide and through him asked if Mr. Romney's wife, Ann, would become an honorary chairwoman of its new capital campaign. She did so."
Ah, yes, the Duchess, "Tut, tut, child! Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it."
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
During the 1800's abortion was despairingly common. The abortion rate in the US was the highest in the world. Abortion was used almost exclusively by upper class, urban, married women for the usual reasons: they had vacations planned, wanted to wear their fashionable clothes, etc. Abortionists and abortifacients were openly advertized in the newspapers.
The abortion rate in Boston was twice that of New York City, which was 10 times the national average.
Is it any wonder, then, that the doctors at Harvard Medical School were among the pioneers of the pro-life movement? As early as 1805 they were talking about human life beginning at conception. In the 1860's they were talking about fetal pain at 15 weeks.
I was reminded today - on the Feast of the Holy Innocents - that their papers at both the Mass. Medical Society and Harvard Medical School quote these doctors calling abortionists "Herods".
We reviewed Frederick Dyer's books about Horatio Storer and these other courageous physicians in a recent MCFL News (reprinted below). You can read more from Dr Dyer. Dr Dyer has donated both books to the MCFL Library. You may borrow either book by calling the MCFL office. They are thick but so quotable!
I want to thank those of you who have taken the Dec 31, 2011 matching grant challenge and urge the rest of you to donate at
http://www.masscitizensforlife...
Thank you! Anne
From the MCFL News, May/June, 2011
For those of us who get a real satisfaction from proof that we are right all along, The Physicians' Crusade Against Abortion and its companion, Champion of Women and the Unborn, by Frederick Dyer, are must reads. Horatio Robinson Storer, Harvard Medical School, 1853, was probably the most powerful anti-abortion crusader ever.
In the 19th century abortion drugs and devices, as well the actual procedure, were openly advertized in leading newspapers. The abortion rates were very high - mostly among privileged, married women. The US had the highest abortion rate in the world and Boston's abortion rate was twenty times that of the rest of the country!
Doctors at the time noted that the Catholic women were not aborting. The doctors, who were the pro-life leaders, bemoaned the lack of clergy instruction from the pulpit. They felt it was the priests speaking in the confessional that kept the Catholic abortion rate nil. Dyer stresses, that, if the reader has Protestant ancestors in the US in the 19th century, that reader is very lucky to exist.
Dyer used Storer family papers, which he then donated to the Mass. Medical Society and HMS. Remember Justice Blackmun's claims in Roe v Wade that 19th century anti-abortion laws were all for the health of the mother? As early as 1805, doctors talked about the humanity of the unborn baby from the moment of conception. In the 1860's doctors were talking about fetal pain at 15 weeks. Doctors consistently referred to abortionists as "Herods". Just the direct quotes about the humanity of the unborn from conception, and the absolute evil of those who would destroy them, would make a power point presentation at least two hours long. This meticulously documented analysis exposes the tendentious character of the arguments in Roe v Wade.
Linda Thayer, our Vice President of Educational Affairs is also a published poet of whom we are very proud. Our Board and Staff wish to share with you Linda's Christmas blessings. God bless you for all you do! Anne
fiat
time has layered
in sentiment
the deeper truth
her story has meant
in the still of her soul
in the silence of night
she said yes in the dark
and gave the world Light
Living Waters released Ray Comfort's 180 Movie in September. In this award-winning documentary, Comfort interviews people on the streets about their knowledge of the Holocaust and compares it to the modern-day holocaust that is legalized abortion. The majority of the interviewees admit to having their views swayed to favor life after the short, pithy interviews. The 180 Movie in which Comfort stars is quickly approaching 2,000,000 views on YouTube and thousands of DVDs have been distributed on college campuses around the nation. It has been endorsed by pro-life heroes such as Abby Johnson, Jill Stanek, Randy Alcorn, and Dr. Alveda King. Ray Comfort's 180 Movie has caused one of the most impressive waves in the pro-life movement in 2011.
Our son just called from DC. He was walking home from hearing Fred Barnes speak. I told him about Barnes announcing recently that pro-lifers are winning. Barnes stated that the "fetus has become a baby".
After the call, I read this article (http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/pro-lifers-the-tide-just-turned) which is living proof of his contention. It is heartbreaking that the Duggars lost their little girl, especially at this season, but it has been heart-warming that, at 20 weeks, she is a baby to everyone.
"The fetus has become a baby" because of you. Keep up the good work! Anne
Pro-Life Legal Awards Prize: $750
Deadline: Received by November 30, 2012, midnight EST
Contest Rules: http://massprolife.com/events/...
Submit your application to: legalcontest@masscitizensforlife.org
Legal scholarship has a large impact. Papers published in law reviews are frequently cited by courts when resolving new and undecided issues. For example, Roe v. Wade cited numerous law review articles. The majority opinion cited five different law review notes written by students. There is a significant shortage of pro-life legal scholarship, especially by students.
Entries are currently being accepted for the 2012 year, submit yours today to legalcontest@masscitizensforlife.org and also be sure to check out the contest's rules before submitting.
MCFL was proud to begin the National Pro-Life Legal Writing Award in 2011. Accepting submissions from those who have published in a law review or journal, we are giving a $750 award in 2011, and now again in 2012, to the best submitted piece of pro-life legal writing.
This year's winner is Michael Fragoso, a student at the University of Notre Dame law school, who published this article about the conscience clause for medical professionals.
Congrats Michael!
We are also proud to announce Amy Pedagno as the first runner-up, from Ave Maria law school, for her article on young women in foster care, entitled "Who are the Parents? In Loco Parentis, Parens Patriae, and Abortion Decision-Making for Pregnant Girls in Foster Care" to be published in the January or February 2012 Ave Maria Law Review.
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