ProLifeBlogs

Two WI abortion outlets stop performing chemical abortions

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:23:17 -0700

by Steve Fountain, CitizenLink

Affiliated Medical Services announced today that it has suspended chemical abortions at its Wisconsin location due to a new state law requiring a doctor to be physically present when a client is given an abortion-inducing drug like RU-486.

Planned Parenthood outlets made a similar announcement on April 24.

Act 217 became law last month. It stops the use of "web cam abortions," where an abortionist in one location uses the Internet to oversee a chemical abortion at another site.

It does not prohibit the use of RU-486.

The abortion sellers' announcements are an acknowledgement of the challenge in finding doctors willing to perform abortions, according to life advocates.

"Older doctors who did abortions are retiring and fewer new doctors will do (abortions)," said Carol Tobias, National Right to Life president. "When they find a doctor that will do abortions, they will use him as much as possible."

An example, Tobias said, is Planned Parenthood using video conferencing where an abortionist in Iowa talks to a woman in Arkansas. It is also the reason behind a failed California bid this month to allow non-doctors to perform abortions.

Pro-life experts estimate RU-486 is used in about 1,100 of the 4,000 abortions performed yearly by Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin.

Supporters of the new law cite at least 14 deaths and hundreds of injuries in the United States in connection with the use of RU-486. They say not having a doctor present makes an already dangerous procedure more risky....

Read entire article here.

911: Moans, screams heard from botched abortion victim at Carhart's NE mill

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:37:55 -0700

May 23, 2012/Bellevue, NE/Operation Rescue --

A botched abortion patient can be heard moaning in obvious distress during newly obtained recordings of two 911 calls placed on Saturday, March 31, 2012, from LeRoy Carhart's Abortion and Contraceptive Clinic of Nebraska, located in Bellevue, a suburb of Omaha. The recordings and witness statements indicate that Carhart may be breaking the Nebraska ban on late-term abortions after 20 weeks.

The abortion worker who placed the initial call specifically asked that an ambulance be sent with "no lights or sirens."

The recordings, obtained by Operation Rescue through an open records request, show that clinic workers were uncooperative and slow to give information about the patient's condition to the emergency dispatcher.

The caller, who said she knew nothing of the patient's condition, questioned the nurse, Lindsey (Alejandro) Creekmore, in the procedure room in an attempt to get information to the dispatcher that was needed in order to get the woman the help she needed.

"What's going on, Lindsey?" the caller asked. "They want to know. 911 wants to know. They want to know what's going on. I need an answer."

A witness that was at the scene when the ambulance arrived stated, "I saw a woman, who looked like she was quite pregnant, clutching her stomach as she was put into the ambulance. She had a drape below her belly."

Police told witnesses to the indent that the woman was transported to the Bellevue Medical Center where she was treated.

Late-term abortionist Leroy Carhart was present at the time of the medical emergency in March, but did not participate in the 911 calls. He was involved in the 3rd trimester abortion death of a patient in 2005.

"Based on this incident, there is concern that Carhart may be violating the Nebraska ban on late-term abortions after 20 weeks when babies can feel pain," said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation.

"This is particularly troubling since the Nebraska Attorney General's office is very aware that Carhart may be breaking the law. Operation Rescue has submitted several statements by former Carhart employees and supplied then with information from other confidential informants who have alleged violations ranging from billing fraud to missing drugs to falsifying ultrasound measurements for the purpose of evading the late-term abortion ban. Yet, all we have gotten from the supposedly pro-life Attorney General Jon Bruning is the 'run-around'. The injury of this woman is directly Bruning's responsibility because he had the opportunity to protect women from Carhart's dangerous abortion practices, but did nothing."

Operation Rescue has released a video featuring the 911 recordings and a written transcript of the calls .

Please contact Attorney General Jon Bruning and ask him to fully investigate Carhart's Bellevue abortion business.

Attorney General Jon Bruning
Phone: (402) 471-2682
Fax: (402) 471-3297
E-mail: http://www.ago.ne.gov/contact_form

What the hearing on the "District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" tells us about abortion and abortionists

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:55:49 -0700

By Dave Andrusko

Last Thursday the Subcommittee on the Constitution of the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on H.R. 3803, the "District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act." What the bill would accomplish can be described almost clinically: it would ban abortions on pain-capable unborn children, beginning at 20 weeks fertilization age (22 weeks LMP) in the District of Columbia.

But what it would mean in reality - in flesh and blood - cannot be genuinely appreciated unless you take the time to read prepared testimony and/or to watch the video of the oral testimony of three physicians.

In Parts two, three, and four, I will highlight portions of the testimony of Anthony Levatino, M.D., Colleen Malloy, M.D., and Byron Calhoun, M.D., respectively.

But by way of introduction, it's important to understand that much of the limited media coverage was an exercise in diversion - the same "let's quibble over the witness list" - intended (as always) to take the discussion down a rabbit trail, in the process ignoring what really happens to a baby who is pain-capable when aborted.

The Washington Post, helpful as always, ran "An interview with a late term abortion provider." Abortionist Willie Parker is sanctified early, a great guy who only got in the abortion trade eight years ago "largely out of what he says was concern for women's needs going unmet. Parker is primarily based in Washington and Philadelphia, but also travels monthly to see patients in Alabama."

You can read the interview conducted by the Post's Sarah Kliff, [here], so let's address just a couple of points in what is unintentionally an amazingly revealing interview.

Asked about the six states that already have enacted the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, Parker tells us, "It's a gambit around public opinion... I think it's a very calculated strategy that fails to take into account the complexity of these cases."

"Gambit"? Please. These laws, like the proposed District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, are as straightforward as it gets....

Read entire article here.

Five KS Supreme Court justices recuse, won't sit in judgment of Kline

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:42:49 -0700

May 21, 2012/Topeka, KS/Operation Rescue --

Just four days after former Kansas prosecutor Phill Kline filed a motion asking for the recusal of two biased State Supreme Court Justices who were slated to decide the outcome of a politically motivated ethics complaint against him, five out of seven of the Justices recused themselves from hearing the case.

The unprecedented move opens the door for Kline to have a new panel of judges look at an ethics complaint filed by an attorney for a late-term abortionist who was trying to prevent Kline from obtaining abortion records that we now know contained evidence that abortion clinics were breaking the law. Until now, only those with a political vendetta against Kline and his controversial abortion clinic investigations have heard the case. Recusing were Justices Carol Beier, Lawton Nuss, who were included in Kline's motion, and Lee Johnson, Marla Luckert and Eric Rosen.

This case has a long and complex history. It began in 2003 when, as Attorney General, Kline had reason to believe that child sex abuse was not being reported by abortion clinics as required by law. Kline opened an investigation and obtained a subpoena from Judge Richard Anderson for abortion records. Anderson found there was probable cause for Kline to obtain the records.

Kline was the lone Republican to hold a statewide office at a time when Kansas politics was dominated by former Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who now serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Obama Administration. Sebelius is and was a radical supporter of unrestricted abortion. Through her appointments, she created a political climate that protected abortion clinics at all costs.

Kline had good reason to be concerned that the abuse of young girls was not being reported by abortion clinics, but his efforts to investigate those suspected crimes were met with fierce legal opposition and public demonization by abortion clinic attorneys, the Kansas media, and especially Supreme Court Justice Carol Beier.

Continue reading and learn about what you can do to help persuade the current Kansas Attorney General to investigate non-reporting of child sex abuse by Kansas abortion clinics here.

Franciscan University sues government over HHS mandate

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:34:43 -0700

STEUBENVILLE, OHIO --

Franciscan University of Steubenville announced today that it has filed a federal lawsuit against Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and the Obama administration. The lawsuit, which was unanimously approved by Franciscan's Board of Trustees, challenges the Obama administration's unprecedented mandate that attacks the freedom to practice religion without government interference.

Under the HHS mandate, employers must provide insurance coverage that includes abortion-inducing drugs, as well as contraceptives and sterilization procedures. Franciscan University maintains that the requirement to fund and facilitate such activities violates its core religious and moral convictions as a Catholic university.

"Franciscan University's mission is and always has been to teach from the heart of the Church," said University President Father Terence Henry, TOR. "The Obama administration's mandate is a grave threat to our ability to carry out that mission. It makes it impossible for us to operate freely as a Catholic institution without overbearing and invasive governmental interference."

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, seeks to have the mandate declared unconstitutional and enjoin the government from enforcing the requirement.

In addition to Franciscan University's lawsuit, 42 other separate plaintiffs filed a total of 12 lawsuits today in U.S. District courts around the country. Those plaintiffs are all Catholic organizations and include Catholic dioceses, schools, universities, and charitable organizations. Numbered among the plaintiffs are the Archdioceses of New York, Washington, D.C., and St. Louis, as well as the Dioceses of Dallas, Ft. Worth, Rockville Centre, Pittsburgh, and the Michigan Catholic Conference, which represents all seven dioceses in the state.

"The Church is speaking with one unified voice on this issue," said Father Henry. "Every single American bishop has condemned this unjust mandate as an unconscionable violation of religious liberty. If allowed to stand, it will coerce Christians into cooperating with acts that violate core tenets of our faith."

When first proposed in August 2011 by the Department of Health and Human Services, the mandate was met by strong objections from numerous Catholic bishops, hospitals, and institutions. Although a small exemption for some religious institutions was written into the original proposal, it was too narrow to cover the vast majority of them, particularly those, like Catholic universities, which both employ and serve people of other faiths or no faith at all. The mandate effectively puts the federal government in the position of deciding which organizations are "religious enough."

At the time, Franciscan University took a public stand opposing the proposed rule. Then, as now, Franciscan University objected to the mandate, noting that the government placed it and other religious institutions in an untenable position.

"Throughout our 65-year history, Franciscan University has educated people because we are Catholic, not because they are. And, again, because we are Catholic, Franciscan cannot provide coverage of drugs and procedures that violate Church teachings on the sanctity of life," Father Henry said. "Under the HHS mandate and its narrow exemption, the government punishes us for reaching out to serve and employ those who do not share our faith."

Unfortunately, in late January 2012, President Obama and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the mandate would go into force as originally planned, with no adequate accommodations made for individuals or groups who objected on religious grounds.

Catholic and Christian institutions, however, were given one additional year to comply with the rule, a year in which they could "figure out how to violate our consciences in order to be in keeping with the law," said Father Henry, echoing New York's Timothy Cardinal Dolan.

"It is our hope and fervent prayer that the courts and Congress will check this monumental overstep of the Executive Branch as soon as possible," he added.

Noting that Franciscan University did not go looking for this battle, Father Henry said the University retained Jones Day, one of the world's largest law firms, with whom the University has had a relationship for the past twenty years, "because it has the resources to fight the government as long as it takes, and we will settle for no less than a restoration of our First Amendment right to freedom of religion."

Father Henry concluded, "Under no circumstances can Catholics be both in compliance with this new law and at the same time live the faith that we believe. Franciscan University will continue to stand with the Church in its opposition to this mandate. Our ancestors came to America because they knew that on these shores they would be free to faithfully live what they believed. This mandate is not only a grave infringement on religious liberty; it is a betrayal of those who sacrificed to make this country what it is today."

For more information, including a video statement from Father Henry, go to www.franciscan.edu/ReligiousLiberty. For interviews for news purposes, contact Tom Sofio, Public Relations, 740-284-5893 or tsofio@franciscdan.edu.

Fr. Pavone: Sebelius leading assault on religious freedom

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:21:55 -0700

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., May 18, 2012/Christian Newswire --

Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, issued the following statement regarding Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' commencement address today at Georgetown University:

It was outrageous when Notre Dame University awarded an honorary degree to President Obama during commencement exercises in 2009," said Father Pavone, who was invited by pro-life students to lead an alternative graduation ceremony at the Indiana university.

Georgetown's decision to invite Secretary Sebelius is just as bad. She is leading the assault on religious freedom that has grave implications for the Catholic Church. By inviting her to speak, Georgetown offers the image of a Church that is, at best divided and at worst hypocritical. What we need instead is a show of unity and resolve....

Not only do we urge the bishops to voice their objections regarding the Sebelius invitation just as they did over Notre Dame's invitation of Obama, but we further urge the bishops to join in the legal action that we and others have taken against Sebelius and the HHS.

Priests for Life in February filed the fourth of what are now 11 lawsuits against the Health and Human Services mandate that would require most faith-based employers to provide their employees with insurance coverage for contraception, sterilization services and abortifacient drugs.

For more information, see www.priestsforlife.org/hhsmandate.

House panel probes D.C. abortion policy

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:56:31 -0700

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2012 /Christian Newswire --

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution today will hold a hearing examining the policy of legal abortion until birth currently in effect in the nation's capital, and an NRLC-backed bill that would protect unborn children in the federal District after they have reached 20 weeks fetal age, based on their capacity to experience pain.

The bill, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803), is patterned on an NRLC-originated model bill that has already been enacted in six states. It currently has 194 House cosponsors.

"Many states are moving to protect pain-capable unborn children, with Georgia joining the list just this month," said NRLC Legislative Director Douglas Johnson. "But with respect to the nation's capital, which the Constitution makes an exclusively federal jurisdiction, it is Congress that has the immediate responsibility to act. Any lawmaker who votes against this bill is voting to ratify the current District policy, under which abortion is legal without limitation to the moment of birth."

"The Constitution makes it crystal clear that the responsibility rests solely with Congress, and with the President," Johnson said, noting that Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides that Congress shall "exercise exclusive jurisdiction in all cases whatsoever, over such District . . ."

Johnson added, "This legislation is NRLC's top congressional priority for 2012. NRLC does not regard its House scorecard for the 112th Congress as complete until the House has voted on this bill -- but lawmakers can vote early by cosponsoring the bill, and 194 have already done so. A vote against H.R. 3803 will be scored by NRLC as a vote to ratify a policy of unlimited legal abortion until the moment of birth in the nation's capital."

H.R. 3803 was introduced by Congressman Trent Franks (R-Az.), who is also the chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution. In the bill, Congress adopts "findings" (declarations of fact) that by 20 weeks after fertilization (if not earlier), the unborn child has the capacity to experience great pain. The bill then prohibits abortion after that point, except when an acute physical condition endangers the life of the mother. The abortion method most often used at this stage, the "D&E," is depicted in a medical illustration posted here.

The Judiciary Committee will offer a live internet feed of the hearing, scheduled for 4 PM EDT, here.

Testifying at today's hearing will be Dr. Anthony Levatino, an obstetrician-gynecologist who at one time performed many D&E abortions but who now opposes abortion; Dr. Colleen Malloy, a neonatologist from Northwestern University who will testify regarding the pain perception capacities of babies who are born very prematurely, and of unborn children; and Dr. Byron Calhoun, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at West Virginia University-Charleston specializing in maternal and fetal medicine, who will testify regarding humane medical approaches to cases in which unborn children are diagnosed with genetic disorders or other serious medical conditions. Also testifying will be an opponent of the bill, Christy Zink of Washington, D.C., who had an abortion after learning that her unborn son had a malformed brain.

On May 15, Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), delegate to the House for the District of Columbia, issued a press release complaining that she was not allowed to testify at today's hearing. NRLC's Johnson commented: "The Democrats on the committee could have invited anybody they wanted to fill their witness slot. The Democrats apparently decided Norton was not their strongest witness, so they invited somebody else, and then issued complaints that Norton was excluded -- just another phony controversy, manufactured for Rachel Maddow and the blogosphere."

The NRLC website contains much documentation on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and on the scientific evidence that unborn children, by 20 weeks if not before, have the capacity to experience great pain, here.

Identical legislation (S. 2103) has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah).

From China, blind anti-one child policy activist Chen testifies before human rights panel

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:51:43 -0700

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2012 /Christian Newswire --

Chen Guangcheng, the blind Chinese human rights lawyer who caught the attention of the world over the past two weeks in his bid to escape house arrest in China by seeking help in the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, testified via telephone about his well-being and that of his family and brave supporters Tuesday at a hearing held by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04).

"Chen Guangcheng is among the bravest defenders of women's rights in the world," Smith said. "Chen defended thousands of women from the ongoing, most egregious systematic state-sponsored exploitation and abuse of women in human history -- pervasive forced abortion and involuntary sterilization as part of China's one child per couple policy -- and has suffered torture, cruel and degrading treatment, unjust incarceration, and multiple beatings as a result.

"The sheer magnitude of this exploitation of women has been largely overlooked and trivialized by many -- and even enabled. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has for over 30 years supported, defended, and whitewashed the crimes against women and children Chen struggled to expose. That's why President Reagan and more recently President Bush defunded the UNFPA. In an indefensible reversal, the Obama Administration has provided approximately $165 million to the UNFPA."

After listening to a panel of witnesses testify on human rights abuses in China, Smith announced contact with Chen was made.

"Mr. Chen, you are on -- welcome back," said Smith, Chairman of the House congressional panel that oversees international human rights. The event was broadcast live by CSPAN. Click here to view video.

"I just want to talk about what had happened to my other family members after I escaped from my own home," Chen told the panel through a translator. "On April 26th around midnight, there was a group of thugs [of] the Chinese local authorities, [who] just broke into my home, and started beating them violently. And my elder brother was taken away by these thugs and without any reasoning, and then they came back and started beating up on my nephew, Chen Kegui. They used sticks and violently beat him up. For three hours he was bleeding on his head and face -- it would not stop."

Smith likened Chen's confinement at a Beijing hospital to house arrest as Chen awaits documentation to travel to the U.S. with his wife and two children. He said the hearing was intended to focus on Chen's cause.

"Following his escape from house arrest, Chinese officials started breaking into the homes of his family in the same village and rounding up those who may have assisted him for interrogations," Smith said at the hearing. "When local officials and thugs broke into the home of Mr. Chen's brother, Mr. Chen's nephew, Chen Kegui reportedly tried to defend himself with a kitchen knife. He is now in a police detention center. I am extremely concerned for his welfare, as well as that of Mr. Chen's other extended family members. Now, eleven days later, Mr. Chen is still in the same hospital room, with his wife and two children under de facto house arrest." Click here to read Smith's opening remarks.

When Smith asked him if the U.S. Embassy had been able to make contact with extended family and friends who are at risk, Chen said, "I'm not very clear on the specifics," but that the U.S. embassy has been communicating with him every day. "Because my wife and children have been under such a long time of difficulties with malnutrition, low blood pressure, when I see them under these circumstances, I felt very saddened."

"I want to extend my gratitude and thankfulness to all those who care and love my family and myself and our situation, especially to the American people who show they care about the policies and justice -- those are universal values -- I am very, very grateful to all of you," Chen said. "I'm not a hero. I am just doing what my conscience asks me to do. I cannot be silent. I cannot be quiet when facing this evil against women and children. This is what I should do."

The hearing, entitled, "Chen Guangcheng: His Case, Cause, Family, and Those Who are Helping Him," featured human rights leaders determined to assist Chen by speaking out at an open hearing of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights.

In an unplanned live call-in to a May 3rd hearing of the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Chen testified by phone about his concerns. Within hours, the Chinese government announced that Chen could apply to travel to the United States. Chen is currently at a hospital in Beijing, still awaiting necessary travel documents. There is growing international concern about reports that Chinese officials are retaliating against his extended family and supporters.

As he did May 3rd, Bob Fu, himself a former political prisoner and now Founder and President of the ChinaAid Association, made contact with Chen during the hearing.

"Recently, when lawyers Jiang Tianyong and Teng Biao tried to visit Chen Guangcheng in hospital, they were both beaten and Jiang lost the hearing in one ear," said Bob Fu. Fu told the panel that despite the fact that the two sides have reached a well publicized agreement on Chen's freedom and security, Chen remains under house arrest in hospital, and his visitors are barred, tailed and beaten. "Chen Guangcheng has paid an extremely heavy price to defend the rights of the disadvantaged groups who were the victims of coercive population control measures (mainly women). His conscience, courage and spirit has been like a light shining in the long dark night of China's human rights, and also inspiring people around the world who are struggling for human rights and justice." Click here to read Mr. Fu's testimony.

Wei Jingsheng, a former political prisoner and today Founder and Chair of Overseas Chinese Democracy Coalition, cautioned the panel about the challenges when negotiating with the Chinese Communist regime. "They are only restrained by their interests, but not bound by their promises. That is because, fundamentally, they do not recognize common knowledge and reason, but only their great ideals." Click here to read Mr. Wei's testimony.

Mei Shunping, who became pregnant a number of times but was forced to have multiple abortions at the hands of the Chinese government, testified to the brutality of the one child policy which destroyed her life and marriage. "In 1999, I escaped the country that humiliated and destroyed me, and came to the free soil of America." Click here to read Ms. Mei's sad testimony.

Reggie Littlejohn, Founder and President, Women's Rights Without Frontiers, briefed the subcommittee on the treatment of two prominent activists who are supporters of Chen: He Peirong, who was instrumental in Chen's escape, and Jiang Tianyong, a key member of Chen's legal team. Both have suffered harassment. "Although Pearl and Jiang appear safe for the moment, who knows whether the Chinese Communist Party will retaliate against them once Chen comes to the United States," Littlejohn said. "Women's Rights Without Frontiers calls upon the United States Congress and the Department of State to raise the issue of the safety of Chen's supporters, who are heroes in their own right." Click here to read Ms. Littlejohn's testimony.

Tiananmen Square Massacre student activist and founder of All Girls Allowed, Chai Ling also testified before the subcommittee.

"Incredibly, U.S. officials fretted about the timing of Chen's arrival at the Embassy," Chai said. "After he left, they downplayed his concerns for his family's safety. Several days ago, an American official casually told the New York Times: 'The days of blowing up the relationship [with China] over a single guy are over.' Seeking genuine protections for Chen and his family should hardly have 'blown up the relationship.' But more to the point, it grieves me to hear Chen dismissively referred to as 'a single guy.' He is one man; it is true. But he is a symbol -- a hero -- in the eyes of women, children, and the poor in China." Click here to read Ms. Chai's testimony.

Ohio hospital hires late-term abortionist that it once banned

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:20:19 -0700

Operation Rescue/Cincinnati, OH/5-15-12 --

An abortionist that provides emergency hospital care to injured abortion patients of late-term abortionist Martin Haskell has been hired by the same hospital that stripped him of privileges just last year.

In a press release issued by Christ Hospital on May 1, 2012, it was announced that Walter T. Bowers, II, would be employed by Christ Hospital as a Gynecologist and has moved his office into their facility.

However, in July, 2011, Christ Hospital terminated Bower's hospital privileges pending the outcome of the Ohio Medical Board's decision on charges his was negligent in causing the death of a wanted baby in Kentucky.

"It is outrageous that Bowers is being embraced by Christ Hospital in light of his past history of fatal negligence and dishonesty," said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. "This man is not fit to practice medicine."

Bowers has held himself out to be Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, but according to his own deposition taken in August, 2011, Bowers is not and never has been Board Certified in any specialty. A check today with the American Board of Medical Specialties indicated that Bowers holds no Board Certification.

Bowers also attempted to conceal from the Ohio Medical Board his employment at Clinic for Women, an abortion clinic in Indianapolis. He told the Ohio Medical Board under oath that he did not practice in Indiana, when in fact he had listed Clinic for Women as his Indiana address on his medical license in that state.

Bowers, has a written agreement to provide emergency hospital care to injured abortion patients of Martin Haskell, who offers extremely late-term abortions in Dayton and Sharonville, Ohio. Because of Haskell's agreement with Bowers and another physician, the Ohio Department of Health has issued a variance allowing Haskell to continue to operate even though he personally has no hospital privileges as required by law.

Haskell is currently under investigation by the Ohio Medical Board after a pattern of botched abortions was uncovered by pro-life activists.

Operation Rescue objected to Bowers' agreement with Haskell after it was learned that he paid out $250,000 after being sued by a family that lost a wanted baby due to Bowers' negligence. That caused Kentucky to bar him from the practice of obstetrics and put him under investigation in the State of Indiana and a Board action to be launched against him in Ohio.

In October, 2011, the Ohio Medical Board reprimanded Bowers for the avoidable death and placed him on two years of probation.

"We ask Christ Hospital to seriously reconsider their affiliation with Bowers, who places them squarely in cahoots with Haskell's dangerous late-term abortion business," said Newman. "This looks like a backroom deal to keep Haskell's abortion business afloat. Bowers has proven that he cannot be trusted to tell the truth or provide adequate health care. This is a black eye to Christ Hospital. We are asking all those who support life to abstain from using Christ Hospital for their health care needs until they disaffiliate with Bowers and with the heinous practice of abortion."

Background

NM forces taxpayers to fund 1,786 abortions in 2011

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:28:54 -0700

May 14, 2012/Operation Rescue --

By Tara Shaver, Project Defending Life

The State of New Mexico has one of the highest poverty rates. Money that could go to alleviate poverty has instead been dished out to abortion providers to the tune of over 1.1 million state tax dollars in 2011 to fund abortions through Medicaid.

Medicaid first began to cover abortion services in 1976, but only for cases when the life of the mother was endangered, as per the Federal Hyde Amendment. In 1977, the Hyde Amendment wording was changed to allow federal funding for abortions to also include cases of rape or incest in addition to life endangerment of the mother.

In New Mexico, Medicaid coverage was extended to "medically necessary" abortions, to be funded out of state funds without any federal financial participation. "Medically necessary" includes physical or mental health issues, but not to the extent of endangering the life of the mother. These policies have not changed in New Mexico since 1998.

"In 2011, New Mexico tax payers paid for 1,786 abortions which amounted to $1,127,557.26. This really brings new meaning to the concept of forced abortions, only now the coercion is foisted upon New Mexico tax payers to fund abortions," stated Bud Shaver of Project Defending Life.

Abortion Injuries Cause Further Concern

Last June, fourteen 911 calls were obtained through a public records request, prompting even more concern about New Mexico tax funds paying for abortions. At least 14 women were seriously injured by abortions that were potentially paid for by tax payers. Women suffered from uncontrolled bleeding, a ruptured uterus, seizures, and near life threatening complications after and during the abortions.

Tax payers should not be forced to fund a failing industry that harms women and kills their children.

Abortion Clinics Lack Oversight

As Albuquerque attracts women from all over the country seeking abortions, it is also of great concern that the surgical portion of the clinics are never inspected. Abortion clinics nationwide are commonly under regulated, but in a state where tax payers foot the bill for abortions there is almost no oversight. The New Mexico Department of Health currently claims to lack jurisdiction over abortion clinics because they are not classified properly to come under its oversight. This partly explains the abortion injuries we continue to see here in Albuquerque.

Authorities and Public Officials Notified, Action Anticipated

Complaints were filed with the New Mexico Medical Board shortly after the fourteen 911 tapes were obtained. It is unclear as to what extent an investigation in the interest of public safety is underway. Our concerns and all pertinent information have been given to Governor Martinez's office. Project Defending Life has just recently met with the Governor's staff and brought the crisis of forced taxpayer-funded abortions to the Governor's attention.

It is truly unfortunate that there have been years of neglect regarding the safety of women entering unregulated and dangerous abortion clinics in Albuquerque. The 1.1 million dollars currently paying for abortions could certainly be used more effectively to help those in need in the state of New Mexico.

We have been assured by the Governor's office that steps are being taken to turnaround this deep seated abortion culture that has caused New Mexico to be labeled the "Abortion Capital of the Southwest." It is our hope that the New Mexico Department of Health will begin inspections of these abortion facilities and that the New Mexico Medical Board will fully investigate the 14 botched abortions and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

"In our discussions with the Governor's office, we understand that a lot of work needs to be done to change this culture of innocent deaths and wounding of women. It has gotten so bad that the New Mexico abortion industry has publicly bragged about unrestricted abortion access in New Mexico, abortions performed on girls as young as 11, and people coming from surrounding states to have abortions here in New Mexico," stated Fr. Stephen Imbarrato of Project Defending Life, after meeting with the Governor's Chief of Staff. "It is our hope and expectation that the Governor will explore every option at her disposal to end what has become a shameful and unacceptable situation here in New Mexico."

Whistleblower: TX abortionist is breaking new ultrasound law

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:05:16 -0700

HOUSTON, May 11, 2012 /Christian Newswire --

An abortion whistleblower has come forward with allegations that Douglas A. Karpen, who operates two abortion clinics in the Houston area, is violating the new state law requiring abortionists to conduct ultrasounds on women 24 hours prior to an abortion.

"We are asking the Texas Medical Board to get involved and enforce the law," said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. "Karpen is an unsafe abortionist who has endangered women for years. But now he has crossed the line by refusing to comply with this new law. It is time to bring him to justice by revoking his license."

The informant, whose identity is being kept confidential by Operation Rescue out of fear of retribution, also alleges that Karpen is guilty of a myriad of other violations ranging from sexual harassment to not washing or changing gloves to prevent contamination between abortion patients.

The complaint is asking for a full investigation into Karpen's questionable abortion practices at Aaron Women's Clinic and the Texas Ambulatory Surgical Center, also known as the Aaron Women's Surgical Center.

The complaint further alleges that Karpen is engaged in the following:

Fraudulent billing practices.

Surgical equipment not properly sterilized.

Falsification of ultrasound results.

Late-term abortions done as late as 28 weeks. (Texas law permits only to 24 weeks.)

Lack of adequate nursing staff.

Concealing logs from inspectors to prevent deficiency citations.

Hiring nurses through a temp agency to work only on days when inspections are scheduled.

Mistreating heavy women and inappropriately touching attractive women while under sedation.

Karpen is already in hot water with the Texas Medical Board. Operation Rescue filed a complaint against him after abortion abuses were discovered during an undercover investigation of Texas abortion clinics last year. He is scheduled to appear before the TMB on May 16, 2012.

Karpen has a long and disreputable history as an abortionist, including two patient deaths and numerous abortion-related injuries. In 1989, a pro-life activist photographed the remains of a baby aborted at one of Karpen's clinics at 28 weeks gestation. Images of that baby, now known as "Baby David" are in use today by pro-life activists to expose the horrific brutality of abortion.

Operation Rescue's Abortion Whistleblower's Program offers a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of abortionists who are violating the law.

Background

Sordid history of KS abortion clinic places urgency on demands for enforcement

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:27:28 -0700

May 10, 2012/Kansas City, Kansas --

Revelations that a Kansas City abortion clinic may be breaking the law by failing to report incidents of suspected abuse are only the latest in a long and sordid history of patient injuries, sloppy practices, dirty conditions, and disciplinary action that the clinic has experienced over its years of operation.

"The Central Family Medical abortion clinic has been proven to pose a serious danger to the public. It is unbelievable that it is allowed to continue operations," said Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue and Pro-Life Nation. "An investigation is certainly in order, especially in light of what we found in documents leaked to us by a confidential informant, which show a continuing pattern of disregard for the law and for patient safety."

Abortion clinic documents now securely in Operation Rescue's possession show that Central Family Medical, also known as Aid for Women, uses pre-printed forms that are filed with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) indicating that no abuse reports are ever filed.

Complaints were filed with the KDHE, the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, the Kansas State Board of Nursing, and the Attorney General's office. So far, only the Board of Healing Arts has acknowledged that it has opened an investigation.

"We appreciate the rapid response from the KSBHA, but are disappointed that the Attorney General has been slow to act. This is a serious criminal issue with the safety of vulnerable girls on the line," said Newman.

The dark background of this clinic should be taken into consideration.

Central Family Medical is owned by William Malcom Knarr, a disgraced abortionist who was disciplined for shoddy medical practices in the 1990s. Knarr had a felony conviction in Oklahoma in 1970 for the sale of marijuana and LSD and the possession of hashish. He failed to report these convictions on a federal application and to the KSBHA when he applied for a medical license in Kansas in 1984.

Knarr's Kansas license was suspended in 1994 for a variety of charges, including:

Patient care issues including botched abortions
Failure to maintain malpractice insurance
Wrote prescriptions in violation of Federal Regulations
Prescribed and administered drugs without federal registration
Failed to monitor drugs resulting in the disappearance of narcotics

Continue reading this entry for more shocking details...

Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith says children a liability, endorses strong birth control

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:21:05 -0700

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 8, 2012/Christian Newswire --

Pastor Chuck Smith, the patriarch of Calvary Chapel, has once again disappointed Christians by handing out extra-biblical advice claiming that children are a liability and that Christians should use birth control.

"We are deeply disturbed by this latest gaffe by Pastor Chuck Smith. The Bible clearly teaches Christians that children are a blessing, a reward, a joy, and a gift. Grandchildren are a crown to the aged. The Bible nowhere mentions children as a liability," said Troy Newman, President of Pro-Life Nation. "Smith's thinking is of the kind that has given us eugenics, abortion, and other human rights abuses."

The statements came on the radio program "Pastor's Perspective," which aired Monday, April 30, 2012, after a caller named Sophia asked the following question: "I have a question in regards to Christians and contraception. Should we be engaged in taking contraception?"

Pastor Smith indeed recommended that Christians use contraception to control family size and went on to encourage artificial birth control because of the high cost of raising children and because they do not produce any financial benefit to the family.

In addition to advocating for artificial birth control, Smith's co-host, Don Stewart, espoused the false notion that the world is over populated and offended many Christians with strong convictions about birth control by openly mocking natural family planning methods. "Whatcha call people who use that? You call them 'parents' because that never seemed to work there." Smith stated:

You know it used to be that a lot of children were assets. A child coming into the home was an asset because it was an agrarian society and you all had your own farms and the more children, the more help you had on the farm, and all.

But, you know, as time when on and we became really a - no longer an agrarian society, but, you know, one that was really sort of dependent upon manufacturing, and so forth, children no longer became an asset, but they became a liability and I think that when you figure now how much it costs to raise a child through high school and all, a lot of people, you know, they just say, "Well, who needs them?" You know, because it does just cost a huge amount of money to clothe them and feed them and all when they're not really producing or are productive at bringing back into the family, you know, financial assets and so forth, and thus they are a liability, rather than an asset today.

Smith's answer reflected a Malthusian philosophy and utilitarianism, rather than Biblical Christianity. Malthusianism is a philosophy that advocates population control through artificial contraception as a preventative for poverty and environmental harm. Utilitarianism is a theory of pragmatic ethics that teaches things -- and people -- have value only as long as they are useful. Smith blends both philosophies by indicating that if children cannot contribute financially, then they become a liability whose birth should be prevented.

This is consistent with comments made by Smith on the same radio program on Feb 8, 2011, where he advocated for the abortion of conjoined twins.

"It's awfully hard to actually suggest abortion," said Smith. "But, you know, I'm sure that, uh, in a case like this where the life expectancy is just, you know, is so bleak, and all, that I'm sure that the Lord would not condemn her if she went ahead and had an abortion at this early stage of the development of the fetus."

Certainly if we abandon the doctrine that man is the image bearer of God, then destroying those who cannot contribute to society becomes easy. However, if we accept the doctrine that man is made in the image of God, then destroying human life becomes not only a crime, but an act of war against the God whose image we all bear.

It is the Christian way to put the lives of others above our own. It is the Christian way to love one another - faults and all - just as Christ loves us and gave Himself for us. That is the pattern that should guide our actions as Christians.

"Because innocent lives are at stake, we felt compelled to speak out to correct this erroneous teaching from Pastor Smith lest families deny themselves the blessings of children, or worse, take the lives of innocent children in the womb wrongly thinking they have the blessing of God. We pray for Pastor Smith that wisdom from God, and not humanist philosophies, would be the basis of his speech, and that if he will not better consider Biblical teachings on life and children, that he would abstain from publicly discussing such issues," said Newman.

Listen to the April 30, 2012 radio segment

Heroic Media launches national pro-Life "Call for Help" campaign on BET

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:55:22 -0700

AUSTIN, Texas, May 7, 2012/Christian Newswire --

Today Heroic Media launches a campaign featuring the life-saving television commercial "Ultimatum" to air nationwide over 60 times during May and June. The ad, airing on the Black Entertainment Television (BET) network, is a "Call for Help" message which aims to inform women facing unexpected pregnancies about hopeful alternatives to abortion. The message includes a toll-free phone number which connects callers with local, life-affirming pregnancy centers.

Heroic Media, an international, faith-based nonprofit organization, uses the power of media to connect women facing unexpected pregnancies with life-affirming resources and build a culture of Life. This marks Heroic Media's fourth national television campaign since 2010. In 2011, Heroic Media's television, Internet and outdoor ads generated over 146,000 connections to life-affirming resources and information across the United States.

"Heroic Media's research and prior campaigns demonstrate that commercials on BET are an effective means of reaching women with compassionate messages and connecting them with life-affirming pregnancy resources through television media," said Marissa Gabrysch, Director of Marketing, Research and Communications for Heroic Media.

Brian Follett, CEO for Heroic Media, remarked, "This campaign is a direct result of the support of individuals and families who believe that women deserve to learn about hopeful alternatives to abortion. Now, people across the United States will see life-affirming messages daily on BET."

The campaign begins today and runs through July 1 on BET nationwide, reaching an estimated 5.5 million Women ages18-34. The ads are intended to generate calls to Option Line, which in turn refers callers to pregnancy resource centers offering a range of services free of charge to women seeking positive alternatives to abortion.

Please contact Marissa Gabrysch at 512-354-2888 or marissa@heroicmedia.org for more information and to learn how you can support this and future campaigns.

Chen Guangcheng to President Obama: "Get our whole family out"

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:44:16 -0700

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 3, 2012/Christian Newswire --

The United States should immediately grant asylum to Chen Guangcheng and his family, along with the activist who rescued him, He Peirong. Chen and his wife have both stated that they are in danger.

U.S. officials contend that Chen left the U.S. Embassy yesterday of his own volition to seek medical treatment at a hospital. From the hospital, however, Chen told friends and the media that he was not given full information on which to base his decision. He told Associated Press, moreover, that a U.S. official relayed a threat that if Chen did not leave the Embassy, he wife would be beaten to death. He told CNN, "I am very disappointed at the U.S. government."

Chen also told CNN that after he escaped, his wife was tied to a chair in their home for two days. Guards carried sticks into their home and threatened to beat her to death. They also moved into their house, eating at their table and using their belongings. They have installed seven surveillance cameras inside their home. These facts convinced Chen that it would not be safe for him or his family to remain in China. He did not learn these facts until he was reunited with his wife in the hospital.

Chen then told CNN, "I would like to say to (President Obama): Please do everything you can to get our whole family out." He told the Daily Beast, "My fervent hope is that it would be possible for me and my family to leave for the U.S. on Hillary Clinton's plane."

After Chen's miraculous, "mission impossible" escape and the risks he and others took to deliver him safely to the U.S. Embassy, why did the U.S. officials press him to leave and hand this noble man back into the hands of those who have been so fiercely persecuting him and his family?

If so, then this action is beyond shameful. Not only have we let Chen down, but we have betrayed those in China that we should most want to support: those who share our values.

Many have regarded the U.S. Embassy as the lone island of freedom and justice in a land filled with repression and injustice. Given their trust, how could the U.S. hand over a deserving citizen who had fled there for protection?

Chen is hugely symbolic in China, widely loved and admired. By challenging the One Child Policy, he is challenging the lynchpin of social control in China. This explains why Chen is not just an ordinary dissident, but rather symbolizes the heart and conscience of the nation. It also explains the ferocity of the Chinese Communist Party's reaction to him.

When Chen Guangcheng fled to the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. had a golden opportunity to do the right thing -- give him and his family asylum and bring them to safety in the U.S. This would have erased a generation of anti-American propaganda and inspired gratitude, admiration and trust among the Chinese people. Instead the U.S. quickly dispatched Chen out the door, shattering our moral credibility before the world and losing the hearts and minds of a generation of Chinese people who share our values. How "strategic" is this?

The only way to redeem the situation is as clear as it is urgent: give asylum to Chen and his family -- and to He Peirong as well. Bring them to safety in the United States, whatever it takes, on Hillary Clinton's plane.