Roe v. Wade   

     Pro-life people worked hard to mark this day properly. Many thousands came to D.C., the March in San Francisco significantly increased to 20,000, and throughout the U.S., people gathered to witness against the massive abortion crime and to demonstrate their resolve and hope for tomorrow. Some observers voiced their concern about potential despair.

     While 34 years amounts to a long period, it appears shorter when compared to other campaigns to eliminate evil. One wrote that from the first African slave being taken to America to the end of the War Between the States was a period of 246 years. The 13^th Amendment abolishing slavery in 1865 to the Civil Rights Act in 1964 was period of 99 years. Plessy v. Ferguson (separate but equal) happened in 1896, 58 years before Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

      Historical perspective is helpful, but we should not use those long campaigns as bench marks. Every day there must be progress. Remember the great slavery fighter, William Wilberforce. Wanting never to forget his brothers in slavery, he kept a stone in his shoe for constant irritation.

Anspach v. Philadelphia

     This landmark case began with a 16 year old girl being given Plan B (Morning After Pill) at a Philadelphia City health facility. After returning home, she became violently ill which necessitated treatment at a hospital ER. It was then that her parents learned of her mistreatment at the hands of the City. Her parents filed their suit in July 2004.

     One charge is for the violation of parental rights under the U.S. Constitution. In June 2005, Federal District Judge Joyner rejected this claim. It was appealed to the 3^rd Court of Appeals and a three judge panel, Ambro, McKee and Stapleton, heard the appeal on January 16, 2007. Attorney Joseph P. Stanton, representing the parents, charged the City with usurping the civil rights of Mr. & Mrs. Anspach and their daughter. Aspirins are not given to students without parental consent. This minor was given a massive dose of Nordette, which acts as a contraceptive, and an abortifacient.

     When questioned about this by the Court, the attorney representing the City, replied that it is the City’s policy. It would require Mayor Street and other officials to change the policy. A ruling is expected by the Fall. The critical question here - Who guides our children? Parents or the State.

     In the future, the state law claims will be heard in the Court of Common Pleas. These relate to the lack of normal medical protocols.

Abington Hospital Abortions

     This hospital continues to be the leading abortion hospital in the suburbs. During the five years of 2001-2005, 617 pre-born Americans perished there in surgical abortions. Their scarred mothers will mourn. The hospital now uses an electric sign board which displays the number of children born there each month. There is no disclosure of those who were killed.

     On Tuesday, February 20^th at 4:15 p.m., the annual open Board Meeting will take place. Pro-life people are urged to attend and witness for a change in policy. Upon arrival, you will be given a yellow ribbon to wear.

     Also, on February 13^th, between 4 and 5 p.m., pro-life people will gather in the hospital chapel to pray for the Board. You are invited to attend on February 13^th and 20^th.

“You must never grow weary of doing what is right.” St. Paul

                The Second Saturday Vigil beginning at Penn Newman Chapel will have a special blessing this month. Students from West & Southwest Philadelphia will attend.

Protestants - 2^nd Saturday, Planned Parenthood, 12^th & Locust - 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Catholics (The Rosary will be prayed after each of these Masses. Location in parentheses.)

2^nd Friday - 9:00 am Mass - St. John Chrysostom, 615 S Providence Rd. Wallingford, (RHCC)

3^rd Friday - 8:00 am Mass - Nativity Church, 625 W. Street Rd. (PP Warminster)

1^st Saturday - 7am Mass - Christ the King, Morrell Ave & Chesterfield Rd. (N.E. Womens Ctr.)

1^st Saturday - 8:00 Mass - St. Agnes Church, West Chester (PP W. Chester)

2^nd Saturday - 9 am Mass - Newman Chapel, U of P, 38^th & Chest. (Wom. Med. Ctr, 38 & Lanc.)

3^rd Saturday - 7 am Mass - St. John Church, 13^th & Market (PP, 12^th & Locust Streets)       

4^th Saturday - 6:30-8:45 am - Philadelphia Women’s Center, 8^th & Cherry followed by 9 am Mass St. Patrick’s 20^th & Locust

4^th Saturday - 6:30 am Rosary at Benjamin Berger abortuary, 13^th & Tabor followed by 8:00 am Mass at Presentation BVM Church, Cheltenham

  4^th Sat. - 6:30-8:45 a.m - Phila. Women’s Ctr.- 8th & Cherry - 9 am Mass St. Patrick’s, 20^th & Locust

Boycotts Work

     Life Decisions Intl. has done valuable work for many years in reporting corporate funding of Planned Parenthood. They report that 137 firms have stopped this funding. It’s crucial that when boycotting, we inform the company why we are boycotting. Some major entities who continue to fund the war against mothers and children are

Polls, Polls

     The annual CBS poll indicates no progress in the U.S. attitude towards abortion. It uses a 1,168 person sample. Some 47% want abortion illegal all or most of the time; 37% want abortion always legal. So-called “exceptions” continue to play a big role, as indicated in the South Dakota referendum. Much education is required.

     A Zogby Hamilton College Youth poll gives a brighter picture as two-thirds of high school seniors stated that abortion is always or usually “morally wrong.” 70% of females and 67% of males said they would not consider abortion. A Hamilton Society professor opined that while today’s youth are liberal on other social issues, they are not so on abortion. “We found most H.S. seniors regard abortion as morally wrong and would significantly limit a woman’s right to chose.”

Major Report

     A recent study showed a significant seven percent decline in breast cancer rates during 2003 from the previous year. The greatest decline since records were kept. The drop is attributed to many women who stopped taking hormone replacement therapy HRT.

     The hormones in HRT are similar to those in The Pill. Imagine how rates would drop even further if women health advocates admitted that the use of these chemicals in HRT and The Pill increase breast cancer risk. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of female cancer deaths. About 213,000 new cases are expected this year. It is hoped that women realize how they have been victimized by the incessant doses of estrogen and progesterone in The Pill.

     Earlier, we noted these two synthetic hormones have poisoned our water supply. On 1-20-07, the AP reported from Charlestown, W. Va. that some species of male fish are developing female fish traits. The AP used the term “personal care products” to denote the source, not wishing to indict the pharmaceuticals with their huge profits. Women from Pennsylvania and Arkansas are in court now suing Wyeth because they suffered breast cancer after ingesting Premarin and Prempro, Wyeth’s Hormonal Therapy.

No Respite

     Powerful forces continue to keep human persons of embryonic age in their sights. Many citizens ask why. Stem cells continue to be available from more and more sources. In December 2006, our modest Update reported on three new sources. Since then, researchers at Wake Forest and Harvard announced that a huge source of stem cells has been found from amniotic fluid donated by pregnant mothers,, including brain, liver and bone. Extraction does not affect the mother or child.

     So, why does Sen. Specter and Co. continue to demand federal funding for research based on the killing of human embryos? This effort does include some companies seeking public monies for their profit. But, we submit, the major motivation is the promotion and protection of abortion by indicating that the killing of children before birth can produce “some good.”

     The reverse would place at least a moral shadow on abortion. All over the world, particularly in the U.S., a variety of sources are producing stem cells that are aiding the afflicted. Wall Street is alive with companies generating profits from legitimate research and use of stem cells. Recently, Story Landis, an official of the federal National Institute of Health, told Sen. Kennedy, “We are missing out on possible breakthroughs.”

     MIT is poised to discard their much respected Prof. Dr. James Sherley. He has taught Stem Cell Science since 1998. He has 15 patents pending for his technique of multiplying adult stem cells. It would seem that he would enhance any university. But, there is a problem. He opposes the destruction of human embryos to secure their stem cells on moral and scientific grounds. Some advocates of killing are honest. George Daley of Harvard, in commenting on the generous supply of cells from amniotic fluid, “(these cells) are not a substitute for human embryonic stem cells, which allow scientists to address a host of other interesting questions in early human development.”

The Dying City

     Mayor Street has created a Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) on Children’s Behavioral Health. It is difficult to miss the fact that thousands and thousands of Phila. youth behave terribly - murder, sexual assaults, robbery, etc. A basic tenet of the BRC platform is that “...children’s social and emotional well-being is the responsibility of the entire community.” During the years 1992 to 2004, 1,934,096 children have been born in Philadelphia without parents united in marriage. This social dysfunction is unprecedented, produced by Planned Parenthood. City leaders do not acknowledge or speak of the basic reason why the City is dying - lack of family life. The CDC reports, “70% of juveniles in state correctional facilities grew up in fatherless homes.” Aroused citizens are required.

IIC

     The International Institute for Culture continues to provide the best in educational and cultural offerings. On Saturday, February 17^th, they are providing a program on Marital Chastity and the Allure of Contraception. For Catholics attending, there is a 8:30 Mass at nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Church. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m., lunch at 1 p.m. ($10), program cost is $45. Presenting - John Haas, Ph.D., STL, Lester Ruppersberger, D.O., Richard Fitzgibbon, M.D., Brad Wilcox, Ph.D., Michael and Lisann Castagno, NFP teachers, Fr. Peter Ryan, S.J. The Institute is located at 6331 Lancaster Ave., Phila. Make reservations at 215-887-9910 or www.iiculture.org. This is an outstanding opportunity for scholars, engaged couples, married couples, clergy and teachers.

Princess Party Bash 

For more information about the Pro Life Union, please contact us at:

Pro Life Union
88 Pennsylvania Avenue
Oreland, PA, 19075

E-mail: mail@chooselifepa.org