Wednesday, December 14, 2011

In This Issue: AUL plays key role in South Dakota abortion case detailing possible suicide risks for women and more elements of President Obama’s Health Care Law reveal a pro-abortion bias in the coming coverage.

Eighth Circuit Court Calls on AUL in South Dakota case
demonstrating the risk of suicide following abortion

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals late last week asked AUL to re-file an amicus brief detailing the risk of suicide following abortion. The request came as part of the Circuit’s extremely rare move to rehear arguments on South Dakota’s law requiring that women be informed of the risk of suicide that can follow abortion (“suicide advisory”). At the heart of the matter is whether women in South Dakota will be told the possible consequences of choosing abortion.

AUL originally filed the brief two years ago on behalf of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA), and other medical organizations, demonstrating to the appellate court testimony and medical evidence detailing an increased risk of suicide following abortion.

While two judges on the original Eighth Circuit panel voted to strike South Dakota’s suicide advisory, the third—Judge Gruender—wrote a strong and well-reasoned dissent that included much of the information and arguments cited in AUL’s brief.

His analysis appears to have sparked the Eighth Circuit’s very rare decision to reconsider the previous decision striking the suicide advisory. If the Eighth Circuit upholds the advisory, that would allow for every state in the Eighth Circuit—Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and North Dakota—to enact similar requirements. And it could spark a test case before the U.S. Supreme Court that would enable the Court to look at medical data that specifically verifies what it only assumed to be true in 2007 when it decided Gonzales v. Carhart (a decision upholding the federal ban on partial-birth abortion): that women suffer psychological harm after abortion.

AUL’s brief, re-filed this week, will now be considered by the entire Eighth Circuit panel as it reconsiders the constitutionality of South Dakota’s suicide advisory. Oral argument in the case will be heard on January 9. For more analysis of this case from AUL’s legal team, click here.

The Road to Roe (and Doe)

Tuesday marked the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court oral arguments in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. (Actually the first round of arguments, though they didn’t know that at the time. The re-arguments in Roe and Doe were made on October 11, 1972.)

Roe was argued at 10am on Monday, December 13, 1971. Sarah Weddington, at 26, represented the Texas plaintiffs; Jay Floyd, an Assistant Attorney General, represented the State of Texas. That argument was immediately followed by the argument in Doe. Margie Pitts Hames represented the Georgia plaintiffs. Dorothy Beasley, an Assistant Attorney General, represented the State of Georgia.

For understanding how and why Roe and Doe were decided the way they were, reading the transcripts of the two oral arguments is essential, and it’s helpful to listen to the oral arguments while following the transcripts. As a service to researchers, AUL has produced corrected copies of the transcripts based on a close comparison of the official transcripts with the audios. To listen to such crucial legal history, click here.

Good Morning America

On C-SPAN’s nationally broadcast “Washington Journal” program Monday morning, AUL president and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest answered some thoughtful and extremely quirky questions about abortion in our society as well as the possible impact of the issue in the 2012 elections. To see the 45 minute broadcast, click here.

The Real Concern:
Obama’s Insurance Mandate

It is truly remarkable how quickly a new law or regulation can be characterized as “indispensable,” observed AUL Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs William Sanders and AUL staff attorney Mary Harned writing for LifeNews. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is currently fundraising with a plea that “millions of women” could be on the verge of losing their existing contraceptive coverage.

Why? Because concerned Americans, including some members of Congress, want the Obama Administration to modify its new regulation that requires private insurance plans to cover all “FDA-approved contraceptives,” including those that have a life-ending mechanism, under the authority of the preventive care mandate in the Affordable Care Act.


While this requirement is accompanied by a narrow exception for religious employers only—narrowly defined as those that have the “inculcation of religious values” as their purpose, primarily employ and serve persons who share their religious tenets, and have a non-profit status under IRS (hence, for instance, pro-life groups such as AUL would have no basis to object to the life-ending “contraception” coverage because we do not meet all three criteria)—by August 2012 most employers who have an objection to providing insurance coverage for contraception, including drugs classified as “contraception” that have a life-ending mechanism, will be forced to choose between providing such coverage or no insurance coverage for their employees at all.

For more of their analysis, click here.

In the News

Dr. Charmaine Yoest Featured in a Citizens United Unique Production

This week in Iowa, Citizens United's movie The Gift of Life premieres. This film features personal stories told by those who have been impacted by abortion. These poignant stories of suffering, love and life are intertwined with discussions by policy experts, including AUL's Charmaine Yoest, and it is narrated by former Gov. Mike Huckabee. For more details, click here.

Plan B “Emergency Contraception” in the News: Many journalists covered the events of last week in which HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’ decided NOT to allow so called “emergency contraception” to be made available over the counter, citing concerns over the ability of young girls to use the drugs without adult supervision. “AUL [Americans United for Life] was very pleased that the administration took the viewpoint that young girls need adult supervision for taking what is a dangerous drug,” said group spokeswoman Kristi Hamrick to World Magazine. “It was a good decision, however AUL would encourage the administration to review much more broadly the healthcare guidelines … with those same sentiments. Presently the preventive care guidelines are calling abortion-inducing drugs contraceptives.” AUL was widely covered for its analysis of the events. To read more, click here.

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Dear Joan of Ark,

You tell me nothing of your back-ground. You have made several comments & I thank you very much for that. I want people option. I will not argue the case as I am not a lawyer. I believe in the people of whom I get my info. No matter how you look at it the government of the U.S. is not what I forefathers had planned. I want to hear both sides & I will place it on my blogger.
I will not run pron, sexual matters, or cuss words. I want American to be great like it was, where it laws was for ALL the people. Where people became U.S. citizens not where today you're not an American & just do their countries ways. THIS IS AMERICA home OF Americans !!  Our country was built on the belief of GOD. One true GOD not mans gods!!

Dear Friend of Life,

In 2011, Americans United for Life played a critical role in the passage of 28 new life-saving laws in states around the country. We continued our efforts to help states "opt-out" of Obamacare's pro-abortion provisions. And we released a groundbreaking exposè, The Case for Investigating Planned Parenthood, that played a key role in leading to a Congressional investigation of the abortion giant.

Thanks to your partnership, AUL is restoring a culture of life in America. But there is so much more work to be done and that's why I'm writing to you today.

To maintain this momentum of life-saving work in 2012 and meet our year-end online budget we must raise at least $185,000 by December 31st. It's that simple. We believe this goal is achievable – but not without your continued support.

Please follow this secure link to make an immediate contribution of $50, $100, $250 or whatever you can afford to help us meet this critical goal. There is no limit to what you can give today and your donation could be written-off as a charitable contribution for federal tax purposes.

Our strategy team has an ambitious plan for building on this year's pro-life gains in 2012. Next year will be a major election year and AUL plans to make life a central focus of the national debate. But as we grow stronger, Planned Parenthood, NARAL and the pro-abortion extremists are fighting back even harder. They will do anything and everything to fatten their bank accounts with your tax dollars while increasing access to abortion. The greatest challenges to life are yet to come and we must be prepared for the fight ahead.

So please follow this secure link to make an urgently needed contribution of $50, $100, $250, or more to help us meet our year-end budget and sustain all of our recent pro-life gains. We must raise these necessary funds in order to continue all of our life-saving programs and counter the radical pro-abortion forces in 2012.

We cannot sacrifice our recent pro-life gains – not after we've accomplished so much together in 2011. That's why I'm counting on your immediate donation for life to help us meet this important end-of-year goal.

Yours for Life,

Charmaine Yoest, Ph.D.
President & CEO
Americans United for Life



P.S. Thanks directly to your financial support in 2011, AUL saved lives in states around the nation through the passage of 28 pro-life laws – based in part or in whole on AUL model legislation. But now we must prepare to continue the fight in 2012 – we must raise at least $185,000 by December 31st to meet our year-end budget. So please follow this link to make a tax-deductible donation of whatever you can afford to help us sustain all of our life-saving work in 2012. There is no limit to what you can give and what you contribute could be written-off as an itemized charitable contribution for federal tax purposes. – Charmaine

"Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread." --Thomas Jefferson

Re: The Left

Obama makes the case for re-election: Food banks

"In the first month of his presidency, Barack Obama averred that if in three years he hadn't alleviated the nation's economic pain, he'd be a 'one-term proposition.' When three-quarters of Americans think the country is on the 'wrong track' and even Bill Clinton calls the economy 'lousy,' how then to run for a second term? Traveling Tuesday to Osawatomie, Kan., site of a famous 1910 Teddy Roosevelt speech, Obama laid out the case. It seems that he and his policies have nothing to do with the current state of things. ... Responsibility, you see, lies with the rich. ... For Obama, these rich are the ones holding back the 99 percent. ... A country spending twice as much per capita on education as it did in 1970 with zero effect on test scores is not underinvesting in education. It's mis-investing. ... In Kansas, Obama lamented that millions 'are now forced to take their children to food banks.' You have to admire the audacity. That's the kind of damning observation the opposition brings up when you've been in office three years. Yet Obama summoned it to make the case for his reelection! Why? Because, you see, he bears no responsibility for the current economic distress. ... This is populism so crude that it channels not Teddy Roosevelt so much as Hugo Chavez." --columnist Charles Krauthammer

How do food banks help Obama's re-election effort?

Government

"So what do the Republicans leave out in their rebuttal to the grim Democrats? They leave out that they have an economic model that is proven. It's called supply-side economics. According to the model, one does not raise taxes on anyone, certainly not in times of economic unease. The very rich might be slobs or they might be living saints, but like everyone else, their taxes are not to be raised because they spend their money or invest their money in economic growth. They cannot help themselves. The way they spend or invest is always more efficient than the government. Money spent by the rich (and the middle class) leads to growth. Money spent by the government rarely leads to growth, and the following year the government has to come up with more money again. ... Government is not a reliable source of funds. Ask a citizen of Greece or of Italy." --columnist R. Emmett Tyrrell

Insight

"There is just one condition on which men can secure employment and a living, nourishing, profitable wage, for whatever they contribute to the enterprise, be it labor or capital, and that condition is that some one make a profit by it. ... It cannot be done by law, it cannot be done by public ownership, it cannot be done by socialism. When you deny the right to a profit you deny the right of a reward for thrift and industry." --President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)

For the Record

"If we were to eliminate just 5 million barrels of our current daily 9 million barrels of imported petroleum, the annual savings could reach nearly $200 billion per year. Eventually, the new gas and oil could add another 1.6 million new jobs and add up to nearly $1 trillion in federal revenue. ... Of course, there are sizable interests opposed to the new American gas and oil finds -- not all of them foreign governments, but instead reflected in the current Obama administration policy of halting new pipelines, placing moratoriums on offshore drilling, and putting lucrative federal lands off-limits. ... For the American poor and unemployed, how liberal is it, really, to keep energy prices high while stalling millions of high-paying private-sector jobs that would both lower government costs in entitlements and empower the working classes? In the current presidential campaign, three issues dominate: national security, fiscal solvency and high unemployment. Development of America's vast new gas and oil finds addresses all three at once." --historian Victor Davis Hanson

Opinion in Brief

"If a person without health insurance finds himself in need of costly medical care, let's investigate just how might that care be provided. There are not too many of us who'd suggest that we get the money from the tooth fairy or Santa Claus. That being the case, if a medically indigent person receives medical treatment, it must be provided by people. There are several possible methods to deliver the services. One way is for people to make voluntary contributions or for medical practitioners to simply treat medically indigent patients at no charge. I find both methods praiseworthy, laudable and, above all, moral. Another way to provide those services is for Congress to use its power to forcibly use one person to serve the purposes of another. ... I'd personally find such a method of providing medical services offensive and immoral, simply because I find the forcible use of one person to serve the purposes of another, what amounts to slavery, in violation of all that is decent. ... I share James Madison's vision, articulated when Congress appropriated $15,000 to assist some French refugees in 1794. Madison stood on the floor of the House to object, saying, 'I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents,' adding later that 'charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government.' This vision of morality, I'm afraid, is repulsive to most Americans." --economist Walter E. Williams

Essential Liberty

"Jeffersonian liberty, the bedrock of America's founding, rests on the idea that individuals are means to their own ends, never the ends of others; that individuals should be free to engage in voluntary acts of mutual agreement with each other; and that they deserve that which they produce. Progressivism represents the antithesis of these simple concepts. It's dawning on the American polity during the turn of the nineteenth century brought about structural changes that gave rise to iniquitous lobbying that dominates politics even to this day; to the administrative state that continues to circumvent natural economic forces; and to a fundamentally new and perverted definition of liberty and America's founding philosophy. President Obama has endorsed this Progressivism, and should be held accountable for those ideas." --columnist J. K. Gregg

Calling All Patriots

As of this morning, we have raised about 65 percent of the funds for our 2011 Year-End Campaign. There are only 19 days left in this critical campaign, and we have only $127,000 to raise in order to meet budget.

Our mission and operations budget is a small fraction of other influential conservative organization budgets. (View our expense graphic here.) We are able to do this in large part because our dedicated staff members are motivated by mission, not the modest wages they receive.

Please, if you're able, make a secure online donation today to The Patriot Post's 2011 Year-End Campaign. If you prefer to support us by mail, please use our printable donor form.

Thank you!

Nate Jackson
Managing Editor

Political Futures

"For 30 years, from 1933 to 1964, the Democrats pushed programs designed to help the working class: Social Security and Medicare, FHA home mortgage loans, support for labor unions. But since the middle 1960s, when antipoverty programs took center stage, Democrats in Washington and big cities have pushed welfare programs for the poor and lenient measures against crime. The Democrats' shift produced vote gains in some segments of the electorate. Blacks, who voted 62 percent for John Kennedy, have voted about 90 percent Democratic starting in 1964. ... Obama lost among noncollege whites by a 58 percent to 40 percent margin [in 2008]. And in the 2010 House elections, non-college whites went Republican by 63 percent to 33 percent. So maybe it makes sense for Obama to write off the white working class. Yet he is doing it in an odd way, by enacting New Deal-like programs and expending great energy on raising taxes on high earners. Historically, that was the way to win working class votes. But it plainly isn't doing so now, and it seems poorly calculated to enthuse the top half of the top-and-bottom coalition. Class warfare is a dubious strategy when you've written off the working class." --political analyst Michael Barone

Faith & Family

"For most people, marriage is a sacrament with 'rules' firmly established by God and when followed these rules benefit married couples, their children and society. ... Divorce has become widely accepted (though not to the Author of marriage) as a sometimes 'necessary evil,' but adultery remains for most people what it has always been: a betrayal. It's not just a religious concept. Ask a person who is married but does not believe in God how he or she would feel about a cheating spouse and you most likely would get the same response you would receive from one who does believe in a higher power: anger and profound disappointment. ... Ultimately, what voters must decide is this: Does a presidential candidate's personal flaws rise (or fall) to a level that inhibits his ability to do the job of president? Put another way, if you are about to have surgery, do you care if the doctor is a cad, or do you care more whether most of his patients are alive and well? With the multiple challenges Americans face and with the choices presented to us, if the country is to be made well, voters may just have to sacrifice the ideal for the pragmatic." --columnist Cal Thomas

The Gipper

"This spirit of love, as simple as a spoken greeting and as profound as a changed heart, seems so full that it ceaselessly looks for ways to express its power. We respond to it best when we share it with family, friend or stranger -- when we recognize that, under the sheltering evergreen branches of God's love, all are family and no one is a stranger. When we do these things, when we visit the lonely or help those in need, when a family is reconciled, Christmas is real and present, and that is truly what makes it 'the most wonderful time of the year.'" --Ronald Reagan

Read Each One Carefully & Think About It a Second or Two

1. No man or woman is worth your tears, & the one who is, won't make you cry.


2. Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.



3. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand & touches your heart.


4. The worst way to miss someone is to be sitting right beside them knowing you can' t have them.

5. Never frown, even when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.

6. To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

7. Don't waste your time on someone, who isn't willing to waste their time on you.

8. Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the person, we will know how to be grateful.

9. Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened.

10. There's always going to be people that hurt you so what you have to do is keep on trusting & just be more careful about who you trust next time around.

11. Make yourself a better person & know who you are before you try & know someone else & expect them to know you.

12. Don't try so hard, the best things come when you least expect them to.


REMEMBER: WHATEVER HAPPENS, HAPPENS FOR A REASON.

This was emailed to me.

Subject: 1907 Photo

 

1907 PHOTO This one needs to circulate 
I think this is one email that needs to be forwarded until every
American with a computer receives it. 
The year is 1907, one hundred and 3+ years ago. 
READ PRINT UNDER PICTURE!

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907. 'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language.. And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'  Theodore Roosevelt 1907 Every American citizen needs to read this!

 

Patriots,

The good news this week is that we just passed the 50 percent mark in our 2011 Year-End Campaign. The bad news is that, year over year, we are now behind 2010 by 15 percent.

Your Patriot Post team endeavors tirelessly and sacrifices much to advance the legacy of Liberty endowed by our Creator and defended by our Forefathers and generations of Patriots since.

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As the "Voice of Essential Liberty," The Patriot Post is now a primary touchstone for the growing ranks of grassroots conservatives. Our mission is more vital now than ever.

We still must raise approximately $179,000 to meet our 2011 Year-End Campaign budget. If you are able, please support The Patriot Post today.




Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis!
Libertas aut Mortis!

Mark Alexander
Publisher, The Patriot Post

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Friends of Israel, Unite! http://www.wnd.com Across the U.S. and indeed the world, there are millions who support Israel, a bastion of democracy and freedom in the Middle East, surrounded by nations that are increasingly bent on the Jewish state's destruction. Now those supporters, even from thousands of miles away, have a place they can go to not only learn more about Israel, but also take an active role in supporting its people – and maybe even earn free tickets to the Holy Land. Embrace Israel, according to its website, is a "fast-growing grassroots community connecting supporters of Israel from all around the globe. In an increasingly hostile and violent world, Embrace Israel provides the platform to enable Israel's supporters to take action to defend and strengthen this island of democracy in the Middle East and all that it stands for." The online community includes news and opinion pieces, videos, lists of opportunities to get involved, polls, places for feedback and even a shopping center for made-in-Israel products, the proceeds of which not only bless the local artisans and businesses that create them, but also help support charities doing work on the ground in Israel. Founder Danny Turetsky, who grew up in the U.K. and moved to Israel in 2005, summarized Embrace Israel by saying, "This new online community is designed to embrace supporters of the Jewish state and allow them to do a plethora of activities. … Embrace Israel helps people support and connect with Israel in ways never before brought together, targeting the wonderfully diverse background of Israel's supporters from around the globe." Joseph Sherman, a Jerusalem resident raised in California, is the editor and content manager for the site. He explains that while the TV news typically portrays Israel as a land of never-ending conflict and strife, Embrace Israel will strive to also reveal reasons to rejoice. "The news and opinions we cover are multifaceted," said Sherman. "Yes, the conflict is foremost in nearly every news outlet, but we want to show the holy, human and business environments in Israel so often neglected by the CNNs and Washington Posts. Simply, there is a great deal of good news coming out of Israel that is never reported." Embrace Israel launched with a very hot topic, asking the question, "Should corporal punishment be instituted for terrorists?" The site features articles and op-eds on the subject, and those visiting are asked to weigh in themselves through polls, petitions and comment sections on the website and Facebook page. And in the shopping section, Israeli-made clothing, jewelry, gifts and even military garb are sold to support charities like these: •Efrat, Israel's leading organization saving babies from abortion •Kav Lachayim, which serves children suffering from cancer, muscular dystrophy, cerebral paralysis and other challenging diseases •Leket Israel, which feeds Jews, Christians and Muslims in Israel by rescuing food from restaurants and caterers who invite Leket to take excess food. In addition, farmers invite Leket to harvest 13 million pounds of crops left for the poor to fulfill the commandment of Leket in the Bible •OneFamily, Israel's central organization providing personalized care and support to all victims of terrorism in Israel. OneFamily provides direct financial, material, legal, and emotional assistance to the victims. Marketing Director Jacob Wolf, a former Israeli Defense Forces combat medic and father of 6, explains, "You get two good deeds for the price of one purchase. … All products are made in Israel and support industries and towns locally, yet unlike other shopping sites of Israeli products, all proceeds go to a number of phenomenal charitable organizations doing such important things in and for Israeli society." "We have picked some of the most meaningful non-profits in Israel doing tremendous things. It will be my responsibility to ensure they meet the strictest of standards so that those supporting them feel they are contributing to the very best organizations serving the citizens of Israel," added Operations Manager Yoel Weil, who moved at the age of 6 with his family from Switzerland to Jerusalem. "Those lovers of Zion who purchase from us can expect the very best service straight to their door in time for Christmas and Chanuka." One other innovative part of Embrace Israel will be an Ambassadors' program that will be the community's eyes and ears to congregations and organizations around the globe. "We want feedback from local community leaders to give credibility and urgency to our community, whether to generate excitement for the latest campaign in support of Israel or to showcase the latest offerings from quality Israeli manufacturers," declares Wolf. "Those who assist in Embrace Israel's growth of sales will get commissions as in any affiliate program." To engage people to take an active role as ambassadors, Embrace Israel will be sending two couples to Israel for free. Of those who sign up to be ambassadors, the first set of tickets will be awarded to those who can drive the most sales and donations to the site, and the second set will be awarded to a couple in a random drawing to take place Feb. 15. Turetsky added, "This is the key to creating a network of caring communities globally, not just individuals. Our ambassadors serve a truly important function. Getting these masses of supporters globally taking on active roles is the whole power of Embrace Israel. This is what makes movements and creates goodwill using the tools we have assembled. Now we only need you!"

'Iran planning attacks on US forces in Germany'

http://www.jpost.com

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'Bild' reports German authorities investigating man suspected of spying for Iranians with intent to sabotage US targets.

Iran is planning to attack US armed forces stationed in Germany in the event of a US attack on the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities, German daily Bild reported on Thursday.

According to the report, German authorities are investigating a German businessman suspected of espionage with intent to sabotage who they believe is in contact with the Iranian Embassy in Berlin.

Bild quoted German Attorney General Harald Range as saying "We have launched an investigation and taken operational measures."

The report came amid diplomatic tensions between Germany and Iran in the aftermath of the storming of the British Embassy compound in Tehran earlier this week.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s Ambassador Ali Reza Seikh Attar for a warning because of the violation of diplomatic protocol and international law. According to a statement on the website of the German Foreign Ministry: “Guido Westerwelle condemned sharply the storming of the British Embassy in Tehran on November 29.

“Germany stands on the side of Great Britain and is not prepared to accept these types of attacks. Iran has the obligation to protect international institutions. The Iranian Ambassador in Berlin was summoned because of the attack to the Foreign Ministry.”

Germany has also reduced its diplomatic staff in Tehran after the assault on the embassy.

In This Issue: Controversial life-destroying research quietly goes away at a key company; and Carly Fiorina praises AUL’s “distinguished” work.

Life-Destroying Embryonic Stem Cell Research ending at Company that championed the
destructive practice

Mainstream media ignored an important story during Thanksgiving week – the shutting down of life destroying embryonic stem cell research at a California-based company. Geron Corp. officials announced that they would refocus their work on cancer drug research and development.

According to the Christian Post, “Geron began its embryonic work in 2010 amidst much controversy and criticism,” conducting research that included human test subjects. Bloomberg News reported that the company’s stock dropped following the announcement.

“This is good news for those who appreciate the science behind stem cell research,” said Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest. “Life saving treatments have come from adult stem cell research, a moral good coming from a person’s own stem cells. But research in which unborn children are cannibalized for stem cells destroys life and has proved to be ineffective.”


AUL attorney Mailee Smith has been tracking the latest developments with stem cell research. She told the Christian Post, “Clearly, investors don't want to put money into research that will not pay off …We can hope it is the bell toll for unethical and unproductive embryo stem cell research, but it will not have a devastating impact on the field of 'stem cell research' as a whole."

To read more in the Christian Post or Smith’s analysis of the events, click here.

New Poll Provides Insight into
Mississippi Personhood Loss

Personhood Mississippi last week released a post-election poll they commissioned following the defeat of Amendment 26 that attempted to amend the Mississippi state constitution with an affirmation of the humanity of the unborn. The amendment became controversial on many points, with voters eventually rejecting the effort.

Pro-abortion advocates raised doubts about the scope of the amendment, claiming it carried broad repercussions and would prohibit birth control and infertility treatments.

That was false advertising, because the amendment limited state governmental conduct, not individual conduct, according to AUL Sr. Counsel Clarke Forsythe. However, he noted that the loss of the amendment would not set back the pro-life cause because other legislative and legal means will move ahead in 2012.

“The legal tradition that recognizes the humanity of the unborn through civil and criminal law remains strong,” said Forsythe.

But polling indicated that the abortion industry’s claims had an impact.

Personhood Mississippi reported that 31% voted “no” because they thought it would ban in vitro fertilization and 28% of voters polled voted "no" because they believed that women would be denied treatment for ectopic pregnancy.

For more information on “Personhood,” click here.

Carly Fiorina notes AUL and Dr. Charmaine Yoest’s “distinguished” and “reasoned” leadership on life

At AUL’s recent 40th Anniversary Gala, the former chairman and chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard Company weighed in on what makes AUL unique among pro-life organizations. Click here or on the image above to view Fiorina's comments.