Pro-life Resolutions for 2011

AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL: We will defund Obamacare and work toward replacing it. Congressman Joe Pitts of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the subcommittee that will work on repealing or de-funding ObamaCare, has introduced legislation that ensures no abortions will be funded with taxpayer dollars under the health care law. The passage of the Pitts Bill would codify the executive order Obama issued that did not stop abortion funding. We will pass Congressman Chris Smith's "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" This bill would make permanent the Hyde amendment (no federal funds from Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Act used to pay for elective abortions), Helms amendment (no international abortion funding), Smith FEHBP amendment (no payment for federal employee's elective abortion), the Dornan amendment (no funds for abortion in DC) and the conscience clause.  These amendments will become statutory law and will not have to be voted on every year! We will keep "family planning" funds from Planned Parenthood. Rep, Mike Pence of Indiana has filed legislation that would ensure Title X family planning funds don't go to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion business. We will look for, and support, Presidential candidates who are 100% pro-life and tough. AT THE STATE LEVEL, MCFL will be filing the following bills and working hard to pass them: A Woman's Right to Know Bill, "Laura's Law", which also requires the doctor to offer to show the woman an ultrasound picture of her baby. A Bill to Outlaw Sex-Selection Abortions. A Massachusetts Partial birth Abortion Ban. A Fetal Pain Bill to outlaw abortion after the point, 20 weeks, where science agrees the baby feels pain. We are very fortunate to have Eva Murphy as our new lobbyist.  You can read a fine interview from the latest MCFL News by clicking  Eva Murphy. Eva and I will be hosting a Legislators' Breakfast on Wednesday, January 12th at the State House to introduce our bills to the legislators.  If you would like to know more about the breakfast, please call Eva at 617-242-4199 X 227. We are looking forward to working with so many new legislators as well as our old friends.  I'll let you know as soon as we file the bills so you can be prepared.  With your support and efforts, this is going to be a great year for life!  Wishing you a Blessed and Joyous new Year!                                                                                    Anne   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Slaughter of the Innocents - please help!

Greetings on the Feast of the Holy Innocents Please include the Massachusetts Citizens for Life Charitable Trust in your year-end charitable giving plans. Year-end giving is extremely important to us and will help to support our high impact efforts to advance the cause of life here in Massachusetts. Your year-end giving is a critical part of our annual budget.  When you invest in Massachusetts Citizens for Life, you help to ensure that Massachusetts' leading pro-life voice ends the year on a strong financial footing and that we are ready to face the challenges and opportunities that await us in 2011. The first months of 2011 are crucial for the future of the pro-life movement. Most importantly, your year-end giving helps to make Massachusetts a better place for unborn babies and their mothers. This year, will you speak for the unborn by providing your most generous year-end gift? Please click here to donate.  Thank you!   For Life, Anne Fox, President   For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Pro-Life Christmas Greetings

Friends, The Christmas Star was a heavenly sign that Love had arrived in the form of a newborn baby. All of us- the Board and Staff of Massachusetts Citizens for Life- wish you a Blessed Christmas. Linda Thayer, our Vice President of Educational Affairs, has created a pro-life Christmas meditation for you. -Anne Click here to view a pdf of Linda's Christmas meditation.   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Major pro-life victory today!

The U. S. Senate passed this morning, Dec 22, the Department of Defense funding bill without a change in the policy that prohibits military base abortions, having removed the Burris Amendment which would have permitted abortions in both domestic and overseas military facilities. President Obama is expected to sign it into law.   This victory should keep the ban on abortions at military base hospitals in place for years to come because of the make-up of the new Congress. People in D. C. consider this a highly significant legislative victory! Senator Scott Brown voted correctly, as he promised he would - so he deserves to be thanked!  I know some of you take exception with various other votes he has cast recently.  If you wish to express displeasure about those, please do so separately after you have thanked him for this vote.  Please call right now to say "thank you", (617) 565-3170 or (202) 224-4543. This is wonderful news!  Let's enjoy it.  Anne   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

MARCH FOR LIFE, JAN 24, 2011

The pre-March Massachusetts Caucus on March 24th in DC is coming along beautifully.  So far we have speaking Robert Alt from the Heritage Foundation on repealing Obamacare, Professor Michael New on the tremendous impact of the pro-life movement during 2010, Professor Dwight Duncan on current legislation, including a new initiative that he is working on for Massachusetts, and Thea Rossi Barron, who spoke at Dr Jefferson's Memorial, will speak on Lobbying.  As we get more people, I'll let you know. The Caucus will be in the usual room in the Russell Senate Office Building.  I must tell you, however, that "Our Caucus Room" is now called "The Kennedy Caucus Room" After the Caucus, we will be delivering the Repeal Obamacare Petitions to each of the ten Massachusetts Congressmen.  Please send your petitions to the MCFL Office by Jan. 19th.  We will still get signatures after that, but they won't be delivered at the March. The information on the busses is what we have at the moment.  We know there are many more busses out there.  Please let us know so that we can publicize them, get them their MCFL knitted caps, etc.  Thank you! NB  The Malden, Burlington 3-day bus is always a lot of fun.  Janet has quite a few seats left and would be happy to have you.  I want to let you know also that there are some amazing plane deals out there - as low as $129.00 to Reagan. I think this is going to be by far the biggest March ever.  I hope you can make it!  Anne Red Eye - Cambridge: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 8:30 PM; Depart DC Monday, 1/24/11 after March.  Cost: $35 ($20 for students).  Contact: Laura Garcia at 617-251-4483 or garciald@bc.edu. Red Eye - Chicopee Area: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 11:00 PM; Depart DC Monday, 1/24/11 after March.  Cost: $45 (students $25).  Contact: Lauren Congo, MCFL Pioneer Valley Office at 413-583-5034 or info@pvmcfl.org; Susie Lopes at 413-592-6015 or Walter James at 413-733-4580. Red Eye - North Adams: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 10:00 PM; Depart DC Monday, 1/24/11 after March.  Cost: $25. Contact: Dan Kelly at 413-448-8460. Red Eye - Greenfield: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 10:00 PM; Depart DC Monday, 1/24/11 after March.  Cost: $45 (teenagers free); Contact Larry Filiault at 413-863-4777 (H) or 413-774-2918 (W). Red Eye - Waltham: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 8:15 PM; Depart DC Monday, 1/24/11 at 5:00 PM.  Cost: $35 (students $25).  Contact: Maryanne Quirk at 617-489-4298. Red Eye - Weymouth: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 9:00 PM; Depart DC Monday 1/24/11 at 5:00 PM.  Cost: $50 (students $10).  Contact: Sally Healy at 781-848-3796 Red Eye - Worcester: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 8:30 PM; Depart DC Monday 1/24/11 after March.  Cost: $75 ($85 after 12/31/10).  Contact: Respect Life Office, Diocese of Worcester at 508-929-4311 or aledoux@worcesterdiocese.org. 2-Day - Burlington: Leave Saturday, 1/22/11 at 10:00 PM; Depart DC Monday, 1/24/11 at 5:00 PM.  Cost: $193 Double Occupancy ($172 Triple; $147 Quadruple; $285 Single).  Contact: Theresa Gorey at 978-475-6673 or 978-886-2911 (cell) or thegoreys@comcast.net; Jane Finn at 978-658-6115 or 978-618-5005 (cell). 3-Day - Malden/Burlington: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 7:30 AM (Malden) and 8:00 AM (Burlington); Depart DC on Tuesday, 1/25/11 at 11:00 AM.  Cost: $200 per person double occupancy ($310 Single).  Contact: Janet Callahan at 781-324-3564 or janet.callahan@yahoo.com. 3-Day - Orleans/Wareham: Leave Sunday, 1/23/11 at 6:00 AM (Orleans) and 7:00 (Wareham); Depart DC on Tuesday, 1/25/11 at 11:00 AM.  Cost: $230 per person, double occupancy.  Contact: Kevin Ward at 508-291-0949. 4-Day (Retreat) - Quincy: Leave Saturday, 1/22/11; Depart DC Tuesday, 1/25/11.  Cost: $375 (all single rooms).  Contact: Friends of the Unborn, Quincy at 617-786-7903.   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Obamacare - more cheating at the highest level?

Nearly everyone expects Judge Hudson's ruling that the individual mandate in Obamacare is unconstitutional will be appealed to the Supreme Court. "Everyone" also agrees that Justice Elena Kagan, having served in the Obama Justice Department, will recuse herself.  If so, even if Justice Kennedy votes to uphold the individual mandate, the vote would be 4-4.  If there is a tie, Judge Hudson's ruling stands. Everyone is assuming fair play just as everyone did when Obamacare was supposed to go to Conference Committee and then come out for a legitimate vote, which would have allowed Sen. Brown's vote to kill it. Kagan has recused herself on a number of cases.  When she was nominated, however, there was much talk among her supporters that she would be a sure vote on Obamacare.  If she planned to recuse herself, Obama would not have nominated her.  It is quite likely that Kagan has no intention of recusing herself on Obamacare. The only thing that will ensure that Kagan behaves properly is a huge public outcry.  I know writing a Letter to the Editor is not an easy thing to do, but Kagan does not belong in Obamacare decisions and we must make sure she recuses herself.  Please write to your daily and weekly papers.  All you have to say is that the ruling will go to the Supreme Court where Justice Kagan, having served in the Obama Justice Department, must recuse herself.  If it doesn't get printed, call to remind them you are waiting to see it. Your letter will have a real impact!  I'd love to see a copy.  Hey, it is good to be pro-active!  Anne   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Unconstitutional! Virginia judge rules on individual mandate.

A federal judge in Virginia ruled today that the individual mandate, a key provision of Obamacare, is unconstitutional.  This is the most significant legal setback so far for the plan. We knew that this would be one of the easier parts of the law to find unconstitutional and Virginia one of the easier places, but it is still "huge". Remember also that Congress forgot to put in a "severability clause".  If the Supreme Court finds one aspect of Obamacare unconstitutional, that could invalidate the whole thing. Reminder: we will be delivering our Repeal Obamacare Petitions to the ten Massachusetts Congressmen on Jan 24, 2011 at the March for Life.  Please return your completed petitions before then.  You can keep collecting signatures until Obamacare is repealed, but we do want to have as many petitions as possible to deliver at the March. The educational work you are doing with these petitions is mighty!  A mighty thanks to you!  Anne   http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/13/health.care/index.html?hpt=T1&iref=BN1   http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/8VXTM7/EWK750/Z6KOX/TMGS7A/ZX1I7/XL/h http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101213/ap_on_re_us/us_health_care_overhaul_virginia Support for Obamacare hits new low, http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenumbers/2010/12/new-low-in-support-for-health-care-reform.html Push for stricter limits on abortion expected in the (US) House,  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/12/health/policy/12abortion.html   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Thank Sen. Brown for his vote!

As expected, Harry Reid tried to bring up the Defense Appropriations Act for a vote.  It still includes the Burris Amendment, which requires tax funding of abortion in military facilities. Senator Brown voted against cloture, thus keeping the Burris Amendment, which would have passed, from a vote. Senator Brown deserves our profound thanks!  Please call right now, (617) 565-3170 or (202) 224-4543. This is just the opening shot from wily Harry.  We will need Scott to keep voting the way he has.  Thank you for your vigilance and prompt action!  Anne   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Pro-life pioneer Mildred Jefferson dies

From the Arlington (TX) Catholic Herald:

Pro-life pioneer Mildred Jefferson dies
She received the first Brent Award from the Arlington Diocese in 1976.

NANCY FRAZIER O'BRIEN | Catholic News Service 10/20/10

WASHINGTON — Dr. Mildred Jefferson, a leader in the pro-life movement for decades who was also the first African-American woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School, died recently at her home in Cambridge, Mass. She was 84. No cause of death was announced.

Among the groups praising Jefferson's pro-life work over the years were the Massachusetts Catholic Conference and the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life.

Jefferson was honored in 1976 by the Arlington Diocese when she received the first Brent Award "for her distinguished service to fellowman." The award was initiated by former Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh to recall the establishment of the Catholic Church in Virginia.

"When others were silent, Dr. Mildred Jefferson refused to be silent," said Franciscan Father James E. Goode, president of the New York-based National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life. "Her voice and presence were heard throughout this nation proclaiming the dignity of all human life."

Gerald D'Avolio, executive director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference, said Jefferson's role in the pro-life movement "demonstrated the movement's breadth and depth — she was a pioneer in breaking barriers in the medical field and she was a dedicated physician who defended the dignity of the human person with intelligence and verve." 

"Her respect for the Catholic Church and her willingness to provide compelling legislative testimony over the years in alliance with the Massachusetts Catholic Conference will always be remembered and appreciated," he added.

The daughter of a public school teacher and a Methodist minister who continued to refer to herself as a "preacher's kid" throughout her life, Mildred Fay Jefferson was born in Pittsburg, Texas, and earned a bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Texas College in Tyler and a master's degree from Tufts University in Medford, Mass., before attending Harvard Medical School.

She was the first female surgical intern at Boston City Hospital and the first woman admitted to membership in the Boston Surgical Society.

She was among the founders of the National Right to Life Committee and was elected vice chairman of the board in June 1973. She served three consecutive terms as president of the organization from 1975 to 1978.

"I became a physician in order to help save lives," Jefferson once said. "I am not willing to stand aside and allow the concept of expendable human lives to turn this great land of ours into just another exclusive reservation where only the perfect, the privileged and the planned have a right to live."

In 1976, Jefferson defended the Catholic Church against charges by abortion advocate Bill Baird that the church was using the pro-life movement as a "political front."

"The Catholic Church is not leading the Right to Life Committee," she said. "The Catholic Church is being maligned and everyone who condemned the recent United Nations' resolution on Zionism should condemn the kind of bigotry shown to the Roman Catholic Church."

Darla St. Martin, co-executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, said the group had lost "a champion and a pioneer" and "a dear friend."

"Mildred Jefferson used every forum available to educate America and encourage people of all ages to become active in the right-to-life movement," St. Martin said. "Her legacy will be the countless people — most especially young people — that she brought to the movement by her constant presence and tireless dedication to the cause of life."

At the time of her death, she was an at-large director on the board of directors of the National Right to Life Committee, as well as president of the Right to Life Crusade and a director of Massachusetts Citizens for Life. She was a past president of the Value of Life Committee of Massachusetts and also was active with the American Life League, Americans United for Life Legal Defense Fund and Black Americans for Life.

She was the recipient of honorary degrees from 28 colleges and universities.

National Right to Life mourns the death of Dr. Mildred F. Jefferson

From Canada Free Press:

"Mildred Jefferson was a valued colleague in our fight for the most vulnerable members of our society and she will be greatly missed."

National Right to Life mourns the death of Dr. Mildred F. Jefferson

 By Online: National Right to Life Committee  Sunday, October 17, 2010

WASHINGTON—Today, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC) joined with pro-lifers nationwide in mourning the death of former NRLC president Dr. Mildred Fay Jefferson.  A resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dr. Jefferson was currently serving as an at-large director on the NRLC board of directors.

"The right-to-life movement has lost a champion and a pioneer. And we have lost a dear friend," said Darla St. Martin, NRLC co-executive Director.  "Mildred Jefferson was a valued colleague in our fight for the most vulnerable members of our society and she will be greatly missed."
A committed political activist and recipient of numerous accolades and honors, for much of the past four decades, Dr. Jefferson devoted her talents and her life to the right-to-life movement.  Known for her passion, charisma and eloquence, she was a frequent spokesperson appearing in countless media outlets and addressing many academic institutions.  Dr. Jefferson was also a sought-after speaker at right-to-life conventions, rallies, and banquets across the country.
She was among one of the founders of NRLC and was elected as vice-chairman of the board in June 1973.  She subsequently served as chairman of the board and, from 1975-1978, served three consecutive terms as NRLC president.
Dr. Jefferson's constant outreach to all pro-life people, regardless of background, was a hallmark of her activism.  Writing as president in the 1977 NRLC convention journal, Jefferson noted:

"We come together from all parts of our land…We come rich and poor, proud and plain, religious and agnostic, politically committed and independent…The right-to-life cause is not the concern of only a special few but it should be the cause of all those who care about fairness and justice, love and compassion and liberty with law…"

"Mildred Jefferson used every forum available to educate America and encourage people of all ages to become active in the right-to-life movement," St. Martin added.  "Her legacy will be the countless people - most especially young people - that she brought to the movement by her constant presence and tireless dedication to the cause of life."
The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of 50 state right-to-life groups and more than 3,000 local chapters nationwide, is the nation's largest pro-life group. National Right to Life works through legislation and education to protect those threatened by abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Pittsburg Native, Anti-abortion Activist, Dies

From the Pittsburg (TX) Gazette:

Pittsburg native, anti-abortion activist, dies

Former museum president John Holman and Dr. Mildred Jefferson greet reporters outside St. Beulah C.M.E. Church, where Dr. Jefferson's father was a pastor. Dr. Jefferson spoke at a Black History Program in Pittsburg in 1993.

By Susan Taft

staft@etcnonline.com

Dr. Mildred Jefferson, one of Pittsburg's most acclaimed natives, died Oct. 16 in Cambridge, Mass. She was 84. Dr. Jefferson was the first African-American woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School and the first female surgical intern at Boston City Hospital.

Dr. Jefferson was born April 6, 1926, to Gurthie and Millard Jefferson. Her father was a Methodist minister who pastored at St. Beulah C.M.E. Church, and her mother was a teacher at Center Point. They moved from Pittsburg when Dr. Jefferson was just a baby, according to local historian Nina Johnson.

After she graduated from Texas College in Tyler, Dr. Jefferson earned a master's degree from Tufts University in Medford, Mass. She then enrolled at Harvard Medical School where she graduated in 1951. Dr. Jefferson received 28 honorary degrees. She was the first woman to receive the Lantern Award for Patriotism from the Massachusetts State Council Knights of Columbus. She was a member of Black Americans for Life and led the Right to Life Crusade for many years. Earlier this year, Dr. Jefferson was named as an adult supervisor to the newly-formed Massachusetts Assembly of Teenage Republicans and the New England Federation of TARS.

Dr. Karen Antman, dean of Boston University School of Medicine, and provost of Boston University Medical Campus, said Dr. Jefferson's legacy will live on through the lives of those she touched.

 "As the first woman surgical intern at Boston City Hospital, Dr. Jefferson was a trailblazer," Dr. Antman said. "We are grateful for her contributions to our faculty and to the field of medicine. Dr. Jefferson served as a mentor and a role model to many."

Although Dr. Jefferson first received recognition for her college and medical accomplishments, she was probably best known for her role as a leader of the anti-abortion movement. A profile in "African American Lives" states she became politically active in 1970, after the American Medical Association passed a resolution stating that members could ethically perform abortions if the procedure was legal in their states. She then began an unending fight against abortion. She appeared as an expert witness in key trials, including the trail against Dr. Kenneth Edelin, a Boston doctor charged with manslaughter for performing an abortion on a Roxbury, Mass. teenager.

She was a founder of the National Right to Life Committee and served three years as president. In a 2003 interview in "American Feminist" magazine, Dr. Jefferson said the anti-abortion movement was "second only to the abolitionist movement" in the way it changed American thinking.

"I am at once a physician, a citizen and a woman, and I am not willing to stand aside and allow this concept of expendable human lives to turn this great land of ours into just another exclusive reservation where only the perfect, the privileged and the planned have the right to live," she said in the interview.

Dr. Jefferson spoke so passionately about the matter, she even changed President Ronald Reagan's views when he was governor of California, according to Massachusetts Citizens for Life president Anne Fox.

"Before Roe v. Wade, Dr. Jefferson was on "The Advocates," a program on the educational channel in Boston," Ms. Fox said. "It was a high-quality debate on abortion. Gov. Reagan was so impressed by what she had to say, that he contacted her, and he completed changed his position."

From that moment on, he referred to Dr. Jefferson as 'my favorite doctor,' said Dr. Jefferson's former public relations director, Judie Brown.

"He adored her; they had a tremendous relationship," Mrs. Brown said.

Mrs. Brown worked as Dr. Jefferson's public relations director from 1976 until 1979. She said Dr. Jefferson was petite, but powerful.

"She was in such high demand, and she was always on call with the media," Mrs. Brown said. "She was very controversial, and she took a very hard line when it came to abortion. There has been nobody since her that could even measure up to the compelling message she delivered. She was so eloquent and so beautiful, and the media just loved her."

Ms. Fox said Dr. Jefferson had a hat for every occasion.

"If she was doing a TV program, she'd wear an old hat to the studio, and put on a different hat before she went on the air," Ms. Fox said. "Then she'd change back into the old hat when she left. She even had a Republican convention hat. There was always a reason for the hat, and she was wonderful in them. I think because she was so small, she realized it would make her much more visible. She was definitely a lady and a very good representative of East Texas."

Mrs. Brown said she spoke to Dr. Jefferson three days before her death.

"One of the things I loved about Mildred was, up until the end she challenged us constantly to do better," Mrs. Brown said. "She was the architect of the pro-life movement. She referred to herself as the people's doctor. She cared about the grassroots people and inspired them to do more for the babies. That's her legacy."

Dr. Jefferson also threw her hat in the political ring. She ran unsuccessfully for political office, including as a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1982, 1984 and 1990.

Dr. Jefferson was the featured speaker at the 1993 Black History Program, sponsored by the Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum. She told a group at Pittsburg High School, and a crowd of more than 200 at First United Methodist Church, that education is the key to success.

"One can be ashamed if they are going to use history as the excuse for never doing anything in the present or future," she said that evening. "I really don't care that my ancestors came here on slave ships. They got here, and because they got here, this is my home, my native land."

She said, though she grew up in an era when East Texas blacks were openly treated as second-class citizens, her childhood set the stage for her adult success.

"I had a little better start in life than some people," she said at the 1993 Black History Program. "I came from a background of a community and tradition that understood the value of sharing. I also was inculcated with the sense of duty, honor and obligation. So it became second nature that we do the very best with what we have."

Services for Dr. Jefferson were pending at press time.

 

"Does my favorite charity fund embryonic stem cell research?"

Frequently we get questions about charities.  Recently the concern has been with embryonic stem cell research (ESCR).  Some organizations are blatant, like the Juvenile Research Foundation which funds only ESCR.  Luckily, the Boston-based Ioacocca Foundation specifically excludes ESCR from its grants to cure diabetes.  I have listed organizations which actually fund ESCR, organizations which publicly support it, organizations which are not specific, and organizations, with addresses, that take the moral position on ESCR. It is important to note that, like the state of California, some of these organizations may be recognizing the futility of ESCR and may change their positions in the future. We'll post this and any additions on the MCFL website for your future reference.  Please let me know about other organizations.  Thanks, Anne NB. It appears Congress will likely not pass proposed legislation that would expand Obama's executive order to fund new ESCR by overturning the 1996 Dickey-Wicker Amendment, the federal law that prohibits federal funds from being used to pay for the destruction of human embryos.   FUND ECSR ALS Association (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association) Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Lance Armstrong Foundation (Live Strong) Muscular Dystrophy Association Pro-Cure Wristbands Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research   SUPPORT ESCR   Alzheimer's Association American Cancer Society  American Diabetes Association American Heart Association American Lung Association American Parkinson's Disease Association American Parkinson's Disease Association Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (possibly fund) Epilepsy Foundation Leukemia and Lymphoma Society March of Dimes National Brain Tumor Society National Multiple Sclerosis Society St. Jude children's Research Hospital Susan G. Komen for the Cure   POSITION on ESCR UNCLEAR   National Kidney Foundation Spina Bifida Association Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 6931 Arlington Road Bethesda, MD 20814   "We do not support specific types of research, such as research on fetal tissue or human embryonic stem cells.  Much of the scientific research on CF is focused on human cells from people who are living with the disease."   EXPLICITLY DO NOT SUPPORT OR FUND ESCR   John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute 540 E. Jefferson St. Suite 305 Iowa City, IA 52245    "The Institute represents an opportunity for pro-life individuals to support ethical-derived stem cell research consistent with pro-life values. JP2SRI DOES NOT conduct human embryonic stem cell research and does not perform therapeutic cloning or somatic cell nuclear transfer. The Iacocca Family Foundation 867 Boylston Street, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02116   The mission of the foundation is to fund innovative and promising diabetes research programs and projects that will lead to a cure for the disease and alleviate complications caused by it.  "The foundation does not make grants for embryonic stem cell research"       DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Press Release: MCFL calls release of Rapin Osathanondh an outrage

For immediate release Contact: Anne Fox 781-449-1774   Boston, Dec. 8, 2010  Massachusetts Citizens for Life today deplored the decision by Judge Gary Nickerson to release abortion practitioner Rapin Osathanondh after less than three months in prison. Osathanondh, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter, had faced a maximum of 20 years in prison.  The 68 year old abortionist received only six months in jail and three years probation and will not be able to practice or teach medicine. Laura's mother, Eileen, spoke for her family, "Rapin Osathanondh was granted a 'revise and revoke' motion on his sentence today by the same Judge who originally gave him the light sentence. Once again the man who killed my daughter receives mercy while our daughter and family receive none." She continued, "Even though the Parole Board recently denied his parole because they said he was NOT remorseful for what he did, and he was the most 'arrogant and callous person to ever ask for parole in their experience serving on the parole board', the Judge disregarded their comments and decision and granted him freedom to go home. Where is my daughter's freedom to go home, Judge?" MCFL President, Anne Fox states, "This is an outrage.  The total disregard for the lives of unborn babies has led to disregard for the lives of their mothers.  A society that accommodates abortion swiftly accommodates the taking of other lives."   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Reid: Vote on Abortion Funding TONIGHT!

Politico reports: Harry Reid announced this morning (Wed) in a speech on the floor of the Senate, "I'm likely going to move to my motion to reconsider on the Defense Authorization Act this evening, allowing as I will indicate at the time, time for amendments to that piece of legislation."   If you haven't called Sen. Brown, you must do so before tonight!  We need him to vote against cloture.   A Senator might be lulled by Reid's offer of amendments.  We do not have the votes to remove the funding or to kill the Act, so the vote against cloture is the last ditch before we start paying for military abortions.   This is the desperation call.  Please make it right now: (617) 565-3170 or (202) 224-4543. Bless you!                                                                                                                                         Anne   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Tax funded military abortions! Call today!

The Defense Authorization Bill contains the Burris Amendment which will repeal the longstanding ban on the use of military medical facilities to perform elective abortions.  Senator Brown voted against the Burris Amendment in Committee, which is wonderful. The problem is that, if the Bill gets to the floor, we do not have the votes to defeat it even with Scott Brown voting right. What we need to do is to keep the bill from coming to the floor as long as it contains the Burris Amendment.  This is possible.  In order for the bill to come to the floor, the cloture motion must receive 60 votes, so the famous 41 votes will stop it. Please call Senator Brown's office, say we appreciate his vote in committee against the Burris Amendment and urge him to vote against cloture as long as the Defense Appropriations Bill contains the Burris Amendment. NB.  Please remember the basic rule when contacting a legislator - stick to the issue for which you called. Make your life-saving call right now, (617) 565-3170 or (202) 224-4543. Thank you!  Anne   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Benedict XVI 's prayer for unborn babies

All the dioceses in Massachusetts participated last weekend in the Pope's Advent Vigil for unborn life.  This is the prayer he composed.  I thought you might like it for your own Advent prayers. For those of you who celebrate Advent, may I wish you a blessed and productive season!   Anne     Lord Jesus, You who faithfully visit and fulfill with your Presence the Church and the history of men; You who in the miraculous Sacrament of your Body and Blood render us participants in divine Life and allow us a foretaste of the joy of eternal Life; We adore and bless you.   Prostrated before You, source and lover of Life, truly present and alive among us, we beg you.   Reawaken in us respect for every unborn life, make us capable of seeing in the fruit of the maternal womb the miraculous work of the Creator, open our hearts to generously welcoming every child that comes into life.   Bless all families, sanctify the union of spouses, render fruitful their love.   Accompany the choices of legislative assemblies with the light of your Spirit, so that peoples and nations may recognize and respect the sacred nature of life, of every human life.   Guide the work of scientists and doctors, so that all progress contributes to the integral well-being of the person, and no one endures suppression or injustice.   Give creative charity to administrators and economists, so they may realize and promote sufficient conditions so that young families can serenely embrace the birth of new children.   Console the married couples who suffer because they are unable to have children and in Your goodness provide for them.   Teach us all to care for orphaned or abandoned children, so they may experience the warmth of your Charity, the consolation of your divine Heart.   Together with Mary, Your Mother, the great believer, in whose womb you took on our human nature, we wait to receive from You, our Only True Good and Savior, the strength to love and serve life, in anticipation of living forever in You, in communion with the Blessed Trinity.     DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.

Direct Conversion May Make Embryonic Stem Cell Research Obsolete

I have been reading Decision Points written by President George W. Bush.  His presentation of his decision on government involvement in embryonic stem cell research is moving and his reasoning impressive.  Four months after that famous speech, scientists announced successful reprogramming.  Bush quotes Charles Krauthammer, "The verdict is clear: Rarely has a president - so vilified for a moral stance - been so thoroughly vindicated." Scientists had moved toward making embryonic stem cell research obsolete when they used direct reprogramming to convert adult stem cells to an embryonic-like state. Now direct conversion appears to be even better. The process of direct conversion involves changing one kind of specialized stem cell into another kind, in this case skin cells into blood cells. This eliminates the perceived need for embryonic stem cells. "I think everyone believes this is really the future of so-called stem-cell biology," John Gearhart of the University of Pennsylvania, who is researching direct conversion, told the Associated Press. "This is something that's really caught fire because it's an easy strategy to use," he said.  Gearhart also says direct conversion is helpful because embryonic stem cells produce immature cells while direct conversion produces mature cells that provide better prospects for patients and cures. The direct conversion approach also avoids the need to create embryonic-like stem cells from adult stem cells because it gets to the end result of creating new cells without going through additional steps from beginning to end. Bioethics attorney Wesley J. Smith says, "If scientists can make more progress with direct conversion, the cures angle would become obsolete-and with it, the politics of hype-as the scientific focus, and the research dollars shifted-and just perhaps, the resulting ethical regenerative medicine would stall the drive toward Brave New World." Once again, the ethical position - our position - is shown to be the most effective scientifically. Anne You can read more about direct conversion at http://www.lifenews.com/2010/11/29/bio-3220/   DONATIONS - WE NEED AND APPRECIATE THEM!  THANK YOU! For more information about the Pro-Life cause in Massachusetts or to get involved please visit our   website at masscitizensforlife.org.