Thursday, June 28, 2012

SCOTUS Ruling: Get to Work!

After today's SCOTUS decision I wanted to make sure I forwarded National Right to Life's take on the situation as it now stands.  The short version: we have our work cut out for us but together we can do it!
Anne


For immediate release:     Thursday, June 28, 2012
For more information:       Jessica Rodgers, NRLC 2012 Press Office
                                                (202) 642-1675 or (240) 432-5035, mediarelations@nrlc.org

National Right to Life: Supreme Court Decision Means Americans Must Elect Mitt Romney and a Pro-Life Congress Committed to Repealing ObamaCare 

WASHINGTON – "All voters who care about the value and dignity of human life must do everything they can to elect Mitt Romney and a Congress who are committed to repeal of ObamaCare," said National Right to Life President Carol Tobias. "If President Obama wins re-election, it will mean massive abortion subsidies and it will put the lives of millions at risk through systematic government-imposed rationing of lifesaving medical care."

Today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding most of the ObamaCare law is a call-to-action for the right-to-life electorate to work to elect a Congress and president this November committed to repealing ObamaCare in 2013, in order to prevent a future in which abortion insurance will be heavily subsidized by federal taxpayers and federal bureaucrats will be authorized to ration life-saving medical treatment.

That is the assessment of the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of state right-to-life organizations, after analysis of today's ruling in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius.

Under the enacted law, federal tax-based subsidies will begin in 2014 to subsidize millions of private insurance plans that will cover abortion-on-demand, including some plans ("multi-state plans") that will be administered by the federal government. Under another provision of the law, the federal government could even order many plans that do not receive federal subsidies to cover abortion as a "preventive" service. The law also created an array of other mechanisms and funding pipelines by which access to and subsidies for abortion can be expanded if President Obama wins a second term.

Moreover, few Americans realize that under ObamaCare, private citizens' right to spend their own money to save the lives of their own families will be subject to drastic restriction.

Unless repealed, ObamaCare will give federal bureaucrats the power to impose so-called "quality" measures on all health care providers, under which treatment that a doctor and patient deem needed to save that patient's life or preserve the patient's health but which runs afoul of the imposed standards will be denied, even if the patient is willing and able to pay for it. In 2015 and thereafter, an 18-member "Independent Payment Advisory Board" is directed to inform the federal Department of Health and Human Services how to use those imposed standards to limit what private citizens are permitted to spend on their own families' health care to below the rate of medical inflation.

These and other provisions of the law that will authorize rationing are documented at
http://www.nrlc.org/HealthCareRationing/index.html.

National Right to Life strongly opposed enactment of the ObamaCare law because of its abortion and rationing components.


Founded in 1968, the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the federation of 50 state right-to-life affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters, is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement, NRLC works through legislation and education to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide and euthanasia.




Massachusetts Citizens for Life
The Schrafft Center, 529 Main Street
Boston Massachusetts 02129
United States

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Matt has arrived


We just received this from Megan, who runs the National Right to Life Summer Academy.  As you can read, the other students are as impressive as Matt - right to life is so lucky. 

I am looking forward to seeing Matt when I am in DC for the NRLC Board meeting and Convention. 

I am also looking forward to being able to send you analysis of the SCOTUS decision right from the experts at National.  Anne


Dear state leaders,

Yesterday marked the first day of this summer's National Right to Life Academy. Thank you so much for supporting this program by sending or helping to send a student from your state!

Attached is an old fashioned "Facebook" of our students in the 2012 class. You may be interested to read their profiles and why they wanted to attend the National Right to Life Academy.

Below is a group photo (minus one student who arrived last night) of the new class!

I look forward to seeing you all at the convention!

--

For Life,

Megan McCrum

National Right to Life Committee
Academy Program Director
202-626-8822

www.nrlc.org/Academy/index.html

Keep up with pro-life news, read National Right to Life News Today
Join the NRLC email list!


http://www.nationalrighttolifenews.org/news/2012/06/more-millennials-at-nrlc/

NRL News Today
June 26, 2012

More Millennials at NRLC

2012 Academy students start their first day of this unique five-week educational program.

 

Today, Monday June 25 marked the first day of the National Right to Life Academy. The Academy is a unique educational program for pro-life college students, that equips today's student leaders with the tools they need to carry the fight for life into the future.

 

This summer we are pleased to host Academy students from Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Florida. Stay tuned for more updates as this intensive five-week course progresses.

 



Monday, June 25, 2012

Decision and best of ...


SCOTUS O-care decision will definitely come down on Thursday at 10:30.

 

Best bumper sticker today: "Nobody died in Watergate"

 

Best shower this weekend. In spite of Obama telling people to give him money instead of giving wedding presents, nobody at Kim's shower on Saturday had anything for him.

 

Overturning O-care would be good for the economy. 

 

Your Medicare is being cut as we speak yet Medicare money seems to be going to Cuba. 

  

Another of Michael New's excellent analyses. 

  

Not the "best" on DPS, but you'll find some nuggets. 

 


Friday, June 22, 2012

Choose Life Plates, one week left


We must have 3,000 plates on the road by June 29th - one week from today! Unless we do, the Choose Life Foundation will have to forfeit the money it would have used to help pregnancy help centers and educational efforts like the MCFL Summer Academy.

 

At MCFL we called more than 5,000 people and many, many have responded. If you have not. please do so immediately.

 

Get your plates for free! I just heard about the amazing generosity of St Luke the Evangelist Church, Westboro, which has extended this offer to all Catholics in the Worcester Diocese:

 

"FREE CHOOSE LIFE License Plates - See or call Patrice Martin at 508-842-5436 and ask about getting your first 2 years FREE before the end of June.  Take a stand for life and get a "Choose Life" license plate for your car. Afterwards, they only cost $20 extra per year, and that amount is tax deductible." 

 

We can give $100,000 to the state or to saving babies. It is up to you and me!

 

If you don't have a plate, please, please get one.

 

If you have a plate, thank you. Now, please inspire someone else to get a plate.

 

Just go to a FULL SERVICE RMV branch, which you can find here,
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/main/BranchInfo/Map.aspx by Friday, June 29th.

 

It is too late to order your plates on-line.

 

There has never been an easier way to do real good! Thank you, Anne


Thursday, June 21, 2012

Fortnight for Freedom in Massachusetts


The US bishops' Fortnight for Freedom campaign in defense of religious liberty begins tonight and culminates on the 4th of July "... this special period of prayer, study, catechesis, and public action would emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty," according to the U.S. bishops. The fortnight will conclude with Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

 

Dioceses across the nation are planning Masses, holy hours, Eucharistic processions, rallies, concerts, lectures, and other activities as part of the fortnight.

 

The bishops have also released a prayer for Religious Liberty

 

O God our Creator, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society.

 

We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith.

 

Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome-for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us-this great land will always be "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

 

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The first two links are for activities in the Boston Archdiocese, the third for Worcester. As we get more information, we'll pass it along. What a great way to work against the anti-freedom of religion HHS mandate! Anne

 

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/upload/Boston-CatholicTV_LiveTownHallMeeting_withCardinalSeanO-Malley_June25at8pm.pdf  

 

http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnight-for-freedom/upload/Boston_FFF.pdf  

 

http://www.worcesterdiocese.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.worcesterdiocese.org/respectlife  

 

And pre-natal surgery at 17 weeks saves baby's life, http://miami.cbslocal.com/2012/06/21/worlds-first-of-its-kind-surgery-saves-miami-girls-life 

 



Summer Academy - please share with students you know


July 11th is fast approaching! The Summer Academy looks great! We must limit the number of students to 25.

Please share with your children, your grand children, young friends, and your email list. The students will really benefit. Thanks, Anne

 

 

 

 

 

 

MASSACHUSETTS CITIZENS FOR LIFE SUMMER ACADEMY 2012

 

RISING 9TH - 12TH GRADE STUDENTS

 

The goal of the sessions is to form and engage high school students as workers in the pro-life movement. More specifically and immediately, we intend these students to become Ambassadors of MCFL in their respective schools, churches, or homeschooling communities during the 2012-2013 school year, as both a leaven and liaison in their respective pro-life clubs.

 

  • So that we may provide a thorough formation, our preference is for students who can and will commit to attending all, or at least most, of the sessions.
  • An award certificate will be conferred during the last session, which will also serve as a "commissioning ceremony" for these MCFL Ambassadors.

In order to present a thorough overview of the main life issues, the pro-life movement, and the various ways that these students can and should get involved, we will hold six weekly sessions which will normally consist of a 45 minute expert presentation of content, and a 45 minute interactive workshop, with 30 minutes allotted at the beginning for informal fraternizing over dinner and soft drinks.

 

Dates: Wednesdays, July 11 - August 8 and Thursday August 16.

Location: St Brendan's Church, Hartford Street, Bellingham

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

Tuition: Free for pro-life high school students

 

WEEK 1, July 11: Fetal Development & Abortion Law

 

WEEK 2, July 18: Alternatives to Abortion and Consequences of Abortion

 

WEEK 3, July 25: Legislative process and MCFL Bills

 

WEEK 4, Aug 1: Science vs. Propaganda: Stem Cells, Cloning, In Vitro Fertilization

 

WEEK 5, Aug 8: Student Presentations

 

WEEK 6; note this week meets Thursday, August 16

Call to Ambassadorship: Conferral of Awards and Commissioning as Ambassadors

 

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Medical and Legal analysis of Doctor Prescribed Suicide which will appear on the Nov 6 ballot.   This open presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m.

 

Register here, http://www.masscitizensforlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=339 



Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Natick Abortuary - mark the date for upcoming meeting


As you know, the new facility in Natick, which is on the campus of Leonard Morse Hospital, is owned and operated by Marcus Gordon who now has four facilities in the state. In the past he has operated without a medical license, his 4 Women facility in Attleboro has been cited by state health officials, and a woman was recently rushed by ambulance to the hospital from his Haverhill facility.

 

Obviously, he hopes to attract business from Natick and the surrounding towns, which Google identifies as Wellesley, Framingham, Wayland, Needham, Ashland, Weston, Holliston, Medfield, Sudbury, Westwood, Newton, Waltham, Southborough, Hopkinton, and Dedham. All of you from those towns are urged to attend this public meeting. Anyone else is welcome.

 

Wednesday, July 11th from 7:00 - 9:00 PM  

 

The Joseph Center, 5 Wilson St., Natick

 

Joe Hamel and other pro-lifers in the area have been working hard to put together this meeting for the community to discuss what can be done.  You may think not much can be done but you may be surprised! Please spread the word. I live in one of the towns to be "served". I'll definitely be there. Anne



Monday, June 18, 2012

Father's Day PS: Pro-Life Rap and an amazing video


Treat #1: Unborn twins caught on MRI video for the first time, New Scientist

 

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21888-unborn-twins-caught-on-video-mri-for-the-first-time.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=online-news

 

Treat #2: Jim Drummey is another of our Father/ Grandfather stalwarts who wrote this great "rap". Pro-lifers are amazing! Enjoy both, Anne

 

 

A PRO-LIFE RAP-SODY

by Jim Drummey

 

 

Yo, everybody, my name is Jolene

The cutest little chick you've ever seen.

I'm not very big in my 18th week

But I'll tell you more if you let me speak.

 

My heart is working, and so's my brain.

Stick me with a needle, I'll feel the pain.

I'm kicking my legs and sucking my thumb

And bouncing around on my tiny bum.

 

My mom's just beginning to feel me move

With all systems go, I'm in a groove.

I sure hope everything turns out right

So in a few months I can see daylight.

 

I've heard some stories that make me worry

About friends of mine in quite a flurry.

They told me that millions of other kids

Have had their lives put on the skids.

 

It seems there are those who are kind of wild

They talk about a "choice" and not a child.

They say that some of us shouldn't be born

And never have a choice to see the dawn.

 

Never have a choice to laugh or smile

Never have a choice to run the mile.

Never have a choice to be a dancer

Or maybe to find a cure for cancer.

 

Never have a choice to watch a storm

Never have a choice to attend a prom

Never have a choice to jump and sing

Never gonna wear a wedding ring.

 

But why should people deny our portion

And impose on us the evil of abortion?

It doesn't seem fair, so I raise my voice

Don't you think us babies should have a choice?

 

But our problem is that we're hidden from view

And if people can't see us, what can we do?

We need some friends who will tell the truth

Friends like you, our Confirmation youth.

 

So whadda you say, will you let them dis

This life of mine, big brother and sis?

I'm countin' on you to save my skin

From the abortion crowd that would do me in.

 

I need your voice and I need your prayers

I need you to help me with my cares.

As I told you before, my name is Jolene

I'd like to grow up and become a teen.

 

So whadda you say, good friends of mine?

Will you step right up and draw a line?

Say a big NO to the "pro-choice" fraud

And please help defend this child of God.


 



Sunday, June 17, 2012

A Father's Day Treat For All


When Dick Carey shared his poem with me, I thought how appropriate for Father's Day.  Dick is a Dad, a Grand Dad, and, as you read in the current MCFL News, a Foster Dad. Best wishes to all! Anne

 

I AM A HUMAN BEING

 

I am not just some tissue.

I am not just an issue.

I am not merely a choice.

I'm a child without a voice.

 

You can speak for me,  

But you won't.

You can defend me,   

But you don't.

 

If not you, then who?

If not now, then when?

 

I am not a fish.  

I am not a cat.  

I want to be born.  

What's wrong with that?

 

The child after birth, you protect.  

The child before birth, you neglect.

Why, except for his age and size,  

Should one live while the other dies?

 

I am not only voiceless,  

I am voteless, too.  

So, remember in November  

That I shall have much need of you.

 

                           Richard Carey                



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

MCFL Summer Academy for Rising High School Students


MASSACHUSETTS CITIZENS FOR LIFE SUMMER ACADEMY 2012

 

RISING 9TH - 12TH GRADE STUDENTS

 

The goal of the sessions is to form and engage high school students as workers in the pro-life movement. More specifically and immediately, we intend these students to become Ambassadors of MCFL in their respective schools, churches, or homeschooling communities during the 2012-2013 school year, as both a leaven and liaison in their respective pro-life clubs.

 

  • So that we may provide a thorough formation, our preference is for students who can and will commit to attending all, or at least most, of the sessions.
  • An award certificate will be conferred during the last session, which will also serve as a "commissioning ceremony" for these MCFL Ambassadors.

In order to present a thorough overview of the main life issues, the pro-life movement, and the various ways that these students can and should get involved, we will hold six weekly sessions which will normally consist of a 45 minute expert presentation of content, and a 45 minute interactive workshop, with 30 minutes allotted at the beginning for informal fraternizing over dinner and soft drinks.

 

Dates: Wednesdays, July 11 - August 8 and Thursday August 16.

Location: St Brendan's Church, Hartford Street, Bellingham

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00p.m.

Tuition: Free for pro-life high school students

 

WEEK 1, July 11: Fetal Development & Abortion Law

 

WEEK 2, July 18: Alternatives to Abortion and Consequences of Abortion

 

WEEK 3, July 25: Legislative process and MCFL Bills

 

WEEK 4, Aug 1: Science vs. Propaganda: Stem Cells, Cloning, In Vitro Fertilization

 

WEEK 5, Aug 8: Student Presentations

 

WEEK 6; note this week meets Thursday, August 16

Call to Ambassadorship: Conferral of Awards and Commissioning as Ambassadors

 

OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: Medical and Legal analysis of Doctor Prescribed Suicide which will appear on the Nov 6 ballot.   This open presentation will begin at 7:00 p.m. and last until 8:30 p.m.

 

Register here, http://www.masscitizensforlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268&Itemid=339 



Monday, June 11, 2012

'Tis is the season for Conventions


Our MCFL Convention on Saturday was inspiring. Mark Discher gave a philosophical background on how our society could get to the point where the government thinks it can issue such a thing as the "HHS Mandate". He was mobbed afterwards by people asking for a copy of his presentation. He says he will be happy to email it to you if you ask him at <MDischer@magdalen.edu>

 

Mary Beerworth educated us about Doctor-Prescribed Suicide and the legislative victory in Vermont. The people who were at the Convention were fired up and have started groups designed to reach out to the general public in all possible ways. I'll be sending out more information on how you can get involved.

 

Hadley Arkes actually did the impossible - told us what is likely to happen to O-care at the Supreme Court and what will be the ramifications. He presented more than one likely scenario. Whatever happens we have a much better idea of why and where it will go from there. Hadley loves seeing "old friends" and we love seeing him.

 

We'll be posting pictures and videos of the Convention. I'll let you know.

 

One of the highlights of the Convention was hearing our Oratory Contest winner, Jordan Hubacz. Jordan and his family will be going to the National Right to Life Convention, where he will represent Massachusetts. I know you join me in wishing him great success.

 

Please join the Hubacz family and me at this wonderful NRLC Convention. Anne

 

For the latest on speakers, visit daily

 

http://stoptheabortionagenda.com/convention/

 

and please forward to your pro-life lists!  Help us promote NRLC 2012!  Early Registration Still Available!  

 

Congressmen, Senator, and Governor to speak at the National Right to Life Convention; Still time to register

 

By Dave Andrusko

 

   With school coming to a close for most American families, many pro-lifers are updating their summer plans. There could be no better use of your time than attending the National Right to Life convention June 28-30 which takes place minutes away from our capital in Washington, DC. (For details about the convention and how to register/reserve a hotel room, go to www.nrlconvention.com.)

 

   A number of important pro-life elected officials will be addressing NRLC 2012, the ultimate coming together of grassroots pro-lifers. Those include three members of Congress: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) , the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Rep. Trent Franks (R-Az.), and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). In addition Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) will be providing her insights.   

 

   Majority Leader Cantor will be welcoming pro-lifers in the convention's Thursday June 28, opening general session. Rep. Smith, co-chair of the Congressional Pro-life Caucus since 1982, will be featured in the Thursday evening general session.

 

   On Friday morning, June 29, Rep. Franks and Senator Ayotte will join other political experts to look ahead to the 2012 elections.

 

   Sam Brownback, formerly senator from Kansas and now its governor, will close out the three-day educational extravaganza as the Saturday night banquet speaker.

 

http://stoptheabortionagenda.com/convention/promotion/convention-countdown-20/

 

   The genius of the convention is that there is such of wealth of information, everyone from someone just entering the Movement to veterans of 30+ years will come away better educated and more motivated.

 

There are five General Sessions, a Friday morning Prayer Breakfast, a Saturday night losing Banquet, and over 75 workshops encompassing every topic imaginable.  There will be special "tiers" of workshops you can attend that will give you additional information on the topics you most wish to learn about. Over the three days, well over 100 speakers will give workshops.

 

   There is still time to register for the convention and to reserve a hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. Just go to  

 

http://stoptheabortionagenda.com/convention/



Friday, June 8, 2012

Call Sen Brown now to block appointment of worst judge yet!


You are not going to believe what you read in Doug Johnson's letter below.  This Andrew Hurwitz is, literally, the evil genius behind Roe v Wade!  Now Obama wants to appoint him to the U S Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (yes, that is the crazy one).  You will be shocked when you read the letter.  The vote is on Monday.  Please call Sen Brown ASAP to urge him to vote against cloture.  (202) 224-4543
Your call will make a difference!  Anne



June 8, 2012

(202) 626-8820

 

RE: NRLC scorecard advisory in opposition to cloture
on the nomination of Andrew Hurwitz to
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Dear Senator:

On Monday, June 11, the Senate will vote on whether to invoke cloture on the nomination of
Andrew D. Hurwitz to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nationwide federation of state right-to-life organizations, urges you to vote against cloture, and reserves the right to include the roll call on cloture in the NRLC scorecard of key right-to-life votes of the 112th Congress.

In 1972, Hurwitz was a clerk to Jon O. Newman, a U.S. District Judge for the District of Connecticut. During the time that Hurwitz was Newman's clerk, Newman issued a sweeping ruling that struck down a recently enacted Connecticut law that prohibited abortion except to save the life of mother. The Newman ruling -- styled as Abele II -- was issued the year before the U.S. Supreme Court handed down Roe v. Wade, but after the Supreme Court had conducted the first of two rounds of oral arguments in that case.

In Abele II, Newman enunciated a new constitutional doctrine under which state prohibitions on abortion prior to "viability" would be deemed to be violations of a constitutional "right to privacy." Newman's ruling left it an open question to what extent a state would be permitted to apply limitations on abortion even after "viability."

In 2002, when Hurwitz was 55 years old and already a justice on the Arizona supreme court, he authored an article titled, "Jon O. Newman and the Abortion Decisions," which appeared in the New York Law School Law Review. In this article, Hurwitz argues that Newman's Abele II ruling heavily influenced the then-ongoing deliberations of the U.S. Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade. Hurwitz makes a persuasive case for his thesis, citing comments made by Supreme Court justices during the second round of oral arguments in the Roe case, information from the now-public archives of some of the justices who were involved, and personal conversations with Justice Stewart (for whom Hurwitz clerked in 1973-74) and others who were directly involved in the crafting of Roe v. Wade.

Hurwitz provides particularly detailed and plausible evidence that Newman's opinion was instrumental in persuading Justice Blackmun to abandon a draft opinion that would have limited the "right to abortion" to the first three months of pregnancy, and to adopt instead the more sweeping doctrine laid down in the final Roe v. Wade ruling, under which states were barred from placing any meaningful limitation on abortion at any point prior to "viability" (and severely circumscribed from doing so even after "viability").

Hurwitz wrote: "This viability dictim, first introduced by Justice Blackmun into the Roe drafts only after Justice Powell had urged that he follow Judge Newman's lead, effectively doubled the period of time in which states were barred from absolutely prohibiting abortions. . . . Judge Newman's Abele II opinion not only had a profound effect on the United States Supreme Court's reasoning, but on the length of time that a pregnant woman would have the opportunity to seek an abortion." The entire tone of Hurwitz's article leaves no doubt that he considers Newman's role in leading the Supreme Court majority to adopt a much more expansive right to abortion than otherwise might have occurred, to be a major positive achievement of Newman's career.

Roe v. Wade has been critiqued as constitutionally indefensible even by liberal legal scholars who agree with legal abortion as social policy. Many others believe that Newman and the Supreme Court justices who Hurwitz asserts followed Newman's "lead," were engaged in a super-legislative activity -- an exercise memorably denounced by dissenting Justice Byron White as "an exercise in raw judicial power." Of these critiques, there is no hint in Hurwitz's presentation, which is laudatory from start to finish.

The recasting of the draft Roe ruling, which Hurwitz credibly attributes to Newman's influence, had far-reaching consequences. The absolute number of abortions performed nationwide in the fourth, fifth, and sixth months of pregnancy increased greatly after Roe was handed down. Abortion methods were refined, under the shield of Roe, to more efficiently kill unborn human beings in the fourth month and later. The most common method currently employed is the "D&E," in which the abortionist twists off the unborn child's individual arms and legs by brute manual force, using a long steel Sopher clamp. (This method is depicted in a technical medical illustration here: http://www.nrlc.org/abortion/pba/DEabortiongraphic.html) Well over four million second-trimester abortions have been performed since Roe was handed down.

This carnage is in part the legacy of Jon O. Newman – but Judge Hurwitz clearly wants to claim a measure of the credit for himself, as well. In Footnote no. 55 of his article, Hurwitz relates a 1972 interview in which Justice Stewart "jokingly referred to me as 'the clerk who wrote the Newman opinion'." Hurwitz remarks that this characterization "I assume . . . was based on Judge Newman's generous letter of recommendation, a medium in which some exaggeration is expected." [italics added for emphasis] It is impossible to read Footnote 55 without concluding that Judge Hurwitz could not resist the opportunity to put on record his personal claim to having played an important role in the development of the expansive abortion right ultimately adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court.

NRLC urges you to oppose cloture on the nomination of Judge Hurwitz, and reserves the right to include the cloture vote in the NRLC scorecard for the 112th Congress.

Respectfully,

Douglas Johnson
Legislative Director