Doctor- Prescribed Suicide: Something to be Thankful for and an Important New Assignment.

We learned today that the Doctor-Prescribed Suicide bill, which has been waiting to go to the Assembly floor in New Jersey, will not come out of the Senate Health Committee, meaning it is dead for this session.  This is due to the work of New Jersey pro-lifers and the prayers of all of you.  What great Thanksgiving news! We also learned today that the Joint Committee on Public Health here on Beacon Hill has tentatively scheduled hearings on H-1998 for Tuesday, Dec 17th.  H - 1998 is even worse than the last DPS bill filed here.  We will all need to testify in person or in writing.  I'll let you know as plans become definite but please be sure to save the date. Best to you and yours for a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving from the Board and Staff of MCFL!  Anne

Ward's miraculous first year

The video of this little guy who was born 15 weeks early has gone viral.  It is featured on the liberal Huffington Post, which uses the word "miraculous".  The text points out some of the many serious dangers faced by a baby who is premature.  November is Prematurity Awareness Month.  Eva Murphy has written an excellent, well-documented paper showing that the incidence of prematurity is way up and much of the increase is caused by the mother's previous abortions.

"This issue interests Massachusetts Citizens for Life because of our concern for mothers and their babies. We have learned that prior induced abortion increases the risk of premature births. In 2007 the Institute of Medicine, a unit of the National Academy of Sciences (U. S.), published a textbook on premature birth, in which were listed fourteen "immutable medical risk factors associated with preterm birth." Third on that list is "Prior first trimester induced abortion." See http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11622&page=625 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Academy_of_Sciences

In 2009 two major studies (see below) confirmed added risk of premature birth among women who had undergone prior induced abortions. Both of these studies represent "settled science" because they are systematic reviews with meta-analysis.

Studies have also been conducted on the increased incidence of cerebral palsy among children born prematurely. Soon to be published (in December) is Complications: abortion's impact on women (Toronto, ON: de Veber Institute, 2013) by Dr. Angela Lanfranchi. The conclusions were based upon estimates of 15,000 very low birth weight newborn babies later diagnosed with cerebral palsy annually due to their mothers' prior induced abortions. (See http://www.deveber.org)

Another cause of premature births is incomplete cervix or cervix insufficiency. Abortion, especially the dilation and curettage method, can damage the cervix and make subsequent pregnancies at risk for prematurity. The statistics for cervix insufficiency among blacks have increased to higher rates than among other ethnic groups. See for example the Massachusetts report card from the March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com/glue/files/premature-birth-report-card-massachusetts.pdf). Black women are known to experience higher abortion rates than other ethnic groups, which would help explain the higher rate of cervix insufficiency. (See http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html.)

We urge you to become informed on this issue. If you would like more information about premature births and abortion, feel free to contact us. "

Article by Eva Murphy, MCFL Legislative Director

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SOURCES:

Swingle HM, Colaizy TT, Zimmerman MB, Moriss FH. Abortion and the risk of subsequent preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Reproductive Medicine 2009; 54: 95-108.

Shah PS, Zao J. Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG [British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology] 2009; 116:1425-1442.

http://www.aaplog.org/media website of the American Association of ProLife Obsetricians and Gynecologists, with videos of current issues

http://www.deveber.org

'Fear mongering & brain damaged babies in Justice for Kids News Bulletin, 13 November 2013, by Brent Rooney (Msc) (http://www.justiceforkids.webs.com) Brent Rooney is Research Director, Reduce Preterm Risk Coalition (Vancouver, Canada

NOV 22, 1963 / JAN 22, 1973

When President Kennedy was assassinated on Nov 22, 1963, people were shocked and outraged that someone would kill another human being, especially the President.  They worried about the future of the country. When the Supreme Court legalized abortion throughout the country throughout all nine months for any or no reason on Jan. 22, 1973, most people did not even know it had happened.  As they found out, they were shocked and outraged that a doctor or a mother would kill a baby and that society would condone, indeed, encourage it.  They worried about the future of the country. With all due respect to President Kennedy, Jan. 22 did much more damage to this country than Nov. 22.  Instead of one deranged ideologue, we have a nation of people who have decided their own offspring are enemies to be destroyed.  That thinking has led to in vitro fertilization, cloning, a huge increase in child abuse and sexually-transmitted diseases and, in general, a country of people who have no chest (hat tip to C. S. Lewis who also died on Nov. 22, 1963). When history looks back on the 20th Century, Jan. 22 will stand out as the defining moment.  What history will say further about this country depends on us.  We must keep educating people at every opportunity in every situation, speak up, and work to elect people who value life.  More than half the people now self-identify as "pro-life" because of your work.  This is a huge shift since the '70's.  Keep up the good work - you are winning out for life!  Bless you, Anne

March for Life Buses with Overnight Stays – and Discounted (Mini)Van Rentals

41st Annual March for Life
Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Many red-eye buses are being planned across the state for the 41st Annual March for Life and those will be detailed in a future eblast.  However, there are four trips being planned that we are aware of that involve at least one overnight stay and that usually requires more advance planning.  We also have an offer for a substantial discount on van rentals for the March.  The details are below:

Departs from:  Burlington Mall
Departure Date & Time:  Mon., Jan. 20th at 10:00 PM
One-night (Tue.) stay at Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill Hotel
Return home at 5:00 PM after the March on Wednesday, arriving home around 2:00 AM
Cost: $211 per person, double occupancy (other rates available)
Contact: Theresa Gorey at 978-475-6673; Cell 978-886-2911;
email thegoreys@comcast.net or Jane Finn at 978-658-6115; Cell 978-618-5005

Departs from: Salem, MA with second pick-up at St. Margaret's in Burlington
Departure Date & Time: Tue., Jan. 21st at 6:00 AM (Salem)
Two-night (Tue. & Wed.) stay at Comfort Inn, Silver Spring, MD
Return home on Thur., Jan. 23rd arriving home early evening
Cost: $220 per person, double occupancy; $290 single
Contact: Bill Kirby at 978-821-2556 after 4:00 PM or roadruner12@hotmail.com

Departs from the following locations: Orleans, East Sandwich, Wareham, North Dartmouth, Attleboro
Departure Date and Time: Early Tue., Jan. 21st
Two-night (Tue. & Wed.) stay at Hampton Inn, Washington, DC
Return home Thursday, Jan. 23rd
Cost: adults $275 per person, double occupancy; $200 youth rate (need chaperone); $550 family rate plus $85 per child (all staying in the same room).
Contact: Vanessa Cloutier at 508-566-2884, Vin Armstrong at 508-759-7494 or Kevin Ward at 508-291-0949 Website: www.capecodbusforlife.org or www.ccbfl.org

Departs from St. John's Church, Quincy
Departure Date: Monday, January 20th
Three-night (Mon., Tue, Wed.) stay at Malvern Retreat Center in Malvern, PA (includes a Day of Retreat with Rev. Francis Conroy).
Return home, Thursday, January 23rd
Cost (including six meals at the Retreat Center): $419 per person, double occupancy; $469 single
Contact: Friends of the Unborn at 617-786-7903

VERC Car Rental would like to offer our 15 Passenger Vans, Suburbans, Mini Vans or any of our rental vehicles for $41.00 per day to any group going to the March for Life. The $41.00 daily rate is all inclusive. It includes: unlimited miles, taxes, surcharge, additional drivers, Collision Damage Waiver, Personal Accident Coverage and Travel Safe Coverage.  Reserve at any VERC Car Rental office or online at www.verc.com.  Please tell us you are going to the March for Life in order for us to apply the discounted rate.

Wednesday at the State House

Rep. Donald Humason was sworn in as a State Senator today after winning the special election to succeed fellow Westfield Republican Michael Knapik.  Mass. Citizens has been honored to work with Senator Humason when he was in the House and looks forward to working with him in the Senate!   ... Hospice and Palliative Care Awareness Month is bring celebrated by the Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts.  Today at the State House hospice agencies presented information and resource materials. Expected speakers included Kathy Bliss, president of the federation's board and Senate President Pro Tempore Richard Moore. Thinking about Hospice reminds me that the chances are very high that you do not have a health care proxy.  Please, please read about why you need a "Will to Live" and download the copy at https://www.nrlc.org/medethics/willtolive/  With medical care in chaos, you must protect yourself and your loved ones!  Anne

Federal Ban on Abortion at 20 Weeks

As you know, ten states have passed bans on abortion after 20 weeks based on the irrefutable scientific evidence that babies feel pain by that time.  Last week Sen Lindsay Graham introduced a federal ban.  I have been saving articles but I think this video of NRLC Senior Legislative Counsel Susan Muskett's appearance on "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on November 8, http://on.msnbc.com/HHyK4B is more instructive.  For once time ran out on them!  Go Susan! Watch for more news on this.  Anne

Parental Consent Laws Lead to Lower Teen Female Suicide Rates

	Brent Rooney is a researcher in Canada.  Periodically he sends me a gem.  I have to share this one with you!  Even just reading the abstract will get you thinking about all the teens who would be saved if we went back to being "old-fashioned."  Thanks for all your good work!  Anne http://espe.conference-services.net/resources/321/2017/pdf/ESPE2010_0630_paper.pdf

New Pro-Life State Senator! And Other Election Information

Pro-Life State Representative Donald Humason (R) has been elected to replace Pro-Life State Senator Michael Knapik (R) in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District.  This is an amazing win for the babies!  We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Humason. The MCFL Federal PAC is making thousands of phone calls this week urging pro-lifers in the 5th Congressional District to call Frank Addivinola (R) to offer to help him.  The PAC endorsed Addivinola in the primary.  He is a real out-in-front pro-lifer.  His opponent, Katherine Clark (D), has a 100% pro-abortion record.  Jack Rowe, PAC Chair, encourages all of you, whether or not you live in the 5th, to call Addivinola at (617) 826-9944. I want to thank all of you who made phone calls for Ken Cuccinelli for Governor in Virginia.  Cuccinelli lost in a "nail biter."  Consider: the Republican National Committee barely helped him.  He had no money for ads and was, therefore, not in the media at all during the last two weeks of the campaign.  In the meantime, Terry McAuliffe, Clinton hack, spent millions of dollars attacking Ken as hating women, etc.  And a third party candidate, financed by the Dems, got 7% of the vote.  Ken has done a marvelous job as Attorney General.  It will be very good for our efforts if he stays in politics. Thanks for all you are doing to help elect pro-life candidates!  Anne

Baby Clothes, White Crosses, and Great News About Pro-Life License Plates

If you are having a baby shower for a pregnancy resource center, I recommend these racks.  They are decorative, people love to hang their donations and admire them, and packing the clothes is easy.  Five are available. Students at Holy Cross made 100 white crosses, representing babies who have died through abortion, for pro-life displays. If you would like to borrow the clothing racks or crosses, press reply. And great news about Choose Life License plates!.  Here is the ranking of the specialty plates.  We are about to pass the Celtics!  Please go to your local Registry - now! Anne 1 Cape and the Island 44,703        10 Fish and Wildlife 5,918 2 Red Sox 37,437   11 Breast Cancer 5,480 3 Right Whale 31,527   12 Conquer Cancer 3,666 4 United We Stand 18,530   13 Celtics 3,441 5 Patriots 17,619   14 Choose Life 3,310 6 Children's Trust 12,265   15 Blackstone Valley 1,966 7 Bruins 9,902   16 Mini Fenway 1,371 8 MSPCA 9,402   17 Basketball Hall of Fame 995 9 Fallen Firefighters 7,759   18 Olympics 848

Kudos to Cardinal O'Malley!

Right after I sent you the information on O-care's abortion secrecy clause and the bill sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith, this information came about a letter Cardinal Sean has sent to Congress in his capacity as Chair of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.  The link to the letter is below.  You can see that Cardinal Sean really nails it.  "H.R. 3279 does not affect the ACA's underlying abortion problem, which is the subject of other legislation we support such as the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 7)," Cardinal O'Malley said. "The new bill addresses only this unprecedented policy of government-enforced secrecy. Health plans will have to report on their coverage of abortion, and on the extra payment they charge to cover abortions.  Only then will Americans be enabled to make an informed choice of a health plan for themselves and their families that does not violate their moral and religious convictions. This should be a point of agreement between lawmakers who consider themselves both 'pro-life' and 'pro-choice.'  Any claim of 'choice' is empty if the law conceals the facts needed to make that choice.  Please co-sponsor H.R. 3279 and help enact it into law." To send the same message to your Congressman and U S Senators:  http://masscitizensforlife.org/get-informed/legislation/massachusetts-congressional-delegation/  Thanks, Anne Full text of letter: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/abortion/upload/Cdl-OMalley-Abortion-Insurance-Disclosure-Bill_11-1-13.pdf

Obamacare's Abortion Secrecy Clause

According to NPR - hardly a pro-life organ - the O-care website, Healthcare.gov, does not have any information on what plans do or do not cover abortion.  The administration has lied all along about abortion coverage.  http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/11/01/242174176/which-plans-cover-abortion-no-answers-on-healthcare-gov We know they require coverage but they still won't admit it.  Cong. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has filed a bill that would address O-care's secrecy clause by requiring health plans to disclose whether they cover abortion, http://blog.heritage.org/2013/10/18/house-bill-would-address-obamacares-abortion-secrecy-clause/ We certainly are fortunate to have Chris Smith!  Anne

You Can Have a National Impact

Next Tuesday's election for Governor of Virginia has huge implications for us! The way Virginia goes in 2013, so goes the nation in 2014! Ken Cuccinelli, a father of seven, is being relentlessly attacked by Terry McAuliffe and Planned Parenthood for his unwavering defense of unborn children and their mothers. Planned Parenthood just announced last week that they are dumping another $1 million into the race. Because Ken has been a true leader for our cause as both a State Senator and as Attorney General, they are desperate to keep him out of the Governor's mansion. If Planned Parenthood wins this race, they'll be emboldened. They'll continue to smear our pro-life candidates nationwide with their bogus "War on Women" rhetoric. If pro-lifers win this race, we'll be able to make the case that being a pro-life champion is a political asset, and show that voters are rejecting the alleged "War on Women" narrative. You can actually make calls into Virginia this weekend and Monday. You can call fellow pro-lifers who are not currently planning to vote. Your call can get them to the polls. Sign up at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Q1rIb5sVIO5VEbRQqBF3eaPt9N6Z6965Bsld_9Nz0sk/viewform Cuccinelli has come from behind in the last few days and has a really good chance. I know you are a mover and shaker! Anne