MCFL March: first pictures and coverage

 
We were very fortunate this year.  Fox News announced the March the night before and The Globe the morning of.  WBZ radio covered us during the afternoon with a number of live interviews.  Yesterday there were articles with pictures in The Globe and The Herald.  There are many great pictures and videos still coming in.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/06/28/pro-life-activists-rally-boston-common/J0gOqi2WAvUg0CvP2Y08FO/story.html
http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/06/hundreds_march_for_life_in_hub
Here are some beautiful pictures George Martell took https://www.flickr.com/photos/bostoncatholic/  as well as a video https://vimeo.com/132051589
Thanks again to everyone who made the March so great!  Anne

Testimony in person tomorrow or by email this week

 

 

All 50 states have "Baby Safe Haven" Laws.  Massachusetts has among the best results, having had only one abandoned baby die since the bill passed.  The wording of the law acknowledges that it does not have sufficient funds appropriated.
Rep Geoff Diehl has filed The Taxpayer Conscience Protection Act, H 2481, which allows the tax-payer to re-direct the portion of his/her taxes which has been used to pay for abortions.  That amount would be used to fund the implementation of the current Baby Safe Haven Law.

 

Hearings:  Joint Revenue Committee, June 30th, 10:00 am, Room B1.

Testimony will be short.  Please keep these points in mind.

H 2481 does not cut the amount of taxes the state collects.
H 2481 does allow those who oppose abortion on moral grounds to be sure they are not paying for abortions
H 2481 does fund important educational efforts.

http://masscitizensforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Taxes-leg-2015.pdf

 

If you are not going to able to attend in person, please email your testimony to both chairs.
Senate Chair: Michael Rodriques, Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov
House Chair: Jay Kaufman, Jay.Kaufman@mahouse.gov

Your efforts make all the difference! 

Thank you,

Anne

State Senator Thomas Kennedy, R.I.P.

 

 

The cause for life has lost a stalwart!  Massachusetts State Senator Thomas Kennedy of Brockton passed away yesterday morning at 63.

 

First elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1983, Senator Kennedy rose to the upper chamber in 2008 following the retirement of Senator Robert Creedon.

 

Senator Kennedy had been confined to a wheel chair since an accident as a boy,  He was a staunch advocate for the needs of those most vulnerable: the unborn, the disabled, the sick, and the dying.  His opposition to doctor-prescribed suicide was especially important.

 

Please pray for him and his family and that his district will continue to be represented by an advocate for life.

 

Bless you,

Anne

MCFL March: six hundred witness in the midst of storm

In spite of forecasts of flooding and thunder storms, we went ahead with today's March for Life.  It was obvious that pro-lifers want to give witness - six hundred showed up with their boots and umbrellas.  We were honored to have many wonderful speakers including many students, Corrie Connor Morse sharing her abortion heartache, State Reps David DeCoste and Jim Lyons and Fr Matt Williams, who really revved up the crowd with their "Marching Orders"  Buses came from across the state including a surprise bus from Milton.  The March baby, Maura and her mother Jean, were especially welcome.  Maura blew kisses to the audience and has fans for life.  We were honored that Cardinal O'Malley braved the weather to inspire people with his message.

A good slosh, slosh time was had by all.

Thanks to everyone who came and to the great committee who worked so hard: Ed Nazzaro, Chair, Billy Donovan, David Franks, Ron Genco, Matt Hanafin, Danielle Olsen, Jack Rowe, Pat Stewart, and Fr. Matt Williams.

I certainly am looking forward to next year's March!  Anne

MARCH: weather, parking, and signs

 

The weather forecast for Sunday says the rain will stop in plenty of time for the March. Even if it doesn't, we'll hold the March. The only time in the past that I remember rain, it poured and we had a blast!
The people at the Motor Mart garage - located at 201 Stuart Street in Boston, MA - is owned by a very pro-life family who have been featuring the March on their website. They contacted us to say how convenient they are to the Parkman Bandstand and how convenient for driving in and out of the city. Their prices are similar to the other garages around (I notice their maximum is less than the Common Garage).  http://motormartgarage.com/directions/
I have been hearing good vibes about signs. During the Rally, we are going to go around taking pictures of the signs, after the March, the March Committee will choose the winner(s), who will appear on the cover of the September issue of the MCFL quarterly magazine. Also, The Anchor in Fall River is very interested in the contest and plans to cover it.  Good luck everybody!
I am so excited - I am going to introduce Maura and her mother, Jean!
It is so much fun to see everyone at the March!
Anne
 
 
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Encouraging news from California and Texas!

 

The Patient's Rights Action Fund sends along this wonderful news of a set-back for the California doctor-prescribed suicide bill.  It is especially important to us because it will be very hard to defeat the bill here if doctor-prescribed suicide becomes law in California.  Please keep praying.

Dear Friends,

The California bill to legalize assisted suicide has stalled in the Assembly Health Committee.  Yesterday's public hearing and vote was postponed until July7.   The bill must pass two committees before July 17.   Efforts are incredibly intense in California as this state is Compassion and Choices highest priority.

 http://m.sfgate.com/politics/article/Aid-in-dying-bill-hits-roadblock-6345277.php

Also, the Texas legislature is effectively closing more than half of the abortion facilities in the state using clinic regulations like those in our Women's Safety Bill, H - 2039.  I'll let you know when to gear up on this again. 
http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/29373670/high-court-to-decide-whether-to-take-up-major-abortion-case

Thanks, Anne

 

March this Sunday! Reserve your bus space now!

GREATER FALL RIVER AREA
The Greater Fall River Chapter of MCFL is sponsoring a bus to bring local walkers to the Boston Commons. No need to worry about parking or the Boston traffic. Round trip fare is only $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for ages 6-18, and free for children 5 and younger. The central pick up location is at Holy Name School on the corner of Stetson Street and President Avenue in Fall River. Departure time will be at 11:45 A.M. There will be a second pickup at the Taunton Galleria Park and Ride at approximately12:00 P.M.
To reserve seats, or for more information, please call Paulette Martinville at 508-673-9757 by Wednesday, June 24th.


MARLBOROUGH AREA
A bus will be leaving from Immaculate Conception Parish in Marlborough. Contact Evelyn Walton by June 23rd at 508-485-5965.


WORCESTER AREA
Bus leaving St. Mary's School (50 Richland Street, Worcester, MA 01610) at 11:15 AM for the Massachusetts March For Life in Boston on Sunday, June 28th. There is free parking available at St. Mary's School as well as the church parking lot. The bus will arrive back in Worcester around 5:30-6 PM. A free will offering to help pay for the bus are greatly appreciated. If interested, call Sandra at 508-799-7337. Registration will close on Wednesday evening unless spots are still available.

 

Testimony needed for June 30th on Baby Safe Haven Bill!

All 50 states have Baby Safe Haven Laws.  Massachusetts has among the best results, having had only one abandoned baby die since the bill passed.  The law has sections for publicizing the service better and for education.  No money has been appropriated, so these pro-life features have not been implemented.
Rep Geoff Diehl has filed H 2481, which allows the tax-payer to re-direct the portion of his/her taxes which has been used to pay for abortions.  That amount would be used to fund the implementation of the current Baby Safe Haven Law.

H 2481 does not cut the amount of taxes the state collects.
H 2481 does allow those who oppose abortion on moral grounds to be sure they are not paying for abortions
H 2481 does fund important educational efforts.

Hearings:  Joint Revenue Committee, June 30th, 10:00 am, Room B1.

Please mark your calendar and begin thinking about your testimony.  Sandra testified at the last hearings on the Women's Safety Bill.  She did such a great job and realized how important testimony can be that she is working on a step-by-step guide for testimony ( given in person or in writing), which we will be posting on the MCFL website in a matter of hours (weather permitting) along with some lobbying guides that I am writing.

Senate Chair: Michael Rodriques, Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov
House Chair: Jay Kaufman, Jay.Kaufman@mahouse.gov

If you are not going to able to attend in person, please email your testimony to both chairs.

Your efforts make all the difference!
 Anne

 
 

Happy Father's Day!

Fathers are so important!  In his Proclamation, President Bush says what I would like to say.  Happy Father's Day to all fathers, grandfathers, God fathers, and fathers in spirit!  Blessings, Anne

President Bush's Father's Day Proclamation
"Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child's character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father's Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.

Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage."
George W. Bush
President, USA

Follow the Money: Doctor-Prescribed Suicide

Sure enough, Wesley Smith follows the money in this article in American Standard titled Follow the Money. Oregon refuses to try to stop "regular" suicides among adults and uses Medicaid to deprive poor people with terminal illnesses of medical care.  As you read this, picture hearings and votes in the Massachusetts legislature where Oregon will be held up as the perfectly-working model.

Maine just defeated DPS by one vote in the Senate (having defeated it by referendum in the past). California and New Jersey have passed DPS in their Senates and are waiting for votes in the House/Assembly.  California is really scary!  The fight here will probably happen in the fall.  We must start gearing up for the fight now!

Please watch my emails for news about Massachusetts Alliance Against Doctor-Prescribed Suicide, which has re-posted its website and is beginning to send out emails.  I honestly believe that, if abortion were made illegal tomorrow, that would stop most abortions.  The reasons "justifying" abortion are deeply ingrained in our society but the actual practice is like a boil which could be excised.  If Doctor-Prescribed Suicide became legal, it would quickly be like tentacles in every area of medical care and, therefore, impossible to excise.

California and New Jersey need our prayers. 

Thank you!  Anne

 

 

Abortion can cause Cerebral Palsy: another reason to March on June 28th!

 

Brent Rooney, MSC, at http://www.justiceforkids.webs.com, sends along interesting studies.  Today he points out that previous abortions cause subsequent babies to be born prematurely, which is the major cause of birth defects including cerebral palsy.  This is another one of those things we have included in talks and now the studies are piling up. 

Dr. Ellice Lieberman and her Harvard University colleagues reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM198709173171206) that Black-American women in Boston with more that one (1) prior abortion nearly double (1.91 times) their risk of premature deliveries.

The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine, in its 2007 premature birth textbook, listed 14 "Immutable Medical Risk Factors Associated with Preterm Birth".  Of 14 "preemie" risks the third listed risk is "Prior first trimester induced abortion"' URL: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11622&page=625

The latest, Tatavarti SR, Arimilli V. PRETERM BIRTH ASSOCIATED with CEREBRAL PALSY. Journal Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare. May 2015;2;2476-2479,  http://www.jebmh.com/data_pdf/2_Srinivas Rao.pdf

BREAKING GOOD NEWS!  About 53,000 more babies were born in 2014 than the year before!

Just 10 days until the March!  Hope you are working on some good signs.

Anne

...not even my mother

 

 Sometimes a video says it all and needs no explanation.  Dave Andruscko, Editor of National Right to Life News, recommends such a video. interviewwithunborn.com.
Please share it.
Anne

Jeff Jacoby gets it right again!

 
The Associated Press ran an article showing the huge decreases in the number of abortions across the country in the last few years.  Massachusetts had a very good decrease, but the big news here is the drop in the number of abortions in Massachusetts since the highs in the early '90's.  We now have about 54% fewer abortions than at the peak!  We have no new laws, virtually no media help, but we do have intensive education by MCFL speakers who address more than 10,000 people a year, by you and others who write letters, speak to friends and associates and by a few sensible voices in the media like Jeff Jacoby, who has this excellent piece in the Globe.  http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2015/06/09/millennial-americans-rethink-abortion-for-good-reasons/ZCmZNJuCWKVr5brzVfaiuI/story.html

What a contrast to the State House News Service which said last week about Laura Hope Smith that she "allegedly died during an abortion procedure at an unlicensed facility"
Doctor convicted of manslaughter, million dollar civil suit but she "allegedly" died.  Only abortion-think can so trump truth.

Around the dinner table, as we discussed the AP article, people started creating fund-raising letters for pro-abortion organizations.  Just think about it.  "Flash - horrible news!  Abortions are down!  Send money so we can get those numbers up again!  We must continue our work of making money off dead babies and their mothers"
Sorry, but...

God bless Jeff and all of you who are willing to speak the truth no matter what. 

- Anne