The American public determined again last November that we are concerned with preserving a Culture of Life. President George W. Bush reaffirmed this goal by discussing issues such as embryonic stem cell research and human cloning in his State of the Union address. The case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo in Florida has brought much attention to end of life issues. The Pro-Life movement encompasses much more than just abortion: we defend innocent human life at all stages. The shift towards a more Pro-Life America is manifest in the decline of support for groups such as Planned Parenthood. Gloria Feldt, as president, has pushed their radical approach over the past eight years and has now stepped down possibly to soften their radical image. Still, the Pro-Life movement will continue to educate the public about their harsh pro-abortion agenda.
Please read this issue of the Pro-Life Update carefully to understand some of the challenges we now face and how you--an educated Pro-Lifer--can help advance the Culture of Life. Please share this information with your family, friends and church congregations. Make copies. Spread the news. President Bush Reaffirms Commitment to Culture of Life
During his recent State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush reiterated his firm commitment to the Culture of Life. He specifically addressed the issues of embryonic stem cell research and human cloning: "To build a culture of life, we must ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others."
The president renewed his call for a ban on all forms of human cloning (research and reproductive): "I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created for experimentation or grown for body parts, and that human life is never bought and sold as a commodity." Congress will likely address cloning legislation this year. Addressing the concerns of those who work within the medical field, he reassured that "America will continue to lead the world in medical research that is ambitious, aggressive, and always ethical.” President Bush is committed to furthering medical research; his greatest concern, however, is ensuring that innocent human life is respected. “Because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable, we must strive to build a culture of life," the president explained. "Medical research can help us reach that goal, by developing treatments and cures that save lives and help people overcome disabilities."
President Bush also reaffirmed the importance of electing strong judges. Pro-Lifers have consistently stated the importance of selecting judges who will be strict constructionists. "Because courts must always deliver impartial justice, judges have a duty to faithfully interpret the law, not legislate from the bench," the president explained during his national address. Noting the president’s past nominations, many of whom have been denied confirmation hearings due to their Pro-Life convictions, Pro-Lifers can be confident that the President will continue to put forth nominees who interpret the Constitution, rather than re-write it.
Gloria Feldt Leaves Planned Parenthood
After eight years of leadership as president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), Gloria Feldt stepped down from her post this January. She said that she had only intended to stay for five years, and so her time had come to “pass the torch.” Some speculate that Feldt stepped down because she was too political for Planned Parenthood. Under her guidance, Planned Parenthood endorsed John Kerry for president—the first presidential endorsement ever by PPFA.
In 2004, PPFA was proud to tout its extremely anti-Bush “Election Action Center,” as well as its TV spots urging pro-abortion women to vote for John Kerry. Gloria Feldt stated, “We must stop the Bush Administration’s war on choice. This administration has no respect for the medical privacy or fundamental rights of women. There’s never been a more frightening time for the future of reproductive rights. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund will make sure that pro-choice Americans know exactly what’s at stake in this election.” Alas, the American public understood what was at stake and elected George W. Bush.
Supreme Court Refuses to Reinstate Terri’s Law in Florida
The Florida Supreme Court refused to reinstate Terri’s law, which was originally passed to keep Terri Schindler-Schiavo alive. She is a brain-damaged woman who breathes on her own, but relies on a feeding tube for nourishment. Her parents have been battling with her estranged husband for years as to whether Terri’s feeding tube should be removed. Her husband claims that she never wanted to be kept alive artificially. In addition to questionable motives by her husband, her parents assert that because Terri is Catholic, she would follow the Church teaching and would not want the feeding tube removed.
Terri, now 41 years old, suffered brain damage in 1990 when her heart temporarily stopped beating. She is not in a coma. She has lived in nursing homes and relies on the feeding tube because she cannot swallow on her own. She left no written directive.
Terri’s parents lost an emergency Supreme Court appeal in 2001 to keep her feeding tube in place. More appeals have followed since then. “It is judicial homicide. They want to murder her,” her father, Robert Schindler, said. “I have no idea what the next step will be. We’re going to fight for her as much as we can fight for her. She deserves a chance.” Nutrition and hydration are not considered extraordinary care, and patients should be provided this basic necessity, rather than be starved to death.
