As always, women confronted with unexpected pregnancy can find many resources through Pregnancy Resource Centers. With the passing of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, pregnant women now have more support under the law. Thankfully, our Pro-Life president was excited to sign this legislation into law. However, not all political leaders agreed that a violent and deadly attack on a pregnant woman has two victims. Some of these leaders are self-professed Catholics who do not agree with the church’s teaching. John Kerry, a presidential candidate, voted against the Unborn Victims of Violence. Voters must not be confused by this inconsistent message.
Please read this issue of the Pro-Life Update carefully to understand some of the challenges we now face and how you, as a Pro-Life activist, can help advance the Culture of Life. Please share this information with your family, friends and church congregations. Make copies. Spread the news.
Senator John Kerry Claims Both Catholicism and Pro-Abortion Stance
John Kerry is coming under increased scrutiny for his position in the abortion debate. Over the past 20 years, Kerry has amassed an almost perfect pro-abortion voting record. He also claims to be a practicing Catholic, which is clearly a contradiction to orthodox Catholic teaching, which has consistently proclaimed the sanctity of innocent unborn human life.
Kerry is a Roman Catholic who largely has kept his faith separate from his public life. "I'm not a church spokesman," he said last week. "I'm a legislator running for president. My oath is to uphold the Constitution of the United States in my public life. Our Constitution separates church and state."
This controversy escalated when the story was featured in the April 5, 2004, issue of TIME magazine. The magazine featured a two-thirds page photo of Kerry on Ash Wednesday, complete with ashes on his forehead. Church leaders have taken notice and are concerned about politicians who advertise their Catholicism yet profess stances that are in clear defiance of the Church. Archbishop Sean O’Malley, who was recently installed in the Diocese of Boston and is Kerry’s own bishop, has spoken out on this issue. According to TIME magazine, “O’Malley has said that Catholic politicians who do not vote in line with church teachings ‘shouldn’t dare come to communion.’”
Additionally, as quoted in TIME, a Vatican official has stated that, “People in Rome are becoming more and more aware that there’s a problem with John Kerry, and a potential scandal with his apparent profession of his Catholic faith and some of his stances, particularly abortion.”
As voters who are concerned about each candidate’s stance on abortion, do not be confused by Kerry’s contradictions. John Kerry has appeared at functions in support of NARAL Pro-Choice America and has proven his strong pro-abortion stance in his political tenure over the past 20 years. President Bush Signs Unborn Victims of Violence Act
President George W. Bush signed the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (or Laci and Conner’s Law) into law on April 1, 2004. The law passed the U.S. House of Representatives on February 26, 2004, (254-163) and the U.S. Senate on March 25, 2004 (61-38).
President Bush was surrounded by parents and grandparents of those who died in two-victim crimes. “As these and the other families understand, any time an expectant mother is a victim of violence, two lives are in the balance, each deserving protection, and each deserving justice,” said President Bush. “If the crime is murder and the unborn child’s life ends, justice demands a full accounting under the law.”
Unfortunately, Sen. John Kerry, the likely Democrat presidential candidate, voted against this bill. “Senator John Kerry voted against Laci and Conner’s Law, and if Kerry were president, today would be a veto ceremony, not a signing ceremony,” said National Right to Life Legislative Director Douglas Johnson. “Polls show about 80 percent of Americans recognize that crimes like the killing of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, have two victims--but Kerry thinks there is only a single victim.”
Carol Lyons, the mother and grandmother of two victims, stated, “I’m appalled that Senator Kerry voted the wrong way. He’s running for president of the United States, and he doesn’t believe there are two victims... I know my grandbaby was real... I have two victims.”
Pregnancy Resources
Women and men who find themselves with unplanned pregnancies are often confronted with a myriad of emotions. They are filled with questions. Pregnancy Resource Centers, such as Birthright, are prepared to help women with their questions and concerns. They help the mother, assuring her that she should not feel pressured into abortion. Their counselors provide women with whatever assistance is needed to bring her baby to birth, such as finding housing, doctors, supplies, adoption, and answers to their questions. These centers provide a welcome refuge to many young women who think they have no other place to turn, and who often consider abortion as the only alternative. If you or someone you know is pregnant and has questions or needs help, please call 800-550-4900 or refer to the “Abortion Alternatives” section in your yellow pages to find a center near you.
