As Pro-Lifers, we must ensure that we remain informed--about the Pro-Life movement, politicians, and new advances in technology. True Pro-Life leaders, like our late president Ronald Reagan, are able to maintain their Pro-Life stance and apply it to new medical dilemmas. For example, President Bush has been consistently fighting for Life in the debates about embryonic stem cell research. As educated Pro-Lifers, we understand that other methods of research, such as adult stem cell research, are much more effective and morally permissible. We must also, however, remain educated about our politicians. The Kerry-Edwards ticket is extremely pro-abortion; they have even voted against the partial-birth abortion ban.
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. Kerry Chooses Pro-Abortion Running Mate
When John Kerry chose John Edwards as his running mate, it became even clearer that this ticket would be extremely pro-abortion, supporting even such heinous acts as partial-birth abortion. In 1999, Edwards voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, and, in 2003, he criticized President Bush for signing the bill. “During his six years in the U.S. Senate, John Edwards--like John Kerry--has consistently voted according to the dictates of hard-line pro-abortion advocacy groups, and contrary to the policies favored by most Americans,” said Douglas Johnson, NRLC legislative director.
NARAL and other extreme pro-abortion groups have expressed their excitement about the Democratic presidential ticket: “NARAL Pro-Choice America, the leading advocate for personal privacy and a woman’s right to choose, is elated about Sen. John Kerry’s selection today of John Edwards as his Vice Presidential running mate. Since 1999, Sen. Edwards has cast 20 votes on the right to choose and family planning issues; of that number--all were pro-choice votes. Elizabeth Cavendish, interim president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, ‘The choice for pro-choice voters is abundantly clear--only Kerry-Edwards can be counted on to protect and defend a woman’s right to choose.’”
In comparison to the Kerry-Edwards ticket, both President Bush and Vice President Cheney have been promoting a Culture of Life over the past four years. All Pro-Life citizens must ensure that this legacy continues over the next four years when they enter the voting booth this November!
President Reagan’s Pro-Life Legacy
When President Ronald Reagan passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in June, many embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) advocates used that opportunity to promote the “need” for ESCR. Even President Reagan’s wife said that the government should fund this research to help people like President Reagan. However, these statements dishonor President Reagan’s own Pro-Life legacy. In 1983, he said, “My administration is dedicated to the preservation of America as a free land, and there is no cause more important for preserving freedom than affirming the transcendent right to life of all human beings, the right without which no other rights have any meaning.”
In October of 1987, Reagan initiated a ban on the federal financing of research on unborn human life, and he upheld this ban throughout his presidency. He also was adamant about promoting the free market and did not even agree with the government funding of commercial research; he preferred that the private sector invest in the science industry.
Aside from the likelihood that President Reagan would not support ESCR, even many scientists have concurred that ESCR will most likely not help to cure Alzheimer’s disease. “I just think everybody feels there are higher priorities for seeking effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and for identifying preventive strategies,” Marilyn Albert (a Johns Hopkins University researcher who chairs the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council of the Alzheimer’s Association) told the Associated Press when asked about the potential for embryonic stem cells to provide cures.
President Ronald Reagan was a well-respected president who should be remembered for being unapologetically Pro-Life. He made great strides in promoting a true Culture of Life.
Amazing Ultrasound Discoveries
Traditional ultrasounds show a two-dimensional image of the developing baby inside the womb. This technology is quite useful for helping doctors measure and assess growth. However, it has not been able to convey very much information about fetal behavior.
Professor Stuart Campbell, of London’s Create Health Clinic, has perfected an ultrasound that produces 3D images and records fetal movement in real time. He has determined that the unborn baby engages in complex behavior from a very early stage of development. According to Campbell, “This is a new science for understanding and mapping out the behavior of the baby.”
The images have shown:
From 12 weeks, unborn babies can stretch, kick, and leap in the womb (long before the mother can feel this movement); From 18 weeks, unborn babies can open their eyes. Previously, doctors thought that eyelids were fused until 26 weeks;
From 26 weeks, unborn babies appear to exhibit a whole range of typical baby behavior and moods, including scratching, smiling, crying, hiccupping, and sucking.
This new research proves even more clearly that young unborn babies are truly deserving of our respect. They are growing, developing human children, who should be protected!
