LifeLines May

LifeLines is the newsletter of the Rochester Area Right to Life Committee, Inc., Education Fund. Older, complete issues in print are available in the Rochester office. These articles have been selected from the issue in print. An index for this issue and previous issues for the last couple of years is available.

Volume 29; Issue 7 May, 2001
Information and news you can use to protect and defend lives threatened by abortion and euthanasia

The best job you’ll ever have

A few months ago, … another mother rushed up to me. Emily was fuming… "Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded. Before I could answer…she blurted out the reason for her question.

…she had just returned from renewing her driver’s license at the County Clerk’s office. Asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation, Emily had hesitated… "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a…"

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I’m a mother." "We don’t list ‘mother’ as an occupation … ’housewife’ covers it," said the recorder emphatically. …one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high-sounding title like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"And what is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The Clerk paused and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly… Then I stared with wonder as my pompous pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. "Might I ask," said the clerk… "just what you do in your field?"

…I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn’t) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Masters (the whole darned family) and already have four credits" (all daughters).

"Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money." There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk’s voice as she completed the form …

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants – ages 13, 7 and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (6 months) in the child development program testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy. And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."

The Images of Mother

4 years – My Mommy can do anything!

8 years – My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 years – My Mother doesn’t really know quite everything

14 years – Naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either.

16 years – Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 years – That old woman? She’s way out of date!

25 years – Well, she might know a little bit about it.

35 years – Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.

45 years – Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 years – Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

Both of these from e-mail; author unknown. Will gladly acknowledge authorship if/when it becomes known.

Governor George Pataki’s proposed 2001-02 budget contained an estimated 20 million dollars to use to pay for Medicaid abortions on demand. Have you seen the television ad featuring the Governor with Health Commissioner Antonio Novello, M.D. surrounded by children. .

The ad is a promotion of the Child Health Plus program. It closes with the Governor broadly smiling and saying: "New York State loves kids."

*Most recent abortion data available from New York State Health Department; Bureau of Biometrics

In 1998, 134,687 abortions were performed in New York State. 132,681, i.e. 2,006 fewer abortions were done in 1999. The New York State Health Department report on induced abortions in 1999 also said:

Many legislators, including those who are solidly pro-life, will tell you abortion is one of the most difficult issues with which to be involved. Many speak about it as rarely as possible and vaguely, e.g. "I’m personally opposed, but…" Others will co-sponsor pro-life bills and acknowledge holding pro-life beliefs. Undoubtedly, the most stressful roads are those taken by pro-life legislative leaders at the national, e.g. Henry Hyde; state, e.g. Joe Robach, local, e.g. David Proud, levels. These men have names synonymous with "pro-life."

Issue: If you live in the district of a pro-life "leader" you’ve "got it made." You can rely on him/her and do nothing yourself. Wrong! Many of them lose opportunities for desirable committee appointments and get heavy pressure from pro-abortion fellow-lawmakers. Taking time to write or call with just a quick word of thanks means a lot. They certainly hear from the pro-abortionists.

In a district where your legislator has been a co-sponsor of a pro-life bill? Issue: That’s pretty good so you think you can relax. Wrong! Co-sponsoring is "going public" and these legislators will also get heavy pressure from pro-abortion legislators/constituents. Clear messages of thanks go a long way with them too.

Is your legislator "personally opposed, but…" or strongly pro-abortion? Issue: You should ignore him or "set him straight." Wrong! If his votes do not represent you, he should be told. Will his position ever change? Perhaps, but not if your approach is hostile and strident rather than direct and factual.

To know your legislators’ position on abortion, learn and remember: 1. Who represents you in Washington, Albany and home area and 2. How they vote on abortion/ euthanasia bills.

A "poor" woman does not receive federal funds for abortion unless it is done to save her life or pregnancy resulted from rape or incest. A state may choose to fund more abortions than the federal government funds. New York so chooses.

New York State, for its 2001-02 budget, again will have an estimated 20 million dollars to use to pay for Medicaid abortions on demand. All a "poor" woman will need to do is go to a doctor, have the abortion, and have the doctor submit the bill. Nowhere on the bill is the doctor even asked to state a reason for doing the abortion.

With no reason requested, a Medicaid-eligible NY woman’s abortions cost a child’s life and taxpayers’ money. No law required Governor Pataki to put money in the 2001-2 NY State Budget for Medicaid abortions-on-demand. $20,000,000 for abortions is reported to be in his proposed budget. That amount, by law, will be matched by local governments as they spend a total of an additional 20 million dollars for abortion-on-demand. That’s $40 million of NYS tax dollars for abortion.

In the Assembly on 3/21/01, Res. 421 was introduced to amend the budget to restrict Medicaid funds for abortion. Unfortunately, the amendment failed, 99-41. The votes of area Assemblymembers do reflect their known positions on the abortion issue. This vote is an excellent record to keep.

Y = support of restricting Medicaid abortion funding; Nay = opposition to restricting Medicaid abortion funding; Abs = Absent

In the Assembly, after the Budget amendment failed, A7655 was introduced. This proposed bill "authorizes public assistance payment of abortion related medical expenses only where the medical assistance rendered was determined to be medically necessary to preserve the life of the mother." This bill was referred to Social Services Committee. There is no predicting when, if ever, it will be reported to the full Assembly for a vote.

In the NY State Senate, as this is written in mid-April, no bills about abortion funding were on the calendar

Early in 2001, Canadian Health Minister Alan Rock demanded that provinces fund all abortions, claiming that abortion is "medically necessary." Gary Breitkreuz filed an Access to Information request to the Information Commissioner. He requested any "documents, reports and correspondence in the department that provide evidence that abortions are medically necessary.

The official reply to the information request read: "I regret to inform you that after a thorough search of all likely record holdings, departmental officials have confirmed that they have no records relevant to your request." The Wanderer; 4/19/01

The U.S. government funds only "medically necessary abortions"; the number funded is miniscule. NY State funds "medically necessary abortions" and asks for no such claim from doctors.

The charade of "medical necessity" reminds of children’s beloved tale: The Emperor’s New Clothes.

The following bills have been proposed and are being processed in the New York State Legislature. That does not mean that the NY Senate and/or Assembly will act on these bills in this year.

The bills may be held in the committees to which they were referred or not put on the calendar for a vote. Other strategies may be used by either bills’ supporters or opponents. In addition to the bills reported below, several other pro-life bills and at least one bill dealing with "end of life" proposals exist. Most of these do not yet have bill numbers assigned. Others are "one house bills", i.e. there is not yet a companion bill for consideration in the "other" house.

What’s been reported here are those bills that are sufficiently far along in the process that they should be supported by pro-life people. The pro-abortionists have already spent time rallying their troops to oppose these bills. If we are ever to make progress in regaining the respect for innocent human life we desire, it will mean we all will have to take the time to get effectively involved. Legislative action is effective, not difficult and may be just what you can do. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

Parental Notification: S.3277 (Padavan) & A.7685 (Robach)

These identical bills in the Senate and Assembly require notification of parent(s) prior to an abortion being performed on an unemancipated minor under the age of 18. It would allow for a family court waiver of notification in limited instances, as required by the U.S. Supreme Court. In NY, no parental notification is required for abortion; although it is required for most other surgeries

Current Status: Both bills have been sent to the Health Committee in their respective houses.

Needed Support: 1. Thanks to sponsors Senator Frank Padavan & Assemblyman Joseph Robach.

2. Contact both your NY Senator and Assemblymember:

Ask both to co-sponsor the bill;
Ask that they urge leadership to have this bill reported out of Health Committees for votes in both houses as soon as possible.

A Woman’s Right to Know: S.4003 (Maltese) & A.3684 (Young )

These bills would provide pregnant women considering abortion with full information and reflection time prior to having an abortion. Requirements include a 24 hour waiting period to give women opportunity to receive information about the medical risks of abortion, alternatives to abortion and the unborn child’s development

Current Status: Both bills have been sent to the Health Committee in their respective houses.

Needed Support: 1. Thanks to sponsors, Senator Serphin Maltese & Assemblywoman Cathy Young.

2. Contact both your NY Senator and Assemblymember

Ask both to co-sponsor the bills. Important note: A.3684 is already co-sponsored by Assembly-members Finch, Burling, Dinga, Errigo, Nesbitt and Warner; they should be thanked.

b. Ask your NY Senator and Assemblymember to urge leadership to have these bills reported out of Health Committees for votes on the house floors as soon as possible.

Unborn Victims of Violence: S.57a (Maltese) & A.6681 (Vitaliano)

These bills provide that either a person or an unborn child in any stage of gestation may be the victim of an assault; also states situations when it does not constitute an assault on an unborn child such as during the course of an otherwise constitutional abortion, during normal medical treatment or by the pregnant woman

Current Status: Both bills have been sent to the Codes Committees in their respective houses.

Needed Support:

1. Thanks to sponsors, Senator Serphin Maltese & Assemblyman Eric Vitaliano.

2. Contact both your NY Senator and Assemblymember

Ask both to co-sponsor the bills. Senator Maziarz & Assemblyman Robach are co-sponsors and should be thanked.
Ask your NY Senator and Assemblymember to urge leadership to have these bills reported out of the Codes Committees for votes on the house floors as soon as possible.

On April 26^th the House, 252 – 172, making it a federal crime to harm an unborn child during an assault on his/her mother. Senator DeWine (R-Oh) has introduced S.480, the Senate companion bill. If that passes. President Bush reportedly will sign the bills "in a nano second. He said: "This legislation affirms our commitment to a culture of life which welcomes and protects children."

Both H.R. 503 and S. 480 recognize unborn children as victims when they are injured or killed during the commission of federal crimes of violence. 24 states already have laws recognizing unborn children as victims of violent crimes. These laws have been upheld by the courts.

The federal bill will be applicable only when federal authorities arrest someone for an offense against a pregnant woman in one of 68 already-defined federal crimes of violence. It will allow for a second charge if the attacker injures or kills a second victim, an unborn child.

The bill exempts abortion performed with the pregnant woman’s consent, medical treatment for the pregnant woman/her fetus and any act of the pregnant woman herself. The bill never mentions "abortion" although opponents called it "anti-abortion." They offered the Lofgren amendment that stiffened penalties for crimes against a woman but ignored the child as a legal person with rights. That amendment failed, 229 – 196.

Contact your House Member to express your approval or disapproval of his/her vote on H.R. 503.

Contact Senators Clinton and Schumer in Washington; ask that they support S.480 in the Senate.

:-)On 4/23 NIH canceled the opening meeting of a committee to was to review applications from scientists seeking federal funds for human embryo cell research. .(-:

The 3/4/01 New England Journal of Medicine published results of a study on fetal stem cells used to treat people with Parkinson’s. Unborn babies’ cells were implanted in patients’ brains. "…that Parkinson’s did not improve in older patients…[may reflect] a lower degree of plasticity of the brain or more diffuse brain disease in the older group." Drs. Gerald Fischbach and Guy McKhann: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, found improvements only early in the morning and none soon after a dose of medicine.

15% of the transplant recipients improved in the first year after surgery but then developed "severe" disabling muscle movements. Neurologist Dr. Paul Greene called the uncontrollable movement shown by some patients "absolutely devastating." "They chew constantly, the fingers go up and down, their wrists flex and distend. We can’t selectively turn it off." Greene’s position is: "No more fetal transplants. We are absolutely and adamantly convinced that this should be considered for research only."

…researchers found 34% improvement of some patients, i.e. younger patients. Parkinson’s generally occurs in persons age 60+. Dr. J. William Langston of the Parkinson’s Institute said: "This study … points out the problems we have to solve …" He said stem cell research for Parkinson’s cures should return to the animal laboratory

Drs. Fischbach and McKhann wrote: "It is unlikely, for both practical and biological reasons, that transplantation of fragments of embryonic tissue will be the therapy of the future." Excerpted from "Fetal Cell Transplant Fails to Cure Parkinson’s; AP; MSNBC; 3/7/01 in Pro-Life Infonet, 3/8/01

Call or e-mail President Bush immediately. Thank him for canceling the meeting to review stem cell research applications; tell of your opposition to using embryos’ stem cells for research/treatments of illnesses.

An "Equal Rights Amendment" to the Constitution has been proposed in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. It reads: "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any sex on account of sex."

This is a response to an 11/25/98 New Mexico Supreme Court ruling that such language prohibits the state from restricting abortion differently from "medically necessary procedures" sought by men. The Court ordered the state to pay for elective abortions without restriction under the state’s Medicaid program.

Unless an ERA were abortion neutral, it would invalidate the federal Hyde Amendment and all state restrictions on tax-funded abortions. Since abortions are obtained "only by women," state restrictions on 3^rd trimester abortions would be nullified.

1. Urge your Congressional representative to neither sponsor nor support the ERA in its proposed form.
2. Tell him/her you want an abortion neutralizing amendment added to the proposal:

On 4/2/01, by a 59-41 vote in the U.S. Senate, the Campaign Finance Reform bill was passed. Presently no date for the House beginning to consider any companion bill, i.e Shays-Meahan, has been announced. Rough waters are anticipated for the bill in the House. Free-speech champion, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) told the Senate: "I want you to know that I’ll be the plaintiff in the case," that inevitably will be filed if the bill is passed in the House and signed by President Bush.

Much lies ahead. There will be a ferocious battle in the House of Representatives and in the conference committee that will work to iron out the differences between the bill passed by the Senate and what the House enacts.

In the April, 2001, Life-Lines the dangers of "campaign finance reform" were presented. The reasons given for opposing that bill in the Senate hold true for "campaign finance reform legislation proposed in the House.

Our two NY Senators, Clinton and Schumer, voted for campaign finance reform. They need to hear of our disappointment about their votes. Also important now: contact your member of the House of Representatives to ask him/her to oppose campaign finance reform.

On April 10, 2001, the Dutch Senate made legal the "right" to euthanasia and assisted suicide. Doctors were given immunity from prosecution for assisting. The policy will be, reportedly, implemented under "strict regulation." That will bear watching as euthanasia, though not legal, has been long practiced in the Netherlands.

It is well known that many of the deaths in the Netherlands have not been voluntary. From the NRLC Medical Ethics Department: "In round figures, there are annually 8,200 to 8,600 cases in which Dutch doctors actively cause death. Taking 1995 as an example, there were 8,627 such physician interventions. Of that figure 949 (11%) occurred without the patient’s request.

What was the mental capacity of those who died involuntarily? 949 patients were euthanized without their consent, 21% were competent and 79% incompetent.

Plenty of Dutch protesters sought to prevent the bill from being approved. Once passed, responses were quite clear, e.g. the German response, reported in the New York Times under the headline: Horror Expressed in Germany over Dutch Euthanasia.

Just 4 days after passing the bill making euthanasia legal, focus shifted to allowing anyone to be killed for any reason, provided it is (more or less) voluntary. A lead article in the NRC Handelsblad quoted Els Borst, Dutch Health Minister: "Elderly people who are ‘tired of life’ should be allowed to kill themselves with a suicide pill." She continued: "I am not against it, as long as it can be carefully enough regulated so that it only concerns very old people who have had enough of living." Borst would permit suicide pills only if the person administered it himself or herself and there was a test to ensure they really were tired of life and desperate to die.

On 4/16, Bernard Koucher, M.D., France’s Health Minister, announced his plans to press for euthanasia legalization in France. The first steps toward euthanasia being a "way of death" have been taken in the Netherlands. How contagious this will be is cause for serious concern throughout the world.

David Proud’s May 1^st resignation brought to an end nearly 14 years of service as a Monroe County Legislator. Initially a Democrat, in 2000 he switched to independent status. In his years of service, Mr. Proud routinely supported pro-life legislation. He was informed, articulate and always available to explain his pro-life position.

The 5^th District seat covers the central Greece area. District residents, as well as the unborn and their mothers across Monroe County, have been well served by Mr. Proud. He leaves with appreciation and respect.

1^st Prize: Kateri Mandracchia: Warwick, NY
2^nd Prize: Laura Burnham: Cortland, NY
3^rd Prize: Earl Knab: Fairport, NY

Thanks to all participants. Your support of this campaign helps NYSRTL/RARTL help babies.

The Xerox copier at our office has been upgraded. This left us with equipment we cannot use or return, i.e. a new Xerox toner cartridge #6R881 and a new Xerox Drum #13R544 compatible with the 800, 100, 1200 series Xerox copiers. If you or your organization can use these, please call Pat at the RARTL office: (716) 621-4690.

American Express has been a long time contributor of parts of its corporate profits to Planned Parenthood. WCF, the sponsor of Pro-Life Infonet, provides its service at no charge but does accept donations. WCF President, Steve Ertelt recently said:

"We’re proud to announce that Women and Children First will not accept credit card donations made by using the American Express credit card. WCF will not indirectly support the largest abortion performer in the U.S. by accepting donations from American Express credit cards."

Ertelt encouraged pro-life people to "tear up their American Express credit cards, close their accounts and, most importantly, send a letter to the corporation to explain the decision." He also reminded that American Express should be encouraged to stop funding Planned Parenthood.

Write to: American Express Philanthropic Program; American Express Company; World Financial Center; New York, NY 10285-4803

Sally Winn, Vice-President of WCF, also wrote about this boycott. She noted: "Boycotting everyone who donates to pro-abortion groups is virtually impossible. They’ve tainted every supermarket isle and every major industry. We can’t expect to be perfect pro-life consumers. However, we do need to take advantage of opportunities like this where the solution is so simple.

American Express is not the only game in town, so let’s send a them a message and take our business elsewhere." Rochester Area Right to Life Committee, Inc. has long supported this boycott.

The Pro-Life Infonet is a daily compilation of pro-life news and information. It promptly provides news on right to life issues from numerous, reliable sources. It is an excellent resource and available to anyone wishing to subscribe. To subscribe, send the message "subscribe" to: infonet-request@prolifeinfo.org.

Infonet is sponsored by Women and Children First (WCF) (http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.org). WCF is a non-profit organization founded to educate the public on right to life issues via the Internet.

September 25, 2001 is the date of the Fifth Annual LHHL Award presentation. At this time, five individuals have accepted nominations for the award. The 2001 award recipient will be selected by the vote of the sponsoring pro-life groups and the previous award recipients/family, i.e. Barbara Holmsten, David Hoselton, Dr. Tom and Mrs. Jean Sweeney, Rev. Jim Hewes. The winner will be announced in early June.

The 2001 event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Rochester. The event will include a Reception, Dinner and Program from 5:30 to 9:30 that Tuesday evening. Ticket price will be $30 per person. Invitations will be sent/distributed in early August.

Please become a prayer partner by spending 5-10 minutes daily in prayer about life issues. We hope this partnership will fill 24 hours of each day to have a prayer shield over the area. Please join in the following suggested weekly prayer themes that

May 6 - New college graduates use their educations to achieve honorable success
May 13 – All mothers be remembered with gratitude and prayer
May 20 – Spring’s beauty remind all of the wonder of its creation
May 27 – Those who lost their lives while protecting their sisters and brothers lives and liberties be remembered
June 3 – Medical personnel remember to "Do no harm."
June 10 – New scientific knowledge be used responsibly
June 17 – All fathers be gratefully and prayerfully remembered.

Want to do a RARTL MEMORIAL/HONOR TRIBUTE? You are most welcome to remember a deceased loved one by making a memorial contribution to the Rochester Area Right to Life Committee Education Fund. Your tax-deductible contribution can also commemorate birthdays, new arrivals, or other special occasions.

A card in your name will be sent to the family/person you designate. The contribution amount is confidential.

Life-Lines
Official Publication: Rochester Area Right to Life Committee, Inc. Education Fund
A non-profit organization
675 Ling Road, Suite 3 - Rochester, New York 14612 - (716) 621-4690
Fax: (716) 621-6966 e-mail: alleblanc@compuserve.com www.righttoliferoch.org
Please feel free to copy/distribute and include mention of LIFE-LINES and its sources in copied materials.

Rank	County	Abortions	Rank	County	Abortions
1	Kings	33,490	7	Nassau	4,205
2	Bronx	23,060	8	Monroe	3,020
3	Queens	22,083	9	Westchester	2,807
4	New York	14,744	10	Richmond	2,604
5	Suffolk	5,980	11	Orange	1,441
6	Erie	4,734	12	Onondaga	1,424

Dist	Member	Vote	Dist	Member	Vote
*123	Jay Dinga R/C/I Broome; Tioga	Abs	131	Susan John Monroe	Nay
124	Robert J. Warner R/C Broome	Y	132	Joseph Morelle D Monroe	Nay
125	Martin Luster D Cortland;Tompkins	Nay	133	David Gantt D Monroe	Nay
126	Gary Finch R Cayuga; Chenango; Cortland	Y	134	Joseph Robach D/C Monroe	Y
127	George Winner R/C Chemung; Tioga	Nay	135	David Koon D Monroe; Ontario	Nay
128	Robert Oaks R/C Seneca; Wayne	Y	+136	Joseph Errigo R Allegany; Livingston; Monroe	Y
129	Brian Kolb R/C Livingston;Ontario;Yates	Y	137	Charles Nesbitt R/C Genesee; Monroe; Orleans	Y
*130	James Bacalles R/C Schuyler;Steuben	Abs	147	Daniel Burling R/C Allegany; Cattaraugus; Erie, Genesee; Livingston, Wyoming	Y
*Call absentees’ offices; ask about the absence & how they would have vote + New office opened: 3045 E. Henrietta Rd; 1-716-334-5210

Dist	Representative	Vote	Dist	Representative	Vote
24	James McHugh	Y	25	James Walsh	Y
28	Louise Slaughter	N	29	John LaFalce	Y
30	Jack Quinn	Y	31	Amo Houghton	N
26	Maurice Hinchey	N	27	Thomas Reynolds	Y

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County	Total	< 15	15-17	18-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45 +	N.S.
Allegany	72	0	6	9	27	12	10	6	2	0	0
Broome	769	2	65	103	243	182	102	53	19	0	0
Chemung	257	1	31	40	81	45	29	27	3	0	0
Genesee	165	1	23	16	54	25	20	19	5	2	0
Livingston	132	1	9	26	45	20	16	8	6	1	0
Monroe	3,020	23	216	400	1,030	693	398	205	53	2	0
Ontario	250	1	24	43	80	39	28	26	9	0	0
Orleans	97	1	12	19	31	13	13	8	0	0	0
Seneca	58	1	9	8	24	6	4	5	1	0	0
Steuben	189	1	19	29	52	46	19	20	2	0	1
Tioga	123	0	12	20	53	15	9	11	2	1	0
Tompkins	396	5	28	59	157	62	50	19	13	2	0
Wayne	218	3	25	36	64	40	26	18	6	0	0
Wyoming	68	0	13	13	12	11	12	6	1	0	0
Yates	40	0	4	4	11	9	8	4	0	0	0
NYS Totals	132,681	829	9,425	13,824	39,609	31,020	21,229	12,505	3,756	244	240