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, NY, 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.

Information and news you can use to protect and defend lives threatened by abortion and euthanasia
Volume 31; Issue 4; June 2003

Victory near for some babies

On June 4, 2003, victory in an 8 year battle appeared imminent. The U.S. House of Representatives joined the U.S. Senate in approving a ban on partial-birth abortions. We have been this close before, but then we always faced the certainty of veto by then President Clinton.

The Bush Administration has strongly supported enactment of H.R. 760 which would ban partial-birth abortions. The bill is "narrowly tailored" and "exempts abortions necessary to save the life of the mother." The White House said that although President Bush supports the exception for abortions necessary to save the life of the mother, he opposes all exceptions which could create loopholes and allow the procedure even in the third trimester.

On March 13, 2003, the U.S. Senate approved S.3, its version of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. Our U.S. Senators Clinton and Schumer voted against the ban. The Senate attached the Harkin Amendment, an endorsement of Roe v Wade. In the upcoming conference committee where differences between the two bills will be resolved, pro-life forces want to remove the Harkin Amendment. When the final version is approved by both houses, it will then be sent to President Bush for his signature. These activities may take several weeks to complete.

Pro-abortionists immediately claimed the bill to be unconstitutional. Gloria Feldt, Planned Parenthood Federation of America President, announced PPFA would immediately initiate action after the bill is signed to seek an injunction to stop its implementation. Talcott Camp of ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project also announced a challenge on behalf of the National Abortion Federation. "I’m confident that the constitutional protections of women’s health have not diminished in the past three years."

Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, the House bill’s chief sponsor, said they had tightened the language to meet the court’s objections. They also had accumulated evidence that the procedure was "dangerous to a woman’s health, and never medically necessary." Critically important when the case reaches the Supreme Court will be the Court members at that time. Two likely retirees by then, Justices John Paul Stevens and Sandra Day O’Connor, were two of the 5 who voted to strike down the Nebraska Partial-birth Abortion Law several years ago.

Messages of gratitude and disappointment to our area Representatives are critical. Voting against the ban: Maurice Hinchey (22); and Louise Slaughter (28).

Voting for the ban: Sherwood Boehlert (24); James Walsh (25); Thomas Reynolds (26); Jack Quinn (27); Amo Houghton (29).

Among the 13 U. S. House members reported as "not voting" was announced Democratic presidential candidate Richard Gephardt.

RARTL Education was invited by Nazareth College student organizers to participate in "Take Back the Night," an evening to provide help and healing for people who had been abused. Neither the students nor RARTL anticipated the evening would result in a small group of faculty members first seeking to have RARTL ejected and then censoring our materials.

President Miller sent a written apology in response to our letter of complaint. He said he had scheduled a meeting with the involved faculty members when he would "express [his] personal disappointment" at their conduct. We would like a compensatory opportunity to present our censored materials. President Miller is unavailable until mid-July, so no follow-up or invitation will occur soon.

On the evening in question, RARTL’s Executive Director Patricia Amato and three RARTL volunteers arrived at the Cabaret. They were welcomed by the student organizers and spoke with some students who were interested in our materials. Pat paid no attention to a faculty member picking up one of each of our brochures.

Then, just as the event began several faculty members came to our display, distracting the students seated nearby. They angrily asked who invited RARTL to the event, saying we had no right to be there and should immediately pack up and leave. Pat showed them the invitation; the students confirmed RARTL had been invited. The faculty members then dismissed the invitation, called our materials offensive and again insisted that we leave. When Pat asked which materials were offensive they called Security to put us out.

Upon hearing we were invited guests, the guard did not eject us, but called her supervisor. Simultaneously, Feminists for Life, another invited guest, was also being told to leave. Carol Crossed and FFL volunteers ignored the request and Carol contacted, Lynne Boucher, a Campus Ministry representative. Lynne persuaded the faculty group to go with her and the student organizers to negotiate. On their return they told us to remove almost everything from our table and take down our backdrop, further distracting students from the program. The remaining few brochures on display were far from the rich assortment we had brought for the students.

The Campus Ministry representative was competent, professional and saved the evening. The disruptive faculty group was small. While we do not know how many people they may have represented, we do know that there were faculty members who were appalled by their colleagues’ unprofessional behavior.

In a related incident, the Student Health Department told RARTL Education recently that our display "several years ago" was "offensive" and therefore we would not be allowed to participate in their Health Fairs even if there were room.

Our last visit there was five years ago and we received no complaints at the time about the materials, conduct of our booth staffers or anything else. Our request for clarification has been unanswered.

Apparently at Nazareth if something is pro-life it is "offensive" and if it is "offensive" the students should not be allowed to see it. It is a shame for a college with a reputation for scholarship to be publicly embarrassed by the apparent lack of capacity of a few faculty members to tolerate the expression of a different point of view.

Anne LeBlanc RARTL Board President

Update!     PETA & abortion

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asks "people to allow understanding into their hearts and compassion onto their tables by embracing a non-violent vegetarian diet that respects other forms of life."

PETA has an ongoing campaign telling abortion opponents that if they are truly pro-life, they will stop eating meat. When told of the pain experienced by a child in abortion, they are unmoved. Matt Prescott, PETA’s youth outreach coordinator, said "PETA does not have a stand on abortion." "We are only concerned about non-human animals." C. McGovern; National Catholic Register; 5-3-03

Legal "change of mind" not allowed

Norma McCorvey was 21 years old, pregnant for a third time and unable to get an abortion in Texas where it was outlawed unless to "save the life of the mother."

She was persuaded by pro-abortionists to be the woman, "Jane Roe," whose case would be used to change the law. McCorvey, who became pro-life 10 years ago, recently filed a "motion for relief from judgment" asking the court to reopen Roe v Wade and conduct an inquiry into scientific and anecdotal evidence that McCorvey claims shows that abortion hurts women.

McCorvey’s request was dismissed. The court said that it was not made within a "reasonable time" after the 1973 judgment. In the ruling, Judge David Godbey wrote:

Whether or not the Supreme Court was infallible, its Roe decision was certainly final in this litigation. It is simply too late now, thirty years after the fact, for McCorvey to revisit the judgment."

THE LEO HOLMSTEN HUMAN LIFE COMMITTEE OF ROCHESER AREA RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE, INC. EDUCATION FUND WITH BRIGHTON RESIDENTS AGAINST VIOLENCE (BRAVE), BIRTHRIGHT OF ROCHESTER, COMPASSCARE PREGNANCY SERVICES, FEMINISTS FOR LIFE OF NEW YORK, GREATER ROCHESTER ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS (GRAE), HIS BRANCHES, PROBLEM PREGNANCY HELP CENTER, PROJECT RACHEL, PROLIFE PLANNING COMMITTEE, ROBERTS WESLEYAN COLLEGE, ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER,  SAINT LUKE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, SAINT THOMAS MORE LAWYERS GUILD, SALVATION ARMY CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO ATTEND THE

Carol and Richard Crossed
Founders of pro-life organizations,
advocates for the unborn and their mothers
and supporters of numerous pro-life initiatives.

Tuesday, September 16, 2003 Grand Ballroom Clarion Riverside Hotel * 120 East Main Street * Rochester, NY 14604 Reception at 5:45 pm Dinner at 6:30 pm $30 PER PERSON

Entrees: Chicken French or Salmon with Vodka Dill Sauce or Portabella Pyramid (layers of mushrooms, red peppers, mozzarella and spinach in a marinara sauce) For menu substitutes call Diann at 585-381-5605 RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 8TH

………………………………………………………………………………………………………. (Circle Entrée Choices)

Name:______________________________________________________Chicken, Salmon, Portabella Pyramid
                ^{Please print name, as it should appear on nametag.}

     Address:_________________________________________________________Telephone:_________
                     ^{Number    Street    City       Zip     Area Code Number}

Name:______________________________________________________Chicken, Salmon, Portabella Pyramid
                  ^{Please print name, as it should appear on nametag.}

     Address:_________________________________________________________Telephone:_________
                     ^{Number   Street           City     Zip      Area Code Number}

Please use a separate sheet to register additional persons and show information requested above for each.

To reserve seating as a group of 8 per table, attach a separate sheet with names, addresses, telephone numbers and entrée selections for all in the group. Your table request will be honored as long as open tables are available. Groups of 8 are encouraged to register by August 15, 2003. Please place an * to identify group contact person.

If not reserving a table for 8 but wishing to be seated with others you know who have made reservations, please identify them by name here: ____________________________________________________________________________.
All seating requests may not be possible to honor, but we will certainly make every effort.

Please enclose a check for the total number of reservations.

Person from whom check comes will be considered group’s contact person; please include telephone number.

Parking available at Clarion Garage for $5.00 banquet parking rate.

Enclosed is check, payable to the LHHL Comm: RARTL Ed. Fund in the amount of $__________ for______ reservations.

Mail to: Catherine Wiedemer: Treasurer; LHHL Committee
244 Hillary Lane Penfield, New York 14526

For additional information, please call Diann at 585-381-5605 or Gerry at 585-266-2266.

Want a printer-friendly version of this reservation form?

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How A Bill Becomes A Law             

The Steps in the Process 1. Idea for a bill is submitted to Bill Drafting Commission where it is translated into formal language. 2. Bill is "introduced", assigned a number for identification and then is printed. 3. Bill assigned to appropriate committee for discussion and review. If a majority of the members on the committee support it, the bill is "reported to the floor." If not, it is said to have "died in committee." 4.All bills requiring an expenditure of state funds first go to the Ways and Means Committee. They make sure the State can afford the cost of the bill. These bills won’t reach the floor for a vote unless the Ways & Means Committee okays the expenditure. 5. Final version of bill printed; must be on members’ desks at least 3 days before vote is called. 6. Bill reaches floor for debate and vote. 7. Once a bill passes the Assembly it is then sent on to the Senate (or vice versa). where it goes through a similar process. If both houses agree to pass a bill, it is then sent to the Governor for signature. If there are differences between the bills passed in the houses, a Conference Committee may try to resolve the differences. Then the bill would go to the Governor. 8. Governor can either sign a bill or veto it. If the Governor vetoes a bill it can still become a law when a 2/3 majority in both members on the committee support it, the houses vote in favor of the bill. This is known as an "override." 9. Bill, once signed by the Governor, becomes a law. The legislative processes in Albany and Washington, D.C are similar.

Additional useful information In both Washington and Albany, the bill is identified by a name and number. The name represents the person(s) who introduced the bill in their house, e.g. Brownback-Landrieu S. 245 identifies Senators Brownback & Landrieu as prime sponsors of a Senate bill to outlaw all human cloning. In the House, the bill with the same goal is Weldon-Stupak H.R. 534. In Albany, Senate bills are also identified by the letter S; Assembly bills are identified by the letter A. As in Washington, the prime sponsor(s) names further identify the bills. After a bill is introduced and sent to a committee(s), it may be defeated or tabled by the committee making it unlikely to go to the full house, e.g. Senate, Assembly, for a vote. The bill is dead until the next session, i.e. 2 year block, when it may be introduced again and given a new bill number. Each year all government departments must have a budget in order to obtain funds to do their work. These budget bills often carry amendments reflecting the desire of some legislators for how the budgeted money should or should not be used. In New York, for example, the money for Medicaid abortion funding is put in the budget by the Governor. Over many years, in both the Senate and Assembly, amendments stating that no money in the budget will be used to pay for abortions, have been proposed. Voting is done on such amendments before the vote on the full budget.

You may or may not remember this from your school years. It is offered for your review. Please copy this and share it with as many pro-life people, especially students, as possible. The better the process is understood, the more effective we can be in passing pro-life bills.

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LEGISLATION  -  CONGRESS WILL TAKE A SUMMER BREAK; PROBABLY AFTER ACTING ON:

Unborn Victims of Violence Act (S. 1019, H.R. 1997) Pro-life people want congressional approval of this legislation. It will recognize as legal crime victims, the unborn children who are injured or killed during the commission of violent federal crimes. The U.S. Senate is expected to act on this bill, S.1019, sponsored by Sen. Mike DeWine (R OH), before the break. When Congresswoman Melissa Hart (R. PA.) will see action on her companion bill, H.R. 1997 is not presently known. Both bills recognize as legal victims all unborn children injured or killed during the commission of federal crimes. The House version of this bill was passed in 1999 and 2001. It is expected to pass with little difficulty in 2003. The Senate, meanwhile, has not previously acted on its version of the bill and is being closely watched. After its passage in the Senate, the bill would quickly be sent to the House for passage in this session. President Bush has called on Congress to pass the federal bill "this year"; he is expected to then promptly sign it. The Rocha family, parents/grandparents of California murder victims, Laci and Conner Peterson, urged Congress to pass the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. In their May 5th statement, they requested the bill be referred to as "Laci and Conner’s Law" in their memory. The Rochas wrote, "As the family of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, this bill is very close to our hearts. We have not only lost our future with our daughter and sister, but with our grandson and nephew as well." In the following week, Sharon Rocha, Laci’s mother, said: "We feel that [Laci’s unborn son]Conner was a person – there wasn’t one murder, there were two murders." New York Post; 5/22/03 Justice and humanity call for defense of unborn victims of violence. Please act quickly. Ask our Senators and your individual House member to support the bill in their houses. ---------- Hon. Hillary Clinton           Hon. Charles Schumer United States Senate         United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510  Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-4451                 202-224-6542 http://clinton.senate.gov/    http://schumer.senate.gov/

and also . . . Brownback-Landrieu S.245: human cloning ban On 2/27/03, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Weldon-Stupak bill, (H.R. 534) to ban the cloning of human embryos. Now the Senate must act. S. 245 is a true ban on human cloning in the U.S. Senate. It is opposed by some in the biotechnology industry and some patients’ advocacy groups and scientists. Their reasons are varied but seem to generally focus on the continuing, unsubstantiated claim that embryonic stem cells will cure various illnesses and diseases. To date no cures have been accomplished by usage of embryonic stem cells while many positive results have occurred from use of adult stem cells. Many of the opponents of S. 245 have endorsed competing legislation, i.e. Hatch-Feinstein S. 303. S. 303 is misleadingly labeled a "ban on human cloning" In fact, it would allow the cloning of human embryos who would be then killed in research. President Bush, supportive of S. 245, warned that S. 303 would permit "human embryo farms." Ask both our U.S. Senators to support S. 245; tell them S. 303 is a phony ban of cloning. ------------- Check the telephone book or call your county Board of Elections for the address of your member of the House of Representatives. ------------- Another option: contact National Right to Life Committee at http://www.capwiz.com/nrlc/home/. The Legislation Action Center there will have more information about specific bills and also will offer a service. By providing your zip code, your elected officials will be identified. You can then send free e-mails to both NY Senators or your representative in the House to express support (or opposition) for current bills.

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Another glimpse at our Senate representation

In considering the Fiscal Year 2004 defense authorization budget (S. 1050), Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) offered an amendment to repeal the law prohibiting performance of abortions, including those which are privately funded, at U.S. military medical facilities, except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest.

The NRLC opposed the amendment which failed, 48 to 51. Interesting is the fact that our Senators Schumer and Clinton both voted in favor of repealing the present law so abortions could be done at U.S. medical facilities. A note from constituents to both would be important in communicating faulty representation of pro-life views.

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New York State Legislators Leave Much Work Undone

As is typical in NY State, bills of significance to the life issues of abortion, e.g. cloning, fetal pain, partial-birth abortion ban, unborn victims of violence, parental notification, informed consent for women seeking abortions, and more were introduced in the 2003-04 Legislative Session. Some action occurred on a few, e.g. the Senate passed S. 403, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. No action has occurred on this yet in the Assembly.

Also there was an attempt to remove our tax money from funding Medicaid abortions as requested in Governor Pataki’s proposed budget. Assemblyman Seminerio introduced an amendment that

would prohibit the expenditure of any state money for the services of abortion or related care and supplies, except in the situation where the abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the mother [very rare], or the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest… reported to the proper legal authorities within 48 hours and prior to the abortion.

Yes - support the amendment	No - defeat the amendment
J. Bacalles (R-C) D. Burling (R-C) J. Errigo (R-C) J. Hayes (R-C) B. Kolb (R-C) C. Nesbitt (R-C) R. Oaks (R-C) W. Reilich (R)	D. Gantt (D) S. John (D) D. Koon (D) J. Morelle (D)

The amendment was defeated 104 to 44. The votes are at the right.

Because of the Assembly defeat of this measure, the NY State Senate took no action on what would have been a "one house" measure. Thus New York will continue to generously fund Medicaid abortions – funding that is barely ever required for abortions for any reason but "convenience," and known as "abortion on demand."

The NY State Legislature is presently on vacation; no legislative work is now being done in Albany. The best that pro-life people can now do is to visit their state Senator and Assemblymember in their home offices. For those who have not kept records of the bills introduced this year, contact the RARTL office for information about bills the legislators will face in 2004. Armed with that information, you will be able to have productive meetings in which the pro-life side of life issues can be discussed. You can be sure our opponents are taking full advantage of the summer break opportunities to push for their positions on the life issues.

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AIDS and the Right to Life

"Truth is the only safe ground to stand on."  Elizabeth Cady Stanton

President Bush urged the House to quickly pass his $15 billion program to triple AIDS help over the next five years in countries severely infected with the disease. This push distressed some pro-life people. Many of the groups heavily involved in working with AIDS victims do sometimes advocate condom usage and abortion in the services they provide.

Representative Henry Hyde, (R-IL), a respected pro-life leader, downplayed condom and abortion concerns. He called for support of the bill as a "moral obligation." The White House promised that funding would go only to organizations that separate their AIDS and family planning programs. Health care providers predictably expressed concern. They fear the administration may "eventually placate its conservative base and bar an effective range of AIDS treatment."

President Bush pledged that the money will be equally available for all practical strategies, including abstinence campaigns and condom use. He stated that both have been useful and will be part of a campaign against a "global plague." He said, "Everyone has a right to life." NY Times: 5/1/03

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Project Rachel

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Lao-tzu

A *Catholic outreach to women and men hurting from past abortions with focus on building trust in the tender embrace of God’s love and mercy. Call them toll free 1-888-972-2435

*Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester with multi-Denominational staff.

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Suggested Prayers Please become a prayer partner. Spend 5-10 minutes daily in prayer about life issues to provide a 24-hour prayer shield over our area. Join in the following monthly prayer themes that July – All people, but especially the young, continue to reject the foolishness of pro-abortion arguments August – All working for the reversal of Roe v Wade receive the strength and wisdom necessary for success September - All religions work together in patience, gentleness and love to help women with difficult pregnancies October – All God’s shepherds may teach their flocks what abortion does to women, their children, families and all of society

About Cloning God is sitting in heaven when a scientist prays to Him. "God, we don't need you anymore. Science has finally figured out a way to create life out of nothing. In other words, we can now do what you did in the beginning." "Oh, is that so? Tell Me," replies God. "Well," says the scientist, "we can take dirt and form it into the likeness of you and breathe life into it, thus creating man." "Well, that's very interesting ...show Me." So the scientist bends down to the earth and starts to mold the soil into the shape of a man. "No, no, no..." interrupts God, "Get your own dirt."

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Please come to the Monroe County Fair The RARTL Education Fund will again sponsor a booth for 5 days from Wednesday July 23rd to Sunday July 27th. Why not come to the fair and help staff the booth? Call Pat at the office to schedule your time.

RARTL Board Officers Elected for FY03-04 President: Anne LeBlanc Secretary: Donna Slaybaugh Treasurer: Wilda Liana Thanks to them and all of the Board Members.

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IN MEMORIAM Italo Antinarelli (Fr. Antinarelli’s father) Antoinette Bartholomeo Marilyn Doyle Mildred Diegnan Jim & Joe Orman Faith Hubbel Fred & Pat Amato Rudy LeBlanc James & Clara Robinson Jane E. Predmore Sally G. Seymour Flora Prevost Mrs. Beverly Dunnington & Family Ms. Lois Dunnington

IN PRAYER Katie Rohr Mary Szabo Raymond Buonemani Milton Dries Mary DuBose (Pat Amato’s sister) George Green

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.

Would you like a subscription to this newsletter?

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Round of applause for our volunteers

RARTL was privileged to work with 88 generous volunteers in 2002. On Thursday, May 25^th the RARTL Board hosted 32 of the volunteers at an Awards Luncheon. Sadly, many volunteers were unable to join us on that day.

We applaud all volunteers for the 1,400+ hours given to RARTL in 2002. Thank you.

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Announcing the Rochester Area and New York State Right to Life Committees’
SAVE-A-BABY CAMPAIGN

Conducted annually by the New York State organization with each of the local affiliates, the campaign is the RARTL Committee, Inc.’s invitation to you to make a donation to help
· establish and maintain legislative records and votes on life issues at the county, state and federal level
· establish and maintain contacts with area schools, churches and organizations
· provide referrals for information/services requested
· provide and staff an office open to the public, and
· much more

With your help the Committee represents and advocates for women and their unborn children.

Since the RARTL Committee, Inc. is an advocacy organization I.R.S. does not regard Save-a-Baby donations as deductible for income tax purposes.

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RARTL Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8 AM – 4 PM & by appointment Always good to call before you come.

Life-Lines is a quarterly publication of
Rochester Area Right to Life Committee, Inc. Education Fund
Suite 3; 675 Ling Road; Rochester, NY 14612
585-621-4690 Fax: 585-621-6966
www.righttoliferoch.org United Way Option #1087
e-mail: alleblanc@compuserve.com

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