Save the Date! 38th Annual Meeting of the AAFCP Will be Held In Blue Bell, Pa July 2019

from Friends of FertilityCare Philadelphia


Plans are underway for the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals (AAFCP) that will be held on July 17-20 at the Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. The theme for 2019 is Freedom Realized: The Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaProTechnology. This is the first time the annual meeting has been in our area and we have been partnering with the AAFCP program committee to ensure it will be the best meeting ever! We have a number of nationally known speakers, including Damon Owens, Dr. Ann Nolte and Dr. Peter Kleponis.

A sponsor message or ad in the AAFCP Annual Meeting program guide is a wonderful way to show your support for the work of pro-life women’s health care professionals in attendance. Please continue to check the https://aafcp.net/annualmeeting/ for more details on how you can help.

 

The Friends of FertilityCare Philadelphia are a group of health care professionals and members of our community who wish to promote effective, integrated health care for women and couples.

 To that end, the Friends of FertilityCare are dedicated to making Creighton Model FertilityCare™ services and NaProTechnology known, respected and applied throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

 The primary intention of the Friends of FertilityCare is to educate all people in the "good news" of Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System and NaProTechnology.  To learn more about this program, follow this link. 

 

Voices for Life is an e-publication dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. To read our Mission Statement, use this link.  Follow us on Facebook, Google, Pinterest, and on MeWe.  Help us spread the pro-life message by sharing our articles on your favorite social networks.
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?  

National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.

In Southeast Penna:  Call the Community Women's Center at  215-826-8090

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available.  Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.  

Liberal Media Trashed Pro-Life Teens Extensively, Spent Just 58 Seconds on Actual March for Life

By Kristan Hawkins
Life News

It’s almost cliché in pro-life circles that on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade for coming close to 50 years, hundreds of thousands of people march for life, and almost no one in the media can see them. Like Pro-Life Ninjas, they move in and out of the nation’s capitol undetected….until a teenager with a “Make America Great Again” hat was faced with a reality of political life today, the professional protestor causing agitation while fellow activists filmed attempts to cause a media moment.

And it worked, at least at first, as many rushed to judgment.

But what is also amazing to me is how aggressively the media ignores hundreds and thousands people — nuns and pastors, families made by adoption and birth, young and old, rich and poor, volunteers in pregnancy care centers and students from across the country — all marching for Life. They see nothing, wading through a crowd, to find something they can criticize. Attacking students based on a few minutes of video is offensive for many reasons, but ignoring all that could be easily seen is just as problematic. 

The story of the March for Life deserves to be told by those members of the Fourth Estate who ignore it because of their bias and prejudice against people of faith and in favor of abortion.

Consider that according to the Media Research Center, the major news networks devoted just 58 seconds to the March for Life while the so-called Women’s March (an unwelcoming event for pro-life women) got 15 times more coverage.

But, major news organizations, including Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, USA Today, and New York Times, all suddenly discovered that the March for Life was happening in time to raise public sentiment against Catholic teens wearing Trump hats who were allegedly mocking a a Native American veteran of the Vietnam war (a claim that was stolen valor and has since been debunked.

But it wasn’t just this student who faced attack for his alleged views. It’s common for abortion activists to falsely attack marchers, saying that we only love babies in the womb, want to force women to give birth or that we are not here for mothers after the birth of a child. How wrong they are.

How is it that they miss the tens of thousands of diapers collected every year by Students for Life groups? Or the tens of thousands of dollars raised by Students for Life groups to help pregnant and parenting students? Or how do they miss the numerous good works of other pro-life groups that run pregnancy resource centers, maternity homes, or free medical clinics?

The day after this alleged incident, Students for Life of America hosted more than 2,500 young, pro-life leaders to talk about how the Pro-Life Generation will abolish abortion.

Life News continues here

Voices for Life is an e-publication dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. To read our Mission Statement, use this link.  Follow us on Facebook, Google, Pinterest, and on MeWe.  Help us spread the pro-life message by sharing our articles on your favorite social networks.

Pregnant, need help or know someone who does? 

National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.

In Southeast Penna:  Call the Community Women's Center at  215-826-8090

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available.  Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.   

‘Shameful and Demonic’: Five Pastors, Faith Leaders Condemn NY Abortion Law

Members of the New York Senate conference celebrate the Reproductive
Health Act that legalizes abortion up to birth, for any reason,
in Albany, New York, on Jan. 22, 2019. | Twitter

By Leah MarieAnn Klett   
Christian Post

Pastors, evangelists, and Christian leaders shared their dismay after the New York Senate passed a bill, later signed into law by Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowing women to abort their unborn babies up to birth.

The passing of the so-called “Reproductive Health Act” on January 22 coincided with the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. It removes abortion from the penal code and legalizes abortion until birth for the mother's "health," which is not defined and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include any reason.

While hailed as a victory by those in the pro-choice camp, the passing of the law was widely condemned by the pro-life community. Faith leaders from across denominations and traditions were some of the most vocal opponents, taking to various social media platforms to condemn the decision.

Here's a list of five responses from various leaders in the Christian faith.

Click here to read the remarks of Faith Leaders

Megan's Story: The Doctor Gave Her a Death Sentence by Starvation After She Was Born

 Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard's Deaths at the Hands of Doctors are Not Exceptions. 

It Happens in the US More Often Than You Know.

Blogger's note: This story was originally published in March 2016.  

It was 36 years ago, when my first grandson came into the world. He was born in the hospital where I worked as a billing clerk. A joyous celebration of his birth took place that day. Christopher Robert was a healthy 8 lb, 3 oz. baby. He was and still is the joy of our lives.

On the same day, a baby girl was born. Megan was a beautiful newborn, 6 lbs, 6 oz. Rumors were flying around the hospital about a "little angel" in the nursery who would not survive. As I later found out, Megan was that "little angel". A friend in housekeeping told me that Megan was diagnosed by the pediatrician as "not having a brain".

The doctor told the parents that Megan only had a brain stem. As it turned out, the pediatrician was wrong. He never ordered a CAT scan to confirm his diagnosis. It was later determined Megan had hydrocephalus. This condition causes fluid on the brain. A procedure is performed to drain the fluid within two to three days after birth. Today, this can be done in the womb. The procedure was never ordered by the physician.

Armed with his prognosis, the pediatrician withheld nutrition from Megan. The newborn was given fluids. The parents were young and naive. They believed the doctor's report. They came to see Megan every day. He was starving her to death, as they continued to trust the one who took an oath to "do no harm" to their baby.

About one week later, Lois told me that Megan was moved to a private room. She was taken out of her isolate. In the meantime, the nurses began to sneak feedings to Megan. It was later reported that nurses had threatened the administration with notifying the media.

When I told my co-workers that a baby was being starved to death in our hospital, there was one of two responses: "It's not true" or "It's none of your business". Even a pediatrician said he would not remove nutrition, but did not intervene. I was upset and confused. How could this be happening? How could we allow a baby to be starved to death? What would they record as the official cause of her death,"starvation"? I thought, we're not only killing babies in the womb, now we're killing them outside the womb.

Four weeks passed. Lois continued to keep me updated. It seemed there was no way we could do anything to save Megan. I cried out to the Lord to send someone, anyone to intervene and save her. Then the Lord began to lead Lois and me on different paths to help Megan. 

I called my pastor for advice. He gave me the phone number of a pro-life attorney. I told him what Megan was suffering at the hands of the pediatrician. He was shocked. He said because she did not have a shunt to relieve the pressure on her brain, she was in tremendous pain.

The attorney called a pro-life group. They called the hospital and told them they would picket the building if they didn't feed the baby. Since the parents were Catholic, they sent a priest to their home to speak with them. At the same time, Lois called the parents and told them to take their baby out of the hospital. Before Megan was discharged, I went to her room. Her little body was just skin and bones. I cried as I placed my hands over her and asked God to raise her up as a testimony to His power.

The parents rushed her to Philadelphia Children's Hospital. When the physicians saw Megan, they were in tears. They could not believe a doctor could have done this to an infant. She received the procedure and began to recover from the first painful weeks after her birth.

Megan's mother invited Lois and me to her home after her discharge from Children's Hospital. We were so grateful to finally meet her. The baby I prayed over was transformed from the shell of an infant to a precious, thriving "little angel". This was truly a miracle of God's grace and love.

Megan was also diagnosed with spina bifida and learning disabilities. But Megan and her parents triumphed through the Lord's Divine intervention over a system that wanted to take her life. He used a billing clerk and a hospital housekeeper to do what the administration refused to do to save Megan's life.

Hundreds of Pro-Lifers Bring Love to Desolate Sidewalk; Honor John Stanton

On a cold Saturday morning, 200 pro-lifers peacefully and lovingly assembled outside of Philadelphia Women's Center to remember John Stanton, the godfather of the Philadelphia Pro-Life Movement.

The rally featured a diverse group of speakers from former abortion clients to young leaders of the Pro-Life movement.

One such was Marlene Downing who spoke about how she had two abortions. She recalled how she first came out to pray outside of Philadelphia Women's Center to sing Christmas Carols. When researching John Stanton, she was in awe of the fact that he sung with a group. She shared how she had two abortions and was plagued with fear. What brought her back to life was Jesus.

Another was Ilyana who is a mother of six. She reflected on encountering John 6 years ago outside of the same post where many gathered. She was riddled with neglected, broken home, and even lonliness. The day she showed up, the workers refused to help her and have her see her sonogram. John's son Patrick,  pleaded for her to keep her child and she later gave birth to a baby boy who cannot stop smiling. Though struggling she refuses to give up and pray for women of her color who diss her. She was later told, "Give your kids what they need. Love."

Kate D'Adamo of Generation Life reflected on the recent March for Life and how there was hundreds of thousands of people marching to give a voice to the voiceless. She reminded everyone that we must "march every day in our communities for life".

Likewise, Dominic Sceski, a sophomore at Villanova University, encouraged all to be pro-life 365 days a year, not every January 22nd.

For seminarian Augustus DeSimone, he admitted that it is a hard fought battle. He takes heart that the stories will inspire the generation coming up. He hopes they bring about a world of love

During mass, Fr. Joe Zaleski recalled how he brought a group from school to pray outside of 777 Appletree Street to pray. Minutes into their arrival, John Stanton got punched, yet he still carried himself by forgiving the man and refuse to press charges.

All those gathered with the same zeal that the late founder had. All were encouraged to bring that joy in their daily lives.

“The quality of a civilization can be measured by the respect it has for its weakest members. There is no other criterion”

Sadie Haupt

By Eileen Haupt
Live Action News

Editor’s note. Eileen, a many times contributor to NRL News over the years, is co-founder, Keep Infants with Down Syndrome (KIDS). The following is a portion of her January 23 testimony to the Vermont House Human Services Committee. Eileen was one of our witnesses to testy to H. 57, “An act relating to preserving the right to abortion.” Wesley Smith warned that “Vermont may soon enact a law that would have zero limitations on the abortion as to time, reason, fetal viability, or method.”

To Members of the Committee:

Thank you for the opportunity to come before you and testify in opposition to H.57: An act relating to preserving the right to abortion.

I oppose the legalization of abortion in general, but I am sharing my perspective as a mother of a child with Down syndrome. I am the mother of two daughters; the younger, named Sadie, has Down syndrome and is now 20. She is a special young lady and the joy of our lives!

I know that those of you on this board care about Social Justice and care about vulnerable individuals, such as those with disabilities. I am sure it is why you serve—not only in the legislature, but also in other ways, with other organizations—to improve the lives of Vermonters.

I want to share with you today the devastating effect that legalized abortion—the very procedure that the House is aiming to “preserve” by this proposed legislation—is having on the population of Down syndrome.

A study by Dr. Brian Skotko of the Down Syndrome Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, and others, estimates that about one-third of the population of individuals with Down syndrome in the U.S. has been lost to abortion.

In that study, they refer to an earlier study that estimates the rate of abortion of babies with Down syndrome to be approximately 67 percent in the United States. The rate varies among geographic areas and demographic groups. Geographically, the Northeast and Hawaii have the highest rates. I would expect Vermont would be included in that higher rateIn Europe, the rates are even higher. … In 2017, “CBSN: On Assignment” produced a show that investigated the eradication of babies with Down syndrome in Iceland. [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/down-syndrome-iceland This is an issue that has garnered international attention].

When abortion is allowed for any reason with no restrictions, it is also allowed for discriminatory reasons, such as to eradicate babies with Down syndrome.

Of course, in order to abort based on disability, the disability must be detected. This is why prenatal testing was developed. And if I am not mistaken, the primary reason for the development of amniocentesis was to detect Down syndrome specifically. Prenatal testing is routinely performed on pregnant mothers to detect whether their babies have Down syndrome, as well as other genetic conditions.

Continue reading article here

Andrew Cuomo Says Pro-Lifers Are Not Welcome in the State of New York

\

By Cassy Fiano-Chesser
Live Action News

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is already notorious among pro-lifers for being one of the most pro-abortion politicians in the nation. The state he serves already has one of the highest abortion rates in the country, but he has been continually fighting to make abortion even more widespread and commonplace in New York.Now, the abortion extremist is taken it even farther, publicly proclaiming on the Capitol Pressroom that pro-lifers are not welcome to live in New York.

You have a schism within the Republican Party. … They’re searching to define their soul, that’s what’s going on. Is the Republican party in this state a moderate party or is it an extreme conservative party? That’s what they’re trying to figure out. It’s a mirror of what’s going on in Washington. The gridlock in Washington is less about Democrats and Republicans. It’s more about extreme Republicans versus moderate Republicans.

… You’re seeing that play out in New York. … The Republican Party candidates are running against the SAFE Act — it was voted for by moderate Republicans who run the Senate! Their problem is not me and the Democrats; their problem is themselves. Who are they? Are they these extreme conservatives who are right-to-life, pro-assault-weapon, anti-gay? Is that who they are? Because if that’s who they are and they’re the extreme conservatives, they have no place in the state of New York, because that’s not who New Yorkers are.

Last year, Governor Cuomo made it clear that he wants New York to be the abortion capital of the world. New York’s abortion rate statewide is already almost twice as high as the national average, and in New York City, it’s even worse. Cuomo’s Women’s Equality Act, opposed by the majority of New Yorkers, was defeated last year, but Cuomo has sworn to try to get it passed again in 2014.

That Andrew Cuomo wants there to be more abortions in New York isn’t a surprise to anyone. That he is so extreme as to say that pro-lifers shouldn’t even be able to live in his state, simply for believing in the sanctity of life, is truly shocking. To him, evidently it’s not good enough for abortion to just be legal and widespread – he thinks that pro-lifers should be not only silenced, but kicked out of the state.

It’s despicable and disturbing. And while pro-lifers are used to abortion advocates attempting to have them silenced, this takes it to an entirely new and sickening level.

Website: Live Action News

Carrie Underwood, Mike Fisher Welcome Newborn Son: ‘You Are a Gift From the Lord’

By  Tre Goins-Phillips
FaithWire

Country singer Carrie Underwood and her husband, Mike Fisher, welcomed a healthy baby boy earlier this week.

Fisher, a former professional ice hockey player, shared the news Thursday in a heartfelt Instagram post, describing their newborn son — named Jacob — as “a gift from the Lord.”

“The last few years has [sic] had its challenges and it makes this moment even more sweet!” Fisher wrote. “We didn’t know if Izzy would ever have another sibling but we learned through it all that God is in control and his timing is perfect!”

He added, “He is good all the time even in the difficult times that are hard to understand.”Underwood revealed in September that she and her husband suffered three miscarriages in a row last year. So when she learned she was pregnant with her second child, her newborn son, Underwood feared it would lead to yet another miscarriage.

“I was like, ‘Why on earth do I keep getting pregnant if I can’t have a kid? Like, what is this? Shut the door. Like, do something. Either shut the door or let me have a kid,’” Underwood continued. “And for the first time, I felt like I actually told God how I felt. And I feel like we’re supposed to do that.”God answered her prayers.'

Carrie Underwood

✔@carrieunderwood

Jacob Bryan Fisher entered the world in the wee hours of the morning on Monday...his mom, dad and big brother couldn’t be happier for God to trust them with taking care of this little miracle! Our hearts are full, our eyes are tired and our lives are forever changed. Life is good

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In a post of her own, Underwood said she “couldn’t be happier,” adding, “Our hearts are full, our eyes are tired and our lives are forever changed. Life is good.”

Website: FaithWire

Voices for Life is an e-publication dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. To read our Mission Statement, use this link.  Follow us on Facebook, Google, Pinterest, and on MeWe.  Help us spread the pro-life message by sharing our articles on your favorite social networks.

Pregnant, need help or know someone who does? 

National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.

In Southeast Penna:  Call the Community Women's Center at  215-826-8090

If you or someone you know is suffering after abortion, confidential non-judgmental help is available.  Call Project Rachel's national toll-free number 888-456-HOPE (4673) or visit hopeafterabortion.org.   

NE Philly Rally for Hope and a Young Future; Days Following National March in DC

Pictured are long-time pro-life warriors
Tom Lacy and Betty and Dave Maier

by Mickey Kelly
Voices for Life 

Pro-lifers in Northeast Philadelphia held their 3^rd annual “Rally for Life” at St. Katharine of Siena’s parish on January 20th, just only two days following the National March held in Washington, DC.

The rally brought 120 people from all across the area.  The goal of the rally is to learn how to build the future of the movement. The speaking lineup featured millennials who are making a difference in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. Many of the seasoned pro-lifers gathered are determined to build up a culture of life.

The event began with a prayer and reflection from Deacon Robert Hall of the parish. Connecting to the theme of Sunday’s gospel, Deacon Hall reminded those in attendance to follow Jesus’ “commands, not the culture.”

In his opening remarks, Tom Lacey, a thirty year pro-lifer from St. Dominic’s, reminded those gathered that “the tide is turning” and it’s amazing to see young people get involved in the movement. He even shared a song from “Amazing Grace”, a Broadway play based on William Wilberforce’s fight to end slavery. The song is called “We Are Determined.” It was used  to correlate Wilberforce’s relentless efforts to end slavery with pro-lifers ending abortion.

The first to speak was Shannon Donnelly, a school minister from Nazareth Academy High School. She shared firsthand on what it means to stand alone. When attending Cabrini University, she asked the question “Why doesn’t anyone talk about it?” when her school never acknowledged Respect Life Month. She was even disheartened by how the school never promoted her event for Ryan Bomberger of the Radiance Foundation, yet it drew fifty people, including a friend who was pregnant and was moved by his message.

“The pro-life issue should be discussed with family and friends.” It helps get “people to think about the issue more.” Says Donnelly.

The next two that speak were Lisa Beck and Peter Berensky from Legacy of Life.  Using an analogy of a life lesson growing up, Berensky, a parishioner of Assumption of BVM in Feasterville and former seminarian at St. Charles Borremeo Seminary, reflected on how his mother would make sure all of her children were safe and well. He used her loving example on how the center welcome abortion-minded women.

“Young people long for authenticity and truth.” Berensky shared. The best way to combat the lies of the culture is “with compassion and love.”

The group also took time to acknowledge David and Betty Maier as the recipients of the John Stanton Faithful Servant Awards. It’s named after the founder of the Pro-Life movement of the Philadelphia area. “We hope that our example will inspire more young couples to defend life” said Betty.

Sister Magnificat of the Sisters of Life took time to reflect on the annunciation. Sharing an example of 'Patty' when she was in New York, Sister Magnificat shared how she made a difference in her life from the time she lived in her convent to her conversion to the faith.  Through the advice their founder received from St. Teresa of Calcutta, we must, “give God permission to love.”

The last to speak was Dr. Monique Ruberu of Immaculate Conception in Jenkintown. She shared how it’s great to attend the March for Life, but we must have one every day of the year. Though it’s easy to be pro-life, we have to make it “a daily commitment. Pro-lifers are a movement of love”.

HHS to California: Targeting Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Violates Federal Law

from American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)

Recently, we told you about our important victory in a First Amendment lawsuit we filed against the State of California’s misguided attempt to force pro-life pregnancy care centers to act as referral agencies for the abortion industry. That case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled last June that California’s FACT Act – a measure co-sponsored by then California Attorney General, now Senator and Presidential hopeful, Kamala Harris – violated the free speech rights of our clients. After remand from the Supreme Court, the State agreed to the entry of a permanent injunction against enforcement of the law.

But the case we pursued in the courts was just one prong of our multi-pronged strategy against the FACT Act. While we were litigating the issue under the First Amendment, at the same time we filed Complaints with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights. That agency is charged with enforcing a number of laws passed by Congress over the years aimed at protecting the conscience rights of individuals and entities whose religious beliefs and ethical principles prevent them from advocating for or participating in abortion. Two such laws – the Weldon Amendment and the Coates-Snowe Amendment – prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against individuals or health care entities because they do not provide, pay for, or refer for abortions. Sadly, these laws have mostly remained dormant since their enactment, little used during both Republican and Democratic administrations.


Continue reading and sign ACLJ's petition here

 

The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555.