Christmas, Easter Jettisoned from Omaha Schools

School board member Paul Meyer received zero support from fellow board members in his effort to restore Christian holidays scratched from the calendar by administrators of the Millard School District of Omaha, Nebraska.  In fact, Meyer was forced to apologize after being lambasted in the local media for suggesting that Christmas-hating atheists can "crawl back into their hellhole."

“[I'm] a little bit tired of a minute minority in this country that keeps pushing Christmas out, keep pushing God out, keep pushing Christ out, when the majority is still a Judeo-Christian country. . . . I’m getting sick of these atheists trying to take over this country.”
-- Paul Meyer, Millard School District Board of Education

For background, read Texas School Supt. Tells Atheists to Go Fly a Kite

Also read Majority in U.S. Want Christmas Celebrated WITHIN Schools: Poll

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

Christmas Holiday OUT, Lunar New Year IN School Calendars

Atheists Help Liberal Schools in Oregon Ban Christmas Choirs

Kentucky School Censors 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' Play

Christmas Tree Flyer Censored by New Hampshire School Supt.

-- From "Effort to rename Millard Public Schools' winter break fails" by The Associated Press 3/22/16

Meyer was concerned that the calendar didn't place enough significance on the religious holiday.

Board President Mike Kennedy said he appreciated Meyer's position, but said he didn't believe the administration made an intentional effort to remove Christmas from the calendar.

None of the board members present - Kennedy, Mike Pate and Pat Ricketts - seconded Meyer's motion. The board then adopted the calendar on a 3-1 vote without specifying a name for the break. Meyer was the dissenting vote.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Millard school board member wants winter break called Christmas break, says atheists who disagree can 'crawl back into their hellhole'" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/23/16

[Paul Meyer] expressed disappointment that the administration had not labeled the break on the calendar — Dec. 25, 2017, through Jan. 5, 2018 — as Christmas break.

“I would like to make a motion that we rename this period Christmas break, and those atheists who don’t like it can crawl back into their hellhole, because I, for one, will not put my Lord, my God, aside for a few atheists,” Meyer said. “And if they don’t like it, the ACLU doesn’t like it, the heck with them.”

“I do know, as a Catholic, I have no problem the way the calendar is,” [Board President Mike] Kennedy said. “I celebrate Christmas. I know other people on this board do too. People are free to celebrate what they want to believe.”

“I don’t think anyone’s trying to take away Christmas from any child,” he said.

[Board member Mike] Pate said he and fellow board member Ricketts recently raised the issue about why spring break is not aligned with the Easter holiday.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Schools often try to align spring break with Easter, but holiday's hopping around makes it a tricky feat" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/22/16

Although they no longer call it Easter break, some Omaha area public school officials still schedule spring break to coincide with the Christian holy day.

Next year, with Easter occurring late in the school year, eight of the 12 districts will do so.

District administrators told the Millard board that in recent years they have scheduled spring break earlier to avoid the period of time when students take statewide math, reading and science tests. This year, the Nebraska State Accountability testing window runs from Monday through May 6.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Atheist groups decry 'hate speech' from Millard school board member who wants winter break called Christmas break" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/23/16

[Paul] Meyer used “unprofessional and derogatory language” during the discussion, which amounted to “hate speech against a minority group,” according to a letter Amanda Novotny wrote Tuesday to the school board and the superintendent. She identified herself as the Nebraska director for American Atheists and the marketing director for Omaha Atheists.

[Paul Meyer] doesn’t hate them, he said. “What I hate is their sin.”

Meyer said he is Lutheran and said his father was a Lutheran minister. He said the country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and said he thinks it’s OK for public officials to express their religious beliefs.

“Definitely, I wish more did,” he said.

“This is just what it’s been throughout the ages,” he said. “It’s been considered Christmas break. Why do we even break at this time of the year? What is the purpose? This is why the break was even established, because of the Christmas holiday.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Millard school board member apologizes for controversial remarks about atheists" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 3/24/16

In a letter to district staff, [Paul Meyer] wrote that after reflection he realized his comments “have been hurtful to many people.”

“This is not what I intended, and I am sorry,” he wrote.

Then Wednesday, Meyer said in a phone interview that he decided to apologize after reflecting on the situation.

“I don’t want to bring a bad light on the district,” he said.

Meyer was elected in 2012 to a four-year term. He is not running for re-election.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Angry Muslims Storm New Jersey School Board Demanding Holidays

And read Loud Muslim Prayer: Takeover of Michigan Town

Christian Restaurant Rejected at Univ. Nebraska

Administrators at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) have decided that students need a lesson in tolerance after the student government leaders sided with the minority Queer Straight Alliance (the student homosexualist club) against a new Chick-fil-A — the top restaurant choice of the overall student body.

“When we learned more about Chick-fil-A and its corporate values and discriminatory policies, and after hearing these concerns raised by a section of our student body, we concluded that these corporate values are not aligned with our values as a student body, and it is not in the best interested of our UNK community to pursue Chick-fil-A right now.”
-- Evan Calhoun, UNK student government president

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

University Drops Pro-marriage Christian Food Vendor Chick-fil-A

California School Rejects 'Anti-Gay' Food Donation of Chick-fil-A

Lesbian Denver Official Nixes Chick-fil-A at Airport

Army Reprimands Soldier for Serving Chick-fil-A Sandwiches

Homosexualist Terrorist Attacks with Chick-fil-A Sandwiches

Also read Chick-fil-A Support of Natural Marriage Causes Media Storm

-- From "Chick-Fil-A, Raising Canes among list of preferred UNK student union additions" posted at KSNB-TV NBC Nebraska 2/22/16

University of Nebraska at Kearney administration announced Monday that it is moving forward with student-identified restaurants and beginning preliminary negotiations with those interested in locating in the Nebraskan Student Union.

Those moving forward will be Chick-fil-A, Raising Canes, Panda Express, IHOP, A&W, Sbarro, and Johnny Rockets. These restaurants are allowed in the Union under the university’s agreement with its food services contractor Chartwells, and were preferred by students.

After two Student Government opinion surveys, administration will now take those top poll preferences to determine interest and financial viability for the student-preferred restaurants.

“There has been a lot of dialogue and discussion about restaurants and options over the past weeks, along with a lot of emotional debate, much of which is outside the realm of the intent of the polling,” said Kelly Bartling, UNK assistant vice chancellor for communication and community relations.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "UNK ready to move past Chick-fil-A controversy" by Josh Moody, Kearney (Nebraska) Hub Staff Writer 2/22/16

In the [initial] survey, 722 of 1,222 respondents chose Chick-fil-A as their top restaurant choice over A&W, Johnny Rockets, Panda Express, Sbarro and IHOP.

After [Evan] Calhoun was contacted [by the Queer Straight Alliance] with student concerns, a second survey was sent out replacing Chick-fil-A with Raising Cane’s.

Raising Cane’s received 670 of 985 votes in the second survey.

Controversy over the handling of the student polling has prompted the university to schedule a public forum at 6 p.m. Thursday in the union.

“I see that as an important opportunity for students to learn, listen to one another,” [Kelly] Bartling said. “I think that some people who haven’t had an opportunity to talk to somebody and listen to a different point of view from theirs might be moved by it — some of the feelings that people have about inclusiveness, about their faith beliefs. The forum itself is an example of the important learning that comes with conflicts like these on university campuses.”

The forum will be moderated by Gilbert Hinga, UNK dean of student affairs, and points will be summarized and passed on to UNK administration.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "UNK refuses to bring Chick-fil-A to campus over CEO’s marriage views" by Anthony Gockowski, Investigative Reporter, Campus Reform 2/19/16

A student government resolution set to bring Chick-fil-A to the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) was reversed because students complained about the CEO’s support of traditional marriage.

In a survey administered in January, a majority of the student body elected to bring a Chick-fil-A to campus over other fast food options. Some students, however, disagreed with the decision because of Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy’s defense of traditional marriage. Cathy’s company took a hit back in 2012 after he stood up for traditional marriage in an interview on The Ken Coleman Show.

“I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about,” Cathy said.

According to The Daily Wire, many UNK students are outraged with Calhoun’s decision to reverse the vote. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Chick-Fil-A Banned From The University of Nebraska Because CEO Supports Traditional Marriage" by Pardes Seleh, The Daily Wire News 2/18/16

In response to the students’ complaints, the UNK student president Evan Calhoun announced via email that his student government would not be bringing Chick-Fil-A to campus . . .

Trevor Wiegert, a third-year UNK student and campus chancellor’s ambassador, said he was initially thrilled that the student government was considering bringing Chick-Fil-A to the campus union. After the decision was reversed, Weigert, backed by classmates and faculty members, urged the student government to reconsider Chick-Fil-A. In a letter he wrote to the UNK student senate, Wiegert wrote:

I think it is ridiculous and appalling that this is a situation we are faced with as a campus and student body, due to the preconceived notions of a very small minority.  This is a country that was built and has thrived on the notion of free speech.  Taking a man’s opinion on his belief in the traditional family and construing it to supposedly encompass his entire company’s corporate values and discriminatory policies in order to feel “safe” or like you’re not being “persecuted” is simply asinine.

Wiegert’s sentiments were echoed by other students who were also disappointed by the student government’s decision. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

It's all because Religious Liberty is in the Homosexualists' Crosshairs

Also read Michigan Christian Business Trashed by Homosexualists

And read Homosexualists Threaten, Shut Down Indiana Christian Pizza Restaurant

Oct. is Homosexual Indoctrination Month at School

Every June, President Obama declares homosexual "Pride Month," but a summer month yields no recruitment opportunities in schools, so with the help of public "educators," homosexualists across the nation have declared October as "LGBT History Month."

Porn stars and transgender drag queens in the lessons

“I would like to give an invitation to everyone . . . We need support from everyone. Come out and show your support, at the same time you might learn something as well."
-- Jude Magaro, vice president of Shades of Queer, Texas A&M University

For background, read President Obama & Democrats Celebrate Deviant Sex Month and also read White House Says Gay Recruitment of Kids Successful as well as Senate Codifies Gay Agenda in School Reform Bill

And read how the government forces homosexual indoctrination in schools.

In addition, read Uncloseted 'Gay Kids' Get Money at Elmhurst College as well as Tennessee College OKs Homosexual Indoctrination

-- From "Gay history commemoration begins" by Bradley D'Sousa, The Battalion (Texas A&M) 10/2/13

October marks the start of LGBT History Month, an appreciation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history as well as the history behind the gay rights movement. In observance of LGBT History Month, the Texas A&M GLBT Resource Center and other organizations are hosting various events as part of Coming Out Week, which starts Oct. 10.

Among the events, “The Coming Out Monologues” will he held Oct. 11 on Coming Out Day, which is dedicated to encouraging honest living in regards to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Sidney Gardner, program coordinator of the GLBT Resource Center, said Coming Out Day is meant to inspire people to be comfortable with their identity.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "UNL honors LGBT History Month with speakers, workshops, drag show" by Tyler Williams, Daily Nebraskan (Lincoln, NE) 10/1/13

. . . related to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is a photo display featured in the Nebraska Union’s Rotunda Gallery until Oct. 11. The display is a double feature with photos from Jeff Sheng’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and “Fearless” collections. The first collection features photos from closeted service members before the repeal of the policy in the armed forces that kept homosexuality in the military under wraps.

. . . The other exhibit displays photographs of closeted athletes who kept their sexuality hidden for fear of ridicule and rejection in their communities.

On Oct. 25, the third-annual Guys and Dolls Drag Show will take place at 7 p.m. in the union’s Centennial Room.

[Amy Vanderpool, a University of Nebraska educational psychology graduate student and the Graduate Assistant for the LGBT resource center said,] “It’s a fun, low-stress way to figure out if drag is for you,”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "College Gay Pride Celebrations Come Under Attack Despite Institutional Support" by Ashley Alman, The Huffington Post 10/3/13

Roger Hines, a former Georgia state legislator and retired high school teacher, had choice words for the Kennesaw State University community in a Sunday newspaper column, calling the promotion of LGBT History Month "a slap in the face" to local citizens.

"No one who has lived in Georgia for six months could be in doubt about the state's predominant culture," Hines wrote. "We aren’t Washington state, and Atlanta isn’t San Francisco either, or not yet."

Hines chastised universities for accepting state funds, then supporting the gay community.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Biting the hand that feeds you: The way of academia" by Roger Hines, Cherokee Tribune (Canton, GA) 9/29/13

At issue is a great university [Kennesaw State University (KSU)] that was made great by supportive, local community leaders, the general citizenry, and thousands of tuition-paying students, many of whom will just have to endure the month of October. That university, instead of honoring the hand that has fed it, has taken a cultural stand that is anathema to those who foot its bills.

. . .

“T” is for transgender. This one makes me sad, because any way you cut it, it argues that God made a mistake. We should never be unkind to anyone who grapples with this issue, but neither should we allow a tax-supported university to tout or defend it.

“Q” is the most disturbing, not because it stands for queer, which it does, but because it also stands for “questioning.” In other words, if a 17- or 18-year-old freshman thinks his or her parents are so yesterday and has questions about his or her sexuality, KSU has answers. Or at least aid and comfort. KSU, that’s not why we have given you all these decades of support. Please get on with mathematics, history, your nursing program, etc.

. . . I will never believe that most Georgians approve of KSU or any of their other universities pressing or encouraging the gay agenda. But universities do it anyhow. It is the way of academia. They ply state legislators for funds and then foster such things as gay politics that neither state legislators nor their constituents approve of. This should cease.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

From "Parents warned about porn in schools" by Bob Unruh, World Net Daily 10/2/13

Many [K-12] schools plan to incorporate LGBT History Month into lessons.

On Oct. 18, Equality Forum will feature “Tom of Finland,” who has a foundation promoting his explicit sex images, “erotic art galleries” and “artist and museum links” that include explicit nude images.

Also featured, on the 10th, will be “Patrick Califia,” born a woman and now described as a “bisexual transman.”

“It is deeply disturbing that the organizers of LGBT History Month think our kids should be celebrating homoerotic authors and porn producers,” stated Brad Dacus, president of Pacific Justice Institute. “This should be a serious wake-up call for anyone who still thinks gay history in schools is a good idea.”

PJI has warned parents to take immediate action to prevent their children from being blindsided this month by “explicit and highly objectionable material.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Arrests: Christian Beaten at Seattle’s Gay Pridefest as well as Kentucky: Gays Protected Class, Christians Aren't

Gays, Media Attack Christian College with Values

When Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska learned that Danielle Powell, admitted on a volleyball scholarship, had violated the school's moral code by having on-going lesbian relationships, she was expelled mid-semester.  When the school notified Powell that she is required by law to repay federal grants for the uncompleted term, she gathered a posse of homosexual activists and a compliant media to lambast the university for its "sexual orientation discrimination," thus pressuring for new Gay Agenda federal regulations restricting freedom of religion at private colleges.

“I definitely didn't know what I signed up for. The institution itself is still very conservative and predominantly white, a lot of home-schooled pastors' kids.”
-- Danielle Powell

For background read Liberal Media Pounce on Evangelical Liberty University and also read (Liberal) Pew Research Documents Media Bias for 'Gay Marriage'

In addition, read University of North Carolina On Trial for Anti-Christian Bias and also read Florida College Drops Exclusively Christian Club as well as Fired Woman Sues Christian School over Pregnancy

UPDATE 7/12/14: Massachusetts Christian College Booted—Opposes Gay Agenda

-- From "Christian College Expels Woman for Lesbian Relationship, Charges Tuition" by Margery A. Beck, Associated Press June 17, 2013, 12:20 Am 5454

[Powell was] expelled — then sent a bill for $6,000 to reimburse what the school said were federal loans and grants that needed to be repaid because she didn’t finish the semester.

Powell is now fighting the Omaha school, arguing that her tuition was covered by scholarships and that federal loans wouldn’t need to be repaid in that amount. She also notes she was kicked out even after undergoing months of counseling, spiritual training and mentoring insisted upon by the school following her initial suspension.

The university insists that the $6,000 bill covers federal grants and loans that, by law, must be repaid to the federal government because Powell didn’t finish her final semester. School officials declined to discuss specifics of Powell’s case, citing federal student privacy laws, but through a public relations agency said it would provide Powell official transcripts and transfer her credits.

Grace University’s code of conduct for its students is strict: No kissing, no prolonged hugs and certainly no premarital sex. The school even monitors students’ television habits, forbidding HBO, MTV, Comedy Central and several other channels “because of the values they promote.” The rules are laid out in a student handbook and signed by students every year.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Christian College Expels Lesbian Student, Asks for Tuition" by Colleen Curry, ABC News 6/13/13

. . . Powell and her now-wife, Michelle Rogers, have started a Change.org petition asking for signatures and letters to be written to the university forgiving Powell's tuition debt and protesting alleged discrimination.

"Danielle dreamed of completing her degree at Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska and becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college," Rogers wrote on the petition. "In the spring 2011, that dream came to an end when university officials found out Danielle was in a same-sex relationship and expelled her from school just one semester short of graduation.

Michael James, executive vice president at Grace, confirmed that the student handbook bans students from engaging in same-sex relationships, threatening that "any student involved in sexually immoral behavior, including premarital sex, adultery, and homosexual acts, is at minimum placed on University probation and may be subject to a Judiciary Hearing."

"Grace University is run on biblical principles, therefore we do not employ collection agencies or take legal action, nor do we report to credit agencies. Our policy is to notify the student of the debt, and we believe it is up to the student to uphold their Christian obligations," James said in a statement.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Offers of legal, financial help for lesbian expelled from Grace University" by Joe Dejka, Omaha World-Herald staff writer 6/13/13

Michael James, executive vice president of Grace, said he would like to discuss the case in detail, but federal privacy law prevents him from discussing a particular student's records.

“Trust me, this is extremely frustrating for me,” he said. “I would love to tell this story.”'

When prospective students apply online for admission, they are asked to indicate whether they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

“By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you have read the above statements and are willing to live by the standards set forth by the university leadership during your time as a Grace student,” it states.

James said the university is a member of the Association of Biblical Higher Education, the accrediting association for Bible colleges.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Obama Admin Muzzles College Students' Moral Speech

Non-School Graduation Prayer 'A Sham' Says ACLU

Many years ago, the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska threatened Lakeview High School in Columbus, Nebraska over prayers at the graduation ceremony, so the school ended its involvement in commencement in favor of a private graduation event. The ACLU now says this maneuver to allow prayer to continue is equally illegal.


-- From "American Civil Liberties Union Sends Letter About Prayer, School Board To Consult Attorney" by The Associated Press 11/14/11

The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska sent a letter to the school district earlier this month that said the ceremonies violate students' First Amendment religious rights.

Lakeview superintendent Russ Freeman said that the district will take up the issue with its attorney at Monday night's school board meeting. He declined further comment.

The ACLU also complained about the ceremonies in 2001, so the district classified graduation as a parent-run event to allow for prayers.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "ACLU Demands Prayers Stop at Neb. Schools" posted at CBNNews.com 11/4/11

Officials with Lakeview Community Schools in Columbus, Neb., were told to stop holding a high school graduation ceremony that subjects students to "unconstitutional religious messages," according to an ACLU press release.

The ACLU said district materials show the ceremonies carry an overwhelming message that the prayers are endorsed by the school district.

Superintendent Russ Freeman responded to the ACLU, saying parents run the ceremonies. He said he doesn't believe the district has done nothing wrong.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "ACLU wants Columbus Lakeview to stop prayers at graduation" by Margaret Reist, Lincoln Journal Star 11/3/11

"The current ceremony coercively subjects students to religious messages as the price of attending high school commencement," ACLU Nebraska Legal Director Amy Miller said in a news release. "This leaves some students and their families feeling like second-class participants at their own graduation."

"It is perfectly acceptable to have a truly private graduation ceremony as a supplement to the official, school-sponsored event," Miller said. "What is happening at Lakeview High is a sham separation and, therefore, unconstitutional."

Miller said although Lakeview's ceremony is unconstitutional, voluntary, student-led religious practices are protected by the Constitution and defended by the ACLU.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Late-term Abortion Clinic Closed by Prayer Vigil

Pro-life activists' 9-day public demonstration of prayer at the Germantown, Maryland clinic has prompted the late-term abortionist LeRoy Carhart to simply suspend operations, so in response, the activists will extend their vigil!

For background, read Abortionist Expands Late-term Clinics to More States

UPDATE 8/8/11: Liberal "christians" picket to give thanks for late-term abortions

-- From "With Carhart’s Md. abortion clinic closed for the week, Summer of Mercy plans post-protest protest" by Sofia Resnick, The American Independent 8/1/11

. . . Becca Malloy, one of Carhart’s nursing technicians . . . said there would be no abortion services offered at the Maryland clinic this week.

“[T]he patients don’t need this craziness,” Malloy told The American Independent.

Because no abortions will be performed this week, the Rev. Pat Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, one of the Summer of Mercy sponsors, announced to his supporters that efforts are being made to organize a large protest in front of Carhart’s clinic next Monday, when abortions are expected to resume.

Carhart and the Summer of Mercy protesters have been fighting through The Washington Post for the past few days following a feature profile of Carhart that was published last Sunday.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Abortion is topic of dueling protests in Md." by Dan Morse, Washington Post 7/31/11

About the only thing that competing abortion demonstrators agreed on this weekend was this: A nondescript office park 30 miles north of central Washington is becoming a battleground in their nationwide conflict.

About 180 people walked in support of LeRoy Carhart, a physician who recently started performing late-in-pregnancy abortions in the office park. It was their kickoff to Summer Celebration of Choice, which will include a week of demonstrations to support the clinic.

The [hundreds of] abortion foes also held their own walk Sunday near the clinic, praying as they did so. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "LeRoy Carhart Closes Abortion Biz During Pro-Life Protests" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 8/1/11

“This is a huge victory,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “While this event is in progress no babies will die in Germantown. That is an answer to our prayers.”

Newman says the pro-life advocates hope to inform the local community of the numerous abuses at Carhart’s abortion business in Nebraska and the problems he’s carried over into Maryland. Those include a criminal investigation in his home state of Nebraska based on affidavits from his former employees who allege Carhart engaged in criminal conduct and a medical board investigation in Maryland for allegations he misled authorities to gain licensure.

Carhart is the abortion practitioner who frequently used the partial-birth abortion procedure in Nebraska until the Supreme Court upheld the ban Congress approved. He then performed late abortions until Nebraska lawmakers approved legislation to ban abortions after 20 weeks based on the scientific evidence that unborn children feel pain. . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Cash Floods into Planned Parenthood

Besides the $300+ million of federal taxpayer dollars going to Planned Parenthood annually, the recent hoopla in D.C. has increased online donations by 500 percent. This week, this leader in America's abortion industry announced an $11.5 million effort to open 12 new clinics in Iowa and Nebraska.



For background, read about the federal funding of Planned Parenthood.

-- From "Fight stokes Planned Parenthood" by Sarah Kliff, Politico 4/12/11

Online gifts to Planned Parenthood have surged by 500 percent since Republicans passed a budget amendment stripping the group of its federal funding.

NARAL Pro-Choice America’s email activist list grew by 1,000 subscribers per day at the height of the budget debate.

With the budget battle putting women’s health issues front and center, reproductive health groups tell POLITICO they’ve seen an unprecedented surge in activism at a time when many supporters had grown complacent, less fazed by legislative threats now that a president who supports abortion rights is at the helm.

Planned Parenthood’s Facebook fans surged 992 percent after the House approved the budget amendment to defund the group in mid-February. More than 810,000 supporters signed its petition denouncing the amendment — more than half of them new users who had never been active with Planned Parenthood prior to the budget debate. The social media activity also drove Planned Parenthood’s surge in online donations.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Planned Parenthood plans to expand in Neb., Iowa" by Timberly Ross, Associated Press 4/16/11

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland plans to open facilities in 12 new communities in Nebraska and Iowa over the next five years, its president and CEO announced Thursday.

Jill June announced the expansion as part of the $11.5 million capital campaign for the Heartland chapter, which already operates 25 clinics in the two states. Planned Parenthood has already gotten commitments of $7 million and should reach its goal well within its five-year timeline, she said.

Abortion foes have been anticipating Planned Parenthood's expansion in Nebraska and pushed for legislation that would limit its telemedicine program, which has been used in Iowa to offer abortions since 2008.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Planned Parenthood to Expand Abortion Biz in Nebraska, Iowa" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 4/15/11

The announcement came in association with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new abortion center in Omaha that Planned Parenthood put in place following late-term abortion practitioner LeRoy Carhart’s decision to start working in Maryland doing abortions after the state legislature approved a bill that bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on the scientific evidence showing unborn children can feel extreme pain. Carhart did abortions both before and after that point in pregnancy and he still runs his Omaha-area abortion business in Bellevue, but the number of abortions has dropped and Planned Parenthood appears ready to come in and attempt to expand its business at Carhart’s expense.

Julie Schmit-Albin, Executive Director of Nebraska Right to Life, talked with LifeNews.com about the expansion plans.

“Planned Parenthood of the Heartland’s announcement that it plans to expand to six Nebraska mid-sized cities, should impel the Legislature to pass LB 521 this session,” she said. “Nebraska needs to stop Planned Parenthood’s web cam chemical abortions before they start in college towns around the state. The timing of their announcement about expansion in Nebraska should compel senators to act before they find local Planned Parenthoods doing abortions in their own backyards.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Outlawing On-line Abortion: Nebraska, Iowa

As abortion restriction bills sweep many state legislatures, Nebraska and Iowa will consider outlawing abortionists from prescribing RU-486 via on-line Internet counseling sessions.

Kansas anti-abortion activists feel confident they will be able to push through laws in 2011 to further restrict the procedures.

UPDATE 1/23/11: Social issues top GOP state agendas

-- From "Neb. lawmakers expected to weigh abortion bills" by Timberly Ross, The Associated Press 1/2/11

. . . Planned Parenthood of the Heartland — which covers Nebraska, Iowa and some surrounding areas — has been offering telemedicine abortions in Iowa since 2008. Under that program, women in the early stages of pregnancy seeking an abortion-inducing drug can go to one of 15 or so clinics, where they meet with a nurse, then talk to a doctor by a secure Internet connection. The doctor has the woman's medical records and can remotely open a container and provide the drug.

State lawmakers also likely will debate abortion funding through the federal health care overhaul. State Sen. Annette Dubas, of Fullerton, said she's preparing legislation that would limit insurance coverage for the procedure.

Under the [ObamaCare] reform law passed in March, private plans in new insurance markets opening for business in 2014 could cover abortion, but payment must come from enrollees themselves, not from federal tax credits that will be offered to make premiums more affordable. An obscure part of the law allows states to restrict abortion coverage by private plans operating in new insurance markets.

So far, at least five states — Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee — have enacted laws restricting abortion coverage by those private plans, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota and Oklahoma already had bans on insurance coverage for abortion.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anti-abortion bills likely to be pushed in Kansas" posted at Kansas City Star 1/1/11

An ardent foe of abortion rights becomes governor [of Kansas] in January and Republicans will have a big majority in the state House.

Abortion rights opponents are looking to further restrict late-term procedures, increase reporting requirements for physicians and make it harder for abortion clinics to get licensed.

Gov.-elect Sam Brownbeck has said he will sign any anti-abortion legislation that reaches his desk.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Abortion pills prescribed via Net targeted" by Sandhya Somashekhar, Washington Post Staff Writer 12/31/10

State legislators in Iowa and Nebraska have announced their intention to try to ban telemedicine abortions, which allow women to go to a branch clinic to consult via Internet videoconferencing with a physician located miles away. Then, with the push of a remote control, the doctor can open a drawer in the clinic that contains RU-486, known as the abortion pill.

Currently, telemedicine abortions are available only in Iowa, where more than 2,000 women have used the practice since 2008 through the state's Planned Parenthood affiliate. Previously, the organization provided abortions at half a dozen clinics, concentrated in the state's larger cities. Because of the telemedicine program, women in the first nine weeks of pregnancy can obtain abortion pills at most of the organization's 19 centers, which are scattered across the state.

Supporters say the program provides a vital service to women in the state's rural reaches, where abortions can be virtually impossible to obtain. They say the process is identical to an in-person appointment.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Nebraska Bill Bans Telemed Abortions Using RU 486 Drug" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 12/28/10

Julie Schmit-Albin, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life . . . says women who get the abortion drug without an in-person exam and visit with a physician are left to deal with any consequences alone and she pointed to stories of “young girls being sent home to hemorrhage and deliver their babies at home not knowing what to expect.”

“This isn’t about women’s access to “healthcare” but more about Planned Parenthood reaching its tentacles across the vast expanse of our state into rural areas where they have not been and inflicting a dangerous drug cocktail on women and young girls who might end up in their local emergency rooms hours away from the abortionist who started the abortion,” she said.

She said women visiting Planned Parenthood for the telemed abortions “are told by Planned Parenthood to act like they are having a miscarriage if they go into an ER after having problems at home. So the local ER doctor doesn’t even know that her problem is due to a chemical abortion.”

“How is this about improving women’s health?” Schmit-Albin asked. “It’s all about the bottom line for Planned Parenthood: money.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

On-line Abortions by Planned Parenthood Going Nation

Iowans Energized Against Abortion

Abortion Limits Nationwide? Nebraska's New Fetal Pain Law

Abortionists 'On the Ropes' in Courts

Media Focus on States' New Abortion Restrictions

States' Abortion Laws Reflect Growing Public Abhorrence

Abortionists Furious SC Governor Signed Legislation

Abortionists 'On the Ropes' in Courts

The mainstream media paints a bleak picture for abortion proponents as states across America increasingly enact abortion restrictions upheld by the Supreme Court.

-- From "Tests of 'Roe' more frequent since justices upheld late-term abortion ban in '07" by Robert Barnes, Washington Post Staff Writer 12/28/10

The importance of [the Nebraska "fetal pain" restriction] is likely to be felt far beyond Nebraska. Abortion opponents call it model legislation for other states and say it could provide a direct challenge to Supreme Court precedents that restrict government's ability to prohibit abortion before a fetus can survive outside the womb.

Critics of abortion hail the law as the most prominent and promising outcome of the Supreme Court's 2007 decision [banning late-term abortion].

The 5 to 4 decision in Gonzales v. Carhart turned away [abortionist LeRoy] Carhart's challenge to the federal ban on "partial birth" abortion and appeared to mark a significant change in the high court's balancing of a woman's right with the government's interest.

"I believe the decision was like planting a bunch of seeds, and we're just starting to see the shoots popping out of the ground," said Roger Evans, who is in charge of litigation for Planned Parenthood of America.

The Center for Reproductive Rights concluded that in 2010, state legislatures "considered and enacted some of the most extreme restrictions on abortion in recent memory, as well as passing laws creating dozens of other significant new hurdles."

To read all of this lengthy, in-depth article, CLICK HERE.

From "Pro-Lifers Look to Spread Fetal Pain Law" by Timberly Ross, Associated Press 12/9/10

Abortion rights foes emboldened by a new Nebraska law that restricts late-term procedures based on the disputed notion that fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks are pushing for similar legislation in other states, particularly those where Republicans won big in November.

. . . Indiana, Iowa and Kentucky lawmakers have already started drafting bills similar to Nebraska's law, and abortion opponents are pushing lawmakers in Kansas, Maryland and Oklahoma to do the same.

Dr. LeRoy Carhart, one of the nation's few late-term abortion providers who runs a clinic near Omaha, and his backer, the New York City-based Center for Reproductive Rights, have threatened to challenge the Nebraska law in court. Dionne Scott, a spokeswoman for the center, said it would file a challenge "when the circumstances are appropriate." But losing such a challenge would risk having the court throw away the viability standard in favor of a pain standard, which could be further lowered should it be proven fetuses feel can feel pain earlier than 20 weeks.

Abortion opponents in Kansas and Oklahoma say they're making a similar push for fetal pain legislation, but no lawmakers have publically announced their support.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anti-abortion push gains momentum" by Sarah Kliff, Politico 12/14/10

After serving four years in a Democratic-controlled Legislature, Iowa state GOP Rep. Matt Windschitl had become accustomed to his anti-abortion legislation languishing in committee.

But that all changed in November, when the Iowa House and the governor’s seat both flipped Republican. The Senate remains in Democratic control but with significantly tighter margins, all of which has Windschitl thinking that his bill banning late-term abortion, which he plans to introduce next year, has a fighting chance at passing.

Windschitl isn’t the only one sensing a sea change: Massive gains in statehouses and a promising new rhetorical strategy have anti-abortion advocates predicting a banner year — and abortion rights supporters bracing for the challenge.

They have reason to worry: Anti-abortion advocates are planning an aggressive strategy at both the state and the federal level. At a National Right to Life Committee state strategy conference last week — hastily convened after activists realized the extent of their legislative gains — the anti-abortion lobby announced it would focus on three model laws that have already seen some success on the ground.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read, Iowans Energized Against Abortion

Iowans Energized Against Abortion

Hundreds of Council Bluffs citizens jammed the City Hall to stop LeRoy Carhart, the Nebraska late-term abortionist, from spreading his killing fields to Iowa. The council unanimously agreed to forbid construction of an abortion clinic on its property.

-- From "Council vote could stall, but not block, abortion clinic" by Jon leu, Managing Editor, The Daily Nonpareil (Council Bluffs, IA) 11/25/10

The City Council vote Monday night to sell a city-owned 24,393-square-foot vacant lot at North 15th Street and Avenue G – but sell it with restrictions – can be viewed as a delaying tactic, but it will not block LeRoy Carhart’s efforts to build an abortion clinic in Council Bluffs.

Monday’s council vote to sell the Avenue G property came with the stipulation that the property could not be used for an abortion clinic.

Council Bluffs Mayor Tom Hanafan said the city can impose deed restrictions on city-owned land that the city wishes to sell, and that is exactly what the council did Monday night.

But [City Attorney Richard] Wade was quick to admit there is relatively little city officials can do to block an effort by Carhart to open a clinic in Council Bluffs.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Abortion foes fill Bluffs meeting" by Tim Rohwer, Omaha World-Herald 11/22/10

If LeRoy Carhart wants to build an abortion clinic in Council Bluffs, it won't come without a fight.

That was made clear Monday evening by those who jammed City Hall as well as by the City Council's action on a vacant piece of ground.

The turnout apparently was prompted by a rumor that the land might be among the parcels that Carhart is considering. There was no indication at the meeting, however, that it was in fact a site he wanted to use.

Mayor Tom Hanafan said that no one has come forward to seek city approval for an abortion clinic.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Iowa Lawmakers to Push Bills to Limit Late-Term Abortion Practitioner" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com 11/24/10

When the newly-elected officials take their positions in January in Des Moines, pro-life advocates expect them to push for legislation that would focus on late-term abortion practitioner Leroy Carhart.

Chuck Hurley, president of the Iowa Family Policy Center Action . . . told the CitizenLink publication of Focus on the Family that Iowa’s incoming Republican leadership in the state House vows to pass pro-life bills in 2011, including legislation related to Carhart.

Jennifer Bowen, the director of Iowa Right to Life, already said the 2010 elections put the pro-life movement in a position to promote legislation like the fetal pain bill in Nebraska that bans abortions after 20 weeks and is prompting Carhart’s proposed relocation.

Because of the problem of Planned Parenthood expanding abortion with the use of the controversial telemed abortion procedure, Bowen says pro-life groups are reinvigorated and ready to work with newly-elected officials on legislation or investigations of abortion practitioners like Carhart.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Abortionist Expands Late-term Clinics to More States

A Nebraska doctor who is one of the few in the country to perform abortions late in a pregnancy said Wednesday that he would open new clinics in Iowa and the Washington area.

"The laws are more favorable in these other jurisdictions, and we're going to do the maximum the law allows."

UPDATE 4/25/11: Late-Term Abortion Practitioner LeRoy Carhart Faces Investigation

UPDATE 12/7/10: Over 300 people pray outside clinic as abortions performed

UPDATE 11/30/10: Carhart's mass-murder in Maryland begins Monday

-- From "Doctor opening new late-term abortion clinics in D.C. area, Iowa" by Rob Stein, Washington Post Staff Writer 11/10/10

LeRoy Carhart said he decided to open the clinics because Nebraska had implemented a new law that made it illegal to perform abortions beyond the 20th week of a pregnancy. Only a handful of doctors perform abortions in late pregnancy, and Carhart has been the target of antiabortion protests. George Tiller, who was one of the few doctors who were public, was fatally shot by an antiabortion demonstrator while attending church in Wichita in 2009. Carhart said he worked with Tiller for 11 years.

The location was selected based on a combination of factors, including which jurisdiction had the most favorable laws.

"That's not the only consideration," Carhart said. "We also considered things like being near the Metro and good transportation and access to airports."

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

Abortion Limits Nationwide? New Fetal Pain Law

A new fetal pain law is taking effect . . . in Nebraska that targets late-term abortions based on the pain an unborn baby will likely feel during the abortion procedure. The law could set a national trend of other states and Congress considering such measures and could lead to a Supreme Court battle.

-- From "Nebraska abortion law may spread" by Martha Stoddard, Omaha World-Herald Bureau 10/15/10

Nebraska's one-of-a-kind law banning almost all abortions after a fetus reaches 20 weeks might not stand alone for long.

Abortion opponents say they expect lawmakers in several states to introduce similar proposals next session.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, based in Des Moines and serving Omaha, Lincoln and Iowa, said it plans no challenge to the new law.

This summer, Planned Parenthood successfully sued to stop implementation of a second Nebraska abortion law.

That measure would have required extensive screening of women seeking abortions and held doctors civilly responsible if a screening fell short.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Fetal Pain Abortion Law Takes Effect in Nebraska, Could Set National Trend" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com Editor 10/15/10

The Nebraska law, Legislative Bill 1103, relies on significant medical research and expert testimony to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy on the basis that unborn children feel pain.

The legislation has been hailed by pro-life advocates across the country for its innovative approach and focusing the public's attention on unborn babies who have been medically documented as pain capable at 20 weeks gestation.

The expected opposition -- in the form of lawsuits from pro-abortion groups like Planned Parenthood or the Center for Reproductive Rights, have yet to materialize.

Mary Spaulding Balch, a pro-life attorney who is the state legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee, says abortion advocates may not want to have a national discussion on the pain unborn children feel because it draws attention to their humanity and need for legal protection.

When looking at abortion case law, NRLC says it hopes a new analysis can be established that would ultimately lead to overturning Roe.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Judge Strikes Pro-life Law in Nebraska

After the Nebraska attorney general refused to defend a legal challenge to the informed consent law (requiring mothers be given abortion information), a federal judge ruled that such requirements place 'an undue burden' hardship on the mother and the abortionist.

-- From "Neb. AG won't defend law on abortion screenings" by Timberly Ross, Associated Press 8/18/10

Attorney General Jon Bruning agreed to a permanent federal injunction against enforcement of the law . . .

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland filed a lawsuit last month in U.S. District Court in Nebraska over the law approved in the spring by state lawmakers. The group said the measure could be difficult to comply with and could require doctors to give women irrelevant information.

The law would require women wanting abortions to be screened by doctors or other health professionals to determine whether they had risk factors indicating they could have mental or physical problems after an abortion. If screening wasn't performed or was performed inadequately, a woman with mental or physical problems resulting from an abortion could file a civil lawsuit, according to the law. Doctors would not face criminal charges or lose their medical licenses.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judge tosses abortion-info mandate as 'undue burden'" by Michael Carl © 2010 WorldNetDaily 8/25/10

In a ruling praised by abortion industry leaders, U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp issued a permanent injunction against Legislative Bill 594, which she opined placed "an undue burden" on doctors and patients.

Camp wrote in her opinion that while the law addresses the state's interest in protecting human life, it places "substantial, likely insurmountable, obstacles in the path of women seeking abortions in Nebraska."

The final judgment published this week adds that the state of Nebraska is prohibited from trying to overturn the decision in the legislature.

American Life League President Judie Brown said although the decision is bad for Nebraska's pro-life supporters, it won't impact the rest of the nation yet.

Brown and other pro-life activists say the ruling is not likely to affect Nebraska's other pro-life statutes.

And, Brown said, this is why her organization encourages pro-life activists to work for personhood amendments to their state constitutions.

"If they get behind human personhood amendments, these problems would go away and babies would be protected and the issue of abortion would be over," Brown added.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Fetus is Unconscious Says Pro-abortion Report - Feels No Pain

A new study put out by a British group of doctors makes the false claim that unborn children don't have the ability to feel pain . . . until the later parts of pregnancy, at about 24 weeks.

-- From "Unborn baby cannot feel pain before abortion limit: report" by Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor, London Telegraph 6/26/10

Research from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists . . . findings mean there is no scientific reason to reduce the abortion limit from the current 24 weeks, experts said.

It was found that connections in the brain are not fully formed until after 24 weeks meaning that the feotus is unable to feel pain and has no awareness.

It means that surgery conducted in the womb before 24 weeks does not need to be carried out with painkillers and has no benefit. It was suggested that because the feotus is effectively unconscious at this gestation, painkillers and anaesthetic may be harmful.

A second report also concluded that it would be unrealistic to determine a list of conditions for which it was 'acceptable' to abort beyond 24 weeks.

The question had been raised in response to concerns that women were aborting babies under the clause in the Act that they may be born with a 'serious handicap' but the feotus had in reality only minor abnormalities that can be corrected such as a cleft lip.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Study From British Doctors Claims, Despite Evidence, Unborn Children Can't Feel Pain" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com Editor 6/25/10

Dr. Steven Zielinski, an internal medicine physician from Oregon, is one of the leading researchers into the concept of fetal pain and published the first reports in the 1980s to validate research show evidence for it.

He has testified before Congress that an unborn child could feel pain at "eight-and-a-half weeks and possibly earlier" and that a baby before birth "under the right circumstances, is capable of crying."

Dr. Vincent J. Collins, Zielinski and attorney Thomas J. Marzen were the top researchers to point to fetal pain decades ago. Collins, before his death, was Professor of Anesthesiology at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois and author of Principles of Anesthesiology, one of the leading medical texts on the control of pain.

"The functioning neurological structures necessary to suffer pain are developed early in a child's development in the womb," they wrote.

"Functioning neurological structures necessary for pain sensation are in place as early as 8 weeks, but certainly by 13 1/2 weeks of gestation. Sensory nerves, including nociceptors, reach the skin of the fetus before the 9th week of gestation. The first detectable brain activity occurs in the thalamus between the 8th and 10th weeks. The movement of electrical impulses through the neural fibers and spinal column takes place between 8 and 9 weeks gestation. By 13 1/2 weeks, the entire sensory nervous system functions as a whole in all parts of the body," they continued.

With Zielinski and his colleagues the first to provide the scientific basis for the concept of fetal pain, Dr. Kanwaljeet Anand of the University of Arkansas Medical Center has provided further research to substantiate their work.

He has said he and other specialists in development of unborn children have shown that babies feel pain before birth as early as 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

In Nebraska, lawmakers approved the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act by a large, bipartisan vote that bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on the well-established concept of fetal pain.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Media Focus on States' New Abortion Restrictions

[States'] new laws represent some of the most aggressive abortion legislation passed in recent years, leaving some to wonder: are these new laws isolated incidents or signs of a larger shift?

UPDATE 6/2/10: NY Times reports liberals' fear of onslaught of state-level abortion restriction laws

-- From "States test abortion limits" by Sarah Kliff, Politico 4/28/10

“On the one hand, they’re part of an onslaught of restrictions that we see constantly,” says Nancy Northup, President of the Center for Reproductive Rights, of the two new laws. “But, that being said, these are both going farther that what we’ve seen before.” This year alone, the Center has filed lawsuits against six abortion-related laws—two in Oklahoma, two in Alaska, and others in North Dakota and Arizona—a caseload that Northup describes as “higher than we’ve seen since the late 1990s. It’s a total uptick.” They’re currently tracking about 500 state-level bills that would curtail abortion rights.

Fourteen other states do require the provision of an ultrasound prior to abortion, but Oklahoma goes further by requiring both the description of the fetus and that the ultrasound monitor be in sight. Oklahoma’s more restrictive law passed despite objections from Gov. Brad Henry (D), who had previously vetoed the bill.

These anti-abortion victories are a marked shift from just two years ago, when all three of the 2008 abortion-related voter initiatives failed. One in Colorado—arguably the most far-reaching of the three, as it would have declared personhood as beginning at conception—lost by a 46-point margin. Moreover, Nebraska and Oklahoma’s new laws are significantly more restrictive than the abortion restrictions that usually pass through state legislatures, measures that require parental notification for minors or a daylong waiting period prior to abortion.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Oklahoma House Overrides Veto of Law Mandating Ultrasounds Before Abortions" by Associated Press 4/26/10

The Oklahoma House voted overwhelmingly Monday to override vetoes of two restrictive abortion measures Gov. Brad Henry has called unconstitutional intrusions into citizens' private lives and decisions.

The Senate was expected to follow suit Tuesday, after which the bills would become law. [Update: The Senate did so last Tuesday.]

One of the measures requires women to undergo an ultrasound and listen to a detailed description of the fetus before getting an abortion. The other prohibits pregnant women from seeking damages if physicians withhold information or provide inaccurate information about their pregnancy.

Supporters said the second measure was aimed at preventing women from discriminating against fetuses with disabilities. The [House] votes were 81-14 and 84-12.

Supporters of the legislation said they do not share the governor's concerns about its constitutionality, which they say should be left to the courts to decide.

This month alone, Henry has signed laws requiring clinics to post signs stating a woman cannot be forced to have an abortion, saying an abortion will not be performed until the woman gives her voluntary consent and making abortions based on child's gender illegal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Women seeking abortions could face forced ultrasounds" by Dara Kam, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer 4/28/10

Florida's Republican-dominated legislature is poised to pass a bill that would force any pregnant woman considering an abortion to first have an ultrasound - and pay for it - even if she was raped.

The measure, if signed by Gov. Charlie Crist, would result in one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation. It also would require a woman to view the ultrasound unless she signs a form saying she was not coerced into having the abortion.

Opponents say that even then, the bill may require women to hear a medical professional's description of the fetus from that ultrasound before having an abortion unless they can prove they have been raped, are a victim of domestic violence or became pregnant under other extreme circumstances.

The Senate also attached a provision to the same bill (HB 1143) that would ban nearly all private insurance companies from paying for abortions - coverage that currently is included in more than 85 percent of all insurance policies, according to abortion rights advocates.

Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos sponsored the amendment that would bar any tax dollars from being used to pay for abortions except in cases of rape or incest. Opponents of his proposal argued that it would apply to most private employers who are expected to receive tax credits or other benefits under the federal health care overhaul.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

States' Abortion Laws Reflect Growing Public Abhorrence

State legislatures across America, reflecting the will of the people, steadily enact additional restrictions on the 'freedom' to kill the unborn.

(See also previous articles)


-- From "Nebraska Law Sets Limits on Abortion" by Monica Davey, New York Times 4/13/10

Gov. Dave Heineman of Nebraska signed a law [April 13th] banning most abortions 20 weeks after conception or later on the theory that a fetus, by that stage in pregnancy, has the capacity to feel pain. The law, which appears nearly certain to set off legal and scientific debates, is the first in the nation to restrict abortions on the basis of fetal pain.

Abortion opponents praised the law and said it was justified by medical evidence gained since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. Abortion rights advocates said that the measure was unconstitutional, and that the motive behind it was to set off a challenge to legalized abortion before the United States Supreme Court.

The law, which is to take effect Oct. 15, restricts abortion in Nebraska on several fronts. It will forbid abortions after 20 weeks’ gestation. The law it replaces, similar to those in many other states, banned abortions after a fetus reaches viability, or can survive outside the womb. This is determined case by case but is generally considered to come around 22 weeks at the earliest.

The new law grants exceptions only in cases of medical emergency, the pregnant woman’s imminent death, or a serious risk of “substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function,” a provision experts interpreted as an effort to exclude an exception based on a woman’s mental health.

What is perhaps most notable about the law is that it takes aim at abortions from an utterly different perspective — the possibility of fetal pain — than states have tried historically, said officials at the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit research organization that focuses on reproductive health and rights.

In some states that mandate counseling for women considering abortions, the women are told of a possibility that fetuses may have the capacity to feel pain. But no other state cites that possibility as part of a law restricting abortions.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Virginia legislature restricts abortion funding" by Rosalind S. Helderman and Anita Kumar, Washington Post Staff Writers 4/22/10

The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday accepted proposals from Gov. Robert F. McDonnell to restrict state funding for abortions, expand spending on economic development and raise fines for speeders, but lawmakers resisted some cuts he had sought for social services.

On a 20 to 19 vote, the Democratic-led Senate agreed to an amendment proposed by McDonnell (R) that would limit state funding for abortions to those performed in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the mother is at risk. Nothing in state law previously prohibited Medicaid-funded abortions in instances when the health of the mother was in jeopardy.

The abortion vote was a victory for McDonnell, a Catholic who has long opposed abortion and who had been lobbied by social conservatives to restrict funding for the procedure. McDonnell argued that his proposal would bring Virginia into line with federal law on the issue, recently restated by an executive order signed by President Obama.

Abortion rights supporters said they thought the amendment would have far broader impact, affecting state employees seeking abortions under their state health plans. They said they thought it would restrict all abortions at public hospitals, except a very few performed for Medicaid patients in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the mother is at risk.

Those arguments were rejected by three conservative Democrats in the Senate, where their party holds a two-vote majority, as well as by all 17 of the chamber's Republicans who were present.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Mississippi, Louisiana, Moving to Ban State-Backed Insurance Abortion Coverage" posted at Ms. Magazine 4/23/10

The Mississippi and Louisiana state legislatures are both moving to pass legislation that would ban abortion coverage in each state's respective health insurance exchange being created as a result of the new federal health care package. Anti-choice legislation in Missouri also includes a provision that would ban abortion coverage in their insurance exchange.

In Mississippi, the state House passed a bill yesterday on an 80 to 33 vote that aims to ban abortion coverage in the state's insurance exchange, reported the Jackson Free Press.

In Louisiana, the state House overwhelmingly passed a bill yesterday on a 76 to 13 vote that would not only prohibit coverage of abortion in the state health insurance exchange, but would also prohibit elective abortion coverage by private insurers. The bill does not include exceptions for rape or incest, but does include an exception if a woman's life is endangered, according to the Associated Press.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Anti-abortion bill holds up action in Miss. Legislature" by Molly Parker, Gannett posted at Clarion Ledger 4/24/10

State lawmakers were set to close down session Friday until a Republican House lawmaker held two agencies' budgets hostage in an attempt to force a vote on anti-abortion legislation championed by a Mississippi senator running for Congress.

Rep. Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, said members "want an opportunity to vote on this bill."

Senate Bill 3214, sponsored by Sen. Alan Nunnelee - a Republican for Mississippi's 1st Congressional District - says no abortion coverage may be provided by a qualified health plan offered through a state health insurance exchange program.

The new federal health care law calls for states to create health exchange programs by 2014 and includes an opt-out provision related to abortion - effectively reiterating existing federal law.

Asked his opinion, Gov. Haley Barbour said in a brief exchange: "They've got to finish their business."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Tenn. legislature passes bill to outlaw taxpayer-funded abortions" posted at WVLT-TV Knoxville, TN 4/21/10

If Governor Bredesen signs the bill, Tennessee will become the first state to opt out of abortion mandates in the federal health care bill. But those who support abortion rights say the bill is much ado about nothing.

. . . Stacy Dunn of Tennessee Right to Life, which strongly supports the bill, says the State Legislature has sent a message and done the right thing.

Both the state house and senate approved the bill overwhelmingly . . .

Language in the bill says quote "No health care plan required to be established in the state through an exchange pursuant to federal health care reform legislation enacted by the 111th Congress shall offer coverage for abortion services."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Abortion bill passes [Missouri] Senate" posted at Daily Dunklin Democrat (Kennet, MO) 4/23/10

Professional counseling, printed materials that show the development of the child, and opportunities to see an ultrasound or hear the baby's heartbeat are provisions in a bill that is one step closer to strengthening abortion requirements in Missouri. Senate Bill 793, sponsored by Sen. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter), received final passage by the Senate today.

In addition to the options presented to the mother, the act would require the woman to be told of the father's liability for child support, and the Alternatives to Abortion program. The bill also encapsulates legislation that bans coverage for abortion in any health care exchanges, such as those located in the federal health care legislation. If enacted, all of these options must be provided within 24 hours of the procedure.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Henry vetoes 2 abortion bills" by Barbara Hoberock, Tulsa World Capitol Bureau 4/24/10

[Oklahoma] Gov. Brad Henry vetoed two controversial abortion bills on Friday, likely setting up an override battle in the Legislature.

Henry rejected House Bill 2780, which would have required women seeking abortions to undergo ultrasounds within an hour of the procedure and have the findings explained.

The governor said the measure had numerous flaws and would ultimately result in another expensive and possibly futile legal battle for the state.

A court previously declared a similar measure unconstitutional because it contained more than one subject.

Henry said HB 2780 also did not contain an exemption for rape and incest victims, adding that requiring them to have an ultrasound would victimize them again.

In 2008, Henry vetoed similar legislation, but his veto was overridden.

Henry also vetoed House Bill 2656, which would prohibit so-called "wrongful life" lawsuits against doctors who withhold information about a fetus or pregnancy that could cause a woman to seek an abortion.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.