Justin Wright, Sophmore at MHS, Gives Speech on Abortion in English

Should abortion be allowed? Do you think that if someone is defenseless, that another person should be able to kill him or her? Should they be able to cause someone to suffer? Of course not. Abortionists think that having an unwanted baby can be bad for the mother's health. They think that beautiful, innocent children may "pollute and over-populate the earth" if they are unwanted. They think that the mother should decide if she wants her baby or not. And these doctors don't even tell the mothers how much suffering it will cause for her baby. And, abortionists don't tell the mothers how terminating their pregnancy will affect her life for years to come. In the womb, the baby's heart begins to beat about 22 days from conception. Conception means forming, or being pregnant. Being pregnant means having a child developing in the body. This means that from the moment the egg is fertilized, it is a new life forming within the mother's womb. It doesn't even have to be a matter of morality; it just has to be a matter of ethics. There are ten gruesome ways to terminate a pregnancy. One way is suction aspiration, or vacuum cutterage. This is where a powerful suction tube with a sharp cutting edge is inserted into the womb. The suction dismembers the body of the developing baby and tears the placenta from the wall of the uterus, sucking blood, amniotic fluid, placental tissue, and all the baby's body parts into a collection bottle. Another way is dilation and cutterage. In this technique, the cervix is dilated or stretched to permit the insertion of a loop shaped steel knife. The body of the baby is cut into pieces and removed and the placenta is scraped off the uterine wall. A third way is partial-birth abortion. This is when the surgeon puts forceps into the womb, pulls the baby out by its leg; all except for the head, which is left in the womb. The surgeon then stabs the back of the baby's skull with scissors and spreads the tips apart, leaving a cleft so that the suction catheter can suck the baby's brains out. Since the baby's head is still in the womb during this procedure, the baby feels the pain and shock of the doctor pulling him out and then dies as the doctor stabs the scissors into the baby's skull. I have some visuals depicting this exercise. There are also medications and drugs that terminate the pregnancy at a very early stage. Even though the abortionist uses anesthesia, 97% of women felt pain during the abortion process. About 33% felt moderate to very severe pain. Clinical research provides evidence that having an abortion can cause psychological harm to a lot of women. "Women who report negative after-effects from abortion know exactly what their problem is" observed psychologist Wanda Franz, Ph.D. "They report horrible nightmares of children calling to them from trash cans, of body parts, and blood," Franz said. "When they are reminded of the abortion," Franz testified, "the women re-experienced it with terrible psychological pain ... They feel worthless and victimized because they failed at the most natural of human activities -- the role of being a mother." Is this what we want women to feel? Abortion is such a filthy way of getting out of the responsibility and joy of parenthood. In 2004, President Bush signed into law the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which states that any "child in utero" is considered to be a legal victim if injured or killed during the commission of a federal crime of violence. The bills definition of "child in utero" is "a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb." Out of 73,000 abortions: 21 women died 1 in 100 experienced infection complications 1 in 20 women experienced complications in a subsequent pregnancy 400% increase in tubal pregnancies 100% increase in miscarriages 4% increase in labor problems 83% increase in delivering problems 300% increase in premature deaths Over half the women who abort eventually need psychiatric treatment 5-10% of women go sterile after an abortion Women who have had an abortion have a higher incidence of suicide than other women. There are over 150 physical complications resulting from abortions: Bladder damage Bowels inadvertently sucked out besides the baby Cervical lacerations Coma Convulsions Embolisms Genital tract infections Hemorrhage Incomplete abortion Injury to the intestines Kidney damage Kidney loss Multiple organ removal Pelvic infection Pelvic removal Perforation of the bladder Perforation of the bowel And on and on... There are positive alternatives to abortion. You can keep the baby, and help it to grow into an adult. Or, adoption is a very good option as well. There are so many couples that are unable to have children who would do so much to be able to rear a small child. It is easier than we think to put a baby up for adoption. We need to urge out parents to vote pro-life because when we are of voting age, too many more babies will have been murdered. We need to save as many of these little children as we can. There have been over 40 million killings since Roe vs. Wade in 1973, and that is way too many. For more information on how to help win the war against this barbaric practice and protect the sanctity and beauty of life, talk to me.

Public Hearing on Clone and Kill Bill

IOWA RIGHT TO LIFE COMMITTEE
February 16, 2007

ACTION ALERT: Public Hearing Scheduled for the Clone and Kill bill--HF 287

We need everyone to attend the Public Hearing that is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 21, 7:00-10:00 P.M. at the State Capitol building house chambers. We need you and as many people as possible to attend the public hearing to oppose the "Clone and Kill" bill HF 287.

If this bill passes the house, the Governor will sign it and our current human cloning ban will be repealed. The Proponents of HF 287 continue to make false claims that they want to repeal a so-called stem cell research ban and even claim that it won't repeal our human cloning ban. It is amazing that they would dare to make statements that can so easily be disproved by simply reading the bill --written in black and white, in plain English, in section 5, the last line of the bill states, "707B, Code 2007, is repealed."

We need to hold our representatives accountable.

ACTION: Please attend the public hearing this Wednesday and contact your Representative by phone and email to ask them to oppose HF 287. Tell them that it will repeal our human cloning ban 707B, not a so-called stem cell research ban.

House Switchboard: 515-281-3221
To learn who your Representative is, go to www.legis.state.ia.us/FindLeg/

Please also contact the Representatives below:

Bailey Mckinley.Bailey@legis.state.ia.usClute Dan.Clute@legis.state.ia.us
Davitt Mark.Davitt@legis.state.ia.us
Forristall Greg.Forristall@legis.state.ia.us
Gaskill, M. Mary.Gaskill@legis.state.ia.us
Deyoe Dave.Deyoe@legis.state.ia.us
McCarthy Kevin.McCarthy@legis.state.ia.us
Murphy Pat.Murphy@legis.state.ia.us
Pettengill Dawn.Pettengill@legis.state.ia.us
Reasoner Mike.Reasoner@legis.state.ia.us
Reichart Nathan.Reichert@legis.state.ia.us
Schueller Tom.Schueller@legis.state.ia.us
Shomshor Paul.Shomshor@legis.state.ia.us
Swaim Kurt.Swaim@legis.state.ia.us

For more information:
Kim Lehman
President
Kim@IRLC.org
515-202-2517

Iowa Senate Passes Bill on Human Cloning

Senate eases restrictions on embryonic stem cell research

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that Democrats say would ease restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, but critics say it could open the door to human cloning.The bill, passed on 26-24 vote, now goes to the House, where Gov. Chet Culver said "it's really up to the 100 state representatives now to decide if they want to give hope and opportunity to tens of thousands of people."I really believe that we have an obligation as elected officials to do what is in the best interest of the people that we represent," said Culver, who was joined by medical professionals and parents of two children suffering from juvenile diabetes at a new conference at the Statehouse.
Democrats say current state law forbids therapeutic cloning to develop new stem cells, which many scientists say hold new promise in therapies for many diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and cancer."The kinds of research that we're talking about that will be enabled by this new legislation is the kind of research that Iowans need most to get better," said Dr. Mark Anderson, a University of Iowa researcher.
House Minority Leader Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, said he is unsure if the House will pass the bill. He said Republicans support stem cell research that could find cures but are wary about opening the possibility of human cloning."The Senate rammed this thing through in 48 hours," Rants said. "It didn't allow much opportunity for public input. ... We need to slow this thing down."Rick Langel, of Ankeny, was joined by his 9-year-old daughter Amber at the news conference to tell of her struggles with juvenile diabetes. He said the so-called stem cell research enhancement act provides hope to his child and to many other Iowans."I made a promise to her, and to myself, that I would do everything to find a cure," he said as the slender girl leaned against him at the podium. He added that "Amber, and other kids like her, deserve the chance for a cure."The issue comes down to what human cloning means. The heart of debate is about the term "somatic nuclear transfer," which scientists call therapeutic cloning.It allows for a technique in which the nucleus of a human cell is injected or transplanted into a fertilized or unfertilized egg from which the nucleus has been removed. The process creates, or clones, stem cells that are genetically compatible with a recipient.Iowa's current law bans the process, but the proposed bill allows it, saying it does not constitute human reproductive cloning.Democrats stress the bill would not allow cells to be cloned and then placed inside a woman's womb or a substitute womb.However, groups like the Iowa Family Policy Center say the bill simply redefines human cloning to fit supporters' preferences."According to the bill, if you clone to kill for research that's not cloning, but if you clone to allow the embryo to live, that is cloning," the group said in a news release.Culver, who made stem cell research a central campaign last year, said there's much work to be done to get the bill passed in the House, and to keep politics from overshadowing the issue."The overwhelming majority of Iowans support finding cures, the overwhelmingly majority of Iowans support keeping the ban on human cloning, as I do," he said. "This debate should not be focused on anything but helping those that are dealing with these real-life situations."On the Net:Iowa General Assembly: http://www.legis.state.ia.us/Iowa Right to Life: http://www.irlc.org/

Members of MRL Write to the Press

Abortion crisis needs our attention By Lois Irwin, Muscatine, Iowa
Is the pro-life term sometimes being used as a misnomer in today’s society? Let me share with you some information from the Iowa City Press Citizen on Jan. 25 in the Opinion section by a member of their “Citizens Writer’s Group.”I am quoting the following from Karen Kubby: “I am pro-life. I believe strongly in the value of living beings on this planet. I celebrate life in a variety of ways through my daily activities and spiritual life.“I recognize the lives gained through abortion. I see the lives of women and their children who are stronger and more stable because of a decision toward abortion.”
She goes on to state that every decision we make results in some form of equilibrium. When women make decisions about a pregnancy, they are thinking deeply about their equilibrium.My question: Where was this equilibrium before engaging in the sexual act(s)?
Was there any thought as stated in Psalms 139:13-16: “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous — and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book.”Oh, it is so depressing when one thinks of these abortion stats: Today in the USA, as of 2 p.m., Jan. 31, more than 1,860 babies have been aborted. Since Jan. 22, 1973, more than 46,835,400 have met the same fate.Can these stats be turned around, and when in this country which espouses to Christianity?At a time when there is great concern over Social Security benefits for people in the future, where would we be if the majority of aborted babies were working and viable citizens?Hopefully, more citizens will truly get involved in PRO-life campaigns. Currently, the Muscatine Right To Life Committee is being established and we welcome ALL who are interested. Our next meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, in Gannon Hall at St. Mathias Church. You may go to muscatinerighttolife@hotmail.com for more information.Additional information on Karen Kubby from her Opinion article: She is the pro-life executive director of the Emma Goldman Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa.Emma Goldman Clinic: first outpatient abortion clinic in Iowa, September 1973, eight months after the U.S. Supreme Court declared the right to chose an abortion is constitutionally guaranteed.Are we only in a crisis in the Middle East or is there a crisis here in the USA that is not being recognized?

Proposed bill is really 'clone and kill' By Shellie Clyde, Jim Miller, Debbie Hills, Mike Miller, John Miller, Sharon and Mark Rauenbuehler, Lea Gentzler, Muscatine
In the near future, discussion is being planned at our state capitol regarding the reversal of Iowa Code 707 B, the very important ban passed in 2002 on human cloning. This bill they will try to pass is referred to as SF 115, which they want to call “Stem Cell Initiative” to avoid its human cloning purpose. It is really a “clone and kill” bill being used to reverse Code 707B.At this time, Iowa does not ban any type of stem cell research. In fact, the Iowa human cloning ban states that the cloning ban does not interfere with stem cell research.I am under the impression that some (especially researchers in Iowa City) want to clone humans so that they have more embryos for research purposes. The act of taking the stem cell out of the embryo for research is a completely different act from creating human clones. But, they also want to create a clone of specific patients by using their DNA — this is the act of human cloning.
At this time, I understand that Iowa permits both embryonic and adult stem cell research. I support adult stem cell research, which has already healed nine mice with type one juvenile diabetes. Adult stem cell research is saving lives — NOT CLONING HUMANS. There is a huge distinction between the two.The discussion being planned by our legislature is to repeal the “Human Cloning Ban.” The next logical step if this ban is eliminated would be mass cloning of humans.
I feel that everyone should be informed so that those who would be against such action could begin to write letters to their representatives before it is too late.707B.4 Human cloning — prohibitions — exceptions — penalty.1. A person shall not intentionally or knowingly do any of the following:a. Perform or attempt to perform human cloning.b. Participate in performing or in an attempt to perform human cloning.c. Transfer or receive a cloned human embryo for any purpose.d. Transfer or receive, in whole or in part, any oocyte, human embryo, fetus, or human somatic cell for the purpose of human cloning.2. This section shall not restrict areas of scientific research not specifically prohibited, including in-vitro fertilization; the administration of fertility-enhancing drugs; or research in the use of nuclear transfer or other cloning techniques to produce molecules, deoxyribonucleic acid, tissues, organs, plants, animals other than humans, or cells other than human embryos.

An Encouraging Message From Deacon Jim Becker

An Encouraging Message from Deacon Jim Becker
Hannah Flanders

This morning (Sunday, February 11th 2007) at St. Mary & Mathias Catholic churches, Deacon Jim Becker gave a strong and moving homily at the 7:30 and 9:30 am Masses. The theme of his sermon was “Living the Beatitudes in our World Today”. He started by saying, “Today’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus’ message about salvation and what we need to do to be worthy of entering His Heavenly Kingdom. Here are the guideposts for living a holy life. In each of the three readings for today- the 6th Sunday of ordinary time-the message in each is to confront conventional wisdom. The thinking out in the world; the message is to think and act spiritually- not worldly. Those challenges did exist 2000 years ago. They will be with us as long as man and womankind inhabit the Earth.”
Following this statement, Deacon Becker’s homily showed ways and examples in which we can apply the Gospel and Beatitudes into our daily lives. He encouraged all to strive for eternal salvation and then listed the Beatitudes. I wanted to share his powerful and moving comments which he presented this morning:
“Blessed are you when people hate you. We may think that the persecution of Christians only happened in Roman times, yet it is happening today. TV and the media are predominantly anti-Christian. Here is a recent example: On January 22nd of each year since Roe vs. Wade was made legal (1973), people from across our land gather in Washington DC to remind our country that this is an unjust law. Over 100,000 fellow citizens gathered there this year! If you recall, there was not a peep in the secular media about this significant event. Even if it was covered by the national media, it would have focused on the Pro-abortion protestors.
What about those who would say, ‘But it [abortion] is legal, so why put up so much effort in fighting it?’ Well, we can answer, ‘So were Hitler’s death camps, Apartheid, and American slavery. All of these events were legal, but we can clearly see that they are wrong!’
Thanks be to God that EWTN covered the March-for-Life in its entirety!
I attended the Pro-Life Rally in Des Moines which was also held on January 22nd. The turnout was small given that it was held in our state Capitol. My feeling was Where are all the Pro-Life people? Is this all there is? All who were there were very enthusiastic, but too many of us are sitting on our hands- not in the game. Remember the words of Edmund Burke, “Bad things are made possible when good people choose to do nothing.” We need to win society’s minds and hearts, one person at a time.
12 million people were killed in Hitler’s death camps- 6 million Jews and 6 million other good and holy people as well. How could the law allow such cruelty to happen? Today, 47 million babies have been slaughtered since Roe v. Wade!
What are you and I doing about it? Others may march in DC and Des Moines one cold day out of the year, but what about the other 364 days of the year? If we choose to do nothing, is it because someone may dislike me? “Blessed are you when you act or speak up in My name.” Do you think John the Baptist was worried about being politically correct when he told King Herod that he should not be living with his brother’s wife?
We need your help in the Pro-Life movement. What can one person do?

1. Pray- Pray for a change of heart of people who work in this culture of death industry and also pray for all mothers to make the right choice- in choosing life.

2. Speak up for Life- Do not be afraid to defend those who have no voice in society. I was recently in a coffee table discussion and the topic of the war in Iraq was brought up. A man at the table was upset because the war in Iraq has killed 3000 American soldiers. I then took the opportunity to ask him if he thought 3000 was a large number. He eagerly replied that of course it was. Then I asked him if he though 4000 was a big number, and he agreed that it definitely was. After having his agreement thus far, I asked him if he realized that 4000 American babies die each day because of legal abortions. He immediately stopped talking and that was the end of the conversation. Later on, one of the people at our table approached me and thanked me for speaking up for life.

3. Support Pro-life Organizations- American Life League, Priests for Life, Birthright, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Radio (105.3 FM), Iowa Right to Life, and most importantly Muscatine Right to Life. Many of you may know that young Andrew Rauenbuehler started this new chapter all by himself. We must support his efforts and work together to stand as a Pro-Life community.

4. Read Pro-Life Material- Don’t waste your time keeping up on all of the secular media. Rather, use your time wisely and devote it to informing yourself on Pro-Life issues.

5. Watch EWTN- This is a great Pro-life as well as Catholic TV channel.

6. Support Pro-Life Politicians – Supporting a Pro-Life politician is not about party affiliation. There are pro-life candidates in both Republican and Democratic parties. Unfortunately, there is no Pro-Life party out there. We must use our judgment and support the Pro-Life candidates. In the USA, 272 Million dollars was taken from the Federal Treasury and given to Planned Parenthood- coming from our tax dollars! Right now, efforts to overturn the ban on human cloning are going on. Iowa Scientists may be receiving a license to kill human embryos. We must vote for Pro-life politicians to change these laws.

The Pro-death culture, a worldly and evil source, is big and powerful- we need your help! It is time to get out of the bleachers. There are many things that individuals can do. To be Catholic is to be Pro-Life- plus to act on it.
In the beatitudes Jesus has given us a profile of the type of person He wishes us to be. This is a serious set of instructions of what it means to be a Catholic Christian. In the words of St. Augustine, “Our Hearts are restless, Lord, until they rest in You.” Blessed are we place our hope and trust in God. Cursed are we if we place our hope and trust in the world.
May we act upon what we as Catholics believe and repeat in the creed at Mass each Sunday- “I believe in the Holy, Catholic Church.”
Let us live out the beatitudes on our journey to Heaven. Even if it means getting out of the bleachers.”

Cemetery of the Innocent

An example of a Cemetery of the Innocent done on the University of Illinois campus.

MRL's Next Meeting

MRL's next meeting will be Monday February 19. IT will be at 7:00 p.m. in Gannon Hall, St. Mathias Catholic Church.

Agenda so far:

1.- Memebership Fees for IRLC
2.- Pro-Life T-Shirt Day
3.- Cemetery of the Innocent

If there is something you would like to be on the agenda e-mail muscatinerighttolife@hotmail.com

Iowa's Human Cloning Ban

Govenor Chet Culver has informed legislatures in Des Moines this week that he wants Iowa's ban on cloning to be overturned so that researchers in Iowa now could clone embryos in order to destry them for research.

In 1940 the federal government passed a law protecting bald eagles but also their eggs. The punishment would be the same if you shot the bird in the air as if you destroyed it's eggs. Now if our country has protection of some animals at all stages of their life then shouldn't the same go for humans??

Welcome to MRL's New Blog

Muscatine Right to Lifes Blog

This Blog has been created for easier communication with what is going on with Muscatine Right to Life and pro-life issues. Hopefully this will be a source of information. Anyone that has information that they would like to see on this blog e-mail muscatinerighttolife@hotmail.com