Facts of Life Email: February 9, 2006

CURRENT LIFE ISSUES:

u A number of states are introducing legislature that will require abortionists to inform women about the pain abortion causes unborn children. Such bills are a way of helping the unborn baby by providing anesthesia and helping women avoid abortions. In addition to the opposition from some pro-choice legislators, however, these efforts are also battling media bias. National newspaper USA Today has been accused of bias in reporting on these initiatives. Leading experts on the issue of fetal pain say that it's a fact that unborn children feel intense pain during an abortion. USA Today only cited claims by pro-abortion Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who vetoed a fetal pain bill last month, that unborn children don't feel pain. The newspaper did not public any information from experts in the field who say fetal pain is conclusive or mention Congressional hearings validating the concept. Check out our news page for the complete story!

u While proponents of assisted suicide tout its benefits for the terminally ill and disabled, many disability rights groups are increasingly opposed to the legalization of euthanasia. In California, Assembly members Patti Berg and Lloyd Levine are planning to reintroduce the assisted suicide bill they were unable to pass last year, and they are being met with opposition from right to life groups as well as disability rights groups like the California Federation of Independent Living Centers. There is also a national campaign to prevent the death of Haleigh Poutre, an 11 year-old girl who was incapacitated after repeated abuse by her step parents. Courts granted state officials permission to euthanize her, despite the fact that Poutre is responsive and interactive four months after having been declared "brain dead" from a supposedly irreversible coma. For more information on the dangers of euthanasia, visit our information page.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CPLC:

u Help us give CA students the opportunity to stand up for LIFE! Plans are already underway for the 2006 CPLC Youth Oratory Contest, but we need your help to make sure every pro-life student has the chance to speak! Can you host a contest in your hometown? It's easier than you think! Visit www.californiaprolife.org/speak for all the details!

JOIN THE ADVENTURE!
CPLC has a variety of educational resources for you to share with your community. Learn more about all the current issues and how to get involved!

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"Sweeter even than to have had the joy of caring for children of my own has it been to me to help bring about a better state of things for mothers generally, so their unborn little ones could not be willed away from them."
Susan B. Anthony