PNCI ENEWS 2009

The Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues (PNCI) issues the Parliamentary Network E-News to provide lawmakers, and those who work with them, news from various sources on the international threat to pro-life laws and current legislative and judicial actions on critical life issues challenging parliamentarians around the world.

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 3

March 2009

Pro-Abortion Action

Obama Administration Takes More Steps to Promote Abortion Abroad
Recent actions by the Obama administration again demonstrate its commitment to promoting abortion policies abroad. The White House announced that it is sending $50 million to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as provided in the recently passed Omnibus Appropriations Act. The $50 million was appropriated despite UNFPA's support for China's one-child policy which relies on forced and coerced abortions and sterilization for compliance. The U.S. has not contributed to the UNFPA for the past eight years under President Bush.

Additionally, President Obama this month announced the creation of a new foreign policy position focusing on women's issues to be headed by Melanne Verveer- former staffer to former First Lady Hillary Clinton and co-founder of Vital Voices Global Leadership-who will hold the position of Ambassador-at-Large. Vital Voices was formed to reaffirm the population and development goals of the United Nations conference in Beijing in 1995. In 2005, then Senator Clinton speaking at a Vital Voices forum on the 10th anniversary of Beijing lamented former President Bush's pro-life Mexico City Policy, "Under the Global Gag Rule {Mexico City Policy}, none of our foreign aid dollars can go to foreign NGOs that provide abortions beyond cases of rape, incest or endangerment to the mother. Or provide abortion counseling or advocate the legalization of abortion in their countries." Senator Clinton also advocated for the full range of reproductive health care services-which by any interpretation includes abortion-in developing countries around the world.

Marie Smith, PNCI director expressed great concern at the news of the new appointment, "The change to pro-life laws and policies that Hillary Clinton and Vital Voices pursue will now be promoted by a US ambassador. This is blatant disregard for sovereign laws and policies of nations who respect the inherent worth and dignity of life and who treat the unborn child as a valued member of the family. It is tragic that the US will pursue a path of imposing an extremist view of abortion that 60% of the world's countries reject, while at the same time, women globally are in need of life-affirming measures to improve their and their families' lives."

Secretary Clinton: Abortion Will be Key to American Foreign Policy
In accepting the Margaret Sanger Award from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised the organization and its international work and made clear her intent to actively promote abortion at home and abroad. The award, the organization's highest honor, is named after Planned Parenthood founder and noted eugenicist Margaret Sanger. Clinton emphasized the partnering with NGOs like Planned Parenthood in U.S. development, "I believe that women's rights and empowerment is an indispensible ingredient of smart power and therefore is integrated into our renewed emphasis on diplomacy and development." Clinton also verified the fears pro-lifers have of an American policy to export abortion, "I want to assure you that reproductive rights and the umbrella issue of women's rights and empowerment will be a key to the foreign policy of this Administration," she said.

Pro-Life Action

logo Pope Benedict Voices Strong Pro-Life Message, Warns of Abortion Tactic
Pope Benedict XVI visited the African countries of Cameroon and Angola delivering strong pro-life messages and warning of the pro-abortion tactic of hijacking the terms "maternal health" and "reproductive health" to advance abortion. The Pontiff called Cameroon " truly a land of hope for many in Central Africa" and stated: "It is a land of life, with a Government that speaks out in defence of the rights of the unborn." (Cameroon recently stood up to CEDAW experts who were critical of Cameroon's laws restricting most abortions.)

Recognizing the great suffering that affects the region including poverty, violence, human trafficking and corruption, the Pope addressed the need to bring about reconciliation, justice and peace for all members of the family. He soundly rejected any "cultural models that ignore the rights of the unborn".

In Angola the Pontiff spoke of the strains placed upon the family, especially on women and girls. He condemned the discrimination, sexual violence and exploitation they endure and urged actions "to uphold the equal dignity of women and men, realized in harmonious complementarity." Pope Benedict highlighted the importance of the family throughout the African continent calling it "the foundation on which the social edifice is built."

The Pontiff exposed the tactics of pro-abortion NGOs, including International Planned Parenthood and Marie Stopes International, who have exploited the critical need to assist pregnant women by inserting abortion into the undefined terms "maternal health" and "reproductive health". These efforts seek to gain political will to advance the legalization of abortion as part of reproductive health care services included under the broad agenda of maternal health and reproductive health. Lawmakers who oppose abortion are often unaware of the duplicity of pro-abortion NGOs who use these undefined terms to advance their abortion agenda. The Pope judiciously declared, "How bitter the irony of those who promote abortion as a form of 'maternal' health care! How disconcerting the claim that the termination of life is a matter of reproductive health!"

EU Attempts to Clarify Health Delivery Does Not Include Abortion
The number of lawmakers around the world who realize the scandalous ploy used by pro-abortion organizations to hijack health measures to save mothers' lives and improve women's health is growing. The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution concerning the development actions of the European Commission in the delivery of health services to sub-Saharan Africa. The resolution calls for greater communication with national parliaments and country governments in the delivery of health services among other measures. The resolution carefully avoids use of the terms "sexual and reproductive rights and health", when advocating for health care programs to avoid misuse by pro-abortion NGOs who interpret the terms to include abortion. The EU does not have a formal position on abortion.

Legislative News

Mexican States Legislators Act to Protect Life
Mexican states continue to show they support laws that protect the unborn and are opposed to 2007 law in Mexico City which legalized abortion on demand. This month, the state of Puebla approved a constitutional amendment to protect life "from the moment of conception to natural death, except in cases foreseen by law." This amendment, the sixth of its kind among Mexican states, will ensure the state does not legalize abortion on demand, and was passed by a vote of 29-10 despite heavy pressure from pro-abortion groups and socialist members.

Additionally, attempts to expand Mexico City's law legalizing abortion have met with great opposition in several states, even among those governed by the Mexican socialist party- Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD) - which is fueling the initiatives. Proposed legalization of abortion laws have failed in three of the five PRD controlled states and others have initiated pro-life amendments. The response to this abortion push demonstrates that while PRD members in Mexico City support abortion, socialists in the rest of the country reject legalizing abortion on demand.

Kenya: Parliament Debates Legalizing Abortion
Kenya's parliament is currently considering legislation to legalize abortion. The Reproductive Health and Rights Bill, which was drafted in part by the pro-abortion Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)-a partner of the Center for Reproductive Rights- would make Kenya the first East African country to permit abortion on demand. The bill faces strong opposition from pro-lifers, who argue that abortion is not only immoral, but a violation of traditional African culture and a product of western NGOs.

Pro-life gynecologist Dr. Jean Kagia argues that deliberate destruction of the life of an unborn child is alien to African culture: "Children even belong to the community, and there is no community that throws away a child. Even when the mother dies, there is always somebody else who will take over that child." Dr. Kagia not only opposes legalization of abortion but advocates redress for the basic rights and needs of women including access to clean water, shelter, food, basic health care and education.

U.S.: Bill Seeks to Raise Awareness of Abortion, Depression Link
U.S. Congressman Joe Pitts recently introduced a bill to study the emotional effects of abortion on women. The Post Abortion Depression Research and Care Act would direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to examine the impact abortion has on women's mental health and establish treatment programs to help them. Research conducted in New Zealand has found that women who have abortions experience higher rates of depression than those who do not. "Women deserve to know the long-term effects of abortion on their mental and emotional well-being, and women who have had an abortion deserve to have mental health professionals who acknowledge the emotional impact of abortion and have the tools to treat it," said Congressman Pitts.

Luxembourg: Euthanasia Legalized
Luxembourg published a new law this month legalizing euthanasia, becoming the third EU country to do so. The law comes into force following a much heated controversy that resulted in the parliament voting to make the monarch of the country a purely ceremonial role after the Grand Duke Henri refused to approve the bill. In so doing, the government was then able to enact this legislation which says that doctors who perform euthanasia or assisted suicide will not face criminal or civil charges.

Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition opposed the law and warned of the dangerous direction Luxembourg was taking. He compared it to the Netherlands, "After many years of euthanasia in the Netherlands, it has now become very apparent that the euthanasia experiment is a failure. People with chronic depression can be killed and in the last government report in 2005 it stated that 550 people were killed by euthanasia without consent."

Executive News

Northern Ireland: Health Department Guidelines Instruct on Abortion
Northern Ireland's Department of Health has published guidelines for health professionals on abortion. Abortion is illegal in the country, with an exception for the life of the mother. Co-Chair of the All Party Pro-Life Group of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Jeffrey Donaldson MP, expressed several concerns with the guidelines that were brought to the attention of the health minister. "Some were resolved, some remained unresolved and for that reason our ministers voted against the guidelines at the executive. We will not be liberalising the law on abortion here." Abortion advocates are praising the move as the first step to making abortion available in certain circumstances. Bernadette Smyth of the pro-life group Precious Life criticized the move, "...as these guidelines are written, it would give doctors full permission to carry out a direct act of violence towards unborn children." Guidelines can be accessed here.

Australia: Reverses Policy, Promotes Abortion Overseas
Following the US, Australia has overturned its laws prohibiting the use of government funding for groups that promote and perform abortions internationally. Responding to pressure from the Green Party, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd repealed the 13 year old policy of former Prime Minister John Howard that prevented taxpayers' dollars from being used to promote abortion abroad. Pro-life groups and MPs are furious. "This will be the first time in Australia's history that our aid dollars are used to kill unborn children overseas," said Australian Christian Lobby Chief Jim Wallace.

Judicial News

Mexican Supreme Court Rules: Abortion Not a Constitutional Right
The 1,000+ page final ruling by the Mexican Supreme Court on Mexico City's law legalizing abortion failed to establish abortion as a constitutional right, a positive step for the pro-life community. The Court's decision ensures that states which prohibit abortion will be able to keep those protections in place. While the Court upheld the constitutionality of the city law, the concurring judges failed to reach consensus on reasons why abortion should be legalized, further weakening the pro-abortion argument. However, the dissenting judges presented a unified pro-life front opposing the law. The Supreme Court is expected to revisit the issue again soon as state pro-life constitutional amendments are challenged.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

"Everyone Against Abortion Please Raise Your Hand"

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 4

April 2009

Focus on Africa

African First Ladies Health Summit Focuses on Reproductive Health
The African First Ladies Health Summit 2009 was recently held in Los Angeles with broad support from US foundations and NGOs. The Summit was designed to focus on the role of a First Lady and ways she can use her position to advocate for issues. One of the main objectives of the Summit was to: "Advance the health and prosperity of women and families by addressing high priority areas including but not limited to HIV/AIDS, malaria, reproductive health, and maternal and child health."

Numerous spouses of African heads of state and government attended: Ida Odinga, wife of Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga, and first ladies Laraba Tandja of Niger, Penehupifo Pohamba of Namibia, Thandiwe Banda of Zambia, Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza of Mozambique, Mathato Sarah Mosisili of Lesotho, Sia Nyama Koroma of Sierra Leone, Adelcia Barreto Pires of Cape Verde, Chantal Biya of Cameroon, Ana Paula Dos Santos of Angola, Inkhosikati LaMbikiza of Swaziland and Turai Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria. Delegations from six other countries attended the Summit: the Republic of Congo, Gambia, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, South Africa and Uganda.

While issues of health for women and children and the education of girls were addressed, it appears that the Summit was heavily influenced by pro-abortion NGOs promoting the Maputo Plan of Action for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The Maputo Plan states that it "seeks to take the continent forward towards the goal of universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services in Africa by 2015".

The Vice President for the Africa Alliance of pro-abortion NGO IPAS, Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah, former Minister of Health, Ghana, spoke on the Maternal Health Panel and advocated for the legalization of abortion as part of a comprehensive health strategy. Melanne Verveer, President Obama's Ambassador for Global Women's Issues, addressed the Summit and offered US support for the objectives of the Summit, including reproductive health which the Obama administration believes includes abortion.

Sarah Brown, wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, spoke about the need to reduce maternal deaths and referred to future international meetings as venues for action. These include the May meeting of African health ministers at the African Union, the meeting of the G8 nations in Italy in July, the UN General Assembly in New York in September, and a meeting in November in Tanzania organized by the White Ribbon Alliance. The White Ribbon Alliance is an NGO which opposed the pro-life policy of President Bush which restricted US funds from international organizations which performed or promoted abortion.

Brown pointed to the work in national governments as the most vital in the effort to reduce maternal deaths, "While we need our campaign to keep up the pressure on the global stage, what is vital to the long overdue success for reducing maternal mortality will be the work that is done at the national level, where the grassroots at the bottom and the global activity at the top meet to turn policy in to a living reality for families and communities."

PNCI expresses outrage that the legalization of abortion in African countries is being considered an "acceptable solution" to reducing maternal mortality by some First Ladies, heads of state, heath ministers and others. Abortion will rob African nations of their greatest treasure-their children, and violate the most basic human right-the right to life. PNCI urges pro-life lawmakers to do all they can do to offer life-affirming initiatives to reduce the rate maternal mortality.

Sarah Brown ended her speech with the words, "Please let us work together to make sure maternal mortality is a problem of the past and not our children's future." PNCI responds, "Please let us work together to make sure maternal mortality is a problem of the past and that all children have a future." Measures that save the lives of mothers must also save the lives of their children, both born and pre-born.

Pro-Abortion Gains Averted

UN: Delegations Say No to Abortion
At a recent meeting of the UN Commission on Population and Development, pro-life delegations successfully kept abortion out of the Commission's final document. Iran, St. Lucia and Malta led the protest of the inclusion of the term "sexual and reproductive health and rights," which has yet to be included in a negotiated UN document. Malta's ambassador noted the increasing difficulty in agreeing to UN resolutions due to the ongoing push to expand "reproductive health" to include abortion. The delegations of Chile, Comoros, the Holy See, Ireland, Peru, and Poland also opposed remaining "reproductive rights" language in the document and emphasized these could not be used to "support, endorse or promote" abortion.

Summit of the Americas: No IPPF Revisions
The fifth Summit of the Americas met this month and issued a Declaration of Commitment that was free of language promoting abortion as suggested by IPPF. Fears of a push for abortion promoting language prior to the Summit ran high amid plans by International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) to include the term "sexual and reproductive health services" in the Declaration. IPPF, which also counted on President Obama's support, had voiced its intention to use the document as a stepping stone to advance abortion in the Caribbean and Latin America. While the IPPF language was not included in the final document, pro-life concerns remain with new references to the undefined term of "health care" which pro-abortion NGOs and the Obama administration may attempt to use to advance abortion.

Legislative News

Secretary of State Clinton: Reproductive Health Includes Abortion
In a hearing before the U.S. House Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton confirmed that the U.S. defines reproductive health to include abortion. Responding to questions from Rep. Chris Smith, Secretary Clinton acknowledged a change in values and priorities from the previous pro-life administration and a new focus that includes access to abortion. "It is evident that Mrs. Clinton and President Obama want to force the tragedy of abortion upon women around the world especially and including in countries where democratically elected leaders want to continue to protect their unborn children," Smith said. Further, Rep. Smith questioned Secretary Clinton's receipt of Planned Parenthood's Margaret Sanger award and her acceptance speech praising Sanger, a noted eugenicist and racist.

Mexican States Continue to Say No to Abortion
More and more Mexican states are passing constitutional amendments protecting life from conception, demonstrating a consensus against abortion and putting pressure on the federal government to pass a national law protecting the right to life. The actions of now ten states come in response to Mexico City's 2007 law legalizing abortion on demand.

Korea Tightens Abortion Law
Legislation is set to be introduced in the Korean National Assembly to reduce the term limit for abortions from 28 weeks to 24. The legislation, which was proposed by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, may also remove hemophilia, epilepsy and other genetic diseases from the conditions for which abortion is allowed. The ministry initiated the legislation in an effort to remove the disparity between the law and current knowledge on when a baby can survive outside the womb. Father Casimir Song Yul-sup, secretary of the Pro-Life Activities of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea acknowledged that while it is small, the legislation is a step in the right direction. "I hope the revision becomes the first step toward establishing a culture of life," he said.

Dominican Republic Approves New Constitution Protecting Life
The Dominican Republic has a new constitution that protects life from conception. Despite strong pressure from pro-abortion groups, the constitution passed with a majority vote of 167-32. Article 11 of the new constitution states that "the right to life is inviolable from conception until death. The death penalty cannot be established, pronounced, nor applied, in any case." Catholic and Evangelical Protestant churches had actively launched campaigns in support of the new constitution and are delighted with its passage. Pro-life leader Dr. Gene Antoni celebrated the victory in the face of pro-abortion pressure, "This overwhelming victory serves as an example to the other Latin countries fighting to protect life, that we can win and we must win because the lives of little people are at stake."

Judicial News

EU Court Will Hear Case Against Ireland's Pro-life Law
The European Court of Human Rights has agreed to hear the case of three Irish women who traveled to Britain to get abortions due to the Republic of Ireland's pro-life law, and consequently claim their rights were violated. The Irish government is defending itself and countering that the case does not have standing to be heard in the EU court. American groups- Family Research Council (FRC) and Alliance Defense Fund (ADF)- have filed legal briefs in the case, which is also significant for the U.S. "This case is not only pivotal to Europe; it's pivotal to America. With greater frequency, the U.S. Supreme Court looks across the ocean to see what other countries are doing when considering its own cases. This case could be the Roe v. Wade of Europe," says ADF Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull.

Australian Teenager Faces Charges for Smuggling Misoprostol
A teenager in Australia is facing charges for using the uterine contracting drug Misoprostol to self-induce an abortion. Tegan Simone Leach and her boyfriend reportedly obtained the drug from a family member who bought it in the Ukraine and smuggled it into Australia. The couple used the Misoprostol tablets to obtain an illegal abortion. Misoprostol is increasingly self-administered for abortion, despite the risks and dangers associated with the drug. While medical abortion is legal in the country, it must be dispensed by pre-approved practitioners. Abortion advocates are using the case to change Queensland's law and remove all abortion restrictions.

Issues

Sex Selection Abortion

China: Sex Selection Abortion Results in Dangerous Gender Gap
Chinese parents under the nation's strict one-child policy continue to prefer sons and abort daughters, further increasing the already imbalanced gender gap. As the disparity steadily increases, researchers say China could face dangerous spikes in crime and other social problems in the future. Currently 119 males are born for every 100 girls, whereas in industrialized nations the ratio is 107 to 100. The researchers cited enforcement of laws banning sex-selection banning as a way to improve the trend. The city of Shanghai has shut down underground ultrasound labs and is offering more education and training opportunities for girls, which has reportedly led to a decrease in sex-selection abortion. However, at the same time, they are also seeing an increase in the abductions of boys. The rise in abductions is said to be fueled by couples desperate for a male heir. While exactly numbers are not known, it is estimated that tens of thousands of boys have been abducted in recent years.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Contact PNCI

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues
P.O. Box 20203

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703-433-2767

All news articles include links to original source. PNCI cannot verify that the information contained in the news articles is accurate.

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 5

May 2009

Focus on Latin America

PNCI Warns: Pro-Abortion Organizations are Targeting the Organization of American States (OAS)

Pro-abortion activists seeking to advance an "international right to abortion" through manipulation of regional and international bodies and treaties are targeting the Organization of American States (OAS) in an effort to overturn national pro-life laws and policies in the Americas. Currently, NGOs -including IPPF, Center for Reproductive Rights, Catholics for Free Choice, Human Rights Watch, and CLADEM- have targeted the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR), the human rights body of the OAS, to advance access to abortion as part of "sexual and reproductive rights".

The just released IACHR Annual Report 2008 lists the actions of its committees, including that of the Rapporteurship on the Rights of Women, which reveals reasons for concern and the need for monitoring. The Rapporteurship reports in section #74 that with financial support from the governments of Spain and Finland it will begin to identify: "the major advances made and the challenges women face to be able to exercise their rights, free of discrimination, in the spheres of political participation and reproductive rights."

The Rapporteurship also held two joint meetings with the OAS Committee on Women (CIM) in Washington, DC. with NGOs and officials from the UN and African Union who also work on reproductive health issues. The meetings were entitled: "Protection of Women's Reproductive Rights" and "Discrimination against Women in the Exercise of their Reproductive Rights." According to the report, the meetings, "intended to identify, through a participatory process, the principal advances made and the challenges women face in the exercise of their reproductive rights, encompassing issues such as the discrimination women may face in access to reproductive health services and access to information and to the education required to make informed decisions in this area." PNCI notes that "reproductive health services" is widely accepted at the UN as including access to abortion.

The final item reported by the Rapporteurship centers on thematic reports on discrimination and violence against women in Haiti and Chile. The related document Observations of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights upon Conclusion of its April 2007 visit to Haiti reveals the position of the Rapporteurship on abortion. While reporting on advances to promote the legitimate rights of women, the Commission favorably reported that the Haitian Ministry of Women's Status and the Rights of Women "is also contemplating the submission of a law that legalizes abortion."

The Commission not only viewed the legalization of abortion as an acceptable component of women's rights but recommended that Haiti's national government fund the initiatives so they can be implemented. PNCI suggests that lawmakers, pro-life leaders, and religious officials develop close communication with their ambassadors and delegates to the OAS to ensure that the actions of OAS entities do not advance access to abortion.

International Pro-Life Actions

WHO Basing Policies on Faulty Findings
A new report exposes the World Health Organization's (WHO) faulty data collection and analysis in order to promote abortion policies. The paper, "Removing the Roadblocks from Achieving MDG 5 by Improving the Data on Maternal Mortality," by Donna Harrison, M.D., President of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, was published by the International Organizations Research Group (IORG), a division of C-Fam. The paper demonstrates how the WHO's figures on maternal mortality are largely inaccurate and inconsistent and do not have clear definitions on "safe" and "unsafe" abortion; an inconsistency which even pro-abortion organizations have criticized. Marie Stopes International, for example, takes exception claiming that the abortions it performs illegally in countries are "safe" abortions. (PNCI notes: Marie Stopes International along with IPPF had been denied US funds under the now rescinded Mexico City Policy and will under the Obama administration soon be receiving millions of US dollars.)

Dr. Harrison quotes WHO researchers who admit to "adjusting the data" up to 50 percent based upon what they "expect to find" in order "to make the numbers turn out right." Adding further to the confusion, maternal death statistics for abortion combine "spontaneous abortions", or miscarriages, with induced or planned abortion, making no distinction between the two. Harrison makes suggestions for improving data collection and warns that if the WHO does not improve its ambiguous statistics and policies, "Policy decisions will be founded on political assumptions, rather than scientific fact."

Chile Stands Up To International Pressure to Legalize Abortion
Chile is standing firm in its protection of life in the face of strong international pressure to legalize abortion. Countries, led by Finland and Sweden, and pro-abortion groups urged the nation to change its laws to permit abortion at a recent meeting of the UN Council on Human Rights. Responding to the report, the Chilean government has emphasized its intent to keep its current laws protecting life regardless of the outside pressures. The Holy See also contributed to the UN High Commissioner's report, recommending that Chile, "continue to adhere to the cultural and religious values which make up the identity of the country in defence of the right to life and in defence of the right of the family."

Legislative News

Mexico: San Luis Potosi Makes 13 States To Pass Pro-Life Protection in Recent Months
The Mexican State of San Luis Potosi has become the 13th state to pass a constitutional amendment protecting life from conception to natural death. The measure which passed by a vote of 21-4 demonstrates again the Mexican people's overwhelming objection to the legalization of abortion in their states. The passage of pro-life amendments in now 13 Mexican states comes in response from pro-abortion pressure following Mexico City's 2007 law legalizing abortion.

Spain: Parliament Considers Legislation to Expand Legalization of Abortion
Legislation before the Spanish parliament seeks to further expand access to abortion. The bill, proposed by the ruling Socialist Worker's Party, would allow abortion on demand for the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and permit adolescents as young as 16 access to abortion without parental consent. The legislation, which has been approved by the Council of Ministers, is being actively opposed by the Catholic Church and the main opposition party, Spain's People's Party. Mariano Rajoy, leader of the People's Party, pointed out that the bill is unconstitutional, and that "the law is bad in its foundations and its form and doesn't help women," he said.

Executive News

Sweden: Sex-Selection Abortion is Legal
The Swedish government has determined that sex-selective abortions are legal. Under Sweden's law, abortion is permitted on demand for any reason up to 18 weeks of pregnancy. However, a recent case of a woman who aborted two children due to their sex caused physicians to seek clarification of the law. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare consequently ruled that abortions must be provided for any reason, including sex-selection.

Poland: Former President Lech Walesa Would Have Resigned if Forced to Legalize Abortion
Lech Walesa-former President of Poland, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and leader of the labor movement Solidarity whose influence helped end the Cold War-stated in Spain that he would have resigned as president "twenty times" rather than sign a law to allow abortion in Poland. He called abortion "the killing of innocents". Walesa made his comments during a visit to Spain whose social government is moving to extend abortion to the second trimester.

Judicial News

Nepal Supreme Court Rules Legal Abortion Not Enough, Must Also Be Accessible By All
Nepal's Supreme Court has ruled that the government must pass a law guaranteeing women's access to abortion. While abortion is legal in Nepal, abortion promoters want the law to go even further. The suit, brought forth by the Center for Reproductive Rights on behalf of a low-income woman who could not afford an abortion, argued that abortion wasn't readily available to all women due to cost, physicians, and lack of information. The Supreme Court's ruling instructs that the new abortion law include public funding for abortion services and education and outreach of their availability.

Issues

Life Affirming Solutions to Maternal Mortality: Anti-Shock Garments

An ongoing study in Nigeria is looking at the use of non-pneumatic anti-shock garments (NASG) as a first aid device to save the lives of women who suffer from obstetric hemorrhage in childbirth. The life-saving garments help control the loss of blood to the body and have proven successful in women suffering from hemorrhage in childbirth- the leading cause of maternal deaths around the world. Once a woman is identified with hemorrhage the NASG can help keep her alive until she can receive or reach treatment. The $11 million study will next implement the use of the anti-shock garments in Nigeria and India.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Featured Article

11 weeks gestation

USA: Gallup Poll Shows Majority of Americans Are Pro-Life
A recent Gallup poll reports that the majority of Americans identify themselves as pro-life. Conducted this month, the survey found 51% of respondents to be pro-life and 42% of respondents identifying as pro-choice, the highest and lowest figures in 15 years. The poll also shows a record high of people supporting making abortions illegal at any point. Gallup reports the shift could be due to a response to pro-abortion President Obama's policy initiatives to expand abortion as well as the influence of ultrasound technology. A total of four polls conducted this month show a marked shift of public opinion in support of life.

Contact PNCI

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703-433-2767

All news articles include links to original source. PNCI cannot verify that the information contained in the news articles is accurate.

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 6

June 2009

International Pressure for Abortion

Global "Safe Abortion" Conference Final Report Reveals Pro-Abortion Strategy
Following up to their 2007 Global "Safe Abortion" Conference, Marie Stopes International and Ipas have released the conference's report. In October 2007, PNCI reported that the conference focused on forming strategies to target governments to change laws and policies on abortion in order to further advance abortion worldwide. The primary targets of this strategy are nations in the developing world whose laws still protect the unborn.

The conference, which also highlighted "the promise of medical-abortion technologies... regardless of legal context", featured Dr. Malcolm Potts, abortionist, abortion proponent and founder of Venture Strategies, a medical distribution company. Venture Strategies seeks registration of the uterine-contracting drug misoprostol for treatment of post partum bleeding while hiding advocacy of its use for self-induced abortion by women in the home. In his conference remarks, Potts made clear the ultimate goal of global abortion: "Access to safe abortion is as essential to modern living as the internal combustion engine or the silicon chip."

NGO Funds Abortion Lobby Efforts as Part of Women's Health
The International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC) and its partners advance abortion in Latin America, Africa and Asia by influencing governments and other policy makers. It believes: "Everyone can make a difference. Even if you don't sit in the parliament, if you don't sit in the government, if you don't sit in any UN body, in those networks within your circle of life, you can make a difference." IWHC helps pro-abortion activists advance access to induced abortion. The newly released 2008 report describes some of the projects to advance abortion in Ecuador, Nigeria, and other countries. IWHC awarded over $2 million in grant money to local projects and lists the organizations and institutes receiving the funds by region and country including Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Nigeria, Cameroun, South Africa and India.

IWHC states in the report "We are one of few international organizations willing to speak and act unequivocally for access to safe abortion as an essential health service and a fundamental right. We are one of an even smaller number that provide sustained financial, professional, and moral support for local partners who advocate for reform of policy and practice, and effectively fend off highly organized anti-abortion groups." Read the entire report including grant recipients here.

Pro-Life Actions

US: Congressman Encourages Pro-Life- "This Is Your Finest Hour"
Representative Chris Smith, co-chairman of the US House Pro-Life Caucus told those attending the National Right to Life Convention that despite the bleakness of the current time it is one in which pro-lifers will look back upon and regard as their "finest hour". Smith encouraged pro-life advocates to continue their efforts in "the greatest human rights struggle on Earth" and to continue to be "the conscience of a nation that has lost its way".

Smith praised the unselfish motives of the those in the pro-life movement and thanked them for "devoting your lives, your talent, your time and your money to defending generations of unborn children, their moms, their dads, the frail elderly and the disabled (like Terri Schiavo), most of whom you will never meet, at least not in this life." Smith recounted the series of pro-abortion actions by President Obama whom he labeled "the Abortion President".

Smith urged the pro-life advocates to "be disciplined and alert and wise" and to "recruit new activists here and around the world especially among the young." He said, "This is no time for quitters or the faint of heart. I truly believe that this will someday be regarded as our finest hour, when against overwhelming odds, we stood firm and overcame evil with good."

Smith assured those present, "even at this most difficult of times when the clouds seemingly are at their darkest, you and I can stop Obama's abortion agenda. And... through it all, we can actually smile, and be joyful, with a peace that surpasses all understanding not only because we are doing our duty, but because our trust is vested unequivocally in the mercy, justice and awesome power of God." For the full text of the address click here.

Legislative News

East Timor: No to Abortion
The parliament of East Timor recently passed a law ensuring its protection of life. The legislation, which renews the nation's penal sanctions on abortion, passed by a vote of 45 to 0 with 7 abstentions. East Timor's action comes in response to intense pressure from the United Nations and pro-abortion NGOs who are pushing for the legalization of abortion as a human right. Former United States Ambassador to East Timor Grover Joseph Rees said the "claim that access to abortion is an internationally recognized human right" is "outrageous," and commended the government for adhering to its country's values and tradition.

Jamaica: Abortion Advanced by Radical Feminists Using Inaccurate Data on Maternal Deaths
The parliament of Jamaica is currently considering legalizing abortion as it reviews a report that claims abortion is a leading cause of maternal death. The report from the Abortion Policy Review Group was commissioned by former Minister of Health John Juror to review Jamaica's abortion law on the grounds that abortion was necessary for the nation to achieve the Millenium Development Goals. The report, which recommends the legalization of abortion and its availability in "specified centres in each health region", uses data from the World Health Organization (WHO) to claim that legalized abortion will save women's lives. However, pro-lifers are drawing attention to the push by pro-abortion NGOs and the fact that the Jamaican government's own statistics which show a very low rate of death from abortion. Dr Wayne West of the Coalition of the Defence of Life said, "We are at a place in Jamaica where the legalisation of abortion is being advanced by the feminist movement under the pretext of a public health concern, and I believe this was done in collaboration with technical personnel from the Ministry of Health."

Nigeria: Imo State Rejects "Reproductive Health" Abortion Bill
The Parliament of Imo State, Nigeria, sent a strong message to the international abortion community when it overwhelmingly rejected a bill that would legalize abortion. Crafted by abortion proponent Ipas, the legislation was touted as a women's reproductive health bill and did not specifically mention "abortion". However, the bill would in effect legalize abortion, contraception, and sterilization in the State. The people of Imo clearly recognized what was being pushed on them and protested the legislation and with signs that read, "Reproductive right is abortion". The bill was defeated by a vote of 13 to 1 and marked a victory for the nation's sovereign laws, culture and tradition.

Slovakia: Parliament Approves Informed Consent
The Parliament in Slovakia, the Seimas, amended its liberal abortion law to require that women seeking an abortion be informed of the dangers of abortion, learn about the alternatives, and be given facts on the development of the unborn child. Pro-abortion NGOs tried unsuccessfully to pressure lawmakers to vote "no"charging in a letter that the pro-life amendment violated international and regional human rights "standards". Lawmakers rejected the argument and passed the bill 80 to 7.

Estelle Duval of the local Familiokratos Coalition which organized pro-life support for the measure commented, "While international abortion groups seek to put pressure on this Parliament to restrict a woman's choice, it is paramount that abortion is not a human right under European law and that individual States have the sole authority to determine the protections they wish to afford to life and to women's health."

PNCI Director, Marie Smith, stated: "Lawmakers were also careful to support the right of parents to know that a minor daughter is pregnant and seeking an abortion. This measure will help prevent the cover-up of sexual crimes against young women." She continued, "Pro-abortion NGOs from around the world heavily lobbied the Slovak lawmakers in opposition to giving women vital information about the consequences of abortion including US-based Center for Reproductive Rights, Ipas and Catholics for Choice."

U.S. House Authorizes Spending to Export Abortion
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation giving President Obama federal funding to promote abortion overseas. The Foreign Affairs Reauthorization Act (HR 2410) authorizes all spending and programs for the State Department including those for reproductive health, which under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's own admission, includes "access to abortion". The bill also includes the creation of an Office of Women's Issues, a new post that will concentrate entirely on international women's issues. Rep Chris Smith twice offered amendments to ensure the new office does not promote abortion, however, one amendment was defeated and the second not permitted consideration by the Democratic majority. The legislation is now pending consideration by the Senate.

Judicial News

Mexico: State of Jalisco Challenges Mandated Abortions for Rape
An appeal against mandated abortions in cases of rape was filed by the Governor of the Mexican state of Jalisco to the Mexican Supreme Court. The new national regulation known as the Official Mexican Norm requires state hospitals to provide for abortion in the case of rape. Jalisco does not allow for such exemptions in its pro-life policy. Doctors from fourteen states also filed an appeal stating that criminal investigations into charges of rape are the duty of law enforcement not hospitals as stipulated in the new law. Doctors and clinics in Mexico City have also filed appeals.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Spain: Public Opposition to Abortion Reflected in Elections and Polls

Public pro-life sentiment resulted in the victory of the Spanish conservative People's Party in this month's elections for the European Parliament. The People's Party won 23 of the EP seats while the rival socialist party won 21. Opposition to the ruling Socialist Worker's Party is said to be fueled by the party's plans to expand abortion to access, including to minors. A recent poll in Spain found close to two-thirds of the population are opposed to giving adolescents as young as 16 access to abortion without parental consent. The proposed legislation, which will be considered by the parliament later this year, seeks to permit abortion on demand up to 14 weeks gestation.

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Focus on Aging Populations

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 7

July 2009

Two Reports Warn Governments to Prepare for Unprecedented Aging Populations
A new world report on aging, "An Aging World: 2008,"by the US Census Bureau (commissioned by National Institute on Aging (NIA ) contains serious implications for governments in developing countries who are warned that they must begin now to set up policies and programs to care for increasingly elderly populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau report: "The number of people 65 and older is exploding around the world, and these elderly folks will outnumber children under 5 for the first time ever within the next decade."

According to Richard Suzman, Ph.D., director of NIA: "Aging is affecting every country in every part of the world. While there are important differences between developed and developing countries, global aging is changing the social and economic nature of the planet and presenting difficult challenges."

The report states that 62% of all people over age 65 live in countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania. The fastest-growing sector of many national populations is the "oldest old" or people age 80 and over.

A different report from the French Institute for Demographic Studies warns developing nations that they have only a short time to set up workable pension schemes for what is describes as a "population time bomb". If developing nations are unable to devise and fund such programs, the report warns, "the alternative is the prospect of vast numbers of their elderly people living in poverty."

According to the French report, the trend has not begun in Africa's poorest states but experts say it will and at a much faster rate. According to the BBC, "If the French researchers are right, it means the current pension crunch in rich countries may look relatively insignificant compared with what is coming in the future for the rest of the world."

The report states that global aging represents a triumph of medical, social, and economic advances and points to "the advancement of birth control methods" as a reason for imbalance in population.

PNCI commentary: Missing from either report is the tragic number of aborted children whose right to life was denied by abortion and whose lives are so sorely missed and urgently needed for the health and survival of their country, the country which allowed and provided for their destruction. Pro-life supporters have always recognized that pre-born children are a nation's greatest resource. Many countries which allow abortion on demand are now facing dire circumstances. Challenges to economic and social systems are leading to increased concern for respect for life in the final years and during illness and disability. Legislation to advance infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia is already appearing in a number of industrialized countries. These sobering reports come at a critical time as pro-abortion advocates have once again resorted to tired overpopulation arguments in an attempt to gain support for the violence of abortion.

International Pressure for Abortion

Abortion Rights Advocate = Human Rights Defender?
The Center for Reproductive Rights has released a report portraying abortionists and abortion activists as human rights defenders. Entitled "Defending Human Rights: Abortion Providers Facing Threats, Restrictions, and Harassment," the new report petitions government at all levels to protect those working in the abortion industry or advocating to overturn pro-life laws. The report claims special protection is needed against "harassment, discrimination, legal restrictions, and stigma" experienced by abortion activists. While the main focus of the report is six U.S. states, the report also highlights the "struggle" of abortion advocates in Nicaragua and the Philippines whose abortion advocacy it states needs to be protected. It claims that national pro-life laws violate these so-called "human rights".

Pro-Life Actions

Cameroon: Thousands March Against Abortion in the Maputo Protocol
Cameroon saw over 20,000 people take to the streets in a march against abortion. The march took place on the anniversary of Cameroon's approval of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women, commonly known as the Maputo Protocol on Women's Rights. The Maputo Protocolis the first international treaty to list women's "reproductive right" to abortion and "authorizes medical abortion for rape, incest, and physical or mental health and life of the mother or the unborn child". Cameroon Catholics, Protestants and Muslims joined together in opposition to abortion.

Legislative News

EU: Swedish MP Launches Citizens' Initiative to Force Abortion into Pro-life European Nations
A liberal Swedish MP has initiated a 1 million signature campaign to force acceptance of abortion as a "human right" under the Lisbon Treaty. Birgitta Ohlsson, Sweden's Liberal People's Party, has founded the group "Make Noise for Free Choice" to collect the signatures necessary to bring forth a "citizens' initiative" to force pro-life nations Ireland, Poland and Malta to legalize abortion. While citizens can bring forth proposals under the "citizens' initiative" mechanism of the Lisbon Treaty, they can only request the European Commission to act in areas where the European Union (EU) already has competences. Ohlsson is mistaken in the effect of the petition on EU policy on abortion since the EU does not have competence over abortion. However, pro-life advocates need to be aware of attempts by pro-abortion activists like Ohlsson to manipulate the political system to force pro-life nations to accept abortion.

Mexico: Yucatan Is the Latest State to Passes Pro-Life Constitutional Amendment
The Mexican State of Yucatan has passed a constitutional amendment protecting the right to life, becoming the 14th state to do so since Mexico City's 2007 legalization of abortion on demand. The new amendment states, "The state of Yucatan recognizes, protects, and guarantees the right to life of every human being, expressly affirming that, from the moment of fertilization, he comes under the protection of the law, and is to be treated like a human being that has been born for all corresponding legal effects, until his natural death, with exceptions already foreseen in ordinary laws." This action is the latest in a wave of opposition by states to efforts to legalize and fund abortion across the nation.

UK: House of Lords Votes against Decriminalizing Suicide Tourism
The UK's House of Lords defeated legislation by a vote of 194-141 to promote suicide tourism. The amendment stated that "no offence shall have been committed if assistance is given to a person to commit suicide," repealing the current law which prohibits suicide tourism and includes imprisonment for up to 14 years for persons found guilty helping others to end their lives.

Paul Tully, general secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, a U.K. pro-life organization stated, "This was a significant victory for the right to life....". "It's time for the Voluntary Euthanasia Society - now repackaged as Dignity in Dying - to drop its parliamentary campaign, a campaign which is offensive to very many people who live with, or care for those with disability or terminal illness," he said.

South Korea: Revised Law Toughens Abortion Restrictions
South Korea has moved to tighten restrictions on abortion. Current law permits abortion in limited cases that include rape, incest, mother's health, and the presence of a hereditary disease, and must be procured within 28 weeks gestation. The revised Mother and Child Health Law approved by the Cabinet this month shortens the period of permissible abortion from 28 to 24 weeks gestation and removes seven diseases from the list of hereditary diseases including hemophilia, bipolar disorder, hepatitis and others. "The revised law is expected to enhance respect toward life and reflect what modern medical skills can offer to a mother and her fetus," an official of the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said. The revised law is the result of two years of meetings with physicians and religious and civic groups.

Judicial News

EU Court Moves Irish Abortion Case to Grand Chamber
A case against Ireland's law banning abortion pending before the European Court of Human Rights has been moved to its Grand Chamber, increasing the significance and effect of the Court's decision. Decisions by the Grand Chamber set the policy and precedence for lower courts, member states, and increasingly U.S. courts which look to European court rulings while considering cases. The case, brought forth by women challenging Ireland's pro-life laws, is supported by Ireland's Family Planning Agency which seeks to bring abortion on demand to the country. A pro-life legal defense is assisting the Irish government, and argue that the case does not have standing in the EU court and that the European Commission on Human Rights does not confer a right to abortion. Roger Kiska of the Alliance Defense Fund, legal counsel on the case, emphasizes its significance, "This case could be the Roe v. Wade of Europe, so its importance should not be underestimated."

Issues

US: One-Fourth of Abortions From Abortion Pills
A new study reports that about a quarter of U.S. women obtaining early abortions last year used the abortion pill rather than surgery. The study, which obtained its data from U.S. Planned Parenthood clinics, the largest provider of medical abortions, analyzed data from 2005-2008. During that time period, Planned Parenthood changed its protocol for the administration of misoprostol to be taken orally- after the deaths of several women from infections- and instituted a regimen of antibiotics to protect against infection. Following these results, the use of abortion pills is expected to rise even higher.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Pope's New Encyclical Emphasizes Respect for Life

Pope Benedict XVI's new encyclical "Charity in Truth" succinctly and strongly calls for the protection of all human life at all stages. The Holy Father mentions the right to life over 12 times and delves into common pro-abortion arguments stating: "To consider population increase as the primary cause of underdevelopment is mistaken, even from an economic point of view."He condemns governments that impose abortion and reveals the truth about the actions and intentions of many pro-abortion NGOs. The Pontiff states: "Some non-governmental Organizations work actively to spread abortion, at times promoting the practice of sterilization in poor countries, in some cases not even informing the women concerned." The Holy Father goes on to warn of the dangers of the growing acceptance of euthanasia and unethical biotechnology. Read all the pro-life statements with comments at Cuture of Life Foundation website.

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 8

August 2009

Pro-Life Actions: Africa

Demonstrations Against the Maputo Protocol
The African nation of Cameroon is in the midst of a debate on the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women, commonly known as the Maputo Protocol, owing to its promotion of abortion in section 14. The Catholic Church, in cooperation with Cameroon Christian and Muslim communities, has been holding marches and protest demonstrations against the document, which "authorizes" abortion. Cameroon has signed the Protocol, however, those concerned want to ensure they are not forced by the provisions of Maputo to change their nation's sovereign laws protecting the unborn and their mothers from abortion. Chief Albert Ngwana, leader of the Cardinal Democratic Party, says, "Mine is a political demonstration and we're fighting right now that the Constitution must not be amended and the penal code must not be amended to legalize abortion."

Pro-Abortion Strategy

Africa

"Reproductive Health" Legislation is a Strategic Tactic to Advance Abortion

Legislation in the parliaments of both Nigeria and Kenya demonstrate the tactics currently in use to advance abortion. Both bills employ the term "reproductive health" to advance access to abortion and include abortion as a "reproductive right". Entitled the 'Reproductive Health Bill' in Nigeria and the 'Reproductive Health and Rights Bill' in Kenya, the writing of both pieces of legislation was heavily influenced by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), a group of women lawyers in Africa with strong connections to pro-abortion NGOs. The former director of FIDA in Kenya, Violet Awori, currently sits on the CEDAW committee at the UN, a committee which notoriously admonishes countries to legalize abortion. FIDA works closely with New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights which promotes abortion around the world and has the support of numerous pro-abortion organizations.

In both countries large pro-life coalitions have mounted opposition to the bills knowing that these reproductive health and domestic violence measures are a strategic way to open the door to legalization. PNCI encourages pro-lifers to be alert to similar tactics and offers a guide to the legislative process for those interested in working with their legislature. To request a copy email: info@pncius.org

Latin America

Use of Hotlines to Promote Access to Abortion

The use of technology to promote access to abortion is increasing in countries with pro-life laws restricting abortion. The Dutch pro-abortion organization, Women on Waves, uses the web and hotlines to distribute abortion pills and information on procuring abortion to women around the world. Abortion pills are recklessly sent through posted mail to women in countries whose laws protect the pre-born from abortion, regardless of the woman's health and access to medical care.

The organization also sponsored hotlines for women seeking abortion in Ecuador and Argentina. Last year it hung a banner from the statue of the Virgin Mary at El Panecillo in Quito with the words: "Safe Abortion" followed by a cell phone number. In July a coalition of pro-abortion organizations under the direction of Women on Waves sponsored a similar effort in Argentina and advised callers to use the powerful drug misoprostol/cytotec for abortion up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, how to purchase the drug, and how to use it. Misoprostol is legally available regionally to treat gastric ulcers.

Misoprostol-induced abortion produces intense uterine cramping and heavy bleeding and often results in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as the woman self-aborts at home. It does not always complete the abortion and the resulting blood loss is especially dangerous to women suffering from anemia, a common disorder for women in Latin America. Recently, headlines in Chile demonstrate illegal use of the drug during the second trimester resulting in serious complications for the women. Pro-life activists in Argentina shut down the hotline by saturating it with calls and filling the voice mail with messages in protest.

Issues

Maternal Mortality

WHO Warns on Use of Misoprostol

The Department of Reproductive Health and Research at the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recent statement addressing the use of the uterine-contracting drug misoprostol/cytotec for post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) acknowledging that there is great interest in the use of the drug to stop bleeding after childbirth. However, WHO issued a new warning and emphasized that the drug should only be used by skilled health workers who can administer it correctly after childbirth and manage side-effects.

WHO stated that it "does not recommend the distribution of misoprostol to community level health workers or women and their families for routine or emergency use." Further, WHO reiterates that it does not include misoprostol on its List of Essential Medicines for the prevention and treatment of PPH because: "systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials show that misoprostol is less effective than oxytocin and other injectable uterotonics, has side-effects such as high temperature and shivering, and there is concern that it may actually increase the risk of maternal mortality."

This statement is of critical importance as efforts to register the controversial drug are advancing in countries around the world. Misoprostol is a drug with two conflicting uses-- it can both save lives and end lives. It can help stop PPH and save a mother's life when used correctly but it can be used to induce an abortion and bring about the death a pre-born child. Registration of misoprostol for use in treating and preventing PPH needs to include regulations on its use. Organizations such as Venture Strategies, founded by global abortionist Dr. Malcolm Potts and his wife Martha Campbell, seek registration of misoprostol for PPH while cloaking their abortion activism.

Other organizations that support abortion include misoprostol tablets in safe delivery childbirth kits to women in rural areas of Africa for self-use or to be used by midwives. Pro-life advocates have been concerned that wide distribution of misoprostol tablets will result in misuse of the pills to induce early labor and the expulsion of the developing child from the womb. This advisory from WHO, should provoke extra care and caution in government leaders when considering the registration and regulation of misoprostol to ensure that the lives of both women and their unborn children are protected.

Nations with Pro-Life Laws Have the Lowest Maternal Mortality
An analysis of UN data indicates that nations that protect the unborn have the lowest maternal mortality. A 20 percent increase in maternal deaths in South Africa from 2005-2007, where abortion has been available on demand since 1996, is evidence against the pro-abortion argument that legal abortion reduces maternal mortality. A 2009 World Health Organization (WHO) Report shows the lowest maternal death rates in Africa and South America are in Mauritius and Chile, both nations with strong pro-life laws. The Report also shows that countries that have changed their law to permit abortion, such as Ethiopia, have failed to lower maternal deaths. Ethiopia's maternal death rate is 48 times higher than in Mauritius. Globally, the nation with the lowest maternal mortality is Ireland, where abortion is prohibited by the constitution.

Sex-selective Abortion

Secretary Clinton Voices Opposition, Urged To Ban Its Use

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has voiced her opposition to sex-selective abortion and said more needs to be done to combat it. In an interview with the New York Times, Clinton noted the problem of sex-selection abortion in China and India and said, "Unfortunately, with technology, parents are able to use sonograms to determine the sex of a baby, and to abort girl children simply because they'd rather have a boy." PNCI Director Marie Smith urges the Secretary to endorse legislation in the US House designed to ban the practice of sex-selection abortion in the United States.

Executive News

Slovakia: President Signs Law To Expose the Dangers of Abortion
Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic has signed into law legislation to inform women of the risks of abortions and alternatives to it. The bill, which also includes parental notification for teenagers seeking abortion, was passed the parliament earlier this year by a vote of 80-7 despite strong pressure from pro-abortion NGOs. The bill's sponsor, MP Ludmila Muskova, said women deserve to know about the dangers of abortion.

PNCI Director Marie Smith applauded passage of the law: "This pro-woman, pro-life amendment is great news for Slovak women who will have access to the true facts about the harmful physical and psychological effects of abortion, be offered alternatives to abortion, and fully informed on the development of their unborn child." Smith believes the vote holds critical importance because parliamentarians agreed that the amendment is "in accordance with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, with the international treaties, and other international documents binding for the Slovak Republic."

Australia Revokes Overseas Funding Ban: AusAID Can Now Pay For Abortions
Tragically, Australian foreign aid money can now be used to fund abortions. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has issued new family planning guidelines for AusAID (Australia's foreign aid program) that permit Australian taxpayer dollars to be used for abortions up to 20 weeks gestation in countries where abortion is legal. This move ends a 13 year ban on AusAID funds being used for abortion that was instituted by the Howard Government in 1996.

Judicial News

Mexico: Pro-life Lawyers File Complaint Against Legalization of Abortion in Mexico City to the OAS
The College of Catholic Lawyers of Mexico has filed an official complaint against Mexico naming the Mexico City Legislature, Government Chief Marcelo Ebrard, and the Supreme Court for the decision to legalize abortions in Mexico City. In the complaint to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the College argues that the passage of the law violates Article 1 of the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man which states: Every human being has the right to life, liberty and security of his person. The complaint also states that the legalization of abortion in Mexico City "violates the human rights of the unborn and disassociates from them the term death, which seems to erase their status as human beings and does not recognize that their lives are being ended."

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Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Kenyan Vice President Assures No Legazlied Abortion

Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called on Kenyans to support the pro-life movement and vowed opposition to legislation legalizing abortion. Speaking at a dinner hosted by The Protecting Life Movement, Vice President Musyoka stated, "I know that the Cabinet or even parliament will not pass any Bill that would legalise abortion, the legislation would definitely be shot down." A drafted Reproductive Health and Rights Bill that includes increasing access to abortion is currently awaiting consideration by the parliament. Mr. Musyoka noted that abortion violates human dignity, religious morals, and African cultural values.

Contact PNCI

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703-433-2767

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 9

September 2009

International Pressure for Abortion

Pro-abortion NGO Seeks to Increase Use and Sale of Pills for Abortion
US NGO Ipas launched a new website this month to expand the use of pills for abortion around the world in what it calls a "Medical Abortion Initiative". Ipas explains this abortion technique as "a method of using pills to end a pregnancy through a process similar to miscarriage...It provides a noninvasive method of ending an unwanted pregnancy that women can use in a range of settings, and often in their own homes."

Ipas calls the new website a "portal" for pro-abortion activists to increase access to abortion via uterine contracting drugs and provides information on how to "promote medical abortion through training, community partnerships, research, and policy advocacy". It gives advice on how to gain support from government officials, NGOs, and religious and community organizations. Policy makers are asked to incorporate 'medical abortion' into the country's health system and support the registration of the abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol in their country.

The women Ipas is targeting most often reside in countries where mothers and their pre-born children are protected from abortion on demand. Their lives and health are often already endangered by the lack of access to health care. Ipas states the abortion pills are intended for those women "for whom cost, distance or other factors are barriers to obtaining other safe services." Abortion induced by medication is not safe and presents many safety and health complications, including severe blood loss, to women who are likely suffering from common health problems including anemia and hypertension.

Ipas is not only increasing its advocacy for self-induced abortion via medication but is creating a network of pharmacy workers to instruct women in off-label use of drugs for abortion. Ipas has also created a new organization to market abortion 'technology' called WomenCare Global LLC. Ipas states, "The new company will focus on reaching women most in need with safe and effective abortion and contraceptive products, with special attention to new and underutilized technologies."

PNCI warns pro-life advocates to monitor the activities of Ipas in their countries as Ipas works closely with health ministries to change regulations to increase access to abortion and avoid the legislative and judicial processes.

Population Control Claims by Pro-Abortion MPs Debunked by New Study
A new study from London debunks previous claims that populations in developing regions of the world must be reduced in order to reduce the effects of climate change. The new study by David Satterthwaite, of the International Institute for Environment and Development, compared changes in population and greenhouse gas emissions for the world from 1980 to 2005. The study finds that population growth in developing countries contributes little to climate change and "is a dangerous distraction from the main problem of over-consumption in rich nations".

The study recommends that Western countries need to focus on reducing consumption of goods, services and energy. Dr Satterthwaite reports: "A child born into a very poor African household who during their life never escapes from poverty contributes very little to climate change, especially if they die young, as many do."

This study is a welcome challenge to arguments coming from others in London including the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health (APPG) which in July issued a report entitled The Return of the Population Growth Factor. The report- largely the work of radical pro-abortion 'experts' including Malcolm Potts, his wife, Martha Campbell (President of Venture Strategies), Steven Sinding (Guttmacher Institute)-was issued by the UK parliamentary group in an attempt to re-focus attention on population control, including abortion, in developing countries in relation to achievement of the MDGs.

The parliamentary group receives funding from UNFPA, Marie Stopes International, IPPF, Ipas and other organizations which promote abortion. In contrast, pro-life parliamentary groups struggle for funding from their members or governments for basic operation. APPG is the leading pro-abortion parliamentary group in the world and its leader, Christine Mc Cafferty, promotes abortion on demand not only in the UK but around the world and at the Council of Europe where she is a Member.

Kenya: Doubling of US Aid Funds
The USAID Office of Population and Reproductive Health recently announced a doubling of funds to Kenya for population control and HIV/AIDS. Under enforcement of US Mexico City Policy, which prohibited funding of groups which performed or promoted abortion, both Marie Stopes International and IPPF affiliate, the Family Health Organization of Kenya (FHOK), significantly reduced their activities in Kenya.

President Obama's reversal of the pro-life policy now allows funding to pro-abortion NGOs. Current Kenyan law allows abortion only for life of the mother exception but is facing international pressure to expand access to abortion. A Reproductive Health and Rights bill is pending in the parliament. Pro-life advocates in Kenya are concerned that new US funding will fuel the abortion lobby. Details on the recepients of the new funding are not public and lack of transparency at USAID makes it difficult for pro-life advocates to know exactly which NGOs and which programs receive funding.

Amnesty International- Maternal Health is a Human Right
Amnesty International (AI) has launched a new campaign for "the right to maternal health" targeting the United States, Peru, Nicaragua and Sierra Leone. Entitled the "Demand Dignity Campaign", AI is advancing the concept of maternal health as a human right and "safe" abortion as a service to which a woman is "entitled". Amnesty International is following radical pro-abortionists at the UN including the CEDAW committee which states "legal provisions on abortion constitute a violation of the rights of women to health and life and of article 12 of the Convention." (in reference to the CEDAW Convention)

The AI campaign in Nicaragua argues against the law protecting the pre-born from abortion and claims the law "endangers the lives and health of all pregnant women in Nicaragua". The report states: "AI believes that where women's access to safe and legal abortion services and information is restricted, their fundamental human rights may be at grave risk."

AI also addresses maternal care in the U.S. as a human rights issue and is gathering personal testimonies for a report on maternal mortality. The report will focus on health issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth and is raising suspicions that it may be another pro-abortion attempt to discredit pregnancy centers. AI states that it is seeking input from women who experienced what it calls "inappropriate or discriminatory attitudes or behavior" or if women felt that health providers were not "respecting patients needs and questions." The report is due to be released in March 2010.

Legislative News

Dominican Republic: Ratifies Pro-Life Constitution
Lawmakers in the Dominican Republic have approved a pro-life provision to the new constitution establishing the right to life from conception to natural death. The National Assembly ratified Article 30 for a second time, thereby ensuring its inclusion in the new national constitution by a vote of 128-32. The constitution now reads, "The right to life is inviolable from conception until death. In no case can the death penalty be established, pronounced, nor applied." The national newspaper Listin Diario reported that the pro-life victory was secured despite international pressure to legalize abortion including from Amnesty International. It stated that the "massive vote in support of the measure has proven the fundamental conviction of Dominican lawmakers regarding the defense not only of the unborn but all of all people, in any stage of existence, against the inclinations to relativize human life."

Spain: Moves to Legalize Abortion on Demand
Spain's cabinet has approved a new proposal to permit abortion on demand in the first 14 weeks. The new law would liberalize the current law which permits abortion in cases of rape, health of the mother, and for fetal deformation. Additionally, the new proposal expands access to abortion to 16 year olds without parental consent. The Catholic Church and pro-life lawmakers in Spain plan to oppose the legislation and argue it does not have the support of the public.

Mexico: More States Pass Pro-life Constitutional Reforms
Two more Mexican states passed constitutional reforms this month to grant legal protection to the unborn. The State Congresses of both Queretaro and Oaxaca voted to protect life from the moment of conception to natural death. In doing so, these states became the fifteenth and sixteenth Mexican states to enact pro-life changes to state constitutions.

Philippines: Reproductive Health Bill Closer to Debate
The Philippines House of Representatives is moving to bring the reproductive health bill to a vote this year. The leadership announced it is finalizing the rules for debate of the legislation. If the Congress does not act on the bill by the end of the 14th Congress, the process will begin again next session. Since the reproductive health bill has been pending since the 11th Congress, Majority Leader Arthur Defensor says the Speaker wants the issue settled once and for all. The Catholic Church is leading the opposition to the bill while pro-abortion groups continue to heavily pressure the government to pass the legislation.

Marie Stopes International (MSI) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently signed an agreement to expand access to family planning services in key countries in Africa and Asia, including the Philippines. MSI is known to perform abortions in countries regardless of laws protecting the lives of unborn children.

Executive News

Grand Duke of Luxembourg Awarded for Opposition to Euthanasia
This month the Grand Duke of Luxembourg was awarded the Van Thuan Prize, an award given for leadership in the promotion and defense of human rights. Grand Duke Henry I was acknowledged for his leadership last year in rejecting a parliament-passed proposal to legalize euthanasia. Following his decision not to approve the measure, the parliament changed the constitution to limit the Duke's power and then proceeded to legalize euthanasia. The Grand Duke's commitment to life despite a high personal price is greatly respected and admired.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Canada: MP Brings Attention to Fetal Pain

A Canadian MP has brought forth a petition in parliament to protect life from conception
to natural death and to acknowledge that unborn children experience pain. MP Maurice Vellacott filed the petition in response to recent petitions from liberal MPs calling for animal welfare legislation out of concern that animals feel pain. Vellacott noted that under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, "everyone has a right to life, freedom from pain and freedom from the kind of assault fetuses experience in the womb."

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International Pro-life Actions

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 10

October 2009

Lawmakers Standing Strong for Life against Political Party
Pro-life legislators have demonstrated their dedication and commitment to protecting the unborn in the face of pressure and opposition from their own political party. PNCI was outraged to learn of the suspension of two pro-life deputies by the Brazil's ruling political party. Stalwart pro-life leaders Deputies Luiz Bassuma and Henrique Afonso, members of President Lula's Labor Party, were suspended from the party due to their strong actions to defend life. Bassuma's and Afonso's pro-life actions have been highly successful; as the leaders of pro-life parliamentary groups they were able to gain critical votes and defeat measures to legalize abortion.

Their suspensions resulted in the loss of committee positions and participation in party meetings. Bassuma joined the Green Party and has filed suit against the Labor Party. Forty-six Catholic dioceses have denounced the party's decision stating, "the deputies were punished for taking on the defense of the first human right: the right to life of the defenseless innocent, from conception."

PNCI applauds the commitment of these dedicated pro-life lawmakers whose courageous stand is an encouragement to all who work to promote and protect laws and policies that respect life at all stages.

Rep Bart Stupak Deputy Bassuma

Deputy Afonso Deputy Bassuma

African Bishops Warn of Threats to Life
The three-week assembly of Catholic bishops from throughout Africa concluded in Rome with a strong call to protect the unborn child and the family from foreign ideologies. The Synod also issued a special plea to lawmakers to promote laws that respect the dignity of all. The African Synod gathered 33 cardinals, 79 archbishops and 156 bishops, to consider the theme "The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace." During the meeting, many issues confronting Africa were discussed while the Synod denounced the aggressive push of abortion and anti-family policies upon African societies in the name of development assistance.

Attention focused on article 14, the pro-abortion provision of the Maputo Protocol of the African Union, which the Synod labeled "unacceptable". Proposition 20 of the Synod's final document states, "According to the Church's teaching, abortion is contrary to God's will. Furthermore, this article is in contradiction with human rights and the right to life. It trivializes the seriousness of the crime of abortion and devalues the role of childbearing. The Church condemns this position on abortion and proclaims that the value and dignity of human life be protected from the moment of conception to natural death."

"The Synod Fathers call on the Church in Africa and its Islands to commit herself to employ the necessary means and structures to help and accompany women and couples tempted by abortion. Moreover, they praise the courage of governments in their legislation which fights abortion."

Of particular importance to parliamentarians, the Synod stated its understanding of the challenges confronting lawmakers and urged Episcopal Conferences at all levels "to establish advocacy bodies to lobby members of parliament, governments and international institutions, so that the Church can contribute effectively to the formulation of just laws and policies for the people's good."

PNCI applauds the findings of the Synod and offers its assistance to efforts to assist lawmakers advance laws and policies which advance a culture of life.

International Pressure for Abortion

UNFPA Hosts Parliamentarians in Addis Ababa
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sponsored a recent regional meeting for lawmakers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development Conference in Cairo. UNFPA, with support from International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPF)and Marie Stopes International, has established an extensive international network of lawmakers on the issues of population, development and reproductive health since it was acknowledged at Cairo that national lawmakers are the final decision-makers on abortion policy.

The invitation-only meeting was attended by 400 parliamentarians, ministers and other government officials and civil society from over 115 countries and was hosted by the House of the Peoples' Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and UNFPA. Speakers included pro-abortion advocates Gill Greer, Director General of IPPF, Jill Sheffield, President of Women Deliver and Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation, the Netherlands.

In the draft document, parliamentarians expressed agreement with the need to eliminate restrictions in laws and practices on access to "sexual and reproductive health" and to work more closely with NGOs on implementation of ICPD programme of actions. Gill Greer praised the radical pro-abortion NGO meeting in Berlin and presented the NGOs' requests to the parliamentarians. These requests included that parliamentarians invest in "comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and services", "ensure the sexual and reproductive rights of all young people", and "create and implement formal mechanisms for meaningful civil society partnership in programmes, policy and budget decisions, monitoring and evaluation."

In essence, Greer relayed the desire of radical NGOs to usurp the authority of freely elected lawmakers by creating a new formal position for NGOs in the legislative decision making process on critical policy and budget questions to promote abortion, indoctrinate youth with radical views on sexuality and abortion, to see that such programs are funded to the maximum, and to self-monitor and evaluate their own actions.

Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands-and a radical abortion activist known for the pro-abortion pressure he placed on Nicaragua- clearly stated the objectives for developing countries. Koenders said: "The Netherlands supports national and international NGOs which are dedicated to promoting safe motherhood, the training of midwives, safe abortions, the legalization of abortion, the provision of sex education for young people, and family planning."

PNCI urges parliamentarians to beware of "partnerships" with UNFPA and NGOs which promote abortion.

Pro-Abortion Efforts at the Council of Europe Face Pro-Life Challenge
The planned vote on a pro-abortion resolution in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) was postponed this month when strong opposition indicated it would not pass. Sponsored by British abortion activist, Christine McCafferty MP, the resolution, "Fifteen Years Since the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (Document 11992)," proposed for all states to legalize abortion by 2015 and create new "sexual and reproductive rights". The delay on the vote shows the importance of pro-life lobby efforts. John Smeaton, Director of the UK's Society for the Protection of the Unborn (SPUC) urged members throughout Europe to lobby their representatives to PACE and said "Pro-life lobbying works. Never give up!"

A second meeting on the report is scheduled for mid-November in the Council of Europe's Committee for Social, Health and Family Affairs during which Italian lawmaker Luca Volonte will introduce pro-life amendments to two reports issued by McCafferty. McCafferty's second report, which is also sponsored by the US-based Center for Reproductive Rights, is entitled: Women's Access to Lawful Medical Care: The Problem of Unregulated Conscientious Objection.

If the Committee passes the reports, then the Parliamentary Assembly will consider the reports as a Resolution to be voted up or down. Pro-life action is requested to members of the committee. Details found here. McCafferty is a relentless pro-abortion activist who chairs the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health (APPG), and works closely with UNFPA, IPPF, and Marie Stopes International to form pro-abortion parliamentary groups around the world.

UK: Foreign Aid Policy Declares Abortion a "Right"
The UK is a leading donor country funding efforts to promote abortion around the world. Recently, the UK Department for International Development (DFID) released an updated policy position guiding its work in 150 countries which declared abortion to be both a "right" and "necessary". It stated: "Women have the right to reproductive health choices".

The policy statement also indicates DFID will work to lobby for legalization in nations where abortion is illegal by "supporting process of legal and policy reform". Pro-abortion NGO International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC) celebrated the new policy and urged supporters to voice their thanks in a letter which includes, "...your new policy guidance will help make ensure access to safe abortion services available for women worldwide. Your continued support is critical for the many advocates working at local, national, and international levels to rescind or liberalize restrictive abortion laws."

PNCI notes: US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton defined reproductive health as including access to abortion and now the UK Department for International Development defines abortion as a "reproductive health choice". Great caution must be used when debating any legislation which includes references to "reproductive health" to ensure it does not promote abortion.

Judicial News

Colombia: Court Again Decides in Favor of Abortion
Colombia's Constitutional Court, which legalized abortion in 2006 and attempted to establish public policy to advance legal abortion, has once again decided an abortion case. The 2006 case brought by Monica Roa, coached by the Center for Reproductive Rights, approved three legal exceptions for abortion-life or health of the woman, serious malformation of the unborn child, and when pregnancy results from rape, incest or forced implantation- was believed by many to be Latin America's Roe vs. Wade. But when greater access to abortion did not result, pro-abortion activists prepared for round two.

This latest action by the Constitutional Court states that a woman seeking an abortion in accordance with Colombian law cannot face any additional requirements which delay the abortion including parental consent for minors under age 14. The Court's ruling orders hopsitals to perform abortions, have free abortion services at all municipal levels, threatens sanctions to health professionals who object to participate in abortions and fail to refer the woman to an abortionist or fail to submit a written explanation of their position, and does not allow for conscientious objection for hospitals or institutions or to administrative personnel. Those health care workers who do not comply with the ruling face a penalty.

Debate is raging over the recent decision which also mandated an educational campaign on the "right to abortion" and called on the Ministries of Education and Social Protection to implement a plan within three months of the decision to promote "sexual and reproductive rights" of women including information on a "woman's right to abortion". The State Council (Colombia's highest court on administrative issues) suspended the actions of the Ministry of Social Protection to enact regulations on abortion arguing that only Congress has the authority to regulate abortion and health care thus prohibiting abortion until its legal status is resolved.

Attorney General Alejandro Ordonez Maldonado announced he will ask the Constitutional Court to overturn the ruling mandating educational campaigns on abortion including those directed at schools. Religious leaders of all faiths oppose the controversial ruling.

Legislative News

Peru: Congress to Consider Law Expanding Abortion
The Peruvian Congress will soon consider legislation to legalize abortion in cases of rape and fetal deformation. Despite great opposition, a Congressional committee has approved the bill to expand the 1924 law which only permits abortion to save the life of the mother. Large demonstrations sounded outside the congressional buildings during debate. The bill will be debated by Congress in the coming months.

Canada: Parliament Considers Legalizing Euthanasia
The Canadian Parliament has begun consideration of legislation to legalize euthanasia. Bill C-384, a private members bill would change the criminal code to permit euthanasia and assisted suicide and would also allow doctors to end their patients' lives. The first of two debates on the bill indicated a strong opposition to the legislation with more MPs speaking out against it than in favor. The second debate and vote are scheduled for mid-November.

Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues

Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Spain: Pro-Life Protests to Proposed Expansion of Abortion Draws Millions

Nearly 2 million Spaniards came out to protest the Spanish government's proposal to increase access to abortion. The Socialist government has issued a legislative initiative to remove restrictions on abortion and permit abortion on demand for the first trimester and allow teenagers as young as 16 to obtain an abortion without parental consent. While the bill is expected to pass due to its support from the ruling Socialist party, pro-life efforts to oppose the legislation are increasing. Benigno Blanco, director of Spanish Family Forum and a former government official said "this debate won't end until there's not a single abortion." The bill is expected to be debated in the spring of 2010.

Contact PNCI

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703-433-2767

All news articles include links to original source. PNCI cannot verify that the information contained in the news articles is accurate.

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 11

November 2009

International Pressure for Abortion

Pro-Abortion NGO Promotes Self-Induced Abortion
The Dutch pro-abortion NGO Women on Waves has launched an aggressive campaign to promote the use of the drug misoprostol to induce abortion in Tanzania, despite the country's laws prohibiting abortion except for life of the mother. Misoprostol was approved by the Tanzanian Food and Drug Authority in 2007 and registered for use in controlling postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death.

However, Women on Waves wants the drug to be used to destroy the lives of unborn children and instructs in the use of the drug for self-induced illegal abortions. A training seminar was recently held in Tanzania and included neighboring Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Attendees were instructed on how to use misoprostol to induce abortion, how to treat complications and how to train others on use of the drug. Women on Waves is also connecting pharmacists with distributors of misoprostol as well as setting up local women to act as abortion suppliers by giving them micro credit loans to sell the drug.

Upon learning of the NGO's illegal activities, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Deo Mtasiwa, has launched an investigation and promised to take action once the reports are verified. Women on Waves also operates abortion hotlines promoting misoprostol in a number of countries in Latin America where abortion is illegal. Misoprostol is a powerful drug which can lead to serious complications. A recent Lancet study showed that use of misoprostol for induced abortion resulted in incomplete abortions in 15%-20% of cases causing severe blood loss and infection to women living in resource limited areas.

African Ministers Call to Legalize Abortion
A recent meeting of West African Health Ministers concluded with a call for the legalization of abortion despite the objection of many Africans. In Nigeria, abortion is only permitted to save the life of the mother, a law many Nigerians do not want to change. The communiqué, issued by the Ministers of Health of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), used the reduction of maternal mortality as the premise to promote the legalization of abortion.

PNCI: The death of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum requires investment of government resources to save the lives of mothers and their children. Abortion does not save lives and can never can accepted as a so-called solution. Regardless of legal status, abortion destroys a child and can kill or injure a woman.

Legislative News

Argentina: Deputies Vote to Restrict Misoprostol
The Chamber of Deputies has voted to restrict the sale of the drug misoprostol, known regionally as cytotec, in an attempt to limit use and promotion of the drug for illegal abortions. Pro-abortion NGOs have been active in Argentina instructing women on how to use the drug for a self-induced abortion. Women on Waves, in alliance with local pro-abortion organizations, operates a hotline to instruct women to purchase misoprostol and how to use the drug to induce abortion. If the legislation is enacted, the drug will only be available in state run pharmacies in hospitals and health centers.

US: Pro-Life Efforts Blocks Abortion Funding in House
The US House Pro-Life Caucus was instrumental in the successful effort to block federal funding of abortion in a controversial health revision bill passed the by House of Representatives. The commitment of Members of the House Pro-Life Caucus - the only pro-life voice in the entire US government- from both political parties who under the leadership of caucus chairmen, Representatives Chris Smith (Rep) and Bart Stupak (Dem), with support by expert staff, worked for months to ensure that federal funds would not be authorized to pay for abortion in the new health care programs. The amendment offered by Reps. Stupak and Joe Pitts passed by an overwhelming majority in the Democrat controlled House; supported by a coalition of pro-life Democrat and Republican Members and pro-life organizations. The US Senate will begin debate on health revisions in December; the current Senate bill does not block funding for abortion. Rep. Stupak has vowed to lead opposition to final passage of the House/Senate health bill if it includes funding for abortion.

Honduras: New Law Prohibits Morning-After Pill
A new law prohibiting the morning-after pill has taken effect in Honduras. The Honduran Congress passed the law earlier this year, which prohibits "the promotion, consumption, sale and purchasing of the emergency contraceptive pill, as well as its distribution, whether for sale or free-of-charge." The Medical College of Honduras supported the law and argued the drug was unconstitutional due to its abortifacient effect in violation of Honduras' law restricting abortion.

US: Congressmen Defend Pro-Life Lawyer Arrested after Congressional Testimony
Jiang Tianyong, a veteran human rights lawyer, was unlawfully arrested when he returned to China during President Obama's recent visit after testifying to a congressional human rights panel in Washington, DC on behalf of women victimized by China's one-child policy. His vivid portrayal of women forced to undergo abortion and sterilization at the hands of Chinese population control cadres provided evidence of China's long standing practice of inflicting institutional violence upon women. Representative Chris Smith voiced his outrage that Chinese authorities would mistreat such a strong human rights defender as Jiang and called it "an affront" to decent and civilized people.

Rep. Frank Wolf expressed his concern for the safety of Jiang and his wife and daughter and relayed his strong belief that Congress has an obligation to protect human rights witnesses who testify as courageously as Jiang. Both congressmen are fearful for Jiang's safety due to the present suppression of human rights activists in China. Jiang's work as a human rights defender protecting the rights and lives of Chinese women is known and respected by many including Reggie Littlejohn, president of Women's Rights Without Frontiers. Ms. Littlejohn stated that Jiang risked his life to tell the world about "the greatest human rights atrocity against women in human history" and that now his life needs to be protected.

France: Legislature Votes Against Euthanasia
The French National Assembly recently rejected a bill to legalize euthanasia in the country. The legislation, which would permit euthanasia for "all adults with advanced or terminal illnesses of a serious and incurable [nature]; those who suffer from physical or mental pain that can not be appeased [by medicine] and that [the patient] considers intolerable". Deputies voted 362 to 202 against the initiative which described euthanasia as "medical assistance to die with dignity." Union for a Popular Movement party deputy Jean Leonetti stated, "Euthanasia is not a medical act. The right to die is not a medical act."

Executive News

Argentina: Governor Assures His Commitment to Life and the Family
Argentina's Governor of the state of Chaco, Jorge Capitanich, has stated he will not support any legislation that would legalize abortion or homosexual 'marriage. Capitanich assured Argentineans of his opposition to any such initiatives, citing his Catholic values, as he responded to demonstrations in support of the right to life and protection of the family.

Judicial News

Northern Ireland: Pro-Life Victory in High Court
Northern Ireland's High Court has ruled that the government must withdraw its controversial guidelines on abortion. In a suit brought forth by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), the Court ruled in favor of the challenge on the grounds that instructing medical practitioners to counsel on abortion when abortion is illegal in the country is unlawful and violates providers' right to conscientious objection. Liam Gibson of SPUC spoke outside the courtroom celebrating the victory, "Abortion is not health care... The law in Northern Ireland protects both women and children and new guidance must reflect that."

NGO Precious Life in Northern Ireland had petitioned for the guidelines to be removed and stated, "They were an attempt to change the interpretation of the law and would have effectively legalised abortion in Northern Ireland 'through the back door.'"

Peru: Court Rules Against the Morning-After Pill
Peru's Constitutional Court has issued a unanimous decision stating that the government cannot sell the morning-after pill. The ruling came after the nation's Minister of Health requested a clarification of the Court's earlier ruling that the government cannot freely distribute the drug. Explaining the Court's decision, Justice Ernesto Alvarez stated that because it cannot prove that the drug does not have an abortifacient effect, "the State cannot participate either in the sale or in the distribution of the morning-after pill and must exclude it as a valid tool for family planning." Peru restricts induced abortion to life or health of the mother exceptions.

Issues

Euthanasia

Man in Coma for 23 Years Was Actually Conscious
A man believed to be in a persistent vegetative state for 23 years revealed that he was awake the entire time but unable to speak. Rom Houben's living nightmare ended when technological advances showed his brain to be fully functioning. Houben describes this moment as his "second birth", and with the help of therapy is now able to communicate through a computer with friends and family. Mr. Houben's case raises new questions about whether coma patients are truly unconscious and renews the right to die debate. Dr Steven Laureys, the doctor who saved Houben, released a study that claims patients in a persistent vegetative state are often misdiagnosed. "Anyone who bears the stamp of "unconscious" just one time hardly ever gets rid of it again," Laureys said. He believes there are many similar cases to Houben's around the world.

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Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

China: Study Finds Strong Linkage between Breast Cancer and Abortion

ABC

A study in China has found a 17 percent increased risk for breast cancer among women who had induced abortions. The researchers' findings at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University show a statistically significant linkage between breast cancer and abortion, a finding the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer (CABC) has long argued. The CABC notes the study in China- as well as that from Turkey earlier this year- represent unbiased objective demonstrations of the connection between induced abortion and breast cancer occurrence that is ardently rejected by abortion supporters and many activisits in the fight against breast cancer.

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Parliamentary Network E-News

Volume 3, No 12

December 2009

International Pro-Life

Report on Maternal Mortality: Permissive Abortion Laws Endanger Maternal Health
A report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) released this month shows that nations with pro-life laws are better at reducing maternal deaths, and that those countries with liberal abortion policies have higher rates of maternal mortality. The results of this report counter a recent Guttmacher Institute report that featured unsafe abortion as the leading cause of maternal deaths and claimed nations that restricted abortions were damaging women's health. Conversely, the WEF report cites Ireland- where unborn children are strongly protected from abortion-- as having the best maternal health rates and demonstrates a similar trend of pro-life laws and better maternal health throughout the world. In Africa, Mauritius has the lowest maternal mortality rate and strong laws protecting the unborn while Ethiopia, which decriminalized abortion in 2005, has a maternal death rate that is 48 times higher than Mauritius. South Africa with abortion on demand has a high maternal mortality ratio of 400 deaths per 100,000. These results highlight the need for essential emergency obstetrical care and skilled birth attendants as ways to save women's lives, not access to abortion.

International Pressure for Abortion

Ghana: Planned Parenthood Expands Services and Training
The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), an affiliate of IPPF, is moving to make abortion more readily available and accessible throughout the nation which allows abortion for broad exceptions. PPAG will set-up abortion centers throughout the country beginning next year and is currently training midwives, nurses and volunteers to in two-day "abortion value clarification" workshops. The objective of the workshops is to persuade health care providers to separate their personal, religious and cultural beliefs and values -conscience-which opposes abortion, from their participation in an abortion procedure. Ghana is a target of numerous pro-abortion organizations- including IPPF, Marie Stopes International, Ipas and Pathfinder-which sponsor programs to perform abortion and promote its acceptance throughout the nation.

Legislative News

Spain Votes to Increase Access to Abortion
The Spanish parliament voted this month to permit abortion on demand up to fourteen weeks and allow adolescents to procure an abortion without parental consent. The new law further liberalizes the country's abortion policy, previously limited to twelve weeks. In practice, however, abortion is permitted at any stage of pregnancy on the basis of mental distress- the reason cited for the majority of abortions in Spain each year. The legislation now awaits action by the Senate, which is expected to approve it in early 2010.

Italy Approves Sale of Abortion Pill RU-486
Italy has given the final approval for the sale of the abortion drug RU-486. The decision, strongly opposed by the Vatican and some government officials, approves the use of mifepristone but restricts its use to hospitals out of concern for serious side-effects which include bleeding and nausea. The drug is limited to within seven weeks of conception. The Italian Pharmaceuticals Agency (AIFA) had given the abortion pill the green light this past summer but it required additional consideration. Abortion activists vow to fight for greater access to the abortion-inducing drug and question the limitation to hospital use.

Executive News

Bangladesh Implementing China-like Policy of One Couple, One Child
Bangladesh will soon introduce a "one couple, one child" family planning policy in an effort to curb the nation's population growth. Crediting Chinese policy with the idea, the Director General of the Directorate of Family Planning said the policy will not be mandatory but they will educate the public through an awareness campaign that includes the slogan "No more than two children, one is best". Couples with one child will be given preference for services and financial assistance. Bangladesh will be looking for assistance from Chinese population planning authorities on ways to gain public support for the controversial anti-child policy.

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Advancing global respect and dignity for life through law and policy.

Dutch Pro-Lifers See Largest March to Date

dutch

Pro-lifers in the Netherlands gathered this month for the annual March for Life, marking the largest turn-out in the event's history. Sponsored by the Cry for life and Christians for Truth, the March for Life has been held every year since 1980 when the Dutch Parliament legalized abortion on demand. Organizers called it the best march ever and noted the increased number of young people participating.

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All news articles include links to original source. PNCI cannot verify that the information contained in the news articles is accurate.

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