Life In Oregonby Colm WillisAssistant PAC Director

On February 21, the Un-born Infant Pain Relief Act was introduced for the first time in the Oregon House of Represen-tatives. The bill, which would prohibit doctors from performing abortions after five months due to excessive pain inflicted on the unborn child, was sponsored by Representative Tim Freeman of Roseburg. The bill comes as a result of recent studies that have shown that unborn children can feel pain as early as 20 weeks after gestation and follows a similar bill that was passed in Nebraska in 2010. The bill would ban abortions after 20 weeks except when the mother’s life is truly endangered (see fact sheet on HB 3512 on page 4.).

Protracted negotiations followed Representative Freeman’s introduction of the bill as pro-abortion lawmak-ers led by Representative Dave Hunt attempted to force the bill into the Healthcare Committee where it was certain to receive an unfair hearing. In response to this assault, pro-life Representa-

tive Andy Olson courageously used his influence on the Rules Committee to redirect the bill at the last minute to the Judiciary Committee where Oregon Right to Life had originally requested that the bill be heard.

On April 6, a hearing will be held in the House Judi-ciary Committee where pro-life legislators will present a pain specialist, a legal expert, and a couple whose child died three days after birth. The couple, Dan and Jeannine Eisenbacher had received an adverse fetal diagnosis during pregnancy, had been told their baby would not survive, and had been encour-aged to abort. They chose to continue the pregnancy and, though their daughter died shortly after birth, they will testify to their love for her and their commitment to give her their love until her natural death.

In addition, pro-life women from across the state are coming to the capitol on the same day to meet with their representa-tives and lobby them to support the bill. This coordinated effort is a part of Oregon Right to Life’s

Ladies for Life Lobby Day at the Capitol. Lobby Day partici-pants will be led by ORTL’s chief lobbyist and former Speaker of the House Karen Minnis. Gayle Atteberry, executive director of Oregon Right to Life, has made this piece of legislation the pro-life movement’s top priority in Oregon. She said, “Over 250 babies are violently dismem-bered every year after they are old enough to feel excruciating

pain. These brutal later term procedures must be stopped.” Currently, there are ten other states across the nation consid-ering similar legislation.

The makeup of the Oregon House, along with pro-abor-tion Senate President Peter Courtney’s previous support for late-term abortion, will make passage of HB 3512 difficult, but securing a hearing in the House has allowed Oregon Right to Life to educate the public on the brutality of these later-term abortions. Similarly, the hearing has provided momentum for a reintroduction of the bill in future legislative sessions.

Another bill to ensure that new federal funds mandated under Obamacare are not used to pay for abortions has been in-troduced by Representative Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer). This “opt out” legislation has already been passed by eight states, in-suring that no tax dollars will be used to fund abortion in those states. The introduction of the Unborn Infant Pain Relief Act and the “opt out” legislation are victories in an often hostile legislature.

Volume 19 • Number 2 April-May 2011

Oregon Right to Life4335 River Road N.Salem, OR 97303

Non-Profit Org.US Postage

P A I DSalem, OR

Permit No. 411

Upcoming EventsStandupgirl.com Foundation Gala Dinner Event April 14, 2011 Salem, Oregon

Oregon Right to Life Conference April 16, 2011 Portland, Oregon Information on page 8

Standupgirl.com Foundation Gala Dinner Event May 3, 2011 Vancouver, Washington

Standupgirl.com Foundation Gala Dinner Event May 19, 2011 Portland, Oregon

National Right to Life Convention June 23-25 Jacksonville, Florida http://stoptheabortionagenda.com/ convention

State and County Fairs June through September To volunteer, phone 503-463-8563

ORTLEF Auction October 22, 2011 Keizer, Oregon Information on page 5

Visit Standupgirlfoundation.org or call 503-304-1531 for more information about the dinner events.

Last chance to register!Oregon Right to Life Conference

April 16, 2011See page 8

Unborn Infant Pain Relief Act Introduced

Representative Tim Freeman (R-Roseburg), HB 3512 sponsor

The Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 legaliz-ing abortion, opened the gates wide for a culture of death in the United States, but we who stand for life are determined to remain a positive force — sav-ing lives and changing hearts and minds.

After Roe v. Wade, many argued that we were entering a slippery slope — one that devalues human life. With abortions legalized there would eventually be passive then active euthanasia of infants, the poor, the disabled and the elderly.

Evidence abounds that the slippery slope is here — there are the 53 million lives lost — with 97% for convenience or lack of family support; there are the publicized cases of euthanasia of the disabled; then, there is the legalization of assisted suicide for the terminally ill (Oregon being the first in the world to do this); and increasingly we hear rhetoric in some public policy and economic circles of there being, for the elderly and chronically ill, a “duty-to-die”.

We who stand for life are determined to stand against this slippery slope of death and negativity, and to remain a positive force for life in all stages. We do this every time we elect officials who share our life-affirming values; when they pass legislation which helps protect life; and defeat legislation that threaten our values. We are also a positive and effective force when we continue to tell the truth about human life — life from conception to natural death; and when we come alongside those who are scared, confused or struggling with life and death decisions — to empower them to opt for life.

People who stand for life really are a force to be reckoned with. We do make up the majority of the population (poll after poll shows that most of the nation identifies itself as “pro-life”). And you young people, those under 40 — who have lived all your conscious lives under the laws of legalized abortion — although you have inherited this, know that you do not have to accept this legal status quo, and polls are showing you to be increasingly pro-life. You are the future of the movement to cherish and protect life.

Remember, friends, we are not alone.

2 April-May 2011

from the PReSident

Life in Oregon is an official publication of Oregon Right to Life, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the unborn and the sanctity of human life. Life in Oregon is mailed five times per year to 35,000 households. The subscription rate is $5 per year.

Life In Oregon/Oregon Right to Life 4335 River Road North, Salem, OR 97303

Phone: (503) 463-8563 • website: www.ortl.org • e-mail: ortl@ortl.org

Gayle Atteberry, Executive Director • Cindy Rahm, Editor

Printed by Eagle Web Press • Reprinted by Permission

Joan Sage, M.D. ORTL President

A positive force

“President” continued on page 8

By Mike Pence (R-Indiana)

I believe that ending an innocent human life is morally wrong. I also believe it is morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans and use them to fund organizations that provide and promote abortions, like Planned Parenthood of America.

It is for that reason that I offered an amendment to the recent Continuing Resolution that would deny any and all federal funding to Planned Parenthood for the rest of the fiscal year. It passed with bipartisan support [240 to 185].

Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider in America. In 2008, Planned Parenthood performed 324,008 abortions, and a recently released fact sheet shows that their abortion procedures increased to a staggering 332,278 in 2009.

According to their latest annual report, Planned Parenthood received more than $363 million in taxpayer funds, and it was the largest recipient of taxpayer funding under Title X.

While Planned Parenthood asserts that no federal funds are used to provide or promote abortion, a woman entering a Planned Parenthood clinic in 2009 was 42 times more likely to have an abortion than to receive either prenatal care or be referred for

adoption.Also, as recent headlines have

shown, Planned Parenthood clinics have faced allegations of violating reporting laws in several states, instructing young women to lie about their age to get an abortion without their parents’ knowledge, and have been found civilly liable for failure to report statutory rape.

Planned Parenthood clinics have also been accused of fraudulent accounting or overbilling practices and, in recent weeks, undercover videos showed Planned Parenthood employees apparently willing to aid human sex traffickers by coaching them on how to falsify documents and secure secret abortions for underage prostitutes.

Especially with this pattern of apparent fraud and abuse, the largest abortion provider in America should not also be the largest recipient of federal tax dollars under Title X.

After passage of my legislation, some misconceptions have arisen that bear clarification.

First, the Pence Amendment does not cut any funding for women’s health services under Title X. It would simply block those funds already in the bill from subsidizing America’s largest abortion provider.

In fact, it has never been my ambition to reduce funding for

Title X services. I applaud the important work done at Title X clinics, such as pregnancy diagnosis, breast cancer screening and HIV testing. I support young women getting the access to care they need and deserve. My legislation would help protect women who find themselves in crisis pregnancies by ensuring they receive access to unbiased and compassionate health services.

Second, critics have asserted that if Planned Parenthood is denied funding there would be no other organizations available to provide these services to women in our larger cities. This too is incorrect.

There are literally thousands of clinics across the country — other than Planned Parenthood — that receive federal funding and offer access to health care for low-income women and families.

The passage of the Pence Amendment was a victory for taxpayers and a victory for life, and I am hopeful our colleagues in the Senate will join us in ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood once and for all.

[Editor’s note: Senate Democrats, led by Harry Reid, rejected the House legislation containing the Pence Amendment. ACTION NEEDED: See Action Alert on page 6.]

Pence Amendment would end Planned Parenthood funding

April-May 2011 3

POLitiCAL FORumRedistricting

In Salem, the legislature is using data gathered from last year’s census to redraw district lines for the Oregon House, Or-egon Senate and U.S. Congress. These lines will stand for ten years until the next census.

Our Constitution requires a census or a count of the population every ten years. The purpose of the count is to reap-portion the 435 seats in Congress according to the population of each state. It is the responsibility of each state to determine how to redraw or redistrict the congressional and state legislative districts.

In Oregon, it is the legislature’s responsibility to devise a plan in the form of a bill which must pass both the House and the Senate and be signed by the governor. When the legislature and the governor can’t agree, the secretary of state gets the job. The 2001 redistricting process was particularly controversial. There was even a time when the Demo-crats in the Oregon House fled Salem to deny a quorum.

In spite of legal guidelines to the contrary and threats of lawsuits, it is a fairly simple thing to adjust districts to favor one political party over another, draw an incumbent legislator out of his or her district, or dimin-ish the influence of certain areas in the state. Following is one example:

Congressional District 1 has been in the news lately as a result of the sitting Congressman David Wu’s strange behavior and staff departures. In 1994 and 1998, the two off-year or non-presidential elections before 2001 redistricting, the Republican candidate lost the election by 301 and 7,166 votes respectively. In the two off-year elections after Secretary of State Bill Bradbury’s redistricting plan, the margin grew to 68,298 and 78,505 votes respectively. One could say the Democrats literally drew their desired election result in Oregon’s First District.

We are not just spectators in this delightful political game! The Legislative Redistricting Committees are holding hearings around the state giving citizens opportunities to offer information and insight into their local areas. Since, for 10 years, we will live with this plan which will absolutely affect election outcomes, it is worth our time to become informed and participate in this process.

I will be updating information on the redistricting process on Oregon Right to Life’s Facebook page and in our e-newsletters.

The criteria for redistricting legislative and congressional districts (ORS 188.010) require that each district, as nearly as practicable: • Be contiguous• Be of equal population• Utilize existing geographic or political boundaries• Not divide communities of common interest• Be connected by transportation links

In addition, no district shall be drawn for the purpose of favoring any political party, incumbent legislator or other person, or be drawn for the purpose of diluting the voting strength of any language or ethnic minor-ity group.

For additional information, please visit www.leg.state.or.us/resistrict-ing/faqs.htm

Lois Anderson, PAC Director

In the wake of the arrest and indictment of Kermit Gosnell, an abortionist who ran a Philadelphia abortion facility, Senator Brian Boquist (R-Dallas), at the request of Oregon Right to Life, introduced legislation to apply Oregon’s regulations for ambulatory surgical centers to abortion facilities. SB 901 was assigned to the Senate Health Care, Human Services and Rural Health Policy Committee.

When the Gosnell case was made public, the new pro-life governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, vowed that things would change. Rather than ignore existing state regulations as his predecessor had done, Governor Corbett ordered health department authorities to begin inspecting abortion

clinics. It became apparent that Gosnell’s was not an isolated case. According to a report by the Associated Press on March 10, as a result of the inspections, two Philadelphia-area abortion clinics received “scathing” reports and were ordered to suspend performing abortions. According to reports, the operator and abortionist Soleiman Soli shut down the clinics and retired from medical practice rather than comply with state regulations.

Pennsylvania had a law upon which to act, however Oregon has no state authority that inspects, regulates, or certifies abortion clinics. During prior sessions of the legislature, this bill has been considered and even received a public hearing.

During these hearings, officials of the State of Oregon have admitted they have no authority to inspect abortion clinics. While the name has changed over the years, there is a state agency that oversees, inspects and certifies other health care facilities such as hospitals, out-patient surgery centers, and even free-standing birthing centers. However, because of an Oregon administrative rule, it has no jurisdiction over abortion facilities.

Oregon could have its own “house of horrors,” but under current law it would be very difficult to find. If you would like to know more about this bill or contact your legislator about it, you can go to www.ortl.org and click on “legislative.”

Senator Boquist introduces bill to regulate abortion facilities

Oba

maW

atch

In February, President Obama removed some of the conscience protections that had kept medical workers from being forced to perform procedures con-trary to their moral convic-tions. The nullified regulatory language said in part, “No individual shall be required to perform or assist in the perfor-mance of any part of a health service program or research activity ... if [it] would be contrary to his religious beliefs or moral convictions.” As a result of the President’s ac-tions, pro-life medical workers may face increased discrimina-tion in the workplace. For the present time, it appears this ruling doesn’t affect medical personnel refusing to partici-pate in abortions.

President Obama has an-

nounced that he will veto any budget bill that does not provide federal tax dollars to Planned Parent-hood, the largest abortion provider in America. He also announced that he opposes the provisions that would end taxpayer funding of abortion in the District of Columbia as well as any attempt to restrict international funding of abor-tion.

In January, President Obama used a recess ap-pointment to re-nominate “rationing czar” Donald Berwick as the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services after his nomination in the Senate was filibustered by Republican senators. Berwick would have been responsible for imple-menting President Obama’s

Health Care Law. However, perseverance by Republican senators finally succeeded in removing Berwick from his post after the Senate recon-vened.

President Obama nominated Steve Six, former attorney general of Kansas, to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Six is most well known for obstructing a criminal investigation of Planned Parenthood. Obama also nominated pro-abortion activist Lois Quam to head up the $63 billion dollar Global Health Initiative, which will expand abortion on demand in developing countries. In addition, the President nomi-nated the pro-abortion former governor of Washington State, Gary Locke, as his ambassador to China.

4 April-May 2011

FACT: An unborn child at 20 weeks gestation “is fully capable of experienc-ing pain… Without question, [abortion] is a dreadfully painful experience for any infant subjected to such a surgical procedure.”5

FACT: Unborn children at 20 weeks gestation probably feel pain more intensely than adults. This is a “uniquely vulnerable time, since the pain system is fully established, yet the higher level pain-modifying system has barely begun to develop.”6

FACT: Anesthesia is routinely used in prenatal surgery. “On occasion we need to administer anesthesia directly to the fetus, because even at these early gestational ages the fetus moves away from the pain of the stimulation.”7

FACT: In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court made abortion legal for anyreason throughout the entire 9 months of pregnancy.1 This allows an abortion to be obtained in Oregon for any reason up to the time of birth.

FACT: Recent scientific studies have shown that unborn children feel pain as early as five months after fertilization.2

FACT: On average more than 250abortions are performed in Oregon every year on unborn children at least 5 months old.3

FACT: Dilation and Evacuation (D & E) is the surgical procedure used to abort unborn children at 5 months. Sharp-edged instruments are used to grasp, twist, and tear the baby’s body into pieces. This continues until the child’s entire body is removed from the womb. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Kennedy describes the procedure saying, “The fetus, in many cases, dies just as ahuman adult or child would: It bleeds to death as it is torn limb from limb.”4

Unborn Babies Feel Pain ~ Just Like You and Me

1. U.S. Supreme Court decisions Roe v. Wade 1973 and Doe v. Bolton 1973. 2. Roland Brusseau, Devel-oping Consciousness: Fetal Anesthesia and Analge-sia, 191. 3. Center for Health Statistics, Oregon Vital Statics Annual Report Volume 1, Section 3. Induced Terminations of Pregnancy Table 3-4. 4. Stenberg v. Carhart, 350 U.S. 914, 958-59 (2000)(Kennedy, J., dissenting). 5. Robert J. White, M.D., PhD., profes-sor of neurosurgery, Case Western University. 6. Dr.Paul Ranalli, neurologist, University of Toronto. 7.David Birnbach, M.D., president of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology and self-described as “pro-choice,” in testimony before the U.S. Congress.

4335 River Rd N Salem, OR 97303

503-463-8563 www.ortl.org HB 3512

The March of Dimes: inconsistencies & compromises

The March of Dimes has done much through the years to improve and save human lives. Founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat polio in America, the orga-nization has since switched its focus to the health of infants. Operating under the slogan “Be good to your baby before it is born,” the March of Dimes has improved the health of babies through research, community programs, and the education of mothers. Despite its positive contributions, many activities the March of Dimes supports are not in the best interest of babies, specifically the organization’s involvement in amniocentesis, embryonic stem cell research, and its support of abortion by not opposing it.

In 1972, the March of Dimes was one of the major developers behind amniocentesis, the method used to detect abnormalities in a fetus. Although the organization’s intentions were to solve birth defects, this practice can result in the abortion of upwards of 90 percent of the babies with birth defects. In its Global Report on Birth Defects, the March of Dimes reports its desire to reduce the number of children born with birth defects. Unfortunately, abortion is often a means for this reduction.

The March of Dimes also supports embryonic stem cell research. In the organization’s effort to learn more about some biological mysteries, it compromises its commitment to the health of babies by supporting embryonic stem cell research, a decidedly anti-life enter-prise. The March of Dimes supports genetic disease research where disease-containing embryos are destroyed. Through funding or direct involvement with this research, the March of Dimes’ commitment to healthy babies results in the death of those who are not healthy.

The March of Dimes does not have a clear stance on abortion, but it definitely does not oppose it. Although the organization’s represen-tatives state that their funding does not go to abortion, the March of Dimes has supported Planned Parenthood, America’s number one abortion provider. In funding eugenics researchers, Planned Parent-hood shows its implicit support of abortion. The March of Dimes has recently focused on premature birth of babies. The organization has not even addressed the scientifically proven fact that abortion greatly increases the risk of prematurity in subsequent pregnancies.

The March of Dimes sanctions many activities — amniocentesis, embryonic stem cell research, and abortion — that are not pro-life. While the organization may promote the health of babies, it com-promises on the ways it does this. The organization needs to take a clearer stance on these issues if it wants to avoid contradictory mo-tives and the pressures of compromising true pro-life beliefs.

[Kate Tracy was the winner of Oregon Right to Life’s $2,500 Media Scholarship. She is a sophomore at Corban University.]

April-May 2011 5

eduCAting FOR LiFe

Kate Tracy Media Scholarship Award winner

As you consider your estate planning, whether for the first time or to review your exist-ing plan, keep the six most important aspects of your plan in mind.

Dos1. Find a qualified estate plan-

ning attorney. The inexpen-sive do-it-yourself forms are tempting, but they cannot provide the expert legal advice you need to properly plan.

2. Review your plan from time to time. Lives and laws change often, so follow through with the sage advice of regular checkups to ensure accuracy.

3. Keep your beneficiaries informed. Explain the responsibilities, items and amounts you’ve chosen to

give to each family member and why. Also, clarify your desire to give to a charity, like Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation. If your loved ones understand your decisions, there is apt to be less rancor or confu-sion later.

Don’ts1. Don’t handwrite changes

in your will. A will is a significant legal document, so crossing out names and dates and handwriting new ones is not recommended. To make updates, consult with your estate planning attorney who can draw up a codicil (a formal amend-ment to your existing will).

* Oregon Right to Life Educa-tion Foundation can provide you with a codicil designed

to include our foundation in your will.

2. Don’t think that a will is all you need. A complete plan includes a review of assets that do not pass to loved ones through your will, such as IRAs and retirement plans.

3. Don’t assume you are too young to have a will. Life is full of twists and turns for everyone, not just the elderly. A will allows you to protect the people and causes, such as Oregon Right to Life Foundation, that you care most about.

For more information, con-tact Lynda Harrington, Director of Planned Giving, at 1-800-524-9271 or 503-463-8563.

Planning for life’s dos and don’ts

Happy Birthday, Baby!

Saturday ~ October 22, 2011 Keizer Renaissance Inn 5188 Wittenberg Lane

5:00 pm ~ Silent Auction 6:45 ~ Dinner

7:30 ~ Oral Auction $40 per person

Proceeds benefit the educational programs and activities of Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation, including fair and special event booths, our speakers’ bureau, pregnancy and

newborn resource directories, as well as brochures and pamphlets.

New, Collectible or Antique Items

We need donations of items such as services, weekend getaways, sports tickets, special dinners, unique toys and household items. Contributions are tax-deductible and

donors are mentioned in our auction program.

To donate items or register, call 503-463-8563 or online at

www.ortl.org

OREGON RIGHT TO LIFEEDUCATION FOUNDATION2011 DINNER & AUCTION

$1,000.00 First Prize PLUS other prizes

including

A Weekend Getaway

A Dinner Out

A Basket of Chocolates

Tickets $10 each - only 500 to be sold!

Drawing to be held at the Auction.

You need not be present to win.

Please

Donate!

Proceeds to benefit the educational programs and ac-tivities of Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation — in-cluding fair and special event booths, our speakers’ bureau, pregnancy and newborn resource directories, as well as brochures and pamphlets.

We would appreciate dona-tions of items such as services, weekend getaways, sports tickets, special dinners, unique toys, and new household items. Contributions qualify as a tax deduction and donors

are mentioned in our auction program.

A raffle drawing will be held at the auction. The first prize is $1,000 and other prizes include a weekend get-away, dinner out, and a basket of chocolates. Tickets are $10 and only 500 will be sold. You need not be present to win.

To donate, please call 503-463-8563. To register ($40 per person) or to purchase raffle tickets, you may call 503-463-8563 or visit www.ortl.org.

Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation 2011 Auction and DinnerSaturday, October 22Keizer Renaissance InnKeizer, Oregon

6 April-May 2011

Laws ending abortion do not equal dead womenby J.C. Willke, MDPresident, Life Issues Institute

A major argument against electing pro-life candidates to national office is that they will forbid abortions, driving them underground and then women will die.

Over the years, we have heard estimates of illegal abortions. Recall that in 1972, just before the Roe v. Wade deci-sion, pro-abortion activists were claiming there were a million illegal abortions in the US annually, and 5,000 to 10,000 women died each year. So it behooves us, first of all, to ask, ‘What are the actual figures of how many illegal abortions were there?’ The answer is that no one knows, for the obvious reason that neither the abortionist nor the women reported the deed, and because of this, there are no records, statistics or reports. So if anyone tells you there were ‘X’ number of illegal abortions somewhere at a certain time, they are guessing.

But we do have a clue. There is one reported figure that can lead us to some degree of accurate estimate of the number of women who died from illegal abortions. Such international reporting ranges from inadequate to non-existent. But the US, almost alone since the 1940s, has separately reported women’s deaths from spontaneous abortion (miscar-riage), legal induced abortion and illegal induced abortion. If we knew how many illegal abortions it took to cause one death, we could calculate backwards and

find the total number of illegal abortions. The problem is that no one has the slight-est idea of how many it took.

In the US, we do have some definite numbers on deaths from illegal abortions. In the US Senate during the tumultuous debate on abortion in 1981, these official government statistics were not chal-lenged by pro-abortion forces. Back in 1940, all abortions were illegal and 1,300 women died that year. Penicillin became available in the late 1950s and annual deaths in a year dropped precipitously to about 250 in the entire US. This held steady until the early 1960s. By then, we had developed newer and better antibiotics, installed intensive care units in our hospitals, and trained our surgeons to be much more skilled. The first states, Colorado and California, legalized abor-tion in 1967. However, prior to this in the early 1960s, the number of deaths had dropped steadily from 250 to about 120. This number continued to decline through the next few years as a number of states, including New York, also legal-ized abortion.

The year before the US Supreme Court decision of 1973, deaths from illegal abortions had fallen to 39, with 25 additional deaths that year due to legal abortions. In 1973, abortion became legal in all 50 states. Now ‘back alley’ abortionists should have been eliminated with their alleged toll of maternal deaths. However, there was no such drop. The previous rate of decline actually slowed to flatten out in the late 1970s and

1980s. So it would clearly seem that legalizing of abortion in the US did not save almost any women’s lives.

Some would question whether illegal abortion deaths were reported accurately. The answer here is quite clear. Back when abortion was a felony, if and when a woman was seriously injured by an abor-tionist, she went to a different doctor for care as the abortionist was nowhere to be seen. What if the new doctor tried to save her life, but she died anyway? Was this new ethical physician going to deliberately falsify the death certificate (a felony) to protect the abortionist? Not likely. Therefore, prior to legalization, deaths from illegal abortion were seldom covered up.

Then we ask whether deaths from legal abortions today are reported ac-curately. The answer is evident. They are not. As an example, in 1991, there were four documented deaths from legally induced abortion in the state of Maryland and yet it reported to the Center for Dis-ease Control that there were none. E.G., one of those Maryland death certificates listed the cause of death as ‘therapeutic misadventure.’ Another reason why they are not reported is prior to legalization, a second doctor almost always was the one who tried to save her life. In today’s age, it can be the same doctor. Since this abortionist does not want to have a reputation for having mothers die, he has a strong motivation to list some other

Twenty-two teens spent four days of their Spring Break learning how

to become the pro-life leaders of tomorrow. The educational

sessions and activities such as visits to the Capitol, pregnancy

support centers, and the streets of Portland, informed students on a

wide range of life issues and gave them opportunities to dialogue

with pro-abortion people. During a field trip to the State Capitol,

the campers climbed to the “Gold Man” on top of the building.

“My mom made me come to this camp,” one teen confessed, “but I am SOOO glad she did. This has

been an incredible camp!”

The Congress is involved in negotiations regard-ing cuts in the federal budget for the remainder of this fiscal year. Important decisions are being made, including the de-funding of Planned Parenthood, America’s largest abortion provider. The abortion giant received over $363 million from government sources in 2008, much of it federal dollars. Planned Parenthood performed 332,278 abortions in 2009.

On February 18, 2011, the House of Representa-tives adopted an amendment offered by Representa-tive Mike Pence (R-Indiana) to eliminate all forms of federal funding for Planned Parenthood. The House vote was 240-185 in favor of the Pence Amendment. (See article on page 2.) Planned Parenthood respond-ed to this vote with a massive media campaign to save its federal funding.

Senate Democrats, led by Harry Reid, rejected the House legislation and said they will reject any ap-propriations bill that eliminates funding for Planned Parenthood.

Oregon Right to Life and National Right to Life have as a priority this battle to de-fund Planned Parenthood. For updates on this fight, visit www.ortl.org and www.nrlc.org.

Phone calls and emails are need as soon as pos-sible. Please help to de-fund Planned Parenthood by contacting the offices of your two U.S. senators and your representative in the House of Representa-tives. Urge them to insist that the Pence Amendment, removing all federal funds from Planned Parenthood, must remain part of the final appropriations bill.

• Senator Ron Wyden Phone: 202-224-5244; http://wyden.senate.gov

• Senator Jeff Merkley Phone: 202-224-3753; http://merkley.senate.gov

• Representative David Wu (District 1) Phone: 202-225-0855; http://house.gov/wu

• Representative Greg Walden (District 2) Phone: 202-225-6730; http://walden.house.gov

• Representative Earl Blumenauer (District 3) Phone: 202-224-5244; http://blumenauer.house.gov

• Representative Peter DeFazio (District 4) Phone: 202-225-6416; http://defazio.house.gov

• Representative Kurt Schrader (District 5) Phone: 202-225-5711; http://schrader.house.gov

Volunteer for your county’s summer fair booth!

Oregon Right to Life needs your help in our pro-life educational displays in fair booths around the state this summer.

For more information, call our office at 503-463-8563.

De-Fund Planned Parenthood now!

“Ending Abortion” continued on page 8

Action Alerts

April-May 2011 7

Oregon, Washington assisted suicide numbers up

The 2010 “Death with Dignity” report recently released by the Oregon Public Health Division shows 59 reported deaths from the 96 lethal prescriptions written, with six additional deaths from prescriptions written in previous years. The number of people dying has gone up every year, as has the number of lethal prescriptions written, with the exception of 2009. Since Oregon’s assisted suicide law was passed in 1997, 525 patients have died from a lethal prescription of federally-controlled drugs.

Of the 65 patients who died in 2010, 70.8 percent were over age 65, all were white, well-educated and had cancer. Nearly all died at home and were receiving hospice care. Just one patient was referred for psychiatric or psychological evaluation prior to the suicide. The report can be read at www.public.health.oregon.gov/ProviderPartnerResources/Evaluationresearch/deathwithdig-nityact]. [www.lifenews.com/2011/01/26/oregon-report-shows-assisted-suicide-deaths-increase-again]

In Washington (the second state to legalize assisted suicide), the Department of Health’s 2010 numbers show lethal doses dispensed to 87 persons. Of those, 51 died from assisted suicide following ingestion of the drug and 15 died from other causes. It is unknown how many of the remainder died from assisted sui-cide or other causes or are still living. Eileen Geller, the president of True Compassion Advocates, says, “The published data from the 2010 report is so limited and unreliable that even some who agree with the policy have qualms regarding the DOH’s inability to determine whether the law operates with the full safety and voluntariness its proponents promised. What the numbers don’t show is what really needs reporting. Assisted suicide in Wash-ington is neither safe nor voluntary for those who feel coerced, can’t afford proper health care, or are victims of unreported elder abuse,” Geller explained.

Abortion has caused 300,000 breast cancer deaths since Roe

A leading breast cancer researcher, Baruch College endocri-nologist Professor Joel Brind, says abortion has caused at least 300,000 deaths since the Supreme Court legalized abortion-on-demand in 1973. Brind and other scientists maintain that women who have had induced abortions have a “30 percent greater chance of developing breast cancer.” The study appeared in 1996 in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Karen Malec, the head of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, says that since Brind’s groundbreaking 1996 study, other studies have confirmed the connection between abortion and breast cancer. Malec explained, “During the last 21 months, four epidemiological studies and one review reported an abortion-breast cancer link. One study included National Cancer Institute branch chief Louise Brinton as co-author. We count nearly 50 published epidemiological studies since 1957 reporting a link. Biological and experimental studies also support it. Experts proved in medical journals that nearly all of the roughly 20 stud-ies denying the link are seriously flawed. Like the tobacco-cancer cover-up, these are used to snow women into believing abortion is safe.”

Induced abortion boosts breast cancer risk because it inter-rupts the normal physiological changes in the breast that occur during a full-term pregnancy which lower a mother’s breast can-cer risk. [www.lifenews.com/2011/01/17/abortion-has-caused-300k-breast-cancer-deaths-since-roe]

Converted abortionist Bernard Nathanson dies

Dr. Bernard Nathanson died in early February after a long battle with cancer. Nathanson, a New York City abortionist, presided over more than 75,000 abortions. After witnessing an ultrasound, Nathanson became pro-life and spent the rest of his career opposing abortion. His film, Silent Scream, is considered a classic because it was the first to use ultrasound technology to make the case that the unborn child deserves legal protection. The video shows an unborn baby recoiling during an abortion.

Nathanson, former head of the pro-abortion group NARAL, admitted that proponents of abortion simply made up huge numbers of women killed and injured by illegal abortion in their efforts to legalize the procedure. “We spoke of 5,000 to 10,000 deaths a year. I confess I knew the statistics were totally false.”

“Dr. Nathanson was probably one of the individuals most responsible for Roe v. Wade and, once he realized his error, he dedicated the rest of his life to reversing it,” said National Right to Life’s Jeanne Head in a tribute to Nathanson. [www.lifenews.com/2011/02/21/bernard-nathanson-passes-away-was-early-abortion-muckraker; www.2011/02/22/pro-life-leaders-mourn-passing-of-bernard-nathanson]

Using adult stem cells for breast reconstruction, treatment for HIV

Japanese universities have announced the establishment of an institute to use adult stem cells for breast reconstruction. A clinical trial in Europe has shown very promising results and physicians in Australia and the UK have also announced clinical trials. Adult stems cells continue to prove their superior capabili-ties for tissue repair over embryonic stem cells (which require the death of a human embryo). Current methods of breast reconstruction (silicon injections and fat implants) pose risks of infection, in addition to long-term maintenance. [www.lifenews.com/2011/01/27/adult-stem-cells-helping-women-with-breast-reconstruction]

Doctors in Germany say they have cured an HIV-positive American using adult stem cells. While treating the leukemia patient in 2008, doctors say the stem cell treatment also removed his HIV infection. The patient appears to be virus free three years following the treatment. Though physicians say caution is in order, Dr. David Prentice, a former biology professor at Indiana State University, says the news “provides more evidence of the real hope and possibilities with adult stem cells transplants.” [www.lifenews.com/2010/12/14/bio-3233]

Federal judge declares ObamaCare unconstitutional

In January, U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson ruled against the ObamaCare health care law saying the individual mandate — which requires Americans to purchase health insurance whether they want to or not — is unconstitutional and, therefore, the en-tire law is as well. Pro-lifers have opposed ObamaCare because it allows massive abortion funding and prompts concerns about health care rationing.

More than two dozen other states joined Florida in bringing the lawsuit. In ruling that Congress exceeded its authority in passing ObamaCare, Judge Vinson explained, “This case is not about whether the Act is wise or unwise legislation. It is about the Constitutional role of the federal government.”

On March 3, Judge Vinson issued a stay of his ruling. A visibly

frustrated Vinson noted it had been more than a month since his original ruling and that the Obama administration had not yet appealed the case. His stay allows the Obama administration to move ahead with implementation of the law, but it forces the administration to file an appeal in the case. Vinson stated, “Almost everyone agrees that the constitutionality of the Act is an issue that will ultimately have to be decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. It is very important to everyone in this country that this case moves forward.” [www.lifenews.com/2011/01/03/judge-declares-pro-abortion-obamacare-uncon-stitutional; www.lifenews.com/judge-issues-stay-on-obamacare-ruling-forces-administration-to-appeal]

California abortionist kills womanCalifornia abortionist Andrew Rutland surrendered his medi-

cal license for the second time when the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office ruled the death of his patient, Ying Chen, a homicide. In 2009, Rutland killed Chen by administering an incorrect dosage of anesthesia to Chen at a filthy and ill-equipped acupuncture clinic in San Gabriel where he performed abortions. Though Chen immediately reacted to the anesthesia, there was a “significant delay” in calling 911 and Rutland did not attempt to perform CPR until paramedics arrived.

The chief medical examiner called Rutland’s treatment of Chen “gross and wanton disregard for the well being of the patient” and said the clinic had expired drugs, no oxygen, and dangerous drugs mislabeled and improperly stored. Rutland claims that the medical examiner, the hospital, police officers, etc. were all involved in a plot against him.

Rutland had surrendered his medical license previously, in 2002, for severing a baby’s spinal column during a forceps de-livery, then lied to the parents by saying their baby had suffered a stroke. His license was reinstated in 2007 and Rutland was place on five years probation with the restriction that he operate only under the supervision of another physician. [www.lifenews.com/2011/01/26/practitioner-loses-license-killed-woman-in-failed-abortion]

NYC’s Bloomberg signs bill hurting PRCs

In mid-March, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a bill that would place strict limits on advertising by pregnancy centers and require them to post signs designed to dissuade women from seeking help from the abortion alternative centers (which provide free counseling, ultrasounds, and quick and easy access to pre-natal care).

Following Bloomberg’s signature, which he admitted “may be unconstitutional,” Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed suit against the city saying, “Pregnancy centers, which offer real help and hope to women, shouldn’t be punished by political allies of the abortion industry. Attacks on pregnancy centers are ideologi-cally motivated.”

These types of attacks on pregnancy centers have become a strategy of pro-abortion activists. Recently, federal judges have ruled against similar laws in Baltimore and Montgomery County, Maryland.

The New York City health department recently reported that 41 percent of pregnancies in NYC end in abortion, with 90 percent of those performed on ethnic minorities. [www.lifenews.com/2011/03/21/new-york-faces-lawsuit-over-law-attacking-pregnancy-centers/]

LiFe nOteS

8 April-May 2011

“President” continued from page 2

By Austin and Cathy Ruse

God Himself, of course knowing the truth about His own creation, sees the unborn as fully the person He created them to be. He told Jeremiah, “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; and before you were born I consecrated you ...” (Jeremiah 1:5). King David said, “[God’s] eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in [His] book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:16). Friends, God already knows each life before it is even conceived. Conception is just the start of our physical state.

So, God created life. He loves life. He loves His created beings. Life’s end — our death — should be His domain, in His hands. We are invited therefore, to positively, lov-ingly grapple with society’s culture of death. In Proverbs we read “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter”, and “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.” (Proverbs 24:11, 31:8).

Friends, God has us living in this time and place, to be a positive force for life. Let the 53 million lives lost stir you. Let the truth about life, faithfully under-gird your efforts. And, as Scripture reminds us, do “not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9).

The Supreme Court decision may have opened the gates, accelerating a culture of death, but life is a gift of God, one that we must, and will steadfastly continue to cherish and stand for.

[Excerpted from Dr. Sage’s comments at the Roe v. Wade Rally on January 16, 2011.]

cause of death. Since abortion is no longer a crime, this can be done with relative impunity.

Why don’t we look to the ‘bad old days?’ In the late 1950s, all abortions were illegal and abortionists were allegedly busy. In the July 1960 edition of the American Journal of Public Health, there was an article by Dr. Mary Calderone, Medical Director of Planned Parent-hood. She stated, ‘Ninety percent of illegal abortions are being done by physicians. Call them what you will, abortionists or anything else, they are still physicians trained as such. They must do a pretty good job if the death rate is as low as it is. Abortion, whether thera-peutic or illegal is, in the main, no longer dangerous because it is being done well by physicians.’

Finally, let us ask about ‘coat hanger’ abortions, about which we have all heard. Mrs. Willke and I have lectured in over 80 countries on abortion. We frequent-ly ask our audiences to provide documentary proof of an abortion by a coat hanger. In all these years, no one has given us a single case. It may well be there never were any ‘coat hanger’ abortions.

The next time you hear this kind of nonsensical charge, send them a copy of this article. If you want further documentation, write to me at www.lifeissues.org. [Life Issues Connector, October 2008]

“Ending Abortion” continued from page 6

Whether you are a newcomer to the pro-life movement or a veteran of many years, this year’s conference will provide valuable information and encouragement to better equip you to stand for life in a culture of death. Pro-life Oregonians need to sharpen their knowledge and skills to deal with the many new challenges to life, such as stem cell research, the attack on our personal conscience, and assisted suicide, as well as continue to fight for the lives of unborn children. The conference features experts in the fields of medicine, law, religion and ethics. The theme, “Welcome Life, Protect It by Law” will encourage pro-lifers to stand strong in a society which continues to devalue life.

Hotel accommodations: The Holiday Inn, Portland Airport, is offering a conference rate of $89 for a single-quad (one to four person) room. This is an excellent rate, so grab some friends and share a room! Call 503-256-5000 or toll-free 866-613-0405 and ask for the Oregon Right to Life conference rate of $89. In order to receive this special rate, reservations must be made by April 9.

Directions: From I-5, at Exit 300, take ramp for I-84 East/US-30 East/Banfield Expy toward Portland Airport/The Dalles. At Exit 8, take ramp right for I-205 North/Veterans Memorial Hwy toward Portland Airport/Seattle. At Exit 23B, take ramp right for US-30 BY-PASS West/Columbia Blvd. toward Killingsworth Street. Keep straight onto US-30 Byp/NE Killingsworth St. Bear right onto NE Columbia Pkwy West. Turn right onto NE Columbia Blvd. The Holiday Inn is on the corner.

Call Oregon Right to Life for further information: (503) 463-8563.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION ** Early Registration (by April 9)

The number in my party is ____. I am enclosing $40 each for ____ adult(s), and/or $25 each for ____ student(s), ____ senior(s), and family members of oratory

contestants, for a total of $_____.

** Late Registration (after April 9)The number in my party is ____. I am enclosing $45 each for____ adult(s), and/or

$30 each for ____ student(s), ____ senior(s), and family members of oratory contestants, for a total of $_____.

Name _____________________________ Address ____________________

City ___________________ State _____Zip _________ Phone ___________

Please make checks payable to: Oregon Right to Life, 4335 River Rd. N., Salem, OR, 97303

I would like to be a patron in the following category:Diamond ($200)___ Gold ($100)___ Silver ($75)___ Rose ($35)___

Speakers include: 2011 Oregon Right To Life Conference

April 16, 2011 • 8:45am-5pm (Lunch Included)Holiday Inn Airport

8439 NE Columbia Blvd. • Portland, OR 97220

Welcome Life, Protect it by Law

• Tactics for pro-life persuasion• The abortion nurse’s daughter• Deadly healthcare• We are losing our right of con-

science• Unborn babies do feel pain• Hope and healing after abortion• Facing life’s end• Good stem cell versus bad stem cell • Should Christians be involved in

government?• New methods of planned giving• A Christian’s guide to completing an

advance directive• Social justice begins in the womb• Saving lives through political action

Workshops:

Steve MosherPresident of the

Population Research Institute. Researcher, author, and speaker on China’s one-child per couple policy.

Alan ShlemonStand to Reason

speaker and author. Alan teaches tactics for Christians and pro-lifers to use to share their convic-tions in a persuasive manner.

Abby Johnson

A Planned Parenthood clinic director for nine years, Abby’s life changed when she viewed an abortion. She quit her job and now prays to stop abortion outside the clinic where she once worked. Abby’s new book, Unplanned, will be available at the conference.