Local Planned Parenthood gets competition

I received a press release today from a reader that states that a pro-life organization, Life Network, is going to open a pregnancy center across the street from the Planned Parenthood clinic on W. Colorado Ave. There is no official opening date yet, but a Life Network meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (26th). More information can be had by calling Gordon at 219-5367, ext. 217.

I am not sure what kind of Catholic presence this clinic will have (for example, will contraception be disallowed or exceptions made?), but it is nice to know that there will be an option across the street from PP where abortions will not be performed and women have the chance to be saved of the physical and emotional scars that abortion will leave on them forever.

If anyone has more information on this new clinic, please let us know.

A worthwhile pro-life event

I got an interesting e-mail the other day from Walk for Life, an event that benefits Life Network. I hadn't heard of the event until I received the e-mail, but it sparked my interest to investigate.

Upon further inspection, I noticed plenty of organizations involved that are committed to pro-life issues, such as Focus on the Family and the Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center.

I contacted Father Bill Carmody, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Security and St. Joseph Parish in Fountain (soon to be combined into the new St. Dominic Parish). He's also the director of the diocesan Respect Life Office. Father Carmody was very positive about the event, telling me that it will go toward creating a pregnancy center that will go next to Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs.

At the very least, it looks like a chance to get some exercise in the 5K or the walk while feeling you're donating to a worthwhile cause.

Has anyone participated in the Walk for Life before, and if so, what were your experiences?

Is Livestrong really so great?

I read an item in The Gazette today that stated May 13 is Livestrong Day, celebrating cyclist Lance Armstrong's organization for cancer research. Before you go out and buy one of those silly yellow bracelets, remember that Livestrong supports embryonic stem-cell research and sperm banking.

Be Not Afraid (inspiring Web site)

Earlier today, I received a cool e-mail from someone from Illinois who stumbled upon the Herald Web site and saw our story on the miracle birth of Gianna Kottler ("Heaven Sent"). Turns out this woman, Monica Rafie, runs a Web site called Be Not Afraid and offers support and lots of inspiring stories for parents who undergoing difficult pregnancies. You should definitely check it out... It's a wonderful site that reminds us that, no matter what difficult time we may be going through, we are never alone.

Pro-life vs. pro-life

Looks like Senate Bill 95, which would have required women to have ultrasounds and acquire informed consent prior to having an abortion, is dead. SB 95 not the end of Roe vs. Wade, but it is a step up from what currently exists in Colorado. However, apparently during the testimony phase yesterday at the capitol, Colorado Right to Life spoke against the bill because it was not a 100 percent outlawing of abortion. So yes, their "no" vote was lined up right next to the likes of NARAL, who also testified against it. Colorado Right to Life's testimony contradicted opposing testimony from other pro-life lobbyists and caused the bill to be shelved.

At one point, Joe Riccobono, legislative chairman for Colorado Right to Life, lambasted the bill as “pruning a weed.”

“It’s the regulation of child killing,” Riccobono said, as he argued for an outright ban instead of more regulation.

Colorado Right to Life is only hurting the pro-life movement by sinking legislation like SB 95. It wouldn't lead to the complete ending of abortion but lives would be saved, as ultrasounds have proven to be a very effective way to convince mothers to keep their unborn children. Colorado Right to Life may think they're being vigilant, but when you have a chance to upgrade the law from what it was -- even if it's not the ultimate law you seek -- you take it. No wonder National Right to Life shed itself of this group.

Good news?

Yahoo! had an article on its home page for about a nanosecond before it got buried. The Associated Press article says that abortions are on the decline.

The report, issued by the abortionist Guttmacher Institute (which is an arm of Planned Parenthood), tempers that by pointing out that RU-486, an abortifacient also known as "Plan B," is readily available, as is articifical contraception. You can thank Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter for allowing "Plan B" in Colorado last year.

Naturally, the Guttmacher Institute wants abortions readily available and couldn't care less about murdered children.

"Currently, more than six in 10 abortions occur within the first eight weeks of pregnancy," said Rachel Jones, lead researcher for the survey. "Medication abortion, which provides women with an additional option early in pregnancy, clearly reinforces this very positive trend."

Note the words "positive trend." According to National Right to Life, nearly 50 million Americans have been aborted since 1973's Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. I wouldn't call genocide a "positive trend," folks.

El Paso County declares Sanctity of Life Week

Herald photo by Bill Howard

On Monday, Bishop Sheridan was invited to the County Office Building to receive a resolution passed by the El Paso County Board of Commissioners to delare Jan. 20-27 "Sanctity of Human Life Week." Bishop Sheridan received a copy of the resolution and it was read by Commissioner Wayne Williams. Below is the full text of the resolution.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, our nation was built on a promise of life and liberty for all citizens, and our Founding Fathers worked to secure these rights for future generations guided by a deep respect for human dignity; and

WHEREAS, it is important to reaffirm the value of human life and renew our dedication to ensuring that every resident has access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS, every child is a priority and a blessing, and we believe that all should be welcomed in life and protected by law, and therefore we champion compassionate alternatives to abortion, such as encouraging adoption and promoting abstinence education; and

WHEREAS, faith-based and community organizations and individual citizens play a critical role in strengthening our neighborhoods and bringing care and comfort to those in need, and by helping fellow citizens, these groups recognize the dignity of every human being and the possibilities of every life; and their important efforts are helping to build a more just and generous County and Nation and to build a culture that respects life; and

WHEREAS, by working together to protect the weak, the imperfect, and the unwanted, we affirm a culture of hope and help ensure a brighter future for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the undersigned members of the Board of County Commissioners of El Paso County, Colorado hereby proclaim January 20-27, 2008, as Sanctity of Human Life Week in El Paso County. As we reflect upon the sanctity of human life, we call upon our residents to recognize this week with appropriate ceremonies in our homes and places of worship, to rededicate ourselves to compassionate service, and to reaffirm our commitment to respecting the life and dignity of every human being.

DONE THIS 14th day of January 2008 at Colorado Springs, Colorado

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF EL PASO COUNTY,
COLORADO

Dennis Hisey, Chair

(county seal)

Jim Bensberg, Vice Chair

Sallie Clark, Member

Wayne W. Williams, Member

ATTEST: Robert C. Balink
County Clerk and Recorder

BOGO wine

Not sure if you've heard of this wine. BOGO stands for Buy One Give One and, in addition to an affordable price and excellent taste, it offers a pro-life twist. According to their Web site, 10 percent of all purchases go to support adult stem-cell research. From their Web site:

We offer super-premium, imported wine at a great value to our current demographic: informed, compassionate, pro-life consumers who enjoy fine wine and share in our mission of "building a culture of life."

From what I understand, BOGO was a big hit at the recent ENDOW Catholic Women's Forum at the Penrose House (see the upcoming Herald for a recap).

Hopefully word will spread about this wine for a worthy cause.

99 Balloons

This is a must-watch video that was sent to me today. It tells a beautiful story of faith and love amid fragile circumstances.

National Right to Life boots out Colorado Right to Life

Wow. Anyone care to venture a guess as to the future of Colorado Right to Life after this? I haven't been here long enough to know the group's history. From what I understand, the local Catholics pro-life community has been very involved with CRL events.