Operation Rescue -Late Term Abortionist Tiller Issued Subpoenas

Here is a story I've had a difficult time getting my arms around. It is like an afternoon soap opera, detailed and involved and has been going on for years. Here is as good a place to jump in as any. After this article you will find a summary of how Kansas has gotten after George Tiller includeing the pro-life politicians who want to see justice done and the pro-abortion politicians who want to see him let off the hook.

Press Release from Operation Rescue:
"Wichita, Kansas – Attorneys for abortionist George R. Tiller filed motions with Judge Paul Buchanan to quash two subpoenas issued by a grand jury asking for nearly 2,000 late-term abortion records. The subpoenas allow for the redaction of the patients’ names and other identifying information, making the privacy of the women a non-issue."

“Tiller’s effort to deny the grand jury necessary evidence in a criminal investigation is a last desperate act of a man who is destined to go to jail,” said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. “Tiller expects the court to help him hide incriminating evidence from people who have the legal ability to indict him. This judge has already rejected a similar motion to deny other subpoenas issued by the grand jury. We are praying, for the sake of truth and justice, that this ploy is denied as well.”

The subpoenas were issued on January 22, just one week after Newman testified before the grand jury and presented over 200 pages of evidence gathered by Operation Rescue researchers, including photographs of women entering Tiller’s abortion clinic in the obvious latest stages of pregnancy.

The grand jury has asked that Tiller produce two kinds of records by February 1, including all records of abortions done after 21 weeks gestation between July 1, 2003, and January 18, 2007.

The grand jury also wants to see records in the same time frame of all women whose pregnancies were 22 weeks or more where the woman did not have an abortion “because there was not a determination that a continuation of the patient’s pregnancy would cause a substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function by two physicians who were not legally and financially affiliated.”

Kansas law prohibits abortions after 21 week except to save the mother’s life or if the continuation of the pregnancy will result in a “substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function” of the woman. Each abortion must be approved by the two physicians not legally or financially affiliated with the abortionist. There has never been a reported abortion in Kansas to save the life of the mother.

Tiller already faces 19 criminal charges of illegal late-term abortions for allowing abortions in 2003, using the second signature of abortionist Ann Kristin Neuhaus, who had apparent legal and financial ties to Tiller.

For Links to the Subpoenas, photos and one very interesting web site visit Operation Rescue:
Operation Rescue:

To learn more about what led up to this see Top Ten Stories of 2007

Operation Rescue's Top Stories of 2007

Operation Rescue's number one story involves George Tiller and the Role of Operation Rescue in watching his abortion clinic, collecting evidence, applying political pressure, and praying for the clilnic to close.

"1. Tiller Troubles! Infamous Abortionist Charged! Now Faces Grand Jury and a Myriad of Other Problems
Operation Rescue’s Number One Story for 2007 is a huge one! Abortionist Tiller faces 19 counts of criminal late-term abortion, a grand jury investigation slated to begin January 8, two inquiries with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, and even a small claims action. Operation Rescue’s ground-breaking work contrbuted to bringing these cases this far. In 2008, we should see the results of each of these legal challenges to Tiller’s abortion empire. Operation Rescue continues to exhaust every legal option to bring Tiller to justice!
Those who visit (and scroll down to top ten stories):
Operation Rescue: Will find links to the following stories which should help explain how Operation Rescue has been so successful.
TILLER CHARGED WITH 19 CRIMINAL COUNTS
38 Abortion-Free Days In Nation’s Abortion Capital
KS Supreme Court Blocks Tiller Grand Jury
Operation Rescue Files To Intervene In Abortion Grand Jury Case
Victory! KS Supreme Court Orders Abortion Grand Jury To Proceed
Tiller’s License At Stake As KSBHA Launches New Abortion Investigation
Tiller Sued In Small Claims; TV’s Judge Judy and Judge Brown Want The Case"I am including this material on Operation Rescue in Kansas because I believe they are an example of "what it takes to end abortion". Pro-Lifers in PA and elsewhere can learn from this group.

The Elephant in the Room | 5 characters reject abortion...by Senator Rick Santorum

"If art is a reflection of our culture, our culture - and particularly our youth culture - is awaking to the reality of life in the womb. You hear it in Nick Cannon's autobiographical single 'Can I live?' You see it in the stunning episode of the television show House where Dr. Gregory House's finger is grasped by a baby in the womb during intrauterine surgery. The recognition of the life in the womb is going mainstream.
But the biggest shift came at the movies. In a nation with one of the world's most wide-open abortion regimes, U.S. audiences flocked to see five motion pictures with life-affirming texts or subtexts: Knocked up, Waitress, Bella, August Rush and Juno." To continue visit:

The Elephant in the Room | 5 characters reject abortion in a cultural shift in movies | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/03/2008:

March for Life Video -Population Research Institute Homepage

Eneryone who's been to the March for Life knows it - the crowd is filled with young people. This bodes well for the future of the pro-life movement. To watch video of the March for Life visit Population Research Institute: Population Research Institute Homepage

The End of Fred? - Yahoo! News

Fred Thompson drops out of Presidential race. "Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States,' he said in a statement. 'I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people.'" Thompson's candidacy was supported by the National Right to Life Committee. The following article theorizes about the campaign's demise. Visit:
The End of Fred? - Yahoo! News:

Women Who Had Abortions Join March for Life -- 01/23/2008

"'I'm here to share my abortion testimony,' Susan Rebis told Cybercast News Service . Rebis is part of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, a Christian organization that works to make the public aware of the devastation abortion brings to women and men." To continue Visit:
Women Who Had Abortions Join March for Life -- 01/23/2008:

AFP: Thousands rally on US abortion law anniversary

This article also includes photos - three of the March for Life and one of pro-abortion protestors. They mention NOW at a rally before the Supreme Court but make no mention of the Silent No More Campaign, of post abortive women who protest each year before the Supreme Court.

"Throngs of protesters, many of them young, sang the US national anthem as a wintry drizzle swept the National Mall where they had assembled for the annual 'March for Life,' on the anniversary of the 'Roe versus Wade' abortion ruling" For more visit:
AFP: Thousands rally on US abortion law anniversary:

Thousands Protest Roe V. Wade Decision - washingtonpost.com

The media coverage of the March for Life was better this year than last. While I'm sure there were tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of participants, I appreciate the way the Washington Post has included a slideshow with a number of photos of Marchers along with this article.

"Thousands of abortion opponents marched from the National Mall to the Supreme Court on Tuesday in their annual remembrance of the court's Roe v. Wade decision." Visit:
Thousands Protest Roe V. Wade Decision - washingtonpost.com:

Observance of Roe V. Wade Anniversary - Grove City College

Grove City College

As many of you already know, Life Advocates is hosting Stand to Reason's Steve Wagner tonight in a special chapel service at 7 PM on this, the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Chapel credit will be offered to students. This event will probably be of interest to those in the area.
Steve Wagner trains Christian ambassadors to think clearly about human value and to be wise, gracious advocates for the unborn. His seminars repeatedly receive praise from participants, who enjoy his focus on imparting skills through interactive activities. One pastor remarked that Steve’s presentation "is the best youth workshop I have ever attended." Steve has spoken to audiences in Canada and across the United States.

The Times-Tribune - Changed world since Roe v. Wade

A television show called “Maude” drew 17,000 protest letters during the summer of ’73when it re-ran an episode in which the title character had an abortion.
That year gave birth to convenience in the form of barcodes and Post-It Notes and to genetic engineering. Air bags brought a new level of safety to cars, while a Supreme Court ruling created new dangers in the womb. The signing of a treaty signaled the hope of peace in Vietnam, even as the nation began a war on unborn children and their mothers." For more of Ms. Viatale's column visit:
The Times-Tribune - Changed world since ’73:

Abortion opponents March for Life on Chicago's Magnificent Mile days before 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade -- chicagotribune.com

Chicago Area Pro-Lifers brave cold, March for Life. Mary Grace Bator and Joanne Forkin are two sisters who marked the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade by participating is Chicago's third annual March for Life. The Chicago Tribune reports: "The two sisters' commitment to ending abortion also was unaffected by the brutal cold Sunday as they marched and prayed in downtown Chicago in the March for Life, an event organized by the archdiocese of Chicago. Timed to coincide with Tuesday's anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling, the third annual march attracted about 150 bundled-up supporters to the Magnificent Mile." to read more visit:
Abortion opponents March for Life on Chicago's Magnificent Mile days before 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade -- chicagotribune.com:

The story reminds us that attending the March for Life in Washington D. C. is more difficult for some than others. Tomorrow morning four bus loads of Scranton area residents will be on their way to Washington D. C.
A local Catholic High School is sending two or three more.
Some of Scranton's 40 Days for Life Participants will be praying in front of Planned Parenthood to Mark the Anniversary. Photos to follow.

Secondhand Smoke- Outrageous Patient Dumping Story

"Gabino Olvera, 42, sued the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center for negligence after it discharged him in February 2007, took him across town in a van and left him in a soiled hospital gown without a wheelchair in the heart of the city's homeless area. Witnesses who came to Olvera's aid said they saw him dragging himself on the ground with hospital papers and documents clenched in his teeth while the driver sat in her van and applied makeup before driving off." To read more visit:
Secondhand Smoke:

The Loft » Blog Archive » It’s Time to Change the Presidential Nomination Process

I found this interesting article on Changing the Presidential Nomination Process which, of course, would impact any group interested in the election process.
"The change from 'smoke filled rooms' to putting the power in the hands of the voters was a good thing. However, a new set of dynamics has been created which hurts the process and again requires changes. States at the end of the primary schedule were becoming irrelevant. So, more and more states began 'front loading' the primaries -- moving them up in the schedule. As more and more states have their primaries earlier and earlier, the race for the nomination becomes a defacto national election instead of a state by state contest as it should be." Visit:
The Loft » Blog Archive » It’s Time to Change the Presidential Nomination Process:

Wesley J. Smith to Address Jan.26th Respect Life Prayer Breakfast in Scranton

Wesley J. Smith to Address Jan.26th Respect Life Prayer Breakfast on Euthanasia and End of Life Issues

Award winning author and lawyer Wesley J. Smith will be the principal speaker at the Respect Life Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, January 26, 2008. A senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, an attorney for the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, and a special consultant for the Center for Bioethics and Culture, Wesley Smith will address Euthanasia and End of Life Issues.

Smith left the full time practice of law in 1985 to pursue a career in writing and public advocacy. He has authored or co-authored eleven books including: Power Over Pain, a consumer’s guide to obtaining good pain control with Eric M. Chevlen, M.D.

His book Forced Exit: The Slippery Slope from Assisted Suicide to Legalized Murder (1997), is a criticism of the assisted suicide/euthanasia movement. The revised version is Forced Exit: Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and the New Duty to Die.

Smith’s columns on assisted suicide, bioethics, and other topics have appeared in Newsweek, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, The Weekly Standard, National Review, First Things, Western Journal of Medicine and the American Journal of Bioethics.

"Secondhand Smoke," Smith's Web Log, defends the unique moral value and importance of human life and is read by thousands of readers each week.

Legislatures have called upon Wesley Smith as an expert witness. He appeared on thousands of television and radio talk/shows including ABC Nightline, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, CNN Crossfire, CNN World Report, the CBS Evening News, Coast to Coast and syndicated radio talk shows of Dennis Prager, Mike Gallagher and Tony Snow.

Married to the syndicated political columnist, Debra J. Saunders, he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.

There is still time to make a reservation for the Prayer Breakfast, call the Pro-Life Information Center at 570-343-5099.

Reflections on Elizabeth Ann Seton's Memorial

Dear Readers,
I wanted to share with you the reflections of a friend concerning faith. Thanks for sharing John! Sue Cirba
Reflections on Elizabeth Ann Seton's Memorial
by John Francis Borra, SFO

Friday night, during a particularly beautiful liturgy, Fr. Gilmary, one of my Capuchin pastors, reflected on Elizabeth Ann Seton and her conversion to the universal Faith. Three things in particular drew Elizabeth into the Church: the Real Presence, reverence for Mary and the Church's foundation by Christ. The Real Presence was of such overriding importance that she felt any religion denying it could hardly be called Christian. Indeed, when the very "source and summit" of Christianity is cut out, what is left? As Elizabeth herself might have wondered, can the hole that remains be Christian?

Elizabeth was especially impressed by Catholics she met while nursing her ailing husband in Italy; it was their example, their silent witness that attracted her. How different things are today, approaching the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. If only all Catholics of our age lived the Faith as humbly, as devoutly as the Italian friends of Elizabeth, how different our world would be. At roughly a quarter of today's US population, much more than political influence would be felt: our morality and spirituality would have led many more from the pother of revisionism and relativism and into the fullness of the Truth. Alas, the Catholics most prominent in American society are among the worst examples imaginable: the Bidens, Kennedys, Kerrys and Pelosis of our political establishment. They outdo the most notorious atheists in sheer effrontery. An atheist simply denies God's existence; these self-styled Catholics grab hold of Him, trotting Him out as needed while campaigning, then kicking Him in the teeth during legislative sessions. Of course, few, if any, of these politicians would be in office if not for Catholic voters who've fallen away themselves.

While America's legacy of contraception, abortion and euthanasia testifies to the ripple effect of sin, another legacy testifies to the ripple effect of grace. Because a handful of Italians selflessly lived the Faith handed down to them over the centuries from the Apostles, an American who'd been denied that Faith embraced it. And so it was that Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, humbly enduring the hostility and ostracism of a thoroughly anti-Catholic society, spurred the catechesis of a young and needful nation. That Faith demands we continue her work.

Pro-Lifers Jailed for talking to Abortionist

Lincoln, NE - Pro-life activists Shari McKee and Melissa Abbink were jailed on December 28th, 2007, (Feast of the Holy Innocents), for speaking to Lincoln abortionist Winston Crabb on two occasions in front of his home 10 years ago. Abbink faces five months in jail while McKee has been sentenced to serve eight months behind bars.

In February, 1998, both were charged with violating the “focused picketing” ordinance even though neither had signs and both incidents lasted only a minute each, just long enough to plead for the lives of pre-born children as he walked from his car to his house.

After exhausting the appeals of the criminal cases, the convictions were upheld by the Nebraska Supreme Court on September 10, 1999. However, for reasons unknown, the mandate did not come down until September 28, 2005, over 6 years later!

The last two years have been spent seeking a commutation. The women’s cases were brought before the Board of Pardons, which was very sympathetic, but refused to act because the Board does not review misdemeanor cases. The Board referred the cases to the Mayor of Lincoln, who has refused to act claiming he does not have the authority to grant commutations.

According to the women’s attorneys, the Mayor clearly does have the authority to commute misdemeanor sentences.

“We are asking pro-lifers to write to Mayor Beutler and ask him to commute the sentences of these two women,” said Larry Donlan, Director of Rescue the Heartland. “Be sure to point out that the Pardon Board says he has the authority to do so. Be polite and remember, it is a commutation that we are after, not a pardon. Like the parable of the widow, we are seeking justice for these two brave, God-fearing women. Only Mayor Beutler has that ability to grant that justice. He can do so by merely picking up the phone.”

Mayor Chris Beutler
555 South 10th, 2nd Floor Rm 208,
Lincoln, NE 68508
Fax: 402-441-7120
E-mail: mayor@lincoln.ne.gov

Also, keep both Shari and Melissa in your prayers. Shari has been moved to a separate facility. You may send encouraging mail to them at the addresses below.

Melissa Abbink
4420 NW 41st
Lincoln, NE 68524

Sharon McKee
1125 E. 17th St.
Columbus, NE 68601

Reprinted with permission. Visit Operation Rescue atOperation Rescue

Assassinated Pakistan Leader Benazir Bhutto Was Strong Abortion Opponent

Assassinated Pakistan Leader Benazir Bhutto Was Strong Abortion Opponent: "Islamabad, Pakistan (LifeNews.com) -- The world mourned the loss of assassinated Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto on Thursday, but her death was more than a setback for those hoping for democracy in this war-torn nation. Bhutto was a member of an international pro-life women's movement that understood abortion causes medical, mental health and other problems for women."

Feminists For Life of America RE: Bhutto quotes from 1994 Cairo Population Conference

An Article from the 1994 Cairo Ppopulation Conference
Feminists For Life of America: "She(Bhutto) warned conference participants that 'this conference must not be viewed by the teeming masses of the world as a universal social charter seeking to impose adultery, abortion...and other such matters on individuals, societies and religions which have their own social ethos.'"