Life Fest Film Festival showcases pro-life message in cinema

by Lauren Enriquez

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Pregnancy a disease? No way!

Pregnancy a disease? No way!

Don’t these poor ignorant girls have access to something like Wikipedia? “Pregnancy is the fertilization and development of one or more offspring, known as an embryo or fetus, in a woman’s uterus. It is the common name for gestation in humans.”

Does that sound like a disease to anyone? Disease is a “disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant,” my New Oxford American Dictionary states.

Pregnancy is not a disorder, but the developing of a wee baby inside a mother’s womb. Pregnancy is new life surging within, a new heart beating beside the mother’s own heartbeat. Pregnancy is a mother sharing the blood of her heart with her unborn child.

“To be pregnant is to be vitally alive, thoroughly woman, and undoubtedly inhabited,” Anne Buchanan once said.

Here’s another one, but one that’s anonymous: “A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside … when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.”

Pregnancy is the profound mystery of a woman carrying within her body another whole but tiny person. Absolutely beautiful!

What the image indicates more than anything is a feminism gone haywire. What these girls reveal is a way of viewing the world not based on logic, science, or reason, but on pure propaganda and idiotic ideology.

This sign would be downright funny if it wasn’t so sad that these girls actually believe such nonsense.

People say there’s a war on women. Looks to me to be more of a mutiny by women against genuine femininity and its connection to the beauty of motherhood.

What these girls demonstrate more than anything is that there’s a war on human intelligence.

LEARN MORE:

http://www.lifesitenews.com/blog/pregnancy-a-disease-no-way

Below is my latest column, Politics and the Pulpit: Part One: “Uninhibited, Robust, and Wide-Open!”

Thanks!

Fr. Frank

Praise for our work: During a pro-life rally in front of one of the main planned parenthood abortion clinics in Washington, DC a few years ago, several  major pro-life African-American leaders spoke to the tragedy of abortion on demand in general, and in particular, to the fact that African-American babies are five times as likely to be killed by abortion as white children in America.  Those speeches were among the most powerful I have ever heard on the subject.  The speech by Dr. Alveda King was especially powerful and moving.  That day, I promised many in that group that I would introduce legislation to address the insidious race targeted abortion practice in this country…. This resulted in the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act or PRENDA.  It is absolutely true that Alveda King along with the other African American leaders who spoke that day in front of the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Washington, DC, inspired and catalyzed the writing and introduction of the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act.  May God bless their noble efforts and the outcome of this historic legislation. – Trent Franks, Member of U. S. Congress

Politics and the Pulpit: Part One: “Uninhibited, Robust, and Wide-Open!”

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

It’s an election year, and it’s time to open our mouths, in the Church, about politics, candidates, and the right to life.

Our fight for our unborn brothers and sisters is a fight for freedom and against tyranny; for people and against oppressive governments. Our Founding Fathers fought this fight, and so must we, with the same readiness for self-sacrifice.

This is true for every American. How much more true is it for us as the Church, as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? The Gospel is a Gospel of freedom. “I have come to proclaim liberty to the captives…to let the oppressed go free,” Jesus said in defining his mission.

Carrying out this mission requires the freedom to speak the truth as we understand it. Not only was this fundamental right explicitly acknowledged by our Founding Fathers and placed at the top of the Bill of Rights, but it has been affirmed time and time again by the Supreme Court, not only to point out the existence of such freedom, but also its characteristics.

In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (376 U.S. 254, 270 (1964)), the Court asserted that the protection of citizens to advocate for particular issues reflects our “profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide-open” (emphasis added).

In 2010, the Supreme Court also affirmed the following:

“Speech is an essential mechanism of democracy, for it is the means to hold officials accountable to the people. The right of citizens to inquire, to hear, to speak, and to use information to reach consensus is a precondition to enlightened self-government and a necessary means to protect it. The First Amendment ‘has its fullest and most urgent application to speech uttered during a campaign for political office.’”

“[I]t is inherent in the nature of the political process that voters must be free to obtain information from diverse sources in order to determine how to cast their votes.” (Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (2010)).

The corresponding freedom of the Church to speak and teach the truth — a freedom also contained in the Founders’ recognition of freedom of religion — is something explicitly insisted upon in the Church’s own documents. This freedom is, in fact, an essential aspect of the Great Commission left by Jesus Christ: “Preach the Gospel to every creature.” “Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.” Because the Gospel covers every aspect of life and human activity, the Church must also be free to comment on political matters. In this regard we see the following strong statement from the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes):

“At all times and in all places, the Church should have the true freedom to teach the faith, to proclaim its teaching about society, to carry out its task among men without hindrance, and to pass moral judgment even in matters relating to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it.” (n. 76)

In my upcoming columns, I will help us prepare for the midterm elections by reflecting on how we in the Church have often stifled this freedom, and why it is time to repent and open our mouths.

This column can be read and heard online.

Comments on this column? Go to Askfrfrank.com

Fr. Frank’s columns are podcast. See Priestsforlife.org/podcast

Remember to support our work at Priestsforlife.org/donate

Media appearances

EWTN’s Life on the Rock will feature the Silent No More Awareness Campaign on Tuesday, February 11 at 9am ET.  Watch on the internet at EWTN.com.

On February 22, 2014, Dr. Alveda King will be on Ask the Lawyer with Mike Connors at 6:00 pm ET to discuss Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision. Listen online at www.AM970theanswer.com

Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A. will celebrate the EWTN live televised Mass February 18, 19, 20 and March 11, 12, 13.  The Mass airs live at 8 am and repeats at 12 noon, 7 pm and 12 midnight (all times Eastern).  Repeat airing times are subject to change.  See the airing schedule on the EWTN website for final repeat airing times.

Defending Life: Watch on EWTN Thursday, February 13 at 11:00 p.m.  Listen on EWTN Radio every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 a.m. (All times Eastern) (Defending Life will be pre-empted on Wednesday of this week and only air on Thursday).  Topic: Helpers of God’s Precious Infants.  Janet Morana and Fr. Scott Daniels discuss sidewalk counseling and the work of Msgr. Philip Reilly and the Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, who have been carrying on the practice for over 22 years.

The Catholic View for Women on EWTN
Topic: MAKING THE SWITCH FROM CONTRACEPTION TO NFP.  Teresa, Janet and Astrtid discuss the beauty of the Church’s teaching on contraception and the way Natural Family Planning can improve marriages.  Airing Wednesday, 02/12/2014 at 11:00 PM ET and Friday, 02/14/2014 10:30 AM ET

Gospel of Life: Watch on  National Religious Broadcasters network (NRB), Wednesday, February 12 at 4:30pm ET.  The NRB Network is on DIRECTV, channel 378.  Listen to Gospel of Life episodes on the web at www.gospeloflife.com/tv/.  Topic:  Descendants of Dred Scott & Booker T. Washington

Defendiendo La Vida : ¿SE PUEDE SER UN JÓVEN PRO-VIDA? – AZENET GONZÁLEZ.  Serie conducida por el Padre Víctor Salomón, de la Asociación de Sacerdotes por la Vida, en que entrevista a diferentes personalidades comprometidas en la defensa y promoción de la vida humana. Hoy presentamos a Azenet González con el tema ‘¿Se Puede ser un Jóven Pro-Vida?’  Saturday, 02/15/2014 04:30 AM

Dr. Alveda King is on “Airing the Addison’s with Wil and Meeke” on Mondays from 11:20-12:00 ET and “Changing Your Community” with Emmanuel Boose at 4:00 PM ET and 4:00 AM ET on Saturdays.  Listen online at www.UrbanFamilyTalk.com.

Radio Maria: Fr. Victor Salomón hosts a weekly pro-life radio program in Spanish on Radio Maria, Washington DC. The program called Gospel of Life airs every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. ET. Listen by cell or internet by going tohttp://www.radiomariausa.org/index.php?radiocode=dcs&language=es. It can also be listened to by a radio with a subcarrier option. For purchase of this type of radio call 718-247-9100 or write info.nyc@radiomaria.org.

Radio Jesus: Fr. Victor Salomón will be the guest on Radio Jesus, 93.9 FM, Bronx, NY, every 3rd Saturday of the Month from 1-2pm ET.  You can also listen on-line at http://www.misionerosdejesus.org/.

LEARN MORE:

Priests for Life
PO Box 141172
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 888-PFL-3448
718-980-4400
Fax: 718-980-6515
Email: mail@priestsforlife.org
www.priestsforlife.org

The most powerful pro-life ad you’ve ever seen…was created by a lingerie company! (VIDEO)

What makes it even more amazing, is that Wacoal says the ad is based upon a true story.

I won’t spoil the story for you. Suffice it to say, it really doesn’t get much more pro-life than this:

The ad is part of a 3-part series by Wacoal, entitled “Beauty Inside,” that highlights secret sacrifices made by women that reveal their true inner beauty – the kind of beauty than inspires true, deep, abiding love from the men in their lives.

As Wendy Wright over at C-FAM writes: “What a welcome contrast to narcissistic Victoria Secrets, with airbrushed models (many with real-life broken lives). Their attractiveness, unattainable by most women, may grant fleeting lustful glances, but not enduring love, nor inspire others to kindness.”

“‘Beauty Inside’ elevates your soul. It inspires you to love others. To discover that joy comes when you put yourself second.”

WATCH VIDEOS & LEARN MORE:

http://www.lifesitenews.com/blog/the-most-powerful-pro-life-ad-youve-ever-seenwas-created-by-a-lingerie-c

 

Court: Choose Life Plates Unconstitutional Unless Pro-Abortion Plates Offered

by Steven Ertelt | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 2/11/14 5:16 PM

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A federal appeals court ruled today that Choose Life license plates are unconstitutional unless a pro-abortion version is also offered to motorists.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals heard a challenge brought by the ACLU against the 2011 North Carolina law that would allow the production of a specialty “Choose Life” license plate.

Last December U.S. District Court Judge James C. Fox ruled against the law because “The State’s offering of a Choose Life license plate in the absence of a pro-choice plate constitutes viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment.” The state attorney general appealed.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled in a 3-0 opinion written by Judge James Wynn of North Carolina.

“Chief amongst the evils the First Amendment prohibits are government ‘restrictions distinguishing among different speakers, allowing speech by some but not others,’” Wynn wrote, quoting an unrelated U.S. Supreme Court decision. “In this case, North Carolina seeks to do just that: privilege speech on one side of the hotly debated issue — reproductive choice — while silencing opposing voices.”

Currently 29 states make “Choose Life” license available, including South Carolina. New York is the one other state that has a pending lawsuit over the plates.

The pro-life license plate was one of dozens of other specialty plate options the state legislature approved in September 2011. No tags have been produced after a preliminary injunction was issued in November 2011.

There is a $25 fee for the plate, with $15 going to the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship.

Bobbie Meyer, director of the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, told reporters “The choose life license plate has already raised over 12 million dollars in the states that allow them thereby helping mothers and their families,” she said. “Here in North Carolina, there are 85 pregnancy care centers who last year saw over 46,000 women and children.”

The lawsuit claims the new plates abridge the free speech rights of pro-abortion state residents and the ACLU has filed a request for an injunction preventing the sales of the plates.

Barbara Holt, the president North Carolina Right to Life, told LifeNews.com in response to the lawsuit: “Pro-life groups worked for years to get a Choose Life Specialty Plate through the General Assembly.  There is nothing to prevent the individuals who are suing the state from putting forward the same effort to get a plate of their own.”

During the legislative process, lawmakers rejected multiple attempts to add a “Respect Choice” license plate supporting abortion.

Carteret County Republican Rep. Pat McElraft told legislators the plates will raise money for Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship and “save some babies’ lives.” However, some Democrats opposed the measure because they didn’t want licence plates becoming a forum for debate on abortion.

Despite popular support for the plate, Planned Parenthood officials strongly opposed it.

“These license plates are specialty plates that bear an anti-choice message,” the group said in an email LifeNews.com obtained asking its members to urge legislators to vote no.

Planned Parenthood complained that the funds from the plate will go to pregnancy centers that provide women with real choices and tangible help in an unplanned pregnancy. As the abortion business claimed, the centers “promise comprehensive medical advice and services but deliver anti-choice propaganda.” Planned Parenthood also complained it would be ineligible to receive funds because it does abortions while the plate’s goals are to promote adoption and helping women in crisis pregnancies.

The approval of the Choose Life plate comes after significant hard work from pro-life groups in the state, including North Carolina Right to Life and North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats.

The Tar Heel State is home to over 100 specialized license plates promoting everything from Save the Sea Turtle to NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. The Choose Life tag was tied up in the Transportation Committee for five years and now, residents may be closer to having tags available.

LEARN MORE:

http://www.lifenews.com/2014/02/11/court-choose-life-plates-unconstitutional-unless-pro-abortion-plates-offered/

Son is Born After Husband Keeps “Brain Dead” Pregnant Wife Alive to Give Birth

by Steven Ertelt | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 2/11/14 11:29 AM

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In a case that made international news, a son has been born to a husband who had been raising funds to cover his “brain dead” pregnant wife’s medical bills so his unborn son could be born.

Dylan Benson hit his fundraising goal so he could cover the enormous expense associated with saving his son’s life.

Robyn Benson was 22 weeks pregnant when she suffered from a brain hemorrhage. Her husband, Dylan, went out to get some medicine for her headache and, when he returned, Robyn was unconscious on their bathroom floor, but still breathing. Although medical professionals made attempts to revive her, doctors discovered blood had leaked in to Robyn’s brain and they told Dylan Robyn would never recover.

However, doctors had kept Robyn alive for the past few weeks so Dylan’s son, Iver Cohen Benson, could be born.

As Dylan writes, Iver was born over the weekend. Dylan Benson posted the bittersweet life-and-death news on his Facebook page Monday night.

“On Saturday evening, my beautiful and amazing son, Iver Cohen Benson, was born,” he wrote. “Iver is healthy and is the cutest and most precious person I have ever met. As to be expected, it will still be a bumpy ride for he and I as he continues to grow under the care of the wonderful staff at the hospital.

“On Sunday, we had to unfortunately say goodbye to the strongest and most wonderful woman I have ever met. I miss Robyn more than words can explain. I could not be more impressed with her strength, and I am so lucky to have known her. She will live on forever within Iver, and in my heart.”

Iver was born 7:12 p.m., weighing two pounds, 13 ounces.

“I’ve never been more proud and getting to hold him yesterday was something I will never forget and something I look forward to doing every day,” he told the Victoria Times Colonist on Monday.

“He’s showing hints of Robyn’s red hair, not surprising. But I think he has my nose,” said Benson.

On his website Dylan explains what happened, “On December 28th, I lost my wife to a sudden hemorrhage of blood to her brain. At the time, she was 22 weeks pregnant.

On that Saturday morning, she threw up, and then instantly started suffering from a piercing headache and asked me to go to the store to get some Tylenol for her. When I came back, she was unconscious, but still breathing in our bathroom. I called 911 immediately. The ambulance came, and they tried to get my wife to respond and for almost an hour before we went to the hospital. At the hospital they discovered that my wife had experienced a massive blood leak into the centre of her brain, and that there was so much blood and pressure and damage that it was irreparable.

Devastatingly, my wife, Robyn, became brain dead. They performed an operation on my wife’s brain to drain some of the excess blood. Based on my decision, they are attempting to keep her body alive for up to 7 more weeks (potentially until she is at or near 34 weeks pregnant). Incredibly, they have been successful in doing this for 5 weeks now. The thought process behind this is that if they can keep her body alive and growing our child, it will give our unborn son (his name will be Iver Cohen Benson) a good chance of surviving a c-section at that time. The doctors have said that he now has higher than an 80% of survival and that increases with every day that passes. There are roughly 30 published medical records of this type of thing being attempted, but so far, amazingly, they have been successful. For the last 5 weeks, Robyn’s body has still been doing most of the work. Her heart rate and blood pressure are for the most part working unassisted. It is essentially only her brain that is not working, and unfortunately, she will not recover from the brain death.

Our family and close friends are all very supportive and all think that my wife would want me to try and give our child the best life possible, so that’s what I’m going to try and do. Assuming that the c-section is successful, of course my son will then spend the next several weeks in the hospital under intensive care until he is ready to be released to me.

My days right now consist of a lot of time with family and close friends, and of course time at the hospital visiting Iver and Robyn, and hoping every minute for their health to continue.

She was my rock. She did so much for us, and I can’t believe I won’t get to talk to her again. It is very difficult to know that our son will grow up never meeting his wonderful mother, and that we will have to say our goodbyes to Robyn within hours of seeing Iver for the first time.

Why we are raising funds and where they will go:Due to the stress of this situation, and not knowing when they will attempt to deliver Iver (if Robyn’s body becomes unstable, they may need to deliver him within minutes or days), I am unable to work. The majority of my current and upcoming leave from work will leave me only earning 55% of my salary. I am about to become a single father. Paternity leave for men will only provide me with 35 weeks off from work, and it’s likely that I will be spending the first 6-8 of those in the hospital with Iver before I can take him home. I will need funds towards bills, baby supplies, daycare, housing, food, and transportation.

I sincerely appreciate everyone who took the time to read this and anyone who is able to help, regardless of the amount.

Thanks and take care,

Dylan and Iver”

LEARN MORE:

http://www.lifenews.com/2014/02/11/son-is-born-after-husband-keeps-brain-dead-pregnant-wife-alive-to-give-birth/