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Inside the NRLC State Legislative
Strategy Conference Part Three of Four By Dave Andrusko In Parts One and Two today, we talk about the formal agenda that pro-lifers from around the country came to Washington, DC to absorb and learn how to apply to their respective states. But there many personal touches that made a day already rich in information bountiful in camaraderie as well.
As a writer, I know the first rule is not to lead with your best example, but this is too good to hold back. Making it possible for women about to abort to see an ultrasound of their unborn child was second only to the topic of passing legislation to prevent the abortion of unborn children capable of feeling pain in terms of time and emphasis Tuesday. There are many studies that demonstrate when an abortion-inclined woman sees her child in "real-time," a huge percentage will choose life. That is why the usual suspects fiercely oppose these laws. NRLC Director of State Legislation Mary Spaulding Balch, herself a mother, was making the point that ultrasounds impress on parents the continuity of life --how the child they see in the womb is so much like the child they will welcome later. She talked about one of her pregnancies. She saw what is, by today's standards, a relatively primitive black-and-white ultrasound image of her daughter. "I was on the table with my legs crossed at the ankles," Mary said with a laugh. "When I looked up I saw an image of Bridget--her legs were crossed at the ankles." During the question and answer sessions and over lunch, we got to know each other a lot better. I was so impressed by the caliber of the lobbyists and executive directors and legislative aides, many of whom were relatively new to their duties. They may be new, but the sophistication of their inquiries illustrated they are more than up the task. Sharing stories is often one of the most important benefits of attending a conference. In this instance in state after state we heard the good news of entire legislative bodies flipping from pro-abortion to pro-life and how (in gubernatorial races) an incredible 13 pro-life Republicans replaced 13 pro-abortion Democrats which resulted in a net gain of 11 pro-life governors (in two states retiring pro-life governors were replaced by pro-abortionists). That will make a difference. In Iowa PPFA is developing a prototype to greatly expand its grisly reach by means of Web-cam abortions. As we've reported, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland has set up a video conferencing system at many of its smaller or more remote clinics. The abortionist, located at a larger office in Des Moines, uses a closed circuit to talk with a woman he sees over a computer video screen. If she indicates she wants a chemical abortion and he is satisfied with her responses to a few medical questions, the abortionist clicks a mouse which releases a drawer miles away at her location. Inside are the abortifacient RU486 and the powerful prostaglandin misoprostol which stimulates the contractions needed to expel the tiny corpse. The woman never actually is in the same room as the doctor and he never does an actual physical exam. A representative from Iowa told us the incoming governor has made his opposition to Web-cam abortions unmistakably clear. She also noted that Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which heretofore has been constantly quoted, has been conspicuously silent. Please send your comments on Today's News & Views and National Right to Life News Today to daveandrusko@gmail.com. If you like, join those who are following me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/daveha. |
