Birmingham Abortion Clinic Operating Illegally in Defiance of State Ordered Closure

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 18, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- A coalition of groups including Operation Rescue, CEC for Life, Life Legal Defense Foundation, Priests for Life, and others, has documented that New Women All Women and abortionist Bruce Elliot Norman are advertising for and conducting abortions in violation of Alabama law that requires any facility advertising as an abortion clinic to be licensed by the state. In addition, the abortion clinic is operating in violation of a closure order issued in April, 2012, by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) due to massive health and safety violations. [VIDEO]

 

On Tuesday, March 19, at 11 AM, LLDF, CEC For Life, and other national organizations will hold an emergency press conference in front of the New Woman All Women facility (corner of 10th Ave and 17th St S.) regarding LLDF's findings against NWAW and the Department of Public Health's total lack of action. National pro-life groups will call for an immediate shut down of NWAW, along with a full investigation.

 

"This abortion clinic appears to be operating illegally with the full knowledge of the ADPH," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman. "It is intolerable that they would allow this criminal abortion business to endanger women by operating in brazen defiance of the law."

 

Rev. Terry Gensemer says, "CEC For Life, Life Legal Defense Foundation, Operation Rescue, Priests for Life, and the community of Birmingham would like to know exactly how the Department of Public Health justifies not only allowing a facility without any license to continue illegally advertising as an abortion provider, but also explain how that facility is now blatantly offering abortions to patients. If NWAW is no longer a licensed abortion provider, then what is abortionist Bruce Norman doing here with a full parking lot on a Saturday morning? And why isn't ADPH doing anything to stop it? These are questions we need answered, and we need them answered now."

 

Allison Aranda, an attorney with Life Legal Defense Foundation who is representing the pro-life groups, has formally notified the ADPH that the abortion clinic has resumed abortions without a license and provided evidence in support of that claim. So far the ADPH has ignored the information.

 

In a Consent Order last year, owner Diane Derzis and her associate Norman were ordered not to have any involvement in the Birmingham clinic. Two attempts by a close associate of Derzis' to relicense the clinic failed. The most recent application for licensure was denied just last month. After that, Derzis reopened her abortion clinic in violation of the ADPH order.

 

On January 21, 2012, pro-life activists photographed two women being carried out of the clinic’s back door to ambulances waiting in a trash-strewn alley, and obtained the 911 recordings that indicated both women had been overdosed by clinic staff. The pro-life groups filed a complaint with the ADPH which conducted an inspection and discovered that a third woman was also hospitalized on that same day suffering from abortion complications and 76-pages of other violations.

 

"We demand that the ADPH to immediately close New Woman All Women and take whatever legal action is necessary to ensure that the owner Diane Derzis is never allowed to operate another abortion clinic again, even if that means bringing criminal charges and locking her in jail," said Newman.

 

We urge the public to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health and demand they take immediate action to halt New Woman All Women's illegal abortion operations.

 

Contact Information:

Brian Hale, ADPH Assistant General Counsel

Voice: 334-206-5209 | FAX: 334-206-5874

E-mail: brian.hale@adph.state.al.us

 

About Operation Rescue®

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Click here to support Operation Rescue.

Christian Newswire

Cao Ruyi, Whose Near-Forced Abortion Case Grabbed World Headlines, Shows Off Infant Son, Thanks Congressman Smith in Just-Released Video

CHANGSHA, HUNAN, China, March 18, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- One of the pregnant Chinese women who made international headlines last summer when family planning officials tried to forcibly abort her at five months has given birth to a boy and written a thank-you letter to U.S. Congressman Chris Smith for his personal intervention that helped assure her safety.
In a short video edited and produced by Women's Rights in China and translated by ChinaAid, Cao is shown being visited by a representative of Women's Rights in China and showing off her infant son, who was born on Oct. 15, 2012. See the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGflQnILPQQ
Cao was five months pregnant on June 6 when family planning officials and other government officials in Changsha dragged her to a hospital, beat her, and were ready to force her to have an abortion. However, because of a number of problems, including no available bed space at the hospital, Cao was transferred to a nearby hotel and placed under house arrest pending an abortion.
Due to the timely intervention of ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu, who personally contacted the local officials and helped draw international attention to the case, and of Congressman Smith (R-N.J.), who wrote directly to the local government condemning their actions, the planned abortion never took place.
Cao and her husband have named their son, their only child, Dahai, which means "help from overseas." She is shown in the video holding their son as her husband signs a letter of thanks to Smith for his vital role in their case. The letter was delivered to Smith in Washington, D.C. earlier this month by a volunteer for Women's Rights in China.
However, as the video reports, the family still faces looming problems, including a US$15,000 fine for the unauthorized birth and the fact that their son's birth cannot be registered. In China's authoritarian system, this means his existence is not recognized by the government and he cannot get a government-issued identification card, which is required for all basic activities of a citizen, including attending school, opening a bank account and even getting medical care.
Click for transcript of the video.

Christian Newswire

Rewarding Corruption

Demonstrating allegiance to the pro-abortion agenda, Stephen Six successfully captured the attention of President Obama and recently received a judicial nomination to the Federal Appeals Court. That’s bad news for America and here’s why: Mr. Six is notorious for using political powers to protect the abortion industry. As Kansas Attorney General, he personally thwarted the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed by Planned Parenthood.


The state’s abortion centers knowingly took advantage of more than 160 minors, covering for rapists and turning a profit off of pain. In addition, Planned Parenthood blatantly conducted at least 39 illegal late-term abortions. A shocking trail of evidence resulted in the nation’s first and only criminal case filed against the abortion giant. But the case — deemed legitimate by every judge who has reviewed it — is stuck. And Stephen Six is responsible.

Handpicked to fill a vacancy by the wildly pro-abortion Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Stephen Six got right to work. Among his accomplishments: botching a strong criminal case against notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller, blocking the release of documents and evidence in the Planned Parenthood case, and pushing for a gag order to silence vital testimony.

Phill Kline, the former Kansas Attorney General who filed the case against Planned Parenthood, is now a colleague here at Life Issues Institute. I encourage you to read Phill’s summary of the troubling turn of events.

So what does Stephen Six — a man who’s never held elective office — get for all these loyal deeds? Another appointment. President Obama is nominating Stephen Six to serve as a federal judge, one of the most respected positions in the legal arena. You and I must stand against this. Stephen Six used the power of his office to obstruct a legitimate investigation for the sake of a political agenda and personal gain, proving himself unqualified to handle matters of justice. As Phill puts it, “Such action is not proper as an Attorney General and is scandalous for a federal appointee.”

Please take action. Contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who will soon be reviewing this nomination. Insist they vote “no” on Stephen Six’s promotion and, in so doing, stand for integrity in America’s justice system.

Sincerely,

Bradley Mattes

Executive Director

Life Issues Institute

Aborted Babies: Oprah, Jay Leno, David Letterman Viewers to See Pictures of Aborted Babies Without Censorship

Congressional Candidate Missy Smith running ads showing aborted babies on key television shows in Washington DC beginning Tuesday, October 19.

See ads at www.MissySmith2010.com

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- Following are the shows where Missy Smith's ads will run:

Tuesday, October 19:

ABC (ABC7 WJLA); 5 PM news

NBC (WRC); 5 PM news

CBS (WUSA News 9) 5 PM news, and during David Letterman.

FOX (Fox 5); 11 PM news

Between Wednesday, Oct. 20 - Friday Oct 22, ads will run on the following shows:

Oprah
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Kimmel
Seinfeld

Missy Smith states: "This is an unprecedented opportunity in our nation's capitol to show that abortion is murder. When people see the images of these murdered babies, no-one can believe the lie that these are not babies.

"These ads will save babies from death, and spare women the regret and heartache I live with everyday. Beyond that, they drive the debate forward until the day we make child killing illegal again.

"Pro-life leaders and the pro-life movement need to see this like a scene from 'Amazing Grace.' The abolitionists showed the horror of slavery; we must show the horror of abortion. We will use all the money we can raise to run all the ads we can run." Missy Smith

Also, go to www.Prolifedefender.com to read George Offerman's challenge to pro-life leaders to help Missy Smith. Here is an excerpt:

"I am calling on the following to link to Mrs. Smith's site: Fr. Frank Pavone of Priests for Life. Gregg Cunningham of CBR and Peter Shinn of Pro life unity -- both organizations that are at the forefront of utilizing graphic pictures and imagery in public. Judi Brown of American Life League, Joe Scheidler of Pro Life Action League, Marjorie Dennenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List, Jim Sedlack of STOPP, NRLC, Wendy Wright of Concerned Women for America, Reverend Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition, Kristin Hawkins of Students for Life, Troy Newman and Jeff White, Life Site News and Life News, Jill Stanek, Rev. Rob Schenck, and Fr. Paul Schenck, and all of the numerous blogs and sites out there who are truly invested in getting the Thugs in Washington D.C. to view their crimes in progress..."

Christian Newswire

Teen Gets Abortion With Help From Her High School - ABC News

Teen Gets Abortion With Help From Her High School - ABC News

Teen Gets Abortion With Help of Her Seattle High School

The 15-Year-Old Was Reportedly Taken During School Hours in a Taxi to get an Abortion

309 comments By EMILY FRIEDMAN

March 24, 2010

A Seattle mother is irate after she said her 15-year-old daughter's school arranged an abortion for her daughter without her knowledge.

Mom says school helped assist in her daughter's abortion during school hours.The mother, whose name has been withheld at her request to protect her privacy, told ABC News' Seattle affiliate KOMO-TV that the clinic gave her daughter a pass and helped her get a taxi that took her to a facility where she underwent an abortion.

The mother did not immediately return messages left by ABCNews.com. It was not immediately clear how far along in the pregnancy the teen was at the time of the abortion.

Related

Woman Live-Tweets Her AbortionSmaller Condoms Marketed for TweensGOP Trains Big Guns on Health Reform BillThe mother said that she had signed a consent form that permitted her daughter to go to the teen health center on the campus of Ballard High School for what she believed were ailments like earaches, or for routine physicals, but not for an abortion.

"She took a pregnancy test at school at the teen health center," the mother told KOMO. "Nowhere in the paperwork does it mention abortion or facilitating abortion."

The form also allowed her daughter to receive birth control from the school's health clinic, the mother said.

But even so, the mother is furious that her daughter, who is on the school's honor roll, was given an abortion without the school notifying her parents.

"We had no idea this was being facilitated on campus," said the mother. "They just told her that if she concealed it from her family, that it would be free of charge and no financial responsibility."

A spokeswoman for the Seattle School District, which includes Ballard High School, declined to comment and referred all questions to the King County Health Department, the administrator of school-based health programs.

Angry as the mother is that she was not informed about her daughter's quest and receipt of an abortion, the health clinic at the school did not break any laws.

A Seattle mother is furious with her 15-year-old daughter's high school after the health clinic there reportedly sent the teen to a clinic to have an abortion.

(ABC News)Under Washington state law, parental consent is not required when providing health care to minors, even when that care includes abortion.

"Minors may receive an abortion and abortion-related services at any age without the consent of a parent, guardian or the father of the child," the law states.

Minors who are older than 13 can also receive testing for sexually transmitted diseases, both inpatient and outpatient mental health care, and prenatal care without having parental consent, under the law.

Related

Women Will be Held Criminally Liable for Abortions in UtahWinners & Losers of Health Care BillThe End of Abortion? Amendment in Health Care Bill Sets Off FirestormT.J. Cosgrove, a representative of the King County Health Department, told KOMO that it's "always best if parents are involved in their children's health care, but they don't always have a say."

"At any age in the state of Washington, an individual can consent to a termination of pregnancy," said Cosgrove.

A representative of the Swedish Medical Center, which runs the clinic at Ballard High, referred ABCNews.com to the King County Health Department but did confirm that Swedish runs the clinic where the abortion was said to be arranged.

The mother told KOMO that she is speaking out so that other parents will become aware of the services that are provided at high school health clinics.

On a MySpace page that appears to belong to the mother, a status message apparently referring to KOMO-TV's coverage of her daughters abortion, reads, "komonews.com front page story! I'm shouting a top my soapbox of justice and human/parental rights!" ABC News could not independently confirm who wrote the post.

CWA Applauds New Proof that Abstinence Works

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Americans have received messages for years from so-called social scientists presenting "evidence" that abstinence programs are ineffective, that they actually increase sexual activity among teens. Now, a landmark study on abstinence education published in a refereed journal, The Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, gives solid evidence that abstinence education is effective in delaying teen sexual activity, preventing teen pregnancy and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases. The study, conducted by University of Pennsylvania researchers and funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, found that two years after the program only one-third of the 'abstinence-only' group reported having sex, compared to one-half of the 'control' group. Neither the 'condom' group nor the 'abstinence and condom' education groups revealed any impact on sexual involvement.

Penny Nance, Chief Executive Officer of Concerned Women for America, said, "This new study is extremely important because the earlier teens begin having sex, the more partners they have and the more likely they are to be exposed to sexually transmitted diseases. This evidence shines a light of truth on the myths that are promoted by Planned Parenthood and those who benefit financially from 'comprehensive' sex education programs at the expense of the well-being of the nation's adolescents and pre-teens."

The study involved 600 Black youths (grades 6-7) who participated in 1 of 4 randomly assigned interventions. One group had 8 hours of abstinence education; another 8 hours of condom education; another 8-12 hours combining abstinence and condom education; and the control group received no education about sexual behavior.

Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, Director and Senior Fellow of Concerned Women for America's think tank, the Beverly LaHaye Institute, said, "When informed, parents have overwhelmingly indicated that they don't like the agenda-driven content of so- called 'comprehensive' sex education programs. All thinking adults recognize that teen sexual activity is harmful to teens and the consequences can be life- changing (ranging from STDs to unplanned pregnancies). Yet, the left continues to offer teens the option of so-called 'safe sex' as though they are expected to engage in sexual activity and that it can be made 'safe' for their physical and psychological well- being."

Crouse added, "BLI's research and analyses show that many of the positive reviews of comprehensive sex education -- self-defined as 'evidence based' -- are misleading and biased. Frankly, leftist organizations have convinced Congress to de-fund abstinence programs based on self-serving, financially-driven myths that have been constructed without a solid foundation in fact or scientific evidence.

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

Christian Newswire

For the Rest of Tebow's Story

You can visit Focus on the Family web for more information on Tim Tebow's Story.

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/

Tim Tebow Closes National Prayer Breakfast in Prayer, But Obama Leaves

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The following is the text and video of pro-life college football player Tim Tebow closing the national prayer breakfast in prayer. Tebow appeared at the event in an ironic contrast to pro-abortion President Barack Obama as the nation awaits a Super Bowl story about how his mother spared him from abortion.


Tebow was introduced by Senator Johnny Isakson, of Georgia, as "a role model for the youth of America."

He joked that he found he funny a fan of the University of Georgia would invite a former member of the Florida Gators to present the prayer.

Tebow joked, "It is rather incredible that a Georgia Bulldog invited a Florida Gator, so you can see the hand of God here."

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who also attended the event, spoke of her own preference of adoption over abortion and told the story of opening a home for the children of unwanted pregnancies after a visit from Mother Teresa.

Reports indicate Obama left shortly beore Tebow's prayer -- and the video of his prayer shows Tebow not mentioning Obama.

Tebow's prayer included his most recent eye black verses worn in the Senior Bowl game, James 1:2-4.

Dear Jesus, thank you for this daytoday. Thank you for bringing together so many people that have a platform to influence people for you.

Lord as we disperse today, let us be united in love, hope, and peace. Lord, let us come together as one and break down all the barriers in between us that separate us. Lord you came to seek and save that which is lost, and we thank you for that. Lord we don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future, and in that there is peace, and in that there comfort, and in that there is hope.

Lord we pray for the people all over the world that are hurting right now.

The verse that comes to mind is James 1: 2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, whenever you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing."

And we pray for the people in Haiti right now Lord, that you make them perfect and complete because you love them and have a plan for their lives, just as you do with our lives now.

So my prayer, as we leave today, that we are united as one because of you. We love you and thank you. In Jesus name, amen.

About 3,000 people attend the event including Obama, pro-abortion Vice President Joe Biden, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, the pro-abortion Prime Minister of Spain and Chairman of the European Union, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, pro-life Senator Orrin Hatch and the keynote speaker, pro-abortion Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The prayer breakfast was organized by the group Fellowship Foundation.

by Steven Ertelt

LifeNews.com Editor

February 4, 2010

Tim Tebow Controversial Super Bowl Commercial

Tim Tebow Story

Brown Victory a WIN for Women

Dannenfelser: "Scott Brown promised to keep abortion out of health care on the campaign trail, and the Susan B. Anthony List looks forward to working with him to accomplish that goal."

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to today's victory by Republican candidate Scott Brown in the Massachusetts special election to fill the Senate seat of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser offered the following statement:

"On the heels of last fall's victories by Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie, Scott Brown's victory is just the beginning of the consequences Congressional incumbents will face this November. Anyone who votes to advance health care legislation that funds abortion on-demand should consider themselves on notice.

"The election of Scott Brown is no accident. This election is about more than parties or candidates. The election is just one more sign of the overreach of the President and Congress. The American people have spoken tonight.

"Further, Martha Coakley's defeat is not a setback for women in politics, it is a victory. Scott Brown's success is a win for the majority of American women who demand authentic representation that reflects commonsense pro-life views, like abortion funding restrictions and conscience protections.

"Martha Coakley's extreme embrace of abortion may have endeared her to EMILY's List and the abortion lobby, but it did little to win votes today. Abortion is never good for women, and it should never be a legitimate aspect of any 'health care' debate.

"Over the past week, the Susan B. Anthony List has mobilized women across the country to communicate the reality that abortion is not health care. We traveled across the Midwest, meeting countless women who countered the feminist mantra that our nation 'needs' abortion in health care reform.

"The message is clear, abortion is not health care. Americans should not be forced to fund it, and medical providers of faith should not be forced to participate in it. The people of Massachusetts deserve a Senator who affirms Constitutional rights for all, not one who puts a radical ideology above the right of conscience. Scott Brown promised to keep abortion out of health care on the campaign trail, and the Susan B. Anthony List looks forward to working with him to accomplish that goal."

To see a candidate comparison from Massachusetts Citizens for Life that outlines Scott Brown and Martha Coakley's positions on Life, go to www.masscitizensforlife.org/comparison.html .

The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 280,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.

www.sba-list.org

Christian Newswire

Dr. Alveda King on King Day: The Dream Includes Us All, Born and Unborn

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., released the following comments today on the celebration of her Uncle's life.

"Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of a Beloved Community where all are treated with respect and dignity," said Dr. King. "He fought against society's exclusion of people who were treated as less than human because of their appearance. Today, we are compelled to continue Uncle Martin's fight by standing up for those who are treated as less than human because of their helplessness and inconvenience.

"The unborn are as much a part of the Beloved Community as are newborns, infants, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Too many of us speak of tolerance and inclusion, yet refuse to tolerate or include the weakest and most innocent among us in the human family. As we celebrate the life of Uncle Martin, let us renew our hearts and commit our lives to treating each other, whatever our race, status, or stage of life, as we would want to be treated. Let us let each other live."

Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, will join Alveda and her family as a program participant in the Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Commemorative Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.

Christian Newswire

2nd Breast Cancer Scandal: National Cancer Institute Researcher Louise Brinton Reverses Position, Finally Admits Abortion Raises Breast Cancer Risk in Study that Fingers Oral Contraceptives as a Probable Cause of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Study is 9 months old, but still no warnings from cancer establishment

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Less than two months since the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force issued new guidelines recommending against routine mammograms for women in their forties, a second breast cancer scandal involving a U.S. government panel of experts has come to light which has implications for healthcare reform.

An April 2009 study by Jessica Dolle et al. of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center examining the relationship between oral contraceptives (OCs) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in women under age 45 contained an admission from U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) researcher Louise Brinton and her colleagues (including Janet Daling) that abortion raises breast cancer risk by 40%. [1]

Additionally, Dolle's team showed that women who start OCs before age 18 multiply their risk of TNBC by 3.7 times and recent users of OCs within the last one to five years multiply their risk by 4.2 times. TNBC is an aggressive form of breast cancer associated with high mortality.

"Although the study was published nine months ago," observed Karen Malec, president of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, "the NCI, the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and other cancer fundraising businesses have made no efforts to reduce breast cancer rates by issuing nationwide warnings to women."

Brinton was the chief organizer of the 2003 NCI workshop on the abortion-breast cancer link, which falsely assured women that the non-existence of the link was "well established." [2]

Dolle's team reported in Table 1 a statistically significant 40% risk increase for women who have had abortions. They listed abortion among "known and suspected risk factors."

Brinton and Daling had previously studied this population from the Seattle-Puget Sound area in the 1990s and reported risk increases between 20% and 50% among women with abortions. [3,4] In the 2009 study, they and their co-authors wrote that their findings concerning induced abortion, OC use and certain other risk factors, "were consistent with the effects observed in previous studies on younger women."

"Obviously, more women will die of breast cancer if the NCI fails in its duty to warn about the risks of OCs and abortion and if government funds are used to pay for both as a part of any healthcare bill," said Mrs. Malec.

A brief analysis of the study, Dolle et al. 2009, was provided by Dr. Joel Brind, professor of biology and endocrinology and deputy chair for biology at Baruch College, City University of New York.

Last year, studies from Turkey and China also reported statistically significant risk increases for women who had abortions. [5,6]

The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer is an international women's organization founded to protect the health and save the lives of women by educating and providing information on abortion as a risk factor for breast cancer.

References available online at www.abortionbreastcancer.com/press_ releases/100106/index.htm

Christian Newswire

Abortion Attempt Survivor Speaks Out Against the Intergenerational Impact of Abortion

I thought you might want to read this from an actual abortion survivor!


MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 14 /Christian Newswire/ -- Melissa Ohden's 19 month old daughter, Olivia, was not supposed to have a chance at life because of abortion. Not because Melissa ever considered aborting her, but because Melissa, herself, was aborted at approximately 24 weeks of gestation and survived.


Abortion attempt survivors, in and of themselves, are rare in our society. Having an abortion attempt survivor become a mother, herself, and speak out against the intergenerational impact of abortion, is certainly even more of a rarity. But by all appearances, Melissa is up for the challenge that faces her in her ministry. "It's my calling," states Melissa. "This is who I am; I wouldn't change a thing."


Although adoption was an intrinsic part of her family and life, Melissa didn't learn that she was the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion attempt until she was in the 8th grade. Finding out the painful reality of how she entered the world truly changed her life and the lives of all of those around her forever, and understandably, it hasn't always been easy.


"Ashamed, guilty, and embarrassed," is how Melissa describes the predominant feelings she had for many years after finding out about surviving the abortion attempt. Even though Melissa felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being saved from certain death, for many years shame and embarrassment at being "so unwanted," and guilt for growing up to be perfectly happy, healthy and successful rendered her silent.


After a long journey of healing, and a decades-long, but successful search for her birth records and biological family, however, Melissa came forward publicly in 2007 to share her story with the world and provide a voice to the millions of voiceless, aborted children just like her. Since that time, Melissa's life has come full circle, as she gave birth to her first child, Olivia, at the very same hospital where her own life was supposed to end.


In spite of all the blessings that Melissa has received in her life, her search for the truth has not been painless, and many of her experiences have been emotionally and spiritually challenging. Sadly, even though Melissa had discovered that she was living in the same city as her biological father in 2007, he passed away in 2008, prior to ever meeting her. With his passing, however, many gifts have come. Although her father had never told anyone about Melissa, after discovering a letter that she had sent him months prior to his passing, her biological father's family contacted her after his death.


"There's still so much grief," Melissa says about her father's passing. Since initially being contacted by the paternal side of her family, Melissa has now met her grandfather and great-aunt, whom she sees on a regular basis. She has also spoken to her grandmother by phone and her father's wife by email. The pain of losing her father and discovering that he carried the secret of Melissa with him all of his life, and ultimately to his death, is still too much for many in his family to handle, yet Melissa hopes that she will someday meet other family members, including a younger half-sister, that is unknowingly living in the same city as her currently.


Although Melissa has never had the opportunity to meet her biological mother, she has communicated with her maternal grandparents by letter, and she hopes to someday have contact with her mother, also. She is grateful that she has been given the opportunity to reach out to both of her biological parents and their families to let them know that she has forgiven them for the decision that was made to end her life, and has lived a full, blessed life.


"One decision, one single moment, can have such a detrimental impact on so many people, living and dead, born and yet to be conceived," is the driving point of Melissa's message. Melissa's life and her ministry speaks to the true reality of abortion and the impact it has on not just women and children, but men, grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins, friends, and communities. Yet it is also about so much more.


Melissa shares her inspiring story of survival and the awesome power of faith, hope, love and forgiveness in by speaking at Christian and pro-life events across the U.S. and Canada, through radio and TV interviews, and through her website-- www.melissaohden.com. Previously a speaker with Feminists for Life's College Outreach program, Melissa is now a member of the Ambassador Speaker's Bureau-- www.ambassadorspeakers.com.


Earlier this year, Melissa spoke at the fundraiser and Day of Prayer for the International Week of Prayer and Fasting in Washington, D.C. She also spoke at fundraising events for Right to Life groups and pregnancy resource centers and also at colleges and various religious events. Melissa has been a guest on Gus Lloyd's Seize the Day, and will be a guest on Daily Life News, a National Pro-Life Radio program, with Day Gardner on December 16th, 2009. Melissa's ministry will be featured on Phil Waldrep's Living with Joy radio show in January 2010.


Melissa is currently working out plans to speak at events for the 2010 March for Life in Washington, D.C. She will also be speaking at the Canadian March for Life in May 2010, in addition to many other events across the U.S. and Canada. For more information on Melissa's speaking availability, please contact Ambassador Speaker's Bureau. For more information on Melissa's ministry, or to inquire about interview availability, please contact Melissa directly at info@melissaohden.com.


Christian Newswire

Pro-Life Activists Warn Senators Casey and Nelson a Vote for Cloture on Health Care is a Vote for Abortion

Here is an update from Christian Newswire:

Our message is clear. You cannot vote for cloture and consider yourself pro-life.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, will join Pennsylvania pro-life leaders in a "pray-in" at the office of Senator Casey this afternoon in Washington DC.


Activists also plan a series of public events around the state of Pennsylvania over the next two weeks to encourage Senator Casey to embrace human rights and refrain from voting for cloture on the Senate health care legislation.


Cloture is a parliamentary procedure in the Senate where debate is ended and an immediate vote is taken on the matter being discussed.


A cloture vote in the United States Senate needs 60 votes.


Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, states,


"The pro-life community wants to make it clear to Senator Casey and Senator Nelson that a vote for cloture is a vote for abortion. Since the United States Senate has enough votes to pass health care reform in it's final version, a cloture vote is a final vote. It is a vote to support the bill.


"Even if Senator Casey and Senator Nelson vote against the bill in it's final passage, they cannot make the claim that they are pro-life or they are interested in protecting the rights of America's children.


"It is hard to imagine that Senator Casey and Senator Nelson would sponsor an amendment prohibiting public money from being use to pay for abortions and then turn around and vote for cloture which guarantees that the health care bill would include taxpayer funded abortions.


"I will be joining with pro-life activists from Pennsylvania today in a 'pray in' at the office of Senator Casey. I will also be working with them over the next two weeks in a public campaign around Pennsylvania challenging Mr. Casey to embrace human rights and social justice and protect America's children.


"Our message is clear and unambiguous. You cannot vote for cloture and consider yourself pro-life."


For more information or interviews contact: Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney at 540.538.4741 202.547.1735

Christian Newswire

Forgiven and Choosing Life

I thought you might enjoy reading this post from October 2009 in the enewsletter from Silent No More.

One of our favorite daily devotionals, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, recently started the teaching with this statement: Walk with God in the freedom of forgiveness.


It’s in the freedom of forgiveness that we find the courage and willingness to be silent no more. Are you living in that freedom? If not, we want to encourage you to consider attending an abortion-aftercare program. Rachel’s Vineyard, Save-One, Forgiven and Set Free are just a few of the outstanding programs you can attend to experience true forgiveness and peace after abortion. Specific information about these programs in your area can be found at www.silentnomoreawareness.org/resources.

Some of you know someone who needs to participate in a program. Pray for God to touch their hearts and help them see the value in going through a program. We recommend a great new book called Over Coffee We Shared Our Secrets, by Julie Surface Johnson as a way to introduce someone to the idea of attending a “post-abortion healing group.” The book is well-written and has real-life type characters.

We hope many of you are participating in the 40 Days for Life Campaign in your area. Experience has shown that when women and men from the Silent No More Awareness Campaign are present at the abortion clinics holding the “I Regret My Abortion” or “I Regret Lost Fatherhood” signs, babies are saved.

At the Allentown, PA clinic, 3 babies were recently saved in one week! Our signs send people entering an abortion clinic a critical message they need to see and many will come over to talk with you when you’re holding the signs. If you’d like to get an “I Regret My Abortion” or “I Regret Lost Fatherhood” please call Georgette at 800-707-6635.

We also just got this message from Edith in Miami:

40 days for Life-Miami is reporting our FIRST BABY has been SAVED!

Elena went to A Choice for Women on Friday morning, around 9:30 AM with the idea of contacting two faithful prayer warriors who are always there in the middle of the week. In spite of not finding them she bravely stood alone over there with her sign "I Regret my Abortion" with her heart focus on her commitment to pray with us for the 40 days. Little did she know that God was already sending kisses her way, and sooner than later She'll be His instrument for LIFE!

As she stood very close to the gate of that place she noticed a car coming in, so she turned toward them to make her sign more readable and to her amazement they made a move away from the entrance and left... "she thought". However the story didn't end there. Just a few minutes later she was being embraced by a woman weeping, and crying, and thanking her, and talking with trembling voice:

"You are my guardian Angel"... "You are the woman in my dreams..."!!!

Then she continued saying that they have already more children, but had made a decision to abort this one. Nonetheless, she was having these dreams where she saw and heard a woman telling her not to abort. When they saw Elena right there, (like blocking their way... that's what Elene always does, she goes as close to the entrance as possible...), she knew that it was a divine sign! They have chosen LIFE!!! And this is only our third day!!!

Another way to be silent no more is to share our newest video posted on YouTube with your email list, www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm_Zb6BgXiM. If you are on networking sites like MySpace, FaceBook, etc, please share the link there too. The new Campaign video is a short compilation of testimonies given at the 2009 DC and San Francisco Gatherings. It is designed to give anyone considering an abortion, a snapshot of what happens when you have an abortion. We also hope it will educate the public that abortion is emotionally, physically and spiritually harmful to women, men and families, so that it becomes unacceptable for anyone to recommend abortion as a 'fix' for a problem pregnancy.

The Silent No More Awareness Campaign has profiles on YouTube, FaceBook and MySpace. Please “friend” the Campaign and add us to your buddy lists, as a great way to be silent no more! YouTube at www.youtube.com/silentnomorecampaign, MySpace at www.myspace.com/silentnomoreawareness and. FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=660289885.

Sunday, October 4th is Life Chain Sunday and it offers you another opportunity to be silent no more. To find the Life Chain in your area visit, www.lifechain.net.

Also a special word from our Pastoral Director, Fr. Frank Pavone:

Dear Friends,

We are grateful that so many of you signed the letter we sent to pro-life leaders asking them to promote the video at www.SilentNoMoreAwareness.org/healthcare. This video takes our one-minute campaign spot and places it in the context of the current health care debate, pointing out that an increase in abortion will only result in an increase in pain, grief, and health problems for so many women.

Let’s continue to spread this video as the health care reform debate rages on!

This is an excellent example of how the Silent No More Campaign operates. We do not have a political or legislative agenda. Rather, we raise awareness, so that the legislative and political debates that do take place will be adequately informed by the voices that matter most, namely, those who have actually experienced abortion.

Thanks for all you continue to do! Let’s make this campaign the most powerful force in bringing about a new culture of life!

Sincerely,

Fr. Frank Pavone

National Director, Priests for Life

Pastoral Director, Silent No More Awareness Campaign

As we noted in a previous email we are updating our records to communicate with you! If you have changed email, phone and address please send the new information along with your full name to mail@silentnomoreawareness.org.

We pray this summer provided you with unique opportunities to experience the beauty of God’s creation and the fullness of His love for you.

Blessings for Life,

Georgette Forney, 800-707-6635, Georgette@SilentNoMoreAwareness.org

Janet Morana, 888-348-3448, Janet@SilentNoMoreAwareness.org

We invite you to submit your one-page testimony to be posted on our website as a way to be silent no more! Send it to Lisa@AnglicansforLife.org. Here are some simple guidelines to help you prepare it:

Here are some basic tips for writing your testimony

- Start with a longer version and ‘boil it down’ to a one page version.

- Be sure each version contains these keys components:

1. Why you chose abortion (who was involved)

2. What the actual experience of abortion and the clinic were like (Comfortable? Humiliated? Informed?)

3. Its affects on you immediately (Relief? Promiscuity? Alcohol or drug abuse? Nightmares? Suicide attempts? Relationship troubles?)

4. Its affects long-term (Promiscuity? Alcohol or drug abuse? Nightmares? Suicide attempts?

Relationship troubles?)

5. Your healing and forgiveness experience.

- Use short, impact statements. They are memorable.

- Have a friend pray for you while you prepare it

Three Pro-life Advocates Arrested at Unveiling of the House Democratic Caucus's Health Care Bill for Shouting, 'We Won't Pay for Murder with Our Tax Money!'

Nancy Pelosi's event was interrupted with shouts "Nancy Pelosi you will burn in hell for this!" No warning was given before arrests.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Randall Terry, Founder, Operation Rescue:

What: 3 pro-life advocates were arrested this morning at the unveiling of the House Democratic Caucus's health care bill. They shouted "Nancy Pelosi you will burn in hell for this!" and "We won't pay for murder!" No warning was given before the arrests.

Who: Randall Terry; Dick Retta, and Joan McKee were arrested.

When: Thursday, Oct 29, 10:30 A.M.

Where: Capitol Hill

After lobbying and performing skits this morning in front of the Cannon Office Building, 10 pro-lifers (two dressed as Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid burning in hell and three dressed as hellish demons) attended the unveiling of the House Democratic Caucus's health care bill. Three (Randall Terry, Dick Retta, and Joan McKee) were arrested for shouting, "Nancy Pelosi you will burn in hell for this!" and "We won't pay for murder!" No warning was issued before the arrests.

Mr. Randall Terry, responds:

"Hoyer says he wants 'rational discussion.' How can you talk rationally with someone who wants us to pay for ripping unborn babies limb from limb with tax money?

"Pelosi, Reid, and Hoyer are lying to us. If child-killing wont be funded, why are Hatch's amendments defeated? Why is Pelosi trying to keep debate off the House Floor? Because they are lying -- child-killing is a key part of this legislation."

Christian Newswire

Pelosi's Bill Supported by Partial-Birth Abortionist

Notorious late-term abortionist LeRoy Carhart at Pelosi's unveiling of health care bill

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- The abortionist who failed to overturn a ban on partial-birth abortion prominently sported a sign at a press conference in support of Nancy Pelosi's health care bill that she unveiled today. LeRoy Carhart is currently under investigation by the Nebraska Attorney General for unsafe medical practices.

Concerned Women for America's President Wendy Wright spotted LeRoy Carhart at the press conference.

She stated, "Nancy Pelosi's bill has gained the support of the nation's most notorious partial-birth abortionist who is under investigation for alleged unsafe medical practices. Pelosi's bill can now be rightly called an abortionist's dream. Under her bill, government money will pay for abortions, even the kind that Carhart commits -- late-term abortions against viable babies that put women's health at risk."

Carhart faces criminal allegations of allowing non- licensed persons to give injections, start IVs and administer controlled substances. In 2007, his legal challenge to overturn a federal ban against partial- birth abortions failed at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

Christian Newswire

Pro-Life Democrats Hold 40 Votes to Help Pass Health Care Reform in House

Tax Payer Funded Abortions Could Force 40 Votes for Health Care Reform to Switch

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Democrats For Life of America announced today that they have 40 votes that will vote against the House health care reform legislation if tax payer funded abortion language is not removed from the bill.

"I want to be clear, pro-life Democrats want to help pass health care reform but our coalition can in no- way support reform that includes tax payer funded abortions. If the leadership will remove that language, we feel confident that we can deliver enough votes to help put this much needed reform over the top in the House," said Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats For Life of America.

At issue for the 40 vote coalition is the refusal of the House leadership to include language that would prevent abortions to be paid for in health care reform. For roughly 30 years, pro-choice and pro-life Members have agreed that appropriations should not include any money for abortions at tax payer expense. The so- called "Hyde language" is the standard that both sides have agreed upon for decades. Hyde language would prevent tax payer funded abortions in appropriations bills. Several attempts to insert such language was rebuffed by House leadership throughout the committee and mark-up process in the House.

"We believe in a big-tent Democratic Party, but to not allow Hyde language to be included in health care reform would force some pro-choice and pro-life Democrats to vote against health care reform. If we add this language, we believe we can help Speaker Pelosi get the votes to pass this legislation," said Day.

Christian Newswire

Late-term Abortionist Martin Haskell Above the Law and Dangerous

Operation Rescue also seeks women who have had abortions in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio, Oct. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- Operation Rescue has released a three-part report documenting how late- term abortionist Martin Haskell has used his considerable influence over years of legal wrangling in order to keep his Dayton abortion clinic open even though it does not meet the safety requirements prescribed by law.

Haskell is most famous for being the first to describe the partial birth abortion method, one he falsely claims to have invented.

Part One of the report recounts the arduous legal battle to compel Haskell's compliance only to end with the state granting Haskell a "variance" from having to comply with laws requiring clinics to obtain transfer agreements with local hospitals. To this day, Haskell has no hospital privileges in the Dayton area, and no hospital will grant him a transfer agreement.

Part Two of the report documents with actual tapes of 9-1-1 calls made earlier this year, that his Dayton area abortion clinics remains unsafe. It further exposes accomplices in the Dayton area that enable the Haskell clinic to remain open in spite of the dangers to women.

Part Three documents connections between Haskell and his wife, Valerie, to social institutions and politicians who may have helped cover for Haskell over the years. It reveals a shocking connection between the Haskells and former Sen. John Glenn, who accepted Haskell campaign contributions then went on to defend partial birth abortions on the floor of the Senate and nominate a Federal Court judge who was the only judge ever to rule in Haskell's favor.

"If Haskell is considered by every hospital in the Dayton area to be unqualified to treat patients at their facilities, then he shouldn't be allowed to practice at all," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, recently named by CNN the "abortionists' No. 1 foe."

Operation Rescue also outlines a three-point action plan for using peaceful, legal means to stop Haskell's Dayton area abortion clinic from continuing illegal operations.

"This is the first step in a plan to protect women from Haskell's dangerous abortion operation. We are committed to helping the people of Ohio rid their state of this scourge," said Newman.

"We are also seeking to speak with women who have had abortions at Haskell clinics in the past year. We encourage anyone with information that could lead to the closure of Haskell's clinic to contact us immediately."

Read the report:

Part 1; Part 2; Part 3

About Operation Rescue®

Operation Rescue is one of the leading pro-life Christian activist organizations in the nation and has become a strong voice for the pro-life movement in America. Operation Rescue is now headquartered in a former abortion clinic that it bought and closed in 2006. From there, Operation Rescue launches its innovative new strategies across the nation, exposing and closing abortion clinics through peaceful, legal means. Its activities are on the cutting edge of the abortion issue, taking direct action to stop abortion and ultimately restore legal personhood to the pre- born in obedience to biblical mandates.

Christian Newswire