Though we do not support everything that Pampers does, it is always exciting to see positively pro-life messages being spread, even though their intent is more than likely for commercial reasons they are certainly doing no harm in promoting this.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Overpopulation Myths:
There have been several articles in the Fargo Forum of late directly related to abortion and I felt led to respond to some of them. I'm not sure that this will be published yet but I'd like to share anyway. - Lydia Benton
"In response to Dudley Wells’ letter, published, Tuesday May 11, he replies to another’s claim that God would always vote against abortion by saying, “but Jesus Christ taught us that what is more important is not strict adherence to church doctrine, but what is in one’s heart, and as the prayer book says, ‘His property is always to have mercy.’” Mr. Wells is right, God’s property is always to have mercy but His mercy does not include acting outside of His own statutes. Supporting a woman's choice to have an abortion is never, in any case, an act of mercy. It is not merciful to the baby, mother, or anyone else involved. It is horribly painful to the baby, as a fetus can feel pain at 8 weeks. The process is not only physically searing to the mother, but as more evidence proves, it often has life-long psychological effects that conflict with relationships, work, and self, which can cause serious bouts of depression and self destruction. Aside from the horrifying and sad effects upon those involved remains the deeper fact that abortion is immoral and ungodly. Science has proven that life begins at conception and ending a life through abortion is taking that life; killing that child. Abortion is never an act of mercy or compassion and stating otherwise constitutes a mockery of God as He is benevolent, righteous, and incapable of sin.
Christ did not teach that what was in one’s heart was more important than church doctrine. If Mr. Wells is referring to Christ chastising the Pharisees, then Christ was criticizing not the law, but how stale their faith was. They could follow the law to the letter, but were incapable of sincere worship; they had no passion, vitality, or faith in their worship.
Mr. Wells also suggests that abortion is the only method available for women for the “trials of birthing and to limit the size of their families” in much of the world. I completely disagree with the language presented as it makes children out to be burdens and women victims. Pregnancy is not a plague. It is impossible for women to become pregnant without involving a male. Unfortunately, what is so often presented as a solution ends up turning into a story of grief and sadness. As many have discovered, an abortion does indeed end the life growing within them, but their problems will multiply.
Overpopulation is a myth. There are 1.4 million children killed every year by abortion in this country. Over four thousand each day, twelve every five minutes, one every twenty-five seconds. One in four pregnancies end in abortion. Oddly enough…our world is so overpopulated that humans only occupy 3 percent of the earth’s surface. Our world is so overpopulated that the entire world population could each be allotted 1250 square feet in the state of
Mr. Wells' letter illustrates his lack of knowledge in many areas; most troubling among them is his mischaracterization of the word of our Lord and Savior. His attitude toward innocent life is offensive and unfortunately, pervasive. I hope he will take the time to reconcile his views with the facts and change his witness as a Christian."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Between the Dreaming and the ComingTrue…..
FirstChoice Clinic Makes its Way West!
As I stood watching the people file into the church, all I could manage was a smile and a silent prayer of gratitude. Could it be that it was less than two months ago that we gathered to watch the simulcast of the FirstChoice Clinic fundraiser in
More than once, I found myself having to close my eyes in order to clear my head. Why? It seemed like a dream coming true! At the end of the day, April 27, 2010, I heard a man say, “Is this a done deal? Sure looks like it to me!” Of course he was referring to the “dream” of the establishment of a FirstChoice Clinic satellite which would serve western
A clinic like FirstChoice is far more than a resource for women and families facing an unplanned pregnancy. After listening to Pauline Economon, the key presenter at the luncheon and Director of FirstChoice Clinic since 2001, I would describe it as a very unique and special presence in the community. Beyond the obvious professionalism, expertise and dedication, Pauline and George Economon and the staff of FCC exude a passion and respect for the sanctity of human life nothing short of extraordinary. Factor in the testimony of the clients who have benefited from their services, it seems almost supernatural. It is a labor of love and compassion which rests soundly on faith in the Lord of life.
Their work has not been without its challenges. Building a culture of life in our world is a battle. For instance, federal funding for the “Make a Sound Choice” abstinence based education program will be terminated later this year. Despite the positive results of this program and others like it, the current administration in
The communities of Bismarck/Mandan and the surrounding areas were well represented at the meeting. Many physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, business leaders and clergy were present to gain
At this juncture, the Economons are working with others around the state associated with FirstChoice Clinic who share their passion to serve the cause of life. The tasks at hand are to secure a location, build an advisory committee and eventually hire a Director for FCCW. More details will follow as progress is made.
Of the champions for life in recent history, few would rival the man who coined the phrase the “Gospel of Life.” The good news about life as he articulates it is worth sharing.
“Even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, every person sincerely open to truth and goodness can, by the light of reason and the hidden action of grace, come to recognize in the natural law written in the heart (cf. Romans 2:14-15) the sacred value of human life from its very beginning until its end, and can affirm the right of every human being to have this primary good respected to the highest degree. Upon the recognition of this right every human community and the political community itself are founded.”[i]
The following sonnet is my attempt to communicate the mission of FirstChoice
Choose Life
You’re scared and can’t conceive of going home
With news of a conception you had dreamed
Would happen in another time; not some
Nightmarish version of a movie scene.
Blinded by the shame exposure brings
And deafened to the sound of reason’s voice
Emotional responses threatening
To lead you down the path of “Only Choice”
But underneath the pounding of your heart
The soft and metered rhythm of new life
Becomes a messenger sent to impart
A hope transforming darkness into light
Awaiting are the possibilities
Available to those who choose to see
Demineth2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Gift of Life Conference
Havilah Benton, 16-year-old, with the Hankinson Teens for Life, shares her reflections after attending the Gift of Life Conference in Hankinson, ND …
Havilah writes:
Yesterday, my sister, Lydia (one of the administrators for this group), and I were blessed to volunteer for, as well as attend, the two thousand and ten annual, Donum Vitae ~ Gift of Life ~ Conference in Hankinson, ND.
This year’s hosted speaker was a wonderful lady by the name of Janet E. Smith. Dr. Smith has held the Father Michal J. McGiveny Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart major Seminary in Detroit since 2001. Her teaching career began in 1975. A world traveler, speaker, and author - she has published several pamphlets, an audio series on Sexual Common Sense, and co-edited Why Humanae Vitae Was Right: A Reader; she has co-authored with Christopher Kaczor, Life Issues, Medical Choices, Questions and Answers for Catholics, and had her own book, Right to Privacy, published by Ignasius Press in 2008, as well as having published numerous articles on ethical and bioethical issues.
Professor Smith's scheduled program entitled, Recovering Common Sense in an Over-Sexualized Culture, consisted of three main parts: 1) The Right to Privacy: How Judicial Decisions Prove the Thesis of Pope John Paul II's Encyclical, The Gospel of Life, 2) Hormones "R" Us: The Mystery of Hormonal Attraction, and 3) The Family: A Path to Holiness.
Although the entire conference was brilliantly organized; much gratitude to the Hankinson convent nuns, Right to Life groups, local advertisers, promoters, etc. Prof. Smith truly shone, as she is articulate, educated, humorous and captivating in every way. She presented a compelling message as taught by the Church, backed scientifically, and most of all, in line with a loving Creator -- a viewpoint on the positive aspects of applying Natural Family Planning vs. (unnatural) Contraception to ones' life.
In the first segment of yesterday's event, Dr. Smith made important connections between contraception being legalized in 1965, to Roe vs. Wade and abortion (on demand) being legalized just eight short years later, in 1973. Contraceptives are most often used for what; to have the ability to engage in sexual intercourse, consequence free and without hindrance of the possibility of becoming impregnated. It is common knowledge that contraceptives fail; In fact, 50% of women going to abortion clinics were using a contraceptive when they got pregnant. A failed contraceptive means, not so much that something went 'wrong' -- dehumanizing language -- but rather, that something went right, (i.e. a conceived child). If consumers of contraceptives are given the means to reduce their chances of becoming pregnant during sexual intercourse, and said contraceptive fails, this does not mean that the consumer's desire to not be pregnant decreases, but rather, increases; hence abortion on demand. Dr. Smith adds to this, stating, "Once you allow abortion it is hard not to allow anything else."
We live in a society where we demand our 'rights', without knowing what it even means to have rights. We are working against ourselves when we support having human rights -- contraceptives, abortion -- while in our very words and actions we are removing the rights, or even the possibility, of another human being.
Objective rights exist independently of our private opinion. Throughout the decades, crimes (abortion, pornography, contraception) have changed from being Recognized Crimes, into Legal Rights, into Fundamental Human Rights, and currently, into Obligations. If we allow society to delegate basic human rights, we are also allowing it take them away. We are deceiving ourselves into accepting a false, distorted view of freedom: doing whatever I want, whenever I want, when actually, real freedom is having the freedom to do what is good. "We have forgotten that is is far more important to do God's will rather than our own will", said Dr. Smith, wrapping up the first segment of yesterday's event.
Dr. Smith continued in the next segment to explain the scientifically backed, widely polled pros of Natural Family Planning vs. the cons of Contraception. Chemical contraceptives and IUD's are abortifaicients, as they break down the lining of the woman's uterus, causing virtually no place for the human embryo to attach, thus the fertilized egg dies within twenty-four hours, killing a baby in the very first stages of his life. Along with that high risk are many others, attacking a woman's health; involving ingestion of synthetic hormones, and severe side effects: Cysts, migraines, strokes, irritability, increased propensity to depression, weight gain, and reduced sexual desire to name a few. There is also greater incidence to sexually transmitted diseases (because of greater sexual activity outside of marriage) and are unreliable for preventing pregnancy. Contraceptives have also been proven to cause psychological stress as well. The woman can feel as though she is being treated as a sexual object. Spiritually speaking, the use of contraceptives isn't health; it is suggesting the attitude of man's ultimate authority, shutting God out His creative arena, and acting as if fertility is a defect and a burden. On the contrary, the Church in their promotion of Natural Family Planning is purporting being cooperators and co-creators with God, while respecting the truth of sexuality and the language of the body.
In a response to an accusation that the Church teaching that Natural Family Planning was the only way to morally (within marriage) engage in sexual acts, Dr. Janet Smith states, "For, after all, the Catholic Church does not teach that couples must have as many children as they can. The Church teaches responsible parenthood . . . Natural methods of family planning do not dump large doses of harmful synthetic hormones into the delicate female reproductive system or as, vasectomies do, threaten male health. Natural methods, which do require loving communication between the spouses and mutual responsibility, nearly always result in happier, more stable marriages. . . The Church knows that there is an enormous difference between saying "I want to have sex with you" and "I am willing to have children with you.” First, (the meaning of contraceptive sex) diminishes the true and deep meaning of the sexual act and turns what is profound and meaningful into something trivialized and casual. The second bespeaks of a lifetime committed to another with all the lovely entanglements that children bring."
In closing, I'd like to say that one need not be Roman Catholic to take upon oneself this loving, Christian, healthy perspective. I believe this applies to all people/Christians, Roman Catholic and Protestant alike. Dr. Smith was a joy to be around and a wellspring of knowledge. I would recommend, to anyone, attending a conference of hers and further exploring the facts surrounding Contraception and how being educated on it, and holding an opinion of Why or Why Not is important.
In Him,
Havilah Benton
Havilah writes:
Yesterday, my sister, Lydia (one of the administrators for this group), and I were blessed to volunteer for, as well as attend, the two thousand and ten annual, Donum Vitae ~ Gift of Life ~ Conference in Hankinson, ND.
This year’s hosted speaker was a wonderful lady by the name of Janet E. Smith. Dr. Smith has held the Father Michal J. McGiveny Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart major Seminary in Detroit since 2001. Her teaching career began in 1975. A world traveler, speaker, and author - she has published several pamphlets, an audio series on Sexual Common Sense, and co-edited Why Humanae Vitae Was Right: A Reader; she has co-authored with Christopher Kaczor, Life Issues, Medical Choices, Questions and Answers for Catholics, and had her own book, Right to Privacy, published by Ignasius Press in 2008, as well as having published numerous articles on ethical and bioethical issues.
Professor Smith's scheduled program entitled, Recovering Common Sense in an Over-Sexualized Culture, consisted of three main parts: 1) The Right to Privacy: How Judicial Decisions Prove the Thesis of Pope John Paul II's Encyclical, The Gospel of Life, 2) Hormones "R" Us: The Mystery of Hormonal Attraction, and 3) The Family: A Path to Holiness.
Although the entire conference was brilliantly organized; much gratitude to the Hankinson convent nuns, Right to Life groups, local advertisers, promoters, etc. Prof. Smith truly shone, as she is articulate, educated, humorous and captivating in every way. She presented a compelling message as taught by the Church, backed scientifically, and most of all, in line with a loving Creator -- a viewpoint on the positive aspects of applying Natural Family Planning vs. (unnatural) Contraception to ones' life.
In the first segment of yesterday's event, Dr. Smith made important connections between contraception being legalized in 1965, to Roe vs. Wade and abortion (on demand) being legalized just eight short years later, in 1973. Contraceptives are most often used for what; to have the ability to engage in sexual intercourse, consequence free and without hindrance of the possibility of becoming impregnated. It is common knowledge that contraceptives fail; In fact, 50% of women going to abortion clinics were using a contraceptive when they got pregnant. A failed contraceptive means, not so much that something went 'wrong' -- dehumanizing language -- but rather, that something went right, (i.e. a conceived child). If consumers of contraceptives are given the means to reduce their chances of becoming pregnant during sexual intercourse, and said contraceptive fails, this does not mean that the consumer's desire to not be pregnant decreases, but rather, increases; hence abortion on demand. Dr. Smith adds to this, stating, "Once you allow abortion it is hard not to allow anything else."
We live in a society where we demand our 'rights', without knowing what it even means to have rights. We are working against ourselves when we support having human rights -- contraceptives, abortion -- while in our very words and actions we are removing the rights, or even the possibility, of another human being.
Objective rights exist independently of our private opinion. Throughout the decades, crimes (abortion, pornography, contraception) have changed from being Recognized Crimes, into Legal Rights, into Fundamental Human Rights, and currently, into Obligations. If we allow society to delegate basic human rights, we are also allowing it take them away. We are deceiving ourselves into accepting a false, distorted view of freedom: doing whatever I want, whenever I want, when actually, real freedom is having the freedom to do what is good. "We have forgotten that is is far more important to do God's will rather than our own will", said Dr. Smith, wrapping up the first segment of yesterday's event.
Dr. Smith continued in the next segment to explain the scientifically backed, widely polled pros of Natural Family Planning vs. the cons of Contraception. Chemical contraceptives and IUD's are abortifaicients, as they break down the lining of the woman's uterus, causing virtually no place for the human embryo to attach, thus the fertilized egg dies within twenty-four hours, killing a baby in the very first stages of his life. Along with that high risk are many others, attacking a woman's health; involving ingestion of synthetic hormones, and severe side effects: Cysts, migraines, strokes, irritability, increased propensity to depression, weight gain, and reduced sexual desire to name a few. There is also greater incidence to sexually transmitted diseases (because of greater sexual activity outside of marriage) and are unreliable for preventing pregnancy. Contraceptives have also been proven to cause psychological stress as well. The woman can feel as though she is being treated as a sexual object. Spiritually speaking, the use of contraceptives isn't health; it is suggesting the attitude of man's ultimate authority, shutting God out His creative arena, and acting as if fertility is a defect and a burden. On the contrary, the Church in their promotion of Natural Family Planning is purporting being cooperators and co-creators with God, while respecting the truth of sexuality and the language of the body.
In a response to an accusation that the Church teaching that Natural Family Planning was the only way to morally (within marriage) engage in sexual acts, Dr. Janet Smith states, "For, after all, the Catholic Church does not teach that couples must have as many children as they can. The Church teaches responsible parenthood . . . Natural methods of family planning do not dump large doses of harmful synthetic hormones into the delicate female reproductive system or as, vasectomies do, threaten male health. Natural methods, which do require loving communication between the spouses and mutual responsibility, nearly always result in happier, more stable marriages. . . The Church knows that there is an enormous difference between saying "I want to have sex with you" and "I am willing to have children with you.” First, (the meaning of contraceptive sex) diminishes the true and deep meaning of the sexual act and turns what is profound and meaningful into something trivialized and casual. The second bespeaks of a lifetime committed to another with all the lovely entanglements that children bring."
In closing, I'd like to say that one need not be Roman Catholic to take upon oneself this loving, Christian, healthy perspective. I believe this applies to all people/Christians, Roman Catholic and Protestant alike. Dr. Smith was a joy to be around and a wellspring of knowledge. I would recommend, to anyone, attending a conference of hers and further exploring the facts surrounding Contraception and how being educated on it, and holding an opinion of Why or Why Not is important.
In Him,
Havilah Benton
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Suffering caused by abortion recognized on Good Friday
Tanya Watterud
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Child’s questions prompts public pro-life work
Roxane B. Salonen
The keynote speaker for this year’s FirstChoice Clinic fundraising banquet, Kay Cole James, said she was led into the center of the pro-life scene in the early 1980s by her young son.
“It all started with a simple question,” James said to the 800 guests who had come to hear her speak March 1 at Fargo Holiday Inn’s Great Hall. “‘Mom, what is this?’ That simple question changed the James family forever.”
James had been volunteering at a local Birthright clinic and had inadvertently left a few posters showing graphic images of aborted fetuses out in the open in her bedroom.
After doing her best to explain the horror of abortion – a legal procedure that kills innocent babies in the womb – to her 8-year-old, another question emerged: “Mommy, why don’t you make them stop?”
Not long afterward, James was asked by the National Right to Life Committee to debate the abortion issue with a representative of Planned Parenthood on national television. She balked, but her son persisted. “Mom, you said that if God gave you a chance, you would do something to stop it. Will you do it?”
James did, and, along with her husband, Charles, has been involved in the movement for three decades now, including as founders of Black Americans for Life.
With her perspective in hand, James took the crowd back in history to how the abortion debate has changed over time. “Back then, the question was, ‘Is this life?’ Science and technology have now caught up with that,” she said.
“Then the debate was, ‘Well, maybe it’s life, but it’s not necessarily human life,’” she said, to which she responded, “Alright then, why not leave it alone, see if it grows into a carrot or something?”
Later, the proclamation, “We reserve the right to terminate our pregnancy,” took center stage. To this, James came back with, “Well what woman doesn’t want her pregnancy to terminate at some point? Give it nine months and, rest assured, it will terminate!”
She also touched on the debate over viability, saying she questions whether children are ever truly viable – able to live on their own. “We had to sell our house just to get our 30-year-old son out of the basement!”
James concluded by saying, “In a free and civil society, there are some things about which there should not be a choice.” She likened the common argument, “I’m personally opposed but I wouldn’t deny that right to someone else,” to the slavery question of old, saying if that mentality had been allowed to prevail, she and her relatives would still be in a field somewhere picking cotton.
“We are Christ’s ambassadors in a foreign land,” James said. “We are his representatives here on earth...If the Lord’s going to show the world love and compassion, He’ll do it through our arms.”
Though a sold-out event, this year’s banquet included 50 more people than usual, thanks to technology. Mentioning a group that had come from Devil’s Lake by bus, Executive Director Pauline Economon also welcomed “the good people gathered in Mandan at the Seven Seas Hotel attending our live simulcast.” With that, she noted FirstChoice Clinic’s hopes to expand to Western North Dakota.
Economon reported that, in response to a White House request, Congress recently pulled funding for abstinence-centered programs, despite important studies showing their effectiveness, making the clinic’s plea for financial support more urgent than ever.
She said the “Make A Sound Choice” school-based abstinence-centered program has been a tremendous success, and welcomed several of its leaders to the podium to share their stories of how the program has created positive changes in area schools.
The evening also included a testimonial talk by former FirstChoice Clinic client Stephanie Malby, who recounted the fear and loneliness she experienced after she became pregnant in college, many miles from her support network. Malby said that through the loving guidance of the staff at FirstChoice Clinic, she chose life for her baby, Wyatt, and has never regretted it.
“I want women to know that an unplanned pregnancy does not mean that life is over,” Malby said. “For me, it was an unexpected turn, but the beauty that God has brought into my life as a result is something that I will be eternally grateful for!”
For more information on FirstChoice Clinic, visit www.firstchoiceclinic.com or call (701) 237-5902. Salonen, Fargo, is a free-lance writer, author, and one of several hosts for Real Presence Live, which airs Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. on AM 1370 and AM 1280.
Roxane B. Salonen
The keynote speaker for this year’s FirstChoice Clinic fundraising banquet, Kay Cole James, said she was led into the center of the pro-life scene in the early 1980s by her young son.
“It all started with a simple question,” James said to the 800 guests who had come to hear her speak March 1 at Fargo Holiday Inn’s Great Hall. “‘Mom, what is this?’ That simple question changed the James family forever.”
James had been volunteering at a local Birthright clinic and had inadvertently left a few posters showing graphic images of aborted fetuses out in the open in her bedroom.
After doing her best to explain the horror of abortion – a legal procedure that kills innocent babies in the womb – to her 8-year-old, another question emerged: “Mommy, why don’t you make them stop?”
Not long afterward, James was asked by the National Right to Life Committee to debate the abortion issue with a representative of Planned Parenthood on national television. She balked, but her son persisted. “Mom, you said that if God gave you a chance, you would do something to stop it. Will you do it?”
James did, and, along with her husband, Charles, has been involved in the movement for three decades now, including as founders of Black Americans for Life.
With her perspective in hand, James took the crowd back in history to how the abortion debate has changed over time. “Back then, the question was, ‘Is this life?’ Science and technology have now caught up with that,” she said.
“Then the debate was, ‘Well, maybe it’s life, but it’s not necessarily human life,’” she said, to which she responded, “Alright then, why not leave it alone, see if it grows into a carrot or something?”
Later, the proclamation, “We reserve the right to terminate our pregnancy,” took center stage. To this, James came back with, “Well what woman doesn’t want her pregnancy to terminate at some point? Give it nine months and, rest assured, it will terminate!”
She also touched on the debate over viability, saying she questions whether children are ever truly viable – able to live on their own. “We had to sell our house just to get our 30-year-old son out of the basement!”
James concluded by saying, “In a free and civil society, there are some things about which there should not be a choice.” She likened the common argument, “I’m personally opposed but I wouldn’t deny that right to someone else,” to the slavery question of old, saying if that mentality had been allowed to prevail, she and her relatives would still be in a field somewhere picking cotton.
“We are Christ’s ambassadors in a foreign land,” James said. “We are his representatives here on earth...If the Lord’s going to show the world love and compassion, He’ll do it through our arms.”
Though a sold-out event, this year’s banquet included 50 more people than usual, thanks to technology. Mentioning a group that had come from Devil’s Lake by bus, Executive Director Pauline Economon also welcomed “the good people gathered in Mandan at the Seven Seas Hotel attending our live simulcast.” With that, she noted FirstChoice Clinic’s hopes to expand to Western North Dakota.
Economon reported that, in response to a White House request, Congress recently pulled funding for abstinence-centered programs, despite important studies showing their effectiveness, making the clinic’s plea for financial support more urgent than ever.
She said the “Make A Sound Choice” school-based abstinence-centered program has been a tremendous success, and welcomed several of its leaders to the podium to share their stories of how the program has created positive changes in area schools.
The evening also included a testimonial talk by former FirstChoice Clinic client Stephanie Malby, who recounted the fear and loneliness she experienced after she became pregnant in college, many miles from her support network. Malby said that through the loving guidance of the staff at FirstChoice Clinic, she chose life for her baby, Wyatt, and has never regretted it.
“I want women to know that an unplanned pregnancy does not mean that life is over,” Malby said. “For me, it was an unexpected turn, but the beauty that God has brought into my life as a result is something that I will be eternally grateful for!”
For more information on FirstChoice Clinic, visit www.firstchoiceclinic.com or call (701) 237-5902. Salonen, Fargo, is a free-lance writer, author, and one of several hosts for Real Presence Live, which airs Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. on AM 1370 and AM 1280.
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