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AmP Countdown: Time left until the XXIII World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia : 2008-07-15 12:00:00 GMT-05:00


Saturday, March 01, 2008

UK Millionare could get life in jail for trying to terminate wife's pregnancy

UK Daily Mail:

A husband hid abortion pills in a sandwich and gave it to his wife in a desperate bid to kill their unborn child, a court heard yesterday.

Gil Magira, 36, feigned concern and rushed her to hospital when she started bleeding.

But he tried to finish the job the next day by giving her a second dose of tablets mixed in yoghurt.

Anat Abraham, 41, eventually gave birth prematurely to a healthy son, Matan, now eight months old.

...

Yesterday, the businessman was jailed for three years and nine months at the Old Bailey after admitting the rare offence of administering a poison with intent to cause miscarriage.

It is believed to be the first such prosecution since abortion was legalised 40 years ago.

... Mr Goldberg said Magira realised he had sinned against his religion by seeking an abortion and suggested he would hope to gain access to his son once released from prison.

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Friday, February 29, 2008

Video: Planned Parenthood Racism Investigation

Because it's always more effective to hear it and see it:



Previous and related posts on Planned Parenthood here.

[ph/t: Hot Air.]

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Friday, February 08, 2008

"Why I am an abortion doctor" published in National Post

Read the article, if you wish. It's one of the most-read articles on the internet today.

I actually am going to quote the very last paragraph of what is, overall, a dumbfounding piece.

This is the abortion provider giving his personal testimony about the "enormous personal and professional satisfaction" he gets out of "helping people, [which] includes providing safe, comfortable, abortions":

I want to tell you one last story that I think epitomizes the satisfaction I get from my privileged work. Some years ago I spoke to a class of University of British Columbia medical students. As I left the classroom, a student followed me out. She said: "Dr. Romalis, you won't remember me, but you did an abortion on me in 1992. I am a secondyear medical student now, and if it weren't for you I wouldn't be here now."
I had to re-read the phrase "performed an abortion on me" three times before I realized that what the young woman was saying to the doctor was that "you performed an abortion on my child" instead of (what I first thought) "you tried to kill me as a child in the womb but I survived."

My confusion was not primarily grammatical, but conceptual: for me, the abortion debate always includes two subjects: the woman and the child. For this abortion provider, it is exclusively about the mother. Therefore, the only individual that can undergo an abortion is the woman. The child does not even "count."

But regardless, if it hadn't been for the abortion provider, do you know who also would be here now?

That child.

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Tuesday, February 05, 2008

One small step for the little small ones in Italy

CNA reports:

The directors of obstetrics and gynecology clinics at four universities in Rome have signed a declaration expressing their commitment to use all means to save babies who survive an abortion.

The statement, which is seen as one of the first fruits of the Day of Life recently held in Italy, says, “In response to the chance that a fetus survives an abortion, the life of the individual must be protected and given all of the medical means necessary to stay alive, with or without the consent of the mother.”

Experts assure that in the case of pre-mature babies, “The doctor must revive the baby, independently of his parents, unless it is not obvious that it is a case of therapeutic aggression.”

The signing of the statement comes as Italy debates the possible liberalization of abortion.

I simply cannot fathom how one debates and passes legislation such as this one without logically and necessarily being faced with the contradictions it poses to all abortion practices.

And then you come across as being ungrateful for what has been done. Well, it's not enough.

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Monday, November 19, 2007

"Pope concerned by pro-abortion campaigns in Africa"

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday urged African society to cherish Christian family life and marriage and expressed concern about some "agencies" that promoted abortion in the continent. "A key focus of unity in a community is the institution of marriage and family life, which the people of Africa hold in particular esteem," the pontiff told Kenyan priests during a meeting at the Vatican.

But he warned that "the ills besetting parts of African society, such as promiscuity, polygamy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, can be directly related to distorted notions of marriage and family life," Benedict said, according to a Vatican statement. - DPA

The article makes the point - and it seems sustainable to me - that the Pope's comments were prompted in-part by Amnesty International's continued defiance, as I blogged about earlier today.

Update: The major Catholic News Services have picked-up on the story:

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Sunday, November 18, 2007

Amnesty International digs in its heels, cites uptick in donations

The head of Amnesty International in the UK has condemned as "nonsensical" the Catholic church's attack on its decision to support abortion in the case of rape, incest or health emergencies.

In her first full interview since a senior Vatican cardinal called on Catholics worldwide to stop donating to the human rights body, Kate Allen defended the change, and revealed that only 222 of the organisation's quarter of a million British members have resigned as a result.

A further 105 have increased their donations in the wake of the claim last June by Cardinal Renato Martino, president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, that Amnesty had "betrayed its mission" on human rights by abandoning its policy of neutrality on abortion in limited circumstances. - UK Guardian

Well - *whew* - if the money is still coming in then their decision must be vindicated!

As for being "nonsensical", the Church's position is only "nonsensical" if you disagree with her claim that human life in the womb should never be intentionally destroyed (no matter how it came to be). Which is really to beg the question. Either way, the Church isn't being nonsensical, it just doesn't agree with Amnesty International's way of seeing things. And by the way, Amnesty International used to look at this question same way as the Church.

... so who's really being "nonsensical" now?

Update: Pope Benedict not pleased?

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Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Thompson amazes all with his inability to inspire

I'd like to see someone mount a reasonable counter-argument to the claim that Fred Thompson isn't completely squandering the good shot he had at becoming the Republican presidential candidate.

First, he rambles about Roe V. Wade and criminalizing abortion on NBC's Meet the Press.

Second, he makes off-camera remarks to a FOX correspondent betraying what seems to be his own conviction that his chances are slim.

Third, embarrassing YouTube clips of him asking for applause after another lackluster presentation that leaves his audience wondering if he's finished.

Fourth, he's notably absent from vital New Hampshire, where he's polling a measly 6% (front-runner Romney has 28%) - a state, moreover, in which he promised to be active and where other candidates are delivering!

With this kind of track record, he's setting himself up for a campaign legacy of only being sure about one thing:

He's not going to be President.

In other GOP news, Pat Robertson endorses Giuliani and Brownback is planning to endorse McCain.

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Sunday, May 13, 2007

Sunday: Benedict in Brazil (Fifth & Final Day)

Today is Pope Benedict's fifth and final day in Brazil, during which he will celebrate Mass at the famous shrine of Aparecida and inaugurate the fifth general conferences of Latin American and Caribbean bishops, before departing and flying back to the Vatican in the evening. Once again, this post will be updated and expanded throughout the day, so keep visiting. Thanks!

NB: Complete roundup of my coverage here, the best photos from the trip are available here.

Sunday's papal itinerary (all times EST):

9:00AM - Holy Mass in the square in front of the Shrine of Aparecida [Homily of the Holy Father] + Recitation of the Regina Caeli [Address of the Holy Father]
3:00PM - Arrival at the Conference Hall & Inauguration session of the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops' Conferences [Address of the Holy Father]
6:40PM - Farewell ceremony at the Airport of São Paulo [Address of the Holy Father]

Top News & Breaking Reports:


Important general links:

Papal texts and transcripts:


Notable St. Blog's coverage:

Catholic media coverage/analysis:

Mainstream coverage (linked not necessarily for accuracy, but to remain informed):

The rest:

Special thanks to Amy Welborn, Domenico Bettinelli, Gerald Augustinus and Rocco Palmo for inviting their readers to my coverage. Special thanks also to Teresa Benedetta and the other regular contributors of the PapaRatzingerForum for their incredible industry and dedication to all things Papa Benny!

Note: For the especially-motivated, even more interesting facts, photos & video here.

Note: I will try to watch EWTN's live coverage of the Pope inaugurating the conference of bishops at 3pm, and "liveblogging" some of my reactions in the combox below.

[photo credit & captions: (1) Pope Benedict XVI blesses the crowd as he arrives for the opening mass of the V Latin American Episcopal Council in Aparecida, Brazil, Sunday, May 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Dado Galdieri) (2)Pope Benedict XVI blesses faithful catholic wearing an Arab headscarfduring the opening mass of the V General Conference of Latin American Bishops in Aparecida, Brazil, Sunday, May 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Dado Galdieri) (3) General view of the grounds of the Aparecida Basilica during the opening mass for the V General Conference of Latin American Bishops celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in Aparecida, Brazil, Sunday, May 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)]

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Saturday, May 12, 2007

Saturday: Benedict in Brazil (Day Four)

Today, Pope Benedict continues his apostolic journey to Brazil for a fourth day, visiting a center for drug rehabilitation and then praying the rosary at the famous Shrine of Aparecida. Once again, this post will be updated and expanded throughout the day, so keep visiting!

NB: Complete roundup of my coverage here, the best photos from the trip here.

Highlights of Saturday's papal itinerary (all times EST):

10.30AM - Arrival at the Fazenda da Esperança in Guaratinguetá [Greetings & Address of the Holy Father]
11.45AM - Luncheon with the representatives of the Fifth General Conference of the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops' Conferences at "Bom Jesus" Seminary in Aparecida
5PM - Arrival at the Shrine of Aparecida; Recitation of the Holy Rosary and meeting with Priests, Men Religious, Women Religious, Seminarians and Deacons at the Basilica of the Shrine of Aparecida [Address of the Holy Father]
7:30PM - Transfer by car from the Shrine of Aparecida to "Bom Jesus" Seminary

Top News & Breaking Reports:

Important general links:

Papal texts and transcripts:

Notable St. Blog's coverage:

Catholic media coverage/analysis:

Mainstream coverage (linked not necessarily for accuracy, but to remain informed):

From this morning's Vatican Information Service:

VATICAN CITY, MAY 12, 2007 (VIS) - Today, Saturday May 12, having celebrated Mass privately in the chapel of the "Bom Jesus" seminary, the Pope will visit the church of the "Fazenda da Esperanca" in Guaratingueta.

He will then go on to meet members of the "Fazenda da Esperanca" community, which is dedicated to the rehabilitation of people with problems of drug abuse.

At midday he will return to the "Bom Jesus" seminary for lunch with representatives of the presidency of the Fifth General Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the Caribbean.

At 6 p.m. (11 p.m. in Rome), he will travel to the shrine of Aparecida to pray the Rosary and meet with priests, religious, seminarians and deacons of Brazil.

The rest:

Special thanks to Amy Welborn, Domenico Bettinelli, Gerald Augustinus and Rocco Palmo for inviting their readers to my coverage. Special thanks also to Teresa Benedetta and the other regular contributors of the PapaRatzingerForum for their incredible industry and dedication to all things Papa Benny!

Note: For the especially-motivated, even more interesting facts, photos & video here.

Note 2: tba

[photo credit & captions: (1) Faithful greet Pope Benedict XVI at the 'Fazenda da Esperanca' or 'Farm or Hope' drug rehabilitation center in Guaratingueta, Brazil, Saturday, May 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Victor Caivano) (2) Pope Benedict XVI hugs children during a visit to a drug rehabilitation center called 'Fazenda da Esperanca' or Farm of Hope in Guaratingueta, Brazil, Saturday, May 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan) (3) People attend an event with Pope Benedict XVI at a drug rehabilitation center called 'Fazenda da Esperanca' or Farm of Hope in Guaratingueta, Brazil, Saturday, May 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Friday: Benedict in Brazil (Day Three)

Today, Pope Benedict continues his apostolic journey to Brazil for a third day, celebrating the canonization Mass of Brazil's first native-born saint (Bl. Fr. Antonio Galvao) and then spending the night near the famous Shrine of Aparecida. Once again, this post will be updated and expanded throughout the day, so keep visiting!

NB: Complete roundup of my coverage here, the best photos from the trip here.

Highlights of Friday's papal itinerary (all times EST):

8:30 AM Canonization Mass of Blessed Frei Galvão at Campo de Marte in São Paulo
3:00 PM Vespers with the Bishops of Brazil in the Catedral da Sé in São Paulo
7:00 PM Arrival at the heliport of the Shrine of Aparecida; Welcome by the local Authorities; Transfer by "popemobile" to the "Bom Jesus" Seminary in Aparecida [where he will spend the night]

Top News & Breaking Reports:

Important general links:

Papal texts and transcripts:

Notable St. Blog's coverage:

Catholic media coverage/analysis:

Mainstream coverage (linked not necessarily for accuracy, but to remain informed):

From this morning's Vatican Information Service:

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2007 (VIS) - Today in Sao Paulo's "Campo de Marte" field at 9.30 a.m. (2.30 p.m. in Rome), the Pope will preside at Mass during which he will canonize Blessed Antonio de Santa Ana Galvao O.F.M., known as Frei Galvao, who will thus become the first native-born Brazilian saint.

At 4 p.m. (9 p.m. in Rome), having bid farewell to his hosts at the monastery of Sao Bento, the Holy Father will meet and address Brazilian bishops in Sao Paulo's "da Se" cathedral.

At 6 p.m. local time, the Holy Father is due to depart by helicopter from Campo de Marte airport and fly to Aparecida, site of Brazil's most famous shrine which each year welcomes around eight million faithful.

The origins of the Aparecida shrine date back to the discovery of an image of the Virgin in the year 1717. Three fishermen, after various fruitless attempts at a catch, threw out their nets once more and drew up a small statue of Our Lady, dark in color and without a head. Casting their nets again, they discovered the head and, at the third attempt, drew in their nets full of fish. The three recognized in this event a sign of the divine protection of the Virgin. From that year on, veneration of Our Lady started to spread among the people who called her simply "Aparecida."

Having landed at the shrine's heliport Benedict XVI will go to the "Bom Jesus" missionary seminary where he will dine and spend the night.

The rest:

Special thanks to Amy Welborn, Domenico Bettinelli, Gerald Augustinus and Rocco Palmo for inviting their readers to my coverage. Special thanks also to Teresa Benedetta and the other regular contributors of the PapaRatzingerForum for their incredible industry and dedication to all things Papa Benny!

Note: For the especially-motivated, even more interesting facts, photos & video here.

Note 2: tba

[photo credit & captions: (1) Pope Benedict XVI celebrates mass in the Campo de Marte military airport in Sao Paulo May 11, 2007. Friar Galvao, born in 1739 in the nearby city of Guaratingueta as Antonio de Sant'Anna Galvao, ordained a Franciscan priest and considered the author of many miracles during his lifetime, will be canonized by the Pope during the mass. REUTERS/Caetano Barreira (BRAZIL) (2) Pope Benedict XVI carries a censer during his visit to Campo de Marte in Sao Paulo. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have filled a Sao Paulo park for an open-air mass during which the pontiff canonized Brazil's first saint. (AFP/Antonio Scorza) (3) A priest watches an image of Jesus in front of a picture of Brazilian Franciscan monk Antonio Galvao before a mass for his canonization by Pope Benedict XVI in Sao Paulo, Friday, May 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Dado Galdieri)]

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Thursday, May 10, 2007

Day Two: Benedict in Brazil

*Day Three Coverage HERE*
Pope Benedict continues his sixth apostolic journey for the second day today. This is his first papal trip outside of Europe (excluding Turkey), traveling in the most populous Catholic country in the world, Brazil. Please stay tuned for complete coverage.

NB: Complete roundup of coverage here, top photos of the trip here.

Thursday's papal itinerary (all times EST):

8.00-10:30 Private Mass at the Chapel of the Monastery
11.00-12:00 Visit to the President of the Republic
12.30 Meeting with the representatives of other Christian confessions and religions
13.15 Luncheon with the representatives of the Episcopal Conference of Brazil (CNBB)
18.00-20:00 Meeting with the youth at "Paulo Machado de Carvalho" municipal Stadium [Address of the Holy Father]
20.30 Arrival at the Monastery of São Bento, São Paulo.

Best of the Best & Breaking News:

Important general links:

Papal texts and transcripts:


Most recent headlines:


Notable St. Blog's coverage:

Catholic media coverage/analysis: