August 2014 Newsletter
Posted By cmbuuck on September 22, 2014
Life Affirming News
Indiana’s 2013 Abortion Rate Continues Downward Trend
INDIANAPOLIS – An analysis of recently released abortion figures for 2013 by the Indiana State Department of Health shows the abortion rate continues on a downward trend. In 2013, there were 8,027 abortions in Indiana, compared to 2012’s rate of 8,808, or an 8.9 percent drop.
The abortion figures show that 2013 marked the fifth consecutive year of drops in the statewide abortion rate. Last year’s 8,027 abortions also mark a more than 50 percent drop in abortions since the all-time high of 16,505 abortions in 1980. Last year was the lowest number of abortions in Indiana since 1975, or one year after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide.
“We are encouraged that the number of abortions in Indiana continues to drop, but we mourn the loss of 8,027 unborn boys and girls,” stated Mike Fichter, President and CEO of Indiana Right to Life. “We look forward to the day when the abortion rate is zero. Until then, we will continue to work with our partners in the pro-life community to provide positive alternatives for women facing unplanned or complicated pregnancies. Women don’t need to feel like abortion is their only option; thousands of Hoosiers are ready to provide support to both mother and child during pregnancy and after birth.”
The full state report is available at: www.in.gov/isdh/reports/itp/2013/index.htm
Pennsylvania Enacts Law to Provide Moms-To-Be with Evidence-Based Information about Down Syndrome
PA Senator Vukovich’s Press Release, “Chloe’s Law Now Act 130 of 2014”; 7/29/14 – NRL News Today
“Chloe’s Law” ensures greater access to available help.
On July 18, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett signed into law the “Down Syndrome Prenatal and Postnatal Education Act” (otherwise known as “Chloe’s Law”).
Pennsylvania became the 7th state to implement legislation intended to provide factual and supportive information to new and expectant parents who receive the prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome to obtain the support and education needed to care for and enhance the quality of life for their child.
The legislation passed on a rare bipartisan vote, 50-0 in the Senate and 196-4 in the House.
The bill was named after Chloe Kondrick, an 11-year-old child with Down syndrome, who became the inspiration of the measure. Shortly after Chloe’s parents discovered her condition, they devoted themselves to early intervention efforts to help her physical and mental development.
Under the Act, Pennsylvania’s Department of Health will make available up-to-date, evidence-based information about Down Syndrome that has been reviewed by medical experts and national Down Syndrome organizations. The information will include physical, developmental, educational and psychosocial outcomes; life expectancy; clinical course; intellectual and functional development; treatment options. It will also include contact information for First Call programs, support services, hotlines specific to Down Syndrome, relevant resource centers, clearinghouses and national and local Down Syndrome organizations.
“Man’s Best Schemes”
Pastor Ken Klaus / Daily Devotions / Lutheran Hour Ministries / July 29, 2014
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. Psalm 19:7-9
It was the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, who wrote, “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft agley, An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, For promis’d joy!” It was his simple way of saying humankind makes grand plans, but the benefits often fall far short of what had been promised.
Burns’ poem also provides an adequate summary of a recent presentation made by Professor Theo Boer to England’s House of Lords. The topic was “the legalization of euthanasia” and the Dutch scholar shared why he had gone from supporting, to opposing, euthanasia.
Boer said that, in 2007, when euthanasia became allowable in the Netherlands, he and his colleagues thought they had crafted a pretty solid plan. Since then, having followed more than 4,000 cases, Boer says their best laid schemes have gang agley (gone wrong.) Some of the major points of Dr. Boer’s speech were the following:
1. Assisted suicides are occurring more frequently among those who are lonely, older, bereaved, who have psychiatric problems or dementia. Boer added, “Some of these patients could have lived for years or decades.”
2. Public opinion about euthanasia is changing. He says tremendous pressure is being placed on doctors by individuals and family members who seem to think relatives are disposable.
3. The numbers of assisted suicides are rising 15 percent annually.
In conclusion, Dr. Boer observed, “Once the genie is out of the bottle, it is not likely to ever go back in again ….” and then he urged, “Don’t repeat our mistake.”
The doctor has given some good advice.
Although he didn’t speak in theological terms, Dr. Boer recognizes it’s all too easy for one sin to lead to another, and then to another, and to yet another. In America we removed the religious moral compass from our children and now we are shocked when some sad soul murders his classmates. We removed morality from our youngster’s education, and we are surprised to see high schoolers “sexting.”
It is tragic to see what occurs anytime humankind thinks it knows better than, and can improve upon, the Lord’s directives. Far better for individuals, families, and all who are in authority, to look to the Lord for guidance and direction. Nobody knows what is better for us than the Lord who has created, redeemed, calls and keeps us.
This is why we say we can do no better than to listen to the Lord. After all, the alternative is “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft agley, An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, For promis’d joy!”
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, how sad You must be to see the world never learns. Your ways are best. How disappointed You must be when humankind disregards the Savior and tries to save itself. May we, Your adopted children, do better. In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.