Girls would be required to talk with a guidance counselor or health professional before having an abortion under a bill proposed by a Tilton lawmaker.

The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Kathy Sgambati requires minors to get information about carrying a pregnancy to full term and adoption. Counselors also would be required to discuss the possibility of involving a girl's parents.

I often think about the choice I made as a teenager. I have no regrets. I am the mother I am to the boys I adore because of all the decisions I've made in my life, including abortion. Still, my sons are my own because other pregnant girls didn't make the same choice I did.

I can't shake a nagging ambivalence about that.

I had my excuses, though. Adoption was shrouded in secrecy and shame when I became pregnant at 18. Abortion offered what seemed the only solution to a problem so big it seemed capable of devouring me.

It was abortion or end up like Janice, a student at my Connecticut high school who carried her baby to term and placed it for adoption under the stare of snickering classmates. Even now, some 30 years later, if someone doesn't remember her name they call her "the girl who had the baby."

Those of us who had abortions are remembered as cheerleaders and honor students.

Expectant mother Lorraine Allard learned the devastating news that she was in the advanced stages of liver cancer when she was four months pregnant, according to the Daily Mail.

Allard, of St. Olaves in the U.K., had a choice: Delay treatment to save her baby, or terminate the pregnancy to save herself.

She chose the former, waiting until the fetus was viable before scheduling a Caesarean section.

"If I am going to die, my baby is going to live," Allard told her husband, Martyn, according to the Mail.

The baby came a week early and Allard, 33, gave birth on Nov. 18 to a healthy but premature boy she named Liam.

Exactly two months later, Allard died. She'd begun chemotherapy just after her son's birth. But in the end, it was too late.

Doctors believe Allard had bowel cancer that had gone undetected for years, eventually spreading to her liver. She realized something was wrong after she began suffering from stomach cramps, and tests revealed that her liver was covered with malignant tumors, the Mail reported.

"The doctors said they couldn't do anything because she was pregnant," Martyn Allard, 34, told the Mail. "She told them straight away they were not going to get rid of it. She'd have lost the will to fight."

"What I am questioning is the propriety, indeed, the sanity of letting value-laden decisions such as these be made for the entire society," Scalia told the students at Mississippi State University in a speech.

"Even if there were scientific right answers, there would be no reason to believe that law-trained professionals could discern those answers better than say medical doctors or engineers or ethicists or Mr. Joe Six Pack," Scalia added, according to an Associated Press report.

"Our judges' lack of special qualifications to deal with such questions is disguised by the fact that they provided their answers in classic legal opinion form. It is blindingly clear that judges have no greater capacity than the rest of us to determine what is moral," Scalia said.

Scalia said, as recently as October, that no right to abortion exists in the Constitution.

Some people might think, after listening to Wilkins' experiences, that she'd be against abortion.

"No, not at all," she said. "That's why they call it 'choice' and I'm more than happy to support any woman whatever her choice may be. Just because it wasn't the right choice for me, doesn't mean it isn't the right choice for someone else. I think that's what many who support and oppose abortion have forgotten."

Roe v. Wade, she says, isn't really about or limited to abortion.

"The decision handed down by the Supreme Court was done as a reaction to abortion, but it really, I think, speaks about medical privacy and medical choice in general," Wilkins said. "The court said, basically, no person can force another person to have a medical procedure against his or her will. It also said that each of us have a right to care for and make decisions based on our own well-being. Finally, we should all be able to make those decisions as publicly or as privately as we wish."

"When I'm President, I will appoint judges to our courts who understand that Roe v. Wade isn't just binding legal precedent," Clinton said in the statement LifeNews.com obtained.

She said the judges would share her view that Roe "is the touchstone of our reproductive freedom, the embodiment of our most fundamental rights, and no one - no judge, no governor, no Senator, no President - has the right to take it away."

Clinton opposed the nominations of Justices Alito and Roberts to the Supreme Court because, as her campaign said in the statement, "she believed they represented the greatest threat to Roe since it was decided."

"On the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I am reaffirming my commitment to safe, legal, and rare abortion," Clinton added.

"Ron Paul states, 'The right of an innocent, unborn child to life is at the heart of the American ideals of liberty.'

"I support Ron Paul for president because we share the same goal, that of overturning Roe v Wade. Ron Paul doesn't just talk about being pro-life, he acts on it. His voting record truly is impeccable and he undoubtedly understands our constitutional republic and the inalienable right to life for all. Ron Paul is the prime author of H.R. 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v. Wade. As the signor of the affidavit that legalized abortion 35 years ago I appreciate Ron Paul's action to restore protection for the unborn. Ron Paul has also authored H.R. 1094 in Congress, which seeks to define life as beginning at conception. He has never wavered on the issue of being pro-life and has a voting record to prove it. He understands the importance of civil liberties for all, including the unborn.

"After taking all of the presidential candidates into consideration, it is obvious that Ron Paul is the only one that doesn't just talk the talk. For this reason and those stated above, I am publicly endorsing Ron Paul for president."

I see people with a deep conviction that even the most vulnerable member of the human family is a child of God. You're here because you know that all life deserves to be protected. And as you begin your march, I'm proud to be standing with you.

Thirty-five years ago today the United States Supreme Court declared and decided that under the law an unborn child is not considered a person. But we know many things about the unborn. Biology confirms that from the start each unborn child is a separate individual with his or her own genetic code. Babies can now survive outside the mother's womb at younger and younger ages. And the fingers and toes and beating hearts that we can see on an unborn child's ultrasound come with something that we cannot see: a soul.

Today we're heartened -- we're heartened by the news that the number of abortions is declining. But the most recent data reports that more than one in five pregnancies end in an abortion. America is better than this, so we will continue to work for a culture of life where a woman with an unplanned pregnancy knows there are caring people who will support her; where a pregnant teen can carry her child and complete her education; where the dignity of both the mother and child is honored and cherished.

We aspire to build a society where each one of us is welcomed in life and protected in law. We haven't arrived, but we are making progress. Here in Washington we passed good laws that promote adoption and extend legal protection to children who are born despite abortion attempts. We came together to ban the cruel practice of partial birth abortion. And in the past year we have prevented that landmark law from being rolled back.

We've seen the dramatic breakthroughs in stem cell research that it is possible to advance medical science while respecting the sanctity of life. Building a culture of life requires more than law; it requires changing hearts. And as we reach out to others and find common ground, we can see the glimmerings of a new America on a far shore. This America is rooted in our belief that in a civilized society, the strong protect the weak. This America is nurtured by people like you, who speak up for the weak and the innocent. This America is the destiny of a people whose founding document speaks of the right to life that is a gift of our Creator, not a grant of the state.

My friends, the time is short and your march is soon. As you give voice to the voiceless I ask you to take comfort from this: The hearts of the American people are good. Their minds are open to persuasion. And our history shows that a cause rooted in human dignity and appealing to the best instincts of the American people cannot fail. So take heart.

Take heart, be strong, and go forth. May God bless you.

Bishop Abelardo Mata of Esteli and president of the Nicaraguan Association for Human Rights announced this week that his organization will continue to call for legal action against nine activists from the "Women's Network Against Violence" over the case of Rosita, a girl raped by her stepfather and used by feminists to advance their agenda of legalizing abortion.

"Legal action is not an act of vengeance, but rather a desire to see justice be done," Bishop Mata said.

In 2003, the Women's Network Against Violence orchestrated an abortion for "Rosita", who became pregnant at the age of 9 after she was raped by her stepfather, Francisco Fletes Sanchez, who accused a neighbor of committing the act.

Based on the testimony of Fletes, the feminist organization launched a campaign that included the publishing of a book and news reports broadcast in 2007 in the US and Latin America by a popular cable network.

Last year Rosita, now 14 year-old, was discovered to be pregnant again, and DNA tests proved the stepfather had raped her again. The girl's mother, Maria de los Santos Esquivel, finally confessed that the stepfather was indeed responsible for the girl's first pregnancy.

Bishop Mata's call for legal action against the Women's Network Against Violence is based on the legitimate suspicion that the feminists knew who the real culprit was and hid his identity in order to continue with their campaign to get officials to authorize an abortion.

The Family Research Council is providing a first class meeting facility just a few blocks from the annual March for Life, the massive pro-life event which draws tens of thousands of pro-lifers (some estimate the crowd at well over 100,000) . A morning session is scheduled before the March with over a dozen well-known pro-life speakers including Kevin McCullough (MC), Jill Stanek, Judie Brown, Eric Scheidler, Barbara Curtis, Dawn Eden, Phill Kline, Michael New, Michael Illions, Maggie Datiles, Michelena Fredenburg, Peter Shinn and Rep. Chris Smith.

Yes, it will be action-packed and lively!

An afternoon session from Noon to 4 PM will be held in a luxurious room close to the Capitol building overlooking the March for Life. Internet access will be provided for live-blogging and a 50-inch flat screen monitor will broadcast the Rally and March for Life as it occurs. In addition, several pro-life leaders will be available for interviews and commentary.

Seventeen magazine is a great gift to the youth of our nation. Before the magazine's February issue, our nation's adolescent girls were in danger of "accidentally" falling into pregnancy, or so their cover implies: "Shocking Ways You Could Get PREGNANT By Accident."

Last time I checked, pregnancy results from an activity that requires some effort, some decision-making. Seventeen's editors, however, don't seem to live in my reality. Instead, It buys into the same dangerous and conventional wisdom that kids will have sex -- end of conversation. So all adults can do is help them prevent disease and pregnancy.

A cover piece relates to the magazine's young, impressionable readers: "Sex is so confusing. On the one hand, you're being told not to do it (by parents and teachers) -- that it's "wrong," that there's no way you're ready, or that it could lead to diseases. On the other hand, you see (in real life, in movies, and on TV) that sex is a natural, healthy and fun part of loving relationships. You also have information about birth control coming at you from every direction: friends, TV commercials, maybe sex-ed class. You think you know how to protect yourself, but it seems like such a hassle when all you want to do is focus on those totally romantic, wonderfully tingly feelings you have about your guy!"

While the article does mention the option of not having sex, the emphasis throughout is on the safe options, conventionally speaking: Get your guy to use a condom. Know how to take your pills. "It just happened," one girl declares about accidentally getting pregnant. And, the Seventeen message to teens is: It's not that unusual. "48 percent of teen girls think it might be possible they'll become pregnant in the next five years." A young girl who couldn't "accidentally" get pregnant -- because she's choosing to spend her young days doing more innocent things -- might feel a bit left out. Seventeen also tells their readers that "studies show that girls who have a big plan for their future are significantly less likely to get pregnant." Now that's more like it. But it's not enough.

Republican Delegate Matthew Lohr of Harrisonburg says his bill would protect women by requiring abortion clinics that perform at least 25 first-trimester abortions a year to be regulated and inspected.[..]

The House Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions approved the bill 15-4.

It's been more than thirty years, but social worker Vicky Green still vividly remembers her abortion experience with Dr. Henry Morgentaler, and she tells part of her story in the short film '1st Degree Morgentaler' by John S.C. Hetherington.

The powerful short film juxtaposes shots of Dr. Morgentaler explaining his rationale for supporting the "right to choose" abortion, against the testimonial of Mrs. Green.

"We came to a stop light and I wanted to get out and run," says Mrs. Green, recalling her former boyfriend driving her to Dr. Morgentaler's first clinic in the east end of Montreal. But soon she found herself face to face with the doctor himself, "I was surprised it was Dr. Morgentaler doing the abortion."

After a brief counseling session she told him, "I don't want to do this to my baby." According to Mrs. Green Dr. Morgentaler replied, "It's not a baby." She says she cried the whole way through the abortion procedure.

The "Provida" organization in Spain has released a DVD entitled, "Don't Look the Other Way (No mires para otro lado)," a ten-minute presentation on the horror of abortion in the country. "Nobody who sees the video," Provida said, "will remain indifferent to the drama and genocide of abortion."

The DVD is "appropriate for accompanying and illustrating the debate that is taking place today in Spain." According to Justo Aznar, president of Provida Valencia, "The video attempts to unveil the terrible truth that abortion is a violent attack that kills a human being. We show that this violence is increasing and that each day more abortions are taking place."

"As happened long ago with the defenders of human rights and especially with the rights of slaves," Aznar pointed out, "the defenders of life are condemned by politicians and the media. We have assumed this and it is true. However, we defend a cause that is just, the most just of all causes: the cause of life. We want to free those who are mercilessly and senselessly condemned to die."

"[The officers] started investigating each and every room. We found they converted [some of the rooms] into illegal surgeries".

Modingoane said an assortment of medical equipment - specifically gynaecological equipment and drugs - was found in the rooms.

Conditions were extremely unhygienic.

"Everything that had been used was still on the floor."

Modingoane said boxes with tablets to induce labour, a number of used condoms, and gloves - some with blood still on them were some of the articles found.

Blood stains could be seen on the floors.

"In one room were panties with blood stains all over."

Modingoane said police were investigating what happened to the foetuses.

He said people using the building had spoken of finding a foetus next to a dustbin.

According to the Colombian daily "El Tiempo", the young girl known as "Nicole" was forced by her commanders to drink solutions intended to provoke an abortion. She escaped on December 19 and turned herself in to government forces.

"My comrades dropped me off in a home in the small town of Nazareno en Planadas, with a bunch of explosives, and since they warned me about the abortion, I took advantage of the moment and I fled," she said. She was taken in by the Colombian Institute for Family Well-Being.

The U.S. Coast Guard refused to grant Lt. Commander Joseph J. Healy an exception, even though it allows injection exemptions based on other religious beliefs. The injection, required by the Coast Guard in lieu of proof of immunity for Hepatitis A, uses cells taken from the lung tissue of a dissected child aborted at 14 weeks.

In compliance with Coast Guard requirements, Healy filed a memo requesting religious exemption based on his Catholic faith and strong opposition to abortion. Capt. Brent Pennington denied the request because he disagreed with Healy's theology, claiming that Catholic teaching "does not state that these immunizations are against the religious tenets of the Catholic Church."

The magazine offers the article's description: "When Lori Campbell's second pregnancy developed complications, she was faced with a painful decision. But she was thankful it was hers to make." What follows is a paean to legalized late-term abortion and a series of long complaints about the efforts of pro-life Americans to make it illegal.

In the article, "Private Lives," that appears in the January 2008 issue of the US edition of Vogue, Lori Campbell describes her decision in 1998 to have a late term abortion by the method usually referred to as "partial birth." In partial birth abortion the child is extracted from the mother's womb, until only the head remains in the birth canal; he is then killed by suctioning out the brains and collapsing the skull. This type of abortion is called "intact dilation and extraction" by the medical community, and was banned in the US in 2003. In 2007, a US Supreme Court decision upheld the constitutionality of the ban.

Campbell describes how her water broke at 22 weeks into her second pregnancy, and doctors told her and her husband that the child would be unlikely to survive. Campbell justifies her decision to kill her child, saying she was sparing her needless suffering. Campbell's life was not threatened by the pregnancy.

"I chose what I believe was the path of least suffering, for myself, my husband, our future children, and mostly for the baby inside me."

A 24-year-old college student faces life in prison on charges of killing his girlfriend's unborn child by beating her.

Westland police allege Daniel Jarrett II of Wayne threw the 19-year-old to the ground several times and kicked her in the abdomen after she told him she didn't get an abortion.

The majority-Republican Senate Judiciary Committee approved a resolution that would nullify a 2000 ruling by the state Supreme Court that the Tennessee Constitution offered greater protection of abortion rights than the U.S. Constitution.

It would say that "nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion."

The Senate last adopted the resolution in 2006, but it has repeatedly failed in a House subcommittee.

Sen. Diane Black, a Gallatin Republican and a main sponsor of the proposal, said the proposal would allow the state to restore laws that require a 48-hour waiting period before abortions, detailed disclosure about the abortion process and that all but first-term abortions be performed in hospitals.

Jin Yani's waters had already broken when China's abortion police came for her. They took her to a nearby abortion centre, injected her unborn baby girl and removed the body two days later.[..]

Mrs Jin said: "I got on my knees and begged them after they took me to the clinic and said I wanted to give birth to my daughter. I had already named her Yang Yin."

In the clinic, she was injected with a large syringe. Her husband arrived in time to witness the removal of the dead foetus with forceps two days later.

Mrs Jin lost blood, and was hospitalised for 44 days. Her husband was charged for the medicine she needed. He said that his wife is now infertile as a result of the abortion.

"There are several different ways to have an abortion. Let's get that several down to zero."

Planned Parenthood Golden Gate (PPGG) has aired a new commercial featuring a stereotyped gay man showering teens with condoms and contraceptive pills aimed specifically at 18 to 24-year-olds.

The ads, aired on MTV, VH-1, Comedy Central and TLC, are set to a "Mile High Club" theme, where Stephen, a flagrantly stereotypical gay man "educates" the teenage passengers about 'safe sex' by shoving contraceptives at them. At the end of the commercial, Stephen sits on the pilots lap and hits on him.

"PPGG created this campaign to stress the importance of sexual health in a creative way and one that breaks free from the old ineffective paradigm of relying on fear-mongering tactics to inspire desired behavior changes," said Dian J. Harrison, PPGG's President and CEO in a press release. "We want young people to take control of their sexual health and well-being by using prevention every time they have sex. This ad's message normalizes pregnancy prevention and safer sex in a healthy, cool, and humorous way."

Abreu, 18, has been charged with illegally procuring a miscarriage by taking the drug Cytotec, given to her by a friend from the Dominican Republic, where it is widely used to induce abortions. Last January, she gave birth to a 11/2 pound girl, who she named Ashley. The infant died four days later.

Abreu was charged under a 19th century law against procuring a miscarriage. Her lawyers, public defenders Denise Regan and Carol Cahill, argue in a motion that the 1845 law is unenforceable because of the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, and because it is vague and does not address the issue of the age of a fetus or whether it was viable.

In response, prosecutor Kate MacDougall argues that the statute prohibits "unlawful abortion," and that Abreu's use of Cytotec (misoprostol) was such an unlawful abortion. She argued that the defense cites the law in a vacuum, and that the lawyers fail to note that courts have repeatedly upheld the interest of states in protecting the "life and well-being of a viable unborn child."

Abreu's pregnancy was believed to be in the sixth month when she took the Cytotec on Jan. 5 and 6, 2007.

Al-Azhar a leading institute for Sunni Muslims, recently said that women who are subject to sexual abuse should be able to have abortions to maintain their "social standing."

"A raped woman must terminate the pregnancy immediately upon learning of the pregnancy if a trusted doctor gives her clearance for the abortion," the Islamic Research Council, part of the institute, said.