lifesitenews--2020-03-18--A country completely shut down: behind the scenes of Italy’s lockdown

March 16 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – On Friday , President Trump declared a state of national emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak .
Countless European countries have closed their borders in an effort to stop the spread of the virus .
The entire country of Italy is shut down , with the exception of grocery stores and pharmacies .
The panic that has swept across the entire world is due mainly to the lack of information health officials and scientists have about the virus .
The novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) is a strain that has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates are currently difficult to calculate .
In today ’ s episode of The Van Maren Show , Alessandra Bocchi , who is currently in Rome , joins Van Maren to discuss what is actually happening on the ground in Rome and across Italy .
Bocchi is a freelance journalist who writes for the Wall Street Journal , First Things , and many other publications .
Bocchi was on The Van Maren Show in the past to share her on the ground experiences of the Hong Kong protests .
Bocchi shares with Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hardest hit region of Italy , but is “ stuck ” in Rome due to the government ’ s requests that people not leave their current locations in order to stop the spread of the virus .
The streets of Rome , according to Bocchi , are deserted , with people only leaving their apartments for absolute necessities , i.e.
, groceries and medicine .
Practically everything has been shut down .
She shares that it is even worse in the Lombardy region where the first case of COVID-19 in Italy was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the distressing perspective people are sharing about COVID-19 not being concerning because it is killing mainly people over 70 years old .
This lack of concern for the value of all life is truly disheartening .
Some are even hoping this outbreak will help to decrease the world ’ s population .
Bocchi and Van Maren encourage everyone to listen to the experts when it comes to understanding what is happening with the coronavirus .
There is so much misinformation being spread .
As the world looks to Italy to understand more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t want to miss this inside look at what is really happening there .
Listen to the full episode here : The Van Maren Show is hosted on numerous platforms , including Spotify , SoundCloud , YouTube , iTunes , and Google Play .
For a full listing of episodes , and to subscribe to various channels , visit our Acast webpage here .
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded , subscribe below :

Get an inside look at what's happening in Italy from freelance journalist Alessandra Bocchi, currently stuck in Rome.
March 16, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – On Friday, President Trump declared a state of national emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak. Countless European countries have closed their borders in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. The entire country of Italy is shut down, with the exception of grocery stores and pharmacies.
The panic that has swept across the entire world is due mainly to the lack of information health officials and scientists have about the virus. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a strain that has not been seen previously and the transmission and death rates are currently difficult to calculate.
In today’s episode of The Van Maren Show, Alessandra Bocchi, who is currently in Rome, joins Van Maren to discuss what is actually happening on the ground in Rome and across Italy.
Bocchi is a freelance journalist who writes for the Wall Street Journal, First Things, and many other publications. Bocchi was on The Van Maren Show in the past to share her on the ground experiences of the Hong Kong protests.
Watch the full episode here:
Bocchi shares with Van Maren that she is from Lombardy, the hardest hit region of Italy, but is “stuck” in Rome due to the government’s requests that people not leave their current locations in order to stop the spread of the virus.
The streets of Rome, according to Bocchi, are deserted, with people only leaving their apartments for absolute necessities, i.e., groceries and medicine. Practically everything has been shut down.
She shares that it is even worse in the Lombardy region where the first case of COVID-19 in Italy was reported.
Bocchi and Van Maren discuss the distressing perspective people are sharing about COVID-19 not being concerning because it is killing mainly people over 70 years old. This lack of concern for the value of all life is truly disheartening. Some are even hoping this outbreak will help to decrease the world’s population.
Bocchi and Van Maren encourage everyone to listen to the experts when it comes to understanding what is happening with the coronavirus. There is so much misinformation being spread.
As the world looks to Italy to understand more about this novel virus, you don’t want to miss this inside look at what is really happening there.
Listen to the full episode here:
The Van Maren Show is hosted on numerous platforms, including Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, iTunes, and Google Play.
For a full listing of episodes, and to subscribe to various channels, visit our Acast webpage here.
To receive weekly emails when a new episode is uploaded, subscribe below:
Email Address *
First Name *
Last Name *


lifesitenews--2020-03-18--UPDATE: Young man who threw Pachamama in Tiber releases new message from hospital

March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Alexander Tschugguel , the young man who heroically tossed the Pachamama idol into the Tiber River during the Amazonian Synod , has provided an update on Facebook about his hospitalization from the coronavirus .
As I told you yesterday , I texted Alexander only a couple of days ago and he was too weak even to speak .
Now , praise God , he seems to be doing somewhat better but please keep the prayers coming .
Several people have told me that there is likely a spiritual side to this story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removing the pagan idols from Santa Maria Church in Traspontina during the Amazon Synod .
After all , his actions , which were praised by faithful Catholic bishops and Cardinals , some even comparing him to the Maccabee brothers of the Old Testament , created a new vigor in the church .
It is very likely that Alexander was cursed or that he is a special target of the evil one whom he has infuriated by his holy actions .
So , in addition to praying for him , let ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told us that some demons only come out by prayer and fasting .
Alexander is not just some young man who had a bright idea to remove these idols and now basks in the glory of worldwide recognition .
He undertook this action out of a true zeal for the house of the Lord .
It was the same zeal which led our Lord to cast the money changers out of the temple .
He is a young man full of faith and hope .
He is also a very well educated traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
He is exemplary in his prayer life and his activism for life and family .
He is generous with his time and despite all the fame he has rightfully acquired he remains humble .
He wears his Austrian jacket with pride as a man who stands up for his nation , but for him the faith is paramount .
When he contemplated his action of removing the idols from the Church he knew full well that he was risking his own freedom .
He discussed it with his wife and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed and encouraged him .
He carried out his act with spiritual guidance as well as with fervent and frequent prayer .
He is a leader in the Church Militant .
It should therefore be no surprise that Satan would attack him .
We are all in a calamitous situation right now .
All the world is in this same situation but it gives us amazing opportunities to focus on our spiritual life – the real battle .
I ask you to promise that you won ’ t waste this time given to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all sorts of useless pursuits .
Use this time to grow your spiritual life , to read the lives of the saints , and to practices of devotion you always wish you had time to perform .
You have that time now .
We ’ ve been gifted time now .
Don ’ t waste it .
Use it wisely .
Have you read the Bible cover to cover yet ?
No ?
Now is the time .
Have you read St. Louis de Montfort ’ s True Devotion to Mary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Kempis ?
No ?
Now is the time .
Have you always wished you could be praying a daily rosary with the family ?
Now is the time to establish that routine and vow to never let it stop .
At LifeSite today you will see suggestions for keeping holy the Lord ’ s Day – that is Sunday .
It ’ s not just about watching a Mass on TV or the internet .
Yes , you should do that , and there are great resources for that .
But , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday as a day devoted to God : for prayer for spiritual reading , for meditation and reflection , and for family time directed to the faith .
Life is all about coming to a holy death so we can be in heaven forever .
Remember that all things work for good for those who love God .
And we love Him with all our hearts !
So this Coronavirus situation will surely benefit us !
Praise the Lord !
Remember to pray for Alexander and for all those suffering with coronavirus for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spiritual healing of this world which is now feeling a first taste of the chastisement of God for rejecting Him .
The John-Henry Westen Show is available by video on the show ’ s YouTube channel and right here on my LifeSite blog .
It is also available in audio format on platforms such as Spotify , Soundcloud , and ACast .
We are awaiting approval for iTunes and Google Play as well .
To subscribe to the audio version on various channels , visit the ACast webpage here .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show so that we can notify you every week when we post a new episode .
Please sign up now by clicking here .
You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel , and you ’ ll be notified by YouTube when there is new content .
You can send me feedback , or ideas for show topics by emailing [ email protected ] .

Alexander remains in the hospital and is asking for prayers for a full recovery.
March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Alexander Tschugguel, the young man who heroically tossed the Pachamama idol into the Tiber River during the Amazonian Synod, has provided an update on Facebook about his hospitalization from the coronavirus.
As I told you yesterday, I texted Alexander only a couple of days ago and he was too weak even to speak. Now, praise God, he seems to be doing somewhat better but please keep the prayers coming.
Several people have told me that there is likely a spiritual side to this story given Alexander’s courageous role in removing the pagan idols from Santa Maria Church in Traspontina during the Amazon Synod. After all, his actions, which were praised by faithful Catholic bishops and Cardinals, some even comparing him to the Maccabee brothers of the Old Testament, created a new vigor in the church.
It is very likely that Alexander was cursed or that he is a special target of the evil one whom he has infuriated by his holy actions.
So, in addition to praying for him, let’s all do some fasting too since the Lord told us that some demons only come out by prayer and fasting.
Alexander is not just some young man who had a bright idea to remove these idols and now basks in the glory of worldwide recognition. He undertook this action out of a true zeal for the house of the Lord. It was the same zeal which led our Lord to cast the money changers out of the temple.
He is a young man full of faith and hope. He is also a very well educated traditional Catholic with a wisdom well beyond his years. He is exemplary in his prayer life and his activism for life and family. He is generous with his time and despite all the fame he has rightfully acquired he remains humble. He wears his Austrian jacket with pride as a man who stands up for his nation, but for him the faith is paramount.
When he contemplated his action of removing the idols from the Church he knew full well that he was risking his own freedom. He discussed it with his wife and she, no doubt heroic as well, agreed and encouraged him. He carried out his act with spiritual guidance as well as with fervent and frequent prayer.
He is a leader in the Church Militant. It should therefore be no surprise that Satan would attack him.
We are all in a calamitous situation right now. All the world is in this same situation but it gives us amazing opportunities to focus on our spiritual life – the real battle. I ask you to promise that you won’t waste this time given to us on video games, movies, and all sorts of useless pursuits. Use this time to grow your spiritual life, to read the lives of the saints, and to practices of devotion you always wish you had time to perform. You have that time now. We’ve been gifted time now. Don’t waste it. Use it wisely.
Have you read the Bible cover to cover yet? No? Now is the time. Have you read St. Louis de Montfort’s True Devotion to Mary, or The Immitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis? No? Now is the time.
Have you always wished you could be praying a daily rosary with the family? Now is the time to establish that routine and vow to never let it stop.
At LifeSite today you will see suggestions for keeping holy the Lord’s Day – that is Sunday. It’s not just about watching a Mass on TV or the internet. Yes, you should do that, and there are great resources for that. But, you should set apart the whole of Sunday as a day devoted to God: for prayer for spiritual reading, for meditation and reflection, and for family time directed to the faith.
Life is all about coming to a holy death so we can be in heaven forever. Remember that all things work for good for those who love God. And we love Him with all our hearts! So this Coronavirus situation will surely benefit us! Praise the Lord!
Remember to pray for Alexander and for all those suffering with coronavirus for their healing but most of all for the spiritual healing of this world which is now feeling a first taste of the chastisement of God for rejecting Him.
The John-Henry Westen Show is available by video on the show’s YouTube channel and right here on my LifeSite blog.
It is also available in audio format on platforms such as Spotify, Soundcloud, and ACast. We are awaiting approval for iTunes and Google Play as well. To subscribe to the audio version on various channels, visit the ACast webpage here.
We’ve created a special email list for the show so that we can notify you every week when we post a new episode. Please sign up now by clicking here. You can also subscribe to the YouTube channel, and you’ll be notified by YouTube when there is new content.
You can send me feedback, or ideas for show topics by emailing [email protected].
Email Address *
First Name *
Last Name *


lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Tory leadership hopeful Sloan blasts Trudeau ‘conversion therapy’ ban as ‘madness&

Tory leadership hopeful Sloan blasts Trudeau ‘conversion therapy’ ban as ‘madness’

OTTAWA , March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Conservative Party leadership hopeful Derek Sloan has slammed the Trudeau Liberal bill that will make it a crime punishable by up to five years in jail to help minors with unwanted gender confusion or same-sex attraction .
A rookie Ontario MP and father of three , Sloan warned in a March 17 email to Conservative Party members that if Bill C-8 is passed , parents will go to jail for attempting to help their minor children — which the bill defines as under 18 years of age — identify with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemn the notion that parents should be able to help a child identify with the body they were born with .
‘ Conversion therapy ’ is what they call any professional treatment in this area .
All the while , the Liberals celebrate giving a child hormones and irreversible plastic surgery as ‘ gender affirmation ’ , ” he added .
“ If that seems backwards to you , that ’ s because it is .
In fact , for teenagers suffering from gender dysphoria , it can be a nightmare.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaign Life Coalition , Canada ’ s national pro-life and pro-family political lobbying group , Sloan is in the midst of fundraising the final $ 150,000 he must submit to the party by March 25 to get on the ballot .
So far only two men — pro-abortion former Nova Scotia MP Peter MacKay and current Ontario MP Erin O ’ Toole — are verified candidates in the race , which so far remains scheduled to end June 27 with the leader announced at a Toronto convention .
The party ’ s leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadline despite requests it do so by some candidates as Canada goes into partial shutdown .
At least four provinces so far — British Columbia , Quebec , Ontario , and Alberta — have declared a state of public health emergency in the face of the coronavirus pandemic , the National Post reported .
Sloan blasted the Liberals in his email for being so “ radically ideological – and completely out to lunch ” as to have as their “ biggest priority ” a bill criminalizing “ conversion therapy ” even while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tabled by Justice Minister David Lametti on March 9 , Bill C-8 will make it an offense under the Criminal Code to : 1 ) cause a minor to undergo conversion therapy , 2 ) remove a minor from Canada to undergo conversion therapy , 3 ) cause a person to undergo conversion therapy against his/her will , 4 ) profit from conversion therapy , and 5 ) advertise conversion therapy .
The bill defines “ minor ” as an individual under 18 years of age — even though the Liberals have lowered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 16 years of age .
Bill C-8 defines “ conversion therapy ” as : “ a practice , treatment or service designed to change a person ’ s sexual orientation to heterosexual or gender identity to cisgender , or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour.
” The bill adds : “ For greater certainty , this definition does not include a practice , treatment or service that relates ( a ) to a person ’ s gender transition ; or ( b ) to a person ’ s exploration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Under the bill , causing a minor to undergo “ conversion therapy , ” either in or outside Canada , or of forcing an adult to do so , is punishable by up to five years in prison .
Advertising or profiting from “ conversion therapy ” is punishable by up to two years in jail .
Sloan pointed out that the federal bill follows similar legislation in PEI , Nova Scotia , and Ontario ’ s Bill 77 , brought in by Kathleen Wynne ’ s Liberal government in 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ amendment to the Criminal Code , which is under federal jurisdiction .
“ Now the gender ideologists in the federal Liberal Party want to drag the rest of Canada into an upside-down world that eliminates parental rights in this area , ” he wrote .
“ Of course , every responsible MP should support measures to prevent coercive counselling that harms patients , ” Sloan observed .
But “ conversion therapy bans ” are “ far too broad and represent a dangerous overreach into personal liberties and parental rights , ” he noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vast majority of children who identify as ‘ trans ’ grow out of it , and by adulthood they end up happily identifying with the body they were born with , regardless of their sexual orientation , ” Sloan wrote .
In an email sent by Sloan to his followers on March 10 , he called the bill an “ Orwellian example ” of how the liberal left changes the meaning of words to hide the truth .
In his email , Sloan slams the Canadian Federal Government for promoting the gender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biological sex is “ fluid ” and “ that they indeed might not be ‘ boys ’ or ‘ girls ’ as their parents have rightly taught them.
” Sloan ’ s email said gender ideologists first “ lure confused children who develop gender dysphoria to take hormones to alter their still developing bodies.
” Then if a child or parent wants to stop the “ conversion , ” gender ideologists “ condemn efforts at counselling as ‘ conversion therapy ’ .
” He added that the whole thing is a “ nightmare.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Liberal Party under Trudeau as taking “ the rest of Canada ” into a lopsided place where parental rights are stripped .
“ Now the gender ideologists in the federal Liberal Party want to drag the rest of Canada into an upside-down world that eliminates parental rights in this area , ” said Sloan .
“ Not only that : these so-called ‘ conversion therapy ’ bans prevent underage patients suffering from gender dysphoria from getting counselling help , even if they ask for it.
” Sloan mentioned that studies have shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” do “ grow out of it ” by the time they become adults .
Jack Fonseca , Director of Political Operations at Campaign Life Coalition , told LifeSiteNews that Sloan is to be commended for “ calling out the insanity and child abuse being pushed by ‘ gender ideologists ’ as he calls them.
” “ He is 100 % correct in his assessment .
They are stark raving mad in pushing boys to believe that they are girls in the wrong body , and vice-versa .
I would go further and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusers , pushing kids to sexualize at an early age , and to commit an extreme form of self-harm , in the form of bodily mutilation , ” he said .
Fonseca said that Sloan has emerged as the “ lone voice of sanity in the House of Commons on this issue , calling a spade a spade with regards to the unscientific theory of Gender Identity .
In having the courage to condemn this evil , proposed law , he is demonstrating that he is a natural leader , and truly fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader , and future Prime Minister.
” “ I hope that every Conservative MP will carefully read MP Sloan ’ s analysis of the disingenuously named ‘ conversion therapy ’ bill , and join him in working to defeat this unconstitutional and child abusive legislation .
Not only do we need to defeat C-8 , but I think we need to start pushing for a law that makes it illegal to commit sex change mutilation surgery and to give body-modification hormones to still-developing children under the age of 18 .
When they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consent to procedures that have serious and irreversible effects like sterility and loss of bone density , is one thing .
But for adults and the government to allow children to decide for themselves such matters — when the law deems those same children are too young and mentally immature to have sex , drive a car , or get a tattoo — represents criminal negligence , ” he added .
CLC is urging social conservatives to ensure that Sloan makes it onto the final ballot by helping in raise $ 150,000 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry fee ) that needs to be submitted to the party by March 25th .
Sloan ’ s campaign page where donations can be made is found here .
Sloan ’ s denunciation of Bill C-8 has been echoed by other pro-family groups , including Parents As First Educators ( PAFE ) .
Campaign Life ’ s analysis of Bill C-8 is here , and PAFE ’ s is here .
Campaign Life is also supporting Toronto lawyer Leslyn Lewis and Ontario businessman Jim Karaholios in the race .
Information on the three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s website here .
Campaign Life is urging Canadians 14 years of age and older to buy Conservative Party memberships before April 17 to be eligible to vote in the leadership race .

'The Liberals condemn the notion that parents should be able to help a child identify with the body they were born with' while they 'celebrate giving a child hormones and irreversible plastic surgery...'
OTTAWA, March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Conservative Party leadership hopeful Derek Sloan has slammed the Trudeau Liberal bill that will make it a crime punishable by up to five years in jail to help minors with unwanted gender confusion or same-sex attraction.
A rookie Ontario MP and father of three, Sloan warned in a March 17 email to Conservative Party members that if Bill C-8 is passed, parents will go to jail for attempting to help their minor children — which the bill defines as under 18 years of age — identify with their biological sex.
“This is madness,” wrote Sloan.
“The Liberals condemn the notion that parents should be able to help a child identify with the body they were born with. ‘Conversion therapy’ is what they call any professional treatment in this area. All the while, the Liberals celebrate giving a child hormones and irreversible plastic surgery as ‘gender affirmation’,” he added.
“If that seems backwards to you, that’s because it is. In fact, for teenagers suffering from gender dysphoria, it can be a nightmare.”
A declared pro-life advocate who is supported by Campaign Life Coalition, Canada’s national pro-life and pro-family political lobbying group, Sloan is in the midst of fundraising the final $150,000 he must submit to the party by March 25 to get on the ballot.
So far only two men — pro-abortion former Nova Scotia MP Peter MacKay and current Ontario MP Erin O’Toole — are verified candidates in the race, which so far remains scheduled to end June 27 with the leader announced at a Toronto convention.
The party’s leadership race committee decided Sunday not to extend the deadline despite requests it do so by some candidates as Canada goes into partial shutdown. At least four provinces so far — British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta — have declared a state of public health emergency in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, the National Post reported.
Sloan blasted the Liberals in his email for being so “radically ideological – and completely out to lunch” as to have as their “biggest priority” a bill criminalizing “conversion therapy” even while Canada is dealing with the pandemic.
Tabled by Justice Minister David Lametti on March 9, Bill C-8 will make it an offense under the Criminal Code to: 1) cause a minor to undergo conversion therapy, 2) remove a minor from Canada to undergo conversion therapy, 3) cause a person to undergo conversion therapy against his/her will, 4) profit from conversion therapy, and 5) advertise conversion therapy.
The bill defines “minor” as an individual under 18 years of age — even though the Liberals have lowered the age of consent for anal sex to 16 years of age.
Bill C-8 defines “conversion therapy” as: “a practice, treatment or service designed to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexual or gender identity to cisgender, or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour.”
(“Cisgender” is a neologism for a person who identifies with his or her biological sex and is not sexually attracted to a person of the same sex.)
The bill adds: “For greater certainty, this definition does not include a practice, treatment or service that relates (a) to a person’s gender transition; or (b) to a person’s exploration of their identity or to its development.”
Under the bill, causing a minor to undergo “conversion therapy,” either in or outside Canada, or of forcing an adult to do so, is punishable by up to five years in prison. Advertising or profiting from “conversion therapy” is punishable by up to two years in jail.
Sloan pointed out that the federal bill follows similar legislation in PEI, Nova Scotia, and Ontario’s Bill 77, brought in by Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government in 2015. None of these provincial bills involved an amendment to the Criminal Code, which is under federal jurisdiction.
“Now the gender ideologists in the federal Liberal Party want to drag the rest of Canada into an upside-down world that eliminates parental rights in this area,” he wrote.
“Of course, every responsible MP should support measures to prevent coercive counselling that harms patients,” Sloan observed.
But “conversion therapy bans” are “far too broad and represent a dangerous overreach into personal liberties and parental rights,” he noted.
Moreover, “studies show that the vast majority of children who identify as ‘trans’ grow out of it, and by adulthood they end up happily identifying with the body they were born with, regardless of their sexual orientation,” Sloan wrote.
In an email sent by Sloan to his followers on March 10, he called the bill an “Orwellian example” of how the liberal left changes the meaning of words to hide the truth.
In his email, Sloan slams the Canadian Federal Government for promoting the gender ideologist line that a child’s biological sex is “fluid” and “that they indeed might not be ‘boys’ or ‘girls’ as their parents have rightly taught them.”
Sloan’s email said gender ideologists first “lure confused children who develop gender dysphoria to take hormones to alter their still developing bodies.” Then if a child or parent wants to stop the “conversion,” gender ideologists “condemn efforts at counselling as ‘conversion therapy’.”
He added that the whole thing is a “nightmare.”
He pointed the finger directly at the Liberal Party under Trudeau as taking “the rest of Canada” into a lopsided place where parental rights are stripped.
“Now the gender ideologists in the federal Liberal Party want to drag the rest of Canada into an upside-down world that eliminates parental rights in this area,” said Sloan.
“Not only that: these so-called ‘conversion therapy’ bans prevent underage patients suffering from gender dysphoria from getting counselling help, even if they ask for it.”
Sloan mentioned that studies have shown most children who identify as “trans” do “grow out of it” by the time they become adults.
Jack Fonseca, Director of Political Operations at Campaign Life Coalition, told LifeSiteNews that Sloan is to be commended for “calling out the insanity and child abuse being pushed by ‘gender ideologists’ as he calls them.”
“He is 100% correct in his assessment. They are stark raving mad in pushing boys to believe that they are girls in the wrong body, and vice-versa. I would go further and argue that these ideologists are predatory child abusers, pushing kids to sexualize at an early age, and to commit an extreme form of self-harm, in the form of bodily mutilation,” he said.
Fonseca said that Sloan has emerged as the “lone voice of sanity in the House of Commons on this issue, calling a spade a spade with regards to the unscientific theory of Gender Identity. In having the courage to condemn this evil, proposed law, he is demonstrating that he is a natural leader, and truly fit to take on the role of Opposition Leader, and future Prime Minister.”
“I hope that every Conservative MP will carefully read MP Sloan’s analysis of the disingenuously named ‘conversion therapy’ bill, and join him in working to defeat this unconstitutional and child abusive legislation. Not only do we need to defeat C-8, but I think we need to start pushing for a law that makes it illegal to commit sex change mutilation surgery and to give body-modification hormones to still-developing children under the age of 18. When they are adults and more capable of giving informed consent to procedures that have serious and irreversible effects like sterility and loss of bone density, is one thing. But for adults and the government to allow children to decide for themselves such matters — when the law deems those same children are too young and mentally immature to have sex, drive a car, or get a tattoo — represents criminal negligence,” he added.
CLC is urging social conservatives to ensure that Sloan makes it onto the final ballot by helping in raise $150,000 (the balance owing on his $300,000 entry fee) that needs to be submitted to the party by March 25th. Sloan’s campaign page where donations can be made is found here.
Sloan’s denunciation of Bill C-8 has been echoed by other pro-family groups, including Parents As First Educators (PAFE). Campaign Life’s analysis of Bill C-8 is here, and PAFE’s is here.
Campaign Life is also supporting Toronto lawyer Leslyn Lewis and Ontario businessman Jim Karaholios in the race. Information on the three candidates is available at Campaign Life’s website here.
Campaign Life is urging Canadians 14 years of age and older to buy Conservative Party memberships before April 17 to be eligible to vote in the leadership race.
Note: Anthony Murdoch contributed to this report.
RELATED:
Trudeau moves to criminalize therapy for unwanted same-sex attraction
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Bill to ban most abortions upon Roe v. Wade overturn sent to Utah gov’s desk

SALT LAKE CITY , March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The Utah Legislature has given its final approval to a ban on most abortions and a requirement that fetal remains be treated humanely , both of which now await signatures from Republican Gov .
Gary Herbert .
Senate Bill 174 would ban abortion except in cases of rape , incest , severe birth defects , or threat of “ substantial impairment ” to the mother ’ s health .
It would not take effect unless and until the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade .
Senate Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried or cremated by the facilities that aborted them .
The abortion ban passed the Senate 22-5 and the House 51-21 , while the fetal burial bill passed the Senate 22-6 and the House 58-14 , Deseret News reported .
A third pro-life bill , which would have required abortionists to offer women the opportunity to see ultrasound images of their babies , passed the state Senate but died in the House .
In the Senate , six female lawmakers ( two of whom were Republicans ) walked out in protest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 30 restrictions on abortion , and Utahns have shown they ’ re not interested in more restrictions in abortion , ” complained Alliance for a Better Utah spokeswoman Katie Matheson , who said her group will push Herbert to veto SB174 .
The governor has not yet hinted whether he will comply .
“ My rights stop when it hurts someone else , ” said Republican state Sen. Daniel McCay , the lead sponsor of SB174 .
He noted that government ’ s “ primary function is to protect life.
” Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Roe falls , “ trigger laws ” like SB174 won ’ t provoke lawsuits or impact future abortion deliberations at the Supreme Court .
Supporters say it ’ s important to prepare state laws for a favorable abortion ruling , which they hope President Donald Trump ’ s judicial nominees will deliver in the near future .
Bills such as SB67 , meanwhile , are meant to prevent the bodies of aborted children from being treated like medical waste , both out of respect for their dignity and to underscore their humanity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country by horror stories about abortion facilities destroying the babies they kill with methods such as “ big ovens , ” or abortionists stockpiling corpses on their own property .

A third bill requiring that women be given a chance to view an ultrasound image of their baby failed to make it through the state House.
SALT LAKE CITY, March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The Utah Legislature has given its final approval to a ban on most abortions and a requirement that fetal remains be treated humanely, both of which now await signatures from Republican Gov. Gary Herbert.
Senate Bill 174 would ban abortion except in cases of rape, incest, severe birth defects, or threat of “substantial impairment” to the mother’s health. It would not take effect unless and until the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Senate Bill 67 requires that aborted babies be either buried or cremated by the facilities that aborted them.
The abortion ban passed the Senate 22-5 and the House 51-21, while the fetal burial bill passed the Senate 22-6 and the House 58-14, Deseret News reported. A third pro-life bill, which would have required abortionists to offer women the opportunity to see ultrasound images of their babies, passed the state Senate but died in the House. In the Senate, six female lawmakers (two of whom were Republicans) walked out in protest of the ultrasound bill.
“Utah already has over 30 restrictions on abortion, and Utahns have shown they’re not interested in more restrictions in abortion,” complained Alliance for a Better Utah spokeswoman Katie Matheson, who said her group will push Herbert to veto SB174. The governor has not yet hinted whether he will comply.
“My rights stop when it hurts someone else,” said Republican state Sen. Daniel McCay, the lead sponsor of SB174. He noted that government’s “primary function is to protect life.”
Because they don’t take effect until after Roe falls, “trigger laws” like SB174 won’t provoke lawsuits or impact future abortion deliberations at the Supreme Court. Supporters say it’s important to prepare state laws for a favorable abortion ruling, which they hope President Donald Trump’s judicial nominees will deliver in the near future.
Bills such as SB67, meanwhile, are meant to prevent the bodies of aborted children from being treated like medical waste, both out of respect for their dignity and to underscore their humanity. They have been motivated across the country by horror stories about abortion facilities destroying the babies they kill with methods such as “big ovens,” or abortionists stockpiling corpses on their own property.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Italian Catholics on the ground relate ‘extremely grave’ situation caused by coronavirus

March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Different Catholic commentators from Italy have shown grave concern about the coronavirus and its rapid spreading and are supporting measures that are restricting the virus .
In the midst of conflicting debates as to whether this illness is just a little bit worse than the normal flu , they see that it is dangerous and that we need to contain it .
As we all struggle to understand this new disease and how to respond to it , LifeSite reached out to several well-informed Catholics who are already living under the conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is presenting now the views of those Catholics who have been outspoken in this discussion , among them Professor Roberto de Mattei , as well as a Rome-based journalist , Professor Armin Schwibach , and Hilary White , a traditional Catholic journalist living in Italy .
Professor Roberto de Mattei , a church historian and the President of the Lepanto Foundation , has told LifeSite that he supports “ restrictive health measures.
” “ Faced with the Coronavirus epidemic , ” he states , “ I believe that the Italian line , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fairer than that of some countries.
” “ I am therefore in favor of restrictive health measures , ” the church historian goes on to say .
He also reminds us that in Italy “ it is forbidden to leave houses , unless you have to go to work , to a pharmacy or to a supermarket.
” But Professor de Mattei at the same time reminds us of the importance of our spiritual life .
He regrets that the Masses are currently abolished in Italy , saying that “ in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorize them with due precautions .
We are receiving extra Missam communion every day from a zealous priest.
” “ Communion in the mouth can not carry the virus if the priest disinfects his hands every time he distributes it , ” Professor de Mattei explains .
He also stresses that “ we must certainly do everything to preserve our lives but we must also ensure the spiritual goods that we need in order to persevere in the difficult days ahead.
” Practically , the spiritual means are : “ the daily holy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , even extra Missam .
But above all we must love the justice of God , because without justice there can be no mercy and God is infinitely merciful because He is infinitely right.
” De Mattei also puts this current crisis in the context of the messages of Our Lady of Fatima , saying that this is the moment “ to remember the message of Fatima , because the divine punishments , which have already been affecting the Church for many years , are making themselves visible to the whole society.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the calls for conversion and repentance and to nourish the supernatural spirit of those close to us , ” the Catholic historian goes on to say .
“ We must certainly insist on asking for consecration to Russia .
Pope Francis , or another Pope will make this consecration , but I fear it will be too late , as Our Lady predicted in Fatima.
” With reassuring words , Professor de Mattei concludes his comments to LifeSite , saying that everything that happens “ is for the salvation of the elected and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” adding that “ the closer the punishment is , the closer will be the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that Our Lady has promised us.
” Other Catholics in Italy , such as Professor Armin Schwibach – the Rome Correspondent for the Austrian Catholic website Kath.net and a professor of philosophy – responds to the claim of many that the Coronavirus is not much worse than the usual flu .
He responds : “ Europe is broken , Italy , Spain , Germany .
Is that not enough ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion euros.
” Everything that existed 20 years ago , he continues , “ no longer exists.
” The “ entire social structures have broken apart , ” and the “ life of the Church is totally broken.
” Schwibach also says that “ the measures are necessary , ” but they have grave consequences , even an increase of broken families because they “ are simply locked up.
” “ Tonight , ” he continues , “ France will close , with military in the streets , ” just as the Italians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too.
” Schwibach recounts that “ it ’ s not even certain how the supply will be regulated.
” “ I would advise everyone to take the matter seriously , ” Schwibach tells LifeSite , and encourages everyone to “ take a look at the films from the Italian intensive care units .
The videos of the desperate doctors .
The videos of the empty cities.
” He adds that it is “ not foreseeable how things will continue in the financial world.
” Professor Schwibach – who has repeatedly interviewed Cardinal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – describes how “ achievements of the last 50 years have been wiped away , ” borders closed , and how “ politicians first deny and then panic.
” The European community , he adds , is gone .
Hilary White , a former reporter of LifeSite and a resident of Perugia , Italy , has the following to tell us , while fully admitting that she is “ nothing like an expert ” but has simply read much on the topic : “ The situation in Italy is extremely grave .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it has between 100 and 1000 times the ability to bond with human cells than even our very worst viral epidemics like Spanish flu .
This information is available online , but is mostly only being distributed by concerned people on social media .
The MSM is either ignoring or suppressing it .
Corona19 does not have the kill rate overall that SARS or other viruses do , but the two factors – extreme transmissibility and the fact that the person carrying the virus will not experience any warning symptoms for up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread faster than anything we 've seen in Europe in modern times .
It 's going faster than any of the great plagues of the past except the Black Death .
This means that even with the comparatively lower death rate , the number of deaths overall will likely be much greater than other recent viral epidemics .
Sheer volume will outpace the others , and is already.
” White also provides us with some recommendations for further study .
For her , “ closing the churches is perfectly sensible , ” due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
LifeSite asked White about some practical recommendations .
We reproduce them here for our readers ' benefit : “ Practical things .
In our village – as in most of the rest of Italy – the supermarkets and pharmacies are open .
Each family is asked to designate one person to do the shopping and the rest must stay at home .
When you leave the property , you must carry a 'self-declaration ' – a form that you fill out stating your address and where you are going and the reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into effect since the last time I went to the village so I do n't know if it is being enforced . )
At the village supermarket , they are open all day so as to avoid creating crowds and queues .
They are allowing one person at a time into the shop.
” She continues with her practical measures : “ When I went out last time to bring home supplies , I wore gloves .
When I left the shop I removed them ( according to surgical nursing protocols , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and discarded them immediately .
I used alcohol-based sanitizer and gloves to use the water fountain and washed the bottles and discarded the 2nd pair of gloves .
When I got my things home , I left everything on the terrace and , again wearing gloves , took out every item ( each apple , each orange , each potato etc ) including the bottles and cans , and soaked them in a solution of 1 gallon ( about 3L ) of water + 2 tsps of bleach and dish liquid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sterilized items to a water bath .
Then chopped , bagged and froze in the freezer chest .
This is the normal procedure of many people who live in developing countries where water and food supplies ca n't be guaranteed to be sterile or safe .
It 's standard for medical volunteers in places where viral outbreaks occur – like Ebola in Africa .
Vinegar does nothing to stop the virus .
Use bleach in a solution of water .
Soap – ordinary hand soap – is also very effective .
Wash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only with a person but with any object a person might have touched outside the home .
Everyone around here is keeping a minimum distance of 1 meter .
But researchers have discovered that in a closed environment the virus can be transmitted up to 5 meters away.
” These are voices from Italy .
Their situation might be worse than any future situation in this country – due to the high mortality rate they are experiencing .
But the transmissibility and even a lower mortality rate will still do much damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therefore , it may be better to prepare – both physically and spiritually – for some difficult times .
May Pope Francis do the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary now .

The entire social structures have 'broken apart' and the 'life of the Church is totally broken'
March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Different Catholic commentators from Italy have shown grave concern about the coronavirus and its rapid spreading and are supporting measures that are restricting the virus. In the midst of conflicting debates as to whether this illness is just a little bit worse than the normal flu, they see that it is dangerous and that we need to contain it. As we all struggle to understand this new disease and how to respond to it, LifeSite reached out to several well-informed Catholics who are already living under the conditions of lockout and closed churches.
LifeSite is presenting now the views of those Catholics who have been outspoken in this discussion, among them Professor Roberto de Mattei, as well as a Rome-based journalist, Professor Armin Schwibach, and Hilary White, a traditional Catholic journalist living in Italy.
Professor Roberto de Mattei, a church historian and the President of the Lepanto Foundation, has told LifeSite that he supports “restrictive health measures.”
“Faced with the Coronavirus epidemic,” he states, “I believe that the Italian line, which aims to protect people's health, is fairer than that of some countries.”
“I am therefore in favor of restrictive health measures,” the church historian goes on to say. He also reminds us that in Italy “it is forbidden to leave houses, unless you have to go to work, to a pharmacy or to a supermarket.”
But Professor de Mattei at the same time reminds us of the importance of our spiritual life. He regrets that the Masses are currently abolished in Italy, saying that “in my opinion, it would be possible to authorize them with due precautions. We are receiving extra Missam communion every day from a zealous priest.”
“Communion in the mouth cannot carry the virus if the priest disinfects his hands every time he distributes it,” Professor de Mattei explains.
He also stresses that “we must certainly do everything to preserve our lives but we must also ensure the spiritual goods that we need in order to persevere in the difficult days ahead.”
Practically, the spiritual means are: “the daily holy Rosary and Holy Communion as frequently as possible, even extra Missam. But above all we must love the justice of God, because without justice there can be no mercy and God is infinitely merciful because He is infinitely right.”
De Mattei also puts this current crisis in the context of the messages of Our Lady of Fatima, saying that this is the moment “to remember the message of Fatima, because the divine punishments, which have already been affecting the Church for many years, are making themselves visible to the whole society.”
“It is time to multiply the calls for conversion and repentance and to nourish the supernatural spirit of those close to us,” the Catholic historian goes on to say. “We must certainly insist on asking for consecration to Russia. Pope Francis, or another Pope will make this consecration, but I fear it will be too late, as Our Lady predicted in Fatima.”
With reassuring words, Professor de Mattei concludes his comments to LifeSite, saying that everything that happens “is for the salvation of the elected and for the triumph of the Church,” adding that “the closer the punishment is, the closer will be the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that Our Lady has promised us.”
‘Entire social structures have broken apart’
Other Catholics in Italy, such as Professor Armin Schwibach – the Rome Correspondent for the Austrian Catholic website Kath.net and a professor of philosophy – responds to the claim of many that the Coronavirus is not much worse than the usual flu. He responds: “Europe is broken, Italy, Spain, Germany. Is that not enough? The current damage in Italy is currently 650 billion euros.” Everything that existed 20 years ago, he continues, “no longer exists.” The “entire social structures have broken apart,” and the “life of the Church is totally broken.”
Schwibach also says that “the measures are necessary,” but they have grave consequences, even an increase of broken families because they “are simply locked up.” “Tonight,” he continues, “France will close, with military in the streets,” just as the Italians “have military in the streets here, too.”
Schwibach recounts that “it’s not even certain how the supply will be regulated.”
“I would advise everyone to take the matter seriously,” Schwibach tells LifeSite, and encourages everyone to “take a look at the films from the Italian intensive care units. The videos of the desperate doctors. The videos of the empty cities.” He adds that it is “not foreseeable how things will continue in the financial world.”
Professor Schwibach – who has repeatedly interviewed Cardinal Walter Brandmüller on matters of the Church – describes how “achievements of the last 50 years have been wiped away,” borders closed, and how “politicians first deny and then panic.” The European community, he adds, is gone.
‘The situation in Italy is extremely grave’
Hilary White, a former reporter of LifeSite and a resident of Perugia, Italy, has the following to tell us, while fully admitting that she is “nothing like an expert” but has simply read much on the topic:
“The situation in Italy is extremely grave. The virus is incredibly transmissible; virologists have said it has between 100 and 1000 times the ability to bond with human cells than even our very worst viral epidemics like Spanish flu. This information is available online, but is mostly only being distributed by concerned people on social media. The MSM is either ignoring or suppressing it. Corona19 does not have the kill rate overall that SARS or other viruses do, but the two factors – extreme transmissibility and the fact that the person carrying the virus will not experience any warning symptoms for up to three weeks – is making it spread faster than anything we've seen in Europe in modern times. It's going faster than any of the great plagues of the past except the Black Death. This means that even with the comparatively lower death rate, the number of deaths overall will likely be much greater than other recent viral epidemics. Sheer volume will outpace the others, and is already.”
White also provides us with some recommendations for further study. For her, “closing the churches is perfectly sensible,” due to the high transmissibility of the virus.
LifeSite asked White about some practical recommendations. We reproduce them here for our readers' benefit:
“Practical things. In our village – as in most of the rest of Italy – the supermarkets and pharmacies are open. Each family is asked to designate one person to do the shopping and the rest must stay at home. When you leave the property, you must carry a 'self-declaration' – a form that you fill out stating your address and where you are going and the reason for the necessity. (This came into effect since the last time I went to the village so I don't know if it is being enforced.) At the village supermarket, they are open all day so as to avoid creating crowds and queues. They are allowing one person at a time into the shop.”
She continues with her practical measures:
“When I went out last time to bring home supplies, I wore gloves. When I left the shop I removed them (according to surgical nursing protocols, that is, without touching the outside part) and discarded them immediately. I used alcohol-based sanitizer and gloves to use the water fountain and washed the bottles and discarded the 2nd pair of gloves. When I got my things home, I left everything on the terrace and, again wearing gloves, took out every item (each apple, each orange, each potato etc) including the bottles and cans, and soaked them in a solution of 1 gallon (about 3L) of water + 2 tsps of bleach and dish liquid for 2 or 3 minutes. Then transferred the sterilized items to a water bath. Then chopped, bagged and froze in the freezer chest.
This is the normal procedure of many people who live in developing countries where water and food supplies can't be guaranteed to be sterile or safe. It's standard for medical volunteers in places where viral outbreaks occur – like Ebola in Africa.
Vinegar does nothing to stop the virus. Use bleach in a solution of water. Soap – ordinary hand soap – is also very effective. Wash your hands any time you have contact not only with a person but with any object a person might have touched outside the home.
Everyone around here is keeping a minimum distance of 1 meter. But researchers have discovered that in a closed environment the virus can be transmitted up to 5 meters away.”
These are voices from Italy. Their situation might be worse than any future situation in this country – due to the high mortality rate they are experiencing. But the transmissibility and even a lower mortality rate will still do much damage to many lives in our country.
Therefore, it may be better to prepare – both physically and spiritually – for some difficult times.
May Pope Francis do the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary now.
Follow Maike Dr. Maike Hickson was born and raised in Germany. She holds a PhD from the University of Hannover, Germany, after having written in Switzerland her doctoral dissertation on the history of Swiss intellectuals before and during World War II. She now lives in the U.S. and is married to Dr. Robert Hickson, and they have been blessed with two beautiful children. She is a happy housewife who likes to write articles when time permits. Dr. Hickson published in 2014 a Festschrift, a collection of some thirty essays written by thoughtful authors in honor of her husband upon his 70th birthday, which is entitled A Catholic Witness in Our Time. Hickson has closely followed the papacy of Pope Francis and the developments in the Catholic Church in Germany, and she has been writing articles on religion and politics for U.S. and European publications and websites such as LifeSiteNews, OnePeterFive, The Wanderer, Rorate Caeli, Catholicism.org, Catholic Family News, Christian Order, Notizie Pro-Vita, Corrispondenza Romana, Katholisches.info, Der Dreizehnte, Zeit-Fragen, and Westfalen-Blatt.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--‘Christ never abandons us’: Cardinal Burke offers hope amidst coronavirus

March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Cardinals Raymond Burke and Robert Sarah have urged Catholics not to lose hope during the global coronavirus pandemic and panic .
Burke , one of the two remaining dubia cardinals and one of the world ’ s foremost defenders of Catholic orthodoxy , reminded Catholics of the power of prayer and God ’ s sovereignty .
“ The prolonged assault of the coronavirus naturally leads to sadness and fear , ” Burke posted on Twitter .
“ But we know that Christ is the Lord of nature and of history .
Using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pestilence , we do not forget our primary means of defense : prayer , especially the rosary and Eucharistic adoration.
” Sarah similarly urged Catholics to pray and trust in the Lord .
“ If the circumstances or the civil or church provisions provoked by the coronavirus prevent you from going to church simply to encounter the Lord or from taking part in the Eucharist , know that no one , absolutely no one can prevent you from turning toward God and imploring his help during this great test , ” Sarah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Worship , wrote in a letter to the faithful that he posted to Twitter .
He urged the faithful to pray more without becoming weary .
“ Together with one heart and one soul and united in the same faith , let us lift our hands toward God and beg him , ” Sarah continued .
“ Entrust to him the world and His Church .
His heart will be touched and will save us.
” Bishops around the world are citing the coronavirus as they mandate Masses in their dioceses be canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Cases of the virus , which originated in Wuhan , China , have been reported in more than 150 countries .
There have been 197,000 coronavirus cases reported worldwide as of yesterday , with at least 7,900 deaths .
Italy , France , and Spain are all on lockdown .
President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency , as have many state governments .
The economy and stock market have tanked with historic speed .
Italy is the country that has been hit hardest other than China .
Many countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their borders .
Trump announced today he ’ s closing the U.S.-Canada border to “ non-essential ” travel , something he says will not affect trade .
LifeSiteNews is providing live , continual updates about the coronavirus and how it relates to pro-life issues , faith , and freedom HERE .
Translation of Sarah ’ s comment by Danielle Zuccaro of LifeSiteNews .

Cardinal Robert Sarah told the faithful, 'no one, absolutely no one can prevent you from turning toward God and imploring his help during this great test.'
March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Cardinals Raymond Burke and Robert Sarah have urged Catholics not to lose hope during the global coronavirus pandemic and panic.
Burke, one of the two remaining dubia cardinals and one of the world’s foremost defenders of Catholic orthodoxy, reminded Catholics of the power of prayer and God’s sovereignty.
“The prolonged assault of the coronavirus naturally leads to sadness and fear,” Burke posted on Twitter. “But we know that Christ is the Lord of nature and of history. Using natural means to defend ourselves against the pestilence, we do not forget our primary means of defense: prayer, especially the rosary and Eucharistic adoration.”
“Christ never abandons us,” he added.
Sarah similarly urged Catholics to pray and trust in the Lord.
“If the circumstances or the civil or church provisions provoked by the coronavirus prevent you from going to church simply to encounter the Lord or from taking part in the Eucharist, know that no one, absolutely no one can prevent you from turning toward God and imploring his help during this great test,” Sarah, the Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship, wrote in a letter to the faithful that he posted to Twitter.
He urged the faithful to pray more without becoming weary.
“Together with one heart and one soul and united in the same faith, let us lift our hands toward God and beg him,” Sarah continued. “Entrust to him the world and His Church. His heart will be touched and will save us.”
« Je suis heureux de vous rejoindre par ces lignes pour vous encourager à prier davantage et sans vous lasser. » pic.twitter.com/abw87eZ3DP — Cardinal R. Sarah (@Card_R_Sarah) March 17, 2020
Bishops around the world are citing the coronavirus as they mandate Masses in their dioceses be canceled, many for an indefinite period of time. Cases of the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, have been reported in more than 150 countries. There have been 197,000 coronavirus cases reported worldwide as of yesterday, with at least 7,900 deaths.
Italy, France, and Spain are all on lockdown. President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency, as have many state governments. The economy and stock market have tanked with historic speed. Italy is the country that has been hit hardest other than China. Many countries have issued severe travel restrictions and closed their borders. Trump announced today he’s closing the U.S.-Canada border to “non-essential” travel, something he says will not affect trade.
LifeSiteNews is providing live, continual updates about the coronavirus and how it relates to pro-life issues, faith, and freedom HERE.
Translation of Sarah’s comment by Danielle Zuccaro of LifeSiteNews.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--LifeSite is hiring a human resource specialist. Come join our team!

We are facing a growing assault on all that is good and true in our world , and we need @ @ @ @ @ women to come and join the fight to restore the Christian foundations of our society @ @ @ @ @ news agency devoted to defending life and the family , and restoring Christian culture .
@ @ @ @ @ investigative exposés , and incisive analysis , as well as our growing video and podcast @ @ @ @ @ educate and activate our readers with the information they need to fight the most crucial @ @ @ @ @ their churches , workplaces , and families .
Right now , we are hiring a @ @ @ @ @ Payroll Assistant to work closely with our Administrative Director to ensure that we are compliant @ @ @ @ @ and state laws .
This position will be crucial in helping the organization run efficiently @ @ @ @ @ more about the job and apply : https : //lifesitenews.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php ?
id=53

We are facing a growing assault on all that is good and true in our world, and we need passionate, faith-filled men and women to come and join the fight to restore the Christian foundations of our society.
LifeSiteNews is an international news agency devoted to defending life and the family, and restoring Christian culture. Through daily breaking news, investigative exposés, and incisive analysis, as well as our growing video and podcast offerings, we aim to educate and activate our readers with the information they need to fight the most crucial battles of our day in their churches, workplaces, and families.
Right now, we are hiring a U.S.-based part-time Human Resources and Payroll Assistant to work closely with our Administrative Director to ensure that we are compliant with all necessary U.S. federal and state laws. Our office is in Virginia, but the position is open to tele-commuters.
As our mission and international readership has grown immensely in the last year, our staff needs have grown too. This position will be crucial in helping the organization run efficiently.
Click here to read more about the job and apply: https://lifesitenews.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=53
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Swiss bishop censored by apostolic administrator for criticizing Church’s response to coronavirus

CHUR , Switzerland , March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – An outspoken Swiss auxiliary bishop has been censored by his brother bishop who is an apostolic administrator after criticizing the Church ’ s response to the coronavirus epidemic and stating his belief that God would not allow the consecrated host to be the carrier of a virus .
Bishop Marian Eleganti , auxiliary bishop in the Swiss Diocese of Chur , was ordered by Bishop Pierre Bürcher , the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chur , Switzerland , that he may only speak to the media when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those of the apostolic administrator and the diocesan press office .
Bishop Bürcher stated that Bishop Eleganti ’ s comments on the coronavirus pandemic were not previously discussed with him or with the Episcopal Commissioner for Media and Communication .
“ Accordingly , confusion has arisen among the faithful and in the public about the attitude of the diocese of Chur in this regard .
For this reason I have instructed auxiliary bishop Marian that in the future he will only voice his opinion to the media in agreement with me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bürcher said .
In an interview with Catholic news website kath.net , Eleganti had accused parts of Church leadership of following “ only the logic of the state , the secular one.
” Government directives are “ implemented obediently , but no longer that wisdom by faith and prayer , which is folly and scandal to the world , but which in our context could be expected from the Church.
” He also stated his belief that Christ , who is truly present in the Eucharist , would not allow the host to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who receive .
“ How faith in the real presence of Christ in the Host … can exist together with the fear of a deadly contamination from which the God present in the Host will not save me is a mystery to me.
” The auxiliary bishop was criticized for his view .
Raphael Rauch , editor in chief of the Swiss Catholic news service Kath.ch , called Eleganti a “ horror clown , ” adding that “ he ’ s exploiting a crisis for his ecclesio-political agenda.
” Franziska Driessen-Reding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , characterized Eleganti ’ s remarks as “ cynical.
” “ In view of the many victims that the Corona pandemic has already claimed , his talk of ‘ God ’ s punishment ’ is simply cynical , ” she said .
The assumption that Holy Water can not transmit diseases is “ irresponsible and dangerous superstition.
” The Swiss Bishops ’ Conference distanced itself from Eleganti : “ Auxiliary Bishop Marian Eleganti ’ s statements are of a purely personal nature and therefore obligate only him , ” a spokeswoman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reactions to his video .
However , he called criticism by fellow Catholics “ astonishing.
” He told LifeSiteNews in comments earlier this week that the Eucharist is a “ supernatural reality ” that can not be understood from a simply natural perspective .
“ For the naturalists among us , there is no supernatural reality .
Even the Catholic belief that a blessing will change something about the water is irrational for them , and at best it is psychology .
Not to speak of the Catholic belief in the transubstantiation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christ at Holy Mass .
What can at most be expected of their so-called reason is a symbolic understanding of transubstantiation and the consecrated host , ” he said .
“ I would like to ask them : In which claim is there more faith in miracles or more faith in supernatural reality ?
When I claim that in Holy Mass , through the priest ’ s words of consecration , the bread is transformed into the Body of Christ , which we believe , or when I claim that the Body of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communion , will not harm us in the current context , which they obviously can not believe ( hence the precautions , the effectiveness of which I doubt for my part ) ?
May they themselves answer my question in their own conscience .
I , for my part , remain faithful to my belief in the salvific effect and power of the Holy Eucharist , because for me it is the present God , the Body of Christ , ” he added .
St. Thomas Aquinas , in addressing a similar difficulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Transubstantiation changes the substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus , the accidental properties remain and could , therefore , harm the individual if contaminated by poison , for instance .
He wrote in IIIa Q83 a.6 , ad3 of the Summa : “ If it be discovered that the wine has been poisoned , the priest should neither receive it nor administer it to others on any account , lest the life-giving chalice become one of death.
” In a similar vein , priests generally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within a certain period of time to avoid the danger of them going rancid or decaying .

CHUR, Switzerland, March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – An outspoken Swiss auxiliary bishop has been censored by his brother bishop who is an apostolic administrator after criticizing the Church’s response to the coronavirus epidemic and stating his belief that God would not allow the consecrated host to be the carrier of a virus.
Bishop Marian Eleganti, auxiliary bishop in the Swiss Diocese of Chur, was ordered by Bishop Pierre Bürcher, the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Chur, Switzerland, that he may only speak to the media when his comments are “in agreement” with those of the apostolic administrator and the diocesan press office.
Bishop Bürcher stated that Bishop Eleganti’s comments on the coronavirus pandemic were not previously discussed with him or with the Episcopal Commissioner for Media and Communication.
“Accordingly, confusion has arisen among the faithful and in the public about the attitude of the diocese of Chur in this regard. For this reason I have instructed auxiliary bishop Marian that in the future he will only voice his opinion to the media in agreement with me and the diocesan press officer,” Bishop Bürcher said.
In an interview with Catholic news website kath.net, Eleganti had accused parts of Church leadership of following “only the logic of the state, the secular one.” Government directives are “implemented obediently, but no longer that wisdom by faith and prayer, which is folly and scandal to the world, but which in our context could be expected from the Church.”
He also stated his belief that Christ, who is truly present in the Eucharist, would not allow the host to be a carrier of something harmful to those who receive.
“How faith in the real presence of Christ in the Host … can exist together with the fear of a deadly contamination from which the God present in the Host will not save me is a mystery to me.”
The auxiliary bishop was criticized for his view.
Raphael Rauch, editor in chief of the Swiss Catholic news service Kath.ch, called Eleganti a “horror clown,” adding that “he’s exploiting a crisis for his ecclesio-political agenda.”
Franziska Driessen-Reding, an influential person among Catholics in Zurich, characterized Eleganti’s remarks as “cynical.”
“In view of the many victims that the Corona pandemic has already claimed, his talk of ‘God’s punishment’ is simply cynical,” she said. The assumption that Holy Water cannot transmit diseases is “irresponsible and dangerous superstition.”
The Swiss Bishops’ Conference distanced itself from Eleganti: “Auxiliary Bishop Marian Eleganti’s statements are of a purely personal nature and therefore obligate only him,” a spokeswoman said.
Eleganti was not surprised by the negative reactions to his video. However, he called criticism by fellow Catholics “astonishing.”
He told LifeSiteNews in comments earlier this week that the Eucharist is a “supernatural reality” that cannot be understood from a simply natural perspective.
“For the naturalists among us, there is no supernatural reality. Even the Catholic belief that a blessing will change something about the water is irrational for them, and at best it is psychology. Not to speak of the Catholic belief in the transubstantiation of the Holy Host into the Body of Christ at Holy Mass. What can at most be expected of their so-called reason is a symbolic understanding of transubstantiation and the consecrated host,” he said.
“I would like to ask them: In which claim is there more faith in miracles or more faith in supernatural reality? When I claim that in Holy Mass, through the priest’s words of consecration, the bread is transformed into the Body of Christ, which we believe, or when I claim that the Body of Christ, which I receive in Holy Communion, will not harm us in the current context, which they obviously cannot believe (hence the precautions, the effectiveness of which I doubt for my part)? May they themselves answer my question in their own conscience. I, for my part, remain faithful to my belief in the salvific effect and power of the Holy Eucharist, because for me it is the present God, the Body of Christ,” he added.
St. Thomas Aquinas, in addressing a similar difficulty in the Summa Theologica, indicated that while Transubstantiation changes the substance of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus, the accidental properties remain and could, therefore, harm the individual if contaminated by poison, for instance.
He wrote in IIIa Q83 a.6, ad3 of the Summa: “If it be discovered that the wine has been poisoned, the priest should neither receive it nor administer it to others on any account, lest the life-giving chalice become one of death.”
In a similar vein, priests generally make sure that Consecrated Hosts are consumed within a certain period of time to avoid the danger of them going rancid or decaying.


lifesitenews--2020-03-18--‘Last pro-life Democrat’ Rep. Dan Lipinski defeated by pro-abortion challenger

March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Left-wing challenger Marie Newman defeated eight-term incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski Tuesday in Illinois ’ Democrat primary for the U.S. House of Representatives , marking a blow to the last vestiges of so-called “ pro-life Democrats ” on the national level .
Lipinski had the enthusiastic support of some national pro-life groups .
Hailing him as a “ pro-life champion , ” the Susan B. Anthony List spent heavily on a campaign to reach more than 17,000 “ pro-life Democratic ” households via digital advertising , phone calls , and direct mail .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , worked on contacting more than 10,000 voters “ in defense of an endangered species – the pro-life Democrat.
” Newman , a La Grange businesswoman who had the support of the party ’ s most progressive elements , won the race 48.2 % to 45.8 % , the Chicago Tribune reports .
“ I am bursting with pride and gratitude for the amazing coalition who helped bring about much needed change in our district , ” she said .
“ We are going to work together to lower healthcare costs , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building a hospitable community for everyone , no matter where you come from.
” It seems that fears over the coronavirus played a role in Lipinski ’ s defeat , particularly the cancellation of events on the South Side , Irish Catholic areas that carried Lipinski in 2018 .
“ Irish Catholics ?
The 19th Ward ?
That ’ s our base , ” said campaign spokesman Phil Davidson .
“ The opportunity just vaporized.
” Various pro-life activists and media figures lamented Lipinski ’ s defeat , some out of affection for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Democrat Party ’ s hardline stance on abortion : However , it is disputed just how pro-life Lipinski truly was , or whether his membership in Congress was a net positive for the pro-life cause .
Lipinski ’ s voting record has mixed scores on abortion but generally averages above 50 % from pro-life groups and below 50 % from pro-abortion ones .
He supports requiring doctors to provide live-saving treatment to newborns who survive abortion , but also voted for the so-called Equality Act , a broad pro-LGBT bill whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of health workers who object to participating in abortion .
On February 13 , 2020 , he voted in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment , which if enacted would essentially enshrine abortion into the U.S. Constitution .
Furthermore , while individual lawmakers can technically vote against their party ’ s official position on any given issue , their party affiliation decides which party ’ s leaders have majority control over the House or Senate .
This influences legislation ’ s fortunes in various ways , including scheduling votes , setting procedural rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Remember , the Speaker of the House ultimately determines the legislative agenda and if the party committed to elective abortion controls the chamber , its candidate for speaker will inevitably be pro-abortion , ” Life Training Institute president Scott Klusendorf has argued .
“ Nevertheless , these pro-life members vote for their party ’ s candidate for speaker , which all but guarantees that pro-life bills never see the light of day .
In most cases , then , they aren ’ t reforming their party ’ s pro-abortion stance ; they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on these grounds that Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi justified her own endorsement of Lipinski in 2018 , arguing at the time that his victory would contribute to securing “ a pro-choice gavel when we win the Congress .
”

March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Left-wing challenger Marie Newman defeated eight-term incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski Tuesday in Illinois’ Democrat primary for the U.S. House of Representatives, marking a blow to the last vestiges of so-called “pro-life Democrats” on the national level.
Lipinski had the enthusiastic support of some national pro-life groups. Hailing him as a “pro-life champion,” the Susan B. Anthony List spent heavily on a campaign to reach more than 17,000 “pro-life Democratic” households via digital advertising, phone calls, and direct mail. Students for Life of America, meanwhile, worked on contacting more than 10,000 voters “in defense of an endangered species – the pro-life Democrat.”
Newman, a La Grange businesswoman who had the support of the party’s most progressive elements, won the race 48.2% to 45.8%, the Chicago Tribune reports.
“I am bursting with pride and gratitude for the amazing coalition who helped bring about much needed change in our district,” she said. “We are going to work together to lower healthcare costs, to fight climate change, and to continue building a hospitable community for everyone, no matter where you come from.”
It seems that fears over the coronavirus played a role in Lipinski’s defeat, particularly the cancellation of events on the South Side, Irish Catholic areas that carried Lipinski in 2018.
“Irish Catholics? The 19th Ward? That’s our base,” said campaign spokesman Phil Davidson. “The opportunity just vaporized.”
Various pro-life activists and media figures lamented Lipinski’s defeat, some out of affection for Lipinski himself and others as a sign of the Democrat Party’s hardline stance on abortion:
.@RepLipinski is a courageous statesman who will be remembered as so. Somber day for the Pro-Life movement. Many battles yet to come. Many opportunities to save lives.https://t.co/uS1GYMzY3L — Americans United for Life (@AUL) March 18, 2020
There goes the last pro-life Democrat at the national level. If it weren’t already extremely obvious, this is yet another sign that the Democratic Party’s national leaders are unapologetically in lockstep defending abortion for any reason, at any stage of pregnancy until birth. https://t.co/YrW0BLVhWc — Alexandra DeSanctis (@xan_desanctis) March 18, 2020
Sadly, news outlets are reporting that Rep. Dan Lipinski of Illinois, one of the few #prolife Democrats in Congress, has lost his primary to pro-#abortion challenger Marie Newman. We long for the day that the Democratic Party embraces the right to life for all, regardless of age. — Secular Pro-Life (@secularprolife) March 18, 2020
One of the LAST pro-life Democrats is now gone + voted out in Illinois by Dems in the primary. AOC celebrates this fact.
You can’t be pro-life and be a Democrat anymore because The Democrat Party has chosen to celebrate being the party of death. https://t.co/aZCCBBlNym — Danielle D'Souza Gill (@danielledsouzag) March 18, 2020
However, it is disputed just how pro-life Lipinski truly was, or whether his membership in Congress was a net positive for the pro-life cause.
Lipinski’s voting record has mixed scores on abortion but generally averages above 50% from pro-life groups and below 50% from pro-abortion ones. He supports requiring doctors to provide live-saving treatment to newborns who survive abortion, but also voted for the so-called Equality Act, a broad pro-LGBT bill whose provisions would have also imperiled the rights of health workers who object to participating in abortion. On February 13, 2020, he voted in favor of the Equal Rights Amendment, which if enacted would essentially enshrine abortion into the U.S. Constitution.
Furthermore, while individual lawmakers can technically vote against their party’s official position on any given issue, their party affiliation decides which party’s leaders have majority control over the House or Senate. This influences legislation’s fortunes in various ways, including scheduling votes, setting procedural rules, controlling committees, and more.
“Remember, the Speaker of the House ultimately determines the legislative agenda and if the party committed to elective abortion controls the chamber, its candidate for speaker will inevitably be pro-abortion,” Life Training Institute president Scott Klusendorf has argued. “Nevertheless, these pro-life members vote for their party’s candidate for speaker, which all but guarantees that pro-life bills never see the light of day. In most cases, then, they aren’t reforming their party’s pro-abortion stance; they’re enabling it.”
It is on these grounds that Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi justified her own endorsement of Lipinski in 2018, arguing at the time that his victory would contribute to securing “a pro-choice gavel when we win the Congress.”
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Abortions continue as Massachusetts hospitals forbid ‘non-essential’ procedures

MASSACHUSETTS , March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Even though hospitals in Massachusetts are ordered to cancel any “ nonessential , elective invasive procedure ” to free up resources for the fight against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic , abortions will continue as before .
“ Terminating a pregnancy is not considered a nonessential , elective invasive procedure for the purpose of this guidance .
However , the ultimate decision is based on clinical judgment by the caring physician , ” a memorandum of the Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality in Massachusetts stated , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the document recommending that providers “ use their discretion on invasive procedures that must move forward to ‘ preserve the patient ’ s life and health , ’ though the order states that doesn ’ t apply to canceling or delaying life-sustaining care.
” Meanwhile , the Huffington Post claimed that abortion might be harder to come by in Texas .
Joe Nelson , an abortionist in the Lone Star State , “ is now self-quarantining for 14 days.
” Nelson told HuffPost “ he was mostly worried about how his unplanned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get abortions in the state.
” “ Potentially , it could have a huge impact .
There are not that many doctors who provide abortion care in Texas .
A lot of the doctors that do come in from out of state .
In a situation where doctors are less likely to want to travel , if there ’ s no one to cover me , patients will have to wait , ” Nelson explained .
The pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute is equally worried that access to abortion might be limited in parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers are being diverted to help address the epidemic while also being most at risk of acquiring the disease .
This may create a shortage of clinicians who can provide sexual and reproductive health services and increase wait times for patients in need , ” the Guttmacher Institute stated .
“ In places that already have a limited number of providers , this will put an extreme strain on capacity to serve patients , especially for non-emergency care.
” The institute also claimed that government funding is now focused on issues related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding away from reproductive health programs and decrease access for patients who rely on free or subsidized care .
Likewise , the need for new precautionary equipment , training and protocols will further draw time and resources away from other work , including projects and programs related to sexual and reproductive health.
” Due to the closure of workplaces in many parts of the country , “ people with low incomes may be unable to afford sexual and reproductive health care , ” which always includes abortions .
The Guttmacher Institute speculated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found to be at heightened risk ” from the coronavirus , “ that may prompt some people to avoid having children and could lead to increased demand for contraceptive and abortion services.
” Nancy Pelosi , the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives , attempted last week to weaken restrictions on federal abortion funding within emergency legislation to combat the coronavirus .
Mark Harrington , president of the pro-life organization Created Equal , commented , “ Clearly , the abortion industry will not ‘ allow this crisis to go to waste.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Equal ’ s outreach efforts are focusing on sidewalk-counseling instead of events on college and high school campuses .
“ We will take the necessary precautions to protect our health and the health of others , but we need to be proactive and deploy our assets to combat the hijacking of this emergency to advance abortion , ” Harrington said .

Hospitals in Massachusetts are ordered to cancel any 'nonessential, elective invasive procedure' to free up resources to fight the coronavirus — but abortions will continue as before.
MASSACHUSETTS, March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Even though hospitals in Massachusetts are ordered to cancel any “nonessential, elective invasive procedure” to free up resources for the fight against the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, abortions will continue as before.
“Terminating a pregnancy is not considered a nonessential, elective invasive procedure for the purpose of this guidance. However, the ultimate decision is based on clinical judgment by the caring physician,” a memorandum of the Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality in Massachusetts stated, according to MassLive.com.
The article also reported on the document recommending that providers “use their discretion on invasive procedures that must move forward to ‘preserve the patient’s life and health,’ though the order states that doesn’t apply to canceling or delaying life-sustaining care.”
Meanwhile, the Huffington Post claimed that abortion might be harder to come by in Texas. Joe Nelson, an abortionist in the Lone Star State, “is now self-quarantining for 14 days.”
Nelson told HuffPost “he was mostly worried about how his unplanned absence might affect women’s ability to get abortions in the state.”
“Potentially, it could have a huge impact. There are not that many doctors who provide abortion care in Texas. A lot of the doctors that do come in from out of state. In a situation where doctors are less likely to want to travel, if there’s no one to cover me, patients will have to wait,” Nelson explained.
The pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute is equally worried that access to abortion might be limited in parts of the country.
“Health care providers are being diverted to help address the epidemic while also being most at risk of acquiring the disease. This may create a shortage of clinicians who can provide sexual and reproductive health services and increase wait times for patients in need,” the Guttmacher Institute stated.
“In places that already have a limited number of providers, this will put an extreme strain on capacity to serve patients, especially for non-emergency care.”
The institute also claimed that government funding is now focused on issues related to the coronavirus, “which would take funding away from reproductive health programs and decrease access for patients who rely on free or subsidized care. Likewise, the need for new precautionary equipment, training and protocols will further draw time and resources away from other work, including projects and programs related to sexual and reproductive health.”
Due to the closure of workplaces in many parts of the country, “people with low incomes may be unable to afford sexual and reproductive health care,” which always includes abortions.
The Guttmacher Institute speculated that “if pregnant women and infants are found to be at heightened risk” from the coronavirus, “that may prompt some people to avoid having children and could lead to increased demand for contraceptive and abortion services.”
Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, attempted last week to weaken restrictions on federal abortion funding within emergency legislation to combat the coronavirus.
Mark Harrington, president of the pro-life organization Created Equal, commented, “Clearly, the abortion industry will not ‘allow this crisis to go to waste.’”
Because of the coronavirus, Created Equal’s outreach efforts are focusing on sidewalk-counseling instead of events on college and high school campuses.
“We will take the necessary precautions to protect our health and the health of others, but we need to be proactive and deploy our assets to combat the hijacking of this emergency to advance abortion,” Harrington said.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-18--Google employee hits pro-life activist on video, then countersues him for $5 million for ‘inju

Google employee hits pro-life activist on video, then countersues him for $5 million for ‘injury to feelings’

WASHINGTON , D.C. , March 18 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Pro-life activist Michael Gribbin is suing Quinn Chasan , the Head of Customer Analytics for Google Cloud , for allegedly assaulting him outside an abortion facility .
Chasan has now responded to Gribbin ’ s lawsuit by countersuing Gribbin for $ 5 million , accusing him of battery , having violated D.C. “ hate crime ” laws , and causing “ severe and extreme pain , emotional distress , and mental anguish.
” During the afternoon on Saturday , August 31 , Gribbin was chalking pro-life messages on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Planned Parenthood .
Chasan stole Gribbin ’ s chalk and physically assaulted Gribbin .
Gribbin was able to capture this on video .
Gribbin filed a report with the Washington Metropolitan Police .
However , since they did not press charges against Chasan , Gribbin decided to file a civil lawsuit against Chasan last year .
“ This is absurd .
Michael Gribbin is a victim , not an assailant .
There is no way his actions after before , during , or after the assault caused Chasan $ 5 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Catholic University of America professor who coordinates weekly prayer vigils outside the D.C .
Planned Parenthood .
“ Furthermore , any negative consequences incurred by Chasan are the direct result of his own misconduct .
It is my hope that the judge dismisses Chasan ’ s countersuit as frivolous.
” According to legal documents , Chasan alleges that media coverage about the encounter has caused him “ loss of his reputation , shame , mortification , and injury to his feelings , both personal and professional.
” “ Once again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope Michael Gribbin 's civil lawsuit is successful , ” New continued .
“ Pro-life activists are not targets .
No one should have to fear physical violence for espousing pro-life views in public .
A ruling in Gribbin 's favor will make it clear that individuals who harm peaceful pro-life activists will be punished.
” Gribbin is being represented in court by attorney John Garza .
A pretrial hearing occurred on February 21 and a deposition is scheduled for later this month .

The $5 million countersuit is 'absurd' and 'frivolous,' commented Dr. Michael New, who coordinates weekly pro-life activity outside the Washington, D.C. Planned Parenthood.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 18, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Pro-life activist Michael Gribbin is suing Quinn Chasan, the Head of Customer Analytics for Google Cloud, for allegedly assaulting him outside an abortion facility. Chasan has now responded to Gribbin’s lawsuit by countersuing Gribbin for $5 million, accusing him of battery, having violated D.C. “hate crime” laws, and causing “severe and extreme pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.”
During the afternoon on Saturday, August 31, Gribbin was chalking pro-life messages on the sidewalk by the Washington, D.C. Planned Parenthood. Chasan stole Gribbin’s chalk and physically assaulted Gribbin. Gribbin was able to capture this on video.
Gribbin filed a report with the Washington Metropolitan Police. However, since they did not press charges against Chasan, Gribbin decided to file a civil lawsuit against Chasan last year.
“This is absurd. Michael Gribbin is a victim, not an assailant. There is no way his actions after before, during, or after the assault caused Chasan $5 million in damages,” commented Dr. Michael New, a Catholic University of America professor who coordinates weekly prayer vigils outside the D.C. Planned Parenthood. “Furthermore, any negative consequences incurred by Chasan are the direct result of his own misconduct. It is my hope that the judge dismisses Chasan’s countersuit as frivolous.”
According to legal documents, Chasan alleges that media coverage about the encounter has caused him “loss of his reputation, shame, mortification, and injury to his feelings, both personal and professional.”
“Once again, I want to reiterate the fact I hope Michael Gribbin's civil lawsuit is successful,” New continued. “Pro-life activists are not targets. No one should have to fear physical violence for espousing pro-life views in public. A ruling in Gribbin's favor will make it clear that individuals who harm peaceful pro-life activists will be punished.”
Gribbin is being represented in court by attorney John Garza. A pretrial hearing occurred on February 21 and a deposition is scheduled for later this month.
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