lifesitenews--2020-03-13--US archbishop refuses to cancel gay clergy retreat, spokesman says he lacks ‘authority’

BALTIMORE , Maryland , March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – After a group of concerned Catholics pressed their archbishop to cancel a scheduled retreat for “ gay ” bishops , priests , deacons , and religious brothers , the archdiocese has indicated that the shepherd lacks “ zero authority ” to do anything about the retreat , citing that it is being held off of diocesan property .
The archdiocese further indicated that a just-issued edict by the state ’ s governor calling for large gatherings to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic may have the unintended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Lori of Baltimore was urged in a press release issued Wednesday to call off the event which is sponsored by New Ways Ministries ( NWM ) , a pro-LGBT group condemned by the Vatican and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ( USCCB ) .
The retreat is scheduled to be led by Father Peter Daly , a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Washington , D.C. who has a history of advocating for homosexual clergy .
Titled “ Love Casts Out Fear : Finding Courage to Speak Our Truth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is designed for the “ gay men ” who are “ disproportionately present in the Catholic clergy.
” In subsequent communications between the group and Archdiocesan spokesperson Sean Caine , it became clear that Archbishop Lori does not want to go on the record against the retreat or New Ways Ministry .
“ The Archbishop is aware of their concerns and has taken steps he feels are within the limits of his authority given the circumstances and canon law , ” Caine said to the group via text messages that were obtained by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archbishop Lori doesn ’ t make some attempt to make a moral argument against the event despite the limitations of canon law , the group was told : “ The government has more authority than we do.
” “ [ Archbishop Lori ] publicly reiterated the church ’ s stance on New Ways Ministry and has made clear that the only acceptable ministry to same-sex attracted Catholics in this archdiocese is Courage , ” insisted Caine , referring to an article published by the diocese a few days ago .
Yet the article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ none of the statements are attributable to him .
When challenged further , Caine said , “ The point is that the Archbishop can jump up and down all day and say anything he wants but he has zero authority over a retreat held off diocesan property.
” “ We all agree it ’ s wrong and causes confusion and shouldn ’ t be happening , ” allowed Caine .
“ They are aware of the Archbishop ’ s concerns .
However , if this mandate by the governor compels them to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make , it ’ s better than the alternative.
” As news spread of the Archbishop ’ s continued reluctance to use all means at his disposal to end the ‘ gay ’ clergy retreat , concerned Catholics have expressed their grave concern over his continued silence .
“ Some are saying the retreat may be cancelled because of the coronavirus .
The concern for physical health is laudable but concern for the destiny of souls should be greater , ” said Janet Smith , recently retired professor of moral theology at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , in a statement to LifeSiteNews .
Smith said it was sad that authority apparently exists to cancel the retreat for “ health reasons ” but seemingly not to “ protect souls.
” “ I commend the laity of Baltimore who , for the sake of souls , have urged Archbishop Lori to use his powers to prevent the retreat from taking place and to make a strong public statement against it , ” said Prof. Smith .
“ Laity do not like to oppose their leaders ; we revere them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lavender mafia cease to have influence in the Church.
” Kevin Wells , author of The Priests We Need to Save the Church , told LifeSiteNews , “ The priority for each American bishop , I believe , can be scaled down to a single consideration : ‘ Anything that will further wound my already-disturbed and scattered flock must be eliminated.
’ ” “ This ‘ retreat ’ must be eliminated , ” declared Wells .
“ It is a cancer and great scandal to the sensibilities of faithful Catholics .
Should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and all bishops for that matter , will begin to regain the moral authority that they have mostly lost .
I love Archbishop Lori and pray daily for his leadership ; I do believe he 'll do the right thing and cancel.
” “ As shepherds , it is no longer permissible to think and act like overly-cautious bureaucrats , ” added Wells .
“ It is time to resemble the courageous shepherd on the Irish hillside when the wolf approaches : He thinks , ‘ I must protect ; I must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” “ I don ’ t believe that Archbishop Bishop Lori ’ s canonical authority is the issue here , ” said Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse , Founder and President of the Ruth Institute .
“ If he had wanted to , he could have put a stop to this retreat quietly , through back channels , long before it ever had the potential for public scandal.
” “ What are we the faithful supposed to conclude from the fact that he has not put a stop to it ?
” asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is consistent with Catholic teaching to be a sexually active gay man in the priesthood ?
Yes or no ?
” continued Morse .
“ Does he support the organizers of the retreat ?
Yes or no ?
” Morse wondered if the Archbishop ’ s lack of leadership might be due to blackmail .
“ Does the Lavender Mafia have something on him ?
If people assume the worst about Archbishop Lori , I fear he has only himself to blame , ” she said .
Concerned Catholics are being urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest planned for March 18 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Archdiocese of Baltimore offices , 320 Cathedral Street , Baltimore , Maryland .
• Contact Baltimore Archbishop Lori and ask him to exercise his authority to shut down the event : 410-547-5437 or [ email protected ] • Contact Washington , D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory and ask him to forbid Fr .
Peter Daly from leading the retreat : 301-853-4500 • Contact the Bon Secours Retreat Center and ask them to decline to host the retreat : 410-442-3120

The archdiocese has indicated that the shepherd lacks 'zero authority' to do anything about a retreat held off of diocesan property.
March 16, 2020 update: The March 18 protest outside Archdiocese of Baltimore offices against a retreat for homosexual clergy has been postponed. LifeSiteNews received the following message: “Due to the spreading coronavirus pandemic, we have to postpone the demonstration against a New Ways Ministry-sponsored retreat for ‘gay’ priests, deacons, bishops, and brothers in the Archdiocese of Baltimore at the Bon Secours Retreat Center on April 14-16. However, we shall continue to pursue other means to convince Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori to use his episcopal powers to prevent this retreat from happening (see Canon #764).”
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – After a group of concerned Catholics pressed their archbishop to cancel a scheduled retreat for “gay” bishops, priests, deacons, and religious brothers, the archdiocese has indicated that the shepherd lacks “zero authority” to do anything about the retreat, citing that it is being held off of diocesan property.
The archdiocese further indicated that a just-issued edict by the state’s governor calling for large gatherings to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic may have the unintended effect of canceling the retreat.
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore was urged in a press release issued Wednesday to call off the event which is sponsored by New Ways Ministries (NWM), a pro-LGBT group condemned by the Vatican and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The retreat is scheduled to be led by Father Peter Daly, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. who has a history of advocating for homosexual clergy.
Titled “Love Casts Out Fear: Finding Courage to Speak Our Truth,” the retreat website proclaims the gathering is designed for the “gay men” who are “disproportionately present in the Catholic clergy.”
In subsequent communications between the group and Archdiocesan spokesperson Sean Caine, it became clear that Archbishop Lori does not want to go on the record against the retreat or New Ways Ministry.
“The Archbishop is aware of their concerns and has taken steps he feels are within the limits of his authority given the circumstances and canon law,” Caine said to the group via text messages that were obtained by LifeSiteNews.
When pressed to explain why Archbishop Lori doesn’t make some attempt to make a moral argument against the event despite the limitations of canon law, the group was told: “The government has more authority than we do.”
“[Archbishop Lori] publicly reiterated the church’s stance on New Ways Ministry and has made clear that the only acceptable ministry to same-sex attracted Catholics in this archdiocese is Courage,” insisted Caine, referring to an article published by the diocese a few days ago. Yet the article did not once quote Archbishop Lori; none of the statements are attributable to him.
When challenged further, Caine said, “The point is that the Archbishop can jump up and down all day and say anything he wants but he has zero authority over a retreat held off diocesan property.”
“We all agree it’s wrong and causes confusion and shouldn’t be happening,” allowed Caine. “They are aware of the Archbishop’s concerns. However, if this mandate by the governor compels them to make a decision they otherwise wouldn’t make, it’s better than the alternative.”
As news spread of the Archbishop’s continued reluctance to use all means at his disposal to end the ‘gay’ clergy retreat, concerned Catholics have expressed their grave concern over his continued silence.
“Some are saying the retreat may be cancelled because of the coronavirus. The concern for physical health is laudable but concern for the destiny of souls should be greater,” said Janet Smith, recently retired professor of moral theology at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, in a statement to LifeSiteNews.
Smith said it was sad that authority apparently exists to cancel the retreat for “health reasons” but seemingly not to “protect souls.”
“I commend the laity of Baltimore who, for the sake of souls, have urged Archbishop Lori to use his powers to prevent the retreat from taking place and to make a strong public statement against it,” said Prof. Smith. “Laity do not like to oppose their leaders; we revere them, but it is long past time that the lavender mafia cease to have influence in the Church.”
Kevin Wells, author of The Priests We Need to Save the Church, told LifeSiteNews, “The priority for each American bishop, I believe, can be scaled down to a single consideration: ‘Anything that will further wound my already-disturbed and scattered flock must be eliminated.’”
“This ‘retreat’ must be eliminated,” declared Wells. “It is a cancer and great scandal to the sensibilities of faithful Catholics. Should the cancellation take place, Archbishop Lori, and all bishops for that matter, will begin to regain the moral authority that they have mostly lost. I love Archbishop Lori and pray daily for his leadership; I do believe he'll do the right thing and cancel.”
“As shepherds, it is no longer permissible to think and act like overly-cautious bureaucrats,” added Wells. “It is time to resemble the courageous shepherd on the Irish hillside when the wolf approaches: He thinks, ‘I must protect; I must attack this danger to save my sheep.’”
“I don’t believe that Archbishop Bishop Lori’s canonical authority is the issue here,” said Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, Founder and President of the Ruth Institute. “If he had wanted to, he could have put a stop to this retreat quietly, through back channels, long before it ever had the potential for public scandal.”
“What are we the faithful supposed to conclude from the fact that he has not put a stop to it?” asked Morse.
“Does the archbishop believe it is consistent with Catholic teaching to be a sexually active gay man in the priesthood? Yes or no?” continued Morse. “Does he support the organizers of the retreat? Yes or no?”
Morse wondered if the Archbishop’s lack of leadership might be due to blackmail.
“Does the Lavender Mafia have something on him? If people assume the worst about Archbishop Lori, I fear he has only himself to blame,” she said.
Concerned Catholics are being urged to:
Consider participating in the protest planned for March 18 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Archdiocese of Baltimore offices, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Contact Baltimore Archbishop Lori and ask him to exercise his authority to shut down the event: 410-547-5437 or [email protected] Contact Washington, D.C. Archbishop Wilton Gregory and ask him to forbid Fr. Peter Daly from leading the retreat: 301-853-4500 Contact the Bon Secours Retreat Center and ask them to decline to host the retreat: 410-442-3120
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Coronavirus in France: gatherings of 100+ banned, some bishops issue courageous response

March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – On Thursday evening , President Emmanuel Macron of France made a solemn announcement regarding the Coronavirus epidemic which is expected to hit France hard in the coming days : schools , day-care centers for toddlers , as well as universities will be closed indefinitely as of Monday .
On the other hand , despite COVID-19 , municipal elections will take place as planned on Sunday , with a second-round on March 22 .
As of today , Friday , March 13 , gatherings of more than 100 people have also been banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places with smaller capacities than 100 will continue to function , but the measure is expected to have an impact on Sunday Masses in the larger towns .
Indeed , public attendance at Sunday Masses has been suspended indefinitely in the dioceses of Paris and Versailles from Saturday evening and through Sunday .
In Paris , Catholics have been officially relieved from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass .
In the diocese of Versailles , a letter from Bishop Eric Aumonier and his auxiliary bishop Bruno Valentin made clear that week-day Masses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and funeral Masses will continue to be celebrated publicly providing the assistance of less than 100 faithful can be “ ensured.
” In Versailles , priests are also being asked by bishops Aumonier and Valentin to make themselves “ available ” in the churches of the diocese , in order to welcome the faithful individually , have public Eucharistic adoration and to offer the sacrament of confession ; they are also “ encouraged ” to be “ generously available ” for the sick .
In further recommendations , the bishops of Versailles invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Eucharistic adoration and spiritual communion , following the indications of their pastors , and also to reach out to the poor and the isolated .
All are also invited to join a Grand Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes from March 17 to March 25 .
Both bishops and vicar general announced that “ within the following hours ” they would make a private pilgrimage to Poissy , the birth-place of Saint Louis , King of France , in order to invoke his intercession as Patron Saint of the diocese of Versailles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Masses will be celebrated publicly , as usual , but the faithful must sit while leaving one seat between them .
The 100 person-limit applies .
The apostolic administrator , Bishop Michel Dubost , suggested that a larger number of Masses be celebrated during the weekend in order to allow more people to attend .
In all cases , fragile , sick and elderly people are being asked not to attend .
In Lyon , the bishop also “ suggested ” that the elderly over the age of 70 be dispensed from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the diocese of Vannes , Brittany , where an “ epidemic cluster ” has emerged , Mass will not be celebrated publicly in the small towns and villages involved ; in Vannes and the other towns of the diocese , parishes have been asked to multiply the number of Sunday Masses .
The elderly over the age of 70 and others with chronic illness are formally dispensed from attending Mass on Sunday .
Bishop Raymond Centène , in his official letter to the priests and faithful of his diocese , urged all to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic.
” He added that all should be readily given vials of Holy Water .
He also urged parishes to organize the “ diaconal ” work of the faithful , in order to take care that no one should lack food and other necessary supplies , including medicine .
In Grenoble , in the south-east of France , Father Didier , the local rector of the Sacred-Heart Basilica has chosen another solution .
Instead of one Mass , the sanctuary will offer four Masses on Sunday morning , and a schedule using Doodle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register themselves with their families , thereby ensuring that no more than 100 faithful attend a single mass .

As of today, Friday, March 13, gatherings of more than 100 people have also been banned in France.
March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – On Thursday evening, President Emmanuel Macron of France made a solemn announcement regarding the Coronavirus epidemic which is expected to hit France hard in the coming days: schools, day-care centers for toddlers, as well as universities will be closed indefinitely as of Monday. On the other hand, despite COVID-19, municipal elections will take place as planned on Sunday, with a second-round on March 22.
As of today, Friday, March 13, gatherings of more than 100 people have also been banned in France. Cinemas and other public places with smaller capacities than 100 will continue to function, but the measure is expected to have an impact on Sunday Masses in the larger towns.
Indeed, public attendance at Sunday Masses has been suspended indefinitely in the dioceses of Paris and Versailles from Saturday evening and through Sunday.
In Paris, Catholics have been officially relieved from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
In the diocese of Versailles, a letter from Bishop Eric Aumonier and his auxiliary bishop Bruno Valentin made clear that week-day Masses, as well as baptisms, marriages, and funeral Masses will continue to be celebrated publicly providing the assistance of less than 100 faithful can be “ensured.”
In Versailles, priests are also being asked by bishops Aumonier and Valentin to make themselves “available” in the churches of the diocese, in order to welcome the faithful individually, have public Eucharistic adoration and to offer the sacrament of confession; they are also “encouraged” to be “generously available” for the sick.
In further recommendations, the bishops of Versailles invited the faithful to resort to family prayers, Eucharistic adoration and spiritual communion, following the indications of their pastors, and also to reach out to the poor and the isolated.
All are also invited to join a Grand Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes from March 17 to March 25.
Both bishops and vicar general announced that “within the following hours” they would make a private pilgrimage to Poissy, the birth-place of Saint Louis, King of France, in order to invoke his intercession as Patron Saint of the diocese of Versailles.
In the diocese of Lyon, Masses will be celebrated publicly, as usual, but the faithful must sit while leaving one seat between them. The 100 person-limit applies. The apostolic administrator, Bishop Michel Dubost, suggested that a larger number of Masses be celebrated during the weekend in order to allow more people to attend.
In all cases, fragile, sick and elderly people are being asked not to attend. In Lyon, the bishop also “suggested” that the elderly over the age of 70 be dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
In the diocese of Vannes, Brittany, where an “epidemic cluster” has emerged, Mass will not be celebrated publicly in the small towns and villages involved; in Vannes and the other towns of the diocese, parishes have been asked to multiply the number of Sunday Masses. The elderly over the age of 70 and others with chronic illness are formally dispensed from attending Mass on Sunday. Bishop Raymond Centène, in his official letter to the priests and faithful of his diocese, urged all to pray for “favorable outcome to this epidemic.”
He added that all should be readily given vials of Holy Water. He also urged parishes to organize the “diaconal” work of the faithful, in order to take care that no one should lack food and other necessary supplies, including medicine.
In Grenoble, in the south-east of France, Father Didier, the local rector of the Sacred-Heart Basilica has chosen another solution. Instead of one Mass, the sanctuary will offer four Masses on Sunday morning, and a schedule using Doodle has been created allowing the faithful to register themselves with their families, thereby ensuring that no more than 100 faithful attend a single mass.
Follow Jeanne Jeanne Smits has worked as a journalist in France since 1987 after obtaining a Master of Arts in Law. She formerly directed the French daily Présent and was editor-in-chief of an all-internet French-speaking news site called reinformation.tv. She writes regularly for a number of Catholic journals (Monde & vie, L’Homme nouveau, Reconquête…) and runs a personal pro-life blog. In addition, she is often invited to radio and TV shows on alternative media. She is vice-president of the Christian and French defense association “AGRIF.” She is the French translator of The Dictator Pope by Henry Sire and Christus Vincit by Bishop Schneider, and recently contributed to the Bref examen critique de la communion dans la main about Communion in the hand. She is married and has three children, and lives near Paris.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Canadian archbishop places himself in quarantine after experiencing flu-like symptoms

EDMONTON , Alberta , March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A Canadian archbishop has placed himself in isolation Thursday after exhibiting signs of a cold , just a day after he issued new Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) precaution directives for his parishes .
Grandin Media is reporting that Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith is in self-quarantine at his residence after he was advised to do so by medical professionals .
He is being tested for Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
Smith was advised to cancel all his engagements until he receives his test results , meaning celebrations of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the archdiocese of Edmonton will not be conducted for the foreseeable future .
The Grandin Media report notes that Smith says he does not feel “ seriously ill ” at this point and that he is “ eager to return to public ministry.
” On March 11 , Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith released new “ preventive measures wherever Mass is celebrated ” guidelines for the archdiocese , which do not call for a ban on receiving Holy Communion on the tongue .
The guidelines call for a “ dedicated line ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the host on the tongue .
“ Experts in public health have advised there is no greater risk of infection in receiving the host on the tongue than there is in receiving in the hand , ” says Smith ’ s coronavirus directives .
“ Communicants are free to receive either way .
However , for people ’ s greater peace of mind , priests should offer a dedicated line for communicants who prefer to receive on the tongue.
” Smith ’ s guidelines follow similar ones issued by Bishop William T. McGrattan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which have placed a temporary ban of the sign of peace , and ordered all holy water fonts emptied .
The guidelines also say that until further notice , there will be no public distribution of the consecrated wine as part of Holy Communion .
These directives come at a time when the Province of Alberta ’ s chief medical officer has asked Albertans to cancel all large events over 250 people and to not travel to international destinations .
The ban on gatherings does not include churches or other places of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , community events as well as conferences .
For the time being , public schools in Alberta remain open .
All over the world , many churches and other places of worship have been closed due to Coronavirus fears .
In Canada , Bishops in Quebec have announced that all Saturday and Sunday masses have been cancelled until further notice .
Churches , however , will remain open .
Alberta has 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of March 12 , with Canada ’ s total standing at just over 100 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trudeau , is in self-isolation after his wife tested positive for Coronavirus .
Fr .
Anthony Pillari recently told LifeSiteNews that times of crisis serve as a “ great spiritual opportunity ” for those with faith to help those who do not believe and feel hopeless .

Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith is in self-quarantine at his residence after he was advised to do so by medical professionals.
March 17, 2020 update: Archbishop Smith tested negative for the coronavirus, after placing himself in isolation on March 12 due to exhibiting signs of a “slight cold.” Grandin Media reported the negative test result for Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith via a Twitter message on its page yesterday. A later statement from the archdiocese said that Smith never felt “seriously ill,” but took the measure to self-quarantine out of an “abundance of caution” on the advice of medical professionals.
EDMONTON, Alberta, March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A Canadian archbishop has placed himself in isolation Thursday after exhibiting signs of a cold, just a day after he issued new Coronavirus (COVID-19) precaution directives for his parishes.
Grandin Media is reporting that Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith is in self-quarantine at his residence after he was advised to do so by medical professionals. He is being tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Smith was advised to cancel all his engagements until he receives his test results, meaning celebrations of the Sacrament of Confirmation and other public ministries in the archdiocese of Edmonton will not be conducted for the foreseeable future.
The Grandin Media report notes that Smith says he does not feel “seriously ill” at this point and that he is “eager to return to public ministry.”
On March 11, Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith released new “preventive measures wherever Mass is celebrated” guidelines for the archdiocese, which do not call for a ban on receiving Holy Communion on the tongue. The guidelines call for a “dedicated line” to be had for those wishing to receive the host on the tongue.
“Experts in public health have advised there is no greater risk of infection in receiving the host on the tongue than there is in receiving in the hand,” says Smith’s coronavirus directives.
“Communicants are free to receive either way. However, for people’s greater peace of mind, priests should offer a dedicated line for communicants who prefer to receive on the tongue.”
Smith’s guidelines follow similar ones issued by Bishop William T. McGrattan of the Diocese of Calgary, Alberta, which have placed a temporary ban of the sign of peace, and ordered all holy water fonts emptied. The guidelines also say that until further notice, there will be no public distribution of the consecrated wine as part of Holy Communion.
These directives come at a time when the Province of Alberta’s chief medical officer has asked Albertans to cancel all large events over 250 people and to not travel to international destinations. The ban on gatherings does not include churches or other places of worship but extends only to large sports events, community events as well as conferences. For the time being, public schools in Alberta remain open.
All over the world, many churches and other places of worship have been closed due to Coronavirus fears.
In Canada, Bishops in Quebec have announced that all Saturday and Sunday masses have been cancelled until further notice. Churches, however, will remain open.
Alberta has 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of March 12, with Canada’s total standing at just over 100.
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is in self-isolation after his wife tested positive for Coronavirus.
Fr. Anthony Pillari recently told LifeSiteNews that times of crisis serve as a “great spiritual opportunity” for those with faith to help those who do not believe and feel hopeless.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--How to overcome spiritual avarice

How to overcome spiritual avarice

Formerly Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam , Mother Miriam Live brings you inspiration and solutions for life ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Miriam is a Catholic nun on a mission to bring hope to a world that @ @ @ @ @ let her share that hope and joy with you !
To tune into Mother Miriam @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page here every Monday to Friday at 10am .

Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 3.13.2020. Today, Mother discusses spiritual avarice and how one can avoid falling into it.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Dems fail to ax pro-life language in coronavirus spending bill…for now

WASHINGTON , D.C. , March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – As government leaders continue to move to address the spread of the coronavirus across the United States , House Democrats allegedly tried to exploit the panic to weaken existing restrictions on federal funding of abortion .
Senior White House officials told the Daily Caller Thursday that during negotiations over an economic stimulus bill to address fallout from the virus , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed for the inclusion of several controversial provisions , including a mandate to reimburse laboratory claims – independent of the requirements of the Hyde @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most abortions .
One official described the proposal as a “ slush fund.
” “ A new mandatory funding stream that does not have Hyde protections would be unprecedented , ” another official said .
“ Under the guise of protecting people , Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent covering abortion — which is not only backwards , but goes against historical norms.
” House Republicans including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy criticized Pelosi for stalling what should be bipartisan public safety work with unrelated left-wing priorities , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scratch .
This morning a White House source informed LifeSiteNews that pro-lifers succeeded in ensuring that the Hyde Amendment will be applied to the coronavirus bill .
U.S. House Democrats have apparently conceded on that front , although the final outcome remains to be seen .
Pro-life voices have responded to the reports of Pelosi ’ s actions with shock and disgust : Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews ’ live updates on coronavirus and its impact all over the world .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried to get around the Hyde Amendment, which blocks federal funding of most abortions.
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – As government leaders continue to move to address the spread of the coronavirus across the United States, House Democrats allegedly tried to exploit the panic to weaken existing restrictions on federal funding of abortion.
Senior White House officials told the Daily Caller Thursday that during negotiations over an economic stimulus bill to address fallout from the virus, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushed for the inclusion of several controversial provisions, including a mandate to reimburse laboratory claims – independent of the requirements of the Hyde amendment, which blocks direct financing of most abortions. One official described the proposal as a “slush fund.”
“A new mandatory funding stream that does not have Hyde protections would be unprecedented,” another official said. “Under the guise of protecting people, Speaker Pelosi is working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent covering abortion — which is not only backwards, but goes against historical norms.”
House Republicans including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy criticized Pelosi for stalling what should be bipartisan public safety work with unrelated left-wing priorities, and called for drafting a separate proposal from scratch.
This morning a White House source informed LifeSiteNews that pro-lifers succeeded in ensuring that the Hyde Amendment will be applied to the coronavirus bill. U.S. House Democrats have apparently conceded on that front, although the final outcome remains to be seen.
Pro-life voices have responded to the reports of Pelosi’s actions with shock and disgust:
House Democrats are so unbelievably obsessed w/ abortion that they threaten to refuse economic relief to millions while a virus threatens lives unless they get to force tax funded abortion at the same time. And then they blame the gridlock on “pro-life provisions.” Pure evil. — Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) March 12, 2020
Breaking – Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried to guarantee federal funding of abortion in the coronavirus economic stimulus plan? People, this is the Swamp! The Evil and Digusting swamp the @realDonaldTrump and @VP will need 4 more years to get rid of! #maga #trump2020 pic.twitter.com/jeXv28lOVp — Fr. Frank Pavone ���� (Text LIFE to 88022) (@frfrankpavone) March 13, 2020
The fact that Planned Parenthood believes emergency #CoronavirusPandemic funding should be used for taxpayer funded abortions tells you all you need to know about the Abortion Goliath. https://t.co/tf0kS7bmYZ — Kristan Hawkins (@KristanHawkins) March 12, 2020
Readers can click here for LifeSiteNews’ live updates on coronavirus and its impact all over the world.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Priest: Satan has found a home in Dem party leadership and is up to his old tricks

March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Some years ago I was having a pleasant cup of java at a local coffee shop in the company of a police officer in my Florida town .
Just then he received a radio call about an alligator prowling the grounds of a nearby hospital .
Being interested in police procedures ( and not at all liking alligators ) , I asked if I could come along to watch how he handled the dangerous beast .
When we arrived , we saw clearly that the alligator had been run over by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” my police officer friend said .
“ Take your nightstick and poke him , ” I suggested bravely , standing well to the rear .
He poked with his club , and nothing happened .
The alligator still looked dead .
So the officer walked around to the other side of the beast and poked him again .
Again nothing .
“ Try one more thing , ” I offered , screwing up my courage from a distance .
“ Kick his tail.
” The officer kicked the alligator ’ s tail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whipped itself around .
It had been injured , but it was alive .
There ’ s a lesson in this little story : Satan is a lot like that alligator .
It ’ s easy to assume he ’ s dead or not present .
But when you least expect it , you suddenly find he ’ s very present , very conscious , and angry as that wounded alligator was .
The devil has made his home among the leadership of the Democratic Party for some time now , and found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be deduced from the fact that every prominent Democrat figure is totally committed to abortion — even partial-birth abortion and post-delivery abortion , which is to say infanticide .
What else but diabolical influence can explain their determination to block even the slightest impingement upon the murder of children ?
Consider the recently failed effort to require abortion doctors to have hospital affiliations .
This measure wouldn ’ t have restricted abortion in the least .
Rather , it was solely concerned with the health and safety of women undergoing abortive procedures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage ) .
Reasonable as it was , the legislation was seen as an intolerable compromise .
After the recent primary elections , the Democratic Party seems like an alligator that ’ s been run over .
Its would-be presidential nominees have been viciously tearing each other to shreds , until the field has now narrowed to Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden .
With two old , white guys — a Socialist and a longtime ward heeler — now competing to carry the standard of a party that presents itself as youthful , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy to assume the Democrats are near death .
But that would be a mistake .
Satan is tricky .
Those of us who care about the pro-life cause can ’ t let ourselves be lulled into complacency .
Nor can we assume that whoever emerges from the Democratic convention as the ultimate nominee is guaranteed to be run over by Donald Trump .
I ’ m from Brooklyn , Trump is from Queens .
I sometimes feel as if I grew up with the President , and to tell the truth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn out to be as good as he has , especially regarding life issues .
At the March for Life , back in February , I found myself mesmerized by the beautiful speech he gave .
Speaking to a crowd of about 100,000 , mostly young people , he emphasized that every human life is a miracle and every child gives joy to a family .
How long had we waited to hear something like that from a President of the United States ?
As it ’ s often been said , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he picks people we wouldn ’ t expect him to pick to do his work .
Nevertheless , there are absolutely no certainties in the world of politics .
A party that has struggled relentlessly to destroy the Trump presidency — even to concocting absurd plots and international conspiracies in order to fabricate a case for impeachment — will try anything to make an election advance its agenda , whether legally or otherwise .
And how fast could things turn if either Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden becomes President ?
As fast as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Abortion is only the beginning .
Here in Florida , there ’ s already a “ death-with-dignity ” bill in the legislative pipeline ( Senate Bill 1800 ) .
“ Death with dignity , ” of course , is a euphemism that means we can “ put people to sleep , ” just as we might do to a sick dog or cat ( or a wounded alligator ) .
Florida is just a bellwether .
Can you imagine that such proposals wouldn ’ t become legislative priorities under a President Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second Book of Kings , the prophet Elisha faces a battle which , according to the situation , indicates he ’ s likely to lose .
But his servant has a vision of flaming chariots , and he realizes that God ’ s angels are coming to surround Elisha and bring victory .
Pray for those flaming chariots .
And get ready for a fight .
There ’ s an election ahead , and its outcome is by no means certain .
A priest of the Diocese of Camden , New Jersey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples , Florida .
He is host of “ Action for Life TV , ” a weekly cable television series devoted to pro-life issues , and his writings appear in numerous publications and online journals .

'The devil has made his home among the leadership of the Democratic Party for some time now, and found it a most hospitable environment.'
ANALYSIS
March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Some years ago I was having a pleasant cup of java at a local coffee shop in the company of a police officer in my Florida town. Just then he received a radio call about an alligator prowling the grounds of a nearby hospital.
Being interested in police procedures (and not at all liking alligators), I asked if I could come along to watch how he handled the dangerous beast. When we arrived, we saw clearly that the alligator had been run over by a car.
“He looks dead,” my police officer friend said.
“Take your nightstick and poke him,” I suggested bravely, standing well to the rear.
He poked with his club, and nothing happened. The alligator still looked dead. So the officer walked around to the other side of the beast and poked him again. Again nothing.
“Try one more thing,” I offered, screwing up my courage from a distance. “Kick his tail.”
The officer kicked the alligator’s tail, and suddenly, the frightening creature whipped itself around. It had been injured, but it was alive.
There’s a lesson in this little story: Satan is a lot like that alligator. It’s easy to assume he’s dead or not present. But when you least expect it, you suddenly find he’s very present, very conscious, and angry as that wounded alligator was.
The devil has made his home among the leadership of the Democratic Party for some time now, and found it a most hospitable environment. This can be deduced from the fact that every prominent Democrat figure is totally committed to abortion — even partial-birth abortion and post-delivery abortion, which is to say infanticide. What else but diabolical influence can explain their determination to block even the slightest impingement upon the murder of children?
Consider the recently failed effort to require abortion doctors to have hospital affiliations. This measure wouldn’t have restricted abortion in the least. Rather, it was solely concerned with the health and safety of women undergoing abortive procedures (which not uncommonly result in ancillary damage). Reasonable as it was, the legislation was seen as an intolerable compromise.
After the recent primary elections, the Democratic Party seems like an alligator that’s been run over. Its would-be presidential nominees have been viciously tearing each other to shreds, until the field has now narrowed to Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden. With two old, white guys — a Socialist and a longtime ward heeler — now competing to carry the standard of a party that presents itself as youthful, innovative and inclusive, it would be easy to assume the Democrats are near death.
But that would be a mistake. Satan is tricky. Those of us who care about the pro-life cause can’t let ourselves be lulled into complacency. Nor can we assume that whoever emerges from the Democratic convention as the ultimate nominee is guaranteed to be run over by Donald Trump.
I’m from Brooklyn, Trump is from Queens. I sometimes feel as if I grew up with the President, and to tell the truth, I would never have expected him to turn out to be as good as he has, especially regarding life issues.
At the March for Life, back in February, I found myself mesmerized by the beautiful speech he gave. Speaking to a crowd of about 100,000, mostly young people, he emphasized that every human life is a miracle and every child gives joy to a family. How long had we waited to hear something like that from a President of the United States?
As it’s often been said, the Lord moves in mysterious ways. And he picks people we wouldn’t expect him to pick to do his work.
Nevertheless, there are absolutely no certainties in the world of politics. A party that has struggled relentlessly to destroy the Trump presidency — even to concocting absurd plots and international conspiracies in order to fabricate a case for impeachment — will try anything to make an election advance its agenda, whether legally or otherwise.
And how fast could things turn if either Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden becomes President? As fast as that alligator turned on the police officer.
Abortion is only the beginning. Here in Florida, there’s already a “death-with-dignity” bill in the legislative pipeline (Senate Bill 1800). “Death with dignity,” of course, is a euphemism that means we can “put people to sleep,” just as we might do to a sick dog or cat (or a wounded alligator). Florida is just a bellwether. Can you imagine that such proposals wouldn’t become legislative priorities under a President Sanders or a President Biden?
In the Second Book of Kings, the prophet Elisha faces a battle which, according to the situation, indicates he’s likely to lose. But his servant has a vision of flaming chariots, and he realizes that God’s angels are coming to surround Elisha and bring victory.
Pray for those flaming chariots. And get ready for a fight. There’s an election ahead, and its outcome is by no means certain.
The alligator isn’t dead yet.
A priest of the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey, Rev. Michael P. Orsi currently serves as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, Florida. He is host of “Action for Life TV,” a weekly cable television series devoted to pro-life issues, and his writings appear in numerous publications and online journals.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Prof destroys Dem presidential candidates’ pro-abortion talking points with brilliant satire

March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Editor ’ s note : Law professor Richard Stith sees an analogy between tenancy law and abortion .
Below he imagines a hardball interview with a Democratic presidential candidate about “ eviction rights.
” Reporter : “ I am so grateful for your willingness to answer a few questions about the eviction controversy .
As I ’ m sure you know , in response to the “ My Building , My Choice !
” campaign , the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has proposed rules to make it easier for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s your position on eviction rights ?
” Dem presidential candidate : “ I think you ’ ll like the consistently deferential approach I take on this sort of issue .
As I said at a recent Town Hall , I ’ m for trusting decisionmakers to draw their own lines .
So here I say , ‘ Trust landlords.
’ I ’ m not personally pro-eviction or anti-eviction .
But landlords ’ eviction decisions are not going to improve just because the government dictates how they should be made.
” Reporter : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that God wants them to protect tenants from unjust eviction ?
” Candidate : “ I respect and support those with pro-tenant religious beliefs , even though I don ’ t think that ’ s what the Bible says .
But they may not use their private beliefs as a political weapon against a landlord ’ s freedom to choose what to do with his own building.
” Reporter : “ Here ’ s a tough one for you : Suppose a particular landlord has already made a choice .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shelter her for nine months , but later he changes his mind .
Can he just kick the tenant out in the sixth month , even though she has no other place to go ?
Suppose it ’ s winter , even.
” Candidate : “ I would trust that landlord to make the right decision.
” Reporter : “ But what if this particular landlord has a discriminatory motive ?
What if he has discovered in the sixth month of occupancy that the tenant has Down Syndrome , for example ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the street , where she ’ s really not capable of surviving until the weather gets warmer in a few months ?
” Candidate : “ I ’ m against all discrimination , but we have to trust the landlord on this .
The building is their private property .
We can ’ t interfere with total control of one ’ s own building , even if the owner chooses to draw a line with which we may disagree.
” Reporter : “ In late 2019 , there was an article titled “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Medical Ethics .
The article concluded that a tenant may have settled in and feel quite pained by an eviction after just 12 weeks of occupancy .
The authors ’ research showed , in their own words , “ Overall , the evidence , and a balanced reading of that evidence , points towards an immediate and unreflective pain experience .
.
.
from as early as 12 weeks.
” Do you think that , after she ’ s been living there 12 weeks , landlords should hire a doctor to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before evicting her ?
One of the two co-authors of the article is strongly pro-eviction , by the way , but he still supports their joint conclusion about tenant pain.
” Candidate : “ The provision of a pre-eviction pain killer is something that a landlord might want to consider , if they wish .
But it ’ s up to them , not me , to draw that line .
It ’ s all a matter of trust , you see .
I trust landlords to do what ’ s right.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like your party , are against tenants ’ rights at any stage of occupancy , but what if it ’ s the second to last day of the ninth month of the occupancy , so the tenant is going to move out tomorrow .
Can the landlord refuse to wait and just hire a tough guy to grab her and toss her out today ?
What if she holds on , and the tough guy has to pull her out piece by piece ?
” Candidate : “ Your questions are getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Do you own a building with a room available for occupancy ?
If not , I don ’ t see how you even have a right to speak on this issue .
It ’ s a basic American legal principle that we only trust the testimony , and then the decision , of somebody with a personal interest in a case .
At least if he ’ s also the stronger party .
That ’ s why I say we should trust the landlord.
” Reporter : “ Sorry .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I thought I had heard that neither party should be the sole judge of a case -- and that when rights are in conflict , that ’ s exactly when we need to find an outside perspective to mediate between them .
Thanks for straightening me out on that.
” Author Richard Stith is now a research professor after 41 years as a member of the teaching faculty at Valparaiso University Law School .
Most of his writings can be found at http : //works.bepress.com/richard_stith/

Law professor Richard Stith uses an analogy between tenancy law and abortion to highlight the insanity of pro-abortion arguments made by Democrats.
SATIRE
March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Editor’s note: Law professor Richard Stith sees an analogy between tenancy law and abortion. Below he imagines a hardball interview with a Democratic presidential candidate about “eviction rights.”
***
Reporter: “I am so grateful for your willingness to answer a few questions about the eviction controversy. As I’m sure you know, in response to the “My Building, My Choice!” campaign, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has proposed rules to make it easier for landlords to evict tenants. What’s your position on eviction rights?”
Dem presidential candidate: “I think you’ll like the consistently deferential approach I take on this sort of issue. As I said at a recent Town Hall, I’m for trusting decisionmakers to draw their own lines. So here I say, ‘Trust landlords.’ I’m not personally pro-eviction or anti-eviction. But landlords’ eviction decisions are not going to improve just because the government dictates how they should be made.”
Reporter: “What do you tell people who believe that God wants them to protect tenants from unjust eviction?”
Candidate: “I respect and support those with pro-tenant religious beliefs, even though I don’t think that’s what the Bible says. But they may not use their private beliefs as a political weapon against a landlord’s freedom to choose what to do with his own building.”
Reporter: “Here’s a tough one for you: Suppose a particular landlord has already made a choice. He has invited a tenant in, clearly agreeing to shelter her for nine months, but later he changes his mind. Can he just kick the tenant out in the sixth month, even though she has no other place to go? Suppose it’s winter, even.”
Candidate: “I would trust that landlord to make the right decision.”
Reporter: “But what if this particular landlord has a discriminatory motive? What if he has discovered in the sixth month of occupancy that the tenant has Down Syndrome, for example? Can she just be put out on the street, where she’s really not capable of surviving until the weather gets warmer in a few months?”
Candidate: “I’m against all discrimination, but we have to trust the landlord on this. The building is their private property. We can’t interfere with total control of one’s own building, even if the owner chooses to draw a line with which we may disagree.”
Reporter: “In late 2019, there was an article titled “Reconsidering tenant pain” in the Journal of Medical Ethics. The article concluded that a tenant may have settled in and feel quite pained by an eviction after just 12 weeks of occupancy. The authors’ research showed, in their own words, “Overall, the evidence, and a balanced reading of that evidence, points towards an immediate and unreflective pain experience . . . from as early as 12 weeks.” Do you think that, after she’s been living there 12 weeks, landlords should hire a doctor to give the tenant some sort of pain killer before evicting her? One of the two co-authors of the article is strongly pro-eviction, by the way, but he still supports their joint conclusion about tenant pain.”
Candidate: “The provision of a pre-eviction pain killer is something that a landlord might want to consider, if they wish. But it’s up to them, not me, to draw that line. It’s all a matter of trust, you see. I trust landlords to do what’s right.”
Reporter: “It looks like you, like your party, are against tenants’ rights at any stage of occupancy, but what if it’s the second to last day of the ninth month of the occupancy, so the tenant is going to move out tomorrow. Can the landlord refuse to wait and just hire a tough guy to grab her and toss her out today? What if she holds on, and the tough guy has to pull her out piece by piece?”
Candidate: “Your questions are getting outrageous. Let me ask you one. Do you own a building with a room available for occupancy? If not, I don’t see how you even have a right to speak on this issue. It’s a basic American legal principle that we only trust the testimony, and then the decision, of somebody with a personal interest in a case. At least if he’s also the stronger party. That’s why I say we should trust the landlord.”
Reporter: “Sorry. I’m not very up on our law. I thought I had heard that neither party should be the sole judge of a case — and that when rights are in conflict, that’s exactly when we need to find an outside perspective to mediate between them. Thanks for straightening me out on that.”
Author Richard Stith is now a research professor after 41 years as a member of the teaching faculty at Valparaiso University Law School. Most of his writings can be found at https://works.bepress.com/richard_stith/
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Pro-life man stands outside abortion mill every day. His feet have worn out the concrete

March 13 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — A few weeks ago , a team of pro-life volunteers and I had the pleasure of meeting up with my friend John Barros in Florida .
Readers of this blog will probably recognize John ’ s name , as I ’ ve told his story before in columns and interviewed him on my podcast .
He ’ s been out in front of one of Florida ’ s most notorious abortion facilities , the Orlando Women ’ s Center , for 16 years part-time and over a decade full-time .
He calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the front door ; he calls out to them as they sit in the waiting room ; and , with the full backing of his church , he offers them whatever help they need to change their mind , come out , and choose life .
More than 2,500 women have taken him up on his offer — John estimates that about thirty babies are saved in front of the facility every month .
These days , as the result of a stroke and other health problems , he is on crutches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss a day .
Even the abortion facility ’ s staff admire him .
Every time we join John in front of the abortion facility , something different strikes me .
The first time , it was seeing very pregnant girls hurry into the facility — and then realizing , several hours later , that a few inches of brick and plaster separated us from horrific acts of violence .
Those little babies had entered the facility alive through the front door but would be carted out in pieces .
The proximity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take your breath away .
This time , as I watched John call out to the women heading up the front walk into the facility , it was something else .
I realized , as he begged the mothers and fathers of unwanted children to soften their hearts , that for thousands upon thousands of babies , John ’ s voice would be the last thing they heard .
They couldn ’ t possibly know it or understand it , but while they were brutally betrayed by their mothers and fathers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that voice they could hear calling through the facility door was the voice of the only man who loved them enough to beg for their lives — and would be the last thing they heard before the cold metal instruments reached their tiny , fragile bodies .
John Barros refuses all of the credit for what he does .
It is God , he points out , who changes the hearts of the women who are walking in .
It is a sign of God ’ s mercy that even while they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion facility , God still sends someone to call out to them and offer them a way out .
Teetering on the edge of the cliff , lurching toward a decision that can never be undone , these people still receive someone , sent by God , to warn them and offer them whatever they need to come out , to change their minds , to accept the children He has given them as gifts .
John ’ s presence in front of this ugly , hellish place is a symbol of God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the facility , one of my friends pointed out something incredible .
On the sidewalk in front of the cobblestone walkway leading to the front door of the abortion facility , two round spots had been worn into the concrete — and if we looked closely , we could see indents from John ’ s crutches .
It was the perfect symbol of his faithfulness in the face of evil : his feet and his crutches , for years and years , have worn away the concrete of the sidewalk .
And day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear away at hard hearts and to save babies at the very last moment .
Jonathon ’ s new podcast , The Van Maren Show , is dedicated to telling the stories of the pro-life and pro-family movement .
In his latest episode , he speaks with John Bockmann , one of the authors of a new study who discovered that a fetus can feel pain much earlier than people think .
In delving into the topic of fetal pain , Bockmann realized the previous understanding about fetal pain was based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must-watch episode for any pro-life activist .
You can subscribe here and listen to the episode below :

These days, as the result of a stroke and other health problems, John Barros is on crutches — but he still doesn’t miss a day. Even the abortion facility’s staff admire him.
PETITION: Urge state governors to stop abortions during coronavirus crisis Sign the petition here.
March 13, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — A few weeks ago, a team of pro-life volunteers and I had the pleasure of meeting up with my friend John Barros in Florida. Readers of this blog will probably recognize John’s name, as I’ve told his story before in columns and interviewed him on my podcast. He’s been out in front of one of Florida’s most notorious abortion facilities, the Orlando Women’s Center, for 16 years part-time and over a decade full-time. He calls out to the women as they head to the front door; he calls out to them as they sit in the waiting room; and, with the full backing of his church, he offers them whatever help they need to change their mind, come out, and choose life.
More than 2,500 women have taken him up on his offer — John estimates that about thirty babies are saved in front of the facility every month. These days, as the result of a stroke and other health problems, he is on crutches — but he still doesn’t miss a day. Even the abortion facility’s staff admire him.
Every time we join John in front of the abortion facility, something different strikes me. The first time, it was seeing very pregnant girls hurry into the facility — and then realizing, several hours later, that a few inches of brick and plaster separated us from horrific acts of violence. Those little babies had entered the facility alive through the front door but would be carted out in pieces. The proximity and the helplessness of it all was enough to take your breath away.
This time, as I watched John call out to the women heading up the front walk into the facility, it was something else. I realized, as he begged the mothers and fathers of unwanted children to soften their hearts, that for thousands upon thousands of babies, John’s voice would be the last thing they heard. They couldn’t possibly know it or understand it, but while they were brutally betrayed by their mothers and fathers and medical professionals prepared to kill them, that voice they could hear calling through the facility door was the voice of the only man who loved them enough to beg for their lives — and would be the last thing they heard before the cold metal instruments reached their tiny, fragile bodies.
Follow Jonathon van Maren on Facebook
John Barros refuses all of the credit for what he does. It is God, he points out, who changes the hearts of the women who are walking in. It is a sign of God’s mercy that even while they are sitting inside the waiting room of the abortion facility, God still sends someone to call out to them and offer them a way out. Teetering on the edge of the cliff, lurching toward a decision that can never be undone, these people still receive someone, sent by God, to warn them and offer them whatever they need to come out, to change their minds, to accept the children He has given them as gifts. John’s presence in front of this ugly, hellish place is a symbol of God’s mercy.
Before we left the facility, one of my friends pointed out something incredible. On the sidewalk in front of the cobblestone walkway leading to the front door of the abortion facility, two round spots had been worn into the concrete — and if we looked closely, we could see indents from John’s crutches. It was the perfect symbol of his faithfulness in the face of evil: his feet and his crutches, for years and years, have worn away the concrete of the sidewalk. And day after day, God uses his words to wear away at hard hearts and to save babies at the very last moment.
Jonathon’s new podcast, The Van Maren Show, is dedicated to telling the stories of the pro-life and pro-family movement. In his latest episode, he speaks with John Bockmann, one of the authors of a new study who discovered that a fetus can feel pain much earlier than people think. In delving into the topic of fetal pain, Bockmann realized the previous understanding about fetal pain was based on a false presumption. This is a must-watch episode for any pro-life activist.
You can subscribe here and listen to the episode below:
Follow Jonathon Jonathon Van Maren is a public speaker, writer, and pro-life activist. His commentary has been translated into more than eight languages and published widely online as well as print newspapers such as the Jewish Independent, the National Post, the Hamilton Spectator and others. He has received an award for combating anti-Semitism in print from the Jewish organization B’nai Brith. His commentary has been featured on CTV Primetime, Global News, EWTN, and the CBC as well as dozens of radio stations and news outlets in Canada and the United States. He speaks on a wide variety of cultural topics across North America at universities, high schools, churches, and other functions. Some of these topics include abortion, pornography, the Sexual Revolution, and euthanasia. Jonathon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from Simon Fraser University, and is the communications director for the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform. Jonathon’s first book, The Culture War, was released in 2016.
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lifesitenews--2020-03-13--Pro-life group asks Florida AG to investigate abortion center linked to Pornhub trafficking case

FLORIDA , March 13 , 2020 ( Personhood.org ) – News has resurfaced about the 15-year-old girl in Florida who was repeatedly assaulted on videos that were uploaded to Pornhub and who was then taken for an illegal abortion to cover up the crime .
Her trafficker has been charged , and Pornhub is now under international scrutiny , but what about the abortion facility ?
The Personhood Alliance is calling on Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to launch an official investigation into whether the abortion facility willfully ignored Florida ’ s Parental Notice of Abortion Act and failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws that require they alert authorities to suspected child abuse and trafficking .
On Monday , March 9 , 2020 , U.S .
Senator Ben Sasse wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr , calling on the Department of Justice to investigate Pornhub and its parent entity MindGeek Holding SARL .
Pornhub is a website that shares free-to-view pornographic videos online .
For years , Pornhub and other similar sites have been accused of , as Sen. Sasse explains , “ involvement in the disturbing pipeline of exploiting children and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the examples mentioned in Sen. Sasse ’ s letter was the case of Christopher J. Johnson , who is awaiting trial in Broward County , Florida , on a charge of lewd and lascivious battery of a victim 12-16 years old .
Johnson is accused of uploading nearly 60 videos to Pornhub and similar websites depicting the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl .
The girl was recently rescued after being missing for almost a year .
During the time she was allegedly trafficked , the arrest report notes that Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kill the child who could serve as evidence of the crime .
The arrest report can be found here .
( Caution : The report contains disturbing descriptions of sexual acts with a minor . )
So here we are again—faced with another blatant example of the unholy alliance between abortion , sex trafficking , and pornography .
As growing evidence shows , all three are intricately connected .
Pornography creates the demand for sexual exploitation and trafficking .
Trafficking creates the supply for the pornography industry , and the act of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing all three industries to grow , profit , and cover up crime .
We are willing to pursue the Christopher Johnsons of the world , but what about the participation of pornography and abortion in this evil enterprise ?
Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers have worked for over a century to infiltrate legitimate healthcare in America and convince our culture that the killing of a pre-born child is a common medical procedure akin to removing one ’ s tonsils .
Yet , evidence shows that abortion providers : • Refuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a public health crisis • Ignore federal and state laws that require mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of minors • Openly promote pornography and the decriminalization of “ sex work , ” both of which directly feed the abortion industry Abortion is not healthcare : Refusal to address a public health crisis According to the HHS ’ Office of Administration for Children and Families , human trafficking “ is a public health concern that impacts individuals , families , and entire communities across generations and requires training and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providers , health care providers , and other first responders.
” The American Public Health Association agrees that our health system “ plays an important role in identifying and treating victims of human trafficking.
” The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that health care providers are often the first professionals to have contact with trafficked women and girls .
A 2016 report in the Health and Human Rights Journal revealed that 30 – 88 % of trafficked persons access medical services at some point during their exploitation .
Healthcare providers are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States have created task forces and working groups that encourage coordinated efforts among health care providers , law enforcement , justice departments , and child welfare agencies .
Many of these efforts are modeled after the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and supported by training through the Stop , Observe , Ask and Respond ( SOAR ) to Health and Wellness Act of 2018 and the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Blue Campaign .
Despite the growing network of support and cooperation in the healthcare field , the abortion industry refuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though they constantly promote abortion as “ women ’ s health.
” Most major health care organizations have released official statements on human trafficking .
But you won ’ t find Planned Parenthood or any other abortion provider on that list .
Why ?
Consider what the HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons has to say : Abortion is not healthcare : Refusal of duty as a mandatory reporter The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act ( CAPTA ) mandates that each state have provisions or procedures for requiring certain individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child abuse and neglect , including sexual exploitation and trafficking .
According to the HHS ’ Administration for Children and Families , mandatory reporters include ( among others ) those who work at abortion facilities under the auspices of health care : physicians , nurses , healthcare workers , and counselors .
These providers have a “ duty to report ” all suspected and confirmed abuse of any person under age 18 to state Child Protective Services and local law enforcement .
There are multiple legal cases in Arizona , California , Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving Planned Parenthood ’ s documented failure to report the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors .
These cases go beyond the undercover videos Live Action produced , revealing Planned Parenthood ’ s willingness to cover up child sexual abuse , aid traffickers , and claim that a few “ rogue ” workers were to blame .
These are civil and criminal cases brought against Planned Parenthood for its negligence as a mandatory reporter .
According to a 2014 study from the Annals of Health Law , “ the prevalence of forced abortions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trafficking.
” Survivors who participated in the study said they had significant contact with clinical treatment facilities , most commonly Planned Parenthood , while being trafficked .
They also reported that traffickers often chose Planned Parenthood to provide services because “ they didn ’ t ask any questions.
” In the case of Christopher Johnson , who allegedly exploited the 15-year-old victim on Pornhub and took her for an abortion , the state of Florida is very clear on its mandatory reporting requirements [ see page 8 of this report ] : Abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare providers , are considered mandatory reporters .
But according to the arrest report in the Johnson case , no one—repeat , no one—fulfilled their legal duty to report a 30-year-old man who accompanied an underage girl for an abortion .
Had the abortion workers at this facility seen the Missing Juvenile Alert that , according to the arrest record , the local police department released to the public en masse in February , 2019 ?
In March , had they noticed all the flyers the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places the victim frequented ?
Did the abortion facility have a protocol in place that guided workers in what to do when suspecting potential child abuse or sexual exploitation ?
The cashier at the local 7-Eleven certainly paid attention and alerted local law enforcement when the victim was spotted with Johnson only 2 months after her disappearance .
But it would be another 8 months and 58 videos before she was rescued .
Christopher Johnson was charged with a crime .
Pornhub is finally under scrutiny .
So why aren ’ t we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine whether they aided and abetted this crime ?
Abortion is not healthcare : Refusal to notify parents under the law The abortion workers in Broward County , Florida , neglected their legal duty to comply with Florida ’ s Parental Notice of Abortion Act .
This law requires that abortionists give notice to a parent or guardian of a minor that an abortion will take place—at least 48 hours in advance for in-person or telephone notice or 72 hours in advance for written notice by certified , delivery-restricted letter .
Proof of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the notice must be documented in the minor ’ s file .
Proof couldn ’ t have possibly been produced in this case .
If staff at the abortion facility followed this law , they would have been prohibited from aborting her child .
Even if the trafficker managed to forge identifying documents for the girl , he couldn ’ t have proven his legal guardianship , and the victim ’ s mother would have been notified of the whereabouts of her daughter .
She likely could have been rescued from her trafficker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida ’ s Parental Notice of Abortion Act .
Its South , East , and North Florida regional branch instructs teens as to what is required before they come to its facilities .
And Planned Parenthood , NARAL , NOW , and other pro-abortion organizations consistently oppose state-level parental notification and consent laws .
They know these laws inside and out .
Yet , the abortion industry outwardly promotes the very industries that exploit women and young girls .
Abortion is not healthcare : Promotion of illegal vices The abortion industry is part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is , the belief that any sexual activity is acceptable as long as it ’ s consensual .
Generally , sex-positive advocates promote pornography as empowering “ choice ” for women and support the decriminalization of prostitution , or “ sex work ” as it ’ s come to be known .
At the same time , many of these same advocates work to reduce the age of sexual consent for minors .
Those who work to decriminalize prostitution , like recent efforts in Washington , DC , New York , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Rhode Island , seek to differentiate prostitution from sex trafficking so they can normalize and separate prostitution from the public ’ s strong opposition to trafficking .
Perhaps even more concerning , however , is that these efforts directly coincide with a broader agenda to use public institutions to glamorize pornography , prostitution , and abortion to our youth .
Read the Personhood Alliance ’ s report on this agenda here .
But many people are unaware that pornography is illegal , too .
Current federal law prohibits the distribution of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television , in retail stores , and through the mail because it is classified as obscene .
According to the Alliance Defending Freedom : Even though it is illegal and evidence continues to show its damage to marriages , families , society , and even the brains of its consumers , pornography is granted immunity by our government .
Like pornography , abortion has immunity , too Politicians , bureaucrats , and judges signal over and over again that they do not believe the abortion industry is subject to state and local laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulate abortion facilities , mandate parental notification , and require waiting periods , they ’ re useless if no one will enforce them or even investigate whether they are followed .
Likewise , our federal and state laws that require mandatory reporting for child abuse , sexual exploitation , and trafficking don ’ t seem to apply to the abortion industry either .
So what happens when an elected official actually stands up to the abortion goliath ?
Pro-abortion advocates in our government go to great lengths , with the help of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above the law .
As the Kansas attorney general , and later , the district attorney for Johnson County , Kline conducted a broad investigation into child sex crimes that turned up connections with abortion facilities in the state .
He endured a multi-year fight with then-governor Kathleen Sebelius ( who would become President Obama ’ s HHS chief ) to obtain the records from these facilities , which the Kansas Supreme Court eventually granted him .
The investigation led Kline to refer multiple potential cases to prosecutors in Kansas and other states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Tiller for failure to report child rape and for performing illegal abortions on up to 30 minors .
Kline also investigated the Overland Park Planned Parenthood for failing to maintain adequate records—records that were eventually destroyed , which forced officials to drop 49 charges , including 23 felonies .
Kline was eventually barred from practicing law as a result of his investigations , a decision that he disputes as politically motivated .
More details on this story can be found here .
If abortion workers are healthcare providers , and abortion is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious questions : • Are these healthcare facilities actively training their staff to identify and respond to human trafficking ?
• Are they fulfilling their legal role as mandatory reporters , and if so , how can we know this for sure ?
Staff and volunteers at pregnancy help centers and community health clinics across the country are working to become part of the solution .
Hospital and medical clinic personnel , school counselors and nurses , and childcare providers are , too .
Why does the abortion industry refuse to comply , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and judges allow them to get away with it ?
The reason the abortion-trafficking-pornography enterprise is so powerful , lucrative , and untouchable is because many of its accomplices are also its consumers .
Calling for an investigation in the Florida Pornhub case The Personhood Alliance is calling for an official investigation into whether the Broward County abortion facility aided in the trafficking of the 15-year-old victim in the Johnson case .
As this case moves forward , we are calling on Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to stand up to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trafficked and those who are killed by abortion to cover up crimes .
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody must investigate all those who participate in the victimization of minors , including abortionists and their staff who refuse to comply with federal and state laws .
Contact Moody ’ s office directly by mail , phone , or email by visiting here and ask her to investigate the abortion facility in the Florida Pornhub case ( case # 19072587 in Broward County ) .
* The abortion industry must no longer have immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alliance made repeated attempts to identify the abortion facility in the Johnson case , but none of our calls were returned by local law enforcement .
Sarah Quale is president of Personhood Alliance Education , founder of Educe® online learning , and author of the Foundations online pro-life curriculum .
She is an award-winning curriculum and instructional designer who has worked for over 20 years in corporate , academic , and ministerial environments .

The abuse of the 15-year-old girl was posted to Pornhub by her trafficker. The victim was also taken to an abortion facility, where her child was killed to cover up the crimes.
PETITION: Urge Florida Attorney General to investigate abortion facility in horrific Pornhub trafficking case Sign the petition here.
FLORIDA, March 13, 2020 (Personhood.org) – News has resurfaced about the 15-year-old girl in Florida who was repeatedly assaulted on videos that were uploaded to Pornhub and who was then taken for an illegal abortion to cover up the crime.
Her trafficker has been charged, and Pornhub is now under international scrutiny, but what about the abortion facility?
The Personhood Alliance is calling on Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to launch an official investigation into whether the abortion facility willfully ignored Florida’s Parental Notice of Abortion Act and failed to comply with federal and state mandatory reporting laws that require they alert authorities to suspected child abuse and trafficking.
On Monday, March 9, 2020, U.S. Senator Ben Sasse wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, calling on the Department of Justice to investigate Pornhub and its parent entity MindGeek Holding SARL. Pornhub is a website that shares free-to-view pornographic videos online. For years, Pornhub and other similar sites have been accused of, as Sen. Sasse explains, “involvement in the disturbing pipeline of exploiting children and other victims and survivors of sex trafficking.”
One of the examples mentioned in Sen. Sasse’s letter was the case of Christopher J. Johnson, who is awaiting trial in Broward County, Florida, on a charge of lewd and lascivious battery of a victim 12-16 years old. Johnson is accused of uploading nearly 60 videos to Pornhub and similar websites depicting the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. The girl was recently rescued after being missing for almost a year. During the time she was allegedly trafficked, the arrest report notes that Johnson took her to get an abortion, to kill the child who could serve as evidence of the crime. The arrest report can be found here. (Caution: The report contains disturbing descriptions of sexual acts with a minor.)
So here we are again—faced with another blatant example of the unholy alliance between abortion, sex trafficking, and pornography. As growing evidence shows, all three are intricately connected. Pornography creates the demand for sexual exploitation and trafficking. Trafficking creates the supply for the pornography industry, and the act of abortion helps the vicious cycle continue, allowing all three industries to grow, profit, and cover up crime.
We are willing to pursue the Christopher Johnsons of the world, but what about the participation of pornography and abortion in this evil enterprise?
A willful neglect of accountability
Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers have worked for over a century to infiltrate legitimate healthcare in America and convince our culture that the killing of a pre-born child is a common medical procedure akin to removing one’s tonsils. Yet, evidence shows that abortion providers:
Refuse to participate in the battle against human trafficking as a public health crisis Ignore federal and state laws that require mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of minors Repeatedly usurp state parental notification laws prior to performing abortions Openly promote pornography and the decriminalization of “sex work,” both of which directly feed the abortion industry
Abortion is not healthcare: Refusal to address a public health crisis
According to the HHS’ Office of Administration for Children and Families, human trafficking “is a public health concern that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities across generations and requires training and a response from communities, social service providers, health care providers, and other first responders.” The American Public Health Association agrees that our health system “plays an important role in identifying and treating victims of human trafficking.” The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that health care providers are often the first professionals to have contact with trafficked women and girls. A 2016 report in the Health and Human Rights Journal revealed that 30 – 88% of trafficked persons access medical services at some point during their exploitation. Healthcare providers are on the front lines of this battle.
States have created task forces and working groups that encourage coordinated efforts among health care providers, law enforcement, justice departments, and child welfare agencies. Many of these efforts are modeled after the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and supported by training through the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Act of 2018 and the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign.
Despite the growing network of support and cooperation in the healthcare field, the abortion industry refuses to actively participate in the solution, even though they constantly promote abortion as “women’s health.”
Most major health care organizations have released official statements on human trafficking. But you won’t find Planned Parenthood or any other abortion provider on that list. Why?
Consider what the HHS Office on Trafficking in Persons has to say:
“Just as abolition of chattel slavery in the historical development of the United States required a restructuring of society, long-term solutions to prevent and eradicate human trafficking will require changes in social norms and other deeply-rooted structures that may be hardest to change…We need to energize public health’s role in the fight against human trafficking because the field has a fundamental belief that life can be improved and societies can change even in the midst of seemingly entrenched interests.”
Deeply rooted structures. Seemingly entrenched interests. Like abortion.
Abortion is not healthcare: Refusal of duty as a mandatory reporter
The federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) mandates that each state have provisions or procedures for requiring certain individuals to report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect, including sexual exploitation and trafficking. According to the HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, mandatory reporters include (among others) those who work at abortion facilities under the auspices of health care: physicians, nurses, healthcare workers, and counselors. These providers have a “duty to report” all suspected and confirmed abuse of any person under age 18 to state Child Protective Services and local law enforcement.
There are multiple legal cases in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Ohio involving Planned Parenthood’s documented failure to report the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors. These cases go beyond the undercover videos Live Action produced, revealing Planned Parenthood’s willingness to cover up child sexual abuse, aid traffickers, and claim that a few “rogue” workers were to blame.
These are civil and criminal cases brought against Planned Parenthood for its negligence as a mandatory reporter.
According to a 2014 study from the Annals of Health Law, “the prevalence of forced abortions is an especially disturbing trend in sex trafficking.” Survivors who participated in the study said they had significant contact with clinical treatment facilities, most commonly Planned Parenthood, while being trafficked. They also reported that traffickers often chose Planned Parenthood to provide services because “they didn’t ask any questions.”
In the case of Christopher Johnson, who allegedly exploited the 15-year-old victim on Pornhub and took her for an abortion, the state of Florida is very clear on its mandatory reporting requirements [see page 8 of this report]:
“A person who is required to report known or suspected child abuse and who knowingly and willfully fails to do so, or who knowingly and willfully prevents another person from doing so, commits a felony of the third degree….Upon conviction, that person may be imprisoned for up to 5 years and fined $5,000.”
Abortion facility workers, who insist they are healthcare providers, are considered mandatory reporters. But according to the arrest report in the Johnson case, no one—repeat, no one—fulfilled their legal duty to report a 30-year-old man who accompanied an underage girl for an abortion.
Had the abortion workers at this facility seen the Missing Juvenile Alert that, according to the arrest record, the local police department released to the public en masse in February, 2019? In March, had they noticed all the flyers the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children created and distributed throughout Broward County and places the victim frequented?
Did the abortion facility have a protocol in place that guided workers in what to do when suspecting potential child abuse or sexual exploitation? The cashier at the local 7-Eleven certainly paid attention and alerted local law enforcement when the victim was spotted with Johnson only 2 months after her disappearance.
But it would be another 8 months and 58 videos before she was rescued.
Christopher Johnson was charged with a crime. Pornhub is finally under scrutiny. So why aren’t we going after the abortion facility, to determine whether they aided and abetted this crime?
Abortion is not healthcare: Refusal to notify parents under the law
The abortion workers in Broward County, Florida, neglected their legal duty to comply with Florida’s Parental Notice of Abortion Act. This law requires that abortionists give notice to a parent or guardian of a minor that an abortion will take place—at least 48 hours in advance for in-person or telephone notice or 72 hours in advance for written notice by certified, delivery-restricted letter. Proof of parentage or guardianship is required, and the notice must be documented in the minor’s file.
Proof couldn’t have possibly been produced in this case.
If staff at the abortion facility followed this law, they would have been prohibited from aborting her child. Even if the trafficker managed to forge identifying documents for the girl, he couldn’t have proven his legal guardianship, and the victim’s mother would have been notified of the whereabouts of her daughter.
She likely could have been rescued from her trafficker earlier.
Planned Parenthood certainly knows about Florida’s Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Its South, East, and North Florida regional branch instructs teens as to what is required before they come to its facilities. And Planned Parenthood, NARAL, NOW, and other pro-abortion organizations consistently oppose state-level parental notification and consent laws. They know these laws inside and out.
Yet, the abortion industry outwardly promotes the very industries that exploit women and young girls.
Abortion is not healthcare: Promotion of illegal vices
The abortion industry is part of the “sex-positive” movement, that is, the belief that any sexual activity is acceptable as long as it’s consensual. Generally, sex-positive advocates promote pornography as empowering “choice” for women and support the decriminalization of prostitution, or “sex work” as it’s come to be known. At the same time, many of these same advocates work to reduce the age of sexual consent for minors.
Those who work to decriminalize prostitution, like recent efforts in Washington, DC, New York, New Hampshire, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, seek to differentiate prostitution from sex trafficking so they can normalize and separate prostitution from the public’s strong opposition to trafficking. Perhaps even more concerning, however, is that these efforts directly coincide with a broader agenda to use public institutions to glamorize pornography, prostitution, and abortion to our youth. Read the Personhood Alliance’s report on this agenda here.
But many people are unaware that pornography is illegal, too.
Current federal law prohibits the distribution of adult pornography on the internet, on television, in retail stores, and through the mail because it is classified as obscene. According to the Alliance Defending Freedom:
“Obscenity is not protected speech, just like other forms of unprotected speech, such as blackmail, defamation, or child pornography…The U.S. Supreme Court has continually upheld obscenity laws against First Amendment challenges. However, the U.S. Department of Justice has chosen not to enforce existing federal laws against illegal pornography producers and distributors. This has resulted in an unprecedented rise in illegal pornography production and distribution in the last decade.”
Even though it is illegal and evidence continues to show its damage to marriages, families, society, and even the brains of its consumers, pornography is granted immunity by our government.
Like pornography, abortion has immunity, too
Politicians, bureaucrats, and judges signal over and over again that they do not believe the abortion industry is subject to state and local laws. Even though we pass laws that regulate abortion facilities, mandate parental notification, and require waiting periods, they’re useless if no one will enforce them or even investigate whether they are followed. Likewise, our federal and state laws that require mandatory reporting for child abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking don’t seem to apply to the abortion industry either.
So what happens when an elected official actually stands up to the abortion goliath? Pro-abortion advocates in our government go to great lengths, with the help of the media, to ensure the industry stays above the law.
Just ask Phill Kline.
As the Kansas attorney general, and later, the district attorney for Johnson County, Kline conducted a broad investigation into child sex crimes that turned up connections with abortion facilities in the state. He endured a multi-year fight with then-governor Kathleen Sebelius (who would become President Obama’s HHS chief) to obtain the records from these facilities, which the Kansas Supreme Court eventually granted him. The investigation led Kline to refer multiple potential cases to prosecutors in Kansas and other states, including a case against infamous abortionist George Tiller for failure to report child rape and for performing illegal abortions on up to 30 minors. Kline also investigated the Overland Park Planned Parenthood for failing to maintain adequate records—records that were eventually destroyed, which forced officials to drop 49 charges, including 23 felonies.
Kline was eventually barred from practicing law as a result of his investigations, a decision that he disputes as politically motivated. More details on this story can be found here.
Abortion at all costs
If abortion workers are healthcare providers, and abortion is healthcare, then we must ask some serious questions:
Are these healthcare facilities actively training their staff to identify and respond to human trafficking?
Are they fulfilling their legal role as mandatory reporters, and if so, how can we know this for sure?
Staff and volunteers at pregnancy help centers and community health clinics across the country are working to become part of the solution. Hospital and medical clinic personnel, school counselors and nurses, and childcare providers are, too.
Why does the abortion industry refuse to comply, and why do our politicians, bureaucrats, and judges allow them to get away with it?
The reason the abortion-trafficking-pornography enterprise is so powerful, lucrative, and untouchable is because many of its accomplices are also its consumers.
Calling for an investigation in the Florida Pornhub case
The Personhood Alliance is calling for an official investigation into whether the Broward County abortion facility aided in the trafficking of the 15-year-old victim in the Johnson case. As this case moves forward, we are calling on Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to stand up to protect children who are abused, exploited, and trafficked and those who are killed by abortion to cover up crimes. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody must investigate all those who participate in the victimization of minors, including abortionists and their staff who refuse to comply with federal and state laws.
Contact Moody’s office directly by mail, phone, or email by visiting here and ask her to investigate the abortion facility in the Florida Pornhub case (case #19072587 in Broward County).*
The abortion industry must no longer have immunity from crimes against children.
*The Personhood Alliance made repeated attempts to identify the abortion facility in the Johnson case, but none of our calls were returned by local law enforcement.
Sarah Quale is president of Personhood Alliance Education, founder of Educe® online learning, and author of the Foundations online pro-life curriculum. She is an award-winning curriculum and instructional designer who has worked for over 20 years in corporate, academic, and ministerial environments.
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