liveaction--2020-02-15--Instagram ‘fact checkers’ censor pro-life news outlet’s post on Down syndrome abortions

Yesterday , Instagram reportedly censored a post made by LifeNews.com which called attention to Down syndrome abortions in the United Kingdom .
But Instagram didn ’ t just censor the post ; they labeled it “ false ” for stating that the number of late-term abortions done annually for a Down syndrome diagnosis in the UK has doubled over the past 1o years — a fact reported by the UK-based Society for the Protection of Unborn Children .
Life News notes , “ The recent figures , obtained in response to a parliamentary question by Lord Alton , have revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK children aborted past 24 weeks gestation following a possible Down ’ s syndrome diagnosis increased from 11 babies killed in 2009 to 23 babies dying in 2018.
” But when Life News made an Instagram post regarding this fact , the pro-life news outlet says it was covered by Instagram within 14 minutes with a message that reads , “ False information ” and “ Reviewed by Independent Fact Checkers.
” The Down syndrome facts would have been extremely difficult for a “ fact checker ” to review so quickly ; the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK group earlier that same day .
Life News reports , “ Instagram users could click a box stating ‘ See why ’ for additional information .
That leads to a further warning in Portuguese about the content , ‘ False : It is false that reform takes people with disabilities right to death . '
” This is odd , as the explanation seems to be referring to something entirely different than what the outlet ’ s Instagram post was about .
Instagram relies on a Brazilian firm called Aos Fatos to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a Brazilian firm to factheck an American post about British abortion figures is another question entirely , though apparently it has teamed up with a UK fact-checking group in the past .
Either way , the information on babies with Down syndrome killed in abortions is entirely accurate .
When Life News attempted to re-post the same image with a different message that stated , “ Unborn babies with Down syndrome are being discriminated against at an alarming rate .
But pro-lifers are working to protect them and restore the rights of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , was tagged as “ false.
” Social media outlets have increasingly been censoring pro-life content .
As Live Action News previously reported , TikTok recently banned Live Action for alleged “ multiple violations ” of its community guidelines without explanation .
TikTok only responded to appeals after Live Action went public with news of the banning , and TikTok reinstated the account , claiming the banning was due to “ human error.
” Last summer , Facebook ’ s third-party , independent “ fact checkers ” — two abortionists — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion ( the intentional killing of a human being in the womb ) is never medically necessary as “ false.
” To do so , they attempted to redefine abortion , and even doubled down on their claim , adding more abortionists to the fact check as time went on — despite the fact that thousands of OBGYNs agree that intentionally killing children in the womb is never medically necessary .
Twitter has long banned Live Action from advertising on its platform while allowing abortion organizations like Planned Parenthood to advertise .
READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action ’ s Lila Rose calls out Washington Post for shoddy reporting on Big Tech censorship Life News states that other pro-life groups have been censored by Big Tech , as well : … Instagram previous [ ly ] censored a meme by Ryan Bomberger of the Radiance Foundation that managed to trip the wires of the company ’ s good behavior guidelines .
How ?
By daring to say that “ abortion kills more black lives in two weeks than the KKK lynched in a century.
” The image of a noose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line , “ Planned Parenthood : Eugenics .
No Matter What.
” Another image censored by Instagram sought to show how similar the arguments used to defend abortion are to those that were used to defend slavery in the U.S. And Instagram blocked the entire Daily Caller News account at one point .
“ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

Yesterday, Instagram reportedly censored a post made by LifeNews.com which called attention to Down syndrome abortions in the United Kingdom. But Instagram didn’t just censor the post; they labeled it “false” for stating that the number of late-term abortions done annually for a Down syndrome diagnosis in the UK has doubled over the past 10 years — a fact reported by the UK-based Society for the Protection of Unborn Children. Life News notes, “The recent figures, obtained in response to a parliamentary question by Lord Alton, have revealed that in 2018, the number of UK children aborted past 24 weeks gestation following a possible Down’s syndrome diagnosis increased from 11 babies killed in 2009 to 23 babies dying in 2018.”
But when Life News made an Instagram post regarding this fact, the pro-life news outlet says it was covered by Instagram within 14 minutes with a message that reads, “False information” and “Reviewed by Independent Fact Checkers.” The Down syndrome facts would have been extremely difficult for a “fact checker” to review so quickly; the information had only been reported by the UK group earlier that same day.
Life News reports, “Instagram users could click a box stating ‘See why’ for additional information. That leads to a further warning in Portuguese about the content, ‘False: It is false that reform takes people with disabilities right to death.'” This is odd, as the explanation seems to be referring to something entirely different than what the outlet’s Instagram post was about.
Life News adds (emphasis added):
Instagram relies on a Brazilian firm called Aos Fatos to conduct facthecking. But why Instagram is using a Brazilian firm to factheck an American post about British abortion figures is another question entirely, though apparently it has teamed up with a UK fact-checking group in the past. Either way, the information on babies with Down syndrome killed in abortions is entirely accurate.
When Life News attempted to re-post the same image with a different message that stated, “Unborn babies with Down syndrome are being discriminated against at an alarming rate. But pro-lifers are working to protect them and restore the rights of every baby in the womb….” It, too, was tagged as “false.”
Social media outlets have increasingly been censoring pro-life content. As Live Action News previously reported, TikTok recently banned Live Action for alleged “multiple violations” of its community guidelines without explanation. TikTok only responded to appeals after Live Action went public with news of the banning, and TikTok reinstated the account, claiming the banning was due to “human error.” Last summer, Facebook’s third-party, independent “fact checkers” — two abortionists — labeled Live Action’s assertion that abortion (the intentional killing of a human being in the womb) is never medically necessary as “false.” To do so, they attempted to redefine abortion, and even doubled down on their claim, adding more abortionists to the fact check as time went on — despite the fact that thousands of OBGYNs agree that intentionally killing children in the womb is never medically necessary. Twitter has long banned Live Action from advertising on its platform while allowing abortion organizations like Planned Parenthood to advertise.
READ: ‘No evidence’? Live Action’s Lila Rose calls out Washington Post for shoddy reporting on Big Tech censorship
Life News states that other pro-life groups have been censored by Big Tech, as well:
… Instagram previous[ly] censored a meme by Ryan Bomberger of the Radiance Foundation that managed to trip the wires of the company’s good behavior guidelines. How? By daring to say that “abortion kills more black lives in two weeks than the KKK lynched in a century.” The image of a noose hung above the words and ended with the line, “Planned Parenthood: Eugenics. No Matter What.”
Another image censored by Instagram sought to show how similar the arguments used to defend abortion are to those that were used to defend slavery in the U.S.
And Instagram blocked the entire Daily Caller News account at one point.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-15--Woman forced into an abortion in China is now a refugee in New Zealand

A woman in China was forced to flee her homeland after being forced into an abortion .
She has since been granted refugee status in New Zealand , showing the world that human rights abuses are still taking place in China , despite the supposed loosening of the country ’ s population control policies .
The woman , who has not been named , originally had her request for refugee status denied , but it has since been approved .
She moved to New Zealand with her husband and two children , a 19-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband were married in 2000 , and she had a daughter from an earlier marriage .
In 2010 , they found out they were pregnant ; it was her second child , but her husband ’ s first .
They had to pay for a birth permit , and then pay more fees after he was born to register him with the government .
Then , the couple claimed , they were subjected to regular harassment by government officials .
For six years , authorities would come to their home , insisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have more children .
When they refused , the officials would threaten and insult them .
The husband was working for a state-run company ; there , he likewise was threatened .
His income was slashed , he was removed from his duties , and he was detained twice a day at work .
Then , in 2015 , they found out they were pregnant again .
The realization was not an unhappy one for them ; on the contrary , it brought the couple “ so much joy.
” Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who told her she needed to have an abortion .
According to the New Zealand government documentation , when she refused , they began insulting her again .
“ They pushed and prodded the wife and told her she was a pig for wanting so many children , ” the document reads .
“ They told her she needed to have an abortion and told her to sign a document agreeing to this .
After she fainted , they left.
” READ : Abortion and population control have led to the exploitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the woman began bleeding , so she and her husband went to the hospital .
When she told the medical personnel that it was her third child , they didn ’ t treat her , refusing to even perform an ultrasound or check for a heartbeat , but instead took her directly into an operating room “ to remove the remainder ” of their baby .
“ The husband believes that officials directly or indirectly killed their child , ” the document reads .
“ Since the operation , the couple has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no difficulty in this regard previously.
” According to the woman , the abortion she was forced to undergo was committed without anesthesia .
The documents state : The operation was extremely painful .
The pain continued afterwards , but she was similarly given no pain medication .
She thinks the denial of pain relief may have been because it was her third pregnancy , as it was illegal .
Due to the trauma of the event , the wife has trouble remembering what happened , but remembers seeing her baby being sucked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipe during the operation .
She does not know if her baby was alive at the time or had miscarried .
As no checks were done to see if her baby was still alive , he/she may have still been .
No attempts were made to save her baby .
Since then , the woman said Chinese officials stopped visiting her ; she believes it ’ s because they forcibly sterilized her during the operation , and therefore know she won ’ t be able to get pregnant again .
New Zealand officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they return to China , and as such , they can not be deported .
However , that protection has not been extended to their children .
Though China claims to have relaxed its notorious One Child Policy , the reality is , not much has changed .
Women are still forced into abortions , while tens of millions of girls are missing .
It ’ s long past time for the world to wake up to the horrors families continue to face in China .
“ Like ” Live Action News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

A woman in China was forced to flee her homeland after being forced into an abortion. She has since been granted refugee status in New Zealand, showing the world that human rights abuses are still taking place in China, despite the supposed loosening of the country’s population control policies.
The woman, who has not been named, originally had her request for refugee status denied, but it has since been approved. She moved to New Zealand with her husband and two children, a 19-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son, after losing her third child.
She and her husband were married in 2000, and she had a daughter from an earlier marriage. In 2010, they found out they were pregnant; it was her second child, but her husband’s first. They had to pay for a birth permit, and then pay more fees after he was born to register him with the government. Then, the couple claimed, they were subjected to regular harassment by government officials. For six years, authorities would come to their home, insisting they sign a pledge saying they wouldn’t have more children. When they refused, the officials would threaten and insult them.
The husband was working for a state-run company; there, he likewise was threatened. His income was slashed, he was removed from his duties, and he was detained twice a day at work. Then, in 2015, they found out they were pregnant again.
The realization was not an unhappy one for them; on the contrary, it brought the couple “so much joy.” Yet they were again visited by government officials, who told her she needed to have an abortion. According to the New Zealand government documentation, when she refused, they began insulting her again. “They pushed and prodded the wife and told her she was a pig for wanting so many children,” the document reads. “They told her she needed to have an abortion and told her to sign a document agreeing to this. After she fainted, they left.”
READ: Abortion and population control have led to the exploitation of China’s women
Soon afterwards, the woman began bleeding, so she and her husband went to the hospital. When she told the medical personnel that it was her third child, they didn’t treat her, refusing to even perform an ultrasound or check for a heartbeat, but instead took her directly into an operating room “to remove the remainder” of their baby. “The husband believes that officials directly or indirectly killed their child,” the document reads. “Since the operation, the couple has had difficulty getting pregnant. They experienced no difficulty in this regard previously.”
According to the woman, the abortion she was forced to undergo was committed without anesthesia. The documents state:
The operation was extremely painful. The pain continued afterwards, but she was similarly given no pain medication. She thinks the denial of pain relief may have been because it was her third pregnancy, as it was illegal. Due to the trauma of the event, the wife has trouble remembering what happened, but remembers seeing her baby being sucked out a tube and into a drainage pipe during the operation. She does not know if her baby was alive at the time or had miscarried. As no checks were done to see if her baby was still alive, he/she may have still been. No attempts were made to save her baby.
Since then, the woman said Chinese officials stopped visiting her; she believes it’s because they forcibly sterilized her during the operation, and therefore know she won’t be able to get pregnant again. New Zealand officials agreed that the couple would face persecution if they return to China, and as such, they cannot be deported. However, that protection has not been extended to their children.
Though China claims to have relaxed its notorious One Child Policy, the reality is, not much has changed. Women are still forced into abortions, while tens of millions of girls are missing. It’s long past time for the world to wake up to the horrors families continue to face in China.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-15--Couple refuses abortion for baby with hydrocephalus: ‘He’s proved a lot of doctors wrong’

A United Kingdom couple is sharing the story of their son Lorenzo and the beauty of his life after learning he had hydrocephalus while he was still in the womb .
Hydrocephalus is a condition that causes fluid to build up in the brain .
Lorenzo ’ s mother was 20 weeks pregnant when the doctors diagnosed him and quickly offered abortion .
“ The doctor said there was a good chance he could be stillborn or be blind , deaf , have seizures constantly or not move , ” explained Lorenzo ’ s mother Nichaela Pontone to Examiner Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first thing they said to do was terminate , ” Pontone ’ s husband Fernando added .
“ In the end , we just didn ’ t think it was fair .
He was halfway to being born .
He had arms and legs and a face .
We couldn ’ t kill him.
” Despite the doctors ’ grim prognosis that their baby wouldn ’ t survive , Fernando and his wife Nichaela went against the advice to abort , and on January 8 , 2019 , baby Lorenzo was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His head was swollen with fluid .
“ They took him out and rushed him straight to this little table , as it took a good few minutes to get him round , ” said Fernando .
“ It felt like an eternity until we heard him cry and the tears of joy started.
” Lorenzo has already fought his way through surgery to place a shunt in his head to drain the fluid , which will help the swelling go down .
He also needed to undergo a colostomy just ten hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing an anus .
In addition , he needed assistance with breathing and was unable to open his eyes , but has been improving and amazing the doctors .
His parents hope he will be moved to a halfway house after discharge from the hospital and then be able to go home with his parents and his five older siblings .
“ He ’ s brilliant , he ’ s very demanding with food and his brothers and sisters just love him , ” said Nichaela .
She said he likes having his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Told to abort , family of baby with hydrocephalus glad they chose life “ Those moments mean loads , ” she said .
“ It brings me total happiness and joy .
It makes me so proud of him for fighting .
He ’ s proved a lot of doctors wrong so far .
They said he would not be able to breathe on his own , they said he would have seizures .
He hasn ’ t had any seizures since he was born.
” The parents are hoping to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents facing such a diagnosis to remember that doctors can be wrong and that they often give parents the worst case scenario of the child ’ s diagnosis .
Live Action News has shared other stories of babies diagnosed prenatally with hydrocephalus whose parents refused abortion .
Eight-year-old Colton Mckinstry ‘ s parents were told seven times to abort him because he would be a “ vegetable.
” He underwent surgery to install a shunt in his brain and has been shocking the doctors ever since his birth .
Today , Colton is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school and loves playing with his sisters .
Ella-Jai Harvey ’ s parents were told to abort her just five weeks before her due date because doctors discovered she had hydrocephalus .
Her parents refused and began a fundraiser for the Infirmary ’ s “ Tiny Lives ” fund to provide assistance to sick newborns and premature babies .
Each of these parents is thankful that they didn ’ t listen to the doctors ’ advice to abort , and are grateful for their children ’ s lives .
While the Pontone family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents take turns at home with the other children or at the hospital with Lorenzo , they are looking forward to the day when Lorenzo will come home and they will all be together .
Late-term abortions do occur in the United States for eugenic reasons when a child is diagnosed with a health condition .
However , it ’ s important to remember that many health conditions once considered terminal for newborns can be treated , and children with these conditions , like hydrocephalus , can lead happy healthy lives .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

A United Kingdom couple is sharing the story of their son Lorenzo and the beauty of his life after learning he had hydrocephalus while he was still in the womb. Hydrocephalus is a condition that causes fluid to build up in the brain. Lorenzo’s mother was 20 weeks pregnant when the doctors diagnosed him and quickly offered abortion.
“The doctor said there was a good chance he could be stillborn or be blind, deaf, have seizures constantly or not move,” explained Lorenzo’s mother Nichaela Pontone to Examiner Live.
“To me it sounded like the first thing they said to do was terminate,” Pontone’s husband Fernando added. “In the end, we just didn’t think it was fair. He was halfway to being born. He had arms and legs and a face. We couldn’t kill him.”
Despite the doctors’ grim prognosis that their baby wouldn’t survive, Fernando and his wife Nichaela went against the advice to abort, and on January 8, 2019, baby Lorenzo was born via C-section at 36 weeks gestation. His head was swollen with fluid.
“They took him out and rushed him straight to this little table, as it took a good few minutes to get him round,” said Fernando. “It felt like an eternity until we heard him cry and the tears of joy started.”
Lorenzo has already fought his way through surgery to place a shunt in his head to drain the fluid, which will help the swelling go down. He also needed to undergo a colostomy just ten hours after birth when doctors discovered he was missing an anus. In addition, he needed assistance with breathing and was unable to open his eyes, but has been improving and amazing the doctors. His parents hope he will be moved to a halfway house after discharge from the hospital and then be able to go home with his parents and his five older siblings.
“He’s brilliant, he’s very demanding with food and his brothers and sisters just love him,” said Nichaela. She said he likes having his face stroked and will smile.
READ: Told to abort, family of baby with hydrocephalus glad they chose life
“Those moments mean loads,” she said. “It brings me total happiness and joy. It makes me so proud of him for fighting. He’s proved a lot of doctors wrong so far. They said he would not be able to breathe on his own, they said he would have seizures. He hasn’t had any seizures since he was born.”
The parents are hoping to raise awareness for hydrocephalus because they want other parents facing such a diagnosis to remember that doctors can be wrong and that they often give parents the worst case scenario of the child’s diagnosis.
Live Action News has shared other stories of babies diagnosed prenatally with hydrocephalus whose parents refused abortion. Eight-year-old Colton Mckinstry‘s parents were told seven times to abort him because he would be a “vegetable.” He underwent surgery to install a shunt in his brain and has been shocking the doctors ever since his birth. Today, Colton is a happy, fun-loving boy who attends school and loves playing with his sisters.
Ella-Jai Harvey’s parents were told to abort her just five weeks before her due date because doctors discovered she had hydrocephalus. Her parents refused and began a fundraiser for the Infirmary’s “Tiny Lives” fund to provide assistance to sick newborns and premature babies.
Each of these parents is thankful that they didn’t listen to the doctors’ advice to abort, and are grateful for their children’s lives. While the Pontone family is struggling with being apart as the parents take turns at home with the other children or at the hospital with Lorenzo, they are looking forward to the day when Lorenzo will come home and they will all be together.
Late-term abortions do occur in the United States for eugenic reasons when a child is diagnosed with a health condition. However, it’s important to remember that many health conditions once considered terminal for newborns can be treated, and children with these conditions, like hydrocephalus, can lead happy healthy lives.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-15--Catholic Bishop’s Conference campaign aims to ‘Walk with Moms in Need’

On March 25th , many people of faith will commemorate the Feast of the Annunciation , when the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she was to become the mother of Christ .
This year , that date also marks the 25th anniversary of St. John Paul II ’ s papal document Evangelium Vitae ( Living the Gospel of Life ) .
On that day , the United States Council of Catholic Bishops ( USCCB ) ’ s Pro-Life Secretariat will roll-out a new initiative called “ Walking with Moms in Need : A Year of Service , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside local pregnant and parenting women in need .
Live Action News spoke to Kat Talalas , Assistant Director for Pro-Life Communications in the USCCB ’ s Pro-Life Secretariat , about her goals and hopes for the program .
The goal of Walking with Moms in Need is twofold .
Talalas said that the USCCB seeks to support churches at the local level , recognizing that “ parishes are the experts in their communities ” when it comes to knowing what partnerships and resources for pregnant and parenting women exist locally .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we encourage parishes to partner with them , ” Talalas told Live Action News .
“ We are not trying to turn parishes into pregnancy centers , but to support local pregnancy centers where they exist Pregnancy centers are on the front lines and are indispensable in this effort.
” Secondly , the program will serve as a reminder that the Gospel of Life , the term John Paul II coined for the proclamation that Christ ’ s birth “ reveals the full meaning of every human birth ” and makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accompany “ every child born into the world , ” is the Gospel .
Talalas reiterated , “ The Gospel of Life is the Gospel.
” The pro-life message is not an add-on or political sideshow , but is at the very heart of the Gospel message .
A variety of tools will be made available on the website in three phases , meant to “ equip parishes to reach [ people on ] the margins ” as Pope Francis has so often stressed .
The cornerstone of the program is the Parish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ help parish leaders identify local resources for pregnancy assistance such as pregnancy help centers , maternity homes , social service agencies , hospitals , and especially Catholic programs and resources .
It also asks parishes to begin thinking about how these resources are communicated and advertised to those who are most in need of support.
” This inventory could also be conducted by any individual interested in kickstarting more pro-life work in their local church community .
Having identified “ what ’ s already working ” and then “ what the gaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could bring specific needs to their pastor or other leadership staff .
After the inventory is complete , parishes can begin to actively support , volunteer at , and partner with local programs and to fill whatever unmet needs are identified .
Talalas told Live Action News , “ ‘ Walking with Moms in Need ’ will aim to encourage this sort of collaborative work at the diocesan and parish/local level.
” READ : Moms in difficult circumstances need support and resources , not abortion Talalas looks forward to sharing best practices amongst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaboration is already working well , like the Archdiocese of Boston ’ s Pregnancy Help center , Catholic Charities of Trenton [ New Jersey ] ’ s “ For My Baby and Me ” program , Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington ’ s “ Sanctuaries for Life ” program , The Gabriel Project , and more .
Walking with Moms in Need , Talalas said , will emphasize the “ pro-woman face of the Catholic Church ” as evidenced by its “ tremendous commitments , financially and institutionally ” to pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that a “ completely successful program ” would look like “ every woman knowing that she can go to her local Catholic Church for support and genuine friendship in carrying her child to term and beyond.
” Additionally , she said “ all Catholic parishioners would understand that each one of us is absolutely called to serve those in need and the most vulnerable.
” Individuals and churches are encouraged to sign up for email updates at WalkingWithMoms.com .
Editor ’ s Note , 2/16/20 : Added quote on pregnancy resource centers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

On March 25th, many people of faith will commemorate the Feast of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she was to become the mother of Christ. This year, that date also marks the 25th anniversary of St. John Paul II’s papal document Evangelium Vitae (Living the Gospel of Life). On that day, the United States Council of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)’s Pro-Life Secretariat will roll-out a new initiative called “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service,” to encourage churches and communities to come alongside local pregnant and parenting women in need.
Live Action News spoke to Kat Talalas, Assistant Director for Pro-Life Communications in the USCCB’s Pro-Life Secretariat, about her goals and hopes for the program.
The goal of Walking with Moms in Need is twofold. Talalas said that the USCCB seeks to support churches at the local level, recognizing that “parishes are the experts in their communities” when it comes to knowing what partnerships and resources for pregnant and parenting women exist locally. “Pregnancy centers are doing fantastic work locally, and we encourage parishes to partner with them,” Talalas told Live Action News. “We are not trying to turn parishes into pregnancy centers, but to support local pregnancy centers where they exist Pregnancy centers are on the front lines and are indispensable in this effort.” Secondly, the program will serve as a reminder that the Gospel of Life, the term John Paul II coined for the proclamation that Christ’s birth “reveals the full meaning of every human birth” and makes clear the attitude of joy which should accompany “every child born into the world,” is the Gospel. Talalas reiterated, “The Gospel of Life is the Gospel.” The pro-life message is not an add-on or political sideshow, but is at the very heart of the Gospel message.

A variety of tools will be made available on the website in three phases, meant to “equip parishes to reach [people on] the margins” as Pope Francis has so often stressed. The cornerstone of the program is the Parish Inventory Tool, a needs assessment to “help parish leaders identify local resources for pregnancy assistance such as pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, social service agencies, hospitals, and especially Catholic programs and resources. It also asks parishes to begin thinking about how these resources are communicated and advertised to those who are most in need of support.” This inventory could also be conducted by any individual interested in kickstarting more pro-life work in their local church community.
Having identified “what’s already working” and then “what the gaps are,” Talalas said, individuals could bring specific needs to their pastor or other leadership staff. After the inventory is complete, parishes can begin to actively support, volunteer at, and partner with local programs and to fill whatever unmet needs are identified. Talalas told Live Action News, “‘Walking with Moms in Need’ will aim to encourage this sort of collaborative work at the diocesan and parish/local level.”
READ: Moms in difficult circumstances need support and resources, not abortion
Talalas looks forward to sharing best practices amongst dioceses by spotlighting places where parish/local nonprofit collaboration is already working well, like the Archdiocese of Boston’s Pregnancy Help center, Catholic Charities of Trenton [New Jersey]’s “For My Baby and Me” program, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington’s “Sanctuaries for Life” program, The Gabriel Project, and more. Walking with Moms in Need, Talalas said, will emphasize the “pro-woman face of the Catholic Church” as evidenced by its “tremendous commitments, financially and institutionally” to pro-life, pro-woman, pro-family efforts.
Talalas said that a “completely successful program” would look like “every woman knowing that she can go to her local Catholic Church for support and genuine friendship in carrying her child to term and beyond.” Additionally, she said “all Catholic parishioners would understand that each one of us is absolutely called to serve those in need and the most vulnerable.”
Individuals and churches are encouraged to sign up for email updates at WalkingWithMoms.com.
Editor’s Note, 2/16/20: Added quote on pregnancy resource centers from Kat Talalas.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-15--South Dakota lawmakers look to ban commercial surrogacy

A bill that would make commercial surrogacy illegal in South Dakota has passed the state House .
House Bill 1096 passed by a 40-26 vote and will now head to the Senate where , if it passes , Governor Kristi Noem will have the option of signing it into law .
Yet some are criticizing the bill , claiming it will effectively ban all surrogates .
“ This bill effectively would shut the door on all surrogacy , ” Emilee Gehling , an attorney who specializes in surrogacy and adoptions , said in an interview with KELOLAND News .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s not carefully drafted.
” Yet Jon Hansen , who was the lead sponsor of the bill , says this is not true .
“ This bill bans commercial businesses , who profit off the buying and selling of children , ” he told KELOLAND News .
“ Making a commodity of mothers and children and bans enforcement of contracts.
” He added , “ I don ’ t have all the answers for everyone .
I pray that adoption might be the answer for some , but I do know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mothers and children is wrong.
” Altruistic surrogacy , where women would be reimbursed for health care costs and other expenses but otherwise are not paid , would still be legal .
It would only be illegal for surrogates to be paid extra money , which is often through for-profit agencies .
While on the surface , surrogacy can seem like a good thing , it is an industry fraught with ethical issues .
Federally , the surrogacy industry is completely unregulated , and by its very nature , turns a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bought and sold .
Surrogates have been pressured to have abortions , even against their will , for reasons of the baby ’ s gender , the baby ’ s disability , or if carrying multiples .
READ : ‘ Social surrogacy ’ on the rise in U.S. for reasons of convenience What is being left out of the debate by surrogacy advocates , however , is that the surrogacy industry frequently preys on low-income women , with parents renting the wombs of desperate women for tens of thousands of dollars .
Celebrities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and countless more , are the most notable examples of this gross power imbalance , with wealthy couples giving — on average — $ 50,000 for a woman to bear their child .
This is likewise becoming more frequent with gay male couples who wish to have children .
As the Richmond Journal of Law and Technology ( JOLT ) points out , some of the parents are spending in excess of $ 100,000 .
Low-income military wives are also some of the most-used surrogates , as military wives tend to be underemployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making enough money to make ends meet can be incredibly difficult .
As JOLT explains , there ’ s a reason why surrogacy agencies see military wives as so desirable , and it highlights the entire problem with commercial surrogacy : military wives are seen as “ women with limited job opportunities , limited income , and minimal medical expenses.
” Surrogates also have “ unequal bargaining power , ” as they tend to be lower-income while the buying couple is wealthier , so when a surrogate is being pressured to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard for her to fight back .
Banning commercial surrogacy is long overdue .
“ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

A bill that would make commercial surrogacy illegal in South Dakota has passed the state House. House Bill 1096 passed by a 40-26 vote and will now head to the Senate where, if it passes, Governor Kristi Noem will have the option of signing it into law. Yet some are criticizing the bill, claiming it will effectively ban all surrogates.
“This bill effectively would shut the door on all surrogacy,” Emilee Gehling, an attorney who specializes in surrogacy and adoptions, said in an interview with KELOLAND News. “The way the language is written, it’s not carefully drafted.” Yet Jon Hansen, who was the lead sponsor of the bill, says this is not true.
“This bill bans commercial businesses, who profit off the buying and selling of children,” he told KELOLAND News. “Making a commodity of mothers and children and bans enforcement of contracts.” He added, “I don’t have all the answers for everyone. I pray that adoption might be the answer for some, but I do know that making for-profit business and commodities out of mothers and children is wrong.”
Altruistic surrogacy, where women would be reimbursed for health care costs and other expenses but otherwise are not paid, would still be legal. It would only be illegal for surrogates to be paid extra money, which is often through for-profit agencies.
While on the surface, surrogacy can seem like a good thing, it is an industry fraught with ethical issues. Federally, the surrogacy industry is completely unregulated, and by its very nature, turns a woman’s body into something to be bought and sold. Surrogates have been pressured to have abortions, even against their will, for reasons of the baby’s gender, the baby’s disability, or if carrying multiples.
READ: ‘Social surrogacy’ on the rise in U.S. for reasons of convenience
What is being left out of the debate by surrogacy advocates, however, is that the surrogacy industry frequently preys on low-income women, with parents renting the wombs of desperate women for tens of thousands of dollars. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman, and countless more, are the most notable examples of this gross power imbalance, with wealthy couples giving — on average — $50,000 for a woman to bear their child. This is likewise becoming more frequent with gay male couples who wish to have children.
As the Richmond Journal of Law and Technology (JOLT) points out, some of the parents are spending in excess of $100,000. Low-income military wives are also some of the most-used surrogates, as military wives tend to be underemployed, and if their husbands are deployed, making enough money to make ends meet can be incredibly difficult. As JOLT explains, there’s a reason why surrogacy agencies see military wives as so desirable, and it highlights the entire problem with commercial surrogacy: military wives are seen as “women with limited job opportunities, limited income, and minimal medical expenses.”
Surrogates also have “unequal bargaining power,” as they tend to be lower-income while the buying couple is wealthier, so when a surrogate is being pressured to have an abortion, it can be very hard for her to fight back. Banning commercial surrogacy is long overdue.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-16--Heartwarming: Airline crew and passengers throw adoptive parents impromptu baby shower

A couple flying home after adopting their newborn baby girl in November got an unexpected surprise on the plane – an impromptu baby shower .
New dad Dustin Moore took to Twitter last week to share the uplifting story , highlighting the kindness of the flight crew and fellow passengers on the plane .
Through a series of twelve tweets , Moore relayed how he and his wife , Caren , were returning home to California after adopting their newborn baby girl in Colorado .
Mid-flight , Moore asked a flight attendant named Jenny for her assistance in finding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cleared an area in the back of the plane , and then she politely asked why Moore was flying with such a young infant .
After hearing the adoption story , Jenny and her husband Bobby , also an attendant on the plane , hatched a plan .
“ Then , we heard the intercom .
The attendant Bobby came on and announced a special guest on the flight .
Our daughter .
‘ She ’ s just been adopted by her parents Caren and Dustin , and is making her way home.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and applause , ” tweeted Moore .
READ : Kindergarten boy ’ s entire class comes to the courtroom for his adoption day Moore shared that Bobby and Jenny passed out napkins and pens to everyone seated on the plane and asked them to share their best advice and encouragement with the new parents .
“ We sat in speechless gratitude , as people kept peeking over their chairs to congratulate us , ” said Moore .
After collecting the notes of encouragement , the flight attendants read some of their favorites over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new parents .
Some of the notes read , “ Always tell her you love her , ” and “ Make time for date night.
” In an interview with the Washington Post , Moore shared that another note read , “ I was adopted 64 years ago .
Thank you for giving this child a loving family to be part of .
Us adopted kids need a little extra love .
Congratulations.
” Bobby and Jenny then presented all of the notes to the Moores , along with a set of pilot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight attendants shared that when they were newlyweds on their way to their honeymoon , someone had done the same for them .
They simply hoped to pay forward that bit of kindness .
Moore ended his series of tweets with heartfelt gratitude to everyone on the plane .
“ What all of those perfect strangers and attendants did not know , was the emotionally tender state of two brand-new parents .
Parents who after 9 years of trying had been blessed with their first child .
Parents who felt scared , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outpouring of love from that flight , brought on by the actions of two thoughtfully observant flight attendants… it exceeds my ability to describe what it meant to us .
How much those wings and written notes uplifted two new parents determined to love their new daughter.
” “ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

A couple flying home after adopting their newborn baby girl in November got an unexpected surprise on the plane – an impromptu baby shower. New dad Dustin Moore took to Twitter last week to share the uplifting story, highlighting the kindness of the flight crew and fellow passengers on the plane.
Through a series of twelve tweets, Moore relayed how he and his wife, Caren, were returning home to California after adopting their newborn baby girl in Colorado. Mid-flight, Moore asked a flight attendant named Jenny for her assistance in finding a spot for a diaper change. Jenny cleared an area in the back of the plane, and then she politely asked why Moore was flying with such a young infant. After hearing the adoption story, Jenny and her husband Bobby, also an attendant on the plane, hatched a plan.
“Then, we heard the intercom. The attendant Bobby came on and announced a special guest on the flight. Our daughter. ‘She’s just been adopted by her parents Caren and Dustin, and is making her way home.’ The entire cabin erupted in cheers and applause,” tweeted Moore.
READ: Kindergarten boy’s entire class comes to the courtroom for his adoption day
Moore shared that Bobby and Jenny passed out napkins and pens to everyone seated on the plane and asked them to share their best advice and encouragement with the new parents. “We sat in speechless gratitude, as people kept peeking over their chairs to congratulate us,” said Moore.
This website is used oft as a means to share what’s wrong. I hope you’ll take time to share what is good. In a world of turmoil, don’t forget to showcase the Bobby’s and Jenny’s, the kind strangers out there. And if they don’t cross your path, be one. Seek good, or create it. pic.twitter.com/XMxkJXkh18 — Dustin Moore, MS, RD (@theamericanrd) February 9, 2020
After collecting the notes of encouragement, the flight attendants read some of their favorites over the intercom before passing them to the new parents. Some of the notes read, “Always tell her you love her,” and “Make time for date night.” In an interview with the Washington Post, Moore shared that another note read, “I was adopted 64 years ago. Thank you for giving this child a loving family to be part of. Us adopted kids need a little extra love. Congratulations.”
Bobby and Jenny then presented all of the notes to the Moores, along with a set of pilot wings for their baby girl. The flight attendants shared that when they were newlyweds on their way to their honeymoon, someone had done the same for them. They simply hoped to pay forward that bit of kindness.
Moore ended his series of tweets with heartfelt gratitude to everyone on the plane. “What all of those perfect strangers and attendants did not know, was the emotionally tender state of two brand-new parents. Parents who after 9 years of trying had been blessed with their first child. Parents who felt scared, but determined in their new role. The outpouring of love from that flight, brought on by the actions of two thoughtfully observant flight attendants… it exceeds my ability to describe what it meant to us. How much those wings and written notes uplifted two new parents determined to love their new daughter.”
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-17--Facebook removes, labels as ‘spam’ pro-lifer’s interview with abortion survivor

In yet another apparent attempt to silence pro-lifers , Facebook has removed a post created by Seth Gruber of Life Training Insitute .
Gruber had interviewed abortion survivor Melissa Ohden and was sharing information about the interview on his personal Facebook page when he was sent a warning message from the social media giant — and his post was removed .
Facebook told Gruber that his Facebook post , seen below in two screenshots , went “ against our community standards on spam.
” “ We have these standards to help prevent people from misleading others , ” the notification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account if you violate our standards again.
” Gruber ’ s post simply invited his followers to tune in to YouTube later in the day to watch the interview with Ohden and gave a description of who Ohden is : a survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977 .
The medical records from her birth actually state , “ a saline infusion for abortion was done but was unsuccessful.
” In other words , Ohden survived .
Abortion advocates don ’ t want people to know that babies do survive abortions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ babies and proves that abortions are committed on viable , healthy babies .
“ It ’ s ironic , isn ’ t it , that when pro-abortion advocates can ’ t silence unborn children in the womb through dismemberment , they will attempt to silence the voices of those who survived that procedure under the guise of ‘ misleading others ’ , ” Gruber told Live Action News by email .
“ I appealed it of course , but haven ’ t heard back and probably won ’ t. ” Facebook has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Live Action and Live Action President Lila Rose .
Even Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg called last year ’ s censorship of Live Action by Facebook and its third-party abortionist fact checkers “ clearly biased.
” Gruber responded to Facebook ’ s censorship , writing on Facebook , “ So rather than functioning as a platform that allows all content and voices , they have become an Orwellian Leftist think tank that chooses which content to remove that poses a conservative threat to their leftist indoctrination of young people , who spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform.
” The video interview with Ohden can be viewed above or on YouTube .
“ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

UPDATE February 18, 2020: Facebook has restored a post by pro-life activist Seth Gruber, telling Live Action that Gruber’s post was “incorrectly” flagged as spam and that it is now live. The social media platform also said that Gruber was “flagged due to frequent posting” in order “to prevent individuals from spamming links all over the platform” and that it had “nothing to do with the content.”
Gruber reached out to Live Action News to say that Facebook apologized to him and that he hopes he “can trust that it was accidental.” The post flagged by Facebook was in regards to an interview Gruber had done with abortion survivor Melissa Ohden.
February 17, 2020: In yet another apparent attempt to silence pro-lifers, Facebook has removed a post created by Seth Gruber of Life Training Institute. Gruber had interviewed abortion survivor Melissa Ohden and was sharing information about the interview on his personal Facebook page when he was sent a warning message from the social media giant — and his post was removed.
Facebook told Gruber that his Facebook post, seen below in two screenshots, went “against our community standards on spam.”
“We have these standards to help prevent people from misleading others,” the notification stated. “We may restrict your account if you violate our standards again.”
Gruber’s post simply invited his followers to tune in to YouTube later in the day to watch the interview with Ohden and gave a description of who Ohden is: a survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977. The medical records from her birth actually state, “a saline infusion for abortion was done but was unsuccessful.” In other words, Ohden survived. Abortion advocates don’t want people to know that babies do survive abortions because this shows the humanity of preborn babies and proves that abortions are committed on viable, healthy babies.
“It’s ironic, isn’t it, that when pro-abortion advocates can’t silence unborn children in the womb through dismemberment, they will attempt to silence the voices of those who survived that procedure under the guise of ‘misleading others’,” Gruber told Live Action News by email. “I appealed it of course, but haven’t heard back and probably won’t.”

Facebook has a history of censoring pro-life groups and individuals, including Live Action and Live Action President Lila Rose. Even Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg called last year’s censorship of Live Action by Facebook and its third-party abortionist fact checkers “clearly biased.”
Gruber responded to Facebook’s censorship, writing on Facebook, “So rather than functioning as a platform that allows all content and voices, they have become an Orwellian Leftist think tank that chooses which content to remove that poses a conservative threat to their leftist indoctrination of young people, who spend an inordinate amount of time on this platform.”
The video interview with Ohden can be viewed above or on YouTube.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-17--Maine lawmakers look to increase taxpayer funding for abortion by $3 million

Maine lawmakers are looking to increase taxpayer funding for abortion in response to Title X rule changes from the Trump administration .
LD 1613 , “ An Act Regarding Women ’ s Health and Economic Security , ” would increase state funding by approximately $ 3 million , earmarked specifically for Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning .
House Speaker Sara Gideon introduced the bill last week , and in a press release , said the bill was introduced to replace the funds lost after the abortion organizations chose to withdraw from Title X rather than comply with the changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients served by Maine ’ s family planning network , this is the only health care provider they will see , ” Gideon said in the release .
“ Their clinics are located in parts of our state that already lack doctors and nurses or where an hour drive is the norm to get to an appointment , not the exception .
If we fail to support this network , the impact will be felt disproportionately by the very rural communities and Mainers that already face significant health care challenges.
” READ : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have taken effect in Maine Like Planned Parenthood in New Jersey , the funding was not forcibly taken away from the abortion facilities in Maine .
Both Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning chose to withdraw from the Title X program , rather than obey the amended rules .
If the bill passes , there will be $ 2,035,670 in annual funding , with an extra $ 1 million appropriation ; according to the Portland Press Herald , the $ 2 million in annual funding makes up 25 % of Maine Family Planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Examiner also reported that the former Planned Parenthood president and CEO has attended events with Gideon in the past , and that Planned Parenthood has been actively spending money to influence elections in Maine .
While it seems likely that the bill will pass the Maine legislature , opponents are still speaking out against it , like State Rep. Kathy Javner .
“ The funding is out there ; they simply said , ‘ No thank you , ’ ” Javner pointed out in her testimony last week before the Health Coverage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , supporters of the bill insisted that the funding was necessary to provide health care to people in need .
But legitimate health care has been on a significant decline at Planned Parenthood while the corporation ’ s abortions are on the increase .
And 87 percent of Title X facilities nationwide are not Planned Parenthood affiliates .
Meanwhile , the vast majority of Americans do not support taxpayer funding of abortion , according to multiple polls .
It seems that abortion advocates are ignoring these facts , ignoring what Americans want , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the abortion industry the most .
“ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

Maine lawmakers are looking to increase taxpayer funding for abortion in response to Title X rule changes from the Trump administration. LD 1613, “An Act Regarding Women’s Health and Economic Security,” would increase state funding by approximately $3 million, earmarked specifically for Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning.
House Speaker Sara Gideon introduced the bill last week, and in a press release, said the bill was introduced to replace the funds lost after the abortion organizations chose to withdraw from Title X rather than comply with the changes. “For many of the 23,000 patients served by Maine’s family planning network, this is the only health care provider they will see,” Gideon said in the release. “Their clinics are located in parts of our state that already lack doctors and nurses or where an hour drive is the norm to get to an appointment, not the exception. If we fail to support this network, the impact will be felt disproportionately by the very rural communities and Mainers that already face significant health care challenges.”
READ: Two new ‘reckless’ pro-abortion laws have taken effect in Maine
Like Planned Parenthood in New Jersey, the funding was not forcibly taken away from the abortion facilities in Maine. Both Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning chose to withdraw from the Title X program, rather than obey the amended rules. If the bill passes, there will be $2,035,670 in annual funding, with an extra $1 million appropriation; according to the Portland Press Herald, the $2 million in annual funding makes up 25% of Maine Family Planning’s annual budget. The Maine Examiner also reported that the former Planned Parenthood president and CEO has attended events with Gideon in the past, and that Planned Parenthood has been actively spending money to influence elections in Maine.
While it seems likely that the bill will pass the Maine legislature, opponents are still speaking out against it, like State Rep. Kathy Javner. “The funding is out there; they simply said, ‘No thank you,’” Javner pointed out in her testimony last week before the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. Meanwhile, supporters of the bill insisted that the funding was necessary to provide health care to people in need. But legitimate health care has been on a significant decline at Planned Parenthood while the corporation’s abortions are on the increase. And 87 percent of Title X facilities nationwide are not Planned Parenthood affiliates. Meanwhile, the vast majority of Americans do not support taxpayer funding of abortion, according to multiple polls.
It seems that abortion advocates are ignoring these facts, ignoring what Americans want, and focusing solely on what will benefit the abortion industry the most.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-17--TRAGIC: Black women abort at almost four times the rate of White women

At a time when abortion industry leader Planned Parenthood is gearing up to again promote an abortion agenda involving women of color , the Centers for Disease Control has released data showing that the Black abortion rate is currently 3.8 times greater than the White abortion rate and 2.15 times higher than the Hispanic abortion rate .
These numbers reveal how abortion is disproportionately targeting the Black community .
Although two agencies have recently published national abortion data — Guttmacher ( 2017 ) and CDC ( 2016 ) — only the CDC has at this time updated its data on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , for its most recently reported year ( 2016 ) : • Non-Hispanic Black women accounted for 38 % of all reported abortions .
• Non-Hispanic White women accounted for 35 % of all reported abortions .
• Hispanic women accounted for 18.8 % of all reported abortions .
• Other races accounted for 8.2 % of all reported abortions .
Despite the Black community making up just 12 percent of the U.S. population , Black women also had the highest number of reported abortions out of the 32 reporting areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charts below ) .
The CDC data also reveals that the Black abortion rate ( abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years ) exceeded all other races : This means that the Black abortion rate was 3.8 times higher than the White abortion rate ( 25.1 v. 6.6 ) and 2.15 times higher than the Hispanic abortion rate ( 25.1 v. 11.7 ) .
Using just the 32 reporting areas for race/ethnicity , CDC also noted that Blacks had the highest abortion ratio ( abortions per 1,000 live births ) : This means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3.7 times higher than the White abortion ratio ( 401 v. 109 ) and more than 2.5 times higher than Hispanic abortion ratio ( 401 v. 156 ) .
Just as the Black community has been targeted in the past by predatory industries including Big Tobacco and alcohol , today , the pro-life community can document the clear and disproportionate way abortion targets the Black community .
Notable Black leaders of the past — Fannie Lou Hamer , Dr. Mildred Jefferson , Dr. Dolores Bernadette Grier , Iowa Rep. June Franklin , Erma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gregory — warned us that abortion would become a tool of Black genocide .
If we estimate the total number of abortions by extrapolating using the CDC ’ s percentages for race/ethnicity and multiplying it against reported abortions in all 48 reporting areas : ( 623,471 reported in 2016 x Non-Hispanic black abortion percentage of 38 % ) = 236,919 ( estimated ) abortions annually .
Live Action News also previously documented that in 2016 : • Black women made up just 12 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 38 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 236,919 estimated ) outnumbered the top nine leading causes of death ( 235,139 ) for Black Americans combined .
• Estimated Black abortion numbers were 24 times greater than homicides committed on Black Americans ( 236,919 v. 9,860 ) that same year .
Nationally , in 2016 there were 558,622 live births to non-Hispanic Black women ( 1,530 live births per day ) , while that same year and estimated 649 Black babies were killed by abortion .
In just one year , abortion snuffs out approximately the same number as those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luther King Jr. ’ s ( MLK ) iconic “ I Have a Dream ” speech .
Tragically , due to ongoing targeting of Black babies by abortion , we now estimate that between 2010 and 2016 , over 1.7 million Black babies lost their lives to abortion .
“ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !
Stories like the one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU can provide the spark to transform someone ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
Will you join us in creating a world where the killing of preborn children is unthinkable and support Live Action News by making your tax-deductible gift today ?
DEFEND PREBORN CHILDREN IN 2020 MAKE YOUR GIFT TO LIVE ACTION

At a time when abortion industry leader Planned Parenthood is gearing up to again promote an abortion agenda involving women of color, the Centers for Disease Control has released data showing that the Black abortion rate is currently 3.8 times greater than the white abortion rate and 2.15 times higher than the Hispanic abortion rate.
These numbers reveal how abortion is disproportionately targeting the Black community.
Although two agencies have recently published national abortion data — Guttmacher (2017) and CDC (2016) — only the CDC has at this time updated its data on race and ethnicity.
The CDC reports that, for its most recently reported year (2016):
Non-Hispanic Black women accounted for 38% of all reported abortions.
of all reported abortions. Non-Hispanic white women accounted for 35% of all reported abortions.
of all reported abortions. Hispanic women accounted for 18.8% of all reported abortions.
of all reported abortions. Other races accounted for 8.2% of all reported abortions.
Despite the Black community making up just 12 percent of the U.S. population, Black women also had the highest number of reported abortions out of the 32 reporting areas, according to the CDC (see both charts below).
The CDC data also reveals that the Black abortion rate (abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years) exceeded all other races:
Black abortion rate: 25.1
Hispanic abortion rate: 11.7
White abortion rate: 6.6
This means that the Black abortion rate was 3.8 times higher than the white abortion rate (25.1 v. 6.6) and 2.15 times higher than the Hispanic abortion rate (25.1 v. 11.7).
Using just the 32 reporting areas for race/ethnicity, CDC also noted that Blacks had the highest abortion ratio (abortions per 1,000 live births):
Black: 401
Hispanic: 156
White: 109
Other: 207
This means that the Black abortion ratio was nearly 3.7 times higher than the white abortion ratio (401 v. 109) and more than 2.5 times higher than Hispanic abortion ratio (401 v. 156).

Just as the Black community has been targeted in the past by predatory industries including Big Tobacco and alcohol, today, the pro-life community can document the clear and disproportionate way abortion targets the Black community. Notable Black leaders of the past — Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Mildred Jefferson, Dr. Dolores Bernadette Grier, Iowa Rep. June Franklin, Erma Clardy Craven, and even comedian Dick Gregory — warned us that abortion would become a tool of Black genocide.
If we estimate the total number of abortions by extrapolating using the CDC’s percentages for race/ethnicity and multiplying it against reported abortions in all 48 reporting areas: (623,471 reported in 2016 x Non-Hispanic black abortion percentage of 38%) = 236,919 (estimated) abortions annually. Live Action News also previously documented that in 2016:
Black people made up just 12 percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 38 percent of reported abortions.
Black abortions (236,919 estimated) outnumbered the top nine leading causes of death (235,139) for Black Americans combined.
(235,139) for Black Americans combined. Estimated Black abortion numbers were 24 times greater than homicides committed on Black Americans (236,919 v. 9,860) that same year.
Nationally, in 2016 there were 558,622 live births to non-Hispanic Black women (1,530 live births per day), while that same year and estimated 649 Black babies were killed by abortion. In just one year, abortion snuffs out approximately the same number as those gathered to listen to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s (MLK) iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Tragically, due to ongoing targeting of Black babies by abortion, we now estimate that between 2010 and 2016, over 1.7 million Black babies lost their lives to abortion.
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liveaction--2020-02-17--Pro-life organization saves babies by helping moms in financial crises

Many pro-life groups exist to serve women dealing with unplanned pregnancies .
But one in particular is looking to address a specific issue that leads many women to seek out abortion : finances .
Let Them Live aims to give financial support to women considering abortion , to give them the chance to choose life instead .
Emily Berning is the co-founder and president of Let Them Live , and was recently interviewed on the “ Problematic Women ” podcast explaining the group ’ s mission , and how they ’ re different from other pregnancy resource centers .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so much work and save so many lives , but a lot of them don ’ t have the funding to pay for rent for women that come in or car payments for an extended period of time , ” she said .
“ That ’ s where we come in .
Because 73 % of women who are getting abortions are doing it because of financial reasons .
That ’ s from the Guttmacher Institute.
” [ See Guttmacher links here and here . ]
Berning explained that she wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market ” for women in need of financial support .
“ Typically , what a situation will be is we ended up contacting or getting contact with a mom who ’ s referred to us possibly by a crisis pregnancy center or a sidewalk counselor , ” she said .
“ Then if it ’ s an emergency , which it usually is , the abortion is usually scheduled for the next day or the next week .
We will run an emergency fundraiser for her on social media and crowdfund.
” READ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the abortion industry Despite what abortion advocates claim , the pro-lifers who support Let Them Live are often ready to step up and help .
“ We have an amazing donor base that ha [ s ] been so generous .
We always contact our donors .
They ’ re always very happy to help , ” Berning said .
“ Pro-life people are very eager and excited , for the most part , to contribute to something like this , because it is directly helping a mom choose life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ donors that we go to meet , have meetings with , things like that.
” After the money has been raised , it ’ s used to do things like pay for the mother ’ s rent , utilities , cell phone , and other bills , so she can focus on her baby .
And all the while , Berning said they ’ re focused on building a personal relationship with her , too .
“ We want to reach them where they ’ re at .
We will counsel them for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she explained , adding , “ We just got back from Atlanta a few weeks ago visiting one of the moms that we ’ re helping .
She was just really struggling .
Her parents don ’ t support her , the father of her child left and said , ‘ Here ’ s money for an abortion.
’ She was really struggling so we decided to fly down to see her and that really helped nurture that relationship between us.
” “ Like ” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one you just read transform hearts and minds .
For example , one of our followers , Ross , messaged us and commented : “ I began to question my pro-choice views after reading articles about Live Action…Live Action is primarily responsible for my becoming Pro-Life through their well-thought-out , scientific information and the emotionally and uplifting stories of real people with real experiences in saving the lives of their children regardless of what others might say.
” Knowledge is power and CAN open eyes to SEE the truth .
And , YOU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mind , just like Ross .
The DAILY publishing at Live Action News is only made possible through generous people , like you , who give $ 5 , $ 10 , or $ 25 .
Your gift today will not only keep these stories coming in 2020 , but also help us open more eyes and change minds to be fully pro-life and save lives .
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Many pro-life groups exist to serve women dealing with unplanned pregnancies. But one in particular is looking to address a specific issue that leads many women to seek out abortion: finances. Let Them Live aims to give financial support to women considering abortion, to give them the chance to choose life instead.
Emily Berning is the co-founder and president of Let Them Live, and was recently interviewed on the “Problematic Women” podcast explaining the group’s mission, and how they’re different from other pregnancy resource centers. “Crisis pregnancy centers are amazing. They do so much work and save so many lives, but a lot of them don’t have the funding to pay for rent for women that come in or car payments for an extended period of time,” she said. “That’s where we come in. Because 73% of women who are getting abortions are doing it because of financial reasons. That’s from the Guttmacher Institute.” [See Guttmacher links here and here.]
Berning explained that she wanted to fill the gap in the “untapped market” for women in need of financial support. “Typically, what a situation will be is we ended up contacting or getting contact with a mom who’s referred to us possibly by a crisis pregnancy center or a sidewalk counselor,” she said. “Then if it’s an emergency, which it usually is, the abortion is usually scheduled for the next day or the next week. We will run an emergency fundraiser for her on social media and crowdfund.”
READ: Why women have late-term abortions, according to the abortion industry
Despite what abortion advocates claim, the pro-lifers who support Let Them Live are often ready to step up and help. “We have an amazing donor base that ha[s] been so generous. We always contact our donors. They’re always very happy to help,” Berning said. “Pro-life people are very eager and excited, for the most part, to contribute to something like this, because it is directly helping a mom choose life. Then we have a few other larger donors that we go to meet, have meetings with, things like that.”
After the money has been raised, it’s used to do things like pay for the mother’s rent, utilities, cell phone, and other bills, so she can focus on her baby. And all the while, Berning said they’re focused on building a personal relationship with her, too. “We want to reach them where they’re at. We will counsel them for as long as they need,” she explained, adding, “We just got back from Atlanta a few weeks ago visiting one of the moms that we’re helping. She was just really struggling. Her parents don’t support her, the father of her child left and said, ‘Here’s money for an abortion.’ She was really struggling so we decided to fly down to see her and that really helped nurture that relationship between us.”
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!


liveaction--2020-02-17--AMAZING: Adopted Ohio man discovers he has known birth father for years

Growing up , Kevin Butler ’ s father liked to tell his son how lucky they were to adopt him , saying , “ We got to go and pick the best one.
” Butler , along with one of his five siblings , was adopted and always knew it .
Yet he never wondered about his birth parents or where he came from .
Then a change in a law allowed him to easily find out who his birth parents were — and he discovered he had already known his birth father for years .
A 2015 Ohio law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 1964 and 1996 .
For just $ 20 , these individuals were allowed to access their birth parents ’ information .
Butler , a law director , told Cleveland.com that he decided to do it , but had no intentions of actually contacting anyone from his birth family .
That all changed when he saw a familiar name on his birth certificate .
When the envelope arrived in the mail , he learned a few things he hadn ’ t known about himself , like the hospital he was born in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also saw the name L. Christoper Frey .
“ I think I know him , ” he said to his wife , Catherine .
Chris Frey , as he is known , was a law director whom Butler had known professionally for years .
As law directors , both Frey and Butler would meet once a month at the offices of the Cleveland Bar Association .
Butler was shocked , but once reality set in , he realized he looks a lot like his birth father .
Despite learning the amazing news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best time to tell Frey that he was his son .
READ : Police investigator , adopted at birth , reunites with brothers she didn ’ t know she had “ Every time I went to a law directors ’ meeting , I would carry that original birth certificate in my pocket , just in case I could work up the courage to tell him , ” he explained .
“ Sometimes he wasn ’ t there and sometimes I wasn ’ t able to make it and sometimes he might ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it just never seemed right to me.
” Then when Frey asked Butler to consider hiring his daughter Marie who had recently passed the bar exam , Butler agreed but knew that he couldn ’ t go through with it — not knowing what he knew .
It made him realize that he had to tell Frey the truth sooner than later .
“ Our worlds were going to keep colliding , ” he said .
“ And I got this feeling that if he died of a heart attack or I died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel awful for not having first told him.
” Finally , he told Frey after a meeting by simply handing him the birth certificate .
Then , he had to leave , walking away from his shocked birth father .
But it wasn ’ t long before Butler would know the entire story behind his birth and adoption .
Frey met Butler ’ s birth mother Jan Anderson in 1974 and they began dating .
Jan became pregnant and had to tell her parents , but Frey never told his .
She was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were nowhere near committed to each other , ” Anderson told Cleveland.com .
“ And honestly , I felt completely inadequate .
I didn ’ t feel I had anything to offer a baby , other than my love , and at that time , I didn ’ t think that was enough.
” Her parents sent her to live with family for the last four months of her pregnancy , where she stayed until she gave birth .
Frey would visit her .
Neither was able to hold their son when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible grief and I wasn ’ t allowed to grieve , ” Anderson said .
“ I had to pretend like nothing happened .
We didn ’ t speak of it except to each other.
” The experience sealed a bond between the young couple and just over a year later , they were married .
They went on to have six more children , whom they had never told about their first-born son .
When Frey learned that Butler was that long-lost son , he knew he had to tell his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internet to find out everything she could about him .
Within days , they told the rest of their children , and Frey ’ s mother and the rest of the family were eager to meet Butler .
READ : Mom stunned to learn adopted foster children are really biological siblings “ Chris just stepped aside , and I walked up to my mother and gave her a hug , ” said Butler of the moment he met his birth mother .
“ I was still holding on to the idea that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be distant to them , like their West Side cousin , but a lot changed in that hug.
” During that hug , his birth mother told him , “ They wouldn ’ t let me hold you in the hospital .
I ’ ve waited 42 years for this moment.
” With his new-found siblings , Butler discovered instant friendships and his daughter found new lifelong friends in her cousins .
Butler ’ s adoptive mother had died in 2011 , and he was nervous to tell his adoptive father about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adoptive father Dennis simply said , “ The next time you see them , I want you to thank them for the gift of my son.
” Butler now has 11 siblings and two large families to celebrate life with .
Though his birth parents still wrestle with the decision that was made to place him for adoption , they are extremely grateful that he found them… and Frey considers them “ darn lucky to have a second chance ” — a second chance that never would have been possible without the gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary !

Growing up, Kevin Butler’s father liked to tell his son how lucky they were to adopt him, saying, “We got to go and pick the best one.” Butler, along with one of his five siblings, was adopted and always knew it. Yet he never wondered about his birth parents or where he came from. Then a change in a law allowed him to easily find out who his birth parents were — and he discovered he had already known his birth father for years.
A 2015 Ohio law unsealed birth certificates for 400,000 adoptees born between 1964 and 1996. For just $20, these individuals were allowed to access their birth parents’ information. Butler, a law director, told Cleveland.com that he decided to do it, but had no intentions of actually contacting anyone from his birth family. That all changed when he saw a familiar name on his birth certificate.
When the envelope arrived in the mail, he learned a few things he hadn’t known about himself, like the hospital he was born in and his given name at birth. He also saw the name L. Christoper Frey.
“I think I know him,” he said to his wife, Catherine.
Chris Frey, as he is known, was a law director whom Butler had known professionally for years. As law directors, both Frey and Butler would meet once a month at the offices of the Cleveland Bar Association. Butler was shocked, but once reality set in, he realized he looks a lot like his birth father. Despite learning the amazing news, Butler spent two years trying to find the best time to tell Frey that he was his son.
READ: Police investigator, adopted at birth, reunites with brothers she didn’t know she had
“Every time I went to a law directors’ meeting, I would carry that original birth certificate in my pocket, just in case I could work up the courage to tell him,” he explained. “Sometimes he wasn’t there and sometimes I wasn’t able to make it and sometimes he might’ve been driving other people, so it just never seemed right to me.”
Then when Frey asked Butler to consider hiring his daughter Marie who had recently passed the bar exam, Butler agreed but knew that he couldn’t go through with it — not knowing what he knew. It made him realize that he had to tell Frey the truth sooner than later.
“Our worlds were going to keep colliding,” he said. “And I got this feeling that if he died of a heart attack or I died of a heart attack, I would feel awful for not having first told him.”
Finally, he told Frey after a meeting by simply handing him the birth certificate. Then, he had to leave, walking away from his shocked birth father. But it wasn’t long before Butler would know the entire story behind his birth and adoption.
Frey met Butler’s birth mother Jan Anderson in 1974 and they began dating. Jan became pregnant and had to tell her parents, but Frey never told his. She was 19 and he was 22.
“We were nowhere near committed to each other,” Anderson told Cleveland.com. “And honestly, I felt completely inadequate. I didn’t feel I had anything to offer a baby, other than my love, and at that time, I didn’t think that was enough.”
Her parents sent her to live with family for the last four months of her pregnancy, where she stayed until she gave birth. Frey would visit her. Neither was able to hold their son when he was born.
“I felt incredible grief and I wasn’t allowed to grieve,” Anderson said. “I had to pretend like nothing happened. We didn’t speak of it except to each other.” The experience sealed a bond between the young couple and just over a year later, they were married. They went on to have six more children, whom they had never told about their first-born son.
When Frey learned that Butler was that long-lost son, he knew he had to tell his wife. She immediately searched Butler on the internet to find out everything she could about him. Within days, they told the rest of their children, and Frey’s mother and the rest of the family were eager to meet Butler.
READ: Mom stunned to learn adopted foster children are really biological siblings
“Chris just stepped aside, and I walked up to my mother and gave her a hug,” said Butler of the moment he met his birth mother. “I was still holding on to the idea that I was meeting them, but I could still be distant to them, like their West Side cousin, but a lot changed in that hug.”
During that hug, his birth mother told him, “They wouldn’t let me hold you in the hospital. I’ve waited 42 years for this moment.”
With his new-found siblings, Butler discovered instant friendships and his daughter found new lifelong friends in her cousins.
Butler’s adoptive mother had died in 2011, and he was nervous to tell his adoptive father about meeting his birth family, but his adoptive father Dennis simply said, “The next time you see them, I want you to thank them for the gift of my son.”
Butler now has 11 siblings and two large families to celebrate life with. Though his birth parents still wrestle with the decision that was made to place him for adoption, they are extremely grateful that he found them… and Frey considers them “darn lucky to have a second chance” — a second chance that never would have been possible without the gift of life.
“Like” Live Action News on Facebook for more pro-life news and commentary!