Molly Ford, a pro-life spokeswoman who was quoted in a post I made Tuesday about a newspaper report that pregnancy centers funded with tax dollars are misleading women seeking information about abortions - telling them that the procedure can cause breast cancer, infertility and deep psychological trauma, even though just about every serious medical study shows that is not the case - sent me a copy of a report put out by her group, Care Net.
Even though the science is overwhelmingly against her group, the report quotes some medical studies and makes the bizarre claim that Henry Waxman (the Democratic congressman who released the study The Washington Post was reporting on) is really just mad that Care Net and other such groups are now competing for federal dollars.
But this section really jumped out at me. Emphasis mine:
"For decades pregnancy centers have sustained waves of attacks from abortion providers and proponent groups who routinely seek to discredit their competition. These groups have tried to limit women from accessing comprehensive information on abortion risks and alternatives, which is provided through the free and confidential services offered by the doctors, nurses, and volunteers at pregnancy centers.
"The latest coordinated string of attacks began late in December 2005 with a report issued by NARAL Pro-Choice Texas entitled Crisis Pregnancy Centers: A Hidden Threat to Women's Health? Since then, the attacks have continued with reports issued by the National Abortion Federation and other groups who are angered that pregnancy centers have begun to compete for federal grants. Since 2001, pregnancy centers have started receiving federal grants to present abstinence-based educational programs in schools, instead of the "safe-sex" programs that abortion groups support."
You know, coming from a movement that literally attacks abortion providers, in some extreme cases shooting and killing doctors and blowing up clinics, at the minimum blockading clinics and harassing women trying to enter for medical procedures, they really should avoid using words like “waves of attack” when they try to tar their opponents.
Molly, I appreciate the info you sent and I will read it, but given the violent history of your side in this never-ending debate, be careful using words like "attack" when you're describing the pro-choice side.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
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22 comments:
Excellent point. Did she find your blog, or did you contact her?
I still would like to know why my tax money is paying for these groups and their religious views.
You called that story "A view from the other side" and then you just spewed forth your usual pro-death claptrap. No one serious in the life movement shoots doctors so why do you make it seem as if it happens all the time? Why cant you just print what she sent you and let your readers decide? I know why because you know they will see something that makes them think and oh we cant have the little sheep thinking for themselves can we. You cant have a debate with both sides its always got to be your side that has the last word.
Shut up bally 107, it's his blog he doesnt have to print anything from your side at all if he doesn't want to or even your stupid comments which I wish were erased! Oh and your side is the anti-choice side since you try to put labels on people who disagree with you.
lol oh my god I wouldnt call anyone a "sheep" or say they can't think for themselves if I was in the banning abortion movement bally 107.
The only sheep I see around here is you and your little friends who cheer on anything bad said about religion or our president or people like me working to save innocent babies from people like you. And they call me pebbles and what a mature name that is (how appoprate) thats typical that you would want to ban me or shut down my side of the debate. If the libs were running this country we wouldnt be able to speak our mind at all and you wonder why America keeps voting for Republicans well dont wonder.
bally 107 here's a suggestion, if you don't like what's said here why don't you go to the religios blogs? I'm sure there must be some. I wouldn't want to hang out at them so why do you do that here? Are you a masochist or something?
I don't know why you all let her goad you into giving her attention instead of just ignoring?
Yeah, bally, keep those ad hom attacks coming. We'll take you really seriously.
By the way, you've yet to let me know which post you answered my question on. I've been looking through previous posts, and I can't find it anywhere. Which post was it?
Her report you quote from says: "Since 2001, pregnancy centers have started receiving federal grants to present abstinence-based educational programs in schools, instead of the "safe-sex" programs that abortion groups support."
Because oh yes, much better to tell teenagers with their raging hormones just not to have sex - because you know they will surely just go along with that - rather than try to at least make them aware of safe sex methods.
They may be sincere in their beliefs but that's where the anti-sex, anti-abortion religious types lose any sympathy I may have for them - they don't want to admit how the world really is.
shaya I do go to pro life and religious blogs and web sites but I also come here. Unlike your side I read the viewpoints of others and dont try to shout it down or censor it. And not a hipster for the umpteenth time and I dont know why you are so fascinated I dont know when that post was made. It was months ago. Why do you care so much. Why dont you just go have some more wine and everything will be fine for you ok? And stay out of bedroom (how mature) we tell teenagers to buckle up when they drive or not to smoke. Why shouldnt we tell them to abstain until they get married. Im sure you think we should be passing out condoms in junior high school but parents dont feel that way.
Not a Hipster, she somehow found the blog; to be honest, I'd never heard of that group until the Wash. Post mention a few days ago.
And Bally 107, I'm not sure what you're trying to imply but in all the posts you have made here you have never once been censored. I somehow doubt the pro-choice side would get as respectful a hearing on the blogs you frequent. And I'm not sure why you think I would just print that "report" without commenting on it. That's not the editorial view, if you will, of this blog, so why should I present it as such. Get a grip.
And by the way, no conspiracy theory about the deletion just before this, it was my own post and I used the wrong sig name in one of my comments.
Bally, I'm "fascinated" with it because you continue to lie.
Who has ever censored you? JBK has never erased your comments, and some of us have actually tried to talk to you further, but you refuse to. You censor yourself and blame us. What a sorry way to go about this!
Thanks for the laughs, I continue to enjoy the entertainment you provide.
Ok ok, more clarification, I called Bally 107 Not a Hipster when I started the 2nd graf - they seem a tad different from what I can tell :) I blame the Stella.
Yeah, I think we're slightly different. I would blame the Stella, too. I've gotten to know her on a few occasions, and she can be trouble. :)
Hi All!
Since I am apparently responsible for starting this whole string of dialogue I thought that I would offer some of my own thoughts.
First of all, I appreciate the host's consideration of the materials that I sent. I believe that the studies, particularly those done by Dr. Angela LanFranchi, Dr. Joel Brind, and Dr. David C. Reardon are incredibly insightful and worthy of reading.
Secondly, I would like to say that I think it is healthy that this topic is being debated and brought to the public's attention again. Though I regret that our local Pregnancy Centers are being wrongly accused, it has been a wonderful opportunity for them and us to share the scientific studies and information that drive us to do what we do. The doctors, nurses, and volunteers that work in our centers have a passion for helping women facing crisis pregnancies, sexual health concerns, or who come seeking post-abortion support.
I recognize that the pro-life movement has come to be characterized by the earlier militant groups that chose to voice their opinions in a violent way and therefore, I can understand why many are skeptical of any other groups that offer a pro-life message.
However, pregnancy centers have an entirely different message and it has nothing to do with violence and is not just about empowering women to choose life for their babies. Their mission is to equip men and women with the knowledge and support to make choices for themselves. If a woman comes from a low-income neighborhood with no way to support a child, but really feels that she would like to carry it to term...having an abortion isn't really her "choice." She simply did it because she saw no other way. Unfortunately, we here these kinds of stories too late from women who come in for counseling. "If I'd only known about your center sooner, I could have kept my baby." If we truely support choice, then we have to also support a woman's right to keep her child. And though you may not agree with some of the programs that pregnancy centers offer, I would encourage you to understand that these centers are in most cases the only place that a woman can go if she wants to keep her child but is struggling for the emotional, financial, or physical means to do so.
That is where pregnancy centers come in. They give her information and support...sometimes job placement and housing assistance; sometimes diapers, formula, baby clothes and highchairs; and other times just someone to listen as she expresses her daily frustrations, needs, and goals.
In other cases our centers provide post-abortion support. Thousands of women come to our local centers each year after having had an abortion. Each woman reacts to the procedure differently. Many are fine and able to move on with their lives, but many struggle emotionally and psychologically. Our centers offer support groups and peer-counseling, usually by other women who have had an abortion and were able to experience healing and support.
Finally, I believe that each of you has the right to question what your tax dollars are being spent on and to demand that these dollars are being spent wisely. I believe that if you had the opportunity to attend an abstinence session that you would believe that it is a great way to use some of the funds that have traditionally been used on condom-based sexual education. In my own case, my high school sex-ed class were entirely made up of MTV videos. I learned little to nothing about my body and I certainly received no encouragement to really think about the choices I was making or how they could impact the rest of my life. Abstinence programs aren't about telling kids not to have sex. These sessions are intended to equip young people with the knowledge about STDs, pregnancy, and relationships that they need to make healthy life choices. But even more importantly these programs are about believing in these kids. Talking to them about self-control, self-respect, and setting goals for themselves. I know it is easier to just give up and toss a condom in their direction, but I know it will mean much more to them a decade from now to have had someone who encouraged them to ask what they really wanted out of life, out of a relationship, and out of themselves.
Anyway, I appreciate the commentary. I would of course encourage any of you who are really interested in digging a little deeper to read some of the information that we have posted on our website at www.care-net.org/WaxmanReport.html
Thank you all...and keep up the dialogue!!
Molly
Care Net
Molly of Carenet, at least you seem to recognize that some of your followers on that side of this issue aren't exactly civil. In fact, they are downright violent. That certainly doesn't do your side any good in trying to win over people who are torn on this issue and are not sure where they stand on it. It's just as well (for the pro-choice side) that there aren't as many visible people on the anti-choice side who seem so reasonable! :)
TJ,
Your observation is a good one and we are working hard to encourage those on both sides of this issue to seek to engage in meaningful public dialogue. To seek patience and civility in their daily work as we all strive to resolve these important issues that will inevitably have far reaching implications for posterity.
I am often reminded of the era of the Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement. Within both, the majority of proponents worked for years to engage the public in a meaningful dialogue, to participate in peaceful demonstrations, and to work with public policy officials and the U.S. government in order to bring about a top down as well as grassroots movement for change.
Sadly, both movements were also characterized by militant groups who rejected the peaceful tactics of their movements' founders and sought to use violence to bring attention to their grievances.
Fortunately, for these movements, the men and women who worked behind the scenes, who may not have received high levels of media or public attention, did not become discouraged by these militant groups or the labels they received as a result, but continued in their work to reach out to people with their message.
Unquestionably, any movement that is characterized by the existance of violent factions, however few, will suffer as a result. Today, a generation of African American young people is still struggling through the impact of the violence that came to characterize the years following the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the rejection of the Non-Violent Resistance in favor of a more militant approach.
I believe within any cause where much is at stake we will always see groups that channel their energy and frustration in a destructive way. I believe these people are usually in the slim minority, but unfortunately, they do receive the most public attention and in almost all cases they distract from the positive work that is being done behind the scenes.
I am encouraged to see that the pro-life movement continues to reject and discourage these militant groups in favor of encouraging practical ways to engage the public.
While Care Net has not been actively involved in the politics of the abortion debate, we do believe that the debate is a healthy one. Every day the doctors, nurses, professionals, and volunteers that serve men and women in local centers are impacted by what is taking place in the political arena and are ever mindful of opportunities that they have to reach out to the public and to focus attention back on the men, women, and children of the communities that are facing difficult decisions and who best interests we should all be serving.
Again, thanks for the thoughtful responses!
Molly
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