Montana Supreme Court Issues Split Decision on Assisted Suicide

From the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition:

Media Release
December 31, 2009

Baxter v. Montana: Assisted-Suicide Lobby Group does not get What it Wanted: The Montana Supreme Court Denies Constitutional Right to "Aid-in-Dying"

Today, the Supreme Court of Montana issued a split decision in which it denied victory to Compassion & Choices on its quest for a right to "aid in dying" based on the Montana State Constitution. "Aid in dying" is more commonly known as physician-assisted suicide.

The Supreme Court instead focused on issues of statutory construction to determine that Montana state law has no public policy against "aid in dying" because the final death causing act lies in the patient's hands.

This holding ignores the practical realities of ensuring patient safety from over-eager heirs, new "best friends" and others who might benefit from the patient's death. For example, physicians who malpractices and who wants to hide their mistakes can now say: "It was what the patient wanted." The evidence against the physician dies with the patient. If the patient has no family or other advocate, who will know?

A bright spot in the decision is that it does not give physicians the "right" to prescribe a lethal dose, but only suggests that circumstances may exist to give them a defense to prosecution for homicide.

The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition is hopeful that Montana's legislature will now take the lead to protect its citizens in the next legislative session.

Contact:
Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director
1-877-439-3348 or euthanasiaprevention@on.aibn.com

Watch new online video by docs on healthcare legislation

From the Freedom2Care Blog at http://freedom2care.blogspot.com:

For medical professionals and patients, a webcast by Christian Medical Association physicians available to watch right now:

Drs. David Stevens and Gene Rudd, leaders of the 17,000-member Christian Medical Association, examine how current healthcare legislation will radically alter the physician-patient relationship and the delivery of health care.

Click here to watch this videotaped web event now:
http://www.cmda.org/Content/NavigationMenu/IssuesEthics/Healthcare/HealthcareReform/Webcast7PrinciplesofHealthcareReform/default.htm

Pro-Life SBA List Surges Ahead of NOW

National Journal’s Theresa Poulson posted a fabulous piece today comparing the Susan B. Anthony List to the older, pro-abortion women’s group the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Though the health care debate has galvanized both pro-life and pro-abortion advocacy groups, only one side has seen a passionate response from grassroots activists. Poulson takes an in-depth look at how NOW is scrambling to retain and reinvigorate its members; while on the other hand, the pro-life movement is growing exponentially. Full article.

Northwestern University Announces Hope for MS Patients Using Adult Stem Cells

Feb. 10, 2009

Treating MS Symptoms With Stem Cells

Promising Northwestern University Trial Uses Patient's Own Stem Cells To Treat Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis

(CBS) An estimated 400,000 Americans suffer from multiple sclerosis, but the findings of a new clinical trial shows promise in the fight to reverse symptoms of MS.

Researchers at Northwestern University conducted a trial using patients' own stem cells to treat symptoms of multiple sclerosis, reports Early Show correspondent Debbye Turner Bell, and although the study group was small -- only 21 patients participated in it -- the findings are a huge breakthrough in the fight against MS. Full article.

Study Using Adult Stem Cells Shows Promising Future for Heart Disease Patients

Northwestern University

November 17, 2009 | Research

Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease
Transplanting people’s own stem cells into heart lessens pain, improves ability to walk

By Marla Paul

CHICAGO --- The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells. Full article.

Scientists: Embryonic Stem Cell Research Showing Little Progress 28 Years Later

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- In the 28 years that scientists have been toying with embryonic stem cells in animals and humans, not one human patient has even been treated. Despite President Barack Obama forcing taxpayers to fund the research, that destroys human life, scientists don't expect that to change anytime soon.

In a new interview with NPR, Len Zon, a stem cell researcher at Children's Hospital in Boston, admits that any hope of treating patients with embryonic stem cells is not forthcoming. Full article.

The Humanist Religion of Planned Parenthood

Humanism is the religion that drives Planned Parenthood, which is why it should come as no surprise that it is intimately connected with the American Humanist Association. American Life League explains the philosophical underpinnings of these organizations and how they relate to their advocacy in the political and social world.

Local Pro-Life Demonstrators Ensure Obama Gets the Message During Hawai'i Vacation Break

Media coverage of the peaceful, pro-life demonstration outside President Obama's vacation rental compound in Kailua that took place last Saturday, December 26, 2009:

http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Protesters-Rally-Outside-President-Barack-Obamas/r61rivqf60u2tmabn6RAhQ.cspx

http://www.kitv.com/news/22066294/detail.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20091227_Protesters_seizing_moment_to_air_out_their_concerns.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/24/republicans-look-mechanisms-halt-health-insurance/

Pro-Life Demonstration Planned for Monday, December 28

Twelve of us participated in Saturday's demonstration and felt we were very successful in presenting our message to passersby as well as President Obama's motorcade which came out about 10:15 am.

Please join us if you can make it on Monday.

Please be respectful in your signage (there will also be signs available) as there are children and families walking by the corner. If you park at the shopping center (there is no parking on Kalaheo), please be inconspicuous and do patronize the stores (maybe for lunch) so we will be welcome there.

The makai side of the street is deeply shaded (if the sun bothers you). We stand on both sides of Kalaheo to both traffic lanes.

Peaceful and Prayerful

DEMONSTRATION against

TAXPAYER-FUNDED ABORTIONS IN HEALTH CARE

(during President Obama's visit to Hawaii )

Mon. Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Please be there on time!

Kailua

Corner of N. Kalaheo Ave. & Kailuana

2 blocks south of Aikahi shopping center

Bring SIGNS if you can, such as:

* * *

ABORTION IS NOT HEALTH CARE

* * *

FULLY HUMAN AND FULLY ALIVE

AND WE DON'T WANT THEM KILLED

* * *

NO TAX MONEY SUPPORTING ABORTION

Calling Hawaii's Pro-Life Republicans

Are you pro-life and a member of the Hawaii Republican Party? Please join the Yahoo! group here:

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HawaiiRepublicanPartyProLifeCoalition/

(Although a similar group does not exist for Hawaii Democrats, we'll let you know if we hear of someone willing to organize one.)