Lois' Lodge Maternity Home

Judge: North Carolina Must Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz

2011-08-22T08:40:00.001-07:00

by Steven Ertelt | Charlotte, NC | LifeNews.com | 8/22/11 11:00 AM

A federal judge has ruled that North Carolina must fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business while it moves forward with the lawsuit it filed against the state over a decision by state lawmakers to revoke its taxpayer funding in the state budget.

In North Carolina, the state legislature approved a measure to remove federal funds from the pro-abortion organization in its state budget. The abortion business receives $434,000 through state family planning programs aimed at reducing teen pregnancies and providing birth control. Although the money can only be used for non-abortion services, the same organization is also the nation’s largest abortion business — doing more than 330,000 annually and comprising more than one-quarter of all abortions in the United States annually.

Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina (PPCNC) filed suit in federal court to declare invalid the portion of the state budget that yanks its tax money. Planned Parenthood CEO Janet Colm claims the abortion chain is wrongly singled out for a revocation of tax dollars and complains the abortion business may have to close or scale back offices and potentially lay off staff if the funding is not received.

U.S. District Court Judge James Beaty heard arguments from both sides in Winston Salem earlier this month and, on Friday, he ordered North Carolina to honor its contract with Planned Parenthood pending the outcome of the lawsuit. Beaty issued a preliminary injunction siding with the abortion giant in its demand to receive $212,000 of the funds.

Beaty said health department Secretary Lanier Cansler must renew the funding, writing, “The court expects defendant Cansler to follow all applicable state and federal laws and regulations” and warning that “further proceedings would be appropriate” is the state doesn’t comply. The state had a contract in place for 2011-2012 that he ruled it must honor.

Beaty also said in his ruling that the decision to de-fund Planned Parenthood wrongly contravened federal law authorizing funding for the abortion business via the federal family planning program and he said the budget provision wrongly singled out a specific organization for de-funding.

Colm issued a statement saying the abortion business is “deeply grateful that the court has stopped the state from enforcing the ban prohibiting Planned Parenthood from” getting taxpayer funding.

The abortion giant has already sued the states of Kansas and Indiana for adopting new legislation to revoke the taxpayer financing from the group that has been shown to be the biggest abortion business in the country, to cover up cases of sexual abuse, and to assist sex traffickers in getting abortions for the girls on whom they prey.

Barbara Holt, the president of North Carolina Right to Life, supported the move to revoke taxpayer financing.

“Planned Parenthood is the single largest abortion provider in the nation and our tax dollars should not go to organizations who are in the business of killing unborn children,” stated Holt. “97.6% of the services Planned Parenthood reports as involving pregnant women are abortion services.”

Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed the state budget in part because of the Planned Parenthood de-funding but the state legislature overrode the veto.

After the state House voted to override the veto, House Speaker Thom Tillis said “We think we’ve done something historic on several different levels” according to the Greensboro News-Record. Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, also a Republican, told the newspaper the state Senate would follow suit today and it did just that.

Republicans hold 31 seats in the 50-seat state Senate and that proved to be more than enough for the override.

Following the vote, the Planned Parenthood abortion business criticized state legislators because the budget provision “would effectively end state and federal funding for Planned Parenthood.”

An April poll conducted by the Polling Company and WomanTrend reveals a majority of Americans, 54 percent, oppose giving tax dollars for family planning services to organizations that perform abortions. The poll also shows the intensity of this position, with 43 percent “strongly” opposing any federal funds going to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood, while just 20 percent “strongly” support federal funds going to abortion businesses.

Kellyanne Conway, the president of the Polling Company firm said the support for de-funding Planned Parenthood crosses lines on the abortion debate.

“Even 26 percent of pro-choice adherents rejected diverting taxpayer dollars for family planning organizations that provide abortions,” Conway said. “Some Americans may have positive attitudes toward Planned Parenthood, but may also reject the underlying premise that federal funding for family planning organizations should be fungible for abortions.”

Breaking down the results further, the poll found 82 percent of those who say they are pro-life responded yes when asked, “Do you support or oppose tax dollars for family planning services going to organizations that perform abortions?” Another 26 percent of people who say they are “pro-choice” on abortion agreed. Some 12 percent of pro-life people support funding Planned Parenthood while 70 percent of those “pro-choice” do.

The poll also found women opposed funding Planned Parenthood on a 51-40 percent margin, Hispanics opposed funding 47-45 percent, blacks opposed funding 62-26 percent, independents opposed funding 52-36, while 18-34 year-old respondents opposed Planned Parenthood funding on a 54-38 percent margin. People living in the South opposed funding the most.

In other states, Indiana approved a law de-funding Planned Parenthood, and New Hampshire Planned Parenthood centers may close after the state revoked a $1.8 million grant. Montana Planned Parenthood is also grappling with funding cuts and one county in Tennessee de-funded Planned Parenthood. Kansas is fighting to keep its de-funding decision in place.

Planned Parenthood in Wisconsin is making cuts after the abortion business lost $1 million in taxpayer funding there. Ohio lawmakers also filed a new bill to shift funding from Planned Parenthood to health departments. Planned Parenthood could lose as much as $64 million in Texas.

Cohabitation Linked to Unstable Families

2011-08-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Special Report - August 17, 2011

Children today are more likely to spend time in a cohabiting household and to suffer a myriad of negative lifetime effects as a result, than they are to experience the divorce of their parents, according to a new report released Wednesday by a team of family scholars from some of the nation’s leading educational institutions. The report, “Why Marriage Matters: 30 Conclusions from the Social Sciences (Third Edition),” is the long-awaited comprehensive summary of the latest research pointing to the importance of marriage to child wellbeing. Co-sponsored by the Center for Marriage and Families at the Institute for American Values and by the National Marriage Project (NMP) at the University of Virginia, the report is written by a team of 18 scholars chaired by W. Bradford Wilcox, director of the NMP.

The report’s major finding is that cohabitation, which it notes has increased 14-fold since 1970, has replaced divorce as the main contributor to the rising rates of family instability in the United States. In fact, by the age of 12, more children today will spend time in a cohabiting family than will experience the divorce of their parents (see figure 2 from report). While a decrease in parental divorce is certainly a good thing, the increasing rates of cohabitation, particularly for children, is not, because, as the report points out, “cohabitation is not the functional equivalent of marriage.”

“In a striking turn of events, the divorce rate for married couples with children has returned almost to the levels we saw before the divorce revolution kicked in during the 1970s. Nevertheless, family instability is on the rise for American children as a whole,” explains Professor Wilcox in a press release. “This seems in part to be because more couples are having children in cohabiting unions, which are very unstable. This report also indicates that children in cohabiting households are more likely to suffer from a range of emotional and social problems—drug use, depression, and dropping out of high school—compared to children in intact, married families.”

Among the key findings in report regarding cohabitation:

About 24 percent of all children are born to cohabiting parents, which the report notes is more than the percentage of children born to single mothers.
An additional 20 percent of children will spend some time in a cohabiting household with an unrelated adult (often because of the divorce of their parents), meaning that “more than four in 10 children are exposed to a cohabiting relationship.”
Cohabiting parents with children are more likely to break up before the child turns 12 than married parents with children (see figure 5 from the report).

The report describes the “rise in cohabiting households” as “the largely unrecognized threat to the quality and stability of children’s lives in today’s families.” It details the latest research on cohabitation, which shows that compared to children raised in intact, married families, children in cohabiting families “do significantly worse” on several social, educational and psychological outcomes; and that children in cohabiting households are also significantly more likely to suffer from physical, emotional and sexual abuse than children in either intact married families or single parent families (see figure 3 from report);

Finally, the report includes the following three conclusions that echo the previous findings from the 2002 and 2005 editions of “Why Marriage Matters”:

“The intact biological, married family remains the gold standard for family life in the United States.
Marriage is an important public good, associated with a range of economic, health, educational, and safety benefits that help local, state, and federal governments serve the common good.
The benefits of marriage extend to poor, working-class, and minority communities, despite the fact that marriage has weakened in these communities in the last four decades.”

“This important report shows why the North Carolina statutes against cohabitation are needed,” said Alysse ElHage, associate director of research for the North Carolina Family Policy Council. “The State is correct in recognizing and supporting marriage as the only domestic union that should be recognized. An intact family unit with a married mother and a father is the best place to raise children, and we are pleased that North Carolina law supports this reality.”

Related resources:
Census Report Examines Cohabitation - November 9, 2010
Marriage Beats Cohabitation - March 5, 2010
Most Children Live With Parents - July 27, 2010
Characteristics of Cohabiting Adults Studied - July 16, 2009
 Report Analyzes Cohabitation Effects - June 23, 2008
How Cohabitation Undermines Marriage and the Family - Findings - June 2005

Abortion Has Caused 300K Breast Cancer Deaths Since Roe

2011-07-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

by Steven Ertelt | Washington, DC | LifeNews.com | 1/17/11 4:44 PM

A leading breast cancer researcher says abortion has caused at least 300,000 cases of breast cancer causing a woman’s death since the Supreme Court allowed virtually unlimited abortion in its 1973 case.

With tens of millions of abortions since the high court’s decision and research confirming abortion increases the risk of contracting breast cancer, undoubtedly a large number of breast cancer cases, caused by abortion, have occurred over the last 38 years.

Professor Joel Brind, an endocrinologist at Baruch College in New York, worked with several scientists on a 1996 paper published in the Journal of Epidemiol Community Health showing a “30% greater chance of developing breast cancer” for women who have induced abortions. He recently commented on how many women have become victims.

“If we take the overall risk of breast cancer among women to be about 10% (not counting abortion), and raise it by 30%, we get 13% lifetime risk,” Brind explains. Using the 50 million abortions since Roe v. Wade figure, we get 1.5 million excess cases of breast cancer. At an average mortality of 20% since 1973, that would mean that legal abortion has resulted in some 300,000 additional deaths due to breast cancer since Roe v. Wade.”

Brind said his estimate excludes deaths from the use of abortion to delay first full term pregnancies – a recognized breast cancer risk.

Karen Malec, the head of the Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, a public awareness group, says the number of studies showing the abortion-breast cancer link continues to grow in the years since Brind’s groundbreaking 1996 analysis of the major studies at that time.

“During the last 21 months, four epidemiological studies and one review reported an abortion-breast cancer link,” she noted. “One study included National Cancer Institute branch chief Louise Brinton as co-author. We count nearly 50 published epidemiological studies since 1957 reporting a link. Biological and experimental studies also support it.”

“Experts proved in medical journals that nearly all of the roughly 20 studies denying the link are seriously flawed (fraudulent). Like the tobacco-cancer cover-up, these are used to snow women into believing abortion is safe,” Malec added.

Surgeons like Dr. Angela Lanfranchi, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey who has extensively explained how abortion increases the breast cancer risk, have seen first-hand how abortion hurts women.

In 2002, Angela Lanfranchi, MD testified under oath in a California lawsuit against Planned Parenthood that she had private conversations with leading experts who agreed abortion raises breast cancer risk, but they refused to discuss it publicly, saying it was “too political.”

As the co-director of the Sanofi-aventis Breast Care Program at the Steeplechase Cancer Center, Lanfranchi has treated countless women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Lanfranchi was named a 2010 Castle Connolly NY Metro Area “Top Doc” in breast surgery.

In an article she wrote for the medical journal Linacre Quarterly, Lanfranchi talks about why abortion presents women problems and increases their breast cancer risk:

Induced abortion boosts breast cancer risk because it stops the normal physiological changes in the breast that occur during a full term pregnancy and that lower a mother’s breast cancer risk. A woman who has a full term pregnancy at 20 has a 90% lower risk of breast cancer than a woman who waits until age 30.

Breast tissue after puberty and before a term pregnancy is immature and cancer-vulnerable. Seventy five percent of this tissue is Type 1 lobules where ductal cancers start and 25 percent is Type 2 lobules where lobular cancers start. Ductal cancers account for 85% of all breast cancers while lobular cancers account for 12-15% of breast cancers.

As soon as a woman conceives, the embryo secretes human chorionic gonadotrophin or hCG, the hormone we check for in pregnancy tests.

HCG causes the mother’s ovaries to increase the levels of estrogen and progesterone in her body resulting in a doubling of the amount of breast tissue she has; in effect, she then has more Type 1 and 2 lobules where cancers start.

After mid pregnancy at 20 weeks, the fetus/placenta makes hPL, another hormone that starts maturing her breast tissue so that it can make milk. It is only after 32 weeks that she has made enough of the mature Type 4 lobules that are cancer resistant so that she lowers her risk of breast cancer.

Induced abortion before 32 weeks leaves the mother’s breast with more vulnerable tissue for cancer to start. It is also why any premature birth before 32 weeks, not just induced abortion, increases or doubles breast cancer risk.

By the end of her pregnancy, 85% of her breast tissue is cancer resistant. Each pregnancy thereafter decreases her risk a further 10%.

A woman can use this information to make an informed decision about her pregnancy. If she chooses to abort her pregnancy for whatever reason, she should start breast screening about 8-10 years later so that if she does develop a cancer, it can be found early and treated early for a better outcomes.

text4baby Contest!

2011-07-24T09:27:00.001-07:00

Text4baby is a free health text messaging service that provides information and resources for pregnant and new mothers. The text4baby program just launched the Summer Sign-Up Contest, an opportunity to spread the word about the important text4baby effort.

The top 20 contestants who enroll the most women in the text4baby service between now and September 10^th will win a year’s supply of baby products and a special gift, courtesy of text4baby’s Founding Sponsor, Johnson & Johnson. To participate in the Contest, visit www.text4baby.org.

Want to Be on TV?

2011-07-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Bill Cunningham Show premieres this fall on TV stations nationwide; the 60-minute talk show will be topically driven. The show is currently putting together a show on teen pregnancy and seeks teen girls who were recently pregnant or who are trying to get pregnant and who are willing to appear on national television. If you know anyone who might be interested in sharing their story, please send an email to nyctalkguest@gmail.com. Please visit www.thebillcunninghamshow.com for more information.

The High Cost of Unintended Pregnancy

2011-07-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

A new research brief from the Brookings Institution's Adam Thomas and Emily Monea details the high costs of unintended pregnancy. Among their findings:

Taxpayers spend about $12 billion annually on publicly financed medical care for women who experience unintended pregnancies and on infants who were conceived unintentionally.
Taxpayers could save an estimated $6 billion if all unintended pregnancies could be prevented.

Read the full brief here

North Carolina House Approves Choose Life License Plates

2011-06-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

by Steven Ertelt | Charlotte, NC | LifeNews.com | 6/8/11 11:20 AM

The North Carolina state House yesterday approved legislation to allow motorists in the Tar Heel State to purchase Choose Life license plates to adorn their vehicles and spread a pro-life, pro-adoption message.

The House voted 70-44 to authorize dozens of new specialty plates, including the Choose Life plate, that require an extra $25 fee to purchase — with $15 going to pregnancy centers that provide women with abortion alternatives for each plate sold in the state.

According to an AP report, Carteret County Republican Rep. Pat McElraft told legislators the plates will raise money for Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship and “save some babies lives.” However, some Democrats opposed the measure because they didn’t want licence plates becoming a forum for debate on abortion.

AP indicates the House rejected a pro-abortion amendment Democrats brought that would have added a “Respect Choice” license plate benefiting the pro-abortion side.

Last year, Bobbie Meyer, the state director of Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, told LifeNews: “North Carolina is the only state in the southeast that refuses to let its citizens purchase the choose life license plate. For eight years the legislation for the choose life plate has been denied a vote even though more than 130 other plates have been approved.”

“The choose life license plate has already raised over 12 million dollars in the states that allow them thereby helping mothers and their families,” she added. “Here in NC there are 85 pregnancy care centers who last year saw over 46,000 women and children.”

Despite popular support for the plate, Planned Parenthood officials strongly oppose it.

“These license plates are specialty plates that bear an anti-choice message,” the group said an email LifeNews.com obtained asking its members to urge legislators to vote no.

Planned Parenthood complained that the funds from the plate will go to pregnancy centers that provide women with real choices and tangible help in an unplanned pregnancy. As the abortion business claimed, the centers “promise comprehensive medical advice and services but deliver anti-choice propaganda.” Planned Parenthood also complained it would be ineligible to receive funds because it does abortions while the plate’s goals are to promote adoption and helping women in crisis pregnancies.

The approval of the Choose Life plate comes after significant hard work from pro-life groups in the state, including North Carolina Right to Life and North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats.

The Tar Heel State is home to over 100 specialized license plates promoting everything from Save the Sea Turtle to NASCAR driver Greg Biffle. The Choose Life tag was tied up in the Transportation Committee for five years and now, residents may be closer to having tags available.

Ultimately, the Choose Life plates across the nation have raised over $8.7 million and over 400,000 plates have been sold or renewed in the 17 states that currently have the plate available.

NC Right to Life, the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, NC Baptist Association, Russ Amerling, National Director of Choose Life license plates, The Family Policy Council of NC, Civitas NC, The Christian Action League, and NC Pro-Life Democrats all support the plates. There are currently 80 pregnancy centers across the Tar Heel State that served more than 46,000 women, men and families last year.

Brevard graphic artist Deborah Vernon Scott designed the proposed North Carolina plate, which depicts mountains and waves separated by two children’s faces on a yellow background. The phrase “Choose Life” is emblazoned in red at top.

ACTION: Tell your legislators to support the plate by going to http://www.ncga.state.nc.us

Option Line

2011-06-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

I get calls all the time from people looking for resources for family/friends experiencing unplanned pregnancies. The Option Line (http://www.optionline.org/) provides great information which you can share.

What can friends do?

It’s nerve-racking to figure out the right thing to do or to say when your friend is facing an unplanned pregnancy. But the most meaningful way you can support her is simply to be there.

Listen.
Keep calm.
Suggest help.

Let your friend speak when she wants, and calmly listen. She will be grateful for an open ear as she processes her emotions and the difficult choices ahead of her.

You, however, might rapidly feel overwhelmed if you’re her only resource. The Option Line is available any time, day or night. They offer free, caring and confidential help and can quickly connect your friend to the local assistance she needs.

It’s nerve-racking to figure out the right thing to do or to say when your friend is facing an unplanned pregnancy. But the most meaningful way you can support her is simply to be there.

Divine Disconnect: Should Faith Leaders Be Talking to Their Congregations About Sex?

2011-06-07T15:11:00.000-07:00

May 16 2011

Last month, the Guttmacher Institute released a report (PDF) showing that contraceptive use among religious women is in fact a norm and that three-quarters of never-married women are sexually experience by their early twenties, regardless of religious affiliation. Some other key findings included the following:

Among all women who have had sex, 99% have ever used a contraceptive method other than natural family planning. This figure is virtually the same among Catholic women (98%).
Only 2% of Catholic women rely on natural family planning; this is true even among Catholic women who attend church once a month or more.
Among never-married adolescent women, 42% have ever had sex. While levels of sexual experience vary somewhat across the three main religious groups, these differences are not statistically significant.
Among never-married young adult women, 79% are sexually experienced. Evangelicals are less likely than Catholics or Mainline Protestants to have ever had sex (75% vs. 89% and 86%, respectively).

This study once again highlights the disconnect between traditional religious teachings and beliefs and an individual's actual behavior. Not only is the proportion of religious, never-been-married women with sexual experience very similar to the proportion of the overall population, but these women are also using contraception regardless of whether or not their religion accepts it. This implies that the topics of contraception and sexuality should not be excluded from religious settings and conversations.

The question about the role of religious institutions and faith leaders when it comes to this issue has been the subject of much discussion, for example in a Washington Post op-ed written last month by The National Campaign's CEO Sarah Brown. Should faith leaders be a primary source of this type of information for their congregation? How do they make that decision when many Church hierarchies continue to denounce the use of contraception other than natural family planning? There is also the problem that many faith leaders are unaware of what proportion of their congregation that's unmarried is sexually active, since that type of discussion is typically not encouraged in a faith setting. Because of this, when reports like this one are released with statistics showing high rates of sexual activity and contraceptive use among religious women, some faith leaders assume that this must not be the case in their church simply since they don't hear about it. So the question is, how do we go about getting faith leaders and religious institutions to connect the dots and realize that what statistics are showing probably represents the young people who are sitting right in front of them?

A recent article in Neue magazine (link below) features several stories about why it is critical for religious organizations to start addressing unplanned pregnancies, abortion, and family planning. It also touches upon the shame factor that goes along with being a sexually active yet religious young adult and often deters these young people from seeking needed advice or counsel from their faith leaders. Particularly for this reason, faith leaders should strive to create a welcoming environment that encourages members of the congregation to feel comfortable addressing topics typically stigmatized in religious settings. A great example of this, featured in the article, is Pastor Dharius Daniels of Kingdom Church in Ewing, NJ. Pastor Daniels has begun offering "Ask Me Anything" forums, where youth and young adults can come and literally ask him any question they have--most of which, he says, so far have been sex-related. He talks about how this has been an eye-opening experience for him and has really allowed him to get into his congregation's heads and helped him to better address their needs.

I think this effort to close the divide between one's own perceptions and what statistics are showing is critical in making progress in this area. Faith leaders are in a position with incredible influence and by encouraging open conversations and increasing the trust that exists in the leader-congregation relationship, they can help many youth and young adults get the information they want and need. To read more examples of what members of the faith community are saying and what you could do to help, check out the Neue article for yourself: "True Love Isn't Waiting."

Posted by: Sara Major

©2011, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
1776 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036
ph: (202) 478-8507. fax: (202) 478-8588. CFC #10496

The Public Costs of Unplanned Pregnancy

2011-06-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Public Costs of Unplanned Pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancy costs taxpayers approximately $11 billion each year, according to two new studies from the Guttmacher Institute and Brookings Institution. Additional new research provides the first-ever state-by-state estimates of unintended pregnancy. Among the headlines:

Preventing unplanned pregnancy would yield substantial taxpayer savings. As Adam Thomas and Emily Monea of Brookings conclude, “The prevention of unintended pregnancy represents an important opportunity for the public to reap substantial savings, especially given the current fiscal climate. The enactment or expansion of cost-effective policies to prevent unintended pregnancies is therefore a timely and sensible strategy.”
Fully 64% of births resulting from unplanned pregnancies were publicly funded in 2006---compared with 48% of all births and 35% of births resulting from intended pregnancies.
At least 38% of pregnancies are unintended in all 50 states---more than half are unintended in 29 states and D.C.
The media state unintended pregnancy rate was 51 per 1,000 women aged 15-44.

©2011, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
1776 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036
ph: (202) 478-8507. fax: (202) 478-8588. CFC #10496

Choose Life Plate To Get House Vote

2011-06-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

Choose Life Plate To Get House Vote

Special Report - June 3, 2011
On Thursday, the House Finance Committee passed HB 289—Authorize Various Special Plates, a bill that would give approval to a number of new specialty license plates for North Carolina drivers, including a long awaited “Choose Life” plate. The measure will now receive a vote on the House floor. Should HB 289 become law, North Carolina drivers would finally have the opportunity to purchase a “Choose Life” specialty license plate and help raise money for the state’s Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs), organizations that provide services and support for women considering alternatives to abortion. Under the measure, part of the proceeds from the sale of each “Choose Life” plate will be directed to the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, a nonprofit group charged with distributing the funds to the state’s Pregnancy Resource Centers.

In the Finance Committee, after primary bill sponsor Rep. Mitch Gillespie (R-McDowell) offered a brief explanation of the measure, the debate quickly focused on the inclusion of the “Choose Life” plate, which has been proposed for authorization for nearly a decade. Rep. Paul Luebke (D-Orange) offered an amendment, which sought to place restrictions on use of funds gained by the “Choose Life” plate, proposing that they only be directed to organizations that provide counseling for “all legal options,” including abortion. Rep. Gillespie urged committee members to vote down the amendment, adding that, as the bill’s sponsor, he would not allow the bill to proceed if such an amendment were adopted. After lengthy debate, Rep. Luebke’s amendment failed by a vote of 12-16.

Rep. Kelly Alexander (D-Mecklenburg) then proposed an amendment, which would have added another specialty plate to the bill, with part of the proceeds from the sale of the plate to be directed to Planned Parenthood. Some committee members voiced support for the change, arguing that it was only fair that both sides of the abortion debate be represented. As we previously reported, this amendment, which was also proposed during consideration in the House Transportation Committee in May, was rejected by a vote of 14-15.

An additional amendment, proposed by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-Wake) sought to increase state regulation of the PRCs, which typically operate on a small budget, relying heavily on volunteers. That amendment also failed. The vote was 11-16. Ultimately, the House Finance committee passed the un-amended version of HB 289 by a vote of 17-13. It will now go to the House floor for consideration there.

Copyright © 2011. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.

Fast Fact- Sexually Transmitted Diseases

2011-06-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease in women, a condition that can cause infertility. Each year, STDs cause at least 24,000 women in the U.S. to become infertile. Check your risk for STDs at www.stdwizard.org.

Reference:

CDC. 2009 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance. Trends in Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the United States: 2009 National Data for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis. Available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats09/trends.htm.

STD wizard

2011-06-06T19:37:00.000-07:00

Take 5 minutes to find out if you need to get tested for an STI such as HIV, hepatitis, or chlamydia.

Remember that you need to visit a healthcare provider for all your health needs. Information based on 2006 sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk assessment and screening guidelines, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is the nation's top health agency.

http://www.stdwizard.org/

HB 854-Woman's Right to Know

2011-06-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Legislative Alert

June 6, 2011

The NC House of Representatives will consider HB 854-Woman's Right to Know, probably on Tuesday, June 7. This important measure will require abortionists to provide information to their patients about the abortion procedure. A woman considering an abortion will also have the opportunity to see an ultrasound of her unborn child before choosing to have the abortion. Legislative staff estimates this bill will save the lives of almost 3,000 children each year.

Contact your State Representative NOW!

HB 854, will require all doctors who do abortions to provide specific information to the women who are making the irreversible decision to end the life of their unborn child.

The bill requires a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion could be performed in North Carolina. That time period would start after the woman is provided with the following information:

The medical risks associated with the procedure
The psychological risks
The probable gestational age of the unborn child
Information about the opportunity to view an ultrasound
The name of the physician who will perform the abortion
Whether the abortionist has malpractice liability insurance
The location of the hospital that offers obstetrical or gynecological care within 30 miles where the abortionist has clinical privileges, should hospitalization be necessary

This bill is expected to go to full House for a vote as early as Tuesday, June 7. It must pass the House before the "crossover" deadline at the end of the day on June 9. Please go to our Citizen Action Center and call or email your representative by clicking on the link below.

Please contact your Representative NOW and ask them to SUPPORT HB 854-Abortion-Woman's Right to Know Act.

PS: We hope you will forward this legislative alert to your those who support this effort. Thanks for your help!

Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex

2011-05-19T10:33:00.001-07:00

Teen Birth Rate Hits Record Low
New Survey: Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex
Survey Also Reveals One-Third of Teens Believe Birth Control Doesn’t Work

Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 21, 2010

Contact: Bill Albert, 202-478-8510/balbert@thenc.org

(Washington, DC) --- The teen birth rate in the United States declined 6% in 2009 and is now at a record low, according to new data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. Rates declined among older and younger teens and among all racial and ethnic groups. For example, the birth rate among Hispanic teens declined 10% in 2009 and is now at a record low.

“Good news just in time for the holidays – a steep decline in teen births,” said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. “It is now apparent that the increase in the teen birth rate noted in 2007 and 2008 was only a hiccup – a blip – in the longer term, two-decade decline in teen births. We now are, thankfully, back on track. The credit and praise goes to teens themselves for making better decisions about their lives today and their plans for the future.”

Brown continued, “Still, The Grinch among us recognizes that what goes down can go back up again. Even when the news is good, it is essential that parents, practitioners, policymakers, and really anyone who cares about teenagers remember that the U.S. still has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births among comparable countries and that we all need to continue helping teens postpone their families until they are older, through school, and in stable, committed relationships.”

A new public opinion survey released today by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy provides some important context for the new birth data. Two of the toplines from With One Voice 2010, a nationally representative telephone survey of 1,008 young people (aged 12-19) and 1,000 adults (age 20 and older), are:

Teens (46%) say parents most influence their decisions about sex. By comparison, only 20% say friends most influence their decisions.
Although 78% of teens say they have all the information they need to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, one-third (34%) agree “it doesn’t matter whether you use birth control or not, when it is your time to get pregnant, it will happen,” and half (49%) admit that they know “little or nothing” about condoms and how to use them.

Other findings from the survey of teens and adults include:

Parents

Eight in ten teens (80%) say that it would be much easier for teens to delay sexual activity and avoid teen pregnancy if they were able to have more open, honest conversations about these topics with their parents.
Six in ten teens (63%) agree that the primary reason teens don’t use contraception is because they are afraid that their parents will find out.

Sex Education

Many teens (46%) and most adults (73%) wish young people were getting more information about both abstinence and contraception rather than either/or. By comparison, 18% of teens say they want more information about birth control and 9% want more information about abstinence. The overwhelming majority of teens (87%) and adults (93%) also agree it is important for teens to be given a strong message that they should not have sex until they are at least out of high school.

Teen Pregnancy, Education, and Religion

About nine in ten teens (91% of girls and 87% of boys) and two-thirds of adults (66%) say that teen pregnancy is a “very important” problem in the United States and nearly all adults (89%) believe there should be a direct effort in their community to prevent teen pregnancy.
About nine in ten teens (87%) and adults (90%) believe reducing teen pregnancy is a very effective way to reduce the high school dropout rate and improve academic achievement.
Most teens (73%) and adults (70%) believe religious leaders and faith groups should be doing more to help prevent teen pregnancy.

Media

Among those teens who have watched MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, 82% think the show helps teens better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood and how to avoid it.
More broadly, most teens (79% of girls and 67% of boys) agree with the statement: “When a TV show or character I like deals with teen pregnancy, it makes me think more about my own risk of becoming pregnant/causing a pregnancy and how to avoid it.”

Sex, Regret, Relationships, and Sexting

Among those teens who have had sex, most (65% of girls and 57% of boys) say they wish they had waited longer.
Most teens (93% of girls and 88% of boys) say they would rather have a boyfriend/girlfriend and not have sex than have sex but not have a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Most teens (71%) agree that sharing nude or semi-nude images of themselves or other teens electronically through cell phones, websites, and/or social media networks leads to more sex in real life.

About the survey and The National Campaign. Click here to read the survey in its entirety, including the wording of the polling questions and the exact methodology; click here for a fact sheet on the new teen birth rate data. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy among single, young adults. We support a combination of responsible values and behavior by both men and women and responsible policies in both the public and private sectors.

North Carolina Choose Life License Plates

2011-05-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

Dear North Carolina Choose Life supporters,

The efforts are still underway. Please keep praying and take the action suggested at the end of the article.

http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/10/north-carolina-panel-holds-hearing-on-choose-life-plates/

North Carolina Panel Holds Hearing on Choose Life Plates

by Steven Ertelt | Charlotte, NC | LifeNews.com | 5/10/11 4:04 PM

North Carolina would join more than two dozen states that currently have Choose Life license plates if the state legislature approves a bill the House Transportation Committee held a hearing on today.

The plates are designed to allow state residents to support adoption and crisis pregnancy programs to help women find better solutions than abortion. The Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, a collection of pro-life groups, is behind the plate.

Rep. Mitch Gillespie, a Marion Republican, has been trying to get the plate through the legislature for years and he hopes newly-elected Republicans will help him make this go-round successful. H 289 would add more than 50 specialty plates to the list in North Carolina, according to the News-Record, and put a standard design in place to help state troopers identify vehicles.

During the debate, Rep. Diane Parfitt, a Fayetteville Democrat, attempted to get a “Trust Women, Respect Choice” plate added to the list that would send money to the Planned Parenthood abortion business, but that was voted down.

“This is, I think, an appropriate counter-balance to the ‘Choose Life’ plate,’” Parfitt said, according to the newspaper. But Gillespie and other legislators voted that down on a 14-11 vote.

The committee ultimately did not cast a final vote on the bill, which also has to clear the Finance Committee before it can receive a vote on the House floor.

ACTION: Tell your legislators to support the plate by going to http://www.ncga.state.nc.us

You can help support Choose Life by purchasing some of the products in our Product Store.

Respectfully,

Russ & Jill Amerling

National Publicity Coordinators

Choose Life, Inc

PO Box 830152

Ocala, FL 34483-0152

Phone: 352 624-2854

Email: russ@choose-life.org

Toll Free Fax: 866 850-8572

Web: http://www.choose-life.org

Toll Free Phone: 877 454-1203

North Carolina Panel Passes Women's Right to Know Bill | LifeNews.com

2011-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

North Carolina Panel Passes Women's Right to Know Bill | LifeNews.com

Abortions Down In NC, Steady Nationwide

2011-03-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

Abortions Down In NC, Steady Nationwide

National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Youth Leadership Team

2011-03-11T11:46:00.001-08:00

NOMINATE A TEEN TO THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN'S
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM

The National Campaign is looking for exceptional teenagers with a genuine commitment to preventing teen pregnancy to join our Youth Leadership Team (YLT). The YLT works to reflect teens’ views and to give voice to their unique perspectives by getting them actively involved—both nationally and locally—in teen pregnancy prevention efforts. During their 18-month term, YLT members participate in a variety of activities that both promote teen pregnancy prevention and expand their own abilities. The deadline for Youth Leadership Team applications is June 1, 2011 (5pm EST).

Get more information and download an application form here.
Curious about what being a YLT member is like? Read a firsthand account from one of our favorite YLT alums here.

New Planned Parenthood Report: Record Abortions Done in 2009

2011-03-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

LifeNews.com | 2/23/11

A new report the Planned Parenthood national abortion business recently released shows the embattled agency did more abortions in 2009 than it has done in any prior year. The report also shows it providing fewer pregnant women with non-abortion services. Planned Parenthood Federation of America recently posted on its website what it calls its service numbers for 2009. This document, dated February 2011, shows Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide did 332,278 surgical abortions or abortions using the dangerous RU 486 abortion during in 2009.

That’s 2.5 percent more abortions than the September 2010 report the abortion business released covering 2008 and showing it doing 324,008 abortions, which was a 6.1 percent increase over the 305,310 abortions it did in 2007. The 2007 figure was itself a 5.3 percent increase over the 289,750 abortions Planned Parenthood did in 2006.

With approximately 1.2 million abortions done annually in the United States via surgical abortions or the milepristone abortion drug, Planned Parenthood has increased its share of the abortion industry to 27.6 percent of all abortions done annually.

Planned Parenthood has been on the receiving end of significant negative publicity related to undercover videos showing its officials helping investigators posing as sex traffickers obtain abortions and STD testing for underage girls who are victims of the sex trade. The abortion business has defended itself in part by attempting to show that abortions constitute a small percentage of its overall services.

However, the new numbers make it more clear that women who are pregnant who come to Planned Parenthood receive only abortion services rather than help and support.

Obama Distances Himself From Planned Parenthood Sex Trafficking Scandal

2011-03-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

LifeNews.com 2/26

In a weekend interview with a local television station in Virginia, President Barack Obama was forced to answer a question concerning the national scandal surrounding Planned Parenthood.

The scandal has Planned Parenthood centers in Virginia and three other places — New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia — actively helping to arrange for abortions and STD testing for undercover investigators who pose as operators of a sex trafficking ring. The Planned Parenthood staff not only show no concern about he illegal and anti-woman activities, they help the sex trafficking operators avoid further scrutiny and give them advice for how to get the girls back out on the street.

“There’s a conservative group that went into Planned Parenthood with video cameras and taped what appeared to be Planned Parenthood workers turning a blind eye to sex trafficking,” the NBC 12 interviewer began in the late Friday interview. “Republicans here in Washington have turned this into a call for you and for other leaders in Washington to strip Planned Parenthood’s funding from the federal government. Do you think this video should be a reason to look at Planned Parenthood funding? Do you think it’s a setup? How would you react to that?”

Obama responded initially trying to deflect the issue from Planned Parenthood to the economy:

“Well, you know, I will tell you, um, the vast majority of people right now, uh, what they’re thinking about are jobs, the economy, um, and I think that sometimes these issues get manufactured and they a lot of attention on the blogosphere. But what folks that I talk to have been asking is: How is the economy going to be doing? Are jobs going to be created? Are businesses going to be located here in the United States?”

Eventually, Obama got around to responding directly to the question:

“So, you know, my bottom line is, that uh, I think that Planned Parenthood in the past has done good work. If there was a specific problem at this center, it should be addressed,” Obama continued.

Then the president retreated back to other issues to close his answer: “But we shouldn’t get so distracted with some of these issues that we ignore what really determines how well our kids do in the future. Are we educating them properly? Are we investing in research and development and science and technology to keep our cutting edge? Are we dealing with our budget in a serious way and reducing spending? If we do those things, then some of these other issues are going to be addressed at the local level, but I’m pretty confident that we can address them.”

Congress Defending Life

2011-02-18T10:56:00.000-08:00

Congress Defending Life

"Choose Life" Bill Introduced

2011-02-18T10:55:00.000-08:00

"Choose Life" Bill Introduced

Update on HB 1366

2011-02-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

Friday, 11 February 2011, Action Alert

Action Alert from Heartbeat International

Surprised and disappointed!

The Pregnancy Help Centers in Washington State are in a fight for their lives. Yesterday, they lost a round. We are discouraged but not despairing. We are disappointed, but ready to fight on for our right to provide free services to women, freely, as we deem best, as neighbors helping neighbors.

The Washington State House Health & Wellness Committee passed HB 1366, in a straight party-line vote. HB 1366 slanders pregnancy help workers as not being truthful and forces them to advertise services they do not provide. It demands centers post signs saying, among other things, that they do not provide or refer for abortion. We know of no other business, profit or non-profit, required to advertise what they do not provide.

The bill is most likely headed to the House floor for final vote. It still could be derailed by the Rules Committee. More detailed information and reaction is available. But in summary, "The committee made no effort to respond to serious concerns regarding the unconstitutional 'forced speech' and 'viewpoint discrimination' provisions. They are fully aware that a similar bill in Baltimore was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge in Maryland, and that Rob McKenna, our Attorney General, indicated that he thought this bill was even more clearly in violation of the First Amendment than the Baltimore ordinance."

Thank you for praying. God did not bring us the victory we hoped for yesterday. But let us fight on though prayer and help in every way we can. This battle is part of a nationwide strategy that is coming to your neighborhood soon, if it is allowed to succeed in places like Washington State.

Your co-laborer in the Great Work,

Rev. John Ensor, VP for Mission Advancement

P.S. Stay updated with all of the latest news out of Washington State by signing up to receive Heartbeat's Action Alerts and Stay Updated emails.

Washington Votes Thursday on Bill Attacking Pregnancy Centers | LifeNews.com

2011-02-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

Washington Votes Thursday on Bill Attacking Pregnancy Centers | LifeNews.com

Mom: Woman who left baby in toilet can't remember

2011-02-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

It's hard to imagine a woman who has already had one child giving birth to a second one without even knowing that she was pregnant. So, assuming this mom did have an inkling but for some reason was not able to deal with the fact that she was expecting, Lois' Lodge could have presented a wonderful opportunity for both mom and baby. And that support would have continued to be available after the child was brought into this world safely and securely. Lois' Lodge is an organization which offers practical support to families experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Our services include a residential setting which is available when housing is required and non-residential services through our Mom Shoppe. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or know of someone else that is, please check out Lois' Lodge. www.loislodge.org. It could mean the difference between a baby that is born in a toilet and one that has received tender loving care prenatally and beyond. Debbie

GREENVILLE, S.C. – A South Carolina woman accused of giving birth in an arena toilet and leaving her baby to die didn't know she was pregnant and can't remember the birth, her mother told a judge Wednesday.

"She has not shown any signs of being pregnant whatsoever," Anita McAuliffe said during a bond hearing for her daughter, Jessica Blackham.

Blackham, 24, felt ill during a circus performance and went to the arena's bathroom, McAuliffe said. She told the judge that her daughter can't remember what happened next and later went to a hospital, where she was treated for bleeding.

Blackham, who is also mother to a 4-year-old child, gave birth to the 6-pound boy and left him in the toilet's cold water Friday night, police said.

Blackham was charged Tuesday with one count of felony child abuse and one count of unlawful neglect toward a child. Her bond was set at $30,000. If convicted of both charges, she could face up to 30 years in prison.

Arena workers found the asphyxiating child and called authorities. The infant, now in the care of the state Department of Social Services, was in good condition at a hospital.

Prosecutor Walt Wilkins said the charges are serious because the infant was abandoned for at least 90 minutes.

"During that time a newborn needs to be in a warm atmosphere," said Wilkins, who Blackham has no criminal record.

Authorities would not discuss the identity of the infant's father. Blackham is married but is estranged from her husband, McAuliffe said.

The baby was found suffering from hypothermia, which an expert said is one of the biggest risks for babies born away from medical care. The condition could lead to infection or breathing problems if not treated quickly.

"When a baby is moist and has exposure of its skin to the air, it will lose heat very rapidly," said Dr. Christopher Robinson, a fetal and maternal medicine professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Roger Newton, president and general manager of the 13-year-old Bi-Lo Center, said he'd never encountered anything like this in his 33 years of managing arenas from Ottawa, Canada, to Miami. He said the cleaning crew members deserved high praise.

"They did everything they should have, and we're very proud of them," he said.

The custodians said they found the infant with his feet in the water and head resting on the toilet rim.

"I never expected something like that to happen in my life — a baby in the toilet," Eder Serrano, 32, said during a news conference Wednesday. "But God gave me the strength to handle that."

Serrano called 911 while a co-worker, Marco Calle, pulled the baby from the toilet and used a finger to pull mucus from the boy's mouth.

Following instructions from operators, Calle, 41, wrapped the baby in a towel and used a piece of string to cut the boy's umbilical cord.

Both men have children. Calle said he felt relieved when he heard Tuesday it appeared the boy would survive.

"I'm happy because he is alive," Calle said, with a big smile.

Current Needs at Lois' Lodge

2011-02-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

Current needs for Lois' Lodge. Let us know if you can help!

Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Furniture Polish, Bathroom Cleaners, Trash Bags, House Filters-14"x20", 40 or 60 watt bulbs, toilet bowl cleaner and brushes, copy paper, stamps, paper towels, toilet paper, coffee, and diapers.

Lois' Lodge Mom Shoppe

2011-02-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Great planning meeting for the Mom Shoppe yesterday. We will be meeting every Thursday at 10:30 AM for awhile. Come and join us and watch God at work. Amazing stuff happening there.

The Lois' Lodge Mom Shoppe is Relaunching!!!!!

Using the nationally known “Earn as You Learn” program we are able to enhance the learning process for families experiencing an unplanned pregnancy by giving them a chance to earn Shoppe Cash for doing things that will positively influence their future and the future of their baby. The Shoppe Cash can then be used to purchase items for the baby such as diapers, formula, cribs, car seats, etc.

“Shoppe Cash” is earned by going to classes to learn about subjects such as parenting, cooking, adoption, health care, or career skills. These learning opportunities are available for the clients of our residential maternity home program and for those living in the community. Homework will be given which, upon completion will earn rewards of Mom Shoppe currency. The goal of this program is to provide our clients with an opportunity to earn items for themselves or their babies while teaching them to be responsible and to work toward their goals.

For more information click here: http://www.blodge.atomicshops.com/momshoppe.html

Planned Parenthood Scandal

2011-02-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

February 4, 2011

Amy Woodruff had a lot to say. Amy was the manager on duty when a man and woman entered her Planned Parenthood office looking for help with their child prostitution ring. Some underage girls trafficked into the country illegally – sex slaves – needed STD testing and abortions.

That’s when Amy started talking. She was “cool,” she said, coaching the pair on how to avoid getting caught. “So as long as they just lie…then we just kind of play it stup[id],” she said. “Just kind of play along that they’re students. We want to make it look as legit as possible.”

The exchange took place on camera, documented as part of an undercover investigation led by Live Action. The group’s founder, Lila Rose, said the actors tried to make it easy for Planned Parenthood to do the right thing. But not once did Amy Woodruff express outrage. Not once did she indicate the sexual abuse of minors needed to stop. Not once did she indicate that Planned Parenthood would be anything less than accommodating.

In an attempt to salvage the mess, Planned Parenthood claimed staffers alerted the FBI, but only after becoming suspicious that the visit was part of an investigation. They called the video a hoax, a result of manipulative editing. But if Planned Parenthood acted responsibly, why fire Amy Woodruff as they did on Tuesday? Why admit she behaved in a repugnant and unacceptable manner if, as they claim, she went straight to the authorities? Why respond at all if the video was nothing but a hoax?

In an attempt to run for cover, Planned Parenthood can’t keep their story straight. And with the release of the complete, unedited video, there’s nothing left to argue. The evidence speaks for itself. Planned Parenthood not only ignored, but embraced criminal offenses. “We already know we’re gonna kind of alter the story and see what we can do and kind of tweak information,” the counselor had boldly offered. Yet again, the Planned Parenthood turned a blind eye to their legal, moral and ethical obligations.

Now that the story is gaining media attention, the abortion industry is stumbling for a response. But no amount of spin or deflection can hide the facts: Planned Parenthood is not in the business of protecting women’s rights and they are not right for women. Rather, Planned Parenthood is in the business of making money. If that means abandoning little girls who need help the most, they will do it, again and again, until America puts a stop to it. We must defund Planned Parenthood.

Sincerely,

Bradley Mattes

news@lifeissues.org

PA Abortion Doc Charged with 8 Counts of Murder

2011-01-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

Abortion Clinic Director Charged With 8 Counts of Murder

Jan 19, 2011 – 11:18 AM

Text Size

Maryclare Dale and Patrick Walters

PHILADELPHIA -- An abortion doctor who catered to minorities, immigrants and poor women was charged with eight counts of murder in the deaths of a patient and seven babies who were born alive and then killed with scissors, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Dr. Kermit Gosnell, 69, made millions of dollars over 30 years, performing as many illegal, late-term abortions as he could, prosecutors said. State regulators ignored complaints about him and failed to visit or inspect his clinic since 1993, but no charges were warranted against them, District Attorney Seth Williams said.

Gosnell "induced labor, forced the live birth of viable babies in the sixth, seventh, eighth month of pregnancy and then killed those babies by cutting into the back of the neck with scissors and severing their spinal cord," Williams said.

Williams said patients were subjected to squalid and barbaric conditions at Gosnell's Women's Medical Society.

Authorities went to investigate drug-related complaints at the clinic last year and stumbled on what Williams called a "house of horrors."

"There were bags and bottles holding aborted fetuses were scattered throughout the building," Williams said. "There were jars, lining shelves, with severed feet that he kept for no medical purpose."

The clinic was shut down and Gosnell's medical license was suspended after the raid.

Workers, some of whom were also charged with murder, were untrained and unlicensed, including a high-school student who performed anesthesia with potentially lethal narcotics, Williams said.

Gosnell and nine other employees are in custody, authorities said.

Gosnell has been named in at least 10 malpractice suits, including one over the death of a woman who died of sepsis and a perforated uterus.

All Hands on Deck

2011-01-18T12:01:00.000-08:00

We really need to rally the troops to help us to bring the Mom Shoppe program forward.

This is the kind of help we need at this point:

We need off site space to organize and process items.
We need teachers to teach classes.
We have decided that we would like to add a retail component to the Mom Shoppe in order to raise funds for the organization. As a consequence we need people that have retail knowledge to get the Mom Shoppe in a place where it can begin to do business.
We need people with vision that can help us to grow the Mom Shoppe beyond the small space that we currently have and help to reestablish it in a larger setting without an interruption in services and opportunities for moms.
Teachers to teach classes.
Funds for fixtures needed.
People to clean, press, repair donations.
People to provide coverage for shop during operating hours.
People to provide counsel and support for clients.
Someone to serve as a liaison with Love Inc to help us to become a site for providing baby layettes.
We need an electrician to help to change wiring so that we can operate a new printer which has been donated to the ministry.
Someone to clean windows on a regular basis.
Team to organize, price and process donations.
Diaper bank coordinator.
Donations of baby items that are in good condition.
We need to have a small back room converted into a kitchenette to provide hospitality.
Volunteers who are willing to hold fundraisers to cover start up costs for the Mom Shoppe.
Volunteers to work directly with clients.
Men!!!! We need men to lead programs for the fathers.

If you can help in any of these areas please contact us so we can put you to work. Volunteer applications can be found at our website www.loislodge.org. Our volunteer coordinator, Annette can be reach by calling 704-332-4003. Thank you for joining us in accomplishing God's purposes in the lives of the women that we serve through Lois' Lodge.

Debbie

Contraception Use doesn't decrease numbers of Abortions

2011-01-18T11:51:00.001-08:00

LifeNews.com 1/15/11

Report Shows Contraception Failure, 54% Used Before Abortion

The number of abortions would decrease in the United States if only contraception and birth control were promoted to a higher degree, abortion advocates say, but the new abortion report issued today by the Guttmacher Institute puts that notion to rest.

The report showed the decline in abortions that had been taking place over the last two decades has finally stopped. Instead, abortions increased very slightly, though the addition of abortion centers to the new 2008 report that did not make their abortions totals known in 2005 likely accounts for the increase.

The stoppage of the decline in abortions come as Planned Parenthood and abortion advocates successfully lobbied the Obama administration and Congress to shift taxpayer funding from abstinence education to family planning, arguing it will decrease abortions further. Yet, the report indicates a majority of abortions took place after contraception failure.

The Guttmacher report shows 54 percent of women who have abortions had used a contraceptive method *usually condom or the pill) during the month they became pregnant." These figures are similar to those of a report in Spain showing abortions doubling despite increased family planning promotion.

And, of the women who say they did not intend to become pregnant, the report said, most of these women have practiced contraception in the past.

http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/emailalerts/2011/0112.htm

2011-01-14T11:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/emailalerts/2011/0112.htm

Real Men Do Get Flu Shots

2011-01-13T15:10:00.001-08:00

Volunteer and nurse Kristie Chapman administered free flu shots at Lois' Lodge today. The male customers found the Pooh bear comforting. ;-)

Shock: 41% of New York City Pregnancies End in Abortion | LifeNews.com

2011-01-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

Shock: 41% of New York City Pregnancies End in Abortion | LifeNews.com

Gotta wonder about who those babies may have grown up to be..........

January is Declared Choose Life License Plate Month

2011-01-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship
Press Release Contact: Bobbie Meyer, State Director
January 5, 2011 Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship
Contact info: 704.281.8631
For Immediate Release

January is declared Choose Life License Plate Month.

The Carolina Care Pregnancy Care Fellowship (CPCF) announces that January as been designated as Choose Life License Plate Month. The Choose Life license plate is a specialty license plate approved in 26 states that has raised over $13.6 million dollars to help pregnancy care centers, maternity homes and adoption agencies. In advance of the opening of the new session of the General Assembly, CPCF along with its coalition members have given January special designation to highlight their determination to keep pressing for the plate. For eight years, the legislation for the choose life place has been denied a vote even though more than 130 other specialty plates have been approved. The Pro-Life community is hopeful that the new legislature will be more responsive to their request for the plate.

The 2009 session of the General Assembly saw the number of sponsors rise from 12 representatives in the House to 38. According to Bobbie Meyer, State Director of the CPCF, “This year we hope to receive approval from committee chairs and reach the threshold of a supermajority in each chamber, 30 Senators and 72 Representatives. Our coalition members will be at the General Assembly for the filing of the bill to convince legislators that we have a need for this bill.”

Funds from these plates would be dedicated to pregnancy care centers in North Carolina who are working tirelessly to offer expectant mothers the support and resources they need. There are currently 80 pregnancy care centers that served over 30,000 women in North Carolina last year alone. North Carolina’s pregnancy care centers offer information, emotional support and practical help to thousands of women who face the challenges of unexpected pregnancies. The centers offer a variety of free services from pregnancy tests to parenting classes, baby supplies, to ultrasounds and STD testing by medical personnel. Each plate sold will provide $15 toward assisting these centers to offer services, all at no cost to taxpayers.

With the change in the legislature, CPCF is hopeful that the General Assembly of North Carolina will now give us the right to purchase a voluntary specialty license plate that will benefit our families. North Carolina is the only state in the Southeast that prohibits the sale of the Choose Life plate. CPCF believes our new North Carolina Choose Life license plate will be a positive addition to our wonderful state and contribute to the well-being of the youngest generation of citizens. See also www.ncchoose-life.org.

This new determined effort is being supported and planned by Rep. Mitch Gillespie, sponsor of the Choose Life plate legislation; the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship; NC Right to Life; the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh; Russ Amerling, National Director of Choose Life license plates; The North Carolina Family Policy Council; Civitas NC; The Christian Action League; and NC Pro-Life Democrats.

Family Research Council- And Down Will Come Baby

2011-01-12T11:02:00.001-08:00

Family Research Council 1/12/11

And Down Will Come Baby...

There are times in the pro-life movement when words are just inadequate. Yesterday, when the Guttmacher Institute announced a spike in U.S. abortions, reporters hurried to file their stories. And while most of them managed to communicate the data--almost none conveyed the loss. Instead of reflecting on the 1,212,350 unique members of society that America will never know, the headlines all minimized the tragedy that is "choice."

Papers from the Wall Street Journal to the Washington Post explained the news with the sensitivity of a sports column. It's "just 1%," the Journal reported, or a "slight rise," said the AP. Factually, they're both right. But in terms of casualties--real human victims--this "slight rise" means that our country dug 6,150 new graves in 2008. That's more than the entire student population at Yale, Princeton, Brown, or Dartmouth.

Where is America 's perspective? On Saturday, the entire nation grieved with Arizona after the haunting Tucson shooting spree. Who among us, after reading their stories, would say the gunman "only" killed six victims? Yet somehow, in a society calloused by convenience, it's acceptable to describe the loss of millions of unborn children as "just" this or that. However political this debate has become, it's important to remember the moral crisis that got us here. And until we address that fundamental problem, these statistics are bound to yo-yo into the new century.

In the meantime, there are ways to cut down on the number of abortions in America. For starters, we can stop paying for them! Unfortunately, the last Congress made that even more difficult by stuffing millions of abortion dollars into the health care law. Then they funneled even more into Capitol Hill's backyard by agreeing to subsidize abortion in Washington, D.C.--something pro-life Members are fighting to overturn. After the new Congress convened, Congressmen Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) wasted no time introducing a bill called the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" which would wipe the slate clean of most government projects that force Americans into the abortion business.

On the state level, legislators can look to Nebraska for inspiration. Last year, the Cornhuskers passed the Abortion Pain Preve ntion Act, which uses the science of fetal pain to ban abortions after 20 weeks.

What the Left can't seem to admit is that America 's abortion rate had fallen because of the hard work of the pregnancy resource centers, abstinence education, and pro-life laws. But despite its own findings, Guttmacher, which was once the research arm of Planned Parenthood, is using the report to advance their political agenda of more abortion, more access to abortion, more abortion doctors, and more restrictions on abortion protestors. Obviously, the organization is going to bat for its old friend Planned Parenthood, whose relationship with the government has been an especially lucrative one for the abortion industry. But in the end, it's a partnership that Americans can't afford--not from an economic standpoint and certainly not from an ethical one.

Former Planned Parenthood Director to Expose Abortion Biz | LifeNews.com

2011-01-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Former Planned Parenthood Director to Expose Abortion Biz | LifeNews.com

Pence Drops Bill to De-Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz | LifeNews.com

2011-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Pence Drops Bill to De-Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz | LifeNews.com

Hope for Tomorrow - Hope Booklet

2011-01-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Calling all Volunteers

2011-01-04T11:58:00.001-08:00

Calling all Volunteers: Lois’ Lodge hopes to reopen our Mom Shoppe program to the general public in the near future. As a result, we will be making donated clothing and baby items available to moms in need through our voucher and incentive program and, over time, to others for purchase. It is very important that all of the items that we make available be in good repair and condition. As a consequence we need volunteers to help us to assure that this occurs.

Ten items of baby clothing will be given to an individual volunteer to provide the care necessary to return these items to a very good condition. This could involve the following processes:
Washing
Ironing
Mending
Using a clothing shaver to remove pills from sweaters.

Volunteers will be provided hangers to hang items after they have received the required attention. If you can help us with providing tender, loving care for these baby items please check in with Annette (am_loislodge@bellsouth.net) and she will follow up with you. Thank you so much for your willingness to help with these processes.

At Lois' Lodge we love moms and babies and baby stuff........... those itty bitty shoes, tiny little socks, onesies........ ;-)

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake

not your mother’s teaching, (9) for they are a graceful garland

for your head and pendants for your neck.

This is Mothers Day month and Lois’ Lodge is all about moms and babies. Mothers Day is primarily a time of celebration. But it can also be a time of challenge for women who have had abortions in their past. It is important that we also remember to keep those moms in our thoughts and prayers.

Planned Parenthood, America’s biggest abortion provider ran a special promotion for Mothers Day this year. If you didn't know what to get your mom on May 9, they had an idea. Planned Parenthood President Cecile wrote, "It's almost Mother's Day ... and if you have a mother in your life who's anything like me or my mom (the late Texas Governor Ann Richards), then you know nothing would make her happier than a gift that represents bold and compassionate values. Like a gift in her honor to Planned Parenthood Federation of America," she writes. The contradiction in this appeal is that Richards is asking people to celebrate motherhood by giving to a business that destroys that opportunity.

At Lois’ Lodge we believe that a much better way to celebrate mothers and Mothers Day is through a gift to an organization that helps women to cherish their motherhood. Lois’ Lodge provides an opportunity for women to choose life for their children through caring for these moms, teaching them life skills and sharing the love of Christ with them. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and donations. Your giving helps to make all of this happen. You are helping to make Mothers Day a special day for these moms and babies through your generous support.

A prayer for a lost mother is answered

2010-05-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

Please check out this wonderful article on Beth Fagan. Jim and Beth are passionate Lois' Lodge supporters. Here are the comments Jim posted on our Facebook fan page. Thank you Jim and Beth!

"There is an article in today's South Charlotte News section of the Observer, about my wife, Beth, who is involved with Lois Lodge, where she shares her story of discovering her birth family 2 years ago. That section only comes in the South Charlotte area of town. So you can find it by going to this link:"

A prayer for a lost mother is answered

Note to you from one of our Lois' Lodge moms

2010-03-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Faithful Supporter,

Thank you for helping in providing a place for me to go during this difficult period in my life.  Your support provides me with people who want to help me though this trial.  Lois' Lodge is a special place that I have come to appreciate for all it has to offer, emotionally, spiritually and physically.  God will bless your obedience to Him.  Know that your support does matter and does not go unappreciated.  You are helping show these girls a path, a path in Jesus Christ.  Thank you again and please keep Lois' Lodge and the individual girls and staff in your prayers.  May God bless you.

Janie

A Touch from God for Karen

2010-03-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

Cool stuff happens everyday in the life of our Lois' Lodge moms. Thought you would like to hear about it.

Karen was blessed today by a student at her school she did not know and had not spoken with before. Karen had been feeling down, unappreciated, and tired of going out of her way to do things and then get put down, and had decided to stop. This girl at school approached Karen to let her know that she knew that Karen was going through a lot and she noticed. She gave her a card with encouraging words on it and the verse… Jeremiah-29:11. She also gave her gift cards worth $100.00.. Karen, said she knew it was from God. She had prayed and told him how discouraged she was. Debbie

Focus on the Family Ad Pulled

2010-03-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

CitizenLink

2-24-10

NCAA Pulls the Plug on Focus Ad After Protest

by Nima Reza, managing editor

Organization caters to homosexual activists over benign ad.

The NCAA took a Focus on the Family ad off of its Web site after homosexual activists complained.

The print ad shows a father holding his young son. It's titled:

Celebrate Family. Celebrate Life.

And the picture is captioned:

All I want for my son is for him to grow up knowing how to do the right thing.

The activists claimed Focus was too controversial for being pro-life, and in favor of one-man, one-woman marriage. They said that runs counter to the NCAA's policies.

Gary Schneeberger, vice president of ministry communications at Focus on the Family, said he was "befuddled" by the NCAA's decision.

"Have we really become a society where it's considered distasteful and controversial for a dad to hope the best for his son?" he said. "If so, we have a lot of soul-searching to do as a nation."

Steve Maegdlin, CEO of the CSK Strategic Marketing Group which produced the print ad, said there's no reason for it to be pulled.

"There's no hidden message or hidden agenda in here," he said.

Calls to the NCAA were not returned.

The ad was part of a CBS Super Bowl package. The network ran the much-talked about TV commercial by Focus on the Family featuring Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mother.

"We said during the weeks of controversy before our Super Bowl commercial with the Tebows aired that – despite the charges of critics who hadn't even seen it – the spot was not political or divisive or hateful," Schneeberger added. "And, it wasn't. The print ad now being protested is even more non-threatening – if that's possible. It simply says, 'Focus on the Family is here to help you raise your kids, thrive in your marriages and tackle the challenge life throws your way.'"

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the NCAA to express your disappointment over the ad's removal.

NCAA Comment Line 317-917-6762.

Christ Covenant

2010-03-02T13:18:00.001-08:00

Display table at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews, NC for their "Missions...The Heart of God" Missions Conference, Feb 21 - 28, 2010. Thank you Kim Sowder for developing this great display representing Lois' Lodge. Yuck! Who is on that TV????

Tea Party at Lois' Lodge

2010-03-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much To Cakes by Victoria for the lovely treats for the "Lois Lodge volunteer tea " today...we love you Victoria. And for organizing the event we send thanks to Kim Sowder American Ballroom Receptions and Events

Letter from Paul and Marilyn Smith

2010-03-02T11:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Associates:

Up front, let me be honest with you: I’m struggling with what and how to communicate to you about a financial need for a wonderful organization. Not because of any reservations about the agency. But, because I so desire to be the voice for those who cannot speak and give you good, even compelling, reasons to participate in something so wonderful and so important to the most vulnerable among us: unborn and new born babies and their young mothers. So, I’m just going to pray that God will give me the right words to say and will touch your heart if you are one of those needed to make this a success. Here goes…

Many of you will know that Marilyn and I once served as houseparents at Lois Lodge, a Christian agency that helps women facing a crisis pregnancy. To help with their fund-raising, once a year they have a "WalkaThon". Marilyn and I are seeking people who will sponsor us as we participate in the walk on Saturday, March 27th.

Funds you give to sponsor us will not only help with their operating expenses but also help them toward the purchase of a permanent location for their services, as in less than five months they will lose their current premises unless able to purchase it. I’m genuinely excited about this opportunity for them to solidify their program by actually owning their current premises. You can read more about this opportunity by going to http://www.loislodge.org/savethelodge.html. This is one reason we have decided to set a goal of raising $10,000 in sponsorships this year.

Our fundraising target is larger than normal, but with the challenge of retaining their current facilities, every dollar is needed. This is about caring for those most vulnerable in our society- the unborn and newborn, as well as mothers in a crisis situation, not just this year but in the years to come. With your help, we CAN reach this.

Why should you seriously consider being a financial partner with Lois Lodge? Let me mention three reasons. First, because it’s a well-run agency, led by a capable and gifted director. I can personally affirm that she is competent, caring and a person of integrity. You can be confident your dollars will be conscientiously and wisely used. They’re not a high profile agency with the money to pay for “high-powered” fundraisers, but they are one of those smaller agencies that our community and region so vitally needs.

Secondly, we’re talking about the care and nurturing of unborn children and their (often) very young mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Picture if this young woman were your daughter or sister or grandchild- wouldn’t you want her to be in a non-institutionalized, family-oriented environment among loving people who want to help them with their needs, be it physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually? Wouldn't you want them to be provided with balanced wisdom and insight regarding parenting their child or placing the child for adoption for someone unable to have children? I would! That alone is a good reason to invest in this ministry. As well, we know that God cares deeply about children. When Jesus’ disciples tried to hinder children from seeing him, Jesus “… was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14 (ESV). A gift to Lois Lodge is an investment in the life of a child.

And, while I could mention many other reasons, I’ll close with this one: There is a genuine and very real need to be addressed. The property they currently use is going to be sold. They have until July to find about $1.1 million dollars to purchase, try to find an alternative location (no easy task given the nature of this work) or close their services. I don’t want this to happenr. So, that’s why I can enthusiastically appeal to you to consider sponsoring us and helping us to raise the $10,000 that would help toward averting the crisis they are facing. Or, perhaps I should better say, the opportunity God has given them to be established with their own premises to provide a foundation for ministry and service for many years to come.

You can invest either by mail or by an online donation (using your debit or credit card). We have our own personalized web page so that you can easily contribute to this wonderful organization online. Go to http://www.firstgiving.com/paulandmarilynsmith and it has all the options you’ll need to make an online contribution to Lois Lodge. As well, you’ll get to see a great photo of Marilyn and our granddaughter, Maya on the page too! Oh yes, I’m in the photo too, but any photo of me can rarely be described as “great”! :-) Or, if you prefer to give by mail, please refer to the attached file- it has all the information you need for donating in that manner.

Many thanks for your consideration and support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone you think might want to donate too! It's probably going to take a small "village" of people to reach our goal (Although I don't rule out God being able to simply impress on one heart to give the full amount needed. He's not limited by my plans... thankfully!)

Thanks for your consideration and, if you do give, please do so by no later than Friday, March 26th.

God bless,

Paul (& Marilyn) P.S. I’ll close with this reminder as you consider an investment in the work of Lois Lodge: “I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (The Message Bible). So, just do what God wants you to do. And, if He does prompt you to give, do so with the confidence that He will bless you “in astonishing ways”.

Optional Reading: Here’s one way I envisioned how God can raise the $10,000:

If two people invest $1,000, that's $2,000 toward the goal. I believe there are at least two people receiving this email that have the means and whose heart God can touch about this need.

If six people give $500, that's $3,000. I believe that, for at least six of you, you can do this.

If ten people give $250, that $2,500.

If God touches the hearts of eighteen people to give as mentioned above, we'd be at $7,500. That is do-able!

If 15 people can donate $100, that's another $1,500. Only $1,000 from our goal at this point.

If ten people give $50 and another twenty give $25, that's another $1,000 and the $10,000 goal has been reached.

So, we're asking God for at least 63 people who will respond. As of this writing, we've already had a $25 sponsorship, so now it's 62 people. Of course, God probably has a different way to reach the $10,000 different to what I've outlined. But, please join Marilyn and me in praying that He will bless our efforts to raise these funds, not for our own “glory”, but because of the great need for a continued service for women experiencing a crisis pregnancy and for the children they will either raise or place for adoption. You can be confident that your gift to Lois Lodge is a GOOD investment.

If you can't help at this time, we certainly understand. But, do lift up a prayer for Lois Lodge’s funding needs to be met!

Feb/Mar 2010 Donation List

2010-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

If possible, please pick up some items for us the next time you go shopping. Our current needs list is attached. Thank you!!!!

Welcome Rebecca Lynn!!!

2010-02-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

It's a girl!!!! We have a healthy baby girl! "Baby Rebecca Lynn," 7 lbs., 6 oz., 20 1/2 " long, on February 11, at 4:34 a.m. Red hair. The mommy and baby are fine. Please celebrate the life of our new arrival!

'The email you have been waiting for: Student Pro-Life Jobs and Internships!'

2010-02-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

'The email you have been waiting for: Student Pro-Life Jobs and Internships!'

Abstinence Works!

2010-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

Study: Teaching Abstinence Works Better Than Sex Ed

Mara Gay

AOL News

(Feb. 2) -- What if abstinence-only programs actually work?

That's the question facing educators this week after a groundbreaking study found that students who take classes emphasizing abstinence are less likely to have sex than those who take classes teaching safe sex.

Although the effectiveness and virtues of sex-ed versus abstinence-only curricula have long been the subject of fierce debate in American schools, the federal study, published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, is the first of its kind to suggest that programs encouraging students to abstain from having sex altogether are successful.

Just under half of the students in the study who received sex-education classes that included information about contraceptives went on to have sex in the next two years. But only one out of three students in the study who received abstinence-only education did.

Researchers say the long-term study, which followed 662 African-American public middle school students between 2001 and 2004, is significant. John Jemmott, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania who headed the study, told The Washington Post, "I think we've written off abstinence-only education without looking closely at the nature of the evidence. Our study shows this could be one approach that could be used."

Valerie Huber, the director of the National Abstinence Education Association, said in a phone interview Tuesday that the study should be "a policy-changing article."

Huber said she hopes President Obama and Congress will make a "course correction" on funding for abstinence-only programs. "The study shows abstinence really is much more than a 'say no' message," she said. "There needs to be a very targeted and specific abstinence approach that is funded separately from so-called comprehensive or safe sex funding."

The study, interestingly enough, comes at a time when teen pregnancy rates are up for the first time in a decade, and many liberal and abortion rights groups say the eight years of increased funding for abstinence-only programs during the Bush administration are to blame. President Barack Obama has pledged $114 million to address teen pregnancy but cut $170 million in funding for abstinence-only education last year after scores of studies showed such programs to be ineffective. Melody Barnes, the White House's domestic policy adviser, told USA Today that the decision to make the cuts simply "reflects the research."

But not everyone thinks it's fair to blame President George W. Bush and abstinence-only education for the increase in teen pregnancy. At Newsweek, Sarah Kliff points out that abstinence-only funding rose during the Clinton years as well, when the teen pregnancy rate actually dropped by 3 percent. "Particularly between 1997 and 1998, when the funding of abstinence-only education increased tenfold, there should have been some indication of an uptick," Kliff writes. "But there wasn't."

It's not yet clear whether these latest findings will change the way sex education is taught in the country's schools.

In Catholic schools at least, little will change. Joe Kohn of the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit said the latest study simply reaffirms the abstinence-only curriculum found in Catholic schools. "One thing I can say is, when it's practiced, the policy of abstinence is effective 100 percent of the time," he said. He added that the Detroit archdiocese does teach about "various contraceptives and contraceptive methods" but "does not encourage them."

But the abstinence-only program in the study was not religious, as many similar programs are, and did not vilify condom use. James Wagoner, president of Advocates for Youth, which promotes comprehensive sex-ed programs, said that was an important distinction that separates the program in the study from those advocated during the Bush years.

"The bottom line is, we're just coming out of a $1.5 billion investment in really, really bad abstinence-only programs," Wagoner said Tuesday in a phone interview. He said the abstinence program in the study did not include "misinformation" about sex or contraceptives, for example.

What is clear is that experts and groups that had once thought abstinence-only education to be a fool's errand are taking a second look. Abstinence-only programs may be more useful than researchers originally thought. Sarah Brown, head of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, told The Washington Post that the study was "game-changing."

Even Wagoner, who charges that studies by conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation advocating abstinence-only programs are akin to having "Santa Claus write something from the North Pole," found the federal study compelling. "This is a legitimate study from a legitimate researcher," he said. "So those of us who believe in legitimate research have to pay attention."

Wagoner still wants comprehensive sexual education in the country's schools, however. He notes that 23 percent of students in the study were already sexually active before the abstinence-only program even began. "Don't you want to make sure they have the education to protect themselves?" he asked.

Powerful Words From The Shawpkins Community Group from Elevation Church

2010-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasure meeting you tonight and hearing about the formidable goal Lois' Lodge has before it. Our Pastor says that bad odds force faith. In much the same way, a great God provokes great faith. It would be difficult to reflect on a God who rained manna from Heaven, made the sun stand still, raised Lazarus from the dead, fed 5000+ from 5 loaves and 2 fish, and most importantly, conquered sin and the grave through His own son, without having the faith that He could bring 1000X1000. If you are familiar at all with Elevation Church, they make some audacious goals so we are becoming increasingly comfortable at putting it in God's hands. They have taught us that God is not intimidated by our big, lofty requests, He is insulted by our puny ones. And you all have surely honored the Father with your audacious faith. Sure, it's a lot easier and safer to stay in the boat but we experience Jesus at a whole new level when we step out. Not only that, we experience the miraculous feat of walking on water; doing the impossible! We are proud to be able to stand with you in fighting the good fight!

You may not have heard but the girls stopped by for a brief moment tonight. We were able to join hands and pray together! We know that not all of them are Christians (yet) but the Word never goes out void. What a blessing it was for each of us to know that we could intercede on their behalf.

Looking forward to the road ahead. . .

Brian
(and the Shawpkins Community Group)

Special Edition Crib Notes Newsletter

2010-02-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Please click on the link and check out the February 2010 special edition Crib Notes. To track our progress, please visit loislodge1000.blogspot.com

40 Days For Life Campaign

2010-02-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

This spring, from February 17 – March 28, Charlotte will be uniting with 150 other cities across North America and around the world for a massive coordinated pro-life mobilization – the 40 Days for Life campaign. People of faith are praying that, with God’s help, this effort will help bring an end to the tragedy of abortion.

40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign that has generated measurable lifesaving results in hundreds of cities where it has been implemented. Some locations have reported as much as a 28% drop in local abortion numbers and hundreds of new people getting involved in local lifesaving ministry efforts. The 40 Days for Life campaign is made up of three key components:

• Prayer and Fasting: inviting people of faith throughout our city to join together for 40 days of fervent prayer and fasting for an end to abortion

• Peaceful Vigil: standing for life through a 40-day peaceful public witness outside the local abortion facility, “A Preferred Women’s Health Center,” 3220 Latrobe Drive, 28211.

• Community Outreach: taking a positive, upbeat pro-life message to every corner of our city through media efforts, church presentations, petition drives, and public visibility

Learn how you can “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” here in Charlotte by contacting us at 40daysforlifecharlotte@gmail.com, by phone @ 704-877-2551, or by visiting: www.40daysforlife.com/charlotte

2010 Walk-A-Thon

2010-01-28T05:47:00.000-08:00

Make a Difference ~ Walk for Life!
Walk-A-Thon for Lois' Lodge
Saturday, March 27, 2010, 8-11 am

Freedom Park, Charlotte NC

Family Friendly Event! Music Children's Activities

Get Involved:

1. Walk & Raise Sponsorships
2. Donate to Walk
3. Recruit a Team to Walk

All walkers registered by March 1 will receive a t-shirt. If you or your group is walking, please Register to participate by clicking on the link.

Save The Lodge

2010-01-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Letter from the Lois' Lodge Board of Directors. For additional information and ways you can help, please visit www.loislodge1000.blogspot.com

January 13, 2010

“The Lord is your protection; you have made God Most High your place of safety. Nothing bad will happen to you; no disaster will come to your home.”
Psalm 91:9-10

Dear Friends of Lois’ Lodge,

As a valued part of the inner circle of our ministry, we want to keep you informed about Lois’ Lodge. This past year was a lean year for us, just as it was for most other non-profits. In spite of some financial belt-tightening, the maternity home continues to operate soundly on a day-to-day basis, and stays at or near capacity. The needs of the mothers in our care are being consistently met, both spiritually and financially. This is due to the faithful support of donors and volunteers and the solid management of our resources by the Lois’ Lodge staff.

Late last year, Lois’ Lodge found itself in a critical situation. For the past few years, we have been blessed with rent-free facilities in the Dillworth area, but this arrangement must now change. As a result, Lois’ Lodge has the opportunity – and immense challenge – of purchasing these properties within six months. The Lodge must cease operations here if we cannot purchase the property by July. Although the homes are reasonably priced, the total cost will be $1.1 million. This is an unprecedented amount of capital to be raised in an extremely short time frame. We know that God is greater than our challenges, and we look to Him for an amazing victory.

The Board of Lois’ Lodge is reaching out to you at this time for one reason: Support.

Unwavering support may take many forms, with the most important being prayer. Please pray for the young women who come through our doors, for the staff and volunteers who reflect God’s grace to them on a daily basis, and for our fundraising efforts. Although the goal seems overwhelming, we have faith in God’s ability to save the Lodge.

Please watch for our upcoming special Lois’ Lodge newsletter, which will give more details and lots of ideas on how you can join in saving the Lodge. God’s hand will be readily seen through your faithful support.

May God strengthen us for His use,

Members of Lois’ Lodge Board of Directors:

John Marx, President
Falinda Farley
Kathi Ingrish
Gwen Johnson
Zeritha McFadden
Deana Kocylowsky
Verne Phifer

Free Speech and the Choose Life License Plate

2009-10-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Anti-Abortion Activists Want License Plate Rights Tempers Flare Over Polarizing Free-Speech Issue
Posted: Oct, 20 2009 - AOL

Vanity plates -- those alphanumeric jumbles that provide windows into a driver's soul, from "QT PIE" to "NYCEHUH" -- are huge financial bonanzas for states. With more than nine million of them in circulation and registration and renewal fees ranging from $20 to more than $100, some states can rely on yearly revenue beyond seven figures.

Vanity plates are personalized and highly personal -- everyone knows that the message is the driver's alone. If you're tooling through St. Louis and end up behind a car with a plate that reads "BCK OFF," you don't assume that the sentiment is endorsed or supported by anyone at the DMV or the Missouri government. Still, governments have rules about what is and isn't allowed on a plate. A Colorado woman so fond of bean curd that she applied for "ILVTOFU" was declined on the grounds that it could be misread. A librarian in Nevada named Stacy who had the vanity plate "XSTACY" for more than two decades was shocked when Nevada said she couldn't renew it: the state felt that the plate was now more synonymous with the drug than the woman, and illegal references are strictly banned.

You Can't Show Your Support Here
Illinois
New Jersey
New York
In the above states, drivers currently can't show their support (either for or against abortion) according to state laws.

Special interest license plates, or specialty plates, that endorse a specific charitable cause such as California's Coastal Commission plates or Ohio's Pet License plates, present more difficult issues. They often bring in even more money than vanity plates, since the specialty plate fee is assessed on top the vanity plate surcharge. Florida introduced the first vanity plate after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. Twenty-one years later, in fiscal 2007, the Sunshine State booked $33.5 million in revenues from its 113 specialty plates alone.

In most cases more than half of the fee for a specialty plate, and sometimes almost all of the fee, actually goes to the charitable organization responsible for the creation of the plate. The state then keeps a small percentage for manufacturing and administration.

But the arrival of the Choose Life specialty plate -- another Florida creation -- and the lawsuits that have followed it around the country, have kept many judges in many courts busy trying to decide between the First Amendment and states' rights. The question is, is a specialty plate a matter of free speech, and if so, whose? The individual's, or the state's?

The Choose Life plate was made available to Florida drivers in 2000, after a four year legislative and judicial fight, and in 2007 it was the 8th most popular plate offered. The organization behind it, Choose Life, Inc., has been fighting to get the plate approved in every united state. The court battles that it has been waging for years and increasingly winning usually pit it against the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. According to Choose Life, Inc. as of July 1, 22 states have Choose Life license plates, three states have approved them but they aren't yet available, 13 states are working on it, there are lawsuits in three other states, and in 9 states there is no work being done on the issue. Yet.
Choose Life plate
An example of a pro-life license plate, for the state of Florida, supported by Choose Life, Inc. Debates rage across the nation as to the legality of such plates.

At its most basic, Choose Life, Inc. is a non-profit. As far as the license plate is concerned, though, the charity wants to provide money for crisis pregnancy centers that will provide counseling and avenues for adoption for expectant mothers. Of the $22 paid to renew the plate, $20 goes to organizations supported by Choose Life, Inc. and the plate's success has brought in more than $6 million. What has brought on the lawsuits is that Choose Life, Inc. only supports organizations that do not perform, nor refer, nor counsel on abortions, and the Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have taken issue with that, claiming that any state that issues the Choose Life plate is endorsing one side of a debate -- the anti-abortion side.

The argument being used to counter that is that the Choose Life plate is a matter of free speech -- no one is compelled to buy and display the plate. As such, states aren't at liberty to curtail it, and Planned Parenthood is free to get a Choose Choice plate approved. The Supreme Court has declined to hear any of the cases and create a federal standard, so states are left to decide on their own and that has created a mix of approvals, rejections, and ongoing court hearings. Hawaii does have a Respect Choice license plate, but uptake has been so low that it's in danger of being rescinded. Tennessee, on the other hand, rejected the Choose Choice license plate, and that decision was upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The question is really whether this is about the First Amendment and free speech, or a religious and political debate. Choose Life, Inc. and its supporters have undeniably polarizing stance.

"We are free to speak," said Elizabeth Rex, president of the New York-based Children First Foundation, "whether what we say is controversial or not." But that isn't true when it comes to license plates. When the Knights of Columbus wanted a specialty plate in Arkansas, they were turned down because the state was afraid the KKK would want one as well. A Christian school official in Vermont wanted the vanity plate "ROMANS5" and was turned down. When Colorado added another surcharge to the cost of its Breast Cancer Awareness specialty plate, the organization that got the plate approved had it pulled from circulation.

Clearly, license plates are not uncensored forums.

Nevertheless, Choose Life, Inc. is by no means the only religious-affiliated plate available. Florida has a Family Values plate that supports the Sheridan House Family Ministries, a thoroughly religious organization. Ohio has a One Nation Under God plate supported by a charity focused on keeping God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pennsylvania has a Knights of Columbus plate -- those same knights that were rejected in Arkansas. And there are many, many more.

The result is that the debate remains muddled enough to give both sides, Choose Life, Inc. and Planned Parenthood, enough legal room to pose credible court cases until the Supreme Court decides to weigh in.

The best solution for both sides in the interim could be the one that's been around even longer than license plates: bumper stickers. They don't have the gravitas of license plates but you can make up for that with sheer volume, they can say anything you want, and they come in every color imaginable.

Good luck getting them off your car, though.

Sign the Petition:

Go to: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ncchooselife/ to sign the petition.

Your email address will not be used for any purpose other than this petition. For the past eight years, the North Carolina General Assembly has failed to allow all members to vote on the Choose Life specialty license plate. Currently North Carolina residents proudly display over 130 specialty plates. We need your help to make the Choose Life license plate a reality. Your signature on the Choose Life petition will show our legislators that there is support for the Choose Life message in North Carolina, and that the bill should be brought to a vote as required for each new tag.

Homes for Hope Concert Coming Soon

2009-08-02T11:16:00.000-07:00

Click above on Title to see concert promotional video.

Homes For Hope
Benefit Concert

Steele Creek Church of Charlotte
1929 W. Arrowood Road
Charlotte, NC 28217
August 14, 2009

Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
Program starts: 7:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION!

For additional information contact Dawn at 704-376-8550

Truth Project Worldview Project

2009-05-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

The Truth Project Coming to N.C.

Special Report - May 22, 2009
The North Carolina Family Policy Council is pleased to announce that it will partner with Focus on the Family to offer The Truth Project worldview series. The first Truth Project training will be in Charlotte on Saturday, June 6, from 8:30 AM to 12:45 PM at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. This event will be facilitated by The Truth Project staff, with assistance from Matt Lytle, Ph.D., director of research for the North Carolina Family Policy Council. This training event is designed for those who would like to lead The Truth Project as a small group. In addition, the agenda focuses on training and vision components, supporting the worldview content.

The Truth Project Curriculum is a systematic and comprehensive biblical worldview study that looks at all of life. Conferences will equip participants to make a Christ-centered difference on culture by applying God's principles to daily life. Each conference session is designed to equip you to facilitate Focus on the Family's DVD-based Christian Worldview lessons.

If you can attend this important session, please register today with The Truth Project. Online registration is available.

Click here to see an overview of the lessons

Copyright © 2009. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.

Lois' Lodge Walkathon

2009-05-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Lois' Lodge 2009 Make a Difference - Walk for Life was a huge success because of YOU!

The $20,000.00 that has been raised will sustain Lois' Lodge as we continue share the love of Jesus Christ by providing FREE shelter and support services to women and their unborn babies.

The threat of rain couldn't dampen the spirits of the 100 + walkers and volunteers who came to show their support. Thanks to these great participants...

Natalia Acosta, Charlotte Adams, Brent Anderson, Cristina Andreassi, Cindy Bonner, Rob & Sondra Bradford, Mary Bradley, Terry Brewer, Kimberly Brewer, Terry Brewer, Jake & Amy Broadbent, Jeff & Tracy Burgess, Taylor & Brandy Canton, Sophia Carpenter, April Carpenter, Naomi Carpenter, Kathy Caylor, Will & Jocelyn Challas, Jessica Chassen, Angel Cooke, Jeremy & April Drobnick, Dwight & Debbie Durell, Christina Elder, Beth Fagan, The Farley Family, Mary Ferrell, Shawn & Kelly Glanzer, Jacquie Golbus, Joanna Gray, Jackie Green , Jo Grey, Elizabeth Guptill, Meridith Hake, Kimberly Hall, Jeff & Mauree Harrell, Kate Heacox, Lois Heebner, Erin Henry, Toni Henry, Jessica Hibbard, Shirley Hunter, Mike & Jenny Hurt, Kathy Ingrish, Brandon & Erin Jackson, Jennifer Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Rick Khan, Charlie& Nancy King, Megan Kite, Michael & Deana Kocylowsky, Will Leach, Shannon Lehmer, Bradelyn Levi, Brittany Long, Erin MacDermut, Missy Mandel, Rhoda Marx, Elizabeth Marxs, Kaitlyn Mayes, Darelene Moore, James Moore, Brianna Moore, Mattthew Moore, Zachary Moore, Yvonne Moore, Laura Mullen, Karen Mundy, Teresa Ogburn, Destiny Planter, John & Renee Ratcliffe, Amy Reader, Jamie Robinson, MeOcia Rumph, Brian & Wendy Shank, Mary Shaw, Cathy Shaw, Brian Shaw, Wade Shields, Susan Shields, Nicola Sink, Paul & Marilyn Smith, Mary Stager, Julie Starcher, Kara Talent, Karen Thompson, Anne Thompson, Karen Thompson, Marty Tomberlin, Katherine Vermillian, Wende Whitus, Joyce Wi llis, Chad & Heather Wilson, Maggie Womack, Sandy Zellers

PRIZE WINNERS!
Highest Individual Fundraiser: Heather Wilson
Person who recurited the most walkers: Mauree Harrell/Sondra Bradford
Highest Team Fundraisers: Women of Anchor
Way to go! Because of your efforts this was the best Walk-a-Thon Ever!

The walk is over... but the work continues!
Women and babies continue to need Christ-centered love, shelter & support services. Please consider how you can continue to partner with us. Visit our website at http://www.loislodge.org/ for more information.

Save The Date!

The 2010 Make a Difference - Walk for Life is tentativley scheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2010. We hope that you will make plans to join us!

Choose Life NC License Plate

2009-04-30T07:05:00.001-07:00

For the past eight years NC Legislature has not allowed a Choose Life specialty license plate to be brought to the floor for a vote. NC already has over 130 specialty plates in use. We need your help to make the Choose Life license plate a reality in our state. Your signature on the Choose Life North Carolina petition would show our legislators that there is support for the Choose Life plate in NC and that it should be allowed to be brought to a vote.

Funds from the sale of each license plate will go to support the work of pregnancy care centers in NC. Currently there are 80 pregnancy care ministries in NC that last year alone served over 46,000 women. These centers offer a variety of services from pregnancy tests to parenting classes, baby supplies to mentoring pregnant teens, to ultrasounds and STD testing by medical personnel. Each plate sold will provide $15.00 toward funding the free services these centers offer. These funds will be distributed by Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, Inc., a network of the pregnancy care ministries in NC. Visit www.cpcflink.org to learn more about this network.

There are now 24 states with Choose Life license plates. NC is the only state in the southeast that prohibits the sale of the Choose Life license plate.

Please sign the Choose Life NC petition to show NC Legislators your support of the NC Choose Life license plate. Go to: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ncchooselife/ to sign the petition. Your email address will not be used for any purpose other than this petition.

To keep updated on this important bill go to: http://www.nnchoose-life.org.

Thank you for your support.

White House confirms 2 million RED ENVELOPES

2009-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

White House confirms it got 2 million red envelopes
President's mail worker claims letter campaign 1 of largest in 35 years

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: April 06, 2009
8:21 pm Eastern

By Chelsea Schilling
© 2009 WorldNetDaily

The White House mail office has confirmed it received a "deluge" of as many as 2.25 million red envelopes symbolizing the empty promise of lives snuffed out in abortion in a massive campaign that was larger than most White House mailing movements in the last 35 years.

White House mail worker "Steve" has handled letters for 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. for more than three decades. Every single package and letter destined for the White House goes through his office.

Asked if he has seen a flood of red envelopes bound for the White House, Steve chuckled.

"Uh, yes," he said emphatically. "Believe me, they made it here."

Steve said while Obama has been occupied in Europe, his administration has noticed millions of red envelopes on behalf of aborted children.

"Quite frankly, there was definitely a deluge of mail coming through," he laughed. "I had to handle them all."

"I've been here 35 years, so I've seen presidents come and go," Steve told WND. "This campaign ranks up there with the big ones."

The Red Envelope Project is an idea sparked in the mind and prayers of a Massachusetts man, Christ Otto, who envisioned in January thousands of red envelopes sent to the White House, a visual expression of moral outrage over the president's position on abortion.

On the backs of the envelopes, senders wrote a message Otto composed: "This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception."

The original project began small, but when Otto sent out an email to friends asking them to join him in the envelope effort, the symbolic gesture spread through the Internet like wildfire – eventually resulting in delivery of as many as 2.25 million red envelopes.

"Last Tuesday 2.25 million were sent all together," Otto told WND. "There were 1 million sent before that date. I keep getting e-mails, and I know that people are still sending them. This past weekend, there were at least 10,000 more sent just from churches announcing it on Sunday."

The Catholic News Agency reports that a consortium of 11 different student groups at the University of Notre Dame, in protest of the university's invitation of Barack Obama to speak at graduation, plan to hand deliver a surge of the red envelopes to the pro-abortion president when he arrives to give the commencement address in May.

Otto said he expected no response from the White House.

"On Thursday their goal is to remove the conscience clause on physicians," he said. "So, they don't want any press."

However, WND was successful in confirming that the red envelopes did arrive.

Asked if he hopes President Obama will be influenced by the campaign Otto said, "I really hope that he is seeing them. I know that somebody in Washington is seeing them, for whatever that's worth. I do hope that it changes the president's heart."

He continued, "I also know that there are many people in our government – in both political parties – who believe that life and freedom are controlled by the state. They want to control who lives and who dies. So, it's not just the president, but there are lots of people in Washington who need to know that this was an important thing and that they are out of step with the people."

The Red Envelope Project has been provided with letters to cease and desist because it allegedly infringes upon trademark and copyright of another organization, but Otto said the campaign will comply with copyright issues and continue its work once the legal matters have been resolved. Details of the new campaign have not been released.

Nonetheless, Otto said the Red Envelope campaign was a resounding success.

"It has made a difference, regardless of what happened in Washington," he said. "Just the numbers of children that have been involved are huge. It's gotten a lot of people talking about the value of life. To me, that's priceless."

Prayer Request- Amanda

2009-03-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

Please pray for Amanda. She is a young mom who has participated in our programs at Lois' Lodge. Since leaving our program Amanda has married, had a second child and she and her husband (the father of both of her children) have been residing in Jackson Park. They have been making tremendous strides in spiritual and personal growth. They have attended church regularly and both profess to be Christians. Both have been working and they have been very proud that they have saved a significant amount of money. Jamel, who is Amanda's husband was going back to school at Central Piedmont to get his high school diploma and had been dialoging with the Army. He planned to enter the service after he graduated. Last Saturday night Jamel was walking home from the bus stop after work and was killed by a hit and run driver. Needless to say Amanda and everyone that has been close to this young family is traumatized. Please pray that all involved will sense God's presence and experience his peace. Pray that Amanda will continue to make progress in creating a good life for her family.

Doctor's Protections on Abortions Being Removed

2009-03-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

President Obama Starts Process of Removing Doctors' Protections on Abortions
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) --

The White House quietly announced on Friday that President Barack Obama is starting the process of overturning protections President Bush put in place to make sure medical staff and centers are not forced to do abortions. The move is the latest that will add to Obama's growing pro-abortion record. Existing federal laws already make it so doctors and hospitals are not required to perform abortions. Because those laws aren't always followed, the Bush administration added additional protections.Bush officials noted a pattern of grant recipients being unaware of or flouting existing laws protecting medical professionals’ rights of conscience. So, HHS enacted the new regulations to require grantees to certify compliance with them in order to receive funds. In August, 2008 the Department of Health and Human Services proposed regulations to strengthen those existing laws. The regulations were finalized on December 18, 2008 and went into effect January 20, 2009. Abortion advocates complained about the new regulations and made false claims that they would somehow deny women access to birth control even though the regulations do not limit or restrict any legal practice or product. Three pro-abortion groups and pro-abortion attorneys general from seven states filed a lawsuit to overturn the rules and today's news makes it clear the Obama administration is preparing its own move to rescind them. Obama officials told the Chicago Tribune that they are opening up a 30-day public comment period, after which they will roll back the protections for medical personnel and facilities.

6th Annual Lois' Lodge Walkathon

2009-02-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

Walkathon- Don't forget. Hope to see you there.
Make a Difference ~Walk for Life!

Walk-A-Thon -Saturday, March 28th from 9 to 11am
Join us at Freedom Park for this family friendly event.
Live Music - Children’s activities
FREE Charlotte Eagles Soccer Clinic for children of registered walkers
Register to participate today!
http://www.loislodge.org/Iwanttogetinvolved.html

Pro-life Petition

2009-02-26T08:27:00.000-08:00

CitizenLink 2/17

Take Action: Focus Action Launches Pro-Life Petition

by Jennifer Mesko, editor

Say 'No!' to taxpayer funding of the abortion industry.

Focus on the Family Action has launched a petition drive calling on Congress and President Barack Obama to prevent taxpayer money from funding the abortion industry.

By signing on, pro-life Americans can oppose the latest phase in the radical, pro-abortion agenda.

"We know there are millions of Americans who are appalled that their tax dollars could soon be used to fund abortions," said Sonja Swiatkiewicz, director of issues response at Focus Action.

"For years, special annual funding provisions — called pro-life riders — have prevented U.S. tax dollars from being used to fund abortions and abortion providers, both in the States and abroad. But that could all change."

The Democrat-controlled Congress is expected to strip these riders out of this year's spending bills. The Focus Action petition allows citizens to take a stand in support of these pro-life provisions, as well as oppose the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

Obama has expressed his support for FOCA, which would eliminate virtually every federal, state and local measure that limits or restricts abortion.

The petition states, in part: "As a pro-life American, I oppose any and all legislative and executive efforts that require or allow my taxpayer dollars to be used to fund abortions or providers of abortion services."

TAKE ACTION
Please sign the Focus Action petition today at http://www.focuspetitions.com/185/petition.asp

Please ask your U.S. representative to support the pro-life riders. You can find contact information through our Action Center at http://capwiz.com/fof/issues/alert/?alertid=12658761

Ministry update by Dawn

2009-02-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Lois’ Lodge Ministry Update, February 18, 2009

Join Us!
Please Join Us For A Time of Prayer ~ Beginning in March, Each Friday at 9am.
Location: Lois' Lodge Office 1316 Hemlock Street. Everyone is welcome!

Upcoming Event!
Annual Walk-A-Thon - Saturday, March 28th at Freedom Park. Live music, children’s activities and a mini soccer-clinic by the Charlotte Eagles will make this event fun for everyone. A flyer is included in this report and more information is available at our website. YOUR PARTICIPATION is important to the success of this event!
For more information, or to register to participate visit http://www.loislodge.org/Iwanttogetinvolved.html

Ministry Needs!
We are currently in need of the following household cleaning items: furniture polish, laundry detergent, bleach, dish detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent, all purpose cleaner, stainless steel polish.
We are in need of a new set of non-stick pots & pans, reusable water bottles

Volunteer Needs!
Administrative - This individual would commit to do light data entry and thank you cards. Commitment is 1 -2 hours weekly.

Cleaning- Individuals or small groups are welcome. These volunteers would work on a rotating schedule to clean the Mom Shoppe or Administrative Office.
Commitment varies according to availability; once or twice monthly

Secret Pals- We are looking for groups or individuals to serve as secret pals. These volunteers will bless our clients and our staff with a note or card of encouragement or a small, inexpensive gift. This commitment varies from 1, 3 or 6 months.

Fathers - We need godly men who will step up and help us teach classes on fatherhood and marriage.

Maintenance - we have many maintenance needs. The skill level for these projects range and include painting, repairs in bathrooms, gutter cleaning and more.

We are grateful to have your friendship! Thanks for your prayers and support.
Please contact us if you can help with any of these needs, or have any questions.
Lois’ Lodge (704) 376-8550 or dg_loislodge.org

Distribution Ideas for the Red Envelopes

2009-02-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

The following are ideas from Life Issues Institute (www.lifeissues.org) for how to expand the number of people mailing red envelopes to President Obama:

Contact local churches and ask them to insert red envelopes into their bulletins. It's an excellent opportunity for the pastor to speak on the issue of abortion, remember the unborn and their mothers in prayer, and have the congregation participate in a standing up for life.

Pro-life organizations can insert a red envelope into newsletters and other mailings to their membership.

Pass the red envelope out at youth events. This is an easy way to get them involved interacting with elected officials.

Envelopes can be passed out in schools- particularly private and/or religious schools. This can include high school or college. Teachers, professors and parents of students can also participate.

Home schoolers are great networks to work with. Most encourage civic involvement on critical issues of the day.

Various social and organizational gatherings are a good place to circulate red envelopes and explain the project.

Contact info@lifeissues.org if you have additional ideas to assist with this project.

Order Your Red Envelopes

2009-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

If you go to this website you can order pre-printed red envelopes for the red letter campaign (see below) https://www.lifeissues.org/red/order.html

Stop the Black Genocide by Abortion

2009-02-19T07:10:00.001-08:00

LifeSiteNews.com 2/18

National Pro-Life Group Tells Obama before Canadian Visit: Stop the Black Genocide by Abortion

OTTAWA, ON, February 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - President Barack Obama is preparing to travel to Canada tomorrow, for his first visit with the leader of a foreign country.

In the lead-up to his visit, Campaign Life Coalition (CLC), the political arm of Canada's pro-life movement, has called on US President Barack Obama not to preside over the greatest slaughter of African Americans in history via abortion. CLC President Jim Hughes noted that Obama, "the first black President" has a unique opportunity to "help save the lives of 4000 African American babies who die by abortion every day in the United States."

"Every day Mr. President, people with your ethnic background die in astounding numbers," said Mr. Hughes. "Abortion is the number one killer of African Americans in the U.S."

Citing abortion statistics, Hughes said: "African Americans make up about 13% of the U.S. population but about 37% of all babies killed by abortion are black. In the last 36 years over 17 million African American babies have died by abortion alone." He noted that abortion businesses target black communities.

According to Hughes, President Obama's next step is to increase abortion inside the U.S. by passing the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which will require taxpayers to pay for abortions. If passed even piece meal, provisions of this Act will strike down any current state laws that regulate abortion.

Prior to his election, Obama told Americans he wanted abortion to be rare. However, immediately after his inauguration, he signed an executive order to revoke the Mexico City Policy and finance the promotion and facilitation of abortion in developing nations. A Gallup Poll published on February 2, 2009 found that 58 % of Americans disapprove of using their tax dollars to pay for abortion in third world countries.

"Thus," said Mr. Hughes, "U.S. financed abortion is targeting more blacks than ever before." The CLC President concluded, "By your election you have at least symbolically brought an end to racism against blacks in the United States. We pray that you will have a change of heart and end the black genocide by abortion ravaging your country and the developing world."

Red Envelope Effort, Letters Opposing Abortion

2009-02-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

LifeNews.com 2/23

Red Envelope Effort Takes Off, Letters Opposing Abortion Head to Obama

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- It started with one unknown person who had a prayer and desire to affect the abortion debate and it has caught on to become an Internet phenomenon. The Red Envelope Project could result in millions of envelopes heading to the White House over the next month to protest President Barack Obama's pro-abortion policies. "This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency," the popular email says. "This man and his party lead our country; but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal." How could that pro-life majority respond? The answer to the prayer for a way resulted in the red envelope campaign. Based on the red tape students are using to cover their mouths in silent abortion protest, the pro-life advocate developed the idea to send an empty red envelope to the White House to protest abortion.

ACTION: Purchase your red envelopes and send them to President Obama at The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington , D.C. 20500.

NC Budget May Eliminate State Abortion Fund

2009-02-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Weigh in on this with Governor Purdue's office. Go to: www.governor.state.nc.us/eTownhall/suggestionBox.aspx
Or call her office at 919-733-4240

Budget May Eliminate State Abortion Fund

Special Report - February 3, 2009
Proposed budget cuts submitted to Governor Bev Perdue by agency officials include a complete elimination of the State Abortion Fund. As North Carolina lawmakers face a potential budget shortfall of $2 billion, the Governor directed agencies to find ways to cut seven percent of their budgets. The Division of Social Services proposed nearly $17 million in cuts, including the entire $50,000 State Abortion Fund.

North Carolina’s State Abortion Fund was created in 1978. Through the 1980s and 1990s, various limitations were imposed on who is eligible to receive the funds and the size of the fund. As of 1995, the Fund was cut from $1.2 million down to its current $50,000. Women must be state residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, but do qualify as low income (defined as qualifying for welfare or making less than $14,000 for a two-person household in 2008). Written certification is required from a doctor stating that the abortion is medically necessary because of rape, incest, a deformed fetus, mental retardation of the mother, or serious risk to the mother. Women are not eligible after the child’s 112th day of gestation, and women are only allowed one abortion funded by the State Abortion Fund. In 1994, the State Abortion Fund paid for 4,587 abortions, but the restrictions have reduced the number of state-funded abortions to only one since 1995. Since the restrictions were set in place, the State has continued to allocate $50,000 to the Fund each year. Any unused money from the State Abortion Fund reverts to the General Fund at the end of the fiscal year.

Barbara Holt, executive director of North Carolina Right to Life, notes that while eliminating the State Abortion Fund is a positive step, the state budget continues to fund abortions through the state employee health plan and a children’s health insurance plan.

According to the Raleigh News & Observer, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina plans to fight the proposed elimination of the fund. Executive director, Sean Kosofsky wants the money to remain in the budget, even if it is not used, as a symbol “that this is a state that cares about women’s reproductive health.” He says that eliminating the fund altogether would make NARAL’s ultimate goal of peeling back restrictions on use of the Fund much more difficult.

Matt Lytle, director of research for the North Carolina Family Policy Council, commented, “Even though this fund has paid for only one abortion since 1995, the fact that it remained in existence meant that the state was appropriating taxpayer dollars every year for abortions, an action that goes against the conviction of many in this state.”

Copyright © 2009. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.

Lois' Lodge Walkathon

2009-02-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Lois' Lodge Walkathon is March 28th. And boy do we need you to get involved! Just recd. notice that state funding has run out for the fiscal year. Although this is a relatively small portion of our budget it can still have an impact on our ability to offer services. Please get involved by participating as a walker. Go to www.loislodge.org to sign up. Or.... if you can't be walker please consider sponsoring me as a walker. You can sponsor me directly by going to: debbie durrell's Fundraising Page http://www.firstgiving.com/debbiedurrell
If you click on the title of this post it will take you right to my fundraising page.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. Email me if you have questions. Debbie
debloislodge@aol.com

Traits Associated with Abstinence and Academic Achievement

2009-02-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

The National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health identified eight personality and behavioral traits that were associated with both abstinence and academic achievement:

• Future orientation, with a focus on long-term goals.
• Willingness to postpone current pleasures for larger future rewards.
• Perseverance, as in the ability to stick to a task or commitment.
• A belief that current behavior can positively affect the future.
• Impulse control, including ability to control emotions and desires.
• Resistance to peer influence.
• Respect for parental and social values.
• Sense of self-worth and personal dignity.

Abstinence also is associated with better physical and mental health across socioeconomic groups, according to a summary of the study in U.S. News & World Report. Kids who make abstinence decisions do better in school, too. Abstinent teens are far more likely to attend and graduate from college than those who are sexually active.

Note from Shirley, Housemom at Lois' Lodge

2009-01-28T10:32:00.000-08:00

This is an update from one of our housemoms. She says that this is an example of the reason she works at Lois' Lodge. Names are changed to protect confidentiality.

Hi ladies,

Joanne called yesterday. She had concerns about the salvation of a family member. She felt that this family member got baptized without knowing fully what it meant. In the course of the conversation Joanne stated her fears regarding the same issue. When she came out of jail she was encouraged to get baptized without a full understanding of it and without a change. Joanne started having concerns after going through Discipleship classes during her stay at Lois' Lodge. She said she realized that her salvation may not be secure. She has decided to give her life to Jesus. She will be baptized this Saturday. Please be in prayer during that time for Joanne's mom who will be bringing her to the church. Pray that she will be impacted by this. Pray for her salvation.

Love, Shirley

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.

Lois' Lodge Prayer Concerns and Needs

2009-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

2009 is off to a busy start. We currently have 5 women in our Maternity Home program, the oldest of which is 19. We also have many women who are being served through our Mom Shoppe program. Please be in prayer for our clients. These gals are so young and their lives have changed forever because of an unplanned pregnancy. We are so grateful to be able to provide these hurting women with not only shelter and support services, but also the opportunity to experience the love of Christ. Current volunteer needs: Male volunteers to provide leadership for classes for Fathers. This includes couples mentoring, marriage & fatherhood classes, job skills classes and more. Early Childhood Parenting Instructor & Lamaze Instructor needed. Bible Study leader for Mom Shoppe. Ministry Needs: Crib (good condition with all parts and hardware), Preemie baby clothing (new or like new), Pastel colored copy paper, regular copy paper, stamps. And of course prayer. Contact Dawn at 704-376-8550 if you are able to help us to address these needs.

They Will Know That we are Christians by our Love

2009-01-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

I am going out on a limb today and sharing something that I believe the Lord has personally laid on my heart instead of news from another source. As you can tell by previous blogs posted here, Lois' Lodge is a "prolife" ministry. We believe in the sanctity of life and are opposed to the option of abortion. Today I am in Ohio, visiting with my sister. As a result I had the opportunity to visit a great church, Cuyahoga Valley Church. The pastor is preaching a series called One Month of Love.

Pastor Duncan pointed out that Christians are often known by what we are against- abortion, homosexuality, sex outside of marriage..... On the other hand, he challenged us to consider whether we are identified with those positive attributes that should be core to what we are called to be as Christians.

In John 13:34 & 35 Jesus says: this is "a new command! I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another".(NIV) Jesus tells us that our Christlike love will show that we are his disciples. What do people see when they see us? Do they only see a group of people that are very vocal about what they oppose? Or do they see people representing the positive characteristic which have come from as result of inviting Christ into our lives to be our personal Lord and Savior?

It is good to speak out in support of God's truths. But..... this must be tempered with the love that we are commanded to extend towards others. Recently I read the book: unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters (Hardcover)by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons. Kinnaman is the president of the Barna Institute. He was inspired to write this book when Lyons (of the Fermi Project) commissioned him to do extensive research on what young Americans think about Christianity. Results of this study were very concerning. Surveyed Mosaics and Busters (the generations that include late teens to early 30-somethings) believe Christians are "judgmental, antihomosexual, hypocritical, too political and sheltered". Kinnaman suggests ways in which churches' activities in the past may actually have been "unchristian". He advocates for a return to a more biblical Christianity, "a faith that not only focuses on holiness but also loves, accepts and works to understand the world around it" (Publishers Weekly).

I want nonchristians to be drawn to the faith because they have been able to experience the love of Christ through me. This is also my desire for the ministry of Lois' Lodge. My life application Bible reminds me that love is more that a feeling. It is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we show others that we love as Jesus as loved us? By helping when we can think of a million other things to do (this is what our Lois' Lodge volunteers do), by giving when it is challenging to do so (like our faithful Lois' Lodge donors), and by devoting energy to the welfare of others instead of just our own (I see this everyday through the Lois' Lodge board, staff, volunteers and donors). This kind of loving is a challenge. This is why people will notice when we do this. It requires that we be empowered by a supernatural source.

It is my prayer that as Christians, people will see the positive way that our life has been influenced through our relationship with Christ. Yes, lets stand up for God's truths, but lets also be sure to let the love of Christ shine through us so that others will be drawn to Him.

debbie

One-Child Population Control Policy

2009-01-17T19:42:00.000-08:00

LifeNews.com 1/15

China Raises Fines for Rich Who Avoid One-Child Population Control Policy

Beijing, China (LifeNews.com) -- Chinese officials have followed through on their earlier promise to raise the fines for couples who violate the one-child population control policy. Poorer residents who are subject to human rights abuses have long complained that rich Chinese couples can pay fines and avoid governmental harassment. Now, the Chinese government has raised those fines to discourage more families from having a second child, which violates the one-child rule that has earned the Asian nation condemnation from around the world. Deng Xingzhou, director of Beijing’s family planning commission, said the new rules were aimed at correcting that wealth disparity. Currently, couples must pay a fine that amounts to three to eight times their annual salary and that amount will increase although the government didn't appear to release official figures. The increased fines also come as the nation's capital, Beijing, has experienced a rise in its population due to the influx of migrant workers from the coast.

The Annual Rally for Life

2009-01-16T16:38:00.000-08:00

Host: Charlotte Right to Life and the Pro-Life Community
Location: Nash Square
Corner of Hargett and McDowell Street
Raleigh, NC US

When: Saturday, January 17, 1:00PM
Phone: 704.293.7741

***Please Forward***

Join us as we come together to build of culture of Life in North Carolina!

Transportation is available leaving from Calvary Baptist Church, 2200 Ashley Road in Charlotte at 9:00 a.m.

Refreshments are available following the March and we break in route to and from the Rally.

Be Prepared for Sanctity of Human Life Day, Sunday, Jan 18

2009-01-16T16:11:00.001-08:00

Be Prepared for Sanctity of Human Life Day, Sunday, January 18!

This Sunday, January 18, thousands of pro-life advocates in North Carolina will join millions from across the nation in recognition of “Sanctity of Human Life Day.” This day, which has been set aside for churches to honor the intrinsic value of human life, officially kicks of this year’s “Sanctity of Human Life Week,” which runs January 18-25. The events coincide with the January 22 anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s twin decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton that legalized abortion on demand in our country.

In preparation for “Sanctity of Human Life Week,” the North Carolina Family Policy Council has prepared a downloadable bulletin insert, in color (http://ncfamily.org/pdffiles/SOHL.Bulletin.insert.color.pdf) and black and white (http://ncfamily.org/pdffiles/SOHL.Bulletin.insert.b&w.pdf), for churches to help motivate their congregations to take action the issue of abortion. The Council has also prepared a video that can be shown at churches. The bulletin inserts and video are free to use. To access the video go to http://ncfamily.org/videoresources/slhsunday2007.mov.

For more information, including suggested sermon topics and other free Sanctity of Human Life Day resources, visit www.beavoice.net.

Planned Parenthood Sues to Reverse Bush Abortion Protections

2009-01-16T16:06:00.001-08:00

Planned Parenthood Sue to Reverse Bush Abortion Protections for Docs

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) --

The attorneys general of seven states and leading pro-abortion groups have filed a lawsuit against the new pro-life protections the Bush administration recently put in place. The "Provider Conscience Rule" provides more enforcement for laws protecting medical centers and professionals who don't want to do abortions. The new rule, which requires medical facilities to affirm in writing that they won't force staff to participate in abortions and potentially denies federal funding for centers or governments that do, is slated to take effect January 20. The protections merely provide additional enforcement for existing laws, some of which have been on the books for decades, that allow medical professionals to avoid involvement in abortions. Led by Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, six states filed suit today against the new rule claiming that it allows medical centers and staff to deny women birth control, including the morning after pill. Blumenthal says he sued because he believes the new rules will override a state law that forces all hospitals and medical centers to provide the morning after pill to victims of sexual abuse. State officials in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Rhode Island also joined in the suit.

Christian Girls Rescued from Sex Slavery

2009-01-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

Baptist Press 1/15

Christian girls rescued
from sex slavery
By Mark Kelly

KARACHI, Pakistan (BP)--Two Christian girls in Pakistan have been rescued after more than a month of captivity as sex slaves to Muslim lawyers in Karachi.

According to International Christian Concern, a human rights organization focused on Christians who are persecuted for their faith, Parvisha Alam, 18, and her 14-year-old sister Sanam of Gujranwala, Pakistan, were abducted Nov. 12 by a neighbor, Muhammad Irfan, who offered them training in cosmetology and jobs in his beauty salon.

When Irfan arrived to take the girls to his shop, he and an accomplice, Muhammed Mehboob, reportedly gave the girls drinks that were drugged. When the sisters awakened, they were locked in a hotel room nearly 500 miles away from home. According to ICC, the two men raped the girls at gunpoint, then took them to Karachi where, after several more days of sexual assault, the girls were forced to convert to Islam.

Promised that if they cooperated they would be released soon, the two girls were taken to meet with two lawyers, identified by ICC as Kokab Sahab-Ul-Din and Nayer Zia-Ul-Din. Irfan reportedly told the lawyers both girls had embraced Islam and wished to enter a government women's shelter. The girls were told the lawyers would present them in court the next day and they would be free to go.

The lawyers then allegedly took the girls to an apartment for the night and gave them a room to sleep in. After the girls had fallen asleep, the lawyers returned and dragged Parvisha Alam into another room and sexually assaulted her, according to the ICC report. Her sister ran to help her, then saw a cell phone lying on a table, which she used to call police. The police arrested Sahab-Ul-Din, and Parvisha was taken immediately to a hospital.

The girls' father, Sharif Alam, who is a pastor, traveled to Karachi to bring his daughters home then contacted CLAAS, a Christian legal group for help. When the CLAAS team visited the family Dec. 31, a crowd of about 35 people gathered outside the house, demanding the "converted" girls be turned over to local Muslim authorities, according to ICC. The crowd began throwing bricks and stones at the house and when Alam went out to talk with them a gun was fired. The mob beat Alam's son Sheraz and was trying to break into the house when police arrived. Three people were arrested for the attack.

Since that incident, Alam's son-in-law, Stian Akram Khokhar, has disappeared, according to the family.

"Christians in Pakistan are often targeted not only for their faith but because they live in poverty and have little means to defend themselves," an ICC spokesman said in a written statement.

The spokesman also requested prayer for the Alams.

"Please pray for Parvisha and Sanam and their family," the spokesman said. "Pray that God would strengthen their faith and heal their wounds. Pray that those responsible for these heinous crimes would be caught and punished appropriately."

About 500,000 young women worldwide are sold into sex slavery each year -- 150,000 of them in southern Asia, according to U.S. State Department figures reported by The New York Times.

ICC suggests concerned parties contact Pakistani embassies and request that the government of Pakistan work harder to protect the rights of religious minorities. A call placed by Baptist Press to Pakistan's embassy in Washington, D.C., was not returned by publication deadline Jan. 15.

National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009

2009-01-16T15:45:00.000-08:00

National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

White House News
En Español

All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us.

The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America. Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother.

America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science. In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life.

The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law. We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2009, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Ministry Update from Dawn

2008-12-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Lois’ Lodge Ministry Update November 20, 2008

Can you believe it’s almost time for Christmas?

I remember when I was twelve, wishing with all my might that I was a teenager. My grandmother wisely cautioned me not to “wish my life away”. She said before I knew it I would be old like her and wonder where the time went. Well, I wouldn’t consider myself old quite yet, but I am wondering how the time slips away so quickly!!

Right now I feel the Lord impressing me to slow down just a bit and be intentional about how I spend my time and resources. There is no better way to invest what He has blessed me with than to reach out to others – sharing myself, my time, my money, my family and other resources.

I challenge you to do the same - Take a break and evaluate. And let me know what He impresses you with. I’d like to be encouraged by hearing how God is speaking to you.

Praise!
The Fall Banquet of Hope was held on November 6th. The Lord filled the ballroom with 355 people who wanted to learn about His work in the lives of women, babies and families. Many new friends were made and support was raised as a result.

Someone has met the need for copying. Thank you to Qwik Copies on Kings Drive!

Prayer Requests!
We have 3 expectant moms due in December. Please pray for their unborn babies and the incredible miracle that they are about to experience. This baby might have been conceived outside of God’s will – but life is always a miracle!

Also, pray for our staff as they deal with a house full of pregnant young women - 3 due in one month!

Please pray for the family relationships of our clients. The holidays have a way of spotlighting relational breakdowns. Join my in committing these issues to the Lord, who is able to heal and restore.

Please pray for the mother-in-law of a staff member, who is having major health issues and is no longer able to care for herself, and pray for the family who is caring for her.

Also please pray for the son of a staff member who is having medical problems.

How YOU Can Help – Ministry Needs!
We are in desperate need of a team to rake leaves, pick up sticks, and weed the yards at our 4 homes.

Catering is needed for our Lunch & Learn on the 3rd Friday of each month. We are looking for someone who can donate a light lunch for these events. Attendance varies from 6 to 15 people.

Donation Drive Needed. We need paper products including bathroom tissue, paper towels, copy paper and postage stamps for the administrative office.

We also need donations of the 100 calorie snack packs and bottled water. We use these for participants in our classes at the Mom Shoppe Learning Center.

I’m looking for secret pals to encourage our program staff with words of encouragement, notes and very small gifts. A 3 month commitment will encourage someone who gives tirelessly to ministry of our clients.

If you have any questions, comments or are able to meet any of the mentioned needs please contact me.

Learn More!
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Lois’ Lodge we offer 3 events to help...

Lunch & Learn – 3rd Friday of each month at noon. This one hour presentation provides a history and ministry overview along with a tour. Lunch is complimentary but reservations are required.

Volunteer Orientation – 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. This one hour orientation includes an overview of the ministry as well as volunteer program. A tour is included. Please let me know if you are coming.

Informational Coffee – Beginning with the new year we would like for some of our ministry friends to host an informational coffee/dessert in their homes. Invite your small group, friends, and neighbors to learn about Lois’ Lodge. A representative will come and do a presentation. This is an informational meeting only, not a fundraiser. If you are interested in hosting one please contact me.

I pray that you have a beautiful Thanksgiving holiday. May God bless you and use you to bless and encourage others!

With Gratitude,
Dawn Guptill, Development Coordinator
Lois’ Lodge
www.loislodge.org
704.376.8550

Post Adoption Group Encouragement

2008-11-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

Birthmother Support Group Meeting Coming Up!
Holiday Tea
When: December 13, 2008, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: Pregnancy Resource Center
If you have questions or need directions please contact Meg at 704-995-6435
Bring anything you want to share or just bring you!
RSVP to Meg at pagegroup@yahoo.com or by calling 704-995-6345

PS: Next meeting will be February 14th at the Dilworth United Methodist Church on East Blvd., Charlotte
We will be having a card party.
We can make cards for our birth children, sweethearts or anyone else.

Video For Dads

2008-11-03T07:06:00.000-08:00

Obama's Speechto Planned Parenthood

2008-10-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

Baptist Press 10/24

Transcript of Barack Obama's speech to Planned Parenthood July 17, 2007

"It's been a little over five months since I announced my candidacy for president of the United States of America and everywhere we've been, we've been inspired by these enormous crowds. We had 20,000 people in Atlanta, 20,000 people in Austin, Texas, 15,000 people in Oakland, Calif. And I would love to take all the credit for these crowds myself, to say to myself that it's just because I'm just so fabulous, but my wife says otherwise. Michelle, I think, confirms that these crowds are not about me. It's about the hunger all across America for something different. It's about the sense that we can do better -- that we've come to a crossroads, that we're not pointed in the right direction.

"And as I look out over these crowds, and they are a wonderful cross-section of the country -- male, female, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native-American, disabled, gay, straight, old, young -- what I'm heartened to see is particularly the young people who are getting their first chance to be part of a larger movement of Americans. I see young women who are Ariana's age and younger, and I think about my own two daughters, Sasha and Malia, and sometimes it makes me stop and it makes me wonder: what kind of America will our daughters grow up in? What kind of America will our daughters grow up in?

"Will our daughters grow up with the same opportunities as our sons? Will our daughters have the same rights, the same dreams, the same freedoms to pursue their own version of happiness? I wonder because there's a lot at stake in this country today, and there's a lot at stake in this election, especially for our daughters. To appreciate that all you have to do is review the recent decisions handed down by the Supreme Court of the United States. For the first time in Gonzales vs. Carhart, the Supreme Court upheld a federal ban on abortions with criminal penalties for doctors. For the first time, the courts endorsed an abortion restriction without an exception for a woman's health. The decision presumed that the health of women is best protected by the court -- not by doctors and not by the woman herself. That presumption is wrong.

"Some people argue that the federal ban on abortion was just an isolated effort aimed at one medical procedure -- that it's not part of a concerted effort to steadily roll back the hard-won rights of American women. That presumption is also wrong. Within hours of the decision, an Alabama lawmaker introduced a measure to ban all abortions. With one more vacancy on the court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a woman's fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe vs. Wade, and that is what is at stake in this election.

"The only thing more disturbing than the decision was the rationale of the majority. Without any hard evidence, Justice Kennedy proclaimed, 'It is self-evident that a woman would regret her choice.' He cited medical uncertainty about the need to protect the health of pregnant women, even though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found no such uncertainty. Justice Kennedy knows many things; my understanding is he does not know how to be a doctor.

"He dismissed as mere preferences the reasoned judgment of the nation's doctors. As we've seen time after time these last few years when the president says otherwise, when the science is inconvenient, when the facts don't match up with the ideology, they are cast aside. Well, it's time for us to change that. It is time for a different attitude in the White House. It is time for a different attitude in the Supreme Court. It is time to turn the page and write a new chapter in American history.

"We know that five men don't know better than women and their doctors what's best for a woman's health. We know that it's about whether or not women have equal rights under the law. We know that a woman's right to make a decision about how many children to have and when -- without government interference -- is one of the most fundamental freedoms we have in this country. We also know that there was another voice that came from the bench -- a voice clear in reasoning and passionate in dissent. A voice rejected what she called, quote 'Ancient notions of women's place in the family and under the Constitution, ideas that have long been discredited.' One commentator called the decision in Gonzales, 'An attack on Ruth Bader Ginsburg's entire life's work.' And it was. But we heard Justice Ginsburg and we know what she was saying. She was saying, 'We've been there before and we are not going back. We refuse to go back.'

"We know it's not just one decision. It's the blow dealt to equal pay in the Ledbetter [v. Goodyear] case. It's the blow dealt to integration in the school desegregation case. It's an approach to the law that favors the powerful over the powerless -- that holds up a flawed ideology over the rights of the individual. We don't see America in these decisions -- that's not who we are as a people. We're a country founded on the principle of equality and freedom. We're the country that's fought generation after generation to steadily extend that equality to the many not restrict it to the few. We've been there before and we're not going back.

"I have worked on these issues for decades now. I put Roe at the center of my lesson plan on reproductive freedom when I taught constitutional law -- not simply as a case about privacy but as part of the broader struggle for women's equality. Steve and Pam will tell you that we fought together in the Illinois state Senate against restrictive choice legislation -- laws just like the federal [partial-birth] abortion ban that are cropping up. I've stood up for the freedom of choice in the United States Senate and I stand by my votes against the confirmation of Judge Roberts and Samuel Alito.

"So, you know where I stand. But this is more than just about standing our ground. It must be about more than protecting the gains of the past. We're at a crossroads right now in America -- and we have to move this country forward. This election is not just about playing defense, it's also about playing offense. It's not just about defending what is, it's about creating what might be in this country. And that's what we've got to work together on.

"There will always be people, many of goodwill, who do not share my view on the issue of choice. On this fundamental issue, I will not yield and Planned Parenthood will not yield.... [T]he first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do.... That's why I think it's important for us obviously to get not only a Democratic White House as well as a stronger Congress to protect these rights."

McCain's Speech to Nat. Right to Life

2008-10-28T12:54:00.000-07:00

Baptist Press 10/24

John McCain's Speech to the National Right to Life Convention July 3

Following is McCain's speech:

"Thank you for inviting me to address the 2008 National Right to Life Convention. I'm sorry I'm not able to be there in person to address you. More than 200 years ago, our nation's founders declared that we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It was no accident that they cited life as the first and most basic right, for without recognition of the right to life, we are not guaranteed any other rights. Sometimes all wisdom asks of us is that we recognize common sense. But sometimes wisdom, as to all other virtues, requires courage.

"Wisdom suggests that we should be willing to give an unborn child the same chance that our parents gave us. But it takes courage in this political climate to insist on the protection of unborn children, who can't vote, have no voice, and can't reward you with support and donations. Wisdom suggests that when federal judges impose their social views on the citizens of every state, the result is going to distort our politics in harmful ways. But it takes courage to insist that the courts have to return to their proper role.

"I will look for accomplished men and women with a proven record of excellence in the law and a proven commitment to strictly interpreting the Constitution of the United States. I will look for people in the cast of John Roberts, Sam Alito, my friend the late William Rehnquist -- jurists of the highest caliber who know their own minds, and know the law, and know the difference.

"I have been pro-life my entire public career. I am pro-life because I know what it is like to live without human rights, where human life is accorded no inherent value. And I know that I have a personal obligation to advocate human rights wherever they are denied -- in Bosnia or Burma, in Cuba or the Middle East, and in our own country, when we fail to respect the inherent dignity of all human life, born or unborn. That is a personal testament which you need not take on faith. You need only to examine my public record to know that I won't change my position. I've been proud to serve our great country in the military and in Congress.

"Throughout these years I have always believed that the most important duty of our national leaders is to protect human life. We protect human life from violent extremists who would destroy it to produce a cruel ideology. We protect the lives of the most vulnerable, whether they are the unborn, the elderly or the disabled. It is a privilege to defend Americans in war and in peace.

"I'm proud to stand with you in defending the sanctity of human life and in supporting mothers and children under the most challenging of circumstances.

"I'm proud of my wife Cindy, who brought our daughter Bridget home from Mother Teresa's orphanage in Bangladesh, and blessed our family with the gift of this blessed child of God. I am as thankful for her as I am for all of my children and am glad that we were able to give her a home and a better life.

"My friends we confront a difficult question when we address the issue of abortion. The American people are compassionate people, who cherish life and liberty. They love life, and they have an instinctive compassion for those who confront difficult circumstances. We believe that the best way to respond to such situations is to demonstrate our love and support for the mothers and children who are at the center of such challenges. The pro-life movement has done this for decades by participating in and supporting thousands of pregnancy care centers that help women and their children meet these challenges.

"In November, the American people will choose a new president to lead our country during very challenging times. I will proudly defend my record of protecting human life during key debates on domestic and international policy. I am proud to have supported a ban on partial-birth abortion and legislation that would protect children who survived an abortion procedure.

"On the very first day, after the Supreme Court upheld the ban on the hideous practice of partial-birth abortion, a bill was introduced in Congress to codify this practice in every one in the United States of America. The same legislation would strike down the Hyde amendment, named after our great friend and champion of human life -- the incomparable Henry Hyde -- and would also strike down every other federal and state limitation on abortion funding. This legislation, with has been co-sponsored by my opponent, would also strike down every parental notification law enacted anywhere in our country.

"The American people have come together to say that partial-birth abortion offends our national conscience, that taxpayers should not be forced to pay for elective abortions, and that states should be allowed to enact parental notification laws. And those who oppose these protections of human life, unable to prevail in legislatures, hope to appoint to the federal courts jurists who would reject this political consensus, and impose on us abortion policies that offend the conscience of man, many Americans.

"My friends, I want to thank you again, for your commitment to a cause that is greater than us all -- protecting human life, and helping women and children, wherever they need our support.

"May God bless America, and your unselfish efforts, on behalf of all His children."

Weak Christian Support Could Enable Obama Win

2008-10-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

LifeNews.com 10/25

Poll: Weak Christian Support Could Enable Pro-Abortion Obama to Beat McCain

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- If Barack Obama, described by pro-life groups as the most pro-abortion presidential candidate since the 1973, becomes president pro-life voters may have themselves to blame. New polling data shows evangelical Christian voters, typically the most pro-life voting group, failing to strongly support John McCain. A new survey from the Barna Group, a Christian research firm, finds evangelical voters preferring McCain over Obama by a 63 percent to 23 percent group. While that's a strong lead, President Bush pulled in 85 percent of those voters in 2004 when he won a narrow victory over pro-abortion candidate John Kerry. Barna looked at self-identified born-again Christians, who do not describe themselves as evangelical. The support McCain over Obama by a scant 45 percent to 43 percent margin, which is within the survey's margin of error. In 2004, 62% of this category voted for Bush. Overall, the Barna survey shows 60 percent of faith voters support Barack Obama while only 49 percent backed Kerry in 2004. The lack of support for McCain's candidacy from these voters who compose a large segment of the Republican base helps explain why McCain has been unable to have a more solid hold on states Bush won in the last two elections.

Lois' Lodge Mom Shoppe

2008-10-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

Are you pregnant?
Do you need Baby Items? Household items? Personal items?

Lois Lodge Mom’s Shoppe gives you an opportunity to learn more and earn the item you need!

We offer classes to educate women about pregnancy, parenting, finances, resume writing, interviewing skills, cooking and cleaning skills, health care, safety and first aide. We also provide individual counseling in budgeting, furthering education, and job readiness.

By attending these classes you have an opportunity to earn coupons to use towards the items you need.

There are several ways to earn coupons:
Meet with counselor to set up class plan (worth 5 coupons or Maternity Clothes)
Attend the weekly evening class
Do Independent Studies
Do class homework
Attend Church and bring in Bulletin
Memorize Scriptures
Save Money – Must be able to provide account statement
Bring in current pay stub

Lois Lodge has a limited selection of Maternity Clothes for those needing clothes.

Baby Items Available (all items subject to availability)
Diapers
Wipes
Clothes
Bedding
Pack & Plays
Cribs
High Chairs
Exer Saucers
Car Seats
Strollers
Formula

Household and Personal Items are also available. Check out the Mom’s Shoppe to see all we have!

To learn more about this program call: 704-376-8550

Prominent Black Pro-Life Leaders Endorse McCain, Not Obama, Over Abortion

2008-10-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

LifeNews.com 10/20

Prominent Black Pro-Life Leaders Endorse McCain, Not Obama, Over Abortion
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- In a powerful video with personal testimonials, key black pro-life leaders, including Dr. Alveda C. King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., talk about how their faith influences the policies and politics they support. These black Americans state eloquently why they support Sen. John McCain and cannot, in good conscience, support Barack Obama. A primary reason cited by these black American leaders is Obama's radical position on abortion, including the fact that Obama voted four times in the Illinois Senate against the bill that would provide health care to babies born alive after a botched abortion. Why is the issue of abortion so important to black American leaders? Black communities are being devastated by abortion which is tantamount to black genocide, they say. Some 35% of abortions in the United States are performed on African-American women, while they represent only 12% of the nation's female population. According to the 2000 Census, 14 million (17 million as of 2007) African-American children have been killed through abortion. This means that more African-American babies have been killed by abortion during the past 30 years than the total number of African-American deaths from all other causes combined, including AIDS, heart disease, cancer, violent crimes and accidents. See the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkQd8wnyQ7s

Ministry Update

2008-10-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Ministry Update from Dawn........

Lunch & Learn
3rd Friday of each month at noon.
Spend your lunch hour with us; learn more about Lois' Lodge through a tour and informational presentation. Lunch is complimentary. Dates for 2008: October 17th, November 21st, December 19th. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve space contact Dawn Guptill at (704) 376-8550 or dg_loislodge@bellsouth.net

Praises!
We thank God for his work in the life of former client, Cindy. She has decided to make an outward statement about her personal relationship with the Lord through Baptism. Cindy will be baptized on October 25th.

Several women from the community have participated this month in our Mom Shoppe learning opportunities, and as a result have been able to earn needed items for themselves and their babies. We praise God that he is expanding our territory to reach out to women who need our support with non-residential services. More important than the learning opportunities and material needs, we are blessed to share a Gospel presentation with each participant.

We are thankful for small groups who have recently provided for our needs through a frozen food drive and have provided cleaning services.

We are extremely grateful to the Lord for providing for the needs of this ministry even in light of a struggling economy. Thank you to our friends who continue to give out of their love for the Lord and their desire to be a part of his work.

Opportunities to Serve
Holiday Classes - In the month of November we are looking for small groups who would like to spend time with the residents doing holiday crafts, or doing mini "cooking classes" to teach, prepare and enjoy a holiday style meal with our residents. Times are available on Tuesday evenings. Contact Dawn regarding specific dates.

Secret Pals – This is a new opportunity to encourage our staff. Secret pals will commit to pray for a staff member and send cards, prayers and very small gift items to show our tireless program staff some unconditional love. This is a 3 month commitment.

Mentors – mentors are women with a vibrant personal relationship with Christ, who commit to meet with residents once per week to be a friend and prayer partner. This commitment lasts the course of the resident’s pregnancy.

Ministry Needs!
Light Bulbs for our porch lights
Mini Blinds or pleated shades sizes: Laundry room 36 by 37(we need 1) Doors 271/2 by 64 (we need 4), Hallway-331/2 by 69 (we need 2)
New Tires for our van: a Ford E-350
Ink Cartridges: hp 56, 57, 20, 49
Reusable Water Bottles
We are in constant need of office supplies and appreciate office store gift cards to help offset the costs.

Prayer Requests!
Please be in prayer for our clients as they are making difficult decisions regarding how they should parent their children. They have the option of parenting the child themselves or allowing another couple to parent through adoption. At Lois' Lodge we encourage clients to seek God and allow him to guide them. He formed each precious child and has a perfect plan for their life.

Please be in prayer for our upcoming Banquet of Hope on November 6, 2008. Would you pray that the Lord would fill our tables with people who are passionate about joining God at work in ministry through financial support, in-kind donations and volunteerism? In order to sustain our work we need to increase awareness and support for Lois’ Lodge.

We would love to hear from you!
Do you have prayer requests, suggestions or questions?
Please contact us by phone at (704) 376-8550 or email.

President Bush Honors Pregnancy Centers

2008-09-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

LifeNews.com 9/19

President Bush to Honor Pregnancy Center Volunteers With Service Award
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Dozens of volunteers at pregnancy centers across the country will receive distinguished service awards at a White House ceremony today. The award shows the appreciation President Bush has for the millions of volunteers, staff, board members and supporters of centers that help women avoid abortions. The President's Volunteer Service Award will be conferred on 32 Heartbeat International affiliated pregnancy resource centers and 55 volunteers who serve at the centers. Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Joxel Garcia will bestow the honors on the dedicated advocates of women and children for the significant contributions they have made to their communities. Heartbeat International President Peggy Hartshorn told LifeNews.com she is "thrilled to see our volunteers honored by the Administration."

Where to Start......

2008-09-19T08:36:00.003-07:00

But where was I to start? The world is so vast. I shall start with the country I know best, my own. But my country is so very large. I had better start with my town. But my town, too, is large. I had best start with my street. No: my home. No: my family. Never mind, I shall start with myself.
-- Elie Wiesel

Cartoon Ridicules Palin's Faith

2008-09-19T08:36:00.002-07:00

CitizenLink 9/18

Cartoon Ridicules Palin's Faith

The Washington Post Web site features a political cartoon that mocks Gov. Sarah Palin's faith.

Cartoonist Pat Oliphant takes aim at Palin's Pentecostal beliefs, portraying the vice presidential candidate as speaking gibberish that is incomprehensible even to God.

Kristen Fyfe, a senior writer at the Media Research Center, said this is just the latest evidence of the liberal media bias.

“They are really trying to find just about anything that they can to throw at her to make her seem unappealing or take the bloom off of the rose," she told Family News in Focus.

Washington Post ombudsman Deborah Howell conceded the cartoon was overdoing it and "readers were right to complain."

Tom Minnery, senior vice president for government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action, weighed in during today's Election Video Update.

"If this very repugnant cartoon gets wide play," he said, "it will boost Sarah Palin's popularity, strictly because of the backlash."
http://www.citizenlink.org/

Crib Notes

2008-09-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

The latest edition of our Crib Notes Newsletter is now available online. Go to: www.loislodge.org/cribnotesseptember08.html or click on CRIB NOTES title of this blog.

Please check it out - and feel free to forward to those you feel may be interested in the work of Lois' Lodge in minsistering to women, babies and families.

Thanks for your friendship and support!

Pizza Night

2008-09-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Pizza Night to Benefit Lois' Lodge

Please join us
Tuesday, September 30th from 5 to 9pm
at ANZI PIZZA
7828 Rea Rd. Suite F
Charlotte, NC 28277
http://www.anzipizza.com/

Bring your friends and family!
Enjoy a great meal of pizza, pasta

When you mention that you are with Lois' Lodge
Owner Phil Mannio will donate a percentage of the proceeds from your purchase to benefit our program.
(Thanks Phil!)

Comfortable with controversy

2008-09-18T07:35:00.003-07:00

Pastor Steve Furtick of Elevation Church has a blog which he updates often. I always look forward to hearing more about what the Lord has laid on Pastor Furtick's heart. I have watched this church closely as my sonshine goes there and I have been impressed with their boldness and creativity in reaching our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Check out Elevation Church and Pastor Furtick's blog. Good stuff! Debbie

Pastor Steven Furtick Blog Update
Comfortable with controversy

Posted: 18 Sep 2008 07:55 AM CDT

I told our team the other day:
We’ve got to become more comfortable with controversy!

We’ve learned how to tolerate it and move past it. Now it’s time for us to learn to view it as a gift, and use it to our advantage. Controversy is a sign of progress. Controversy is a sign of impact. Controversy is a precursor to promotion. And a training ground for greater things.

If you want to be like Christ, expect controversy.
And when it comes, don’t fight it. Ride it. Pray through it. Learn from it. Celebrate it.
And watch God use it to elevate you to your next level.

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/uncategorized/comfortable-with-controversy/

Lois' Lodge Maternity Home

Judge: North Carolina Must Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz

Cohabitation Linked to Unstable Families

Abortion Has Caused 300K Breast Cancer Deaths Since Roe

text4baby Contest!

Want to Be on TV?

The High Cost of Unintended Pregnancy

North Carolina House Approves Choose Life License Plates

Option Line

I get calls all the time from people looking for resources for family/friends experiencing unplanned pregnancies. The Option Line (http://www.optionline.org/) provides great information which you can share.

Divine Disconnect: Should Faith Leaders Be Talking to Their Congregations About Sex?

The Public Costs of Unplanned Pregnancy

The Public Costs of Unplanned Pregnancy

Choose Life Plate To Get House Vote

Fast Fact- Sexually Transmitted Diseases

STD wizard

HB 854-Woman's Right to Know

Teens Say Parents Most Influence Their Decisions About Sex

North Carolina Choose Life License Plates

North Carolina Panel Passes Women's Right to Know Bill | LifeNews.com

Abortions Down In NC, Steady Nationwide

National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy Youth Leadership Team

New Planned Parenthood Report: Record Abortions Done in 2009

Obama Distances Himself From Planned Parenthood Sex Trafficking Scandal

Congress Defending Life

"Choose Life" Bill Introduced

Update on HB 1366

P.S. Stay updated with all of the latest news out of Washington State by signing up to receive Heartbeat's Action Alerts and Stay Updated emails.

Washington Votes Thursday on Bill Attacking Pregnancy Centers | LifeNews.com

Mom: Woman who left baby in toilet can't remember

Current Needs at Lois' Lodge

Current needs for Lois' Lodge. Let us know if you can help!Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Furniture Polish, Bathroom Cleaners, Trash Bags, House Filters-14"x20", 40 or 60 watt bulbs, toilet bowl cleaner and brushes, copy paper, stamps, paper towels, toilet paper, coffee, and diapers.

Lois' Lodge Mom Shoppe

Great planning meeting for the Mom Shoppe yesterday. We will be meeting every Thursday at 10:30 AM for awhile. Come and join us and watch God at work. Amazing stuff happening there.

Planned Parenthood Scandal

PA Abortion Doc Charged with 8 Counts of Murder

All Hands on Deck

Contraception Use doesn't decrease numbers of Abortions

http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/emailalerts/2011/0112.htm

Real Men Do Get Flu Shots

Shock: 41% of New York City Pregnancies End in Abortion | LifeNews.com

January is Declared Choose Life License Plate Month

Family Research Council- And Down Will Come Baby

And Down Will Come Baby...

Former Planned Parenthood Director to Expose Abortion Biz | LifeNews.com

Pence Drops Bill to De-Fund Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz | LifeNews.com

Hope for Tomorrow - Hope Booklet

Calling all Volunteers

Happy Mothers Day

A prayer for a lost mother is answered

Note to you from one of our Lois' Lodge moms

A Touch from God for Karen

Focus on the Family Ad Pulled

NCAA Pulls the Plug on Focus Ad After Protest

Christ Covenant

Tea Party at Lois' Lodge

Letter from Paul and Marilyn Smith

Feb/Mar 2010 Donation List

Welcome Rebecca Lynn!!!

'The email you have been waiting for: Student Pro-Life Jobs and Internships!'

Abstinence Works!

Study: Teaching Abstinence Works Better Than Sex Ed

Powerful Words From The Shawpkins Community Group from Elevation Church

Special Edition Crib Notes Newsletter

40 Days For Life Campaign

2010 Walk-A-Thon

Save The Lodge

Free Speech and the Choose Life License Plate

Homes for Hope Concert Coming Soon

Truth Project Worldview Project

Lois' Lodge Walkathon

Choose Life NC License Plate

White House confirms 2 million RED ENVELOPES

Prayer Request- Amanda

Doctor's Protections on Abortions Being Removed

6th Annual Lois' Lodge Walkathon

Pro-life Petition

Ministry update by Dawn

Distribution Ideas for the Red Envelopes

Order Your Red Envelopes

Current needs for Lois' Lodge. Let us know if you can help!

Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Furniture Polish, Bathroom Cleaners, Trash Bags, House Filters-14"x20", 40 or 60 watt bulbs, toilet bowl cleaner and brushes, copy paper, stamps, paper towels, toilet paper, coffee, and diapers.