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'The new front line'

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By MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Sunday, Jan 14, 2007 - 12:24:16 am CST

Religious nut.

Anti-scientist.

Zombie.

Story Photo
Supporters of Nebraska Right to Life march from the state capitol to the UNL Student Union during the annual Nebraska Walk For Life on Saturday. (Michael McNamara)

Hurl whatever name you please at pro-life Nebraskans. Just know it’s not likely to do much good.

They’re not going anywhere.

They made that clear Saturday when hundreds braved freezing temperatures and a couple of inches of fresh snow to take part in the annual Walk for Life sponsored by Nebraska Right to Life to fight legalized abortion.

Marchers — all ages, all sizes, dressed in all types of winter apparel — trekked eight chilly blocks from the state Capitol to the Nebraska Union, where, as usual, they sipped hot chocolate and listened to a panel discussion.

This year, though, the topic was not abortion, but embryonic stem-cell research, controversial research supporters say holds promise for treatment for such conditions as Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries.

Opponents say the research — which uses embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization — destroys human life.

And they are attacking the research, which takes place at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, with renewed fervor as public opinion sways in its favor and some lawmakers move to expand state and federal support for it.

Indeed, Saturday’s panel discussion was evidence that, more than three decades after Roe v. Wade —  and as the number of abortions performed in Nebraska continues to fall — the pro-life movement has shifted gears.

“Unethical research is the new Roe v. Wade,” Nebraska Right to Life Executive Director Julie Schmit-Albin said in an interview before Saturday’s walk.

“We are hoping to energize our movement, and this will provide a focus. We believe that when people understand (the research), they become passionate.”

The shift is not just local. Pro-life voters across the nation have been galvanized by a new constitutional amendment in Missouri that protects the research and by promises by a Democratic Congress to ease federal restrictions on it.

In Nebraska, political candidates can no longer nab the key Right to Life endorsement unless they oppose embryonic stem-cell research.

“There is a new momentum,” Schmit-Albin said. “We want people to understand the urgency.”

The key, Saturday’s panelists told the crowd of about 800: Those who conduct embryonic stem-cell research effectively dictate the direction of a human life — an act not within their rights.

“Only God can be the author of life,” said Greg Schleppenbach, director of pro-life activities for the Nebraska Catholic Conference and a board member of the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research.

“These are the new front lines in the pro-life movement ... We need to dig deep,” Schleppenbach added to a standing ovation.

Echoed fellow panelist Chip Maxwell, the coalition’s executive director: “The stakes are very high here. We’re either going to go one way or the other in the way we treat human life.”

The panelists contended too little attention has been given to adult stem-cell research, which does not involve embryo destruction. Researchers already have had some success using adult stem cells to treat such conditions as spinal cord injuries.

Stem cells drawn from umbilical cord blood and from amniotic fluid may also have potential.

Embryonic stem-cell research, on the other hand, has resulted in no cures for human diseases, the panelists said.

“The science is actually on our side,” said Maxwell.

But some researchers believe embryonic stem cells, because they are younger and more flexible than adult stem cells, hold much more promise.

“You can quote me on this: The science is not on their side,” said David Crouse, UNMC’s associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and a stem cell researcher.

Treatments from adult stem-cell research trumpeted by the pro-life movement “are not accepted therapies,” said Crouse, who was not at Saturday’s event.

“It’s a lie. ... Embryonic stem cells have tremendous potential.”

UNMC researchers only use already existing stem cell lines for embryonic stem-cell research, work that falls in line with regulations set forth by President George W. Bush in 2001.

And the NU Board of Regents has a long-standing policy that UNMC research must abide by federal guidelines. University policy also explicitly bans cloning.

But Schmit-Albin and others are convinced that without a legislative ban on embryonic stem-cell research, UNMC labs eventually will pursue cloning.

“They want completely unfettered research,” she said. “We believe that cloning is ultimately where they want to go.

“We will not give the university a pass.”

Responded Crouse: “I can’t predict what will happen 10 years from now, but I can tell you right now nobody is planning any cloning.”

He shot down calls for legislation banning the research, saying such a law would send a message that Nebraska is not a forward-thinking state.

“It would deter people from coming to Nebraska to work.”

With two days left for Nebraska lawmakers to introduce new bills, Schmit-Albin is confident her supporters, armed with information gained Saturday, are ready for a fight.

“We are motivated and we are prepared.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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ET wrote on January 14, 2007 12:24 am:
" Okay, if calling them those names won't work, how about these? - Hypocrites - Liars - Pro-War - Anti-Intellectual - Chicken Hawks - Anti-Sex And yes, they are Anti-Science. The US that they so love to badger and condemn is the same country that gives them their giant SUV's, giant McMansions, Giant MegaChurches and huge amounts of money that they tend to have. Whatever, but I'm still not swayed. Pro-Life people are hypocrites of the highest order. So worried about life in the womb, but couldn't care less about life once it's outside of the womb. Their punitive and fascist minds seem to enjoy seeing single mothers living on welfare, while they continue to preach hatred and non-tolerance to anything outside of their belief systems. And yes, Nebraska is not a forward-thinking state. The more we keep ourselves set back in the Dark Ages, the more we continue to become irrelevant as a state. How about you so-called 'Pro-Lifers' start creating some jobs and pushing the economy forward, rather than spending your time legislating hatred towards everyone who isn't a brain-dead clone such as yourself? "
willy jo wrote on January 14, 2007 12:27 am:
" prase the lard! the almity will rise again to reek ruin on all those that disagree with him. they will be crushed like the bugs that they r and will find themselve in the hither, fer ever after. "
Brutal_Truth wrote on January 14, 2007 12:37 am:
" This is why I'm ashamed to be a Nebraskan. I could never run for office in this state, because I have too much integrity to pander to the archaic, obsolete beliefs of a flock of superstitious numbskulls. "
Bob wrote on January 14, 2007 12:53 am:
" Yep, Nebraska Right To Life is motivated and prepared to keep Nebraska the joke of a state that it is. After all, how are we supposed to keep up our reputation as the backwater hick state that we are if we, OMG, allowed science to progress? "
Ignorant wrote on January 14, 2007 1:22 am:
" I can't remember the last time that a Petri dish gave birth. I'm all for protecting *viable* human life. A clump of cells sitting in a laboratory is not and will never be a viable human life--unless *humans* do something to make it viable (by implanting those cells in a human). And keep in mind, it's not as if these scientists are trying to create a Frankenstein monster or find the solution to people getting wrinkles--they're trying to cure diseases that kill thousands of people every year. The mindset of the people in this story is simplistic and dangerous. Science is the hope to cure Parkinson's, folks, not prayer vigils. "
Nate wrote on January 14, 2007 2:12 am:
" Don't like abortion? Then keep your legs closed and don't have one. Don't legislate your morals on everyone else. As an aside, how many of these 'Right to Life' folks also support the death penalty or our killing of hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqis? Even better, how many of these same hypocrites have directly or indirectly (family, friends, etc.) benefited from stem cell research? "
Doug wrote on January 14, 2007 3:25 am:
" I am embarrassed to be a Nebraskan. We need to find cures for disease and birht defects, now more than ever. "
connie wrote on January 14, 2007 4:20 am:
" This abortion debate has been going on all of my adult life. I remember all-night sessions over it in my dorm at college. The arguments on either side haven't changed in 35 years. I don't believe that the right to lifers will ever prevail as long as they continue to dismiss the consequences in human suffering that would result if they had their way. Ignoring the facts doesn't change them. This stem cell debate is just an offshoot of that. As long as they ignore the human suffering this research is trying to alleviate, they cannot win.The majority of the population will never give a group of cells, potential for human life or not,more rights than a living, breathing, thinking, feeling, human being. The majority of people are more compassionate than that. "
Todd wrote on January 14, 2007 5:21 am:
" The Right To Lifers are demonstrating their true ignorance in this fight against stem cell research. It would be one thing if the existence of this research led to an increase in abortions, at least that would be consistent with their views of protecting the unborn child. But, "UNMC researchers only use already existing stem cell lines for embryonic stem-cell research." So I ask you, Ms. Schmit-Albin, would you rather we a.) do life saving research; or b.) be more "humane" and chuck these dead fetuses into the garbage? And come on, cloning? Surely you can come up with a better scare tactic than that! It's not as if UNMC is infested with a community of Dr. Jekylls with fanatical notions of controlling the world with godless human automatons. These people are fighting against cancer, stroke, and infectious disease so that you, I, and our children will live longer, healthier lives. I beg of you, please, stop fighting to prevent the advancement of medical science. Embryonic stem cell research has potential to save thousands if not millions of lives, so let the researchers carry on their fight for the betterment of human life. "
Hjalmer wrote on January 14, 2007 7:37 am:
" My Dad had Parkinsons and my three sisters had various afflictions that all could have been helped by the potential of stem cell research. Others in the future should just suffer like my family to satisfy these wrong headed radicals? Every advancement in science and medicine that we enjoy today came over the objection of religious nuts that always argue that we're tampering with God's will. Phoney. "
WCG wrote on January 14, 2007 8:05 am:
" This is the danger when people try to force their own religious beliefs on everyone else. Are we going to have science controlled by a bunch of Christian ayatollahs now? Are we going to require teaching that the Earth is only 5,000 years old and that evolution is a myth? A few cells are NOT a human being (not to mention that these cells will be destroyed, anyway). Worry about children, not about fetuses. If you don't want to use advanced medical care yourself, that's up to you. But this "controversy" is nothing but discovering you like having political power - and deciding to keep extending it into other parts of our lives. Believe whatever makes you feel good, if you must, but don't force your beliefs on me! "
Devaney4ever wrote on January 14, 2007 8:47 am:
" It amazes me that there is so much hate toward so few people. Not one of the people who have responded to this article have anything positive to say about what the pro-life movement has done in Nebraska. Abortions are at historically low numbers in this state partly because of the education that the Nebraska Right to Life movement provides to young women. I agree that legislating morality is hypocritical, I also agree that life conceived is still a life. It is a dangerous slope we slide when we begin to tamper with the conception process. The problem is not the research that is done, it is the fact that the research conceives life to destroy it. Certainly the argument can be made that there is no shortage of sperm or eggs in Nebraska, and if these to seperate elements are so plentiful, why not exploit them for some other good. But what is right is right, God makes the rules, not man, when we remember that and put that into the perspective of all religions, no man can trump that. We all have the unfortunate truth in front of us, we are going to die and we are going to suffer. The death penalty as corporal punishment has existed since the beginning of man, unjust wars for profit do not protect life they jeopardize it. So to be pro-life, anti-war and against the death penalty is not hypocritical, it is God fearing and may He bless all who defend His laws and not man's. Peace be with you all. "
tk wrote on January 14, 2007 8:55 am:
" how about i cut out a clump of cells from your body(your kidney) and use it so i can live. Then i'll cut out your heart for good measure. "
Susann wrote on January 14, 2007 8:59 am:
" It's too bad that people's ignorance and lack of education will stop the progress of science and end life of viable humans afflicted with horrendous debilitating diseases. How many "Right to Life" activists truly understand stem cell research? I assume they have no problem with cloning as it doesn't use an aborted fetus? Get your facts straight and open your eyes. "
MCA wrote on January 14, 2007 9:05 am:
" Why don't they put their time to a good use. Why don't they pick up trash, help raise money for those less fortunate, or serve food to the hungry. If you believe they are going to hell, let them go to hell and do something useful with your time. "
Hank wrote on January 14, 2007 9:16 am:
" Let's just ignore these closed minded and ignorant people and do what is right. Scientific research to improve peoples' lives is precisely what the University should be doing. Those who would stop responsible and careful scientific research are not good people; they are emotional religious fanatics who refuse to think and reason. If there indeed were something like hell, these allegedly Christian but very cruel people would be prime candidates for a non-stop one-way trip to that place. "
Sylvia wrote on January 14, 2007 9:19 am:
" I can call these people a perfectly nice and truthful name on this issue: the minority, an ever decreasing minority. If these people were really interested in every fetus and embryo being born, they would have developed the fetus transplant or the human incubator by now. Instead they spend their money lobbying and printing posters and pointing their fingers. All this group does is make themselves feel better and use tactics that advocate more and more parentless children. "
Science wrote on January 14, 2007 9:24 am:
" Don't any of you realize its not about science not at all. Its about the fact of taking a human life killing it and then using it to come up with a cure. Well if any of you and those with family that had Parkinsen's realized there are other options than abortion stem cells. Why is it that the liberal popualtion zones in on the neg. and immoral? There are other ways of finding a cure and that are more progressive. Why stick with this. Also why aren't we teaching our children to keep their legs closed? Teaching them morals and spending time with them? "
Gerard Harbison wrote on January 14, 2007 9:40 am:
" It's an interesting departure for the religious right, though. Pelple can disagree about abortion, but in the end it's a personal matter that impacts individual women. ESCR pits the religious right against science, and a large majority of scientists, and is a matter of public health and public policy. It's much more akin to trying to force the teaching of creationism, and I suspect the results will be the same. "
Embryonic Stem Cell Research wrote on January 14, 2007 10:12 am:
" has produced no results. However, adult stem cell and amniotic stem cell research HAS and is the promising research for the future. There is a difference. Educate yourselves and find out!!! "
jj wrote on January 14, 2007 10:16 am:
" I have a chronic illness that there has been no cure found for it as of yet. Stem-cell research is not an abortion supportting reaserch. Stems cells research will find cures for many many diseases as long as 'people' will allow the research. The science community has found a way to 'clone' stem cells but then again that is another dirty word for the ignorant ans have also found stem cells in amniotic fluid. These people that find the need to protest really should do a little more research and find out what is really going on. Don't just jump on the band wagon spouting and supporting people that do not know all the real information. "
NotGoingAnywhere wrote on January 14, 2007 10:31 am:
" I am not going anywhere. And also, science is on MY side. Science is what shows us the beautiful development of the unborn child before birth. Its amazing! As for stem cell research, as the presenters said during the presentation that was given yesterday, 'we love stem cell research'. Just not the kind that 'deliberately' destroys a human life. Get an embryology textbook! "
JT wrote on January 14, 2007 10:36 am:
" An embryonic stem cell is as large as the period at the end of this sentence. I applaud the Democrats for passing the stem cell bill and I urge the president to sign it. I respect the Right to Lifers views, but disagree with them on this one. "
Julie Schmit-Albin wrote on January 14, 2007 11:04 am:
" Todd: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (human cloning)...when the topic was being discussed in testimony before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on March 10, 2005; Dr. David Crouse of UNMC said, "We want to do it." It's in the legislative transcript of the hearing if you want to check it out. Four representatives of UNMC came that day and testified against LB 437, the ban on cloning which included a ban on cloning for research. They are on record wanting to leave the door open to cloning. This is in direct conflict with their supposed guidelines set down by the University's Bio-Ethics Advisory Committee. Their testimony has never been rescinded. If cloning isn't their real end game then why were these four reps of UNMC allowed to come and testify against the cloning ban? "
Get the facts: wrote on January 14, 2007 11:06 am:
" Adult stem cells are limited to what they can do..they're already specialized and skin cells can only become skin cells whereas embryonic stem cells have an unlimited amount of possibilities as they can become any kind of human tissue. Embryonic stem cells gives us hope to repair a multitude of diseases and damaged tissues. Adult stem cells, on the other hand are limited and also difficult to reproduce in labs. "
Devaney4ever wrote on January 14, 2007 11:33 am:
" Ignorance, lack of education? What schools do you have to attend to know wrong from right? This is really sad to see so many of you spew opinions and slanders at people who are doing something that they sincerely believe in. These same people work with you, play with your children, coach your kids soccer teams, serve the poor, give to needy causes, whatever. People who are willing to walk in sub zero temperatures to bring awareness to a topic that divides so many people are not fanaticals or zealots. They are not trying to take anything from anyone, but give everyone awareness of an evil that is selfish and not right. Some of them may have different perspectives on the topic, but the debate is futile. Abortion is and always will be wrong. Its not illegal and I hope it never is for the safety of women who choose this evil upon themselves. And these people are just pointing out that supporting embryonic research is not where they want there tax dollars spent and so they vocalize it. May God's light always shine upon them,and for the rest of you, may he have mercy on your souls! "
CS wrote on January 14, 2007 11:55 am:
" Right to Life advocates need to stop taking graphics arts classes and going to legal seminars on the most effective way to legally stalk people outside their homes and go back to school for a basic science education. Other than the endearment factor, a blastocyst in a petri dish is little different from a cancer tumor. RTL people advocate that a clump of cells has rights. Welllllll....if thats the case then when will the law change so I can start claiming an extra child on my tax return because of a 1 month old conception? From a biological standpoint, that is called an embryo. Even though an egg can be fertilized, it cannot sustain itself without attaching to the uterine wall and having the flow of blood from the mother's womb begin. It also cannot sustain itself outside the body until the third trimester.I have issues with third trimester abortions being born premature myself, but the number of those that occur is much less then those protesting would have you believe. Many pro-lifers, through ignorance or purposeful delusion allow themselves to believe that women are carrying their pregnancy right up to the very end of the 5th month and then getting an abortion-the non-medically existant term 'partial birth' abortion. In some cases D/Cs can't be done because of medical issues with the fetus and other therapies that are tried first. In any case your supporters would have everyone assume that people just flock to abortion clinics for the procedure and then go out for a latte. In the two that I have gone with for support that is definately not the case. It still doesnt change my opinion that the rights of the living outweigh the rights of the non-living, with alive being survival through biological processes without heroic measures. The human developing fetus can't survive outside the womb without heroic measures until the third trimester. Outlaw post third trimester abortions if you want but don't try to create definitions of legality to assuage your tortured sense of overdeveloped conscience. "
Zoomie wrote on January 14, 2007 12:05 pm:
" Another reason they are weakening is they lie too often! Amniotic stem cells were announced only weeks ago, yet already the anti-abortion crowd are claiming non-existent cures from these cells. Notice they fail to mention the chief scientist on the project said last week that amniotic stem cell research is at least 10yrs behind embryionic stem cell research, and that we MUST press on with embryonic cell research! Democratic bill on ESC research specifically says only embryos that are scheduled to be discarded and destroyed can be used (anti-abortion crowd - those are your choices: use the embryo for research or destroy it in fire, choose!). Truth is, the anti-abortion crowd have suffered several defeats lately, defeats which make clear that they are only a minority group. The anti-abortion law passed by the South Dakota legislature was overturned in a referendum. Most voters in SD believe a woman DOES have a right to have an abortion. The people of Missouri passed a pro-embryonic stem cell research bill. And ET was totally correct! I stopped calling them "pro-life" when Reagan was President and it became cristal clear these fanatics cared only about forcing women to live as they decreed, but had NO interest in that fetus once it really became a living, breathing child! That is not pro-life, its anti-choice! "
someone who cares wrote on January 14, 2007 12:28 pm:
" I am tired of pro-lifers! If you don't like abortion, DON"T HAVE ONE! Simple as that. As for the rest of the people, it's OUR business, NOT YOURS! "
Comm UnSense wrote on January 14, 2007 12:35 pm:
" I agree - adult stem cell reseach, yes. Amniotic stem cell research, yes. Embryonic stem cell research, no. Why waste time where there are no results? Why is this even an issue? "
Scott wrote on January 14, 2007 12:59 pm:
" Have more abortions! That's my cry as a liberal. I don't even care about the research. I just want to see more babies killed. Is this honostly what the NRTL thinks we believe? "
josh wrote on January 14, 2007 1:26 pm:
" This fetal worship is disturbing. The whole argument is about increasing the quality of life for millions vs. the warped fetal worshiping few. "
Not a fetus wrote on January 14, 2007 1:33 pm:
" The Right to Lifers are putting too many eggs in the stem cell basket. When you're talking about an embryo — one that's going to be thrown away anyway — the court of public opinion is not going to tilt your way like it does when you're talking about a fetus. The warm and fuzzies just aren't there. People, compassionate, empathetic ones, are more likely to side with a Parkinson's patient or the kid in the wheel chair that benefits from ESCR. It's a bad political move on their part. Now the public gets to see these people for the ditto-headed, anti-science, anti-life fanatics they truly are. But please, let's not embolden them by telling them they're going to hell. That's the sort of self-righteous, overzealous rhetoric they like to hurl at homosexuals and pregnant teenagers. Let's show them that compassion they're so proud of (I've yet to see it). "
Julie wrote on January 14, 2007 1:35 pm:
" A former student of mine recently had his life saved by a highly experimental treatment utilizing embryonic stem cell research. I thank God for the technology that allowed scientists and doctors to use embryos that would have otherwise been destroyed to save the life of this wonderful human being. Could it be that the embryos being used are fulfilling their purpose? "
Nemesis wrote on January 14, 2007 1:47 pm:
" The pro-lifers have gone over the edge. This is about as hypocritical as shooting abortion doctors and bombing clinics. Stem cell research has the potential to save lives. Real lives. Not the clumps of cells in test tubes that these zealots are putting so much energy towards "saving". "
Gart wrote on January 14, 2007 2:19 pm:
" Ignorance is bliss... "
Fed Up wrote on January 14, 2007 3:29 pm:
" I've decided to take a pro-death stance. Kill the baby, kill the parents, kill the doctors, then kill all the protestors: no more whining. Whatever happened to minding your own business and the biblical "Judge not lest ye be judged"? "
Chef wrote on January 14, 2007 4:40 pm:
" It would be wonderful if public officials in publicly elected positions would stop appearing at these rallies - be they pro or con. Public officials in public offices need to represent ALL Nebraskans. The ones at these rallies do not. They choose sides for political reasons under the guise of conscience. "
Voice of Reason wrote on January 14, 2007 6:23 pm:
" Some under the breath of their conscience chose their political side......so they can sleep.

I had my abortion. IF it wasn't legal ... it would not have happened as the option would not be there. My ex-husband could not have manipulated and lied about it (I believed him of course---he was my husband!) that my doctor had called and told him that my health was compromised if I continued my pregnancy. THEN it went further, he told my parents the same. They believed him also.....I trusted my parents who were pressuring me that an abortion was my ONLY option.

Call me stupid, ignorant whatever you want. Point is, this is a part of the issue at hand.

It is murder none the less. It DOES leave lasting consequences. It is NOT birth control, a quick solution to ones fears of "what if's" in life.

People have been brain washed for so long, I frankly doubt reason could ever have a place again.

I PITY those who are so deceived, sad lot for all of you. "
Sticks and Stones wrote on January 14, 2007 6:45 pm:
" How much hate can you who are "Pro-Choice" AND posting name calling and spiteful opinions? You call us hypocritical? None of the people on the "right" that you bristle over and would rather see silenced are in your face, judging you etc. You, are the ones that are scary. We, pro life, pro science (have you EVER bothered to see how many doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals are a part of this?.....we care for all of you regularly and compassionately).........we are not going anywhere. We will not stand for manipulation of words and half truths to be touted as the only view allowed. We will ALWAYS teach, just as we do on a daily basis in our professions. Why? Because we care about life. We care about the homosexual so many of you think we hate. I am so sad for your own hatred that is being misdirected. I've wiped the tears, held and cared for them as they've died......take your hatred elsewhere. It doesn not belong to us. "
Please open your minds and eyes wrote on January 14, 2007 7:56 pm:
" voice of reason??? Stem-cell research is not the reason women have abortions. Just because you made a choice and are having a hard time living with it doesn't give you or anyone of the rest of the pro-lifers out there to try to take away my chance of having a cure found for something I had no choice of getting. There is hope in this research and God did give the scientist the brains to do this research. Stem-cell research is not encouraging abortion and are not soliciting girls/women to get pregnant and have abortions to allow the study of fetal stem-cell research. Let protest "pro-life" by taking a stand against the war and all the lives that have been lost by our men and women in our armed services. Let's support the families that have lost these people. "
An idea?? wrote on January 14, 2007 8:00 pm:
" Let each one of them adopt a potential abortion or test tube and let each one of them pay all the fees and then they can have all they want. But make sure it is with no connections. "
Kent wrote on January 14, 2007 8:48 pm:
" Oh yes, the hatred does indeed belong to you. I'm tired of the Right doing exactly what you say you don't do - getting in peoples' faces, telling them that their 'views' are wrong, that only the Christian view is 'right', and then playing martyr when people push back. Only a Christian can possibly have the audacity to claim to be so picked on, while living in a country where the laws are rapidly becoming more and more 'christian' (or more accurately - FASCIST, every day. Quit playing martyr and either learn to put up, or shut up! You can't have it both ways! "
Brutal_Truth wrote on January 15, 2007 12:21 am:
" If abortion rates are decreasing in Nebraska, could this be a result of realistic sex education and contraceptive use? I think so. "
Angela wrote on January 15, 2007 7:58 am:
" I love how people who are so against abortion have more then likely never been put in that kind of situation where they had to choose. Close-minded people is all they are! "
MY body MY choice wrote on January 15, 2007 9:04 am:
" I absolutely LOVE how some people think they know what is best for everyone once they take a stance on an issue. Believe it or not, the women who have umplanned or unwanted pregnancies are not stupid, blind sheep who will do whatever the government says they can. I am SO sick and tired of "Pro-Life" advocates trying to tell me what to do with my body. It's MY choice, and trust me, anyone who has had an abortion knows what the aftermath is like. It's not a decision that anyone takes lightly. If a woman is pregnant and doesn't want to be - she will find a way to stop it - at least now it's in a safe manner. Take that away, and we WILL go back to unsafe, deadly procedures. Where will all of you "Pro-Lifers" be then? With your huge pictures of dead babies? Think you'll be able to tear yourselves away from the fronts of clinics where you scream and threaten scared expectant mothers? Will you be waging another war on Planned Parenthood - a place where many many women and girls have gone to get help? Will you be lining the streets, waving your signs and standing there like you're the only ones who know the right way, and the rest of us (those that actually believe in freedom of choice) are poor lost souls who must think it's OK to terminate human life for no good reason? Will you be sending out more snipers to kill doctors who perform abortions? Oh...that's right...now you're protesting stem-cell research. So - all of these babies you want to save - what happens when they grow up and develop some terrible disease...a disease that the evil stem cell research could help cure? "
Why are the "open minded" wrote on January 15, 2007 9:08 am:
" forward looking "thinking" people here so totally focused in their hatred of people and a subject? How many of you have bothered to actually research any of the issues raised here? How many of you have gotten off your couch and out from behind your computer and your television and actually attempted to grasp the subject at hand? All I see is knee-jerk reactionary name-calling and a total lack of serious thought or debate. Instead you demonize those with views different than your own and spout a line fed to you by the "forward thinking" media. I'm not saying who is right and who is wrong (who can at this point as the research is still being done) but the ones who appear close-minded drones, based upon the commentary here, are NOT the pro-lifers. Get a grip, take breath, do some research and independent thinking that you all claim to be experts at, and grow up. Then come back to the debate table. "
Here's why wrote on January 15, 2007 12:15 pm:
" Given that my father has Parkinson's I've studied this issue in some detail. I can sympathize with the frustrations apparent in many of the posters here who take issue with those involved in this march aimed at preventing the use of fertilized embryos for research, thus preferring that they go directly to their destined trash bin. It is clear that their frustration, like mine, stems from a sense that superstition and "truthiness" have lately gained what had been, until very recently, unimaginable and disproportionate influence in a nation whose First Amendment guarantees separation of church and state. Many of us see frighteningly little difference between the Islamic fundamentalists who appear so threatened by the freedom and openness of an American culture that in its public life is guided by reason and laws, no matter what its citizens might embrace privately, and the Christian fundamentalists who appear similarly threatened by the freedom and openness of an American culture based on reason. Beyond the truth that the vast majority of scientists involved in this research believe there is far greater potential is fetal stem cells than there is adult, many of us simply cannot grasp how any reasonable person prefers to see fertilized embryos (NOT fetuses, but a glob of cells), trashed when they could instead provide cures for the pain and suffering of those we love and care about. Many of us see you as hypocrites because you appear to expend so much more time and energy on the rights of the "unborn" (how Orwellian of you), than you do on the needs of the living. Do you demonstrate against the death penalty with the same ferocity that you do these other issues, for example? Or, can the state be the "author of life" when the lives in question are deemed undesirable? "
CS wrote on January 15, 2007 2:08 pm:
" They aren't just believeing and promoting-they are seeking to legislate based on their belief in what a large number of people consider to be a fairy tale. "
Sparki wrote on January 15, 2007 4:40 pm:
" Majority rules. If they are in the minority, they'll never get their way. But they are still entitled to free speech and the right to assembly, last time I checked the Constitution of the United States of America. So many people want to shut them up, though. Why? Why so bent on taking their liberty away if they are just a minority that you don't have to worry about? Either it's because they are NOT a minority or because they speak the truth, right? "
I agree with Sparki wrote on January 15, 2007 6:21 pm:
" and even with my Constitutional Law book open in front of me, do not see where the first amendment mentions separation of church and state. Apparently my example of being assaulted at an abortion clinic by a pro-choicer was not allowable in an earlier post. Or my questioning the mental capacity of anyone who would seriously compare Christians silently demonstrating to Islamic fundamentalists who would not be so kind. "
whatever wrote on January 16, 2007 5:18 am:
" If people would exercise some self discipline and not put themselves in compromising positions, then the need for the overwhelming number of abortions would disappear. And perhaps finally this debate would end. "

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