News Briefs
News Briefs
U.S. Senate Recognizes Need for Research on Post-Abortion Syndrome
During consideration of the Labor and Health and Human Services Appropriations bill for 2002, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution expressing the belief that the National Institutes of Health should expand and intensify its research and related activities regarding post-abortion depression and psychosis.
The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Robert Smith (R-NH), was passed without debate.
Planned Parenthood Sued For Failing to Warn Women of Abortion/Breast Cancer Link
Three California women are suing Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, in an attempt to force them to acknowledge the link between abortion and breast cancer.
The three women, two of whom had abortions and another who has been treated for cancer, say they want Planned Parenthood to inform women that there is a significant association between abortion and a subsequent risk of breast cancer.. The suit, which is being handled by the Thomas More Law Center, a non-profit public interest law firm, does not include a request for monetary damages. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among middle-aged women in the U.S. (Source: Thomas More Law Center News Release, Aug. 15, 2001)
Man Sentenced for Forced Abortion Attempt
A Connecticut man will serve five years in prison for beating a pregnant teen in an attempt to abort their child.
Jerome Butler, 26, of West Haven, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges that he planned the attack on the 15-year-old. He must also register as a sex offender for 10 years for his affair with the 15-year-old girl. Butler’s wife, Nicole, who was charged with helping to plan the attack, received a suspended sentence as a result of a plea bargain. The baby survived the attack and was born in good health. (Source: Waterbury, CT Republican American, Aug. 27, 2001)
D.C. Medic Had Abortion Out of Fear for Her Job
A medic in Washington, D.C. has told officials that she underwent an abortion recently after being told by a supervisor that she would be fired if she stayed pregnant.
The woman accused her supervisor, Samantha Robinson, of telling her and other new employees that they could not become pregnant during their first year on the job because they had no medical benefits. The 21-year-old Catholic woman said that when she informed Robinson of her pregnancy, she was told to abort, which resulted in great distress for her and a rift with her family. Union officials reported that three other women have also said they aborted out of fear for their jobs. Both union and department officials say they are investigating the matter. (Source: Washington Times, Aug. 30, 2001 and Aug. 31, 2001; Cypercast News Service, Aug. 31, 2001)
Canadian Woman Dies After Taking RU-486
The death of a Canadian woman during clinical trials of RU-486 has led the distributors to suspend trials of the abortion pill in that country.
The woman is reported to have died from septic shock resulting from a rare infection after taking the pill, although it is not clear whether the infection was directly related to her use of RU-486. RU-486, also known as mifepristone or Mifeprex, was approved for use in the U.S. last year. The Population Council, which distributes RU-486 in the U.S., said that it has suspended Canadian trials of the drug and reported the woman’s death to Canadian and U.S. officials. (Source: Washington Post, Sept. 11, 2001)
New Post-Abortion Resources Available From Ramah
“Ramah’s Voice” is a newsletter designed to equip, educate and encourage those involved in post-abortion ministries. Past issues included information on ministering on college campuses, compassion collapse, reaching hearts on the Internet, breaking sexual soul ties, and developing prison ministries. If you are involved in reaching post-abortive hearts, this newsletter will be a perfect companion to your ministry. The suggested donation for a one-year membership (6 issues) is $20.
Also available is the “Her Choice to Heal Recovery Guide Set.” Written by Sydna Masse, founder and president of Ramah International, and Linda Perry, this tool allows women to work further in the recovery process. Incorporating new areas of need like breaking sexual soul ties, this recovery guide will allow post-abortion ministry leaders to use the book “Her Choice to Heal” in a 9-12 week group study format. A leader’s version is also available with weekly instruction and vital ministry forms. Suggested donations are $6.50 for the book only, $10 for the book and recovery guide set, and $25 for the leader’s version.
To obtain any of these resources, contact Ramah International at 1776 Hudson St., Englewood, FL 34223, (941) 473-2188, or visit www.ramahinternational.org.
