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    • E. Christian Brugger, D.Phil. – E. Christian Brugger is a Senior Fellow of Ethics and Director of the Fellows Program at the Culture of Life Foundation in Washington, D.C. and the J. Francis Cardinal Stafford Professor of Moral Theology at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado. He has Master degrees in moral theology and moral philosophy from Seton Hall, Harvard and Oxford Universities and received his D.Phil. (Ph.D.) in Christian ethics from Oxford in 2000.  Christian has published over 200 articles in scholarly and popular periodicals on topics in bioethics, sexual ethics, natural law theory, as well as the interdisciplinary field of psychology and Christian anthropology.  He lives on a farm in Evergreen, Colorado, with his wife Melissa and five children.
    • Helen Alvaré, J.D. – Helen Alvaré, J.D. is Honorary Fellow in Law at the Culture of Life Foundation.   Helen is an Associate Professor of Law at the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia where she teaches and publishes in the areas of property law, family law, and Catholic social thought. Professor Alvaré serves as Consultor for the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Senior Fellow at the Witherspoon Institute where she chairs the Conscience Protection Task Force, is President of the Chiaroscuro Foundation and most recently Editor and Co-Author of Breaking Through: Catholic Women Speak for Themselves.From 2000 to Spring 2008, Professor Alvare taught at the Catholic University Columbus School of Law. Professor Alvare also lectures widely in the United States and Europe on matters concerning marriage, family and respect for human life. She is a consultant to ABC News and to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Marriage and Pro-Life Committees. In 2008, Pope Benedict XVI named Professor Alvare a Consultor to the Pontifical Council for the Laity.From 1987-2000, Professor Alvare was an attorney with the USCCB’s General Counsel Office and director of information and planning for the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. In these positions, she testified before the…
    • Jennifer Kimball Watson, Be.L. – Jennifer Kimball Watson joined Culture of Life Foundation as Executive Director in November of 2007. She is an Adjunct Professor of Bioethics at the Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, F.L.. Previous to her work with the Culture of Life Foundation Jennifer was a Wilbur Fellow of the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal located in Michigan. Jennifer earned a Licentiate in Bioethics from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum School of Bioethics in Rome.  Her prior undergraduate studies were in International Administration and Government Policy at the Evergreen State College in Washington State.Jennifer’s areas of specialization include Eugenics in Artificial Reproductive Technologies, Heterologous Adoption and Transfer of Embryos, The Womb in Reproductive Technologies, and the Role and Significance of The Medical Act. She interviews with National Conservative and Christian Radio Syndicates as well as several foreign and secular reporters. Jennifer has spoken on the dignity of women and women’s social issues to various audiences since 1999 and has spent several years in advocacy work with various international organizations in the field of life sciences. From 2000 to 2006 she recruited and coordinated grass-roots social policy efforts that consisted of a public and private sector network of professionals and academics…
    • Margaret Datiles Watts, J.D. – Margaret Datiles Watts, J.D., is Culture of Life Foundation’s Associate Fellow in Law. Maggie is member of Washington, D.C. and Maryland bar associations.  She holds a B.A. in Philosophy (Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude) and a Certificate in Classical Philosophy from the University Honors Program at The Catholic University of America. She earned a Juris Doctorate from Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America, where she served as a Research Fellow at CUA Law’s Marriage Law Project. She also studied Roman Law and EU Law at Magdalene College, University of Oxford, England.A former Fellow and Staff Counsel for Americans United for Life, Datiles co-authored an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the landmark partial birth abortion case, Gonzales v. Planned Parenthood, et al., companion case to Gonzales v. Carhart (2007). She also advised legislators, policy groups and the media (radio and newspapers) on abortion and bioethics laws and drafted pro-life model legislation.Her areas of research and/or publication include legal issues surrounding abortion, government funding restrictions for abortion, contraception, healthcare rights of conscience, stem cell research, artificial reproductive technology, population decline, physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage.She currently publishes articles…
    • William E. May – William E. May is Senior Research Fellow of the Culture of Life Foundation and emeritus Michael J. McGivney Professor of Moral Theology at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he taught the academic years from 1991 through 2008 after teaching for 20 years at The Catholic University of America. He is the author of more than a dozen books. The 2nd edition of his Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life was published by Our Sunday Visitor (2008), and a substantively revised 3rd edition is scheduled for publication in 2013. In 2003 Our Sunday Visitor published a revised and expanded edition of his Introduction to Moral Theology. Among his other books are: Marriage: The Rock on Which the Family Is Built (San Francisco: Ignatius, 1995; 2nd revised edition, 2009)); and, with Ronald Lawler OFM Cap and Joseph Boyle, Catholic Sexual Ethics (rev. and enlarged ed. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor, 1998; 2nd rev. edition, 1998; a 3rd edition, substantively revised by May alone, was published in 2011); Theology of the Body: Genesis and Growth (Boston: Pauline Books & Media, 2010) He has published more…
    • Frank J. Moncher, Ph.D. – Dr. Frank Moncher received his Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1992, following which he spent several years on faculty of the Medical College of Georgia, with a focus on Adolescent Intensive Services. In 2000 he moved to the Washington, DC area to teach at a graduate school of psychology which had a mission of integrating the science of psychology in the context of the Catholic Christian view of the human person. Concurrent with this, over the past 12 years he has consulted with 11 different religious orders and 4 dioceses to provide psychological evaluations of aspirants and candidates, as well as consulting with different diocesan marriage tribunals.His research interests include the integration of Catholic thought into psychotherapy, child and family development issues, and integrated models of assessment of candidates for the priesthood and religious life. Frank is published in Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services, Adolescence, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Edification, and the Journal of Psychology and Christianity, as well as contributing to several book chapters on children, families, and religious issues.Since 2010, Dr. Moncher has worked for the Diocese of Arlington and Catholic Charities as a psychologist and consultant.  His…
    • Steve Soukup – Fellow in Culture and Economy Steve Soukup is the Vice President and Publisher of The Political Forum, an “independent research provider” that delivers research and consulting services to the institutional investment community, with an emphasis on economic, social, political, and geopolitical events that are likely to have an impact on the financial markets in the United States and abroad. Mr. Soukup has followed politics and federal regulatory policy for the financial community since coming to Washington in 1996, when he joined Mark Melcher at the award-winning Washington-research office of Prudential Securities. While at Prudential, he was part of the Washington team that placed first in Institutional Investor magazine’s annual analyst survey for eight years in a row. Mr. Soukup left Prudential with Mr. Melcher to join Lehman Brothers in the fall of 2000 and stayed there for two years, before leaving early in 2003 to become a partner at The Political Forum. While at Lehman, Mr. Soukup authored macro-political commentary and followed policy developments in the Natural Resources sector group, focusing on agriculture and energy policy. He also headed Lehman’s industry-leading analysis of asbestos litigation reform efforts. At The Political Forum, Mr. Soukup was initially the editor and junior partner,…
    • Dr. Pilar Calva, M.D. – Dr. Calva is a medical doctor specializing in Human Genetics with a Cytogenetics subspecialty from The University of Paris, France. In Paris, she was the under-study to the world-renowned Professor Jerome Lejeune, who is considered by some to be the father of modern genetics. In 1958, Lejeune discovered that an extra 21st chromosome is responsible for Down syndrome, or Trisomy 21. Lejeune dedicated his life tirelessly and unfailingly to defend the unborn, especially those with Down syndrome, testifying before scientific conferences and lawmakers. He was appointed by Pope John Paul II as the first President of the Pontifical Academy for Life. In Dr. Calva’s own words: When I arrived in France, I lived a life divided between faith and reason. I thought that from Monday to Saturday, I put on my white coat for my scientific tasks, and Sunday was the day I took off the white coat, put on my crucifix and dedicated myself to my religious duties. Professor Lejeune truly converted me, making me see that one can wear the white coat and the cross, at the same time. That is, one can fly with the wing of faith and the wing of reason. Inspired by the life…
    • Elyse M. Smith – Elyse M. Smith is an associate attorney with a northern Virginia law firm working in nonprofit and church law, estate planning, and civil litigation. Ms. Smith graduated magna cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law in Naples, Florida, where she served on Law Review and was published in the Ave Maria International Law Journal. She was named “Most Dedicated Editor” for her work on Law Review. Ms. Smith earned her bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.  
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  >  Issue Briefs  >  Life  >  Culture of Life Foundation Legislative Update

Culture of Life Foundation Legislative Update

Posted: April 19, 2011
By: Margaret Datiles Watts, J.D.
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On April 14th, by a 241-185 vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure to de-fund Planned Parenthood under Obama’s new health care law.  The bill was subsequently defeated in the U.S. Senate by a 42-58 vote later the same day.  Similar to the House bill that would have fully repealed ObamaCare, the defeat of this bill in the Senate was easily predicted and expected.  Although the defeat of the bill de-funding Planned Parenthood may seem to be a pro-life loss, it plays a significant role in the long-term success of pro-life efforts on the legislative level.

The U.S. Senate and House votes on the de-funding bill exposed which senators and representatives favor taxpayer funding for abortion.  This information will be crucial to American voters during the upcoming Senate races.

The debate surrounding the funding of Planned Parenthood under ObamaCare also fueled the release of recent polling data which show that the majority of Americans oppose taxpayer funding for abortions.  Pro-life America is now equipped with the information it needs to vote for truly pro-life senators in the next round of elections.

Despite the setback of the pro-life cause on the federal level, there have been significant pro-life victories this year on the state level.  Notable pro-life successes so far this year include:

Fetal Pain Abortion Bans and Informed Consent – Idaho, Kansas (Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma)

Last week, Idaho and Kansas enacted the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.  In response to the growing body of medical data fully establishing the capacity of an unborn child to feel pain, the laws ban abortions 20 weeks after conception. At that point, the unborn child’s neurological structures that are necessary to experience pain are developed.  The laws contain exceptions to save the life of the mother or to avert serious risk of substantial or irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.  In Idaho, the law passed by a vote of 54-14.

Alabama, Minnesota and Oklahoma are considering similar legislation, and are expected to such laws later this year.  Oklahoma Sen. Clark Jolley, a sponsor of the Oklahoma bill, stated that “we are not going to torture children in utero…unless the mother’s life is in danger.”  In Oklahoma, the bill passed in the House by a 94-2 vote, and in the Senate by a 38-8 vote.  The bill will be presented to the governor to be signed pending House approval of Senate changes.

In Indiana, a related informed consent bill received a 72-23 vote in the House (in March), and was just approved on April 13th by a 6-2 vote in the Senate Health Committee.  The bill, HB 1012, requires abortion practitioners to inform women seeking abortion of the capacity of unborn children to experience pain at or before 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Ultrasound Requirements and “Telemedicine” Abortion Ban – Arizona

Two weeks ago, Arizona enacted HB 2416, a bill requiring abortion providers to offer women seeking abortions the opportunity to have an ultrasound exam, see the results and be given an explanation of the results at least one hour prior to the abortion procedure.  The ultrasound is optional for all women.  The new law also prohibits abortion providers from prescribing abortion drugs through “telemedicine” video conferences (e.g., Skype).

Prohibitions on Insurance Coverage, Taxpayer Funding and Tax Credits for Abortion – Arizona, Idaho (Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, South Carolina)

This month, Idaho and Virginia enacted “opt out” laws which prohibit insurance coverage of abortions under Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).  Both laws contain exceptions to save the life of the mother and in cases of rape or incest.  In Idaho, this new law supports existing state law prohibiting private insurance companies from covering abortions except to save the life of the mother.

In addition, last week, the Georgia House approved a bill amendment by a 98-63 vote prohibiting forced taxpayer subsidization for abortion under Obama’s state Exchange program. Florida, Indiana and South Carolina are considering similar measures.  Last year, Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee enacted the same “opt out” legislation.

Also this month, Arizona enacted H.B. 2384, which denies tax credits for donations to organizations – such as Planned Parenthood – that do abortions or refer women for abortions.  Lastly, on April 12th, Minnesota introduced H.F. 201 / S.F. 103, a bill banning taxpayer funding for abortion.

Abortion Clinic Regulations – Virginia (Indiana)

Earlier this year, Virginia passed a law that will require abortion clinics that perform five or more first-trimester abortions each month to meet the same health and safety standards as other facilities that provide outpatient surgery.  In the past, these abortion clinics were mis-categorized and subject to laws for physician offices where outpatient surgeries were not performed.  In Indiana, H.B. 1210, a bill requiring abortion practitioners to have hospital admitting privileges is in the pipeline.

In light of recent cases involving deaths and life-threatening injuries resulting from abortions performed at sub-standard facilities, laws such as these are necessary to protect the health and welfare of women.

Bans on Assisted Suicide – Idaho (Montana, Wyoming)

On April 15th, Idaho enacted S.B. 1070, which prohibits and criminalizes assisted suicide.  Montana and Wyoming have introduced similar laws into their state legislatures.  There are now 37 states which statutorily prohibit assisted suicide.

Ban on Sex-Selective, Race-Selective Abortions – Arizona

On March 30th, Gov. Brewer signed a law banning sex-selective and race-selective abortions.  The purpose of the new law is to end the practice of abortions targeted at girls and ethnic minorities.  This practice is common in countries such as China and India, and is also present in the U.S.  The bill passed in the Arizona House by a 41-18 vote, and in the Senate by a 21-5 vote.  The new law requires the mother to sign a statement that she is not aborting her child because of the child’s gender.  In addition, the law allows the father of the unborn child or the parents of a minor girl to bring a civil lawsuit against abortion practitioners who perform race-based or sex-selection abortions.

Abortion Reporting for Teens – Indiana

On April 14th, the Indiana Senate passed H.B. 1474 – a bill requiring abortion practitioners to report abortions on girls age 14 and under to the department of child services within three days of abortion – by a unanimous 48-0 vote.  The bill also requires the age of the father to be reported.  The purpose of the bill is to facilitate reporting of child sexual abuse, and to assist in the identification of child sexual abuse cases.  The bill is expected to be signed shortly by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Post-Viability Abortion Bans – Missouri, Ohio

Both Missouri and Ohio are on the verge of enacting statutory bans on post-viability abortions, with exceptions for the life of the mother.  In Missouri, the Senate approved the ban by a 27-5 vote.  After approval of Senate amendments by the House, the bill will be sent to the Governor.  In Ohio, the ban was passed by a 24-8 vote in the Senate.  A companion version has already been approved by the health committee of the Ohio House.

Honoring Pregnancy Care Centers – Alabama, Arizona, Missouri, South Dakota, West Virginia

This year, five states have introduced resolutions honoring and thanking pregnancy care centers for the life-affirming, free services they provide to women and families.

*    *    *

In conclusion, the pro-life movement has made significant advancements so far this year, on both the state and federal level.  Although the U.S. Senate voted down a bill de-funding Planned Parenthood under Obama’s health care law, the vote has provided American voters with an official record exposing “who’s who” on the abortion funding issue.  The vote has provided guidance for pro-life voters, who can now take the next step of electing pro-life senators.  Lastly, the defeat of the de-funding bill does not outshine the numerous life-affirming laws that have been introduced and passed in the state legislatures this year.

 

(c) 2011 Culture of Life Foundation.  Reproduction granted with attribution.

This entry was posted in Life by Margaret Datiles Watts, J.D.. Bookmark the permalink.
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