The Science of Life vs. "My body, my choice" |
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“A belief is not true because it is useful.”
Henri-Frédéric Amiel
Friends of Life,
I collect books - lots of books - from various authors covering wide-ranging topics. I say I collect books because despite my intention of reading them, many remain unopened.
I did, however, recently begin reading The Ultimate MANual by Dr. David Samadi, Director of Men's Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York. As the name suggests, it’s a guidebook on men’s health and wellness. The good news is men are living longer thanks to improvements in medical technology, life-extending medications, and increased public health information. Based on the statistics, I've got 35 more years before I "shuffle off this mortal coil." The not-so-good news: we men remain a stubborn bunch and are expected to live, on average, five years less than women.
The Ultimate MANual is full of scientific references and information - all of which is intended to help guide you in getting more years of life and life out of your years. What I've taken from the book is science supports men's health treatments, our enhanced understanding of the human body, and the outlook on men's health overall. That's not uncommon, right? We've all no doubt heard - more than once over the past year and a half - we should "follow the science" as it relates to the COVID-19 virus.
Why is it, then, that many of the same individuals who tell us to "follow the science" continue to spout "my body, my choice!" when it comes to life issues. Here are just a few examples of how science supports the identification of a unique life in the womb:
1) A new, genetically distinct human organism is formed at fertilization. This means the new life has its own distinct DNA and everything it needs to grow, multiply, function and continually change - all that is needed is time.
2) Three-to-four weeks after fertilization, the developing heart begins to beat with the child’s own blood. In three weeks, some don't even realize they are pregnant...yet the heart is already beating!
3) Within eight-to-ten weeks after conception, every organ is present, and the baby has unique fingerprints!
If we were to believe the "my body, my choice" crowd, it would mean those seeking to justify this understanding believe pregnant women have two hearts, two unique DNA sequences, etc. That's simply absurd! Let's do our part to counter this misinformation and help others "follow the science" to a pro-life understanding of the wonder of creation.
It is a tremendous honor to serve as your Executive Director and I genuinely hope you find our information and advocacy helpful and informative.
For LIFE,
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Corey Koellner
Executive Director
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*** Metro Council Buffer Zone Ordinance Update *** |
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As mentioned in the June Heartbeat of Louisville, Sisters for Life and Kentucky Right to Life, on behalf of Right to Life of Louisville and chapters throughout the commonwealth, filed a lawsuit in District Court challenging the constitutionality of the new buffer zone ordinance and sought injunctive relief.
In the agreement brokered by attorneys from both sides, the city agreed to not enforce the ordinance until July 16th to allow attorneys time to complete briefings. Right to Life of Louisville is happy to share the city has agreed to allow sidewalk counselors to continue their ministry without reprisal while everyone awaits a ruling on the matter from Judge Jennings. Let us all continue to pray for a favorable outcome that allows sidewalk counselors to help women choose life!
Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
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Kentucky's First Baby Box Operational in Louisville's South-end |
No one likes to think of a baby being abandoned and left to die. That's why since 1999 all 50 states have enacted some type of legislation allowing for the surrender of infants. However, it wasn't until KY House Bill 155 passed earlier this year that a "newborn safety device" was allowed to be used to anonymously surrender a newborn infant at a participating staffed police station, fire station or hospital. Representative Nancy Tate, sponsor of HB-155, stated at the time “Pro-life means supporting parents and children before and after birth. This bill provides parents who may be at the end of their rope a safe option to save the life of their child.”
Kentucky's FIRST Safe Haven Baby Box is now operational at Okolona Fire Station #1, located at 8501 Preston Highway. When an infant is placed inside the temperature-controlled box, 911 is immediately called and the fire department personnel are alerted. Safe Haven indicates there are now 75 active baby boxes in the United States!
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Pro-Life Women's Conference |
Our Office Manager recently attended the Pro-Life Women's Conference and came back re-invigorated and full of new ideas. This is her take on the experience.
I spent the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of June at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, TN. I was there with over 600 women who all believed that LIFE is sacred, that abortion is wrong, that euthanasia is wrong, that assisted suicide is wrong, and that all of these are against the natural law and God’s law.
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It was an awesome opportunity to share stories, learn about life issues, and listen to amazing women (and a couple of men) tell of their journeys from darkness to light.
The Pro-Life Women’s Conference, for women by women, was a gathering of women from all walks of life. Women who have participated in all levels of
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pro-life activity. Passive pro-lifers, active pro-lifers, former abortion workers, sidewalk counselors, pregnancy center directors and volunteers, mothers with daughters in attendance, mothers whose children were lost to abortion, Christians, non-Christians, and women of every age from preborn to elderly were in attendance.
I left after two nights and three days of renewal in purpose! Next year, the PLWC is in Indianapolis. I’ve already registered. I hope to see you there in 2022! |
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Do you appreciate the work we do advocating for the unborn and educating our community on the sacredness of life? If so, consider joining Right to Life of Louisville to ensure you receive all our news and help fund the important work in our community. It's easy - join today!
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Our 2021 Walk for Life is coming up! Gather your family and friends and plan on joining us at this family-friendly event. This year's walk will kick-off from Bowman Field on Sunday, September 19th at 1 PM. New this year will be live music by Kaitlyn Marie Music, Comfy Cow ice cream, and Balloon Lady! Walkers raising $75 and families raising $125 get free comfort color t-shirts commemorating the walk (max 6 shirts per family). Show your support for the sacredness of life and help raise funds to continue our important work. |
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Archdiocese Pro-Life Office |
As announced in the May Heartbeat of Louisville, Ed Harpring retired as the Archdiocese Pro-Life Coordinator after eight years of service. Thank you Ed! Archbishop Kurtz communicated July 21st that Deacon Stephen Bowling will be assuming Ed's pro-life responsibilities while also continuing to lead the Family Ministries Office. Right to Life of Louisville looks forward to working with Deacon Bowling and all our pro-life partners to create a culture of life in our community. Consider welcoming Deacon Bowling with a friendly note. |
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The Right to Life Educational Foundation of Kentucky will host its annual golf outing on October 4th at Shelbyville Country Club. This is the foundation's largest fundraising event of the year. Form your team and have some fun while supporting life! |
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Help Save the Hyde Amendment and Save Lives |
In 1976, the Hyde Amendment was first added to federal appropriations to prohibit federal funds from paying for elective abortions. This was a direct response to the federal government funding hundreds of thousands of abortions each year since the Roe v. Wade decision. In 1980, the Supreme Court upheld the Hyde Amendment, ruling that the legality of abortion did not obligate the funding of abortion.
However, in May President Biden released his budget proposal that did not include the Hyde Amendment - honoring his campaign promise and breaking a decades-long history of not using federal funds to secure elective abortions. It's worth noting Biden supported the Hyde Amendment for years, before reversing his position during his presidential campaign. Earlier this month, House Democrats took steps to advance a new spending bill for the Department of Health and Human Services without the Hyde Amendment.
To date, it's estimated the Hyde Amendment has saved 2.5 million children. You can join the #SaveHyde effort by telling Congress we want to keep the Hyde Amendment to prevent tax payer dollars from funding the slaughter of unborn children. National Right to Life has established prolifepetition.com that you can visit and electronically sign the petition. You can also reach out to Democratic Congressman John Yarmuth directly to let him know you support #SaveHyde. |
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The US stock market recently hit another all-time high…again! Have you ever thought about donating stock instead of or in addition to cash? Some folks are donating stock while the market is UP. It’s easy to do, call or email and we can help you through the process. |
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Upcoming Events From Our Pro-Life Partners |
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134 Breckenridge Lane
Louisville, KY 40207
Phone: (502) 897-5433
rtllou.org
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