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P.O. Box 1988 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N7
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P.E.I. Right to Life Newsletter September 2005
Index:

Vol. 5, No. 2
September 2005
P.O. BOX 1988, CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.,
C1A6K7

Legalized Euthanasia (Bill C-407)

Bill C-407 is a private members Bill that will amend the Criminal Code and legalize euthanasia. This Bill affects sections #222 and #241 of the Criminal Code but will not alter what is presently there or change any wording. The proposal will change each section by adding a subsection to each. The new sub-section of Section # 222 reads; "Despite anything in this section, a person does not commit homicide within the meaning of this act by reason only that the person aids another person to die with dignity." In the same way and with the same words and approach Section #241 is changed.
There are many stipulations and procedures to supposedly make this killing happen in a proper manner. No matter what supporting legislation is passed with this Bill the door will have been opened.

In the latest edition of "LifeCanada News" Alex Schadenberg and Karen Young state at the conclusion of their article on Bill 407: "Once a society allows one person to kill another person it soon becomes impossible to protect the lives of people who are otherwise viewed as a burden on society. Bill 407 is an attack on vulnerable people especially people with disabilities and people with chronic conditions including depression."
What can you do to oppose this Bill? It is time to take this threat to the infirm and disabled very seriously. In the near future the right to die could take precedence over the right to live. Since it is proposed federal legislation any intervention will have to come from your Member of Parliament. The Euthanasia Prevention Coalition suggested the following petition to your M.P. Response cards with the information printed below will be sent out by the office with the membership receipts.
I oppose Bill C-407 because it is a threat to the lives of people with disabilities, people with chronic conditions and other vulnerable Canadians who are already devalued by many members society. People need to be protected.

In submitting this petition please include name, address and signature.

"Tracy"
A little girl created by love
Not a perfect gift

Nevertheless, a gift from God.

A gift to a family

A gift to a country,

A gift to humanity.

A gift to treasure from above,

A gift to test enduring love.

A fragile gift wrapped in a smile

A special gift that would cry.

Unique and soft as the petal of a rose,

A delicate flower who like the light

A twisted candle flickering bright.

Yet one day,

The bright eyes of the candle were stung

By blinding ignorance and poisonous mist.

Her light was extinguished,

The gift was polluted beyond repair.

The gift was returned before its time.

Now her voice cries out as a beacon

To our country,

To our world.

Please water the delicate roses

With love,

Please let them breathe the fresh air.
My death will not be in vain

If you promise me,

This will never happen again.

Anonymous

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President's Message

As your new president I would like to take this opportunity to present myself to you. Being on the Board of the Association the last few years has taught me many things. It was new to me what this organization was really doing in the office and what contact it had with its members. Also important was its contact with our politicians, our M.P.s and MLA's who serve in our national and provincial governments.

I am very disappointed in the way our leaders are leading us. They are leading us away from our Creator and His Word. We do see the outcome in changes of morality and lawlessness. We as Right to Life persons are still working and fighting for God and His Word. That means we are absolutely against abortion. Also proposed changes in the Criminal Code legalizing euthanasia is a turning away from God's Word. What will be next? Where do we go from here?

In my opinion it is all against God and His Law. We do have a task here as believers in Jesus Christ today and tomorrow. If we want to serve Him in these matters, then we have to follow God's Word and that means no compromise with the world. Please support us with your prayers and a membership in the Right to Life Association.

Hemke VanderZwaag

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Lawless Society

Our Vision Statement - we resolve that respect-for-life from conception to natural death in our society be valued by all our citizens and be supported by law.

Did you know that in Canada according to the Supreme Court decision in 1988, there is no protection for a person until they are born? At that time this was a distinction shared only with Communist China.

The ruling of this Morgentaler case in 1988 did not say that women had a constitutional right to abortion. It struck down the old law because it found that administrative structures and procedures regulating so-called therapeutic abortions created an unevenly applied law containing unnecessary delays. This ruling allows for no restrictions on the abortion of children up until the time of birth. As pregnancy reaches term we (Canadians) are one of the very few countries in the world performing the barbaric partial-birth abortion as a viable option.

The Bill (C-43) passed in 1988 changed restrictions in that a medical practitioner, "who is of the opinion that, if the abortion were not induced, the health or life of the female person would be likely to be threatened" could perform an abortion. In section 2 of the Act states: "For the purposes of this section, health includes, for greater certainty, physical, mental and psychological health; ."

When abortion became unrestricted for health reasons it became readily available as a medical option. Abortionists were quick to jump on the vague restrictions as a license to perform abortions openly. They had no trouble giving a very liberal interpretation to the new Act. Worldwide experience has shown that whenever abortion becomes available for "health reasons", it (abortion) becomes easily available.

The easy availability of abortion for any health reasons up until a pregnancy reaches term has to change. The advances of science and technology have made it possible for fetuses to be rescued and to become persons under the law before the nine-month term. With the knowledge that a fetus as early as five weeks has the development and potential to be human and a person, why are we ignoring this fact of development and withholding personhood until the identity (baby) exits the birth canal? Even a six-month baby can be born premature and survive and this fetus is still not recognized by law as a person in the womb.

Where do we start in this struggle for the recognition of personhood in the womb? Some people believe that abortion occurring in the first three months of pregnancy is not so bad because the size of the fetus is extremely small. The size of the pre-born child should never be a factor for determining whether or not abortion is acceptable.

As stated our Vision is to recognize the embryo from conception but we may have to push for the more obvious willful destruction of babies. The law of the land can no longer ignore the lack of protection of the fetus that obviously when born premature can fend for itself. This surely is a person. As a country we turn a blind eye to the fact that when born premature these fetuses are people but in the womb of the mother they are considered a non-entity. Our society can no longer continue to support the lack of any restrictions on abortion. For obvious murder of these defenseless human creatures there has to be an accounting.

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Silent No More Testimonials

Women have being hurt by abortion. These women are now speaking out. The "Silent No More" campaign started in the United States and has spread to Canada in the last few years. It is showing abortion for what it really is, a "humiliating, soul-destroying event in the life of a woman". In Canada this national campaign of awareness is promoted by Angelina Steenstra, founder of Second Chance Ministries and Denise Mounteray, founder of "Canada Silent No More".

Here are some excerpts from testimonials given recently to Denise Mounteray from two women in the Maritimes.

R.C. had an abortion and went into a deep depression, sleeping an average of 13-14 hours a day. She would have outbursts of crying and turned to alcohol, drugs and food binges. She had frequent nightmares of fetuses, suicidal thoughts and isolated herself. She was full of guilt, shame and remorse. She now is telling women that there are severe consequences after an abortion for women for the rest of their lives and it killed her baby.

J.P. said her abortion caused her to become deeply depressed, she got severe anxiety, chronic depression, low self esteem and has been suffering for years.

These are two examples of many such testimonials that Steenstra and Mounteray have documented.

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Annual Meeting 2005 (AGM)
The 2005 AGM was held in The Basilica Recreation Center in Charlottetown in April. In the presentations the following activities were outlined:

** two U.P.E.I. students are now members of our Board;

** Board members attended regional and national conferences during the year;

** promotions such as Life Chain and Celebrate Life Month were actively participated in;

** help for women who experienced abortion is advertised through the Newspaper;

** face to face meetings with public figures concerning the protection of the unborn;

** a big commitment was being made by our volunteers who keep the office and administration running.

The new Executive as chosen by the members of the Board following their election is as follows:

Past President - John Broderick,

President - Hemke VanderZwaag,

Vice President (Education) - Heather Stewart,

Vice President (Administration) - Bernie Connolly,

Secretary - Myrna Dykeman,

Treasurer - Aukje Annema.

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Donations to the IWK Children's Hospital

In the 2004 April Newsletter it was confirmed that abortions do take place at the Grace Hospital in the Health Science Centre. The response from the IWK Health Centre Foundation stated that the IWK Health Centre do reproductive health care including access to the medically necessary termination of a pregnancy. Our President at the time, Mr. Broderick suggested that when making donations to the IWK that the donation be designated to the "Children's Hospital" only to ensure your contribution will be used on behalf of sick children.

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N. B. vs Morgentaler

Update on the Morgentaler versus New Brunswick Court Case

Peter Ryan of Campaign Life Coalition New Brunswick says; "High Court Quashes Our Bid to Protect NB from Morgentaler's Lawsuit". The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the Coalition's Appeal of two lower court rulings dening an application for them to intervene as a third party in the lawsuit filed in 2003. A trial will now ensue between the Province of New Brunswick and Dr.Morgentaler over the Province's refusal to fund private abortion clinics. Morgentaler contends that by not doing so the Province violates federal laws. Although there is great disappointment in not participating, the Coalition holds out the hope that in the event that Morgentaler does win, the Province promises to appeal the decision and at that time the Coalition can again apply for intervener status.

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LifeCanada Poll

"LifeCanada" has hired a company to do a public opinion poll on Canadians' views on abortion. This is the third such poll taken and the questions in this poll remain the same as in the past. They expect the poll to be finished by the middle of September and the results available about the middle of October. Over the past three years the poll has shown a noticeable shift toward a "culture of life". The acceptance of abortion is becoming less acceptable. The public is becoming more aware that the term "medically necessary " in relation to abortion means abortion can be attained for almost any reason even as a form of contraception. Because of the significance of this poll the Association has agreed to help with this worthwhile project.

If you believe in human rights you cannot accept the idea that one human being has the right to kill another for personal reasons.

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Morgentaler receives Honourary Degree
Morgentaler receives honourary degree from University of Western Ontario????

Henry Morgentaler said his fight to give women access to abortion has helped make society a safer place as he received a controversial honorary degree in June 2005; "By fighting for reproductive freedom, and making it possible, I have made a contribution to a safer and more caring society where people have a greater opportunity to realize their full potential." "Well-loved children grow into adults who do not build concentration camps, do not rape and do not murder," said Morgentaler, 82, who himself survived a Nazi death camp.

This justification continues in another one of his claims - violent crime has decreased since 1991, a trend attributed to, more abortion procedures being made available. He also said, "The most important factor is that there are fewer unwanted children, fewer children likely to be abused brutalized or neglected, ... children so victimized they may grow up for a thirst for vengeance which seeks an outlet in violence."

The spin continues -
Statements by Vice-President Greg Moran, reminded those in attendance that debate is a key element in a liberal education, and important to the formation of a strong society. From there he stated that: "If we are to sustain and evolve a humane, caring and tolerant society within such diversity, we will rely on open, courageous, respectful and civil debate. We could ask for no better example (Morgentaler) of the practice and success of such methods."

But not everyone is fooled- along with a large number of protesters outside the Alumni Hall where Dr. Morgentaler received his degree repercussions were being felt from staff, students and alumni. The Chairman of the Board of this same University, Mr. Don McDougall, (a Kinkora native and graduate of St. Dunstan's University '58) stated in an Open Letter to the University: "It is my firm conviction that this decision will depreciate the honour, adversely effect fundraising, recruiting of students and facility, relationships with the Affiliated Colleges and alumni, and do irreparable harm to the reputation of the University."

It is amazing that an institution of higher education could equate caring and humane with abortion. I'm sure the baby doesn't feel being cared for or being treated humanely.

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Where have the Children Gone?

Where have all the Children gone?

In a Globe and Mail article on 20 Jul 05 by Neil Reynolds he states, "the lack of baby productivity is an economic concern". He also says; "Forget the brain drain. We need to confront the cradle crisis." He continues to say; "Finance Minister Ralph Goodale calls our next national crisis "a demographic time bomb'. The explosion he envisages blows away old-age pensions and medicare and sends shock waves through the country's social assistance programs." In the same article the Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge voices concern over the "aging work force".

From these comments it would seem there is a grave reason for concern. With the decreasing percentage of the population working and the increasing percentage using retirement packages and social programs, the country is in big economic trouble.

In the 12 July 05 issue of the Charlottetown Guardian the federal government through ACOA announced 708 million to help develop the region's economy. In the same article the Minister of State for ACOA Hon. Joe McGuire states that, "in 10 years we won't have enough people to fill the jobs we have now, let alone expanding the economy in Atlantic Canada". McGuire said the East Coast has some catching up to do in terms of both attracting and retaining immigrants. He went on to say; "There's going to be literally tens of thousands more people that are going to be needed here."

An article the next day in the Guardian along a similar line Peter McQuaid stresses the critical need for building our population base. The province is apparently developing a strategy "with the twin aims of attracting more immigrants and persuading Islanders to either stay here or return to their home province." Peter McQuaid, Deputy Minister to the Premier and Chief of Staff said; "Any effort that is going to help us bring new people into the province is something we are going to support."

From both a national and regional perspective the productivity base in our country is shrinking. This problem in demographics and the urgent need for a viable workforce through immigration did not just happen.

Yes, our population is dwindling fast and we are into a non-sustaining growth period. With the birth rate declining for years the country is now below a replacement population in terms of growth. As we have noted from the comments of the politicians, this could have serious economic implications.

Would abortion be part of the problem? In 1991 it was a fact that more Canadians died from abortion than from Stroke. In 1991, one out of every five babies conceived in Canada is killed by abortion. These missing Canadians mean a lost of national production and income. The shrinking production base reflects reduced consumption, a smaller economy, and lower tax revenues and growth.

The documented health care expenses for providing abortions are in excess of a billion dollars since it was made legal in 1969. On top of this, the undocumented expenses of abortion can and will foster an economic crisis in health care because it creates costly physical and psychological complications. From the 1991 Statistics Canada report the Alliance Action after considering all the consequences of abortion estimated the total loss to the economy over the previous ten years to be 24.7 Billion dollars.

Since then we have been killing babies at a rate of 100,000 per year. In 2004 with a little over 300,000 live births we aborted over 100,000 babies per year in Canada. One out of every four babies conceived in Canada is now killed by abortion. With the aging population expanding from twelve percent of the population in 1992, to approaching twenty percent in 2005, and projected to approach 25 percent by 2010 this is a significant figure, not only from a moral standpoint but from an economic one. Obviously having well over 2 million recorded abortions in our country since 1969 has been a cause of our now critical population crisis? In a country of excessive wealth is too much time spent talking about optimum planned pregnancies, unplanned pregnancies and unwanted children - children we can't afford? Dr. Morgentaler claims that the abortion of unwanted children has lowered the crime rate and led to a caring and safer society. We are moving into the age of "Designer Children"!

With the retirement age of the baby boomer generation upon us, the loss of an adequate replacement generation has to hurt economically.

Who will now pay the taxes that will be needed to give this aging population the necessary medical and quality of life benefits to which they are so accustomed?

Our country is a country built on immigration and a goodly number of people still retain the culture, customs and heritage from whence they came. A sustaining immigrant population is necessary for continued growth and prosperity of our country.

If immigration is to be the solution, a lot will be expected of this "new wave" in the immigrant population. They could be expected to pay their way and our way in supporting an aging population with high expectations in health care and social programs.

As for P.E.I., even our own Island born youth are packing up and leaving in large numbers when they have acquired some training and skill development. It is a fact they can't get challenging and adequate paying jobs to pay off the immense debt acquired in getting an education. What would then entice immigrants to stay in P.E.I.? Are we going to be forced to provide excessive incentives to attract and retain them?

We do need a continued flow of immigrant population for the good of the country, but we also need to be committed to promote "a culture of life" in our country. Thereby achieving sustainable growth through our own birth rate.

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Palliative Care Concern

In the last issue of our newsletter (April 2005) we stated in an article on palliative care that P.E.I. recently created four Palliative Care Assessment teams to serve the province. Since that time big changes have occurred in the Health Care Programs. We have it from reliable sources that the teams are still in place and functioning well. The coordinator has been lost in the shuffle and the teams are presently awaiting a new appointee. This is apparently agreed to by the Health Minister The Honourable Chester Gillan but not confirmed.

The idea of teams working in palliative care is a good one. They reduce the pressure on individual physicians and health care professionals when dealing with the dying. It can also help these people when under pressure and on their own to resist the temptation of a deceptively simple solution to the problem of human suffering - remove the sufferer." This so-called humanitarian approach does happen now in some countries and Canada in the not too distant future will come under pressure to do likewise.

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Life Chain

The Life Chain started in Yuba City, California in 1987. It has over the years drawn thousands of people in this stand of solidarity for "LIFE". In 1991 on Mothers Day a life chain was held in a dozen British Columbia cities. In the same year it spread to Edmonton, Alberta and onto Toronto, Ontario by June. From especially the Toronto Life Chain initiative many cities across the country followed suit in proclaiming the fact that "abortion kills children".

From these first events proclaiming life the concept of the LIFE CHAIN has spread worldwide and is celebrated on an international level on the first Sunday of October.

To accommodate the increasing number of participants, the Association recently purchased some new signs to be used for the Life Chain. The new signs proclaim "CHOOSE LIFE NOT ABORTION". They will compliment our other signs which proclaim "LIFE a beautiful CHOICE" AND "It's a CHILD not a CHOICE".
Please come and participate in the Annual International Life Chain - a peaceful, prayerful and silent public-witness, standing for one hour, praying for our nation, our parents, our politicians and for an end to abortion.

Sunday, October 2, 2005 at 2 p.m. starting at the Cenotaph, at the corner of University and Grafton Streets, Charlottetown. Sponsored by the P.E.I. Right to Life Association. Reception will follow at the Basilica Recreational Center. Signs may be picked up at the Cenotaph, at the corner of Euston & University Ave. and at the Metro Credit Union.

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At the Office- Aukje Annema

Yes, summer is over, and that means back to work for us again in a regular routine at the office. The Executive Board even had some time off this summer. The regular volunteers had the summer off except one dedicated volunteer who was in the office once a week - thank you Bernice. Also many thanks for our regular volunteers, who we hope to continue with us this winter as well. Orientation will be held September and anyone who feels like volunteering at the Right to Life office is most welcome. Like I mentioned before, without our dedicated volunteers, we can't do the work that is required to be done. We are busy with the newsletter these days and with our membership drive. In our last newsletter, we asked for volunteers to put pamphlets in doctor's offices in their area, but unfortunately no one came forward to help us with this project. Please consider this very carefully, as it would educate a lot of people, and the pamphlets are very educational. This winter again we will approach Sunday school classes, Confirmation classes etc. with our education kits. If you feel that a group in your area might be interested in this project please contact the office.

October is our Membership month and our volunteers will be busy helping us with writing out receipts and thank you notes. It is very important for a non-profit organization to have as many memberships and donations as possible. This will enable us financially to buy pamphlets, to assist other Right to Chapters on the Island and to keep the office running.

We at the office are very conscious of were the money is going. The operation of the office is an ongoing expense and the publishing of the Newsletter is costly too but we have to keep on sending them out to keep you the members and the public aware of what is going on. Membership forms are included in this Newsletter. The fees are the same as last year. As in the past our Association gives charitable receipts for both membership fees and donations. We solicit your continued support.

Christmas Cards - We have a beautiful selection of Christmas cards this year and a lot of work has gone into selecting them and packaging them. The price is $7.50 or 3 pkg. for $20. As this is our only fundraiser, we ask you to help us in this effort and sell some in your own clubs and to friends and family. They are available at the office mid-October call before to make sure somebody is at the office to help you. Thank you.

The National Life Conference "Life and Family, Source of Hope" is being held in November 17-19,2005 at St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, Quebec. If interested, contact the office.

The CWL March for Life in May was quite successful according to the organizers. There were about 20 participants who paraded around the Confederation Centre block carry placards proclaiming respect for life. It is expected to continue so watch for upcoming date and location.

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