Read this RW Trojan Horse crap (excuse me, "democrats for life" crap)

[uppityperson]

BEWARE when you read things. Make sure they really say what you want, rather than just skimming and saying "sounds ok to me".

http://www.democratsforlife.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemid=45

Pregnant Women Support Act


Some of the programs included are:

* establish a toll-free number to direct women to places that will provide support;
* collect accurate data on why women choose abortion;
* provide Pregnancy Counseling and Childcare on University Campuses;
* provide accurate information to patients receiving a positive result from prenatal testing;
* provide counseling in maternity group homes;
* increase the adoption tax credit and it permanent
* eliminate pregnancy as a pre-existing condition with respect to health care;
* provide grants for ultrasound equipment;
* support informed consent for Abortion Services;
* increase awareness about violence against pregnant women;
* require the SCHIP to cover pregnant women and unborn children;
* provide free home visits by registered nurses for new mothers.

Finally, we must protect our children by passing the Child Custody Protection Act, continue to promote Safe Haven laws and support funding for programs such as the Abandoned Infants Assistance.

At first glance, some of the wording seems iffy, but some of it looks like a good idea. So, let's delve in further.

The 95-10 proposal of Democrats for Life seeks over the next decade to eliminate 95 percent of all abortions performed in the United States through a three pronged
strategy: supporting children and their mothers from conception forward, helping
mothers make the most informed and best decision with a knowledge of available alternatives to abortion, and preventing unwanted pregnancies in the first place.

Going to the link, I find this about an "iffy" worded thing:

2. Requiring informed consent. The 95-10 Initiative will reduce the number of abortions by requiring federally funded clinics to provide that mothers sign an informed consent agreement, ensuring that the mothers understand the potential physical and
emotional risks of abortion. Why this matters: A 2004 study, using regression analysis to isolate causal effects, shows that the passage of a state law requiring informed consent reduces the number of abortions in the state by anywhere from 12 to 22 abortions yearly per 1,000 live births.14 Thus, if informed-consent requirements were in effect throughout the entire nation, they would prevent between 50,000 and 100,000 abortions a year.15 Although 27
states have informed-consent laws, there remain significant gaps in coverage that should
be closed.


3. Providing information concerning genetic disability testing. The 95-10
Initiative will reduce abortions by requiring doctors to give all parents of unborn children
diagnosed with a genetic disease information on the accuracy of the tests which lead to
the diagnosis. The bill mandates that HHS provide information on federal support
services available to treat and raise a child with genetic diseases. The bill requires HHS
to compile information on services to help families with a diagnosed child.
Why this matters: 80 percent of babies diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and 95
percent of babies diagnosed with cystic fibrosis are aborted. The test used to diagnose
these conditions before childbirth can be prone to error.

WTF? Informed Consent is part of every surgical procedure, including abortions. They are in effect already. So, what is this group asking for? It reads to me that they want to "decrease the number of abortions" by mandating guilt tripping, or showing pictures, or mandatory ultrasound, or some other crap. Fail.

Genetic disability testing mandates? Do they seriously believe doctors don't "give all parents of unborn children diagnosed with a genetic disease information on the accuracy of the tests which lead to the diagnosis"?

Again, this looks like "let's pressure women who want abortions to not get them. Fail.

Off to their weblinks.

Their links:

* Pregnancy Resources (6)
Be Not Afraid - Resources for parents with difficult prenatal diagnoses
The Nurturing Network
Crisis Pregnancy Center-Online
Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is a life changing event with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Most women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion and its risks (ALL links there go to anti-choice agencies)
Stand Up Girl
CareNet
Heartbeat International

* Post-Abortion Help (3)
* Democratic Links (11)
* Pro-Life News and Education (4)
* Pro-Life Advocacy Groups (14)
* Consistent Life (3)
* Euthanasia/End of Life (3)
* Death Penalty (5)
* Medical (12)
* Political (1)
* Religious (13)

All the "pregnancy resources" go to anti-choice/"pro-life" groups.

Altogether, while "supporting children and their mothers from conception forward, helping
mothers make the most informed and best decision with a knowledge of available alternatives to abortion, and preventing unwanted pregnancies in the first place" may be a good thought, HOW they are going about doing this is totally wrong. Making abortions less easy to get, setting up MORE hoops to jump through before getting one may "eliminate 95 percent of all abortions performed in the United States", it is VERY anti-choice, VERY negative for women.

Check out links, read what they say, please, before supporting anything as the spin can be very devious.

[pinboy3niner]

1. Excellent advice

The very first "iffy" thing should serve as a flashing red warning light. In other cases, there may be no warning signals--just WAY too little information provided to warrant a call for all of us to "get behind this."

Well done.:thumbsup:

[uppityperson]

2. Even the name "democrats for life" could be taken 2 different ways.

1) I will be a democrat for the rest of my life
2) I am a "pro-life" democrat

They have different agendas.

Thanks. Researching and informing people of this deceptive stuff is necessary.

[Control-Z]

3. "Supporting" pregnant women

is a red flag in itself, imo. Getting support during pregnancy isn't really an issue, as far as I know. Every anti-choice group in town is offering support to the fetus and incubator.

Now, supporting newborns after birth, and their mothers, would be interesting.

[pinboy3niner]

4. Yes, wouldn't THAT be interesting! nt