School district keeps parental permission rules for students seeking services like abortion
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=16625
SACRAMENTO, CALIF., July 22 (CNA) - Another California school district has voted to preserve a policy requiring students to have parental permission to leave campus for any reason. Changes to the policy would have allowed students to leave campus for any reason, including “confidential medical services” such as abortion.
The Fairfield-Suisun Board of Education on July 16 voted 5-2 to keep the policy, the California Catholic Daily says. It is the second time in four years the board has rejected a more permissive policy, which has been sought by Fairfield-Suisun Superintendent Jacki Cottingim.
Proponents of the change include the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. They maintain that the 1986 state Education Code requires the policy change, while their opponents say state law leaves the choice to local districts.
Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute, said in a statement that the board members understood that the law is clear about “confidential release.”
“They understand that local school boards are given the choice to include parents or exclude parents,” commented England, who testified in favor of the policy.
The Fairfield-Suisun School District covers Solano County, midway between Sacramento and San Francisco. It operates 31 schools for 23,000 students.
The Modesto City School Board has voted to remove the requirements for parental permission, while the Vista Board of Education in northern San Diego County requires parental consent for students who leave campus for “confidential medical services.”
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Will President Obama Continue the Acknowledged 'Tradition' of Keeping Federal Tax Dollars Away from Abortion?
WASHINGTON, July 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today the president of the Susan B. Anthony List urged President Obama to clarify his position on abortion coverage and health care reform at tonight's presidential press conference.
"This morning President Obama acknowledged the longstanding 'tradition' of excluding abortion coverage from government-funded health care programs," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "When we find long-standing traditions like limiting taxpayer funds for abortion, we know political common ground has been achieved. This is exactly the type of policy the President has sought to achieve, one that stands the test of time, agreed to by both Democratic and Republican administrations alike. Yet both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation seek to undo this commonsense policy. Without language to explicitly exclude an abortion mandate, the legislation will result in Americans footing the bill for abortion on- demand in the largest expansion of government- backed abortion since Roe v. Wade."
In an interview with CBS' Katie Couric this morning, President Obama said, "What I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. [. . .] As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."
"Just yesterday Representative Lynn Woolsey objected to an amendment to exclude abortion coverage, arguing that abortions are no more controversial than tonsillectomies," said Dannenfelser "Does President Obama agree with Ms. Woolsey that an abortion is no worse than having your tonsils removed? Does the President feel that Americans should be forced to finance the deaths of unborn children and the subsequent pain experienced by their mothers? Does he wish to undo a 32 year-old common ground policy that respects the wishes of American taxpayers?"
See video of Rep. Lynn Woolsey's (D-CA) comments comparing abortion to a tonsillectomy here.
"Families are at the very heart of the health care issue," said Dannenfelser. "And with pregnancy there are always two patients, mother and baby. We must establish a health care system that respects, protects and cherishes both. Americans deserve direct answers about where the President stands, and tonight he will have the opportunity to clarify his position with regard to the common ground policies supported by the growing majority of pro-life Americans."
Susan B. Anthony List activists have also sent over 340,000 letters urging Congress to keep taxpayer funds from supporting abortion on-demand in 2009.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 162,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
Christian Newswire
"This morning President Obama acknowledged the longstanding 'tradition' of excluding abortion coverage from government-funded health care programs," said Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser. "When we find long-standing traditions like limiting taxpayer funds for abortion, we know political common ground has been achieved. This is exactly the type of policy the President has sought to achieve, one that stands the test of time, agreed to by both Democratic and Republican administrations alike. Yet both the House and Senate versions of health care reform legislation seek to undo this commonsense policy. Without language to explicitly exclude an abortion mandate, the legislation will result in Americans footing the bill for abortion on- demand in the largest expansion of government- backed abortion since Roe v. Wade."
In an interview with CBS' Katie Couric this morning, President Obama said, "What I think is important, at this stage, is not trying to micromanage what benefits are covered. [. . .] As you know, I'm pro choice. But I think we also have a tradition of, in this town, historically, of not financing abortions as part of government funded health care."
"Just yesterday Representative Lynn Woolsey objected to an amendment to exclude abortion coverage, arguing that abortions are no more controversial than tonsillectomies," said Dannenfelser "Does President Obama agree with Ms. Woolsey that an abortion is no worse than having your tonsils removed? Does the President feel that Americans should be forced to finance the deaths of unborn children and the subsequent pain experienced by their mothers? Does he wish to undo a 32 year-old common ground policy that respects the wishes of American taxpayers?"
See video of Rep. Lynn Woolsey's (D-CA) comments comparing abortion to a tonsillectomy here.
"Families are at the very heart of the health care issue," said Dannenfelser. "And with pregnancy there are always two patients, mother and baby. We must establish a health care system that respects, protects and cherishes both. Americans deserve direct answers about where the President stands, and tonight he will have the opportunity to clarify his position with regard to the common ground policies supported by the growing majority of pro-life Americans."
Susan B. Anthony List activists have also sent over 340,000 letters urging Congress to keep taxpayer funds from supporting abortion on-demand in 2009.
The Susan B. Anthony List is a nationwide network of Americans, over 162,000 residing in all 50 states, dedicated to mobilizing, advancing, and representing pro-life women in politics. Its connected Candidate Fund increases the percentage of pro-life women in the political process.
Christian Newswire
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Pope fractures wrist in fall
Posted on July 17, 2009 by Cindy Wooden (Catholic News Service)
VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI fell overnight, fracturing his right wrist. The pope was in the Salesian-owned chalet in the northern Italian Alps where he is vacationing.
Papal spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said, “after a fall in his room overnight, the Holy Father suffered a slight fracture of his right wrist.”
“Nevertheless, in the morning the Holy Father celebrated Mass and had breakfast, then was accompanied to the hospital in Aosta where the slight fracture was discovered and his wrist was immobilized.”
Earlier, Father Lombardi told reporters that the 82-year-old pope was advised by his doctor to go to the hospital for tests.
When asked if the pope lost consciousness, Father Lombardi told CNS, “Absolutely not.” And, he said, the pope walked to the car and into the hospital on his own two feet.
As of 11 a.m. Rome time, the pope was still in the emergency room and Father Lombardi expected him to return to the chalet in Les Combes in the early afternoon.
The spokesman said he had not yet spoken to the pope’s doctor Patrizio Polisca, who accompanied the pope to Les Combes, so he does not know if the pope’s wrist is in a cast or is simply wrapped and splinted.
The pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus Sunday with visitors gathered outside the chalet. Father Lombardi said it was too early to know if that plan would change.
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/pope-goes-to-emergency-room-after-fall/
VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI fell overnight, fracturing his right wrist. The pope was in the Salesian-owned chalet in the northern Italian Alps where he is vacationing.
Papal spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi said, “after a fall in his room overnight, the Holy Father suffered a slight fracture of his right wrist.”
“Nevertheless, in the morning the Holy Father celebrated Mass and had breakfast, then was accompanied to the hospital in Aosta where the slight fracture was discovered and his wrist was immobilized.”
Earlier, Father Lombardi told reporters that the 82-year-old pope was advised by his doctor to go to the hospital for tests.
When asked if the pope lost consciousness, Father Lombardi told CNS, “Absolutely not.” And, he said, the pope walked to the car and into the hospital on his own two feet.
As of 11 a.m. Rome time, the pope was still in the emergency room and Father Lombardi expected him to return to the chalet in Les Combes in the early afternoon.
The spokesman said he had not yet spoken to the pope’s doctor Patrizio Polisca, who accompanied the pope to Les Combes, so he does not know if the pope’s wrist is in a cast or is simply wrapped and splinted.
The pope is scheduled to recite the Angelus Sunday with visitors gathered outside the chalet. Father Lombardi said it was too early to know if that plan would change.
http://cnsblog.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/pope-goes-to-emergency-room-after-fall/
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Benedict XVI Offers Commentary on Encyclical
Affirms "Truth" and "Love" at Heart of Social Doctrine
VATICAN CITY, JULY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI gave a personal commentary on his third encyclical today, dedicating the general audience to a consideration of "Caritas in Veritate."
The Pope's first social encyclical was released Tuesday after a June 29 signing.
The document, the Holy Father said in his discourse in Paul VI Hall, "addresses social themes vital to the well-being of humanity and reminds us that authentic renewal of both individuals and society requires living by Christ’s truth in love."
Truth in love, he explained, is the "heart of the Church's social teaching."
The Bishop of Rome noted that the inspiration for the encyclical is "a passage from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, in which the apostle speaks of acting according to truth in charity: 'Rather living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ.'"
Acknowledging that he did not pretend to offer technical solutions to social problems, the Pontiff stated that the encyclical "focuses on the principles indispensable for human development."
"Most important among these is human life itself," he declared, "the center of all true progress. Additionally, [the encyclical] speaks of the right to religious freedom as a part of human development, it warns against unbounded hope in technology alone, and it underlines the need for upright men and women -- attentive to the common good -- in both politics and the business world."
Feeding the poor
Benedict XVI gave particular attention to the "scandal" of world hunger, noting how "Caritas in Veritate" calls for "decisive action to promote food security and agricultural development, as well as respect for the environment and for the rule of law."
"Dear friends," he continued, "humanity is a single family where every development program -- if it is to be integral -- must consider the spiritual growth of human persons and the driving force of charity in truth."
"Let us pray for all those who serve in politics and the management of economies, and in particular let us pray for the heads of state gathering in Italy for the G-8 summit," the Holy Father concluded. "May their decisions promote true development especially for the world’s poor."
The Group of Eight is meeting in Italy through Friday.
VATICAN CITY, JULY 8, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI gave a personal commentary on his third encyclical today, dedicating the general audience to a consideration of "Caritas in Veritate."
The Pope's first social encyclical was released Tuesday after a June 29 signing.
The document, the Holy Father said in his discourse in Paul VI Hall, "addresses social themes vital to the well-being of humanity and reminds us that authentic renewal of both individuals and society requires living by Christ’s truth in love."
Truth in love, he explained, is the "heart of the Church's social teaching."
The Bishop of Rome noted that the inspiration for the encyclical is "a passage from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians, in which the apostle speaks of acting according to truth in charity: 'Rather living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ.'"
Acknowledging that he did not pretend to offer technical solutions to social problems, the Pontiff stated that the encyclical "focuses on the principles indispensable for human development."
"Most important among these is human life itself," he declared, "the center of all true progress. Additionally, [the encyclical] speaks of the right to religious freedom as a part of human development, it warns against unbounded hope in technology alone, and it underlines the need for upright men and women -- attentive to the common good -- in both politics and the business world."
Feeding the poor
Benedict XVI gave particular attention to the "scandal" of world hunger, noting how "Caritas in Veritate" calls for "decisive action to promote food security and agricultural development, as well as respect for the environment and for the rule of law."
"Dear friends," he continued, "humanity is a single family where every development program -- if it is to be integral -- must consider the spiritual growth of human persons and the driving force of charity in truth."
"Let us pray for all those who serve in politics and the management of economies, and in particular let us pray for the heads of state gathering in Italy for the G-8 summit," the Holy Father concluded. "May their decisions promote true development especially for the world’s poor."
The Group of Eight is meeting in Italy through Friday.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Obama Complains that Fears over Abortion Agenda "Not Based on Anything I've Said or Done"
By Kathleen Gilbert
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a meeting with several members of the Catholic media Thursday, President Obama insisted that pro-life Catholics' fears over the new administration's abortion agenda was "not based on anything I've said or done." The president also said he embraces the so-called "seamless garment" moral theory of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, which he said he feels has been "buried under the abortion debate" in recent decades.
The president called for the brief round-table meeting with Catholic media to discuss his upcoming meeting with Pope Benedict XVI July 10, but addressed the rift between his stance on abortion and the Catholic Church's moral teaching in response to questions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Catholic News Service, the National Catholic Reporter, National Catholic Register, America magazine, Commonweal magazine, Catholic Digest, Vatican Radio, and a Washington Post religion writer.
According to the Catholic Digest report, one member asked for more information on President Obama's stance on conscience protection for doctors objecting to abortion.
President Obama said that the expectation of heavily pro-abortion policy from his administration "is not based on anything I've said or done, but is rather just a perception somehow that we have some hard-line agenda that we're seeking to push."
Obama, who in February began repealing a Bush regulation strengthening doctors' conscience rights, said he favors a "robust" conscience clause. However, he did not elaborate on what aspect of the Bush regulation he considered flawed and did not give a compelling reason for why his administration is repealing the regulation.
Read more: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09070608.html
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a meeting with several members of the Catholic media Thursday, President Obama insisted that pro-life Catholics' fears over the new administration's abortion agenda was "not based on anything I've said or done." The president also said he embraces the so-called "seamless garment" moral theory of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, which he said he feels has been "buried under the abortion debate" in recent decades.
The president called for the brief round-table meeting with Catholic media to discuss his upcoming meeting with Pope Benedict XVI July 10, but addressed the rift between his stance on abortion and the Catholic Church's moral teaching in response to questions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Catholic News Service, the National Catholic Reporter, National Catholic Register, America magazine, Commonweal magazine, Catholic Digest, Vatican Radio, and a Washington Post religion writer.
According to the Catholic Digest report, one member asked for more information on President Obama's stance on conscience protection for doctors objecting to abortion.
President Obama said that the expectation of heavily pro-abortion policy from his administration "is not based on anything I've said or done, but is rather just a perception somehow that we have some hard-line agenda that we're seeking to push."
Obama, who in February began repealing a Bush regulation strengthening doctors' conscience rights, said he favors a "robust" conscience clause. However, he did not elaborate on what aspect of the Bush regulation he considered flawed and did not give a compelling reason for why his administration is repealing the regulation.
Read more: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jul/09070608.html
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