Pro-Life News Briefs: Michigan, Australia, South Carolina, Maryland 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
October 17, 2005
Researchers Leaving University of Michigan Embryonic Stem Cell Center
Ann Arbor, MI (LifeNews.com) — Researchers are leaving the University of Michigan embryonic stem cell research center for greener pastures, according to recent reports. Located in one of the nation’s top medical schools, the University of Michigan’s Human Embryonic Stem Cell Center is one of only three centers working with embryonic stem cells to receive federal funding. However, scientists are leaving to states like California because of the prospect of obtaining more money for their work. "There are companies that have come out of the University of Michigan and gone to California," Sean Morrison, the new director for U-M’s Center for Stem Cell Biology, told the Oakland Press. Michigan is one of just a handful of states that places further limits on embryonic stem cell research. According to laws past in 1999 and in the 1970s, scientists face a $10,000 fine for destroying an unborn child for research. State Rep. Andy Meisner, a Democrat, has introduced state legislation that would allow scientists to use human cloning to create embryos for research. Pro-life groups like Right to Life of Michigan would likely strongly oppose such a measure.
Australia Abortion Facilities Join Effort to Legalize RU 486 Abortion Drug
Canberra, Australia (LifeNews.com) — A handful of abortion businesses in Australia have joined an MP’s lobbying effort to try to get the national government there to reverse restrictions on using the dangerous RU 486 abortion drug. The pills have been responsible for the deaths of five women in the United States and others elsewhere, but Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, and Family Planning Victoria have all said they want the drug approved. Chris Bayly, associate director of women’s services at Royal Women’s Hospital said he believes the drug is safe to use, even though it has caused infections leading to deaths of women in the U.S. He also said he wants to make sure that women in
rural parts of the island nation that don’t live close to an abortion business have access to abortion.
South Carolina Catholic Diocese Won’t Support Race for Cure re Abrotion
Charleston, SC (LifeNews.com) — The Catholic Diocese of Charleston and Bishop England High School will no longer support the local Race for the Cure there because the Komen Foundation in other parts of the country have given donations to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business. The annual race, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation is expected to have as many as 6,000 participants in Charleston. Race organizers told local media that some students at the Catholic high school will participate on their own. However, the high school will no longer give community service credits to students for their involvement. The local affiliate requires proceeds from its race to go toward breast cancer screenings, but that’s not the case with other affiliates.
Abortion Advocates Launch Attack on Australia Pregnancy Centers
Canberra, Australia (LifeNews.com) — The attacks that abortion advocates are waging on pregnancy centers in the United States to discredit their work has reached Australia. There, a pro-abortion MP has asked the government’s watchdog group to investigate pregnancy centers there. Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle accusing the abortion alternative agencies of engaging in deceptive acts in violation of the country’s Trade Practices Act. She wrote to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to ask it to look into them. She says that while CPC materials say their counseling is neutral, she says the pregnancy centers advise women not to have abortions. The ACCC would not tell Australian media outlets whether it will launch a query into the complaint.
Former Jack Kevorkian Attorney Will Run for Michigan Attorney General
Southfield, MI (LifeNews.com) — Geoffrey Fieger, the infamous attorney who gained fame as the lawyer for assisted suicide crusader Jack Kevorkian, says he plans a bid to become Michigan’s attorney general. Feiger ran for governor in 1998 and lost to pro-life Gov. John Engler. Fieger said Tuesday that he hadn’t discussed his bid for attorney general with Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, but he said, "I have been urged by people at the highest level to do this." He earlier explored the idea of challenging Granholm, an abortion advocate, in the Democratic primary next year. If he runs, Feiger would challenge incumbent Attorney General Mike Cox, a Republican.
Man Robs Maryland Abortion Facility, Steals Money From Staff
Frederick, MD (LifeNews.com) — A man with a gun robbed a Maryland abortion business on October 16th, a Sunday night. Employees of American Women’s Services Clinic, located on 801 Toll House Ave. told police in Frederick, Maryland that the suspect looked like a businessman. He demanded money from the employees at 8 p.m., as they were closing up shop for the day. Police did not tell media outlets how much money was taken in the robbery. The suspect is described as a white man between 30 and 35 years of age, with a medium build and short brown hair. He worse square-rimmed glasses, a white button-down shirt and black pants. Anyone with information is asked to call Frederick police at 301-694-2100.
