Pro-Life Briefs: Stem Cell Research, Abortion Alternatives, New York 
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by Paul Nowak
LifeNews.com Staff Writer
March 2, 2006
Adult Stem Cell Research Shows Strong Results for Diabetes Patients
Duluth, MN (LifeNews.com) —Yet another treatment for diabetes is showing promising results, without the use of embryonic stem cells. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have successfully used islet cells from pigs to reverse the course of diabetes in monkeys. While the technique remains experimental, farms are already being created to raise specially bred pigs for clinical trials. "This is a very critical milestone in our ability to provide tissue for transplants on an unlimited basis," said Dr. Bernhard Hering, lead investigator of the research. To date, no clinical trials for embryonic stem cell research have been performed on humans, as no proof of their benefit has been discovered.
New York Governor Candidate Would Sign Morning After Pill Bill
Albany, NY (LifeNews.com) — Eliot Spitzer, New York Democratic gubernatorial candidate, promised to sign legislation allowing the morning after pill to be distributed to women without a prescription. Spitzer delivered his promise last week to members of Planned Parenthood of New York, who recently endorsed his candidacy. Spitzer’s announcement sets him opposite current Governor George Pataki, who vetoed similar legislation last August, stating that he wanted to limit the pills’ distribution and prevent men from obtaining and abusing the drug, which induces an abortion with 72 hours of intercourse. Republican gubernatorial candidates John Faso and Patrick Manning have stated publicly that they would veto legislation that would allow the distribution of the morning after pill without a prescription.
Missouri Crisis Pregnancy Center in Missouri Expands Ministry to Prisons
Vandalia, MO (LifeNews.com) – Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center in Missouri is expanding its ministry to inmates at Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia. "Statistics show that 60-80 percent of female prison inmates have had at least one abortion, which means there are about 1,200 inmates at Vandalia who are dealing with the guilt and the shame, along with everything else," said Laura Willing, a Care Net counselor. "I share with them the story of my own abortion. I let them know they are not alone in the pain they are feeling." Willing added that since the outreach program started in the spring of 2005, the number of attendees to the weekly session has swelled. "I was very nervous at first, because I was uncertain about what their reaction toward me and what I had to say about abortion would be," said Willing. " … That was when God took over."
Arizona Pregnancy Center Opens Up in Florence
Florence, AZ (LifeNews.com) – A new resource for pregnant women in Florence, Arizona has become available. Options Crisis Pregnancy Center of Pinal County is conducting volunteer training this week for its new center, based in a restored historic home. The center is equipped with two counseling rooms and an ultrasound room. Executive Director Katie Christ calls the ultrasound technology “a very powerful tool.” While the new center will talk about all the options available to pregnant women, and will discourage visitors for obtaining abortions, they do offer post-abortion counseling for healing after the trauma.
