Pro-Life News: Abortion in New York, South Dakota, Vermont Safe Haven 
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by Maria Vitale
LifeNews.com Staff Writer
April 15, 2006
Hampshire College Criticized for Hosting Pro-Abortion Student Conference
Amherst, MA (LifeNews.com) — Hampshire College recently hosted a conference of more than 500 activists who are determined to keep abortion legal. The conference featured a number of pro-abortion workshops, including one dedicated to “careers in the reproductive rights movement.” The conference, entitled “From Abortion Rights to Social Justice: Building the Movement for Reproductive Freedom,” was the 20th abortion rights conference for the Hampshire College Civil Liberties and Public Policy Program. In one published report, activist Frances Crowe said, “We all need to come together and organize. Women’s reproductive rights are at great risk from what is coming down from the Bush administration.” The Hampshire College program attempts to connect legal abortion with other issues, such as disability rights and immigrant rights. Pro-lifers note, however, that disability and immigrant groups should actually have far more in common with the pro-life movement, which works to protect the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
New York Hospital Won’t Get Land From Catholic Church Because of Abortion
Potsdam, NY (LifeNews.com) — In Potsdam, New York, a hospital has dropped its effort to obtain land owned by a Catholic church after the church included an abortion ban in the deed. St. Mary’s Church included restrictions on “sordid and profane” purposes, which include abortions. After learning about the restriction, Canton-Potsdam Hospital abandoned the proposed deal. The Rev. Douglas Lucia, chancellor of the Ogdensburg Diocese, told the local press that abortions are in opposition to the teaching of the Catholic church. St. Mary’s closed in 2005 because of financial problems. The property at issue is about 125 miles north of Syracuse.
South Dakota Link to Crisis Pregnancy Center Draws Planned Parenthood Rage
Pierre, SD (LifeNews.com) — Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion operation, is objecting to a link on the South Dakota Health Department website to the Alpha Center, an organization which supported the state’s abortion ban. Two years ago, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds asked the State Library board to remove a link to a Planned Parenthood site from a State Library website for teens. At the time, the Governor said that Planned Parenthood was a political organization that hired lobbyists. According to state policy, links to sites run by organizations that include “affiliation or advocacy of a political party, organization or candidate running for office” are inappropriate. In a published report, Kate Lobby, state director of Planned Parenthood, was quoted as saying, “That was one of the excuses that was given last time—that Planned Parenthood was a political organization, therefore we could not be included…They’re (Alpha Center) out there clearly lobbying and politically involved in that way.” However, state officials say the link is included on the site because of a state law requiring a website for abortion alternatives.
South Dakota Abortion Ban Cartoon Sells for 2K for Abortion Funds
Pierre, SD (LifeNews.com) — A cartoon about a lawmaker’s comments on South Dakota’s abortion ban has sold for $2,201 on eBay. The proceeds have been earmarked for pro-abortion causes. Rapid City resident Sharon Ludwick Warner made the winning bid on the cartoon, which was drawn by Stephanie McMillan of Florida. In an Associated Press report, Ludwick Warner said, “We’ll probably frame it. There’s all kinds of possibilities.” McMillan has said she will split the final high bid between Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
Vermont Legislature Advances Safe Haven Bill to Protect Abandoned Babies
Montpelier, VT (LifeNews.com) — In Vermont, the Senate and House have passed a bill permitting new mothers to leave their babies with health care or emergency workers without facing criminal penalties. Gov. James Douglas is expected to sign the legislation, which creates so-called “baby safe havens.” The aim of the legislation is to enable distressed new mothers to leave their babies in a safe location, rather than abandoning them in a potentially dangerous place. Lawmakers say that it is tragic that a mother would contemplate abandoning her child, but that, if such a situation occurs, it’s important that the child be protected. Rep. William Lippert, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, has been quoted as saying, “This is really about saving the lives of these babies.” Under the bill, safe havens include health care facilities, fire stations, police stations, or places of worship.
Southern Illinois University Debates Abortion Coverage in Student Health Plan
Carbondale, IL (LifeNews.com) — Questions are being raised about abortion coverage in the student health care policy at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Associate professor Mark Peterson recently sent an e-mail asking university president Glenn Poshard whether he opposed or supported the $500 reimbursement for abortions. Carbon copies of the e-mail were sent to a university chancellor, the student health programs director, and a number of media outlets. Peterson told the press, “I don’t have an agenda here; I just want the answers.” The abortion coverage option is only available to those students who pay the extra cost of extended care benefits. Peterson added, “They could easily give $500 for adoption, but they have chosen not to.” Peterson has said that he is personally against abortion. Meanwhile, Poshard has been unavailable for comment.
