E-Update below for 23 October, is courtesy of
Alberta Pro-Life Association.
LaRee Pickup, Provincial Director
Email: apl@albertaprolife.com
Tel: (780) 929-9230

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E-Update - October 23, 2008

Pro-lifer will appeal his decision on withholding taxes over abortion

PEI resident David Little will be in court on October 24 to appeal an earlier ruling by the Court of Queen’s Bench in New Brunswick. Mr. Little, who used to live in New Brunswick, has not filed income tax since 1999 as a protest against tax-funded abortion which he argues violates his religious freedom as a Roman Catholic. Earlier this week he told the Globe and Mail: "When I finally took the decision to embrace courage and fight the federal government, it was because I could no longer look myself in the mirror and ask the question: Who am I to pray for life and pay for death?" Mr. Little says he will appeal his case to the Supreme Court of Canada if necessary and he is confident that he will win his constitutional challenge. Lawyer and left-wing activist Clayton Ruby told the newspaper that there is little hope for this case. As reported in the Globe and Mail, he said, “the freedom-of-religion defence cannot be based on one person's ‘idiosyncratic interpretation’ of a church's teaching, noting the difference between that and the more broad-based Sikh requirement to wear a turban, or the Hutterite opposition to photographs. ‘The church must have this as a stricture that must be followed,’ he said. ‘The Catholic Church does not.’” That would be news to Pope Benedict XVI and to most faithful Catholics throughout the world.

UBC Okanagan campus pro-life club loses in Supreme Court of BC

John Hof, Campaign Life Coalition BC, sends this report: “In a decision that could act as a green light for student unions to censor other pro-life clubs in BC and perhaps the rest of Canada, Justice Wong of the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled against a petition brought on behalf of two pro-life students at the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus. The students were seeking to overturn a BC Human Rights Commission decision to dismiss the students' complaint that the student union acted in a discriminatory fashion in refusing to ratify a pro-life club on campus. The matter was deferred to a special general meeting at which members of the student body voted to deny the group club status. Justice Wong determined that the Tribunal's decision to dismiss the complaint brought against UBCSUO was not inappropriate, arbitrary, or based on irrelevant facts. He cited the use of offensive material - namely a film and pamphlet originating from the Centre for Bioethical Reform's 'Genocide Awareness Project - on the part of Students for Life as appropriate justification for the refusal of club status. In even more damaging language, Justice Wong declared that the boundaries of the right to religious expression needed to be clearly established in order to prevent the situation in which secular students are forced to fund activities that they may find offensive. He gave no consideration to the argument that pro-life students are currently forced to pay student union fees, many of which go to fund activities and ideals that they find offensive. To make matters even worse, the defendants in the case, the student union, now have the option of holding the plaintiffs, two young nursing students, financially responsible for some of the legal costs incurred. It remains to be seen if the well-funded student union will exercise that option and force the two young students to pay out of pocket.”

Parents accompany their son to Swiss suicide clinic

A British couple disclosed last week that they accompanied their 23-year-old son to a Swiss suicide clinic where he died. Mark and Julie James said their son Dan, a rugby player who was paralyzed in March 2007 during a game, found his life “unbearable” and had tried to kill himself three times. They said he was not prepared to live what he described as a “second-class existence.” His mother criticized the person who reported their actions to police. "Our son could not have been more loved and had he felt he could live his life this way he would have been loved just the same but this was his right as a human being, nobody but nobody should judge him or anyone else,'' she told the The Daily Telegraph. The newspaper said the family was being investigated by the police. They could be charged with aiding and abetting a suicide although no one has ever been convicted before. At least 100 Britons have travelled to the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland to die.

Let’s get 100,000 signatures on this UN petition

Three weeks ago, the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute, C-FAM, launched its Petition for the Unborn Child to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, Human Rights Day around the world. As C-FAM president Austin Ruse explained then, “This will be a very big deal at UN headquarters in New York. The opponents of the unborn child will be out in force. We expect they will present petitions to the General Assembly asking for an explicit right to abortion. Those agitating for this are the largest, richest and deadliest abortion groups in the world: International Planned Parenthood Federation and Marie Stopes International.” As of Monday, October 20, 46,417 people have signed the petition and Austin Ruse is now hoping to hit 100,000. Download the petition from C-FAM and get it signed by friends, neighbours, church communities, youth groups and anyone else you can think of and encourage others to do the same. Go to http://www.cfam.org/publications/id.95/default.asp.

Last chance to apply for sponsorships for Medical Students’ forum

Tomorrow is the last day to submit an application for sponsorship to the Medical Students’ for Life forum on November 22 - 23, 2008 at Mount Mary Retreat Centre in Ancaster, Ontario. This is a terrific event hosted by Canadian Physicians for Life. Pro-life medical students and residents who are interested in deepening their understanding of the life issues and who want to acquire the knowledge, the skills, and the courage to defend the pro-life ethic in the medical profession are invited to apply for sponsorship to attend this event. You can get more information on the forum, the sponsorships and download an application form at www.physiciansforlife.ca. Completed applications must be received in the office by October 24, 2008. You can also contact: KC McLean, Communications and Events Coordinator, 613-728- LIFE (5433) or at info@physiciansforlife.ca. Pass this message on to medical students you know who might be interested in attending.

Don’t get tricked by UNICEF Halloween candy

If you are buying Halloween candy this week, please read the packages carefully. UNICEF has stopped using the trick or treat boxes for children but many candy manufacturers are supporting UNICEF through their sales. UNICEF does much good work in developing countries but unfortunately, it also supports the pro-abortion agenda of many United Nations organizations and International Planned Parenthood. Go to http://www.c-fam.org/publications/id.604/pub_detail.asp to read about their most recent involvement promoting abortion. Many of the bags of chocolate bars and other treats available now in stores for Halloween have a small UNICEF logo on the package. See the September issue of The Rose for a sample of the logo. (It is online at www.albertaprolife.com. See story on page 9.) Please avoid these treats. You might also want to write the manufacturer to explain why you did not buy their product. Also, many schools will be doing UNICEF projects for Halloween so keep tabs your school’s Halloween projects.

Ice Cream Sundaes

Come and celebrate National Child Day of Canada on Thursday, November 20th, with make-your-own sundaes for the whole family! The Back Porch, an Edmonton-based ministry across from the Morgentaler Clinic, is hosting this fundraiser to support their work helping women who are reconsidering their decision to abort. Join us in the Holy Family Parish hall at 75 Poirier Ave, St. Albert. The fun will begin at 6:30 p.m., with face painting for the kids, a presentation for parents, and ice cream for all. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information call 780-421-99

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Al-Qaida supports McCain because they want Obama in the White House

Apparently the Washington Post has reported that Al-Qaida supports John McCain because he will continue to exhaust the US economically and militarily with the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Although I have only seen reports about the WP article, and not the article itself, it's obvious Al-Qaida wants to see Barack Obama in the White House. In a thinly veiled attempt at reverse psychology, their supposed support for McCain will ideally drive American voters to Obama -- or so they must hope. Think about it, if Al-Qaida wants Obama in the White House ... should you?

Not only will an Obama/Biden Presidency be disastrous for national security, it would be disastrous for the Right to Life cause in America. He is apologetically pro-abortion, he would appoint a Supreme Court vacancy with a "pro-choice" judge to ensure the continuation of Roe V Wade. Where does Obama stand on euthanasia and assisted suicide? We don't know. He avoids answering those two questions. It would only stand to reason that the same thinking that brought him to support the arbitrary killing of life at the beginning of the life spectrum could also be applied to the end of life.

This evening CNN reported that their polls (which we know are always so balanced)give B.O. a double digit percentage lead in public support of John McCain. I hope they are wrong just like they were in the 2004 election. You may remember that pollsters right up to election day had John Kerry beating George Bush.

Democratic gremlin James Carville sat in the CNN studios on election night with a waste paper basket over his head (literally). He thought it was funny -- I was just grateful.

It's my hope the same happens with another Republican win on election night. If Americans committed to life and national security will just get out en masse and vote for John McCain, I will happily supply a new waste paper basket for Carville.

Mark Pickup

A western perspective on Canadian Life issues

Below is a copy of Alberta Pro-Life Association's (APL) email update on Life Issues across Canada. Further, the latest edition of APL's newsletter can be seen at http://www.albertaprolife.com/alberta/rose/sept_2007.pdf .

E-Update - October 16, 2008

Linda Gibbons arrested again

Toronto pro-life activist Linda Gibbons, who was acquitted just two weeks ago, returned to pray outside the Scott abortion clinic in Toronto on October 8th and was arrested. She appeared in court this week and was remanded to October 21st. Mrs. Gibbons, a 60 year-old grandmother, was charged with violating a court order, that being the “temporary injunction” imposed 14 years ago by the former NDP government. Mrs. Gibbons was acquitted two weeks ago because the judge said her peaceful protest could not be construed as obstruction. The police and Crown have always avoided charges under the court order because it might be found at trial to be unconstitutional. Mrs. Gibbons may finally get her chance to have the case heard by a jury. She has served 75 months in jail over the past 14 years for her peaceful protests outside abortion clinics.

It’s another Conservative minority government

Prime Minister Stephen (I won’t reopen the abortion debate) Harper strengthened his position in Parliament but still fell 12 seats shy of a majority government. As usual, there were a number of pro-life MPs elected but it is difficult to see what difference their presence will make if all the party leaders are content with Canada’s radical pro-abortion policies. The final tally is 143 seats for the Conservatives, 76 Liberals, 37 NDP and the Bloc Quebecois with 50 and two independents. Life issues were not part of any mainstream party’s agenda. Only the Christian Heritage Party is officially pro-life.

Cardinal Ouellet says spiritual vacuum is bad for Quebec

The Primate of the Catholic Church in Canada, Cardinal Mark Ouellet, wrote in an Italian newspaper last week that the anti-Catholic mentality in Quebec, partly fostered by the media, has led to a religious and cultural breakdown in the province. "Hence the confusion of our youths, the dramatic drop in marriages, the very low birth rate and the alarming number of abortions and suicides. The crisis in values and the search for meaning are profound and urgent problems in Quebec that are even having serious repercussions on public health that have led to considerable costs on the health-care system." He said the province is ripe for re-evangelization and urged Catholics to get involved.

Chauvin court challenge to OC award

Frank Chauvin, one of the Order of Canada recipients who has notified the Governor General’s office that he will be returning his award, has launched a legal challenge against the advisory council that recommended Henry Morgentaler for the award. The announcement was made the same day Morgentaler’s award was presented in Quebec City last week. Mr. Chauvin has not yet returned his medal because as long as he has it, he has standing in the case as a member of the Order of Canada. Mr. Chauvin is asking the court to rescind the award because the council did not follow the criteria established for recipients and also because Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin should have recused herself from the process since Henry Morgentaler has a case before the court in New Brunswick which could end up in the Supreme Court of Canada, the court she oversees. Last week, a former Supreme Court justice, Louise Arbour, also received an Order of Canada award, and she enthusiastically endorsed the Morgentaler appointment. I suppose we should celebrate the fact that she is no longer on the bench.

Looking for great pro-life Christmas gifts?

I know it’s early but some people actually start their Christmas shopping before December 15th. We’ve got the 2009 Pro-Life calendars sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and displaying artwork by high school students. These make great stocking stuffers. Also, we’ve got our very popular “unaborted” clothing line, T-shirts and hoodies in great colours and a variety of designs. If you are interested in calendars or “unaborted” stuff, call our office at 780-421-7747 or toll free at 1-877-880-5433.

The Order of Canada lost its honour!

With a look of obvious adoration, Canada’s Governor General, Michaëlle Jean gave Canada’s highest civilian award, the Order of Canada, to the most infamous abortionist in the land, “Dr.” Henry Morgentaler. A statement released by Rideau Hall (the Governor General’s office) stated, “A Holocaust survivor, he [Henry Morgentaler] has not hesitated to put himself at risk in his determined drive to increase health care options for women.”

The Holocaust survivor from Europe created a new holocaust in Canada. Morgentaler has admitted to personally presiding over a 100,000 abortions. His abortion mills dotted across Canada have helped to make him a millionaire.

This dark and sinister irony went unspoken but was glaringly apparent to all but the most ardent abortion ideologues. Canada’s liberal elite at Rideau Hall and the mainstream media – like the Globe and Mail, CTV and CBC television networks – cheered that their champion of abortion 'rights' received such a high honor. Awarding Morgentaler the Order of Canada did not raise him up; it brought the prestige of the Order down.

Abortion is not a right – it is a wrong. Victory for one person’s rights gained at the expense of another person's right to exist is no victory at all. Nobody who truly believes in the ideal of universal human rights could deny any life the right to be born, breath, walk on the earth, and find their place in the world.

No, abortion on demand is not a victory for women’s rights, it is a defeat for universal human rights. Universal human rights must be universally applied to all humanity – otherwise they are not “universal” human rights. Basic biology tells us that life begins at conception. This is not a metaphysical contention; it is a plain and simple biological truth. Human rights begin when human life begins. Anything less is prejudice and sophistry. Abortion denies protection and care of the youngest, smallest and most defenseless members of the human family.
Yet that is what Canada has celebrated by giving Henry Morgentaler the Order of Canada.

You can decorate an abortionist with all prestigious medals ever made … he is still an abortionist. A murderer by any other name is still a murderer.

Canada has lost the honour in its highest honour. Its luster is gone. By giving the Order of Canada to the most contentious and infamous abortionist in the land, we have unwittingly proclaimed that we no longer embrace the great and noble ideal of universal human rights – of which the right to life is the first and highest.


A mass murderer of prenatal life has been honoured for doing just that. The insignia at the center of the medal should be changed to a swastika.

Mark Pickup

The Meaning of Suffering: A Christian Perspective

Read my latest blog "The Meaning of Suffering: A Christian Perspective" at http://markpickup.blogspot.com

Mark Pickup

I received an email that moved me to tears

On October 2nd, I received an unexpected email from a woman I shall refer to as simply J. for the sake of her anonimity. Her note deeply moved me. There are times when one realizes that his life has made a difference for good. This was one such occasion.

Keep reading. -- Mark Pickup
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Dear Mr. Pickup,

I don't know if you'll remember me, but I met you at the National Right to Life Committee Conference in 2001. I remember being moved by your speech, and my mother and I took home a copy of your video [To Be, or Not To Be -- The Human Family] when we went back to Boston. What I didn't count on at the time was just how meaningful that speech would be for me just a few months down the line.

Less than a year after being at the NRLC event, I found out that I was pregnant, during my senior year of high school. My fiance was supportive and was prepared to do whatever he needed to do to help me as I carried our child. Both of us were pro-life, but I was absolutely petrified. I knew 100% that abortion was wrong and that my child was a child, made in the image and according to the likeness of God, but it was so hard to fight back the knowledge that I was in Massachusetts and could easily have had a taxpayer funded abortion without anyone ever knowing about it. My life could just go on as it had before, unless you count a broken heart and wounded humanity.

Whenever I started feeling weaker in resolve, I would watch the video of your speech because it gave me the courage to see that I was not so weak that violence ought to be done to "protect" me. Your courage in facing your own trials made it easier for me to stand up to my own challenges, and we have done so with reliance on the grace of God and a firm commitment to hard work. My son turns 6 years old this Sunday, and my husband and I now also have 3 other small children ages 3, 1 ½, and 2 months:

We both graduated college the same year that we would have without becoming pregnant, and now both of us are working at jobs that we love. I'm working from home now, for the same pro-life organization that was so helpful to me and my husband as we planned for parenthood while working our ways through college.

I stumbled on your blog, and felt like I needed to say "thank you" for having the courage to share your story and to speak the truth in a world growing deaf. I heard you, and my life and the lives of my children have been better for it.

Thank you again,

J

New blog entry

Read Mark Pickup's latest blog "Did the financial bailout solve the problem?" at http://markpickup.blogspot.com