Wednesday, June 29, 2011

It's National Fertility Awareness Month!

This is a wonderful guest post by Louisa Millington . . .


While at the gym last week, it came to my attention that I had let June almost completely run its course without paying tribute to National Fertility Awareness Month.  I was shaken out of my blissful ignorance when I came across an episode of The View.  In observance of National Fertility Awareness Month, the ladies of The View were dedicating an hour to Surrogacy.  As I watched, and peddled, a question began to develop:  If the surrogate decides to abort, is it still her body, her choice?   As the question continued to brew in my head over the next few days, I happened upon a second occasion to consider the issue of surrogacy while sitting at a book store killing time, waiting for my daughter’s flight to arrive.  While I sat quietly reading, a pregnant Asian woman sat next to me, and within the course of thirty minutes she was joined by five other pregnant women.   I must admit my curiosity got the better of me, and I began to make conversation.   The woman next to me told me she, and the group of women with her, were all from China.  Now having just seen the surrogacy episode of The View, and then finding myself in the company of six pregnant women from China, it got me thinking.  My mind very quickly jumped to the thought that these women could be part of the Chinese “wombs for rent” industry.  While these two surrogacy experiences open up a whole range of questions, I did get the sense that I was being called to explore some of those questions.


I’ll start with my first question:  If a surrogate decides to abort, is it still her body, her choice?   The quick answer is, yes. If you are unfamiliar with surrogacy, it is fairly simple.   There are two basic types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational.   Traditional uses the host surrogate’s egg and either donor sperm or sperm from the intended father to impregnate the host; there is a genetic relationship to the surrogate in traditional surrogacy.  Gestational surrogacy uses either donor sperm and eggs or the sperm and eggs of the intended father and mother to impregnate the host surrogate; there is no genetic relationship to the surrogate in gestational surrogacy.   Most people that choose surrogacy, as opposed to IVF or adoption, do so out of a desire to have a genetic relationship with the child.  There are only six states in the United States that permit surrogacy contracts:  Arkansas, California, Illinois (gestational surrogacy only), Massachusetts, New Jersey (uncompensated surrogacy agreements only), and Washington (uncompensated surrogacy agreements only).   The remaining states have no surrogacy laws, mixed/ambiguous laws, or surrogacy is not legal.  Surrogacy contracts are typically legal contracts where portions of the contracts can be unenforceable, particularly any portion of a contract that would require a surrogate host to continue a pregnancy against her will.   A surrogate mother has the option at any time to continue or end the pregnancy and there is nothing the intended parents can do to change the fact that this is her exclusive right (even with a legal contract).



As I have perused the surrogacy message boards, I have learned that abortion is a hot topic in the surrogacy community.  It can become an issue when selective reduction comes in to play, when the potential for a “defective” child becomes an issue, when a surrogate or intended parents change their mind, or when intended parents become unable to pay their bill.  I’ve read stories of intended parents that have paid tens of thousands of dollars only to have their genetic property arbitrarily destroyed by a surrogate that changed her mind.   These parents weep over their lost child, their lost parenthood, while the surrogate mom exercises her right to privacy.  Imagine the dichotomy of positions.  While many, if not most, of these families are ardent supporters of women’s reproductive rights, these same families lament the loss of their “child”.  So whose property is that growing human?  Many try to sue for performance of contract; however the sad reality is, the child in the womb is chattel owned by the mother carrying him or her.  Many have tried to apply commerce laws, laws applying to the selling of goods and services, to the surrogacy contract; once again a woman’s right to privacy supersedes commerce law in this instance.   I am struck at this point by the offensive objectification of these children, pawns used by surrogates to improve their financial situation and by intended parents attempting to satisfy their desire to have a genetic relationship with a child. This thing, this child, that sees its net worth rising and falling based on human desire and the ability to perform.


Now, what about those six women from China? Once again I was faced with dueling challenges; China’s forced subjugation of women with respect to their ability to have more than one child and the burgeoning womb for rent industry in China.  As I researched, I came across many articles about the Chinese government cracking down on the womb for rent industry, and stories of the Chinese government strapping teenage women to tables as they insert needles into their bellies to begin the abortion process, a situation not unfamiliar to many Chinese women that have been subjected to forced abortions (even when the little ones were intended to remain within their genetic families).  I doubt many of you are asking why Chinese women would be used for surrogates, in case you are, the answer is cheap labor.  The cost of surrogacy with a Chinese or Indian woman ranges from $12,000 to $30,000 compared to the cost of a US surrogate which costs upward of $70,000.  While continuing my research I also learned that many military wives are becoming surrogates in order to supplement pay, particularly those whose husbands are being deployed for long periods of time.  Women, how far have we come to sink so low?  Women of all skin color are selling their fertility to improve their financial situations, allowing themselves to be used as a tool to satisfy their desires and the desires of others.



Dare I risk broaching another surrogacy question? What about the risks of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?  In order to achieve pregnancy IVF is perfomed.  Drugs are given to an egg donor to hyper stimulate ovary production.   A woman’s pelvic area swells to about twice its normal size and if you think PMS is bad during normal ovulation can you imagine being in the presence of woman whose ovaries have been hyper stimulated, or can you imagine being that woman?  Most women produce only one egg per cycle. Egg donors will produce anywhere from 5-35 eggs.  Did I mention the possible association between IVF and breast and ovarian cancer. Do your own research, check with the National Institute of Health.


In the final analysis, I would say BUYER AND SELLER BEWARE.  There is an overwhelming amount of using and abusing of the human person involved in designing a baby that is genetically related to the intended parents.  In addition to the utilization of the child, it deprives the child of his or her filial relationship with his or her parents and their extended family, it creates a disruption in both the societal role and the obligation of parenting, it creates a disruption to the institution of marriage (the historical purpose of marriage is unity and the pro-creation and raising of children), and creates disorder in the fabric of society.


It’s National Fertility Awareness month.  Be aware of those that are seeking, without success to achieve pregnancy, and be of support in word and in deed. Be knowledgeable of ethical resources for achieving pregnancy such as Natural Family Planning www.NFP.com and NaPro Technology www.NaProTechnology.com. Both have been hugely successful in helping couples struggling with infertility to achieve pregnancy. Not all infertile couples will be open to discussing such an intimate topic, so perhaps providing the couple with written information will be the least intrusive route to take. Most of all, be an informed voice of support and sanity.


Louisa Millington



Louisa Millington is a proud mom of four children and has been married to her husband Tim for 21 years.  She has spent her adult life in service to Life & Dignity issues.  In 1994, with her husband and a small group of people from the Lake Arrowhead area, Louisa opened Veronica's Maternity Home.  Hundreds of children have been born out of Veronica's Home and hundreds of women have changed their lives through the housing, education, life training, and love provided by Veronica's Home.  In 1996 Louisa began to work with the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of San Bernardino and since then has been fortunate to work on legislative issues and projects on a local, state and national level.  She considers herself blessed to have had so many opportunities to serve and equally blessed by the friends and acquaintances she has made along the way.

New Live Action Video -- Do the people need Planned Parenthood?

Do the people need Planned Parenthood?


Are the Medicaid funded services that were provided at Planned Parenthood unavailable at other medical care providers in Indiana?


I encourage you to ask yourself these questions while watching the latest undercover video released by Live Action:





Does the de-funding of Planed Parenthood in Indiana hurt the people of Indiana or are they still able to receive the care they need?


In May of this year the House, Senate, and governor of Indiana passed a bill de-funding Planned Parenthood in their state. Why? Planned Parenthood has been exposed numerous times over the years, and just this year Live Action has released over 8 undercover investigations exposing the lies and illegal activities of Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood was not de-funded because of moral religious or beliefs, or because they perform abortions; but because of their lies, involvement it human trafficking, covering up of sexual offenders, lack of reporting sexual abuse of minors as young at 13, and much more. (Learn more at the links below)


Immediately after Indiana de-funded Planned Parenthood the Obama Administration threatened to strip Medicaid funding in Indiana.


“The Obama administration is holding patients’ health hostage in return for funding the largest abortion provider in the country,” said Lila Rose 0f Live Action. “This abuse of power is a threat to every other state – that no matter the cost or consequences, this Administration will sacrifice healthcare for the needy to continue pouring tax dollars into Planned Parenthood.”


The above video was made to help society understand the people will not be hurt by the de-funding of Planned Parenthood these services can be received at 800 other locations.


Do you think Planned Parenthood was justifiably de-funded? Should president Obama and his staff be intervening, or is he once again protecting Planned Parenthood?


Sign the petition now to stand with Indiana in de-funding Planned Parenthood.


Be sure to share this video with you colleagues to help them understand why Planned Parenthood should be de-funded.


7/1 Update --  Planned Parenthood responds to the latest Live Action video reports Life News. 



Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,

Timmerie Millington

Illegal late term abortions
Donations Accepted to Perform Abortions on Black Babies
Gives False Medical Information--Rosa Acuna Project
Mona Lisa Project
Sex Trafficking
Protecting Pedophiles
Racist Agenda
Infanticide


Saturday, June 25, 2011

Saint Joseph vs Today’s Dad

Sunday I celebrated Fathers Day with my parents, siblings, cousins, and grandparents. We had a barbecue and spent the day outside with all the little cousins running around eating up the attention. Earlier that morning I sat in Mass and looked at the statue of Saint Joseph behind the choir and reflected on Saint Joseph as protector of the Holy Family (Virgin Mary and Jesus). Saint Joseph’s betrothed wife was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit, and despite any doubt, or the embarrassment of Mary being thought of as unfaithful, Saint Joseph accepted his duty as the foster father of Jesus. Even through hard times, when the Holy Family had to flee to Egypt, Saint Joseph protected his family.

As I continued to think through this I thought of the many unborn children who were aborted because of the father’s apathy or his pressuring of the mother of his child to abort. There is a big social difference between today and the time of Jesus, and it broke my heart that morning to think of all the fathers who were not celebrating Father’s Day because of their apathy; an apathy that was not known to Saint Joseph.


This has continued to be on my mind this week. . . While I was working on a "Call to Action" piece for young people to be involved in pro-life work, I asked a friend of mine what she would say to encourage others be be involved in pro-life ministry. Here is what she sent me:
“I encourage men to stand up for the women in their life, and recognize that they are needed more than ever in these decisions. There are better choices and better options (than aborton), and the baby is theirs too. Men have a say in this choice. Many women would not have aborted their children if they knew they had the father’s support. I call upon men in society to be bold, and to stand up for life!” -- Maddie Lopez Age 16
Like me, Maddie is a young woman who has sidewalk counseled many times before, and we often see women at the abortion clinic who share that they are aborting because their boyfriend wasn’t excited or didn’t care when they said they were pregnant. Sometimes the boyfriend even insists on abortion.

Similar to Maddie, I encourage men to be protectors of their children both inside and outside of the womb. The child’s environment shouldn't be the influence that determines how your child will be cared for. Think again to the example of St. Joseph, he embraced the opportunity to be a father to the baby of an unwed mother, Mary. St. Joseph can be thought of as one of the greatest of men because he said, "yes", and in doing so raised the Greatest Man of all time, Jesus. I hope to see more happy fathers next Fathers Day who are wonderful role-models just like Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph pray for us!


Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,

Timmerie Millington

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Catholic Radio Interview: Social Networking’s Influence - Good or Bad Influence?


Follow up interview will be on July 6th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. listen in live at http://www.catholicradioofsandiego.com/


Social media, has it taken over society for the worse? Can people be brought closer to God through social media? Does social media perpetuate immoral behavior?

Tomorrow May 22 I will be interviewed on Catholic radio in San Diego on KCEO AM 1000 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. discussing social media and it’s impact on society.


Kent Peters, director of the Office for Social Ministry has asked me to join him, co-hosts Linda Arreola and Deacon Jim Walsh, and three other guests on the weekly show “Setting Things Right” where we will discuss the questions above and more about social media.

Comment sharing your thoughts on the topic, and any questions you might be interested in asking. I’ll try to have them covered during the show.

Listen online May 22 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at http://www.catholicradioofsandiego.com/ or in the San Diego area on AM 1000.

An audio version of the show will be available online after the show, I’ll be sure to post a link tomorrow.

7/1 -- Listen to an mp3 of the interview online!

7/6 --  Follow up interview will be on July 6th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. listen in live at http://www.catholicradioofsandiego.com/


Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,

Timmerie Millington

Monday, June 20, 2011

Prayer Request-Woman Changed her Mind After Taking RU-486

Dr. Delgado with Colture of Life Family Services (COLFS) in San Diego asks for prayers for "S.M." (name is being kept private).  This woman called Dr. Delgado from Las Vegas after taking an RU-486 abortion pill on Saturday; which she has now changed her mind about and wants to have her baby.  Dr. Delgado is working to have a progesterone treatment for the woman in an effort to thwart any affects of the pill and save the life of the woman's child.  


Please pray that "S.M." is able to have the procedure performed and that baby and mother come out healthy.  


Thank you for being faithful warriors for life and praying for those who are in need.  Please repost this prayer request!


Tuesday 6/21 Update -- Dr. Delgado reports: Yesterday, an ultrasound showed that the baby's heart is still beating! "S.M." has started the progesterone treatment to stop any affects of the RU-486 abortion pill.  Dr. Delgado continues to ask for prayers for "S.M."  I'll post an update as soon as I hear anything more! 



Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,

Timmerie Millington

Monday, June 6, 2011

Urgent Prayer Request!

Please pray for a 15 year old young lady who is being pressured into an abortion by her mother.

Last weekend a 15 years old girl was taken to Planned Parenthood by her mother. As soon as her mom dropped her off, the young woman left Planned Parenthood. The mom is forcing her daughter to have an abortion and has scheduled the abortion for Friday the 10th at a Planned Parenthood in Tustin, California. 

Please pray for this young woman, her unborn child, and all those who are counseling her.

Update June 7 -- A woman by the name of Connie is in direct contact with the young lady being forced into having an abortion.  Many resources are being passed on to her, but there is some difficulty due to the teenager being underage and needing somewhere to legally stay.  Please keep praying for this young lady as she struggles with her mother to keep her child's life.

Update June 8 -- Through an email, chain I just received update on the 15 year old girl whose mom was attempting to force her to have an abortion.  She is two months pregnant and has been staying in different temporary locations since previously staying at the boyfriend's house, where the mother later sent the police looking for her daughter.  Good news is that the young lady has a meeting scheduled for later today with a lawyer at a pro-life clinic.  When asked how the young girl is doing, the counselor in contact with the 15 year old shared that she is "very afraid, quiet, (and) like a lost child".  Please continue to pray for this young lady as she is now a 2 month pregnant run away and desperately needs loving support.  


If anyone wishes to send a spiritual bouquet, card, or email expressing your prayers and support please send them to Vivian Brehm at vivscafe@sbcglobal.net or mail to the adress below and Vivan has assured she will pass everything on to the young lady. 


24634 Via Vallarta
Yorba Linda, CA 92887 


Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,

Timmerie Millington

Friday, June 3, 2011

Unplanned Chapter 14, 'The Wrong Side of the Fence'

Abby is only a few days away from leaving her position as Director at Planned Parenthood and finds herself struggling while in the building where lives are taken. . .



“I looked into the waiting room and saw clients with sad lives waiting their turn for our help, and wondered if each of them was simply a dollar sign, a source of revenue, to this organization.” -- Abby Johnson Unplanned page 143


After Abby realized she wouldn’t be gone before the next scheduled round of abortions which were to be performed that day using chemical abortion drug RU-486, she broke down into tears. She decided she had to leave, and while walking out of the Planned Parenthood door, Abby saw the greeting card that sidewalk counselor Elizabeth had given her two years prior:


“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with JOY.”
Psalm 126:3

I am praying for you, Abby!
- Elizabeth


Abby immediately left Planned Parenthood and drove to Coalition for Life’s office across the street; where she met with pro-life volunteers and her well known adversary, Shawn Carney. Abby expressed that she didn’t know what she planned to say once arriving there. It is clear that deep down inside Abby knew she would find refuge and acceptance in that office.


From this chapter, I learned the importance of consistency and the expression of love to those who disagree with us about abortion. You never know when someone you’ve talked to may turn away from abortion. With persistence, patience, and love, abortion advocates will always know they can come to us. I encourage you to reflect on the idea of patient, loving persistence in your pro-life vocation, as I plan to myself, and always be available for those who may, one day, turn their back on abortion.


Do you know anyone who has changed views from pro-abortion to pro-life?  Comment and share the story.  

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Pro-Life Updates - Ron Paul, Notre Dame, Susan G. Komen . . .

Below are a few of the major pro-life stories of the week. Stay informed and share your thoughts on the issues, please!

  • Strong Pro-Life Presidential Candidate: Ron Paul says “A: As an O.B. doctor of thirty years, and having delivered 4,000 babies, I can assure you life begins at conception. I am legally responsible for the unborn, no matter what I do, so there’s a legal life there. The unborn has inheritance rights, and if there’s an injury or a killing, there is a legal entity. There is no doubt about it. “Read More About Presidential Candidate Ron Paul.
  • We need to hold our fellow Christians accountable: “Notre Dame Trustee Makes Donations to Pro-Abortion Group”. This was no small donation. . .  Read about the donation here.
  • Pro-Life groups continue boycott against Pepsi for the use of Aborted Babies in research. The boycott has been going for a few months now, but here’s an update.


  • Susan G. Komen fights breast cancer, and donates to Planned Parenthood when abortion is a cause of breast cancer. Komen spokesperson has finally confirmed that they donated roughly $3.3 million to abortion business Planned Parenthood between 2004 and 2009. 2008 Annual reports reveals Planned Parenthood abortion services increased 6% and breast cancer services decreased by 4%. Learn more about Planned Parenthood & Komen's relationship.
  • Life News reports: “Former Obama Health Care Official Now Planned Parenthood Lobbyist “ Excuse me, but I find this an appalling conflict of interest. I’m not surprised, since President Obama has a consistent record of having people closely affiliated to Planned Parenthood in his staff and appointed as higher court judges. Get the scoop here.
  • Last year a 17 year old teenager was intercepted inside the abortion clinic by a text message from a sidewalk counselor. The young woman refused the attempted forced abortion. Via counseling through text message she chose life for her child! The baby boy was just born and the young woman has graduated from high school. How times have changed! See pictures and read the story.

Please share this update to helps others stay informed.

Share your thoughts on the news from the last week especially regarding the Komen/Planned Parenthood and Notre Dame scandals.



Standing In Defence of the Voiceless,

Timmerie Millington