Pastor's Pen - Aug. 9, 2015

Planned Parenthood has recently been in the news concerning the
sale of aborted baby organs and tissue, etc. Pope Francis has called
this action an affront to humanity dignity. This week I came across
this informative article about other things relating to Planned
Parenthood and abortion clinics. I share these excerpts with you!


Fr. Ralph

“CULTURE OF LIFE: WITNESS”

“The front entryway of one of Planned Parenthood’s sites in the San Diego area is shaped like a gigantic wastebasket, like the kind often found under an office desk. How appropriate, for Planned Parenthood is in the business of trashing human life. During its 2013-14 year, Planned Parenthood killed 327,653 unborn babies, a staggering number that translates into almost 900 dead every day of the year - including Christmas and Easter. No wonder the wastebasket is so big.


“Planned Parenthood is not the only abortion provider out there. In the aftermath of Roe v. Wade, abortion clinics not affiliated with hospitals began to appear throughout the country. At their highpoint in 1991, there were 2,176 clinics nationwide. And whatever the design of their buildings, their mission has always been the same: killing for profit. Though they are often called “clinics” the term is a misnomer, for they do not preserve life. They take it. They are more accurately called “mills,” grinding
out a single product: a dead baby.


“In Roe, the Supreme Court upheld the states’ right to regulate abortion facilities in the best interest of a mother’s safety. That was a nobrainer, for the states have routinely imposed licensing and inspection requirements on all sorts of businesses, from restaurants, hair styling establishments, tattoo and tanning parlors, and even veterinary clinics. But when it comes to abortion mills, the states have largely taken a handsoff attitude because abortion providers fight restrictions tooth and nail.


“The good news is that they are losing the fight. At the start of this year, there were 739 abortion facilities in the country. The drop in the last few years has been dramatic. Experts attribute the reduction to increased enactment and enforcement of safety laws, increased reporting by prolife groups of incompetence and abuse, and the $inancial struggles and retirements of abortionists
who are not being replaced by younger doctors. There is another reason: the power of prayer. For example, today there is one less mill to take the lives of unborn babies and maim their mothers: the one in Hinsdale, Illinois. Two women who couldn’t stomach the thought rose in protest, a peaceful protest of prayer. They recruited others to join them, and week after week for 15 straight years, they prayed and offered sidewalk counseling. Until the business sign came down, the prayers continued. Standing on the sidewalk, they witnessed to life at life’s most desperate and sometimes most callous moments.


“For though we rejoice in the success, the success is not what matters.  Witnessing is an act of faith. Witnessing is an act of trust in the One Who controls everything. The cause can always use another witness.” Be a witness in one way or another!


Author: Paul V. Esposito is a Catholic lawyer. He and his wife Kathy live in Elmhurst, Illinois and have six children.



Cardinal O'Malley of Boston stated: "If the Planned Parenthood news coverage has caused anyone to experience revived trauma from their own involvement in abortion, be assured that any and all persons will be welcomed with compassion and assistance through the Church's post-abortion healing ministry,  Project Rachel. If you or someone you know would like confidenal, nonjudgmental help, please visit www.projectrachel.com."