Euthanasia is a much debated topic. There are those who think of it as a "compassionate means to end pain and suffering" and those who believe that we should not be the ones who can decide who lives or dies and/or determine a life's worth. The growing concern is that the definition of quality of life and pain and suffering is so very broad and varies with opinion that by using these concepts as a validation for Euthanasia we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to the possibility that anyone can determine whether our life is no longer worth living.

This was the case for Terri Schiavo. 5 years ago today, Terri Schindler Schiavo, pictured below, died by order of the courts.

For those who may not know the FULL story behind Terri's tragic death please visit the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation website. We must never forget what happened to Terri and we must fight for others like her. It's not enough to be simply pro-life. We must be WHOLE life and respect life from it's earliest beginnings to it's most fragile end. There is no life more valuable or less valuable than the next no matter what your race, sex or background is. ALL life should be protected.

Here is a great video of a young girl who tackled the topic of Euthanasia for her 8th grade speech class. She makes some excellent points and proves to be quite passionate for such a young age.



Luke Gormally said, "Society's prohibition of intentional killing...is the cornerstone of law and social relationships. It protects each of us impartially, embodying the belief that all are equal."
Gormally also gives seven arguments of why Euthanasia should not be legalized. Read those seven reasons why Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide should not be legalized HERE.

This past Friday, I had the opportunity to speak at an Indiana high school about self-value and healthy relationships. A friend of mine is the director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Terre Haute, Indiana and for years I have wanted to get involved with our youth and promote the importance of positive life choices. I contacted my friend, Sharon Carey and told her that I really felt I had a heart's desire to get involved in some way with young teens. She put me in contact with Jill Shingleton, the current coordinator of the abstinence-based program for schools and set a date for me to go and share my testimony at a local high school, coincidentally it was where I had grown up as a young teenager. I had never done anything like this and have always had a bit of a fear of public speaking, but I really felt a tug on my heart to do this. So I stepped out of my comfort zone and did what I felt I needed to do and all I can say is WOW! How rewarding this experience was!

These young people were so attentive and respectful and during my talk I could see on several of their faces that they had a whole new perspective on relationships, sex and about themselves. It was powerful! I had some incredible feedback and already have an additional date scheduled to speak at another local Indiana high school in May! I am very much looking forward to more opportunities like this. Empowering young people to want the best for themselves and for others is so fulfilling!

If you would like to check out my slide show presentation you can do so by following this link:

Self Value & Healthy Relationships presented by Leah Delcamp

I must note that my presentation has been edited for web format. My testimony was part of the program delivered in a public classroom setting but was not originally put into slides. In the classroom setting, I simply told my story verbally, not written out as seen on the slides. In order to integrate my story for online viewing I added slides 2 through 8, but to me it is not as effective as hearing me tell my story raw, and unrehearsed as compared to how it appears when written. I hope to add audio of my testimony at a later date to eliminate the written slide format that you see. For now, I hope that you can still get a clear understanding of my personal perspective through this web based version. All of the information you read is authentic and none of it has been embellished. The events happened just as they are told. Be sure to check out the notes for each slide to get more in-depth information. You can read the notes by clicking on the 'notes' tab located in the bottom left hand corner of each slide.

A big thank you to Sharon and Jill of the Crisis Pregnancy Center for coordinating this opportunity for me. I also want to thank the teacher and all of the students I had the pleasure of being in company with that day, you all made me feel so welcomed and your respect and attentiveness was truly appreciated. I hope that you benefited in some way from this, I know I did and you all were a part of the reason why. I also want to thank my amazing husband who gave me a love story that I can now share with the world and for supporting me in this and in everything I do. He's given me the strength and inspiration to pursue the best life has to offer. Above all, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for putting the desire in my heart and the dedication and courage to pursue that desire. He deserves all the glory for any and all success. I'd also like to thank my wonderful family and friends who encouraged me, supported me and prayed for me during all of this. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.

I think we could all use some good news after yesterday's devastating vote that imposed government funding of abortion under the guise of health care. More than 2,500 babies have been saved from abortion during the 40 Days for Life campaign that we know of so far. Just this spring there have been 368 babies saved (that we know of) Not only have those babies been spared from abortion, but the impact was also felt with each of their mothers and fathers. So that’s roughly 7,500 lives directly impacted by our prayers and efforts. And as we know, even pro-abortion workers, like Abby Johnson have been positively impacted by the campaign. So despite the government's efforts to expand abortion on demand we have to find hope that we are making a difference one life at a time. Saving even one life is a victory. Do not let this health care bill passing discourage you. We have been called to do the work and to not give up no matter what difficulties we are faced with.
After all, our efforts are not to make abortion illegal...but to make it unthinkable. If we can educate and empower our world that abortion is an unthinkable act, it won't matter if it is legal there will be no one left asking for abortions which means no more business for these abortion clinics and eventually we will see an end to the destruction of human lives. With hope, anything is possible. Keep the hope ALIVE! Together, we can do this.

Nancy Pelosi and her allies are currently negotiating with key pro-life Democrats to try and secure their vote for their pro-abortion health care plan.

What's on the negotiating table? A proposed executive order from President Obama that would allegedly bar abortion funding in the health care bill.

An executive order is an ineffective maneuver and completely unacceptable.
Here's why:

1. An executive order can be rescinded any time. President Obama could reverse it next week, next month, or next year. Should another pro-abortion president be elected in the future, it could be rescinded on inauguration day.

2. An executive order will not prevent insurance companies that provide abortion from participating in the exchanges.

3. Abortion funding in the health care legislation can only be removed using the legislative process. An executive order not only doesn't fix the problem, it isn't needed to fix the problem, and could not stand a legal challenge. If Democrats are serious about protecting taxpayers from funding abortion in the health care bill, they must use the legislative process to fix the problem.

ACTION:
Call the following members of Congress immediately and tell them that an executive order by the president on abortion is unacceptable and urge them to vote NO on the pro-abortion health care bill.


Marion Berry (AR) 202-225-4076
Kathy Dahlkemper (PA) 202 225-3103
Daniel Lipinski (IL) 202-225-5701
Earl Pomeroy (ND) 202-225-2611
Nick Rahall (WV) 202-225-3452
Bart Stupak (MI) 202-225-4744
Steve Driehaus (OH) 202-225-2216
Joe Donnelly (IN) 202-225-3915
Jerry Costello (IL) 202-225-5661
Marcy Kaptur (OH) 202-225-4146
Paul Kanjorski (PA) 202-225-6511
Alan Mollohan (WV) 202-225-4172

Every minute, new information comes in about a wavering member of Congress or of strategic information from Republican or Democratic leadership.

Without prayer, I am 100% sure we will lose. With it, the consciences of wavering members can be stirred and emboldened. While this is not a religious organization, we cannot succeed without prayer. So will you please take just a few minutes, join the millions of others who are also praying that this bill fails and our nation's children will be protected from the carnage that would result from its passage? This is a defining moment when prayer -- our most powerful lobbying tool-- needs to be used for strength and victory.

The leaders -- especially Bart Stupak, Eric Cantor, Michele Bachmann, John Boehner and Mike Pence who have led the charge in these final days to protect Life and warn others that THIS IS NOT A GAME, need our support and prayer. Pray that they enter the battle this weekend with the same energy and courage and love they have shown thus far.

Also, here is a list of undecided Members of Congress that you can pray for each by name:


These folks are under intense pressure on all sides. Their struggles do not go unnoticed, but pray that through all the clutter they see the clearest reminder of what this is about: the babies that will be lost if this bill passes and the women and families who will be hurt by what would be the largest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade.




We are the last line of defense for the unborn and these families. Please pray. I am not asking you for a favor, I am asking you to do the right thing.

While I am not a fan of MTV, they have a show that is impacting our work. The second season of 16 & Pregnant is well underway, giving viewers an inside peak — reality TV style — of how young girls are deciding to handle unexpected pregnancies.

But it seems there’s something unexpected for the producers, too. They posted on the show’s site, “Have you noticed that not one of the teen girls in this series has opted for abortion, much less seriously considered it upon finding out that she was pregnant? The decision has consistently remained between two alternatives: keep the baby or make an adoption plan.”

MTV, who was boggled by this, initiated a poll, asking viewers what they thought about the issue. 55% indicated they do not believe in abortion, reflecting a growing trend of more and more young people voicing pro-life convictions. Last week’s Gallup poll showed 18- to 29-year-olds are now the most likely, of all age groups, to favor making abortion illegal in all circumstances.

But while some of the young moms find support in their communities, some don’t know where to go, and that’s painful to see. For instance, 16-year-old Lori Wickelhaus wanted to raise her son but found no support in her family or boyfriend. Reluctantly, she chose adoption, saying she felt trapped into the decision. Why did she not know that 20 minutes away, there’s a maternity home that takes young mothers in, empowering them with the resources they need to become parents?

Stories like Lori’s are a strong reminder that we need to continue getting the word out. Not just that abortion isn’t the answer. Not just that there are other options. But where to find support, so that those alternatives aren’t just ideas, but achievable options. Resources like the OptionLine call center, with counselors who can point women in the right direction via phone, e-mail, and even instant messenger, are crucial. If you encounter someone with a crisis pregnancy, please put them in touch with OptionLine.

With more teens choosing life, now is the time to back them up with a helping hand and let them know: they made the right choice. Get involved at a local life affirming organization. Maybe it’s volunteering at a maternity home, donating baby items to a crisis pregnancy center, or supporting an adoption agency. Whatever you feel led to do...please commit. These young mothers and babies need our love and support.

The crisis of abortion coverage and abortion funding in the health care reform bill is expected to be voted on in the House THIS WEEK.

The urgency of the current situation demands that we speak out about the proposed health care bill -- which in its current form would gravely impact our pro-life mission.

Without question, this proposed legislation could undo all the years of work that have gone into the fight to defeat the abortion culture. The fate of millions of pre-born babies hangs in the balance.

In a brief summary, here are the biggest problems with the proposed bill:

--> For the first time in history, the bill would
create authority for the federal government to
MANDATE ABORTION COVERAGE

--> Individuals and families would be FORCED into
insurance plans with mandatory abortion coverage

--> American taxpayers would be forced to pay a new
"ABORTION PREMIUM FEE" to cover the costs of
abortions for other people

--> The bill would direct $11 BILLION in funding to
"community health centers" and deputizes them to
become new abortion facilities

--> Planned Parenthood and the rest of the abortion
industry would get a massive, GOVERNMENT-FUNDED BAILOUT
-- to the tune of billions of dollars

--> The bill WOULD NOT adequately protect the
consciences of medical providers who refuse to
participate in life-destroying practices

Here's the bottom line: if the Senate health care reform bill is passed by the House of Representatives,it will result in the largest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade -- and hundreds of thousands more children will die and women will be hurt.

I believe our prayers -- and efforts -- are vital to stopping this abortion mandate. Here are the three most important things you need to do RIGHT NOW:

1.) PRAY AND FAST: The vote in the House is now expected on Friday or Saturday. Between now and then, pray -- and fast, if you feel led -- like NEVER BEFORE. Pray for the president. Pray for the Members of Congress who will be voting this week. Pray for the handful of pro-life representatives who are under intense pressure to change their votes -- and who could make all the difference for pre-born children and women in need.

2.) CALL YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TODAY: Urge your representative to "Vote AGAINST any health care bill that does not explicitly prohibit abortion coverage and
government funding of abortion!" Even if you've called before, do this again RIGHT NOW. Need help finding yourRepresentative? Go here to contact him or her TODAY:

http://www.stoptheabortionmandate.com/call

3.) E-MAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TODAY: E-mail your representative and urge him or her to "Vote AGAINST any health care bill that does not explicitly prohibit abortion coverage and government funding of abortion!" To find your representative and get information on how to send him or her an e-mail, go to:

http://www.stoptheabortionmandate.com/email

After YOU pray, call, and e-mail, make sure your family and friends do the same thing by passing along this information.

And then do it again tomorrow ... and the next day -- until the abortion mandate is STOPPED.

This really could come down to who makes the most calls and sends the most e-mails in these decisive final days. So please, stand up for life, speak out for justice and love others to truth.

Thank you.

Being involved in the 40 Days For Life Campaign brings daily hope and inspiration! If you don't already follow the 40 Days For Life Blog I suggest you start...the true stories of how lives are being changed because of valiant pro-life efforts is powerful!

Today's entry talks about how a an ultrasound coupon saves the life of a child and it's mother. Statistics show that 90% of mothers who see an ultrasound of their baby choose life. So offering "free ultrasound" coupons really are life savers! A woman can have the opportunity to see her baby before she makes a life changing and possibly life ending decision. This particular young teenager was with her mother when they had the ultrasound done and the baby actually waved to both of them. Naturally they began to cry when they realized the tiny life inside the mother who seemed to be acknowledging them from inside the womb. Powerful stuff! Here is the priceless ultrasound image of the baby waving to her mom and grandmother:

Teen pregnancy and promiscuity in the United States -- what is society teaching our youth?

Many are saying that society, particularly Hollywood, is sending the wrong message to our youth. Sex seems to be everywhere. In movies, on t.v., in commercials and magazine ads, in music lyrics and music videos and the internet. You don't have to go far to be almost bombarded with sexual content. Society promotes sex and promiscuity and some are now concerned that the media is downplaying teen pregnancies. They're selling sex, but they're not selling the consequences of promiscuity and sex before marriage which can be misleading to young teens. More recently many magazines and t.v. shows have glamorized celebrity pregnancies but they again, don't show the full reality of it all. Most of these celebrities have nannies and assistants to help in raising their children, yet the media is portraying parenting as easy and almost as if a baby is the new season's handbag. So the question is: What is the impact of sex on TV on today's teens?

Here is a CNN broadcast that tackles the issue:

Another argued topic is the method of sex education. Some argue abstinence only education is not effective and others argue that promoting "safe sex" is a dangerous approach when you consider the consequences. Regardless of the approach you believe is most effective, the fact is that Abstinence is the only method that is 100% effective and safe.

Here are a few Facts on American Teens' Sexual and Reproductive Health from the Guttmacher Institute

• Nearly half (46%) of all 15–19-year-olds in the United States have had sex at least once
• Ten percent of all U.S. births are to teens
• 3 in 10 girls in the United States will become pregnant by age 20
  
• 30% of those teens will have a second child within 24 months.
• The U.S. has the highest rate of teen pregnancies compared to other countries with similar status
• Most young people have sex for the first time at about age 17, but they do not marry until their middle or late 20s. This means that young adults are at risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for nearly a decade.
• Each year, almost 750,000 women aged 15–19 become pregnant
• Black and Hispanic women have the highest teen pregnancy rates
• Nearly a third of all teen pregnancies end in abortion.