The Canadian medical establishment has consistently told parents that benefits of immunization far outweigh any risks that may be associated with vaccination. But a growing number of parents are concerned with the possible side effects from vaccines. More and more cases of disabled children are getting publicity now, especially when the parents of these children are seeking compensation from the government for making vaccination compulsory without adequately documenting the risks of some vaccines. Of particular concern is the whooping ... (Continue reading)
Involuntary sterilization of the mentally retarded is stirring bitter controversy and resentment among mentally handicapped people. The recent sterilization of “Infant K,” a ten-year-old mentally handicapped British Columbia girl, appalled the Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded. In an effort to protect the mentally handicapped and their right to have children, the association has gone to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Association will cite new equality provisions under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that guarantees equality ... (Continue reading)
Statistics Canada shows that almost 53 000 babies were born in 1983 to single women, compared to 38 600 in 1979 and 17 700 in 1974. The “single woman” category does not include separated or divorced women, only those who have never been married or those whose baby is from a common-law relationship. The federal data reflects the incidence of teen-age pregnancies as well as the decision of older unmarried women to have a baby, often using artificial ... (Continue reading)
Delegates at the Ontario Medical Association’s annual meeting discussed the problem of declining interest among doctors for delivering babies. The number of family doctors willing to deliver babies is steadily declining in Canada, a trend worrisome to the medical profession and the public alike. According to the Toronto Star (May 27) a report by the prenatal committee, chaired by Dr. John Milligan of Woman’s College Hospital says the figures indicated that “fewer GPs (general practitioners) see normal obstetrics as ... (Continue reading)
As Christians we wish to affirm: As sanctity of life, born or unborn. This life is much more than physical existence. We also affirm that: The taking of life is evil. Our concern must not be limited to a concern for the unborn but it must also include a concern for the quality of life as a whole. Life in this imperfect would often places us in complex circumstances of moral dilemma and ambiguity where values ultimate in themselves ... (Continue reading)
It is reported that about 1000 teenagers a week become pregnant in Canada-or, over 50 000 a year. Of these about 45 per cent have abortions and 10 per cent give their children up for adoption. Of the 65 000 legal abortions obtained in Canada each year 30 per cent (or about 20 000) are performed on women under 20 years of age. Conventional sex education, though flourishing in comparison with earlier decades, seems impotent in the face of such numbers. ... (Continue reading)
Natural Family Planning is not simply “a better form of birth control.” Behind NFP lies an integral vision of the human person. Behind contraception lies the fragmented vision of the contraceptive mentality. The two are worlds apart. As Pope John Paul II noted in his brilliant document on the family: The difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle…is much wider and deeper than is usually thought, one which involves in the final analysis ... (Continue reading)
The national headquarters of Choose Life Canada opened on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16 at 87 Harbord Street in Toronto, directly adjacent to Henry Morgentaler’s abortion clinic. Founder Ken Campbell, evangelist, and member of his Emmanuel Baptist Church in Milton, Ontario, along with 500 or more well wishers and friends (throughout the day), held a six pm prayer and dedication service on the shared steps of the abortuary. The name of the new Choose Life counseling centre is ... (Continue reading)
Some of the Catholic women who attended the “Prelude to Nairobi” conference recently (see article by Nancy Pearcey elsewhere in The Interim) are highly critical of the way in which conference organizers, some of whom are Catholic, handled the abortion issue. Guest speaker, Elizabeth Parker (head of the prevention program at Toronto’s Department of Health and a board member of Planned Parenthood) spoke in favour of women’s ”health clinics” which would include family planning and abortion services and abortion services. Ms. ... (Continue reading)
Two board members of a British Columbia hospital are trying to restrict the use of the word ”health” in the Criminal Code, so as to reduce the number of abortions performed in that hospital. The Lions Gate Hospital has one of the highest abortion rates in Canada. One abortion is performed for every two live births. This rate is three times Canada’s average. The Attorney-General of B.C. is now attempting to have the case thrown out of court on the ... (Continue reading)
In his own words Jim Demers is charged with theft, damage to public property and possession of stolen property following an incident at Kootenay Lake District Hospital in January. At a preliminary hearing held in May, it was ruled that there was enough evidence to proceed to trial. A jury trial is scheduled for the week of September 24. Following the incident, abortions at this hospital dropped dramatically. Up to May 1, only one abortion was performed. Prior to the incident, ... (Continue reading)
Pro-life groups in Saskatchewan will be part of the “Celebrate Life” festivals in Saskatoon and Regina this July. Pro-life groups in Saskatchewan have been planning this project since April. Over 400 pro-lifers came to a Pep-Rally Banquet in Saskatoon on April 19, when local pro-life groups are presented a colourful stage display. These groups are planning a six-day covered wagon trip to the festivals, a camping caravan a baby carriage parade and a convoy. Local groups are promoting the project through church, school, ... (Continue reading)
Saskatoon’s University Hospital has cut back considerably on abortions. Dr. Charles Simpson of the University hospital spoke at a March forum on abortion at Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute, Outlook, Saskatchewan. After telling the group he performed abortions, he was asked why the hospital had stopped doing second trimester abortions. He responded as follows: “It was a decision of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The decision came because of a group of reasons that came together. Probably the basic underlying reason ... (Continue reading)
A new group has been formed in Southern Alberta to stop teenage pregnancy and V.D. by encouraging chastity for teens. Teen-Aid has been organized by the Lethbridge and District Pro-Life Association as Alberta’s official affiliate for Teen-Aid Inc. Teen-Aid believes that promoting chastity among young people will lead to a higher self-esteem and stronger family ties in marriage. They report that 2313 girls between the ages of 13 and 19 became pregnant in 1982 (in Alberta). So Teen-Aid believes that “the ... (Continue reading)
An increasing demand for children available for adoption has led a Calgary-area man, David Fielding, to set up a private adoption and surrogate motherhood agency. In a few weeks, he has already signed up 65 childless couples, at an annual registration fee of $5 and six women have come forward as surrogate mothers. Mr. Fielding emphasizes that his service will turn down women who want a fee for their services as birth mothers and stresses that his main purpose is to ... (Continue reading)