Police Investigate Possible Death of Baby at Clinic

NBC6, July 29 — Investigators were looking into whether a baby apparently born at an abortion business in Hialeah, Fla., was the victim of infanticide.

Police went to the clinic July 28 after receiving a tip that a woman went there and gave birth to a live baby, and that someone allegedly killed it, said the South Florida television station. Eventually, they found a dead 22-week-old unborn child.

“We were able to locate the mother of this child, who is an 18-year-old female,” said Lt. Ralph Garcia of the Hialeah Police Department. “She, in fact, reiterated that she did come to this clinic to have an abortion, and she gave birth to the baby while waiting for the doctor to arrive. The doctor was not here.”

A medical examiner was to determine the cause of death and see whether a crime was committed.

Lifenews.com said that, according to police, the woman went to the clinic for an abortion and came back the next day complaining of severe stomach pains. Clinic staff told her the abortionist was not available and that she would have to wait. After being taken to a waiting area, the woman allegedly gave birth to the baby she thought she had aborted. She was sent home after a brief examination. “Employees cut the umbilical cod, put the baby in a bag and walked away with it,” said Garcia.

Jews Beginning to Accept Gibson Apology

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 2 — After Mel Gibson issued a second apology for anti-Semitic remarks he made while intoxicated, Jewish leaders began to soften their initially harsh reaction.

‘‘This is finally an apology,’’ said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League.

Gibson, whose 2004 film The Passion of the Christ was criticized by Jews for being anti-Semitic, was stopped for speeding July 28. A blood-alcohol test showed a level that exceeded California’s limit.

According to a leaked police report, Gibson went on a tirade before the arresting officer, saying Jews are “responsible for all the wars in the world.”

The Catholic filmmaker issued an apology July 29, acknowledging “despicable” remarks. He also said he has struggled with alcoholism and had taken steps “to ensure my return to health.” But Foxman said the apology, which did not specify Gibson’s remarks about Jews, was “unremorseful and insufficient.”

On Aug. 1, Gibson issued a second apology, imploring the forgiveness of Jews and asking for meetings with Jewish leaders who might help him find “the appropriate path for healing,” the Times reported.

‘‘We’re glad that he owned up that what he said was not only offensive, but bigoted,” Foxman said. “When he’s finished with alcohol rehabilitation, we will be ready and willing to meet with him and to help him get rid of his other addiction, which is prejudice.’’

State Agency Bans Religious Aphorisms on E-Mail

THE PLAIN DEALER, July 30 — Because workers at the Ohio Department of Taxation ignored an official request to stop adding religious aphorisms to official e-mails, the department head has threatened to discipline workers who add biblical quotations and other religious material.

“There is a continuing trend to voice personal views as part of a salutation immediately before or after the sender’s name,” William Cort, internal audit administrator, wrote in an e-mail to department employees July 26. “These include sayings, proverbs, personal advice or are sometimes religious in nature.”

One example of a postscript intercepted by Cort was sent by a tax commissioner agent and said: “Deuteronomy 30:15-19 Choose Life.”