Pro-Lifer to U.N. Post

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, June 5 — President Bush has selected former Missouri Sen. John Danforth, a strong promoter of respect for life, as the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Danforth's diplomatic skills and an intimate knowledge of the workings of Washington are expected to be an asset to the post in light of the current U.S. situation in Iraq, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted. Pro-lifers hope he will influence the United Nations to vote in favor of pro-life initiatives.

During his tenure in the Senate, Danforth, an active Episcapalian minister, compiled a 100% pro-life voting record, the pro-life news site LifeNews.com reported.

The nomination, which was announced June 4, is expected to be approved by the Senate.

African Bishops Speak Up

NEWS24.COM (South Africa), May 31 — South Africa's bishops have spoken out strongly against a court judgment that would allow girls younger than 18 to have abortions without parental consent.

“We live in a South Africa, where God's injunction ‘Thou shalt not kill' is being totally and deliberately ignored with regard to abortion,” said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale, bishop of Johannesburg. “This judgment will lead to the weakening of individual consciences, especially of those of young people whose conscience formation is at a critical stage.”

The African news site reported that the May 31 Pretoria High Court ruling followed the dismissal earlier in the month of the Christian Lawyers Association's challenge to the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act.

Schindlers Can Visit Daughter

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, June 5 — A judge has ruled to allow the parents of Terri Schiavo, a 40-year-old brain-damaged Florida woman, the right to see her again.

Bob and Mary Schindler had been prevented by Schiavo's husband, Michael Schiavo, for two months from seeing their daughter at the Clearwater, Fla., hospice where she lives, the Associated Press reported. The judge permitted the visits June 4, citing the police investigation.

Vote on Parental Notification

BONITA DAILY NEWS (Florida), June 7 — Florida's House and Senate have voted to allow on the November ballot a proposed state constitutional amendment requiring parents to be notified if their underage daughter wants an abortion.

The Legislature approved the ballot issue at the end of the legislative session in late May, the Bonita Daily News repor ted. It marks the third time lawmakers have tried to enact a privacy clause in Florida's constitution.