New Pro-Life Center

LIFENEWS.COM, May 6 — Not only is Life International encouraged by the closing of an an abortion business in Grand Rapids, Mich., but it's also bustling — thanks to the fact that the center has been turned over for use as a pro-life center.

The building, originally a Jewish synagogue, was leased to an abortionist in 1996. It was purchased recently by local businessmen and deeded to Life International, the pro-life news service reported.

The owner of the abortion business reportedly has been trying to find another location, according to Life International, but he has repeatedly been rejected by owners who do not want such a business in their buildings.

No Contraception Coverage

THE TIMES-PICAYUNE (Louisiana), May 4 — Louisiana's House of Representatives has voted to shelve a bill that would require insurance companies to cover prescription contraception.

The May 3 vote signaled a “bleak future” for the legislation during the current session, the newspaper reported, but supporters said they will continue to push for passage. In order to take the bill up again, however, two-thirds of the House must agree. The bill was defeated by a 50-42 vote.

Several lawmakers questioned how the bill could be considered at all when last year legislation was approved that said no new mandates would be placed on insurance companies or employers who provide insurance until 2008.

Opposes Building Funds

THE SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN, May 6 — Missouri Right to Life normally doesn't oppose funding for capital improvements. But when it came to funding buildings that could be used for research on human cloning, embryonic stem cells or other scientific endeavors that are morally objectionable, the group took action.

In a May 6 letter to senators, Missouri Right to Life's president and general counsel said the proposed $350 million bond sale to fund capital improvements in the University of Missouri system gives no specific prohibitions against building facilities that could be used for such research, the newspaper reported.

Lawmakers who usually side with Missouri Right to Life said they were “blindsided” and “put out” by the group's opposition.

TV Ads Call for Restrictions

THE TENNESSEAN, May 6 — In an effort to convince state House leaders to support a state constitutional amendment that would give the Legislature the power to limit abortions, Tennessee Right to Life ran television ads May 5-12 supporting such an amendment.

The group is attempting to get the issue on a statewide referendum in 2006. The ads show the state Capitol while a woman's voice says people have been told the proposal is “unnecessary,” “divisive” and “will never pass,” the newspaper reported. This is not so, the woman says. The ad goes on to blame the Tennessee Supreme Court for its incorrect interpretation of the state Constitution.

If the House doesn't pass the resolution this month, voters would have to wait until 2010 to be heard on the issue.