Prenatal Diagnosis of Birth Defects
THE MARCH OF DIMES 1994 Update
prepared by Mrs. Judie Brown, President, American Life League, Inc.
*PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF BIRTH DEFECTS
The March of Dimes (MOD) Policy (11/93) on this topic states:
"The March of Dimes recognizes the contribution of prenatal diagnosis techniques in treatment and management of fetal abnormalities and birth defects. The March of Dimes believes that, in making decisions affecting the outcome of pregnancy, parents need information about the risks and benefits of the test and the nature and cost of potential follow-up medical care. We encourage religious and other family counselors to help parents understand birth defects and medical decisions. The Foundation supports policies to ensure access to necessary medical care for children with birth defects, whether prenatal therapy or services after birth."[1]
One must recognize in this statement only one truth: The outcome of a pregnancy is the birth of a baby, the stillbirth of a child, a miscarriage, or the death of the baby due to intentional abortion. One might also note that "medical decisions" could well include the act of abortion. It is not what the March of Dimes says that indicts them in this case, but rather what they prefer not to say.
*INDUCED ABORTION!
The March of Dimes Policy (11/93) on this topic states:
"The March of Dimes maintains a neutral position on the abortion issue. Foundation funds may not be used for abortion services or directive counseling. While the March of Dimes cannot censor or control the personal beliefs of grantees, violation of these policies constitutes grounds for immediate cancellation of a grant. The March of Dimes does not participate in public policy debates regarding the legality or regulation of abortion. However, when the abortion debate delays or jeopardizes the passage of legislation designed to improve maternal and infant health, the March of Dimes will seek swift resolution or separation of abortion-related provisions."[2]
Points to ponder in the above policy statement:
The March of Dimes is neutral on the intentional killing of human beings who live in the womb during a pregnancy. The March of Dimes would fund nondirective counseling, which suggests abortion as a mere "option." The March of Dimes has chosen to simply say nothing and let the killing continue.
THE "NONROUTIIME" DECISION
First Things published an article by Elizabeth Kristol on "The Politics of Prenatal Testing." A quote from that article affirms the real position of the March of Dimes on abortion:
"...A March of Dimes casebook on genetic counseling uses the phrase 'nonroutine decision' to refer to a couple's choice to continue a pregnancy after a diagnosis of fetal defect."[3]
*EUGENICS
Eugenics is the study of hereditary improvement of the human race by means of preventing the births of babies having undesirable traits and encouraging the births of those having "superior" genes. It was practiced by the Nazis, and it's happening again, in this country.
Mary Meehan, a reporter and researcher, has written extensively about the March of Dimes; in one article she focused on the publication Birth Defects: Original Article Series. She wrote: "In 1987, for example, Birth Defects carried several articles on how to deal with the emotional turmoil couples go through with eugenic abortions. `It is important to acknowledge the couples' loss and give them permission to grieve,' one writer advised...
"Last year [1993] Birth Defects published a long article on the successful introduction of prenatal testing and eugenic abortion in the former West Germany, where human genetics had once been 'totally discredited by its use in the service of the Nazi state.' Amniocentesis was first done in West Germany in 1970, the German writer remarked, with 'the initial impetus coming from the United States.'
"Birth Defects carries a disclaimer statement, noting that publication of controversial and personal viewpoints does not mean endorsement of them by the March of Dimes. Nevertheless, Birth Defects doesn't publish articles challenging the ethics of eugenic abortion."[4]
*DO NOT GIVE MONEY
John C. Willke, M.D., founder and president of Life Issues Institute in Ohio, publishes Life Issues Connector. This newsletter recently published the following statement: "Our advice is not to give money to the March of Dimes until they become 100% pro-life, until they get rid of this ugly portion of their activity that Dr. Willke has called 'a little Auschwitz on the side.'"[5]
Agreed! If you wish to send financial support to a pro-life research group, then by all means do so-the March of Dimes is not such a group!
*REFERENCES CITED:
1. April 28, 1994, letter to Judie Brown from Dick Leavitt, Director, Science Information, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, National Headquarters, White Plains, NY, with policy statements attached.
2. Ibid.
3. Elizabeth Kristol, "Picture Perfect: The Politics of Prenatal Testing," First Things, 4/93, p. 22.
4. Mary Meehan, "A Different Take on the March of Dimes," Family Resources Center News, 1/94, p. 14.
5. "March of Dimes Update," Life Issues Connector, 4/94/ p 4.
American Life League, Inc. P.0. Box 1350 Stafford, VA 22555 (703) 659-4171 Cost: $.30 per copy $20 per 100 copies copywrite 1994
Uploaded from American Life League Electronic Bulletin Board (703) 659-7111.
