FrontLines Magazine Fall 2013
Content
In This Issue
Dear HLI Family, Many of you have already heard that our dear friend Magaly Llaguno, a great leader and warrior in the cause for life, passed away earlier this summer after a long battle with cancer. This issue of FrontLines is dedicated to Magaly, in honor of her many victories for life — victories that she rightly, of course, credited to the Lord of Life, to whom the glory ultimately must be given. In these pages you’ll see an article on her life, several pictures that capture remarkable moments in her leadership of Vida Humana Internacional, (HLI’s Hispanic division) and tributes from friends and colleagues. I am sorry to say that we had to shorten many of these: such was the outpouring of love and gratitude for Magaly’s life that we simply didn’t have room to publish all the kind thoughts in full. I hope that we did capture the spirit of each! I only knew Magaly for a little less than two years, but like many of you, I can honestly say that she had a profound effect on my life. What I’ll remember most is her joyful courage and her surprising energy even as the last and very aggressive onset of cancer took its toll. The lesson I couldn’t help but learn — again — was that we must give all we have to God and let Him use us however He sees fit. Holding back is not an option. Magaly exuded this trust in God, and this loving abandon to His will. I pray that we all renew our commitment to truly let Him be the Lord of our lives. In gratitude to Our Lord for the gift that Magaly has been to the entire HLI family,
Fr. Shenan J. Boquet President
Father Shenan J. Boquet President of Human Life International
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CONTENTS
3 Rest in Peace Magaly Llaguno, Great Champion of Life 4 Tributes: Friends Remember Magaly 6 Goodbye, Dear Magaly, by Mario Rojas 8 My Summer as a Pro-Life Intern, by Molly Loesel 9 Why Support HLI through the St. Gianna Guild? by Bill Williams 10 International News 14 Domestic News
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rest in peace
By Fr. Shenan J. Boquet ith a very heavy heart, Human Life International announced the passing of our dear friend Magaly Llaguno. After a long battle with cancer, Magaly died on Friday, June 28. As many knew, last year Magaly suffered a relapse of cancer that was particularly aggressive, leading to her resignation from Human Life International earlier this year so she could focus primarily on her health and treatment. I was just one of many who were struck by her joy and peace even amidst great suffering during this last year. With the various treatments and the pain she was enduring, she continued to send emails and call colleagues to keep them inspired, to translate and share important articles and documents, to stay in the fight with every ounce of energy that she had. Her love and gratitude for her family, as well as her longtime pro-life friends and colleagues was an obvious source of joy. Magaly started in the pro-life movement over 40 years ago, working from her own home at first as she helped to start several pro-life groups, including National Right to Life. In 1984, Fr. Paul Marx, OSB, founder of Human Life International, asked her to be the Executive Director of Vida Humana Internacional (VHI), the Hispanic Division of HLI, to defend life and family in Spanish speaking
Magaly Llaguno
Great Champion of Life
nations, and she accepted, pouring her heart into all the work. Over many years, Magaly developed a network of affiliated and collaborating organizations throughout Latin America and Spain. This network not only continues today, but in fact is working better than ever — its leaders and colleagues continuing to win victories for life today. The network began through Magaly’s efforts to bring leaders together at the first international pro-life congresses of Latin America, of which she was the chief organizer. With VHI’s affiliate in Mexico, Comite Nacional Provida, led by Jorge Serrano, Magaly helped to create a network of crisis pregnancy centers throughout Latin America – a network that today has over 120 centers and has saved untold thousands of pre-born babies and their moms from abortion. Magaly personally saved many women and children from abortion, often giving her own resources, and fought to keep anti-life sex education out of Miami schools. Even while fighting for her life during the last year, she continued to collaborate with the USCCB, as well as with many pro-life leaders to bring Project Rachel and Respect Life Committees to Latin America. Magaly was given the 2011 “People of Life” award by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the Pro-Life Secretariat of the USCCB, for her lifetime of work as a leading advocate for life internationally. Magaly was the key player in developing the most-visited Spanish language pro-life web site in the world, www.vidahumana.org, which often averaged 3 million hits a month, leading to many lives saved and countless pro-lifers being moved to join the fight for life. She participated in countless interviews and gave countless presentations, to small groups and to thousands, all with her unique passion and conviction. Patricia Bainbridge, chairman of the board of Human Life International, had this to say about Magaly: “We will sorely miss Magaly, a sister in the battle for life, a joyful defender of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. What kept Magaly going through thick and thin, through terrible personal suffering and setbacks, was her conviction that God had called her to do this important work. Her ‘yes’ to God saved thousands of lives and brought many champions together. Fighting for truth and life until the end, leaving nothing on the table… We would do well to learn from such a courageous and faithful witness.” I ask all who fight for life to pray for the repose of Magaly’s soul, and for all who mourn her passing. Eternal rest grant unto Magaly, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace and may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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T r i bu t e s
Friends Remember Magaly
Magaly was a holy and dedicated woman whom you couldn’t help but love, and she was always ready to listen. I miss her already. - Joseph. M. Scheidler, National Director, Pro-Life Action League May Magaly indeed rest in peace, and may our Savior welcome her into the joys of our true home, the heavenly kingdom of our Lord. She was absolutely indomitable in her defense of the weakest and most vulnerable among us. A courageous voice has been stilled, but we will have her prayers. Pro vida! - Father Joe Fishwick, Archdiocese of Miami
As those of us who were closest to Magaly mourn her departure from this earth and her welcoming into her Father’s home, we remember her most salient virtues, the result of the grace of God and her ever faithful cooperation with it. Magaly had a holy “stubbornness,” a blessed passion for life, an unstoppable drive to defend the most vulnerable among us (the unborn, the sick and the elderly), a saintly resilience, and an unquenchable perseverance in the face of the most incredible odds and obstacles. What can I say in a few words? I had the privilege of working side by side with her for almost 20 years. Too many are the anecdotes, too many the inspirations, too many the examples (big and little) that edified me, taught me and made me what I am today as a pro-lifer! Magaly’s death has left indeed a big void in the pro-life world, but we know that we can fill it with the grace of God, which will pour out upon us at her request. By words and example, she taught us not only about how to defend life but also the virtues that make that work fruitful unto eternal life. - Adolfo Castañeda, HLI Director of Education for Hispanic Outreach Magaly was a great champion of the unborn and one of the most gentle persons I have ever met. Years ago when we were trying to find asylum for some Chinese women who were fleeing the one child policy and were scheduled to be deported back to China from the US after they had testified before Congress, she helped us find refuge for them in Ecuador. I am sure the Lord has said to her, “Well done good and faithful servant!” - Dr. Patricia McEwen, Director, Life Coalition International With Fr. Marx in 1987 (above), and again in 1995.
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Magaly was a true warrior for Christ. All of us here at American Life League will miss her more than mere words can say. She was a great promoter of all that is good and beautiful about life, and her best asset was always her loving smile. Magaly shared her wisdom with us on many occasions and inspired us with her leadership. We are deeply saddened by her passing. She was without doubt one of the greatest champions of God’s innocents and now she has gone home. May she rest in peace. - Judie Brown and staff, American Life League Inc. Magaly was also so gentle and kind in her interactions with people, those who did not know would have no idea she was suffering. May her memory be eternal. - Fr. Benjamin Johnson, LifeSiteNews Magaly was a champion of the pro-life movement. Many years ago she told me that God told her she wasn’t going to die until she had completed everything He had for her to do, and that He would give her His strength. That’s the only explanation for her being able to persevere these many years through the many trials she suffered. I am a better person for having known Magaly and will miss her strength, encouragement, and loving presence. Rest in peace, mi querida hermana. - Jo Tolck, Executive Director, Human Life Alliance
I personally will be missing our dear Magaly. She has certainly done a lot and her generosity, commitment and dedication to the mission even amidst pain and suffering was a great inspiration to me. Farewell Magaly and rest with eternal joy as you claim your eternal reward in the company of the angels and saints in heaven, where you will no longer feel any pain. And whisper to Jesus and our Blessed Mother to keep the mission of HLI in their love and care. I will always love you Magaly, and remember with fondness everything we shared in our last meeting at HLI. THANK YOU for everything that you have done for the world. - Dr. Ligaya Acosta, HLI Regional Director for Asia and Oceania Magaly was a fearless fighter against Planned Parenthood in Central and South America. I worked closely with her during the time I was writing a series of booklets on IPPF for Human Life International. Always a gracious lady and dedicated to the children. She will be missed. - Jim Sedlak, American Life League From the earliest days of Priests for Life, Magaly Llaguno was an inspiration to me and our whole team. She helped us immediately begin our outreach to Spanish-speaking Catholics, Continued on page 7.
Our Lord, in His great love for Magaly Llaguno, took her to Heaven and we have the certainty that she lives in the House of the Father, enjoying the presence of the Most Holy Trinity, in the company of Our Most Blessed Mother of Guadalupe. Magaly was a tireless defender of life, who enflamed hundreds of hearts with the grace of the Holy Spirit, whom she moved to work for this marvelous apostolate. Magaly lives united in our hearts through the Mystical Body of Christ. She is now part of the Church Triumphant and we of the Church Militant. We ask our Mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe, so that the work of Christ in which Magaly participated, will continue to extend its efforts in the defense of the life of the unborn. The parting of Magaly is a blessing for her and us who now have an intercessor in Heaven. - Jorge Serrano, President, Foundation Culture of Life (HLI Mexico), and Lourdes Delgado, Director, VHI Crisis Pregnancy Center Network Program
Jorge Serrano gives to Magaly Llaguno the Humanity Award for Human Life International.
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Goodbye, Dear Magaly
By Mario Rojas
The news about the departure of Magaly Llaguno from this world was not a surprise for many of us who knew that she was living with borrowed time by the grace of our Lord. But the news still left a deep impact on those of us that were lucky to have known her.
from Ecuador. The objective was to spread the Gospel of Life in the most important Catholic seminaries of the region, and at the same time to denounce the culture of death that was actively being promoted in our countries as part of so-called human rights campaigns. Magaly has been a fundamental pillar for the right to life and family in Latin America, and I consider myself lucky who have known and learned so much from her. I pray to our Lord so that He may allow Magaly to be our intercessor for the triumph of the Culture of Life. I also ask the most High that He may grant strength to her family. Mario Rojas resides in Bolivia and is HLI’s regional director of Latin America.
Magaly with Msgr. Barreiro and Mario Rojas at HLI’s world headquarters. After my return to the Catholic Church in 1998 (in Medjugorje), I became convinced that a Catholic committed to his faith would necessarily defend life and family. As a result, I became involved in pro-life activities. In 2001 we organized in Cochabamba, Bolivia the First International Pro-life Congress where our guest speaker was Dr. Oscar Botta, affiliated with Human Life International (HLI) in Argentina. It is thanks to him that I was able to meet Magaly Llaguno, and come to know HLI. Within about a year, the pro-life organization I was involved with in Bolivia, ANE Provida, became an HLI affiliate per the recommendation of Magaly. Our affiliate in Bolivia managed to stop the approval of a law that would promote sexual and “reproductive rights” in 2004 with the support of Magaly and the direct participation of our dear friend Adolfo Castañeda, who visited Bolivia and spoke in different cities. Such initiative made me unwelcome and unwanted at UN organizations such as the UNFPA. In 2007, Magaly helped me obtain a job at the Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues (PNCI) in Washington, D.C., which allowed me to meet the U.S. leaders of Human Life International. By the middle of 2009, and again with the enthusiastic support of Magaly, HLI offered me the opportunity of starting a project with the name “the Latin American Network for Priests and Seminarians for Life” (REDESSVIDA), together with Fr. Juan Carlos Chavez, a diocesan priest
Primum Regnum Dei Award given to Magaly by Archbishop Edward McCarthy, Miami, Dec. 8, 1992.
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Friends Remember Magaly, continued from page 5.
and was a trusted resource throughout the years. Joy, vigor, determination to fight anti-life forces, and tremendous faith always marked what she did and said. As I continue my work, I will hear her voice in my ears for many years to come. - Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life In 1991 I started to become active in Catholic pro-life and profamily work in Puerto Rico. In 1993 I met Magaly Llaguno at the first HLI conference held in Puerto Rico. As soon as I arrived and met her at the location of the conference, she began to immediately encourage me to remain active in this apostolate, and to do even more. Since that time, her support was strong, especially in offering my legal education to the cause of faith, life and family, and as a member of the HLI family. I owe much to her and will not forget her. - Marlene Gillette-Ibern, Esq., Vida Humana Internacional legal advisor Magaly was a great pro-life “warrior.” For many years, Magaly worked closely with me and with Heartbeat International, especially with our Spanish-oriented pregnancy help centers and leaders, always looking for ways to unite and serve each other. She was responsible for the first Spanish translation of Heartbeat’s LOVE Approach, the counselor training manual now used in all of the CAM pregnancy help centers in Latin America. Magaly’s work and accomplishments were outstanding. However, perhaps even more powerful and inspirational was her personal faith and trust in the Lord and her hopefulness. Magaly was a living example of how the Lord can heal even the deepest wounds and make a person whole again. He then transformed her into His emissary to help bring love, hope, and healing to the world. I thank the Lord for allowing me (and Heartbeat) to know Magaly and to have served with her in this vineyard at this point in time. - Peggy Hartshorn, President of Heartbeat International With great sorrow, we accept that Magaly has returned to the House of the Father. We had a strong fraternal relationship and we agreed in all matters related to the defense of life and family. Now we have an ally in Heaven, a saint to whom we can ask for help. Magaly gave her life for the cause for life and family with her last moments. She was not simply a pro-life warrior; she was a pro-life gladiator because she never lost her strength and greatness in the midst of these circumstances. She was a splendid and magnanimous woman, and a great friend. We will miss you very much, Magaly. - Dr. Oscar Botta, President, Foundation Action for Life and Family (HLI Argentina) For more tributes and information on Magaly, visit www.hli.org.
Magaly’s Last Project
Developed by our friends at Human Life Alliance in collaboration with Magaly Llaguno, this wonderful bilingual educational piece is highly recommended as a way to have conversations about key life issues. It was Magaly’s last major project - she worked on it even as her health took a turn for the worse. For copies for your parish community center, visit www.humanlife.org.
Dedication of A Favor de la Vida: “In loving memory of Mrs. Magaly Llaguno, a passionate and tireless advocate for life. Her many hours of hard work, under the most difficult of circumstances, have made this publication possible.” FrontLines Fall 2013 |
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HLI INTERNSHIP My Summer as a Pro-Life Intern
By Molly Loesel
hough I have always been pro-life, my passion for defending life in the public arena has grown significantly over the past few years. Like many other pro-lifers, I have prayed outside abortion clinics, attended the March for Life, and participated in Life Chains over the years. And now, thanks to my communications internship with Human Life International, I have had the opportunity to explore new possibilities within the pro-life movement and engage in the international fight to defend life. During my internship, one of my responsibilities was to stay up-to-date on news affecting the pro-life movement around the world and to write articles for HLI’s blog that were republished on some of the top pro-life news websites. Through my other duties, such as updating websites and preparing HLI’s various newsletters for publication, I got to see the wide range of HLI’s ministry throughout the world. Reading about past projects, current programs and updates from HLI’s international affiliates and pro-life missionaries really blew me away when I stopped to consider the depth and variety of activities that are going on around the world. I also learned more about the power of social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) in spreading the Gospel of Life. I came to appreciate the fact that these online communities are a vital part of the New Evangelization for spreading the Church’s teachings, and for exposing the lies of the culture of death. One of my favorite experiences from this summer was the week I spent as a prolife witness in Austin, Texas in support of the pro-life bill (now law) that was debated in a special session of the legislature. HLI sent me on a bus from Washington, D.C., down to Texas with a group from Students for Life of America to show support for the bill and take a stand for life. In Austin, I saw the legislative side of the fight for life as the Texas legislators worked to pass a bill to protect women and children by establishing regulations for abortion clinics and restricting abortions after 20 weeks. I joined hundreds of other pro-lifers in being a peaceful and prayerful presence in the Capitol amid the chaos, anger, and violence of the abortion advocates. I experienced verbal assaults from pro-abortion activists, and was among the students persecuted by the YMCA when we were told we could not use their facilities because of our pro-life beliefs. It was an intense week; I was in the middle of some of the most powerful spiritual warfare that I have ever experienced, but I was so happy to be there in the midst of all that chaos because I knew I was making a difference standing there with my blue shirt and pro-life signs. I was a witness to the nation that a majority of people, both in Texas and across the U.S., do support abortion restrictions and regulations like the ones passed in Texas. The trip was also a wonderful opportunity for me because I met other pro-life students from around the nation who share my passion for the pro-life cause, and are willing to stand for life and take action to advance the pro-life movement. All in all, it has been a very fruitful summer. Working in the pro-life movement has given me a renewed desire to stand for life in the midst of the culture of death in which we live, as well as ideas and resources to use as I do so. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity; my summer with HLI was definitely a summer well spent. Molly Loesel was the 2013 summer communications intern at Human Life International. She is a junior at Benedictine College, a Catholic college founded on the Benedictine tradition, in Atchison, Kansas. Molly is studying Philosophy with minors in Communications and Theology.
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Why Support HLI through the St. Gianna Guild?
By Bill Williams, Development Manager
Because you can be a part of a powerful legacy that will ensure HLI’s mission will endure through charitable gift planning. Two years ago and through the support of St. Gianna’s family, HLI created the St. Gianna Beretta Molla Guild as a way to recognize those supporters who choose to make a legacy gift. When it comes to joining the St. Gianna Guild, there are many options:
Charitable Gift Annuity:
If you are 65 or older, a Charitable Gift Annuity can yield tax deductions and pay you high-interest income every month for the rest of your life. Charitable gift annuities are very simple. You make an irrevocable gift to HLI, and in return, we promise to pay you an income at a fixed rate for the rest of your life. You can include a second person as a beneficiary if you choose a “two-life annuity.” A gift annuity increases your income, reduces your income tax and, at the death of the last annuitant/investor, the remaining funds belong to HLI. There is no estate tax to pay on these funds. If you’re 50 years old, you can plan for retirement by opening a Deferred Gift Annuity; you’ll enjoy an immediate tax deduction, and by the time you are 65, you will earn income at a higher rate. It is very important to obtain expert advice in these areas. I highly rec ommend that you consult a financial planner and/ or legal counsel in order to take full advantage of the tax savings strategies that are available to you. I would be pleased to provide additional informa tion to you and/or your advisors as you proceed with your gift planning. If you need help getting started and would like HLI to recommend a solid Catholic, pro-life financial advisor, please let me know, I can be reached at: 540-622-5285 or [email protected].
Will or Trust:
When determining how the assets of your estate will be distributed, in addition to providing for your loved ones, you can also remember the needs of HLI. This can be done through a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or through the residual of your estate. With thoughtful planned giving you can ensure both long-term support for HLI’s mission and the fulfillment of your personal financial objectives.
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Photo of St. Gianna provided by the family of St. Gianna Beretta Molla through the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation in Canada.
Life Insurance:
Whole life policies that have built up cash value but are no longer needed make an excellent charitable gift and can offer significant tax advantages, depending on your circumstances. You can also take out a whole life policy, donate the policy to HLI, and future premium payments would be gifts that are tax-deductible.
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Europe
HLI Ireland, in conjunction with Fr. Michael Ross, S.D.B., Patrick Buckley of European Life Network, former East London Gangster John Pridmore and Kate Meenagh of Ask Majella Pregnancy Advice, led a countrywide call for atonement and reparation to God July 16-21 to pray for an end of the present abortion crisis. Around 1,800 people in total attended the five night tour in Letterkenny, Armagh, Limerick, Dublin and Knock. Events in Dublin also included a powerful prayer vigil outside the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament. Cardinal Sean Brady attended the event in Armagh, and in a letter sent to HLI Ireland afterwards he wrote, “The emphasis on St. Joseph is excellent as a model of a man taking responsibility towards Mary to whom he was betrothed. We
HLI Ireland and 1,800 pro-lifers pray outside of Ireland’s lower house of parliament, July 2013.
need to call all men to assume their responsibility… towards the women in their lives… I wish your work well which must be based on a solid faith in the triumph of good over evil.”
international events
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Above: The “1,000 Crosses for Life” March in Austria. Below: The March for Life in Italy.
On the 45th anniversary of the publication of Pope Paul VI’s prophetic encyclical Humane Vitae, pro-lifers in Austria participated in the “1,000 Crosses for Life” March, which HLI helped to organize with Europrolife, Youth for Life, the Prayer Initiative, and Salzburg Pro-Life Centre. Police escorted these peaceful demonstrators on their march to protect them from violent attacks from abortion activists. Indeed, 34 of these protesters were arrested by the end of the day, as the pro-lifers prayerfully marched through the city to remember the unborn who have been lost to abortion. The abortion activists carried a big black banner depicting the HLI logo inside of a condom which read, “Prevent forced reproduction. Abortion on demand for everyone!” Those in the pro-life procession carried white crosses representing lives lost to abortion, images of the unborn, and a large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The rally in Salzburg, led by Auxiliary Bishop Laun, called attention to both the dignity of every life and to the sins against life we face in this world. In a memorial ceremony, 100 roses were symbolically thrown into the Salzach River accompanied by a peal of bells – the flowers serving as reminders for all the babies who were not allowed to see the light of the world.
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George Wirnkar and Bishop Thomas Kaboré addressing media in Burkina Faso Human Life International Rome Office Executive Director Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula was honored for his lifetime of distinguished service defending and promoting a Culture of Life by organizers of the March for Life in Italy on Saturday, May 11 in Rome. Monsignor Barreiro received the “Award for Life” during a conference at the University of Regina Apostolorum preceding the 2013 March for Life. Italy’s March for Life drew a reported 40,000 people together this year to affirm the sanctity of the right to life from conception until natural death – about 25,000 more participants than last year’s March. Those marching also received an unexpected surprise from the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who left the Apostolic Palace to greet the marchers from his popemobile.
Fr. Aloysius instructing Ethiopians on how to resist the culture of death. culture of death. He and some of his brother priests are also working to develop parish outreach programs to promote the pro-life message by forming and training pro-life groups in parishes. In August, HLI-Kenya’s director, Fr. Wanjohi visited our headquarters in Virginia and gave us a report of the situation in Kenya. One of Fr. Wanjohi’s main focuses is the Kenyan students. Over the past 10 years, he has formed outreach pro-
Africa
George Wirnkar, HLI Regional Director for French-speaking Africa, traveled to Burkina Faso in July to host a prolife training conference for seminarians, college students and leading Catholic action groups. The HLI conference covered key themes like genuine development and issues of population control, the role of Christian families in defending life, Church teaching on the questions of life, and debate techniques and the role of new media in evangelization and promoting the Gospel of Life. During the two-day conference, attendees not only shared stories and listened to speakers, they drew strength in prayer and closeness to God by starting each day with the Rosary and Mass. HLI’s conference received much praise from Bishop Thomas Kaboré of Kaya Diocese, an unyielding defender of life and family values, who drove two hours to attend. There was so much media interest in the event that Bishop Kaboré and George held a press conference to discuss the various issues covered during the conference. In Ethiopia, Country Director Fr. Aloysius is working hard to defend life. Recently, he gave a presentation to parents at a local Catholic Church about the evils and dangers of the
Human Life International Rome Office Executive Director Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula was honored for his lifetime of distinguished service defending and promoting a Culture of Life by organizers of the March for Life in Italy.
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HLI President Fr. Shenan Boquet speaking at HLI’s pro-life conference for clergy in Mexico City. grams at Kenyan universities and high schools, forming prolife clubs and spreading awareness of the pro-life message. In this way, he is forming the next generation of pro-life leaders in Kenya. Now that his students are graduating and entering the work force, he has pro-life doctors, lawyers, teachers, counselors, etc. to whom he can refer people who want a professional opinion. In March 2013, HLI Malawi members gave a seminar on life and family issues with a lecture and video, to 90 students at the Kochilira Secondary School, as well as providing them with educational material. Also, a seminar on natural family planning was presented at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church to 65 families. They were also taught about the harmful effects of contraception. HLI Malawi narrates: “One of the family members testified that after using the IUD for three years she is now failing to conceive again . . . (after she was) taught about the natural way of spacing children, the whole class was very interested and agreed with the method because it does not affect them (nor) their faith.” In addition, HLI Malawi reported that the Parliament of Malawi passed the Gender Equality legislative bill that states it will allow women to decide on the number of children. The legislative bill also contains a sexual reproduction section which was the subject of concern of several legislators because could allow for legal abortion. The Catholic Church in Malawi has expressed opposition to the legislation and will work with HLI Malawi to ask President Joyce Banda to veto the bill. HLI South Africa participated in a Mass for Life and Prayer Vigil for Life during the month of March. The Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later the prayer vigil was held at the Marie Stopes South Africa abortion clinic in Cape Town. The laity, accompanied by Father Mikel Garmendia, SDB, left the Church and walked over to the abortion clinic carrying an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Larissa Ríos of Association Life and Human Dignity, HLI’s affiliate in Guatemala, speaking at the Organization of American States (OAS) 43rd General Assembly session. while reciting a Rosary for Life. Several laity stayed behind for Eucharistic Adoration for Life while the others attempted to save children from abortion. After the prayer vigil ended in front of the abortion clinic, the priest and laity returned and they all received a Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.
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Latin America
Human Life International sponsored a pro-life conference for clergy in Mexico City in July of 2013 where some of the clergy were confronted with the true horror of abortion for the first time in their lives. Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Archbishop of Mexico, invited HLI to host our conference in his archdiocese, which is home to the Patroness of the Americas and of the pro-life movement, Our Lady of Guadalupe. As with much of HLI’s efforts to sustain and nourish a Culture of Life, the conference’s primary focus was to provide our bishops, priests and seminarians with the tools necessary to confront the threats against life, faith and family. Because the Federal District is the only state within Mexico where abortion is legalized (up to the 12th week), we felt it was important for the bishops, priests and seminarians to see the graphic images of abortion — putting the word of the relevant teaching and discussion in a true flesh and blood context. On the evening of the second day of the conference, we showed a video of two abortions: one early-term and one late-term. Seeing the reality of abortion for the first time changes a person, especially considering that this form of murder is protected in law in so many places. The next day, we invited all attendees to pray outside of abortion facilities in Mexico City. During the Organization of American States (OAS) 43rd General Assembly session in Antigua Guatemala City, Guatemala last June, dozens of members from anti-life organizations in the audience stood and turned their backs in protest as a representative of HLI asked member state dele-
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Dr. Rene Bullecer, exposing the anti-life Reproductive Health (RH) Law in the Philippines. gates to ensure greater protection of life, family, and religious freedom in OAS’s efforts throughout the region. “The right to life must be recognized from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. It is the fundamental, primary and most important human right, without which the essence of human rights is lost,” Larissa Ríos of Association Life and Human Dignity, HLI’s affiliate in Guatemala, told representatives of the 35 member states of the OAS. As soon as Ríos began speaking, opponents of HLI’s message stood and turned their backs on her and the OAS delegates. The statement and the protest were captured on video and uploaded to HLI’s YouTube page and blog. Ms. Nancy Tosi, VHI Project Rachel program coordinator, traveled to Bolivia recently to give post-abortion healing training sessions to local Catholic clergy. While there, she also spoke to high school and college students and worked to set up Project Rachel in every diocese of Bolivia. HLI Latin America Regional Director Mario Rojas was a speaker on life and demography issues at an international conference titled ‘Love, Human Sexuality and Life in the Third Millennium’, held in the city of Bogota. The event was organized by Foundation Right to Life, HLI’s Brazil affiliate, and its president, Ms. Astrid Tamayo, was interviewed on the VHI – WEWN Español radio program Defend Life. HLI Colombia President Gladys de Amaya was present at the conference.
Milagres Pereira, leader of HLI’s affiliate in Goa, India.
was set to expire on July 17. The Supreme Court began hearing heard oral arguments on the RH Law at the beginning of July, and several rounds of arguments were heard in the following months. There are currently 15 different petitions challenging the law’s constitutionality. Both our regional director Dr. Ligaya Acosta and our Philippines country director Dr. Rene Bullecer have continued to engage legislators and clergy, and organize rallies across the country in the fight to protect life. Father Alex Fernandes, director of HLI India-Karwar (Commission of the Apostles of the Holy Family of the Diocese of Karwar), reported that because of HLI’s activities, several babies were saved from abortion in the area where he works. Father’s ministry includes much personal counseling, including visiting dozens of families dealing with HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, illness, depression, and old age problems. Father Fernandes has also continued to teach couples natural family planning, and give lectures on family values. Milagres Pereira, leader of HLI’s affiliate in Goa, India, held a unique pro-life seminar in August to spread the Gospel of Life to theater artists such as actors, singers, playwrights, and composers. In Goa, “tiatro,” or drama, is a powerful tool to either uphold public morality or to work towards its decay, and topics such as abortion and homosexuality are already being used in them. About 100 people attended the event to hear about the history of abortion and population control, and the decay of family life and marriage. “Your presentation has opened our eyes to the reality of abortion and the factors at work. We cannot keep quiet now,” one senior playwright and actor told Milagres. “I will write pro-life songs in my dramas now,” a theater director commented. A second event targeting theater artists is currently being planned.
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Pro-life advocates in the Philippines received some much needed good news in July in the fight against the anti-life Reproductive Health (RH) Law. The Supreme Court voted 8-7 to suspend implementation of the law “until further orders” from the Court. A status quo ante order issued by the Court in March to delay the law’s implementation
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(Right) The Ocean to Ocean pilgrimage of the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (pictured right) is now underway in North America! Launched a year ago from the Eastern coast of Russia, this pilgrimage of the icon made its way to Fatima, Portugal for the intention of promoting the defense of life across continents that have been decimated by widespread contraception and abortion. The pilgrimage did not end there, however. Throughout the next year, the icon will travel throughout the U.S. and make its way to Mexico. HLI is stopping at Catholic and Orthodox churches across the country asking the faithful to pray for Our Lady’s intercession to bring an end to the culture of death and a rise to a new Culture of Life.
domestic events
(Left) On March 26, HLI joined with several other organizations to sponsor and participate in the first ever March for Marriage in Washington, D.C. (pictured left). Strategically scheduled on the same day that the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a challenge to California’s Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman, the march was an opportunity for people of all faiths and beliefs to come together and show their support for upholding the true definition of the institution of marriage. HLI President Fr. Boquet urged supporters to attend the march to show their “support for marriage and for our brothers and sisters in the United States and around the world who are persecuted for holding to their faith and proclaiming that marriage can only be understood as the sacred union between one man and one woman.”
(Left) In July, HLI’s summer communications intern Molly Loesel joined Students for Life of America in a bus trip down to Austin Texas for a week to show support for the pro-life bill that was going through the Texas legislature. She had the opportunity to be a pro-life witness in the Capitol amid the crazy antics of the abortion advocates. She and the other SFLA pro-lifers met with prolife legislators, prayed outside a local Planned Parenthood, attended Planned Parenthood and “pro-choice” rallies as prayerful and silent witnesses for life, attended the debate in the Texas House, attended pro-life rallies, and helped the local pro-lifers in any way they could.
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(Right) HLI President Fr. Boquet has been traveling all over, spreading the pro-life message and promoting a Culture of Life. In June, he was invited to speak at the National IHM Homeschool conference, where he gave a talk on “Breathing Catholic Air,” that was greeted with much enthusiasm. More recently, in August, he was in California, participating in the third annual Napa Institute conference, an organization dedicated to equipping Catholic leaders to defend and advance the Catholic Faith in “the Next America.” After the conference, he spent a few more days in California, speaking at several local Catholic parishes and participating in prayer vigils outside abortion clinics. While he was there, he also had the opportunity to meet HLI supporters and speak to local pro-life organizations, such as Sacramento Life center. (Left) HLI’s Arland K. Nichols has also been busy spreading the pro-life message in the Midwest. He has spoken to students at a number of universities, several pro-life groups, such as Texas Right to Life, and a few Catholic parishes. He has been invited to speak at prolife training seminars, such as the Texas Right to Life Scholars and REVEAL Pro-life Boot Camp for teens.
Life, Dignity, and Disability: A Faith that Welcomes.
HLI is partnering with the Nebraska Bishops’ Pro-Life Office and the Archdiocese of Omaha Respect Life Apostolate to present a timely and important conference October 18-19 in Omaha, Nebraska: Life, Dignity, and Disability: A Faith that Welcomes. HLI is sending several speakers to this conference, including our president, Fr. Boquet; director of education and evangelization, Arland K. Nichols; and Board member, Sr. Terese Auer, O.P. The conference will focus on Catholic social teaching by providing a theological foundation on the dignity of the human person, exploring relevant issues related to life, dignity, and disabilities, and providing practical guidance and resources in pastoral care.
Most Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L., Bishop of Lincoln.
Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha.
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4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, VA 22630 1-540-635-7884 • www.hli.org • [email protected]
Human Life International
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE InfocusDirect 20109
PAID
In Appreciation
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IF
for your life-saving contribution to HLI of $49.90 or more, we would like to send you an illuminating talk by Dr. Brian Clowes: Abortion Violence: The “ProChoice” Movement Exposed as the Most Violent Social Movement of all Time.
Not only do pro-abortionists carry on a campaign of extermination of tens of millions of people inside their abortuary walls, they are incredibly violent outside them as well!
Human Life International 4 Family Life Lane Front Royal, VA 22630 800-549-LIFE • www.hli.org
Most Americans think that the struggle over abortion in the USA is a vicious, violent battle — with all of the violence being committed by so-called “fanatical anti-choicers.” But in this talk, HLI Director of Research Brian Clowes exposes the truth behind this myth. Not only do pro-abortionists carry on a campaign of extermination of tens of millions of people inside their abortuary walls, they are incredibly Dr. Brian Clowes violent outside them as well. Abortionists have murdered dozens of people, including their wives, lovers, patients and even other abortionists. Pro-abortion men have murdered hundreds of women because they refuse to abort. They are guilty of every crime known to man, from mass murder, serial killing, rape, arson, cannibalism, kidnapping and maiming to cheating in sports events, animal neglect and cruelty, indecent exposure, child sexual molestation and bank robbery. This enhanced CD contains a state-by-state and city-by-city listing of more than eleven thousand incidents of “pro-choice” violence and lawbreaking, giving you all the tools and information you need to decisively debunk this proabortion myth.
F T AL TO L 2 D 01 O 3 N O RS
AUDIO CD
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF HLI'S MISSION!
Dear HLI Family, Many of you have already heard that our dear friend Magaly Llaguno, a great leader and warrior in the cause for life, passed away earlier this summer after a long battle with cancer. This issue of FrontLines is dedicated to Magaly, in honor of her many victories for life — victories that she rightly, of course, credited to the Lord of Life, to whom the glory ultimately must be given. In these pages you’ll see an article on her life, several pictures that capture remarkable moments in her leadership of Vida Humana Internacional, (HLI’s Hispanic division) and tributes from friends and colleagues. I am sorry to say that we had to shorten many of these: such was the outpouring of love and gratitude for Magaly’s life that we simply didn’t have room to publish all the kind thoughts in full. I hope that we did capture the spirit of each! I only knew Magaly for a little less than two years, but like many of you, I can honestly say that she had a profound effect on my life. What I’ll remember most is her joyful courage and her surprising energy even as the last and very aggressive onset of cancer took its toll. The lesson I couldn’t help but learn — again — was that we must give all we have to God and let Him use us however He sees fit. Holding back is not an option. Magaly exuded this trust in God, and this loving abandon to His will. I pray that we all renew our commitment to truly let Him be the Lord of our lives. In gratitude to Our Lord for the gift that Magaly has been to the entire HLI family,
Fr. Shenan J. Boquet President
Father Shenan J. Boquet President of Human Life International
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CONTENTS
3 Rest in Peace Magaly Llaguno, Great Champion of Life 4 Tributes: Friends Remember Magaly 6 Goodbye, Dear Magaly, by Mario Rojas 8 My Summer as a Pro-Life Intern, by Molly Loesel 9 Why Support HLI through the St. Gianna Guild? by Bill Williams 10 International News 14 Domestic News
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rest in peace
By Fr. Shenan J. Boquet ith a very heavy heart, Human Life International announced the passing of our dear friend Magaly Llaguno. After a long battle with cancer, Magaly died on Friday, June 28. As many knew, last year Magaly suffered a relapse of cancer that was particularly aggressive, leading to her resignation from Human Life International earlier this year so she could focus primarily on her health and treatment. I was just one of many who were struck by her joy and peace even amidst great suffering during this last year. With the various treatments and the pain she was enduring, she continued to send emails and call colleagues to keep them inspired, to translate and share important articles and documents, to stay in the fight with every ounce of energy that she had. Her love and gratitude for her family, as well as her longtime pro-life friends and colleagues was an obvious source of joy. Magaly started in the pro-life movement over 40 years ago, working from her own home at first as she helped to start several pro-life groups, including National Right to Life. In 1984, Fr. Paul Marx, OSB, founder of Human Life International, asked her to be the Executive Director of Vida Humana Internacional (VHI), the Hispanic Division of HLI, to defend life and family in Spanish speaking
Magaly Llaguno
Great Champion of Life
nations, and she accepted, pouring her heart into all the work. Over many years, Magaly developed a network of affiliated and collaborating organizations throughout Latin America and Spain. This network not only continues today, but in fact is working better than ever — its leaders and colleagues continuing to win victories for life today. The network began through Magaly’s efforts to bring leaders together at the first international pro-life congresses of Latin America, of which she was the chief organizer. With VHI’s affiliate in Mexico, Comite Nacional Provida, led by Jorge Serrano, Magaly helped to create a network of crisis pregnancy centers throughout Latin America – a network that today has over 120 centers and has saved untold thousands of pre-born babies and their moms from abortion. Magaly personally saved many women and children from abortion, often giving her own resources, and fought to keep anti-life sex education out of Miami schools. Even while fighting for her life during the last year, she continued to collaborate with the USCCB, as well as with many pro-life leaders to bring Project Rachel and Respect Life Committees to Latin America. Magaly was given the 2011 “People of Life” award by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the Pro-Life Secretariat of the USCCB, for her lifetime of work as a leading advocate for life internationally. Magaly was the key player in developing the most-visited Spanish language pro-life web site in the world, www.vidahumana.org, which often averaged 3 million hits a month, leading to many lives saved and countless pro-lifers being moved to join the fight for life. She participated in countless interviews and gave countless presentations, to small groups and to thousands, all with her unique passion and conviction. Patricia Bainbridge, chairman of the board of Human Life International, had this to say about Magaly: “We will sorely miss Magaly, a sister in the battle for life, a joyful defender of our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. What kept Magaly going through thick and thin, through terrible personal suffering and setbacks, was her conviction that God had called her to do this important work. Her ‘yes’ to God saved thousands of lives and brought many champions together. Fighting for truth and life until the end, leaving nothing on the table… We would do well to learn from such a courageous and faithful witness.” I ask all who fight for life to pray for the repose of Magaly’s soul, and for all who mourn her passing. Eternal rest grant unto Magaly, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace and may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
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Friends Remember Magaly
Magaly was a holy and dedicated woman whom you couldn’t help but love, and she was always ready to listen. I miss her already. - Joseph. M. Scheidler, National Director, Pro-Life Action League May Magaly indeed rest in peace, and may our Savior welcome her into the joys of our true home, the heavenly kingdom of our Lord. She was absolutely indomitable in her defense of the weakest and most vulnerable among us. A courageous voice has been stilled, but we will have her prayers. Pro vida! - Father Joe Fishwick, Archdiocese of Miami
As those of us who were closest to Magaly mourn her departure from this earth and her welcoming into her Father’s home, we remember her most salient virtues, the result of the grace of God and her ever faithful cooperation with it. Magaly had a holy “stubbornness,” a blessed passion for life, an unstoppable drive to defend the most vulnerable among us (the unborn, the sick and the elderly), a saintly resilience, and an unquenchable perseverance in the face of the most incredible odds and obstacles. What can I say in a few words? I had the privilege of working side by side with her for almost 20 years. Too many are the anecdotes, too many the inspirations, too many the examples (big and little) that edified me, taught me and made me what I am today as a pro-lifer! Magaly’s death has left indeed a big void in the pro-life world, but we know that we can fill it with the grace of God, which will pour out upon us at her request. By words and example, she taught us not only about how to defend life but also the virtues that make that work fruitful unto eternal life. - Adolfo Castañeda, HLI Director of Education for Hispanic Outreach Magaly was a great champion of the unborn and one of the most gentle persons I have ever met. Years ago when we were trying to find asylum for some Chinese women who were fleeing the one child policy and were scheduled to be deported back to China from the US after they had testified before Congress, she helped us find refuge for them in Ecuador. I am sure the Lord has said to her, “Well done good and faithful servant!” - Dr. Patricia McEwen, Director, Life Coalition International With Fr. Marx in 1987 (above), and again in 1995.
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Magaly was a true warrior for Christ. All of us here at American Life League will miss her more than mere words can say. She was a great promoter of all that is good and beautiful about life, and her best asset was always her loving smile. Magaly shared her wisdom with us on many occasions and inspired us with her leadership. We are deeply saddened by her passing. She was without doubt one of the greatest champions of God’s innocents and now she has gone home. May she rest in peace. - Judie Brown and staff, American Life League Inc. Magaly was also so gentle and kind in her interactions with people, those who did not know would have no idea she was suffering. May her memory be eternal. - Fr. Benjamin Johnson, LifeSiteNews Magaly was a champion of the pro-life movement. Many years ago she told me that God told her she wasn’t going to die until she had completed everything He had for her to do, and that He would give her His strength. That’s the only explanation for her being able to persevere these many years through the many trials she suffered. I am a better person for having known Magaly and will miss her strength, encouragement, and loving presence. Rest in peace, mi querida hermana. - Jo Tolck, Executive Director, Human Life Alliance
I personally will be missing our dear Magaly. She has certainly done a lot and her generosity, commitment and dedication to the mission even amidst pain and suffering was a great inspiration to me. Farewell Magaly and rest with eternal joy as you claim your eternal reward in the company of the angels and saints in heaven, where you will no longer feel any pain. And whisper to Jesus and our Blessed Mother to keep the mission of HLI in their love and care. I will always love you Magaly, and remember with fondness everything we shared in our last meeting at HLI. THANK YOU for everything that you have done for the world. - Dr. Ligaya Acosta, HLI Regional Director for Asia and Oceania Magaly was a fearless fighter against Planned Parenthood in Central and South America. I worked closely with her during the time I was writing a series of booklets on IPPF for Human Life International. Always a gracious lady and dedicated to the children. She will be missed. - Jim Sedlak, American Life League From the earliest days of Priests for Life, Magaly Llaguno was an inspiration to me and our whole team. She helped us immediately begin our outreach to Spanish-speaking Catholics, Continued on page 7.
Our Lord, in His great love for Magaly Llaguno, took her to Heaven and we have the certainty that she lives in the House of the Father, enjoying the presence of the Most Holy Trinity, in the company of Our Most Blessed Mother of Guadalupe. Magaly was a tireless defender of life, who enflamed hundreds of hearts with the grace of the Holy Spirit, whom she moved to work for this marvelous apostolate. Magaly lives united in our hearts through the Mystical Body of Christ. She is now part of the Church Triumphant and we of the Church Militant. We ask our Mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe, so that the work of Christ in which Magaly participated, will continue to extend its efforts in the defense of the life of the unborn. The parting of Magaly is a blessing for her and us who now have an intercessor in Heaven. - Jorge Serrano, President, Foundation Culture of Life (HLI Mexico), and Lourdes Delgado, Director, VHI Crisis Pregnancy Center Network Program
Jorge Serrano gives to Magaly Llaguno the Humanity Award for Human Life International.
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Goodbye, Dear Magaly
By Mario Rojas
The news about the departure of Magaly Llaguno from this world was not a surprise for many of us who knew that she was living with borrowed time by the grace of our Lord. But the news still left a deep impact on those of us that were lucky to have known her.
from Ecuador. The objective was to spread the Gospel of Life in the most important Catholic seminaries of the region, and at the same time to denounce the culture of death that was actively being promoted in our countries as part of so-called human rights campaigns. Magaly has been a fundamental pillar for the right to life and family in Latin America, and I consider myself lucky who have known and learned so much from her. I pray to our Lord so that He may allow Magaly to be our intercessor for the triumph of the Culture of Life. I also ask the most High that He may grant strength to her family. Mario Rojas resides in Bolivia and is HLI’s regional director of Latin America.
Magaly with Msgr. Barreiro and Mario Rojas at HLI’s world headquarters. After my return to the Catholic Church in 1998 (in Medjugorje), I became convinced that a Catholic committed to his faith would necessarily defend life and family. As a result, I became involved in pro-life activities. In 2001 we organized in Cochabamba, Bolivia the First International Pro-life Congress where our guest speaker was Dr. Oscar Botta, affiliated with Human Life International (HLI) in Argentina. It is thanks to him that I was able to meet Magaly Llaguno, and come to know HLI. Within about a year, the pro-life organization I was involved with in Bolivia, ANE Provida, became an HLI affiliate per the recommendation of Magaly. Our affiliate in Bolivia managed to stop the approval of a law that would promote sexual and “reproductive rights” in 2004 with the support of Magaly and the direct participation of our dear friend Adolfo Castañeda, who visited Bolivia and spoke in different cities. Such initiative made me unwelcome and unwanted at UN organizations such as the UNFPA. In 2007, Magaly helped me obtain a job at the Parliamentary Network for Critical Issues (PNCI) in Washington, D.C., which allowed me to meet the U.S. leaders of Human Life International. By the middle of 2009, and again with the enthusiastic support of Magaly, HLI offered me the opportunity of starting a project with the name “the Latin American Network for Priests and Seminarians for Life” (REDESSVIDA), together with Fr. Juan Carlos Chavez, a diocesan priest
Primum Regnum Dei Award given to Magaly by Archbishop Edward McCarthy, Miami, Dec. 8, 1992.
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Friends Remember Magaly, continued from page 5.
and was a trusted resource throughout the years. Joy, vigor, determination to fight anti-life forces, and tremendous faith always marked what she did and said. As I continue my work, I will hear her voice in my ears for many years to come. - Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director, Priests for Life In 1991 I started to become active in Catholic pro-life and profamily work in Puerto Rico. In 1993 I met Magaly Llaguno at the first HLI conference held in Puerto Rico. As soon as I arrived and met her at the location of the conference, she began to immediately encourage me to remain active in this apostolate, and to do even more. Since that time, her support was strong, especially in offering my legal education to the cause of faith, life and family, and as a member of the HLI family. I owe much to her and will not forget her. - Marlene Gillette-Ibern, Esq., Vida Humana Internacional legal advisor Magaly was a great pro-life “warrior.” For many years, Magaly worked closely with me and with Heartbeat International, especially with our Spanish-oriented pregnancy help centers and leaders, always looking for ways to unite and serve each other. She was responsible for the first Spanish translation of Heartbeat’s LOVE Approach, the counselor training manual now used in all of the CAM pregnancy help centers in Latin America. Magaly’s work and accomplishments were outstanding. However, perhaps even more powerful and inspirational was her personal faith and trust in the Lord and her hopefulness. Magaly was a living example of how the Lord can heal even the deepest wounds and make a person whole again. He then transformed her into His emissary to help bring love, hope, and healing to the world. I thank the Lord for allowing me (and Heartbeat) to know Magaly and to have served with her in this vineyard at this point in time. - Peggy Hartshorn, President of Heartbeat International With great sorrow, we accept that Magaly has returned to the House of the Father. We had a strong fraternal relationship and we agreed in all matters related to the defense of life and family. Now we have an ally in Heaven, a saint to whom we can ask for help. Magaly gave her life for the cause for life and family with her last moments. She was not simply a pro-life warrior; she was a pro-life gladiator because she never lost her strength and greatness in the midst of these circumstances. She was a splendid and magnanimous woman, and a great friend. We will miss you very much, Magaly. - Dr. Oscar Botta, President, Foundation Action for Life and Family (HLI Argentina) For more tributes and information on Magaly, visit www.hli.org.
Magaly’s Last Project
Developed by our friends at Human Life Alliance in collaboration with Magaly Llaguno, this wonderful bilingual educational piece is highly recommended as a way to have conversations about key life issues. It was Magaly’s last major project - she worked on it even as her health took a turn for the worse. For copies for your parish community center, visit www.humanlife.org.
Dedication of A Favor de la Vida: “In loving memory of Mrs. Magaly Llaguno, a passionate and tireless advocate for life. Her many hours of hard work, under the most difficult of circumstances, have made this publication possible.” FrontLines Fall 2013 |
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HLI INTERNSHIP My Summer as a Pro-Life Intern
By Molly Loesel
hough I have always been pro-life, my passion for defending life in the public arena has grown significantly over the past few years. Like many other pro-lifers, I have prayed outside abortion clinics, attended the March for Life, and participated in Life Chains over the years. And now, thanks to my communications internship with Human Life International, I have had the opportunity to explore new possibilities within the pro-life movement and engage in the international fight to defend life. During my internship, one of my responsibilities was to stay up-to-date on news affecting the pro-life movement around the world and to write articles for HLI’s blog that were republished on some of the top pro-life news websites. Through my other duties, such as updating websites and preparing HLI’s various newsletters for publication, I got to see the wide range of HLI’s ministry throughout the world. Reading about past projects, current programs and updates from HLI’s international affiliates and pro-life missionaries really blew me away when I stopped to consider the depth and variety of activities that are going on around the world. I also learned more about the power of social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) in spreading the Gospel of Life. I came to appreciate the fact that these online communities are a vital part of the New Evangelization for spreading the Church’s teachings, and for exposing the lies of the culture of death. One of my favorite experiences from this summer was the week I spent as a prolife witness in Austin, Texas in support of the pro-life bill (now law) that was debated in a special session of the legislature. HLI sent me on a bus from Washington, D.C., down to Texas with a group from Students for Life of America to show support for the bill and take a stand for life. In Austin, I saw the legislative side of the fight for life as the Texas legislators worked to pass a bill to protect women and children by establishing regulations for abortion clinics and restricting abortions after 20 weeks. I joined hundreds of other pro-lifers in being a peaceful and prayerful presence in the Capitol amid the chaos, anger, and violence of the abortion advocates. I experienced verbal assaults from pro-abortion activists, and was among the students persecuted by the YMCA when we were told we could not use their facilities because of our pro-life beliefs. It was an intense week; I was in the middle of some of the most powerful spiritual warfare that I have ever experienced, but I was so happy to be there in the midst of all that chaos because I knew I was making a difference standing there with my blue shirt and pro-life signs. I was a witness to the nation that a majority of people, both in Texas and across the U.S., do support abortion restrictions and regulations like the ones passed in Texas. The trip was also a wonderful opportunity for me because I met other pro-life students from around the nation who share my passion for the pro-life cause, and are willing to stand for life and take action to advance the pro-life movement. All in all, it has been a very fruitful summer. Working in the pro-life movement has given me a renewed desire to stand for life in the midst of the culture of death in which we live, as well as ideas and resources to use as I do so. I am so thankful that I was given this opportunity; my summer with HLI was definitely a summer well spent. Molly Loesel was the 2013 summer communications intern at Human Life International. She is a junior at Benedictine College, a Catholic college founded on the Benedictine tradition, in Atchison, Kansas. Molly is studying Philosophy with minors in Communications and Theology.
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Why Support HLI through the St. Gianna Guild?
By Bill Williams, Development Manager
Because you can be a part of a powerful legacy that will ensure HLI’s mission will endure through charitable gift planning. Two years ago and through the support of St. Gianna’s family, HLI created the St. Gianna Beretta Molla Guild as a way to recognize those supporters who choose to make a legacy gift. When it comes to joining the St. Gianna Guild, there are many options:
Charitable Gift Annuity:
If you are 65 or older, a Charitable Gift Annuity can yield tax deductions and pay you high-interest income every month for the rest of your life. Charitable gift annuities are very simple. You make an irrevocable gift to HLI, and in return, we promise to pay you an income at a fixed rate for the rest of your life. You can include a second person as a beneficiary if you choose a “two-life annuity.” A gift annuity increases your income, reduces your income tax and, at the death of the last annuitant/investor, the remaining funds belong to HLI. There is no estate tax to pay on these funds. If you’re 50 years old, you can plan for retirement by opening a Deferred Gift Annuity; you’ll enjoy an immediate tax deduction, and by the time you are 65, you will earn income at a higher rate. It is very important to obtain expert advice in these areas. I highly rec ommend that you consult a financial planner and/ or legal counsel in order to take full advantage of the tax savings strategies that are available to you. I would be pleased to provide additional informa tion to you and/or your advisors as you proceed with your gift planning. If you need help getting started and would like HLI to recommend a solid Catholic, pro-life financial advisor, please let me know, I can be reached at: 540-622-5285 or [email protected].
Will or Trust:
When determining how the assets of your estate will be distributed, in addition to providing for your loved ones, you can also remember the needs of HLI. This can be done through a specific dollar amount, percentage of your estate, or through the residual of your estate. With thoughtful planned giving you can ensure both long-term support for HLI’s mission and the fulfillment of your personal financial objectives.
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Photo of St. Gianna provided by the family of St. Gianna Beretta Molla through the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation in Canada.
Life Insurance:
Whole life policies that have built up cash value but are no longer needed make an excellent charitable gift and can offer significant tax advantages, depending on your circumstances. You can also take out a whole life policy, donate the policy to HLI, and future premium payments would be gifts that are tax-deductible.
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Europe
HLI Ireland, in conjunction with Fr. Michael Ross, S.D.B., Patrick Buckley of European Life Network, former East London Gangster John Pridmore and Kate Meenagh of Ask Majella Pregnancy Advice, led a countrywide call for atonement and reparation to God July 16-21 to pray for an end of the present abortion crisis. Around 1,800 people in total attended the five night tour in Letterkenny, Armagh, Limerick, Dublin and Knock. Events in Dublin also included a powerful prayer vigil outside the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament. Cardinal Sean Brady attended the event in Armagh, and in a letter sent to HLI Ireland afterwards he wrote, “The emphasis on St. Joseph is excellent as a model of a man taking responsibility towards Mary to whom he was betrothed. We
HLI Ireland and 1,800 pro-lifers pray outside of Ireland’s lower house of parliament, July 2013.
need to call all men to assume their responsibility… towards the women in their lives… I wish your work well which must be based on a solid faith in the triumph of good over evil.”
international events
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Above: The “1,000 Crosses for Life” March in Austria. Below: The March for Life in Italy.
On the 45th anniversary of the publication of Pope Paul VI’s prophetic encyclical Humane Vitae, pro-lifers in Austria participated in the “1,000 Crosses for Life” March, which HLI helped to organize with Europrolife, Youth for Life, the Prayer Initiative, and Salzburg Pro-Life Centre. Police escorted these peaceful demonstrators on their march to protect them from violent attacks from abortion activists. Indeed, 34 of these protesters were arrested by the end of the day, as the pro-lifers prayerfully marched through the city to remember the unborn who have been lost to abortion. The abortion activists carried a big black banner depicting the HLI logo inside of a condom which read, “Prevent forced reproduction. Abortion on demand for everyone!” Those in the pro-life procession carried white crosses representing lives lost to abortion, images of the unborn, and a large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The rally in Salzburg, led by Auxiliary Bishop Laun, called attention to both the dignity of every life and to the sins against life we face in this world. In a memorial ceremony, 100 roses were symbolically thrown into the Salzach River accompanied by a peal of bells – the flowers serving as reminders for all the babies who were not allowed to see the light of the world.
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George Wirnkar and Bishop Thomas Kaboré addressing media in Burkina Faso Human Life International Rome Office Executive Director Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula was honored for his lifetime of distinguished service defending and promoting a Culture of Life by organizers of the March for Life in Italy on Saturday, May 11 in Rome. Monsignor Barreiro received the “Award for Life” during a conference at the University of Regina Apostolorum preceding the 2013 March for Life. Italy’s March for Life drew a reported 40,000 people together this year to affirm the sanctity of the right to life from conception until natural death – about 25,000 more participants than last year’s March. Those marching also received an unexpected surprise from the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who left the Apostolic Palace to greet the marchers from his popemobile.
Fr. Aloysius instructing Ethiopians on how to resist the culture of death. culture of death. He and some of his brother priests are also working to develop parish outreach programs to promote the pro-life message by forming and training pro-life groups in parishes. In August, HLI-Kenya’s director, Fr. Wanjohi visited our headquarters in Virginia and gave us a report of the situation in Kenya. One of Fr. Wanjohi’s main focuses is the Kenyan students. Over the past 10 years, he has formed outreach pro-
Africa
George Wirnkar, HLI Regional Director for French-speaking Africa, traveled to Burkina Faso in July to host a prolife training conference for seminarians, college students and leading Catholic action groups. The HLI conference covered key themes like genuine development and issues of population control, the role of Christian families in defending life, Church teaching on the questions of life, and debate techniques and the role of new media in evangelization and promoting the Gospel of Life. During the two-day conference, attendees not only shared stories and listened to speakers, they drew strength in prayer and closeness to God by starting each day with the Rosary and Mass. HLI’s conference received much praise from Bishop Thomas Kaboré of Kaya Diocese, an unyielding defender of life and family values, who drove two hours to attend. There was so much media interest in the event that Bishop Kaboré and George held a press conference to discuss the various issues covered during the conference. In Ethiopia, Country Director Fr. Aloysius is working hard to defend life. Recently, he gave a presentation to parents at a local Catholic Church about the evils and dangers of the
Human Life International Rome Office Executive Director Monsignor Ignacio Barreiro-Carámbula was honored for his lifetime of distinguished service defending and promoting a Culture of Life by organizers of the March for Life in Italy.
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HLI President Fr. Shenan Boquet speaking at HLI’s pro-life conference for clergy in Mexico City. grams at Kenyan universities and high schools, forming prolife clubs and spreading awareness of the pro-life message. In this way, he is forming the next generation of pro-life leaders in Kenya. Now that his students are graduating and entering the work force, he has pro-life doctors, lawyers, teachers, counselors, etc. to whom he can refer people who want a professional opinion. In March 2013, HLI Malawi members gave a seminar on life and family issues with a lecture and video, to 90 students at the Kochilira Secondary School, as well as providing them with educational material. Also, a seminar on natural family planning was presented at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church to 65 families. They were also taught about the harmful effects of contraception. HLI Malawi narrates: “One of the family members testified that after using the IUD for three years she is now failing to conceive again . . . (after she was) taught about the natural way of spacing children, the whole class was very interested and agreed with the method because it does not affect them (nor) their faith.” In addition, HLI Malawi reported that the Parliament of Malawi passed the Gender Equality legislative bill that states it will allow women to decide on the number of children. The legislative bill also contains a sexual reproduction section which was the subject of concern of several legislators because could allow for legal abortion. The Catholic Church in Malawi has expressed opposition to the legislation and will work with HLI Malawi to ask President Joyce Banda to veto the bill. HLI South Africa participated in a Mass for Life and Prayer Vigil for Life during the month of March. The Mass was held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and later the prayer vigil was held at the Marie Stopes South Africa abortion clinic in Cape Town. The laity, accompanied by Father Mikel Garmendia, SDB, left the Church and walked over to the abortion clinic carrying an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Larissa Ríos of Association Life and Human Dignity, HLI’s affiliate in Guatemala, speaking at the Organization of American States (OAS) 43rd General Assembly session. while reciting a Rosary for Life. Several laity stayed behind for Eucharistic Adoration for Life while the others attempted to save children from abortion. After the prayer vigil ended in front of the abortion clinic, the priest and laity returned and they all received a Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament.
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Latin America
Human Life International sponsored a pro-life conference for clergy in Mexico City in July of 2013 where some of the clergy were confronted with the true horror of abortion for the first time in their lives. Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, Archbishop of Mexico, invited HLI to host our conference in his archdiocese, which is home to the Patroness of the Americas and of the pro-life movement, Our Lady of Guadalupe. As with much of HLI’s efforts to sustain and nourish a Culture of Life, the conference’s primary focus was to provide our bishops, priests and seminarians with the tools necessary to confront the threats against life, faith and family. Because the Federal District is the only state within Mexico where abortion is legalized (up to the 12th week), we felt it was important for the bishops, priests and seminarians to see the graphic images of abortion — putting the word of the relevant teaching and discussion in a true flesh and blood context. On the evening of the second day of the conference, we showed a video of two abortions: one early-term and one late-term. Seeing the reality of abortion for the first time changes a person, especially considering that this form of murder is protected in law in so many places. The next day, we invited all attendees to pray outside of abortion facilities in Mexico City. During the Organization of American States (OAS) 43rd General Assembly session in Antigua Guatemala City, Guatemala last June, dozens of members from anti-life organizations in the audience stood and turned their backs in protest as a representative of HLI asked member state dele-
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Dr. Rene Bullecer, exposing the anti-life Reproductive Health (RH) Law in the Philippines. gates to ensure greater protection of life, family, and religious freedom in OAS’s efforts throughout the region. “The right to life must be recognized from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. It is the fundamental, primary and most important human right, without which the essence of human rights is lost,” Larissa Ríos of Association Life and Human Dignity, HLI’s affiliate in Guatemala, told representatives of the 35 member states of the OAS. As soon as Ríos began speaking, opponents of HLI’s message stood and turned their backs on her and the OAS delegates. The statement and the protest were captured on video and uploaded to HLI’s YouTube page and blog. Ms. Nancy Tosi, VHI Project Rachel program coordinator, traveled to Bolivia recently to give post-abortion healing training sessions to local Catholic clergy. While there, she also spoke to high school and college students and worked to set up Project Rachel in every diocese of Bolivia. HLI Latin America Regional Director Mario Rojas was a speaker on life and demography issues at an international conference titled ‘Love, Human Sexuality and Life in the Third Millennium’, held in the city of Bogota. The event was organized by Foundation Right to Life, HLI’s Brazil affiliate, and its president, Ms. Astrid Tamayo, was interviewed on the VHI – WEWN Español radio program Defend Life. HLI Colombia President Gladys de Amaya was present at the conference.
Milagres Pereira, leader of HLI’s affiliate in Goa, India.
was set to expire on July 17. The Supreme Court began hearing heard oral arguments on the RH Law at the beginning of July, and several rounds of arguments were heard in the following months. There are currently 15 different petitions challenging the law’s constitutionality. Both our regional director Dr. Ligaya Acosta and our Philippines country director Dr. Rene Bullecer have continued to engage legislators and clergy, and organize rallies across the country in the fight to protect life. Father Alex Fernandes, director of HLI India-Karwar (Commission of the Apostles of the Holy Family of the Diocese of Karwar), reported that because of HLI’s activities, several babies were saved from abortion in the area where he works. Father’s ministry includes much personal counseling, including visiting dozens of families dealing with HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, illness, depression, and old age problems. Father Fernandes has also continued to teach couples natural family planning, and give lectures on family values. Milagres Pereira, leader of HLI’s affiliate in Goa, India, held a unique pro-life seminar in August to spread the Gospel of Life to theater artists such as actors, singers, playwrights, and composers. In Goa, “tiatro,” or drama, is a powerful tool to either uphold public morality or to work towards its decay, and topics such as abortion and homosexuality are already being used in them. About 100 people attended the event to hear about the history of abortion and population control, and the decay of family life and marriage. “Your presentation has opened our eyes to the reality of abortion and the factors at work. We cannot keep quiet now,” one senior playwright and actor told Milagres. “I will write pro-life songs in my dramas now,” a theater director commented. A second event targeting theater artists is currently being planned.
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Pro-life advocates in the Philippines received some much needed good news in July in the fight against the anti-life Reproductive Health (RH) Law. The Supreme Court voted 8-7 to suspend implementation of the law “until further orders” from the Court. A status quo ante order issued by the Court in March to delay the law’s implementation
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(Right) The Ocean to Ocean pilgrimage of the icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (pictured right) is now underway in North America! Launched a year ago from the Eastern coast of Russia, this pilgrimage of the icon made its way to Fatima, Portugal for the intention of promoting the defense of life across continents that have been decimated by widespread contraception and abortion. The pilgrimage did not end there, however. Throughout the next year, the icon will travel throughout the U.S. and make its way to Mexico. HLI is stopping at Catholic and Orthodox churches across the country asking the faithful to pray for Our Lady’s intercession to bring an end to the culture of death and a rise to a new Culture of Life.
domestic events
(Left) On March 26, HLI joined with several other organizations to sponsor and participate in the first ever March for Marriage in Washington, D.C. (pictured left). Strategically scheduled on the same day that the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a challenge to California’s Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman, the march was an opportunity for people of all faiths and beliefs to come together and show their support for upholding the true definition of the institution of marriage. HLI President Fr. Boquet urged supporters to attend the march to show their “support for marriage and for our brothers and sisters in the United States and around the world who are persecuted for holding to their faith and proclaiming that marriage can only be understood as the sacred union between one man and one woman.”
(Left) In July, HLI’s summer communications intern Molly Loesel joined Students for Life of America in a bus trip down to Austin Texas for a week to show support for the pro-life bill that was going through the Texas legislature. She had the opportunity to be a pro-life witness in the Capitol amid the crazy antics of the abortion advocates. She and the other SFLA pro-lifers met with prolife legislators, prayed outside a local Planned Parenthood, attended Planned Parenthood and “pro-choice” rallies as prayerful and silent witnesses for life, attended the debate in the Texas House, attended pro-life rallies, and helped the local pro-lifers in any way they could.
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(Right) HLI President Fr. Boquet has been traveling all over, spreading the pro-life message and promoting a Culture of Life. In June, he was invited to speak at the National IHM Homeschool conference, where he gave a talk on “Breathing Catholic Air,” that was greeted with much enthusiasm. More recently, in August, he was in California, participating in the third annual Napa Institute conference, an organization dedicated to equipping Catholic leaders to defend and advance the Catholic Faith in “the Next America.” After the conference, he spent a few more days in California, speaking at several local Catholic parishes and participating in prayer vigils outside abortion clinics. While he was there, he also had the opportunity to meet HLI supporters and speak to local pro-life organizations, such as Sacramento Life center. (Left) HLI’s Arland K. Nichols has also been busy spreading the pro-life message in the Midwest. He has spoken to students at a number of universities, several pro-life groups, such as Texas Right to Life, and a few Catholic parishes. He has been invited to speak at prolife training seminars, such as the Texas Right to Life Scholars and REVEAL Pro-life Boot Camp for teens.
Life, Dignity, and Disability: A Faith that Welcomes.
HLI is partnering with the Nebraska Bishops’ Pro-Life Office and the Archdiocese of Omaha Respect Life Apostolate to present a timely and important conference October 18-19 in Omaha, Nebraska: Life, Dignity, and Disability: A Faith that Welcomes. HLI is sending several speakers to this conference, including our president, Fr. Boquet; director of education and evangelization, Arland K. Nichols; and Board member, Sr. Terese Auer, O.P. The conference will focus on Catholic social teaching by providing a theological foundation on the dignity of the human person, exploring relevant issues related to life, dignity, and disabilities, and providing practical guidance and resources in pastoral care.
Most Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L., Bishop of Lincoln.
Most Rev. George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha.
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4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, VA 22630 1-540-635-7884 • www.hli.org • [email protected]
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for your life-saving contribution to HLI of $49.90 or more, we would like to send you an illuminating talk by Dr. Brian Clowes: Abortion Violence: The “ProChoice” Movement Exposed as the Most Violent Social Movement of all Time.
Not only do pro-abortionists carry on a campaign of extermination of tens of millions of people inside their abortuary walls, they are incredibly violent outside them as well!
Human Life International 4 Family Life Lane Front Royal, VA 22630 800-549-LIFE • www.hli.org
Most Americans think that the struggle over abortion in the USA is a vicious, violent battle — with all of the violence being committed by so-called “fanatical anti-choicers.” But in this talk, HLI Director of Research Brian Clowes exposes the truth behind this myth. Not only do pro-abortionists carry on a campaign of extermination of tens of millions of people inside their abortuary walls, they are incredibly Dr. Brian Clowes violent outside them as well. Abortionists have murdered dozens of people, including their wives, lovers, patients and even other abortionists. Pro-abortion men have murdered hundreds of women because they refuse to abort. They are guilty of every crime known to man, from mass murder, serial killing, rape, arson, cannibalism, kidnapping and maiming to cheating in sports events, animal neglect and cruelty, indecent exposure, child sexual molestation and bank robbery. This enhanced CD contains a state-by-state and city-by-city listing of more than eleven thousand incidents of “pro-choice” violence and lawbreaking, giving you all the tools and information you need to decisively debunk this proabortion myth.
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AUDIO CD
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