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Scott Peterson Verdict Underscores Unborn Child's Right to Life
To: National Desk
Contact: Joe Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League, 773-777-2900, info@prolifeaction.org
CHICAGO, Nov. 12 -- "I am pleased to see that the jury in the Scott Peterson case has recognized the value of the unborn child whose life was taken when Peterson killed his wife, Laci," said Joseph M. Scheidler, National Director of the Pro-Life Action League, in response to the announcement of the verdict in Redwood City, California.
"We believe that every unborn life is valuable," said Scheidler. "This case adds to the increasing evidence that it is no longer possible to pretend that an unborn baby has no right to life."
There has been an increase in the number of fatal attacks on pregnant women in the past few years, which raises questions about the intrinsic value of the child in the womb and results in complicated legal issues. Scientific studies and ultrasound technology challenge the Supreme Court's conclusion in Roe v. Wade that no one knows when life begins. At some point the law must address the question, when does life deserve protection?
"It makes no sense," said Scheidler, "that and unborn child's life can be disposed of by his mother if she so chooses, and yet killing him is a crime if she wants the baby. Either he is entitled to life and to protection or he is not.
"The verdict in the Peterson case proves that the unborn child may not be deprived of his life by someone who is not his mother. Now we need to establish that a mother has no right to kill her child either. How can the 'right to abortion' stand in the face of reality?"
The Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League has been a national leader in fighting abortion through non-violent direct action since being founded by Scheidler in 1980.
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