TAL Update 9/25/06
 
Texas Legislature Conducts Hearings on Stem Cells Last Week at Capitol; More Hearings on Tuesday, September 26, in Houston.
The Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee conducted hearings on advances in stem cell technology (adult and embryonic) on September 19 at the Capitol in Austin. Among those testifying for the pro-life point of view were Joe Pojman, Ph.D., TAL's executive director, and Beverly Nuckols, M.D., a member of TAL's board of directors.
 
There are two types of stem cells, adult and embryonic. Adult stem cell research is far more effective than embryonic stem cell research and does not require the destruction of human embryos as does embryonic stem cell research.
 
"We support a state policy that would substantially increase funds for adult stem cell research and clinical applications, including adult stem cells found in cord blood," said Dr. Pojman. "We also support modest and reasonable limits on state funds for [embryonic stem cell] research that involves the destruction of human embryos, limits similar to the federal limits." Click -HERE- to view Dr. Pojman's testimony.
 
Dr. Nuckols described how her six-year-old granddaughter Veronica (shown at right at the committee hearing) is alive today because of adult stem cells she received 18 months after her birth via a cord blood transplant. Veronica was born with what was later diagnosed as Kostmann's disease, which caused her to have critically low white blood cells, anemia, and low platelets. She is now perfectly healthy.
 
Next Hearing -- On Tuesday, September 26, the House State Affairs Committee will conduct a hearing to examine scientific advances in stem cell research. The committee will meet in a public hearing at the University of Houston Law Center, Auditorium Room 201, Krost Hall, Building 539, 100 Law Center. While only invited testimony will be taken, pro-life individuals are encouraged to attend to show support for adult stem cell research.
 
Texas Cord Blood Bank -- For more information about how others have received life-saving adult stem cells from the Texas Cord Blood Bank, click -HERE-. (Thanks to Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Elizabeth Ames Jones for promoting the TCBB on her website, www.elizabethamesjones.com.)
 
Personal Stories Needed -- Thousands of Texans are alive today because of an adult stem cell transplant. If you or someone you know has benefited from adult stem cells, please contact us at 512-477-1244 or info@texasallianceforlife.org. We want to hear your story. Learn how you can help. Your story could help save the lives of many thousands of people.
Step It Up! at TAL's Annual Benefit Dinner with Fr. Frank Pavone on October 24 in Austin
Make reservations for Texas Alliance for Life's Annual Benefit Dinner on Tuesday, October 24, in Austin at the beautiful Doubletree Hotel (North IH 35 & Highway 290). The keynote speaker is Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life and one of the most prominent pro-life speakers in the nation.
 
Tables for 10 are available at levels of $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, and $500. Sponsor a table for your pro-life friends or members of your church. Individual tickets are $50. (Pastors and clergy receive complimentary tickets.)
Texas Alliance for Life's Annual Dinner
STEP IT UP!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
6:00 PM - 7:45 PM Silent Auction
6:15 PM - 7:00 PM VIP Reception
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Program & Dinner
To make reservations, click -HERE- or contact us at 512-477-1244 or dinner@texasallianceforlife.org.
 
Listen to our 60-second radio ad by clicking -HERE-.
 
Do you have an item you'd like to donate to our silent auction? Here are some items we need:
Children's items, rounds of golf, airplane tickets/miles, event tickets (sports, theater, etc.), holiday items, jewelry, theme baskets, religious art/items, handmade items, sports memorabilia, movie passes, restaurant certificates, gift certificates from service providers including massage, haircuts, cleaners, manicurists, etc.
Contact Alexis Dobson at 512-477-1244 or alexis@texasallianceforlife.org to help.
Join the Life Chain on Sunday, October 1, 2-3 p.m.
Join thousands of pro-life individuals and churches at a local Life Chain on Sunday, October 1, 2-3 p.m. You'll be a light in a darkened world as you help put an end to abortion through prayer!
 
For a comprehensive list of over 100 Life Chain locations across Texas, click -HERE-.
  • Bring your whole family -- rain or shine!
  • Water, lawn chairs, umbrellas, and strollers are welcome!
  • Signs are provided proclaiming "Abortion Kills Children," "Adoption the Loving Option," "Jesus Forgives & Heals," "Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation," "Abortion Hurts Women," "El Aborto Mata Ninos," "Life -- the First Inalienable Right," and "Pray to End Abortion."
  • Donations are accepted to cover the cost of the signs. All proceeds after expenses are given to area pregnancy assistance centers.
Life Chain is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life Americans standing for one hour praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by the Christian community that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception. See www.LifeChain.net for more than 1,400 locations in 1,100 cities and towns across the United States and Canada. If you have questions, contact Sharron Albertson, Texas Life Chain Director, at 972-618-0400.
November Election Is Approaching -- TAL Voters Guides Available for Churches, Neighbors.
Tuesday, November 7, is the General Election at which Texans will pick their Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Congressman, State Senator and Representative, Supreme Court Judges, and dozens of other offices.  Do you know how the candidates stand on the Life issues? Texas Alliance for Life will have non-partisan Voters Guides available for free. These are suitable for distribution in churches. To order any quantity, contact Mary Shearer at 512-477-1244 or mary@texasallianceforlife.org. Early voting runs from Monday, October 23, through Friday, November 3.
 
Are you registered to vote? You cannot support pro-life candidates unless you are. The last day to register is Tuesday, October 10. Click -HERE- to download a voter registration application from the Secretary of State.
Texas Alliance for Life (TAL) is a nonprofit organization of people across the state committed to protecting innocent human lives from conception through natural death. For more information, contact us at 512.477.1244 or info@texasallianceforlife.org.
P.O. Box 49137 * Austin, Texas 78765 * (512) 477-1244 * TexasAllianceforLife.org * Donate