Framing the Question . . . Winning the Debate 

One of CBR's "Choice" trucks visits Indiana University (above). CBR Midwest Director, Mark Harrington, speaks at a recent Issue 1 press conference (below).
The Center for Bio Ethical Reform Midwest is a non profit educational foundation and therefore does not involve itself in partisan activities. However, life issues are our concern.  CBR has been at the forefront of debate over Human Embryo Experimentation.  Human Embryo Experimentation?   Don’t I mean Embryonic Stem Cell Research?  No!  Ever since President Bush permitted limited human embryo research, the pro life movement has allowed abortionists to frame this question in terms of the “promise” of embryonic stem cells to cure disease.   Pro lifers have bought the lie that this debate is about stem cells.  It is not.  This has never been about stem cells.  The issue is not whether adult stem cells show more promise (which they do) than embryonic stem cells.   The debate is over whether experimentation on little human persons called embryos is moral or ethical.  

CBR is successfully redefining “choice” in the abortion debate by using photographs of what is being chosen—abortion.  We make “choice” real to thousands of Americans.  Additionally, we must not permit our adversaries to frame the question of Human Embryo Experimentation as a stem cell issue either.  If we do so – we will lose.   

There is an old saying, “He who frames the question wins the debate.”  The fact is:  Human Embryo Experimentation results in the killing of a human person (the donor).   If we intend to advance our message, Pro lifers need to lose the term “stem cells” from our lexicon.  We should replace “embryonic stem cell research” with “Human Embryo Experimentation.” This provides a good foundation for debate.   “Human Embryo Experimentation” better characterizes the real issue at hand – the killing of a human person for our own selfish purposes.   

Vote No on Ohio Issue 1 Nov. 8

On October 11, 2005 CBR Midwest held a press Conference opposing Issue 1 along with Christian Coalition of Ohio, Citizens for Community Values, two Ohio chapters of Right to Life, and several other “Values” groups because Issue 1 does not ban funding for Human Embryo Experimentation. The following is an excerpt from the Columbus Dispatch: 

“This isn’t about stem cells,’’ said Mark Harrington, executive director of the Midwestern chapter of the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform. "We are killing human embryos to extract their body parts.’’  

If you live in Ohio, Vote No on Issue 1 Nov. 8.  Ohio Governor Taft has attempted to repackag his failed ballot initiative of 2003 called the “Third Frontier.”  For the Nov. 8, 2005 Ohio election he has renamed it:  The “Jobs for Ohio” bond issue.  Sounds good doesn’t it?  Who could be against jobs for Ohioans?  However, if look a little deeper Ohio’s “pro life” Gov. Taft excluded language that would ban funding of Human Embryo Experimentation from this proposed Constitutional Amendment. 

Pass the word – “Vote No on Issue One Nov. 8!” 

CBR Midwest’s “Reversing Roe ” Finishes Ohio Tour  

Thousands of road miles, hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel, dozens of newspaper articles, several TV interviews, and many changed hearts and saved lives later the Ohio “Reversing Roe” abortion billboard summer tour has finally come to an end.  Thank you for your steadfast financial support and prayers.  We could not have done it with our your help.   

More Fodder From the CBR Mailbox 

I first saw an abortionno.org truck while driving home from work.  I thought it was great that you put it right out there where people HAVE to look at what they do.  If I hadn't opposed it before, I for sure would now. — 20 yr. old female from Kansas City, Mo 

You contribute to genocide, slavery, and abuse.  The  sanctity of my body is my own and you have no right in heaven or earth to force me to bear a life.  No child of mine will be adopted or farmed out. I choose when the souls of my children shall enter  this earth.  Abortion is not death, it simply isn't the time for this life to leave the world it is in and enter this one. — 52 yr. old female from St. Pete, FL  

The Harrington men join other fathers and sons for a trip to Gettysburg.

At first I thought this web site was sick until I started reading everything.  I am glad I found this web site because I think I may be pregnant and I was considering in having an abortion.  Now, I will tell everyone I know to come to this website and watch the videos and look and all those horrible pictures so they will never think about it themselves. — 19 yr. old female from Bronx, New York  

I’m 15 weeks pregnant and I was being pressured by my husband to have a abortion.  I cannot see myself doing this anymore.  I have one child and I couldn’t imagine doing this to him.  I don’t think I could ever consider abortion again. — 22 yr. old female 

I used to think that it was a woman’s choice.  Now I don't think it should be legal at all. — 25 yr. old female from Australia  

Prior to viewing this site I was pro-choice. — 33 yr. old female from Galliano, Louisiana 

God and Country Retreat 

On September 16-17, the Harrington men along with fathers and sons from our church visited Gettysburg Military Park.  We spent an inspiring time as fathers building into our sons the importance of God, country, and community.   

Abraham Lincoln said in his address at Gettysburg that this “nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”  Please help us restore justice in America. 

Keep your prayers and gifts coming, 

Mark Harrington, Executive Director, CBR Midwest
Host, Mark Harrington Live