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God is Exposing the Abortion Industry!

 

 God is Exposing the Abortion Industry!

Would that G.W. Bush could have the courage of his brother Jeb when it comes to standing strong for our Lord's precious children. Once again we see the abortion industry's desire to kill no matter the cost, no matter the person, no matter the bad publicity. God is exposing the abortion industry for the liar it is. It has never been about "choice" for these murderers. It has always been all about "me."

June hearing set to determine raped Orlando woman's competency

By Anthony Colarossi
Sentinel Staff Writer

May 16, 2003

Orange Circuit Judge Lawrence Kirkwood set a hearing for early June to determine the competency of a 22-year-old mentally disabled woman who was raped and became pregnant more than five months ago while living in a state-licensed group home.

Kirkwood's decision to set the hearing next month further angered women's groups who called the victim's situation an emergency that must be addressed immediately.

"I'm thoroughly confident that the pregnancy could be harming her," said Carla Josephson, president of the Orlando-area National Organization for Women. "She doesn't deserve to have this pregnancy forced on her. She did not ask to be raped."

Meanwhile, a guardian seeking to represent the Orlando woman asserted in court papers that the victim is in "imminent danger" and needs a legal advocate.

While investigators say there is no doubt the woman is incapacitated, Kirkwood must determine that status legally before he can appoint a guardian to help make decisions on her life and medical needs.

He set the competency hearing for June 2 after a petition was filed Thursday by Emelia Belford of Altamonte Springs, who wants to become the woman's guardian.

Kirkwood also appointed an examining committee, which includes at least two doctors, to evaluate the woman. The panel has 15 days to issue a report.

Belford filed a request with the court to appoint her an "emergency temporary guardian." Kirkwood is expected to decide that issue soon.

According to state law, the emergency temporary guardian may be appointed -- without a competency hearing -- if "there appears to be imminent danger that the physical or mental health or safety of the person will be seriously impaired . . . unless immediate action is taken."

Belford, who has met with the woman, states in court documents that the victim appears to be in "imminent danger." Belford, a professional guardian, said the woman suffers severe mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism and seizure disorder.

"She is in need of a guardian to determine her current health status and the viability of the fetus," Belford said in another court document.

Gov. Jeb Bush is requesting guardianship for the woman's fetus as well, a position that has sparked anger among women's-advocacy and abortion-rights groups.

"This is not a question about abortion," Bush said Thursday. "This is a tragic case about a mom who cannot make decisions for herself."

Tallahassee bureau chief John Kennedy contributed to this report. Anthony Colarossi can be reached at 407-420-6218 or acolarossi@orlandosentinel.com.

Copyright © 2003, Orlando Sentinel

 
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