abortion

A federal appeals court once again upheld efforts by Massachusetts lawmakers to protect patients at abortion clinics and rejected the latest legal challenge by people who say they have a First Amendment right to get in the face of women entering the clinics.

In a decision that drips with the basic sentiment of "enough, already," the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston said that no "creative recalibration of First Amendment principles" will trump the right of patients at clinics in Allston, Worcester and Springfield to safety in their travels and that a state law creating 35-foot wide zones free of people waving giant photos of dead fetuses was legal because it was targeted at all people, not specific groups of loudspeaker-blaring anti-abortion protesters.

Massachusetts Family Institute wants your help.

You have probably seen them on cars around the state, and you may even have one on your car, and that is the “Choose Life” license plate that helps get critical funds to pregnancy resource centers while also promoting the pro-life cause simply by appearing on cars.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley blogs about his participation in Ted Kennedy's funeral, defends his decision from Kennedy haters and adds that he used his brief time talking to President Obama to tell him the church will only support universal health care if it does not include abortion provisions.

Federal appeals court upholds Massachusetts's 35-foot buffer zone around abortion clinics.

There will be a vigil on Monday to honor the memory of George Tiller, the Kansas doctor gunned down in church today. Starts at 6 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 138 Tremont St.

Facebook page.

There was an anti-abortion protest on Harvard Street in Brookline on Monday night with approximately 40 people including one dressed as the grim reaper blocking the sidewalk. Other "highlights" included a large trailer with some pretty graphic images on it. While I absolutely support free speech and the right to assembly, it was a little invasive and disturbing.

Domenico signs a petition asking Archbishop Sean O'Malley to either get Catholic Charities to disinvite Tom Menino from a banquet next week or fire its board. At issue: Menino's stances on abortion and gay marriage.

... While this is obviously a difficult request, we believe in our hearts that this is a necessary step that must be taken. The people of Boston have lost confidence in the spiritual leadership of Catholic Charities. ...

This Sunday is Boston Knit Out and Crochet on the Tremont Street side of the Common, between noon and 4. It's

an annual festival to introduce and educate the public about the crafts of knitting and crochet, through lessons, demonstrations, displays, and resources.

Meanwhile, on the Charles Street side of the Common, Mass. Citizens for Life will hold its annual Respect Life Walk To Aid Mothers & Children at 2 p.m. (just in time to get over to Tremont for the knitters' scarf-judging contest at 2:30). The Coalition to Defend Reproductive Rights and NOW plan a counter-demonstration, natch, starting at 1 at the corner of Beacon and Charles.