Tax Exempt Org 501(c)3 - EIN #91-2169315 FED - STATE #2365724 Charitable Organization

News by Month

If you would prefer to mail us a donation, please send it to the address below:

Culture of Life Family Services
Attention: Scott Maxwell
550 Washington St. Suite 801
San Diego, CA 92103

News for May 2012

2nd Annual Our Lady's Tea - An Event You Won’t Want to Miss!

by Staff on May 7, 2012 (Events) [Permalink]

Last year, the COLFS board started a tradition that we pray will live on for many more years to come. In honor of our Blessed Mother, a tea was celebrated in a beautiful garden venue on a sunny Sunday afternoon in June. We sold out at over 200 tickets, and we did not have room to accommodate many more who were eager to attend the already crowded setting to hear speakers from the pro-life community.

This year, you and your friends won’t want to miss this special event. You will enjoy an afternoon of tea and food accompaniments from Surfside Catering on the beautiful grounds of the home of Craig and Rebecca Irving in Point Loma—overlooking the sparkling ocean and breathtaking views.

Our attendees will be joined by Honorary Chair Sandy Murphy, stay-at-home mom and an officer on the Board of Regents at John Paul the Great Catholic University. We welcome guest speaker Leslie Brunolli, San Diego Regional Coordinator for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign and Rachel’s Hope leader.

In addition, COLFS has a special announcement reserved for this event.

Please join us by registering online at www.colfs.org; or watch your mailbox for a formal invitation. Reserve tickets for yourself and friends or secure an entire table for your parish or group. We look forward to seeing you at Our Lady’s Tea on Sunday, June 10, 2012, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please email Ashley Burns at aburns@colfs.org.

Director's Report for April-May 2012

by Scott Maxwell on May 7, 2012 (Articles) [Permalink]

As we glory in the joy and hope that Easter brings, the month of April also marked my one-year anniversary with Culture of Life Family Services. It has been a privilege and honor to serve women in crisis pregnancies and the pro-life community in San Diego. I have come to realize that, unbeknownst to me, the Lord has spent decades preparing me to undertake this position; or, more accurately, refining me through fire, as in Zechariah 13:9 and 1Peter 1:7.

In the last year, I have been blessed to see the fruits of our dedicated staff and volunteers--and those resulting from your generous donations. Saving babies and their mothers for the glory of God is a labor of love.

I also have immensely enjoyed becoming acquainted with many of you and being able to spend time together in our battle against the evil forces that fight to overtake the world through the shedding of innocent blood. Through prayer, hard work, and the grace of God, we have witnessed the many victories won by the pro-life movement with the passing of legislation favoring life and the closing of abortion facilities across the country.

Our fight for life is far from over, but with your support and prayers—and the blessings that come forth from them—we continue to persevere for the God-endowed human rights of all people. I appreciate your prayers as we defend women, both born and unborn, from the assault of societal norms. I am looking forward to serving many more years as a humble servant in this battle for life.

Since this newsletter combines April and May editions, I should mention that the month of May traditionally is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, so it’s fitting that we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 13th. May all pregnant women be given the grace to appreciate the dignity, significance, and femininity of motherhood as modeled by Our Blessed Mother. Please support our ministry with a special gift to help pregnant moms in unplanned pregnancies. Thank you and God bless.

The Hardest Decision

by R.T. on May 7, 2012 (Testimonials) [Permalink]

My name is R.T., and I am 20 years old. I am now in school and working to help my mom pay the bills. I am pregnant with a precious little girl. A few months ago, I didn’t know where to turn and how I was going to make it with this child inside of me. There were so many options that were going through my mind, like should I kill this baby with no regret or should I keep this baby and give it away to someone ready to raise a precious child. I decided that I was going to the clinic to get an abortion because I knew I wasn’t ready. As my mother and I drove to the clinic, I was sitting in the car praying about what I should do. I started crying because it was the hardest decision I had to make in my life.

We arrived at the clinic and just before I walked in to get an abortion, a young lady was standing outside protesting about the high rates of abortions in California. She said that there’s a little baby in you growing and would love a chance to live. That’s when it hit me and I realized that this baby inside of me has a heartbeat and is mine.

The lady told me more about the program she works for and I went to the place. It was so amazing to see the people there who cared about young adults trying to make the right decision. This program took me in with no problem. I got a chance to see my baby through an ultrasound, which was one of the scariest things at first, but at the end, the doctor made me feel so comfortable.

To end this story, there are so many young women trying to make it with their kids. I say to you all that you’re doing a wonderful job. God sees everything you’re trying to accomplish in life. If there is anyone like me with an unexpected child coming into this world, COLFS is amazing. It offers so many great things to those who are in need or just need someone to talk to about making the right decision for you and your unborn child.

May God bless you all and your bundles of joy that you bring into this world. You can do it with the faith in your heart and by God’s grace.

Love,
R.T.

On March 23, 2012, R.T. gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. Praise God for this blessing!

L.I.F.E. Week at USD

by Staff on May 7, 2012 (News) [Permalink]

In our increased effort to reach out to college students, who are at high risk for unplanned pregnancies, COLFS participated in The Voice of Abortion, a Life Week event at the University of San Diego. Executive Director Scott Maxwell is seen with speakers, Shari Rigby and Claire Culwell, who delivered compelling testimonies.

In the recent popular pro-life film October Baby, Shari Rigby is cast as the birthmom, whose failed abortion drives the plot for the main character, Hannah. Unbeknownst to anyone on the set at the time, Shari carried the burden of her own secret of abortion and experienced a healing during the filming of the movie. Claire Culwell’s real life parallels that of fictional Hannah’s as an abortion survivor whose twin was killed during the procedure.

Other topics for L.I.F.E. week (Living Is For Everyone) included the Death Penalty, Human Trafficking, and Kony. Congratulations to the Pro-Life Ministry group at USD for shining a light on how women are impacted by the everyday realities of abortion.

Handmaid Volunteer Ministry to Begin at COLFS

by Ashley Burns on May 7, 2012 (Articles) [Permalink]

How can we best support women who have courageously chosen life for their babies despite difficult circumstances? Who will be their advocate and mentor as they walk this journey, often with little support from home? COLFS is implementing Handmaids, a new volunteer program for women who will care for moms in unplanned crisis pregnancies. Handmaids are called to give the love of Christ to the mothers they help. We are currently interviewing women who would prayerfully consider becoming a Handmaid, or mentor, for our crisis patients.

The idea for the name of Handmaid originates from the faith-filled response of Mary to God’s invitation to become the Mother of Jesus. And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) As Handmaids of the Lord, we hope to emulate the charity and hospitality of Mary who welcomed Jesus into her womb and thus carried a “crisis pregnancy.”

By employing their individual talents, collaborating with COLFS, and utilizing community resources, Handmaids stand ready to provide a mother with the kinds of assistance that she needs in caring for her child, such as ongoing friendship and emotional support, mentoring, and various material and physical needs.

Similar to the national Gabriel Project, we have adapted much of this successful, parish-based ministry to meet our needs as a pregnancy resource center. We ask that you partner with us in supporting this important ministry, through prayer, training to become a Handmaid, or spreading the word to interested individuals.

In order to become a Handmaid, please email or call Ashley Burns. You will be asked to complete a volunteer application. An interview and on-going training sessions will follow. Thank you for prayerfully supporting and considering this new volunteer ministry of COLFS.

For Handmaid or other volunteer information email Ashley Burns at aburns@colfs.org or call 619-886-7881.

Lectio Divina

by Deacon Ken and Marie on May 7, 2012 (Articles) [Permalink]

“To the extent that men allow themselves to be guided and cleansed by the truth, they find the way not only to their true selves but also to the human ‘you.’ Truth, in fact, is the medium in which men make contact, whereas it is the absence of truth which closes them off from one another.” —Pope Benedict XVI

Pray the following prayer before reading the scripture below: Father, I can’t understand your Word without your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. And may I share, as soon as possible, whatever you teach me. Amen

John 8:31-32 – Jesus then went on to say to those Jews who believed in him: “If you live according to my teaching you are truly my disciples; then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

What is the Lord saying to you personally? How can you put this into practice in your everyday life?

We are guided by the Holy Spirit each time we pray the prayer before reading the Bible. The Holy Spirit has taught us how to live according to His Word. Coming to know Him personally through reading and pondering His Word has brought us much peace in this broken world. I could not handle a serious lung disease if I did not have the confidence of faith and believing in someone who I cannot see and yet know he delivers on all of His promises. This keeps me going with hope and promise. True freedom comes when you come to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ. When we are guided and cleansed by Jesus Christ, we find our true selves. So many don’t know themselves and are being tossed and turned by everyone but Jesus Christ. When we make contact with Jesus, we are free. Living according to God’s Word makes us one of His disciples.

We know the truth and the truth has set us free. We know the truth about contraception, abortion-inducing drugs, and sterilization. The truth is that these destructive drugs destroy and kill the mind, body, and soul. The only remedy is Jesus Christ. He came to set us free; and that freedom came at a high price. He paid the ransom for our sins with His blood and life. He came to bring life not death.

Recently our Bishops, pastors, and laity stood up for religious freedom. We at COLFS are in a battle for life or death (Deuteronomy 30:19). Jesus won the battle and we, too, will proclaim life, not death, and stand up for religious freedom. Freedom is following Jesus Christ, that is why, if the Son frees you, you will really be free (John 8:36). We are an Easter people, set free by the blood of the Lamb. We can truly say we have risen with Christ. Alleluia, He is alive.

Your brother and sister in Christ,
Deacon Ken & Marie

Bishop Flores Visit

by Staff on March 19, 2012 (Events) [Permalink]

Recently, COLFS was blessed to meet with Bishop Cirilo Flores, the new coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of San Diego. Debbie Bradel, Grace Dulaney, Dr. Delgado, and Scott Maxwell explained how Culture of Life Family Services impacts the San Diego community. His Excellency listened intently and caringly as Debbie conveyed the importance of a pro-life clinic and how we care for our crisis patients unconditionally.

Bishop Flores, not unfamiliar with pregnancy centers, offered advice and connections for the COLFS team for continued growth and exposure. He was intrigued by Dr. Delgado’s success in treating patients who have taken the abortion pill and wished to reverse it to save their baby. Bishop Flores also gave his blessing for a White Mass, which invites the Catholic health care community to come together at the Eucharistic table. We hope to have Bishop Flores visit our office soon and meet the rest of the staff.

Health Matters for March 2012

by George Delgado, M.D. on March 19, 2012 (Health Matters) [Permalink]

Can We Use Ethically Tainted Vaccines?

In 2008, the Vatican published a document titled Dignitas Personae, which spells out the Church’s teachings on various bioethical issues including embryonic stem cell research and the use of vaccines developed using “biologic material” of unethical origin, i.e., vaccines grown on human cell cultures from cell lines initiated with cells from aborted fetuses or embryos.

In section 34, the statement affirms that “ . . . it needs to be stated that there is a duty to refuse to use such ‘biological material.’” However, there may be situations when it’s appropriate to consider the vaccines. The document specifies: “Thus, for example, danger to the health of children could permit parents to use a vaccine which was developed using cell lines of illicit origin, while keeping in mind that everyone has the duty to make known their disagreement and to ask that their health care system make other types of vaccines available."

Therefore, it is ethically acceptable to use such vaccines if:

  1. There is no alternative vaccine,
  2. There is a threat to health that is diminished by the vaccines and
  3. Those accepting the vaccines make their reservations known to the medical providers and to vaccine manufacturers and request that they use or develop replacement vaccines with cell lines or media that are not morally tainted

There is another, new concern about vaccines grown on human cell cultures: contamination of vaccines with human DNA. That issue will be addressed in a future newsletter.

Email us at HealthMatters@colfs.org for a topic you would like to see in a future newsletter.

Director's Report for March 2012

by Scott Maxwell on March 19, 2012 (Articles) [Permalink]

As a pro-life crisis pregnancy medical office and counseling center, imagine doling out contraceptives and abortifacients to our staff upon request. Does that seem hypocritical to you? If the mandate under the Obama administration’s Health and Human Services department becomes effective, we will be faced with that ridiculous scenario, as our organization is not exempt. Or perhaps an alternative would be to cancel our employees’ insurance plans and not provide them with basic health care for their families.

Unfortunately, we will not be the only employer in this impossible position. By its own actions, the administration has chosen to focus its energy on weakening religious organizations. What better way to undertake this violation of our First Amendment rights than to attack Christianity at its Catholic core?

Of course, Catholic and other Christian organizations that do not want to be held responsible for participating in the culture of death have the option of closing their doors in response to governmental oppression. Shuttering the services of Catholic-run hospitals, schools, charitable organizations, and other non-profits would force the government to perform these services instead, which would become a further drain on the ever-expanding national debt. Unfortunately, there will be no governmental office to take the place of pro-life organizations that save lives and close abortion facilities throughout the country.

Where does that leave COLFS and its supporters? The most important item of action is prayer and sacrifice. Jesus promised us in the Gospel of Matthew that the gates of hell would never prevail against His Church (16:18). After 2,000 years, we have seen the Lord’s protecting hand, even in times of severe adversity in the Church—so we have every reason to believe that Christ’s words will hold true now and forever. Our prayers for strength and wisdom are important to the success of defeating the mandate.

If you are called to do more, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site (www.usccb.org) contains conscience protection action items. Initially, Catholics were lulled by promises from the current administration that we would not have to act against our consciences in regard to the national health care regulations. We see now that more must be done—not only as Catholics, but as U.S. citizens interested in protecting the freedoms afforded to us by the Bill of Rights.

May God bless us all in our fight for truth and justice to prevail!

St. Rose of Lima Health Fair

by Staff on March 19, 2012 (Events) [Permalink]

On March 4th, COLFS nurse and crisis pregnancy coordinator, Debbie Bradel, attended the St. Rose of Lima Health Fair, which hosted approximately 25 local companies. Exhibits, presentations, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings, hospice information, home health services, and even back massages were offered. Our booth displayed models of pre-born babies and Debbie distributed COLFS literature to hundreds of attendees who stopped by to learn more about Culture of Life Family Services. She also explained the risks of taking oral contraceptives and that the “pill” works, in part, as an abortifacient.

Debbie spread awareness of our support to women in crisis pregnancy situations and of our 100% pro-life family medical care. Hearing about our pro-life physicians on staff makes it more likely that word spreads to build our patient base. Thank you, Msgr. John Dolan and St. Rose of Lima parishioners, for making this a successful event!

If you would like COLFS to bring awareness of our pro-life ministry and medical clinic to your parish or group, please call Ashley @ 619-692-4401 or email aburns@colfs.org

Dr. Delgado Visits Tepeyac Family Center

by Staff on March 19, 2012 (Articles) [Permalink]

COLFS Medical Director, Dr. George Delgado, recently spoke at a conference in Washington, D.C., on the success of several cases reversing the effects of the abortion pill. After the conference, Dr. Delgado made a scheduled visit to meet the doctors and staff at the Tepeyac Family Center in Fairfax, VA, to learn from their 18 years of success.

Tepeyac Family Center Medical Director, John Bruchalski, M.D., and Karen Cassidy and Susan Gray of Divine Mercy Care (fundraisers for the clinic) welcomed Dr. Delgado and discussed how having an obstetrician on staff has helped deepen their impact on abortion- vulnerable women. In fact, Tepeyac clinic has not one, but six, OB/GYN doctors to deliver babies and offer the same lifesaving services as COLFS does for the San Diego community.

Dr. Delgado introduced our new abortion pill reversal website, www.AbortionPillReversal.com, to his hosts. This site and its associated telephone hotline serve as a new means to rapidly and efficiently connect women who have taken the abortion pill, mifepristone (RU 486), and regret their decision, with medical providers who can attempt reversal of the drug with progesterone. The “morning after pill” Ella, which like mifepristone is a progesterone blocker, also can potentially be reversed by progesterone.

Save the Date for the COLFS 2nd Annual Our Lady's Tea

by Staff on March 19, 2012 (Events) [Permalink]

Join us for the 2nd Annual Our Lady’s Tea. This was a popular event last year and will be held on June 10th on the grounds of the beautiful ocean view home of Craig and Rebecca Irving. Look for more information in future newsletters and on our website. Mark your calendar to attend this lovely Sunday afternoon event, where you can enjoy the ocean view with friends and support Culture of Life Family Services.

Candy’s Little Angel

by Candy on March 19, 2012 (Testimonials) [Permalink]

My name is Candy, and I’m 21 years old .When I was 20 years old, I had a feeling I might be pregnant. I saw a phone number on TV that said, “If you feel alone, we can help you.” I called, and they gave me a number of an office near me. That same day I talked to Debbie Bradel.

When we started talking, I told her that I was scared of telling my parents that I might be pregnant. She told me that she could go with me and talk to them, but I was thinking about having an abortion. She told me not to because a lot of people regret it or have side effects. Debbie said that I could give up the baby for adoption--a closed or open adoption. If I plan on keeping the baby, she can help me with stuff for the baby.

I told her I was going to go to the doctor and see if I was pregnant. She asked for my number, and we kept in touch. When I knew I was pregnant, I told my parents, and they supported me with everything. I told Debbie, and she said she can give me clothes, diapers, etc. She gave me everything I needed for my baby.

I am so thankful to God for the phone number I saw on TV because, thanks to Debbie, I have my baby boy with me! She opened my eyes and helped me, and she is always there for me. She saved my baby’s life. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for her--maybe I would have killed my little angel.


Candy (center) pregnant with her baby boy

I want to tell all the single moms like me that if I’m able to keep my baby so can you, and if you don’t want to keep it, there are other people out there willing to adopt a baby. Don’t kill the baby, but give the baby and a family out there a chance to be happy. If you think you’re alone, you’re not because Culture of Life Family Services can help you.

It’s not easy being a single mom, but it’s a great gift to be happy and be with my baby. When I look at him, I thank God for Debbie because she changed my mind. Now I love being a mom! God sent me an angel and for him I’m going to follow my dreams again. I’m going to go back to school so he can be proud of me, and I’m going to work hard so I can buy him everything he needs. If I can do it myself, so can someone else.