News briefs

1) A recent study of premature infants suggests that babies’ ability to distinguish touch from pain becomes fully mature around 35 weeks.

Dr Rebeccah Slater, UCL Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, said: “Premature babies who are younger than 35 weeks have similar brain responses when they experience touch or pain. After this time there is a gradual change, rather than a sudden shift, when the brain starts to process the two types of stimuli in a distinct manner.”

The study’s authors cautioned that the study does not attempt to explain what sensations babies feel prior to 35 weeks. The caveat fell on deaf ears as abortion advocates scrambled to exploit the study in their battle against fetal pain legislation, disregarding more on-point research that suggests an earlier ability to feel pain.

2) On the TV show Toddlers and Tiaras (which I have never watched and never will), a three-year-old beauty pageant contestant briefly appeared dressed as a prostitute, sparking predictable outrage. Her mother has said that she will sell the dress and, supposedly in line with her daughter’s wishes, give the proceeds to Georgia Right to Life. Also predictably, Georgia Right to Life wants nothing to do with this and has indicated that it will decline the donation.

3) Students for Life of America’s Jon Scharfenberger takes a baby on a stroll to promote the Pregnant on Campus Initiative: