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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. schedule Schedule for Hillary Rodham Clinton Secret Service (Partial) (1 page) 01/13/1998 b(7)(E), b(6) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Melanne Verveer OA/Box Number: 18538 FOLDER TITLE: HRC Healthcare Book #12: Health Reform [2] 2013-0534-S rc1768 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. Clinton Presidential Records Digital Records Marker This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately scan such dividers. The title from the original document is indicated below. 1/4/99 Healthcare Event Divider Title: SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1999 FINAL WASHINGTON, D.C. SCHEDULER: WENDY ARENDS 202/456-7007 PHONE 202/456-5340 FAX 202/518-8209 HOME WHCA PAGER #4781 PREV RON The White House - 10:40am- BRIEFING [w/POTUS] 11:05am Map Room CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO 11:05am PROCEED to Blue Room [w/POTUS] 11:10am- MEET AND GREET [w/POTUS] 11:15am Blue Room CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO PARTICIPANTS: 5-10 guests 11:15am- HEALTHCARE EVENT [w/POTUS] 12:05pm Grand Foyer POOL PRESS/WH PHOTO FORMAT: - The President and the First Lady, accompanied by Secretary Robert Rubin, Secretary Donna Shalala, Director Janice LaChance and Patricia Darlak, are announced into the Grand Foyer. I The First Lady makes remarks and introduces Patricia Darlak. I Patricia Darlak makes remarks and introduces the President. - The President makes remarks and introduces the Vice President via satellite. - The President proceeds to his seat. SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1999 PAGE 2 - The Vice President and Mrs. Gore make remarks and begin the discussion. - Upon conclusion of the discussion, the Vice President makes concluding remarks and bids farewell. - The President makes concluding remarks. - The President and the First Lady depart. PARTICIPANTS: 40 guests RON The White House THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON TO: THE PRESIDENT AND THE FIRST LADY WHAT: HEALTHCARE EVENT WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1999 WHERE: GRAND FOYER NOTES: APPROX. 40 GUESTS/IN-HOUSE POOL PRESS/BUSINESS ATTIRE 10:30 a.m. THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY receive briefing in the Oval Office. 11:05 a.m. THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY proceed to the Blue Room. 11:10 a.m. THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY meet the following in the Blue Room. Contact: Bruce Reed Blue Room Participants: Person TBD Sen. Chaffee Rep. Moran Director La Chance Secretary Shalala Secretary Rubin 11:15 a.m. THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY accompanied by Person TBD, Director La Chance, Secretary Shalala and Secretary Rubin are announced to honors onto the stage in Grand Foyer. PROGRAM BEGINS THE FIRST LADY makes welcoming remarks and introduces Person TBD. Person TBD makes remarks and introduces THE PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT makes remarks and introduces THE VICE PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT proceeds to his seat. THE VICE PRESIDENT and MRS. GORE make remarks via satellite and begin a discussion. THE VICE PRESIDENT makes concluding remarks and bids farewell. THE PRESIDENT makes concluding remarks. 12:05 p.m. Upon conclusion of the event, THE PRESIDENT and THE FIRST LADY depart. For Official Government Use Only President's List HEALTHCARE CEREMONY - Monday JAN 4 1999 - 10:00 AM White House - Business - East Visitors Entrance Page 1 THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY REPORT DATE: January 2, 1999 REPORT TIME: 2:10 PM Accepts and No Responses A Mr. Daniel C. Adcock Assistant Legislative Director, National Association of Retired Federal Employees Washington, DC A Ms. Linda Anthony Executive Director, Pennsylvania Coalition of People's With Disabilities Harrisburg, PA A Mr. Howard Bedlin Vice President for Public Policy & Advocacy, National Council on The Aging Washington, DC A Mr. Robert B. Blancato Chairman of the Advisory Board, National Silver Haired Congress Washington, DC A Ms. Deborah Briceland-Betts Executive Director, Older Women's League Washington, DC A Mr. Stephen R. Conner Vice President, National Hospice Association Arlington, VA A Ms. Maria Cordone Director of Commuity Service & Older Workers, IAM & Retirees Upper Marlboro, MD A Mr. Lawrence Crecy Executive Vice President, National Caucus & Center on Black Aged Washington, DC Ms. Hilda L. Crespo Hispanic Working Group on Healthcare Washington, DC A Ms. Jean Daniel Policy Director, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Washington, DC A Mr. Justin Dart Founder, Justice for All Guest: Mr. Tim Yazawa A Dr. Jane L. Delgado President and CEO, COSSMHO Rockville, MD Ms. Beth Foley Executive Director, Council for Exceptional Children Reston, VA A Mr. Marty Ford Assistant Director, Association of Retarded Citizens Washington, DC For Official Government Use Only Page 2 REPORT DATE: January 2, 1999 REPORT TIME: 2:10 PM Accepts and No Responses A Mr. Burton Fretz Executive Director, National Senior Citizens Law Center Washington, DC Mr. Timothy Mark Fuller Executive Director, Gray Panthers Washington, DC Ms. Helen Gibson Supervisor for Special Programs, CWA Retirees Washington, DC A Mr. Val John Halamandaris President & CEO, National Association for Homecare Washington, DC Mr. Robert Kafka ADAPT Ms. Carmela LaCayo President & CEO, National Association for Hispanic Elderly Pasadena, CA A Mr. Paul Arthur Marchand Chairman, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Washington, DC A Mr. Stephen R. McConnell Senior Vice President, Alzheimer's Association Washington, DC A Mr. Mike Oxford Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living Mr. Stephen Protulis National Council of Senior Citizens Silver Spring, MD A Mr. Stephen Regenstreif Director, AFSCME Retiree Program Washington, DC A Mr. Max Richtman Executive Vice President, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare Washington, DC A Ms. Judith Assmus Riggs Director for Federal Policy, Alzheimer's Association Washington, DC A Dr. Elena Rios President, National Hispanic Medical Association Washington, DC A Mr. Michael Rodgers Senior Vice President for Government Relations, American Association of Homes & Services for the Aging Washington, DC For Official Government Use Only Page 3 REPORT DATE: January 2, 1999 REPORT TIME: 2:10 PM Accepts and No Responses A Mr. John Charles Rother Director of Legislation & Public Policy, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Washington, DC Mr. Daniel Schulder National Council of Senior Citizens Silver Spring, MD A Mr. Gerry Shea Assistant to the President for Government Affairs, AFL-CIO Washington, DC A Mr. Samuel J. Simmons President, National Caucus & Center on Black Aged Washington, DC A Dr. Marta Sotomayor President & CEO, National Hispanic Council on Aging Washington, DC A Ms. Victoria Wagman Policy Associate, National Council on the Aging, Inc. Washington, DC Ms. Roberta Weiner Older Women's League Washington, DC A Mr. Bruce Yarwood Legislative Counsel, American Health Care Association Washington, DC A Mr. Tony Young Senior Policy Analyst, United Cerebral Palsy Association Guest: Mr. David Fields For Official Government Use Only ALKING IT OVER COLUMN: January 13, 1999 http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/First_Lady/html/columns/hrc011399.htm TALKING IT OVER HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON January 13, 1999 Not long ago, I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend from Chicago. In the course of the conversation, he told me about his daughter, Lauren. Although Lauren was a happy, healthy baby at birth, she began to have seizures at the age of 7 months. Seventeen years later, the seizures continue, the cause has never been identified, and Lauren's development has been irrevocably delayed. She will never live independently and will require lifelong supervision and support. As her father spoke, I could see and hear the devastating impact Lauren's epilepsy has had, not only on her own life but also on her entire family. When I heard Lauren's story, I was determined to learn more about this condition and bolster this administration's efforts to improve treatment and find a cure. Nearly 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. Current treatments control symptoms in most of their cases. Yet the word epilepsy still provokes profound fear and misunderstanding. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by spontaneous, recurrent seizures that range from brief lapses in attention to prolonged losses of consciousness with convulsions. It affects more than 2 million Americans -- one out of every 100. Of these, 300,000 are children. Head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, lead poisoning, genetic conditions and infectious illnesses can cause epilepsy. But in more than half of all cases like Lauren's no explanation is ever found. According to a new report, "Epilepsy: A Report to the Nation," sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America, anti-seizure drugs and other forms of treatment can control or eliminate seizures in 75 percent of those affected. These people live nearly normal lives lives that can be both personally and professionally fulfilling. But even they never escape the uncertainty or the potential social stigma that comes out of ignorance - a stigma that can crush the spirit as surely as the disorder debilitates the body and the brain. Tragically, though, for the nearly 600,000 like Lauren, the disorder is intractable. Drugs, diet, surgery and other treatments just don't bring their seizures under control. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of epilepsy is the toll it takes on children. Seizures in early childhood often produce developmental delays and brain damage that can lead to a lifetime of dependence and extraordinary costs. Children with epilepsy are at special risk for learning problems. They fall behind in reading, language development and general knowledge. Children who have frequent seizures can't even go to school. Perhaps worst of all, they live in constant fear of their next seizure. If these children are ever to live the normal, healthy and happy lives they 1 of 2 6/14/2000 9:56 AM TALKING IT OVER COLUMN: January 13, 1999 http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/First_Lady/html/columns/hrc011399.htm deserve, we must dedicate ourselves to finding a cure now. I'm pleased that the President's budget for this year includes a 14 percent expansion for the National Institutes of Health, the largest funding increase ever. Of this, an unprecedented $76 million is for epilepsy research alone. But we must still do more. This week, I'll be in Chicago for the dedication of a new epilepsy center at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital and a major nationwide fund-raiser for epilepsy research. There, I'll release the Epilepsy Foundation's report and talk about the administration's next steps in the effort to eliminate the disorder. Next year, NIH researchers will convene the first-ever administration conference on epilepsy, bringing together more than 150 experts and members of the public focused on finding a cure. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research together will launch a campaign to educate medical practitioners about the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis. I have heard from many families around the country who have been touched by epilepsy. Some share the pain of lives destroyed and promising futures extinguished. Others marvel at the seemingly miraculous -- when drugs, surgery or diet actually bring an end to the nightmare. But the message is the same: More research dollars are critical if we are to devise innovative, safe and effective treatments or find a cure. No one has said it better than the parents of 12-year-old Philip Gattone, whose seizures ceased following a combination of successful surgery and drug therapy. They wrote: "Today, Philip plays sports, participates in school activities and clubs, and loves learning. He has friends that care about him. He is our hero. "There are so many children that need help. The fight for a cure is a daily battle, and it is real. It is a fight that must be won. Only research and new treatments will help these special families achieve their dreams of recovery from epilepsy." For more information on epilepsy, visit the Epilepsy Foundation of America at www.efa.org. COPYRIGHT 1999 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Talking it Over Read our Privacy Policy 2 of 2 6/14/2000 9:56 AM Clinton Presidential Records Digital Records Marker This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately scan such dividers. The title from the original document is indicated below. 1/13/99 Rush Epilepsy Chicago, IL Divider Title: Withdrawal/Redaction Marker Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001. schedule Schedule for Hillary Rodham Clinton Secret Service (Partial) (1 page) 01/13/1998 b(7)(E), b(6) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Melanne Verveer OA/Box Number: 18538 FOLDER TITLE: HRC Healthcare Book #12: Health Reform [2] 2013-0534-S rc1768 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 FINAL WASHINGTON, DC / CHICAGO, IL / WASHINGTON, DC TRAVELLING PARTY: THE FIRST LADY HUMA ABEDIN RALPH ALSWANG MARSHA BERRY KELLY CRAIGHEAD PATTI SOLIS DOYLE NEERA TANDEN [001] (b)(6), (b)(7)e CHICAGO LEAD ADVANCE: KAREN BURCHARD CHICAGO HILTON & TOWERS ROOM 1100 312/922-4400 PHONE 312/337-8189 FAX 1-800-759-8888 PIN: 891-7483 PRESS ADVANCE: LORI GREENBAUM 773/244-9543 HOME 312/337-7400 OFFICE 312/806-1126 CELL PHONE SITE ADVANCE: SONYA COOVER 773/388-1513 HOME 312/337-7400 OFFICE SITE ADVANCE: MARGARET MCCARTHY 773/472-0848 HOME 312/337-7400 OFFICE SITE ADVANCE: BECCA GOLDSTEIN 773/929-1251 HOME 312/337-7400 OFFICE SITE ADVANCE: RICH HANSON 773/539-0156 HOME 312/337-7400 OFFICE SCHEDULER: EVAN RYAN 202/456-6751 PHONE 202/456-5340 FAX 202/483-0383 HOME WHCA PAGER #4223 PREV RON The White House SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 PAGE 2 12:10 pm DEPART South Portico EN ROUTE Andrews Air Force Base [drive time: 25 minutes] 12:35 pm ARRIVE Andrews Air Force Base 12:45 pm WHEELS UP Andrews Air Force Base EN ROUTE Chicago Midway Airport [flight time: 1 hour, 45 minutes, -1 hour] 1:30 pm WHEELS DOWN Chicago Midway Airport 1:40 pm DEPART Chicago Midway Airport EN ROUTE Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital [drive time: 30 minutes] 2:10 pm ARRIVE Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital GREETERS: Dr. Leo Henikoff, President and CEO Dr. Michael Smith, Director, Rush Epilepsy Center 2:15 pm- TOUR OF THE RUSH EPILEPSY CENTER 2:35 pm Rush Epilepsy Center Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital Hold: Room 348 Phone: 312/942-8124 Fax: 312/942-8129 CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO FORMAT: -The First Lady tours the four patient rooms of the Rush Epilepsy Center with -The First Lady pauses in hallway en route the Herrick Room to unveil a plaque renaming the wing for Dr. Frank Morrell. NOTE: Dr. Frank Morrell's family will be present at plaque unveiling. CONTACT: Dr. Diane Macheever 312/942-6950 SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 PAGE 3 2:40 pm- ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 3:00 pm Herrick Room Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital Hold: Sippey Room Phone: 312/942-8128 Fax: 312/942-8130 POOL SPRAY (at top) PRINT PRESS (remains) /WH PHOTO FORMAT: -Dr. Michael Smith, Director, Rush Epilepsy Center, opens the roundtable discussion. -Roundtable participants make brief remarks. -The First Lady makes brief closing remarks. PARTICIPANTS: The First Lady Dr. Michael Smith, Director, Rush Epilepsy Center Lawrence Gorski, Director, Mayor's Office for Disabilities Susan Axelrod Liz Harris Sharon Datro CONTACT: Dr. Diane Macheever 312/942-6950 3:00 pm- HOLD 3:05 pm 3:05 pm- INAUGURATION OF THE RUSH EPILEPSY CENTER 3:30 pm Brainard Conference Room Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital Hold: Sippey Room Phone: 312/942-8128 Fax: 312/942-8130 OPEN PRESS FORMAT: -Dr. Leo Henikoff makes welcoming remarks and introduces Congressman Danny Davis. SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 -Congressman Danny Davis makes brief remarks and introduces Jeanne Carpenter. PAGE 4 -Jeanne Carpenter, President, Epilepsy Foundation of America makes brief remarks and introduces Leeann Brigido Smith, parent of epilepsy patient. -Leann Brigido Smith makes biref remarks and introduces the First Lady. -The First Lady makes remarks. -The First Lady departs. PARTICIPANTS: 100 guests CONTACT: Dr. Diane Macheever 312/942-6950 3:35 pm DEPART Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital EN ROUTE John C. Haines School [drive time: 20 minutes] 3:55 pm ARRIVE John C. Haines School INSIDE GREETERS: Gandy Heaston, Principal Mayor Richard Daley Alderman Danny Solis PROCEED ON ELEVATOR TO SECOND FLOOR STAFF NOTE: Staff should proceed up the one flight of stairs. SECOND FLOOR GREETERS: Momma Hawk and 2 youth 4:00 pm- AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATION EVENT 5:00 pm John C. Haines School 247 W. 23rd Place Chicago, IL Hold: Classroom 1 Phone: 773/534-9200 Fax: 773/534-9209 OPEN PRESS SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 PAGE 5 FORMAT: -The First Lady tours the Media Center, the site of the Lighthouse After School Program, where there are 8th graders doing research, and 3rd graders reading from their Peace journals. OPEN PRESS -The First Lady proceeds to the Arts & Crafts room to see the 2nd graders creating art projects. -The First Lady walks downstairs to the Multi- Purpose Room. MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM GREETERS: Gery Chico, School Board Chair Paul Vallas, Chairman of the Public School System Patricia McBride, Parent Carolyn Williams Meza, General Superintendent, Chicago Park District John Rogers, President, Chicago Park District Board -The First Lady proceeds to stage. -Gandy Heaston, Principal, makes welcoming remarks and introduces two students. -The two students, Color Guards, present the Colors, and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. -Gandy Heaston makes brief remarks and introduces Alderman Danny Solis. -Alderman Danny Solis makes brief remarks and introduces Mayor Richard Daley. -Mayor Richard Daley makes brief remarks and introduces Patricia McBride, parent. -Patricia McBride makes brief remarks and introduces the First Lady. SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 -The First Lady makes remarks. -Two students present the Mayor and the First Lady with scarves and origami flowers. PAGE 6 -The First Lady has the option of working a ropeline on departure. NOTE: On departure from the building, the 1st and 2nd grade students will be assembled to bid farewell to the First Lady. PARTICIPANTS: 400 guests CONTACT: Sarah Pang 312/744-2728 800/800-9725 5:05 pm DEPART John C. Haines School EN ROUTE The Drake Hotel [drive time: 30 minutes] 5:35 pm ARRIVE The Drake Hotel GREETERS: Chicago Hilton and Towers Hotel General Manager 5:40 pm- HOLD/MIX & MINGLE 6:00 pm Room 139 Chicago Hilton and Towers Phone: 312/787-2200 Fax: 312/787-1431 CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO PARTICIPANTS: 38 guests 6:05 pm- RECEIVING LINE 6:35 pm The Drake Room The Drake Hotel Hold: Room 140 Phone: 312/787-2200 Fax: 312/787-1431 CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO FORMAT: -The First Lady does a photo receiving line. SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 PARTICIPANTS: 100 guests CONTACT: Jan Kostner 312/337-7400 PAGE 7 6:45 pm- CURE FUNDRAISER DINNER 7:30 pm Gold Coast Room The Drake Hotel Hold: Room 140 Phone: 312/787-2200 Fax: 312/787-1431 OPEN PRESS FORMAT: -David Axelrod makes welcoming remarks and introduces Susan Axelrod. -Susan Axelrod makes brief remarks and introduces the video. -Video is played. -Representative Rod Blagojevich makes brief remarks and introduces Senator Herb Cole. -Senator Herb Cole makes remarks and introduces the First Lady. -The First Lady makes remarks. -The First Lady departs. PARTICIPANTS: 400 guests CONTACT: Jan Kostner 312/337-7400 7:35 pm DEPART The Drake Hotel EN ROUTE Chicago Midway Airport [drive time: 40 minutes] 8:15 pm ARRIVE Chicago Midway Airport 8:25 pm WHEELS UP Chicago Midway Airport EN ROUTE Andrews Air Force Base [flight time: 1 hour, 25 minutes, +1 hour] SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1998 10:50 pm WHEELS DOWN Andrews Air Force Base PAGE 8 WEATHER FORECAST FOR WASHINGTON, DC: Mostly cloudy with scattered rain showers by mid-afternoon. Winds southwest at 10 to 15 knots. Low 38F. High 46F. WEATHER FORECAST FOR CHICAGO, IL: Cloudy. High 18. Low 12. January 12, 1999 ANNOUNCING NEW EFFORTS TO ADDRESS EPILEPSY Date: Wednesday, January 13, 1999 Time: 2:15pm to 3:30pm Location: Rush Epilepsy Center Chicago, Illinois From: Neera Tanden I. PURPOSE To highlight epilepsy, a condition that affects millions of Americans, by 1) releasing a new report that details the effects of epilepsy on families, communities and the nation, and 2) announcing a series of initiatives designed to promote education and research on this condition. II. BACKGROUND OVERVIEW As part of this event, you will tour the epilepsy wing of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's medical center, take part in a roundtable with people who have experience with epilepsy, and proceed to a speaking program. Your involvement in this event is designed to bring attention to a disease that has received little attention in the past. You will also make a series of announcements related to promoting effective research and proper education of physicians as well as patients. NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS New Report You will release "Epilepsy: A Report to the Nation," sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America. The report found that epilepsy and seizures affect 2.3 million Americans of all ages, 300,000 of whom are children. The report also found that epilepsy has $12.5 billion in direct and indirect costs to our nation. In addition, the study reports that approximately 181,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year, and 10% of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime. It also found that one fifth to one quarter of the people with controlled seizures are significantly less likely to work than the rest of the population; of the unemployed 64% said that they were unemployed as a direct result of their epilepsy. In the epileptic population 17% report that problems on the job were the chief challenge to their disorder. The report also found that while advances in medical treatment enable many people to live normal lives free of seizures, 25% of those with epilepsy -- 600,000 people -- resist control and become intractable. The study found that epilepsy remains a formidable barrier to normal life for this group, affecting educational attainment, employment, and personal fulfillment. 1 NIH Conference to Search for a Cure You will also announce that next year, the National Institutes of Health will convene the first- ever Administration conference on epilepsy which will include over 150 experts from across the country. The conference will consolidate current understanding of epilepsy and work towards finding a cure for epilepsy. It will also focus on how to best allocate the unprecedented investment this Administration has made in epilepsy research -- $76 million dollars in this year alone, up from $54 million dollars in 1995. New Initiative to Educate Doctors About Epilepsy A number of people with epilepsy are inaccurately diagnosed, which allows the condition to deteriorate, often causing brain developmental delays and additional health problems. You will announce a new partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research to inform practitioners on the importance of early diagnosis to help address this problem. Together, they will launch an education campaign directed towards primary care physicians in order to ensure appropriate diagnosis. Epilepsy Chatroom on the Web You will also announce a new Internet chat series that will allow consumers, patients, and family members to engage in live discussions on issues relating to epilepsy, with doctors and other experts who will be available online to answer specific questions about this disorder. The website address is www.ivillage.com or www.efa.org, and it will be sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America and iVillage.com. BACKGROUND ON EPILEPSY Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerve cells of the brain release abnormal electrical impulses from time to time. These cause a temporary malfunction of other nerve cells of the brain, resulting in an altered or complete loss of consciousness (what is commonly referred to as a seizure). A pattern of repeated seizures is referred to as epilepsy. There is no known cause in half of all cases. However, head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisoning, problems in brain development prior to birth, and certain genetic and infectious illnesses can all cause epilepsy. There are no visible symptoms, and individuals can suffer an attack without warning. According to NINDS, the federal government spent $68 million on epilepsy research and prevention last year and is projected to invest $76 million this year. This is up from $54 million in 1995. However, according to advocates, only $20.64 is spent on each patient who has epilepsy. In contrast, $312.00 is spent on the patient with multiple sclerosis and $136.00 on each patient with Parkinson's Disease, though epilepsy affects more people than those affected by either disease. In addition to finding the cause of epilepsy, advocates and researchers are concerned about improving the diagnosis of epilepsy; developing new drugs to control seizures; and improving and developing new surgical techniques for those who must rely on this form of treatment. 2 The Rush Epilepsy Center The Rush Epilepsy Center at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago is internationally known for its efforts to restore control over their disease to epilepsy patients. The center was opened in 1972 by Dr. Frank Morrell to focus on providing specialized care for adults and children with epilepsy and those experiencing symptoms of epilepsy. The center is one of the nation's most comprehensive facilities for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of epilepsy. In particular, the center provides care for patients whose disease has been unresponsive to standard medical management. Their multi-disciplinary staff including epileptologists, neuropsychologist, physiologists, pediatric neurologists, a neurosurgeon, clinical nurse specialists, and social workers work to provide a comprehensive individualized program for each patient by focusing on the medical, social, psychological, and daily effects of epilepsy. Options for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy at the center include diagnostic monitoring, surgical workup, implanted electrodes, and surgery. The Rush Epilepsy Center is currently under the direction of Dr. Michael Smith. As part of this event, you are dedicating the center in honor of Frank Morrell, who died last year, after working as an epilepsy specialist at Rush for over 20 years. Dr. Morrell was one of the nation's leading experts on the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders. III. PARTICIPANTS Roundtable Participants: -The First Lady -Dr. Michael Smith, Director of Rush's Epilepsy Center -Larry Gorsky, Special Assistant to the Mayor for the Office of Disabilities -Susan Axelrod, mother of Lauren Axelrod who is a 17-year-old young woman with intractable epilepsy who has suffered tremendous developmental disabilities as a result of her condition. - Sharon Ditch, who has been seizure-free since an operation she had two years ago. She will describe the difference in her life since her operation. -Liz Harris, who has a milder form of epilepsy but has faced tremendous stigma nevertheless. (See attachments.) Speaking Program: -The First Lady -Dr. Leo Henikoff, President and CEO of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke Hospital -Representative Danny Davis -Jeanne Carpenter, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and a lawyer who suffers from epilepsy -LeeAnn Brigido Smith, whose 8 year old son Zachary suffers from intractible epilepsy; as a result he has tremendous developmental delays Audience for speaking program 125 people, including medical professionals, advocates and people with epilepsy 3 IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Upon arrival at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, the First Lady will tour the epilepsy center, including its four patient rooms, with Dr. Leo Henikoff and Dr. Michael Smith; The First Lady will unveil a plaque dedicating the epilepsy center after Dr. Frank Morrell, an epilepsy specialist who died last year (Dr. Frank Morrell's family will be present at the plaque unveiling); The First Lady then proceeds to a roundtable discussion, which will be led by Dr. Michael Smith and include Larry Gorsky, Special Assistant to Mayor Daley. The roundtable will include Susan Axelrod, Sharon Ditch and Liz Harris, all of whom will discuss their particular experiences with epilepsy (see attachments); The First Lady will then proceed to a speaking program, in which Dr. Leo Henikoff, CEO and President of Rush, will make welcoming remarks and introduce Representative Danny Davis; Representative Danny Davis will make brief remarks and introduce Jeanne Carpenter, President of the Epilepsy Foundation and a woman with epilepsy; Jeanne Carpenter will make remarks and introduce LeeAnn Brigido Smith, the parent of a child with intractible epilepsy; LeeAnn Brigido Smith will make remarks and introduce the First Lady; Upon conclusion of her remarks, the First Lady will depart. V. PRESS PLAN Tour Closed Press Roundtable Pool spray at the top only Speaking program Open press VI. REMARKS Provided by Christy Macy 4 Untitled Document http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990113.ht RUSH Epilepsy Center Remarks by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at RUSH Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center Chicago, Illinois January 13, 1999 Thank you very much, Lee Ann. Thank you for your willingness to come and share your story and speak for so many other parents of children with epilepsy and so many adults as well. I think it was apparent to all of us as we listened to you that your courage and determination in the face of what you described as heartbreak is just one more call for why we are here today and why we need to be as focused and persistent as possible in meeting the challenges posed by epilepsy. I want to thank Congressman Davis for being with us and for his support on so many fronts that are aimed at, and are actually improving, the lives of people here in Chicago and Illinois and across our country. Dr. Henikoff, thank you for giving me the tour that we had together in your neurology unit seeing the Epilepsy Center. I want to thank Dr. Michael Smith, who is the director of the epilepsy unit, for being with me and for explaining and answering many of my questions. I'm delighted that Jeane Carpinter, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of America-and herself someone who can speak with firsthand knowledge about epilepsy-who was able to come from Washington to be with us. And I just had the opportunity to meet with some other people who have stories to tell as well. Before I came in, Dr. Smith and I spent some time with Mrs. Axlerod, a friend of mine. She and David have been friends of mine for a number of years, and they are parents of a child with epilepsy. And Susan is the president of CURE, a group that is committed to raising both awareness about the need for research and funds for research on epilepsy. I want to thank Sharon Dachrow (phonetic), who was at the roundtable discussion and who has a success story to tell us about having surgery here at this hospital just 2 1/2 years ago, and has been seizure-free ever since. I want to thank Liz Harris, who has been with us and who described what life has been like for her since she was 10 years old and had her first seizure, and how-although she has been able to manage and do very well, graduating from college and holding down a job-she knows that she is not seizure-free and she's hoping for the time when she, like Sharon, can be able to say that. I want to thank Larry Gorski (phonetic), who came from the Mayor's Office on People with Disabilities, because it is very important that we recognize that it is not only the physical disability that we can see. And Larry pointed that out-he's in a wheelchair, but we can see that Larry is doing very well with his visible disability. But it's the invisible disabilities like those brought on by epilepsy that we also need to be very aware of and very understanding of. I also want to thank the Morrell family. Dr. Frank Morell's family joined me as we dedicated the epilepsy unit to Dr. Morrell. They certainly have a great deal to be proud of since Dr. Morrell pioneered the surgery that Sharon was able to have successfully. And then I met some patients who are ready for their surgery tomorrow and next week, thanks to Dr. Morrell's back-breaking work. I also want to thank Dianne McKeaver (phonetic) and others associated with the hospital and the board members of the entire staff for the work you do every day on behalf of all kinds of people and their problems. I also want to acknowledge iVillage, which is one of our partners in creating a website about epilepsy that will bring much needed attention and encouragement, not only to those who are directly affected by epilepsy, but to countless others who care about this problem and what they all can do about it. I was thinking about what the connection is between this event here in Chicago and probably the most important event that happened in our country today, and probably in the world-Michael Jordan's press 1 of 4 6/14/2000 9:56 AM Untitled Document http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990113.htm conference and announcement of retirement. Literally, I understand that Michael Jordan's press conference was news that broke into whatever was going on throughout the world. You know, people sitting in (unintelligible) and Mongolia are watching TV, and all of a sudden they see Michael on the television. And it is certainly true that his retirement marks a sad day for all of us who are Bulls fans and Michael Jordan fans-and people who love basketball and sports around the world-because he brought to the game such skill that is indescribable and a competitive drive that was unmatched, as well as dedication and teamwork. And he really lifted us up as we watched him go whipping across that court, defying gravity and making it seem possible that, indeed, people could fly. And the President and I both expressed a statement from the White House to give our personal best wishes to Michael and Juanita and their family. But as I read the comments that Michael made, because I was unable to watch the press conference as I was flying here, I was struck when he talked about the challenges he said still lay ahead for him. And he said that certainly one of the biggest challenges anyone can face is being a parent. And that is true if our children are healthy. It is even truer if, like Susan or Lee Ann, we have a child with an acute or chronic condition that literally demands our attention, our concentration, our focus-as intense as anything like we'll ever do at our work-day in and day out to protect a Zachary from hurting himself, to make sure that a Laura doesn't lose her total self-confidence and feeling of herself as a human being as she suffers seizure after seizure. And I also thought about all of the scientists like Dr. Morrell, and all the physicians here and elsewhere who bring that same commitment and teamwork to the work you're doing on behalf of epilepsy that Michael Jordan brought to basketball. I've often thought of him as not just an example for us who love sports, but as somebody who can tell us what it feels like to reach really deep down inside and deal with any of life's challenges-many of which we don't know when they will come or where they will come from. But we can be certain that each of us will be challenged. And today, you are helping to meet the challenges imposed by epilepsy. The progress we made here is a tribute to the tireless efforts we made here to the physicians, the nurses, the other staff members, and everyone associated with the work that has gone on here. I'm also very impressed that each of you understands so well that this is not just a medical condition-this is one that has social, economic, and psychological implications as well. Those of you who work every day with people with epilepsy, and certainly those of you who either suffer from it or who have a family member who does, knows how widely it affects families and communities. And I don't think most Americans do. Part of the reason that I wanted to make epilepsy an issue that would be brought to wider public attention is that starting with the work that began on health care a couple of years ago, I have followed developments in health care the best a layperson can. And I've also followed the research that's being done to try to find cures, to push advances, to really cross new frontiers in medical science. And it struck me that, time and time again, we would make progress in a disease, and it would really feel very good in the investment that we made. But then I learned that when you take the number of people in our country who suffer from epilepsy-can you imagine with the amount of money that we have historically spent, that Congressman Davis referred to-that we have been spending far less trying to find the source, the reasons behind, and the cure for this condition than comparable diseases and other kinds of medical conditions. As I got to thinking about that I realized that I, like many Americans, may have not paid sufficient attention to epilepsy and the costs that it extracts. Most people, for example, don't understand the terrible impact of epilepsy on children whose seizures produce developmental delays that can create a lifetime of dependence, loneliness, and unfulfilled dreams. Most people cannot see the heartbreak or hear the whispered prayers of parents who watch their children suffer. Most people don't know about the seemingly endless array of drugs, and hospital trips, and CAT scans, and blood tests, and treatments, and surgeries that patients with contractible epilepsy must endure. And most people are not aware of the toll that this condition take on adults-on their ability to get or keep a job, drive a car, maintain relationships, or even have a positive self-image of themselves. I can 2 of 4 6/14/2000 9:56 AM Untitled Document http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990113.htm only imagine how difficult it must be to live with those endless "what ifs": "What if I get a seizure when I'm crossing the street, or cooking for my family, or holding my baby in my arms?" Sharon told us about the seizure she had on a bus one time, not just once, but many times over and over again. While most people with epilepsy, thankfully today, can control their seizures, even they must live with something they cannot control-the cruel social stigma and stereotyping that comes with widespread ignorance of this disorder. That can damage the spirit as much as seizures themselves damage the brain. And clearly we have to do a better job of educating ourselves and increasing awareness among all Americans. Today I am pleased to release a new study sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America. This is a report to the nation aimed at heightening public awareness that this disease, this disorder, affects 2.3 million Americans, and it has a staggering cost to individuals and communities of at least $2.5 million a year. The report also makes clear that there will be approximately 181,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy to occur this year-that's an annual figure-and that 10 percent of the American population will experience a seizure during their lifetimes. This is not a disease that leaves anyone out. It can strike at any age-from 6 months to 60, or 70, or 80 years of age-any person, any walk of life. So we hope that this study will help to educate people about the effects of epilepsy and will help dispel misinformation and misunderstanding that are often as devastating as the condition itself. But we have to do more than pubic awareness, as important as that is. We have to do more research and we have to find a cure. That's why I'm so proud of the unprecedented commitment that the President has made to fighting epilepsy and finding a cure. Under this Administration, funding for epilepsy research has grown dramatically-from a $54 million commitment in 1995 to a projected $76 million commitment this year. Today, as a result of improved research and treatments, half a million Americans are receiving medical relief from their seizures and are able to lead normal, productive lives. Unfortunately, though, too many who suffer from epilepsy are still forced to choose from disabling seizures and debilitating side effects. So while science has been able to solve many of the world's most common diseases in this century, the hundreds of thousands of Americans with intractable epilepsy suffer as much as those who had this condition hundreds, even thousands of years ago. You know better than I the stories that come to this hospital, which has established itself as a world-wide center for the treatment and diagnosis of epilepsy. So with this audience of people who understand this condition, I'd like to list a few more things that I think we should be doing in order to help you do your work better, and to give more hope to people like Lee Ann and Susan. We have to redouble our efforts to find a cure. Although we can celebrate the dramatic increase in federal funding for epilepsy research, we have to do more. I'm pleased to announce that next year, the National Institutes of Health will convene the first ever White House Initiated Conference on Epilepsy. More than 150 experts from around the country, and indeed the world, will participate, focusing on how best to allocate the unprecedented investment that has been made in epilepsy research. Second, we have to do more to educate doctors about epilepsy. I heard from Dr. Smith how common it is for doctors who do not practice neurology or who do not see many epilepsy patients not to know what they are seeing, and therefore to misdiagnose the condition. When people with epilepsy are misdiagnosed, their condition continues to degenerate, often causing increasingly severe effects on brain development. So to address this problem, the Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research are launching a new initiative that will reach out to thousands of doctors and inform them about how to make appropriate early diagnoses. Third, we have to make information about epilepsy more accessible, in our schools, our doctor's offices, 3 of 4 6/14/2000 9:56 AM Untitled Document http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990113.htm our communities. So I'm also pleased to announce a new educational source. The Epilepsy Foundation of America and iVillage, an Internet company, will launch an Internet chat room that will offer consumers, patients and family members a safe and valuable opportunity to engage in live discussions with epilepsy specialists. It is very important that people who are searching for answers, and doctors, and others who are involved in this have a way of communicating and getting good and accurate information out to the public. If we are going to see the end to the anguish and suffering of those with epilepsy, and find a cure, then all of us will have to do more to become involved-the government, the business sector, the not-for-profit sector, and certainly the medical and scientific research sector. Tonight, I will be attending a fund-raiser for CURE, a new advocacy group that has been founded here in Chicago to raise money for epilepsy research. So, whether we're involved in raising private funds, or lobbying for more public support, or helping to educate our friends and neighbors, or helping to educate physicians-we can all do something to help bring the day closer when there is no more ignorance about epilepsy, and hopefully when there is no more suffering. What better way to carry on Dr. Morrell's legacy than to commit ourselves to fulfilling the vision of hope that he established here. And I would hope as well that those of you who are experts in epilepsy will find some time to reach into the larger community so that when a seizure occurs on a bus, or in an office, or in school, people will not back away or recoil in fear. But, instead, will understand that this is another condition medically caused and explained that we all have to do something about it. And that will give some comfort to those families that are struggling so terribly against the odds, to try to make sure that their children and their loved ones not only get the treatment they need, but that someday get the cure that they deserve. Thank you all very much. Read our Privacy Policy 4 of 4 6/14/2000 9:56 AM January 12, 1999 ANNOUNCING NEW EFFORTS TO ADDRESS EPILEPSY Date: Wednesday, January 13, 1999 Time: 2:15pm to 3:30pm Location: Rush Epilepsy Center Chicago, Illinois From: Neera Tanden I. PURPOSE To highlight epilepsy, a condition that affects millions of Americans, by 1) releasing a new report that details the effects of epilepsy on families, communities and the nation, and 2) announcing a series of initiatives designed to promote education and research on this condition. II. BACKGROUND OVERVIEW As part of this event, you will tour the epilepsy wing of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's medical center, take part in a roundtable with people who have experience with epilepsy, and proceed to a speaking program. Your involvement in this event is designed to bring attention to a disease that has received little attention in the past. You will also make a series of announcements related to promoting effective research and proper education of physicians as well as patients. NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS New Report You will release "Epilepsy: A Report to the Nation," sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America. The report found that epilepsy and seizures affect 2.3 million Americans of all ages, 300,000 of whom are children. The report also found that epilepsy has $12.5 billion in direct and indirect costs to our nation. In addition, the study reports that approximately 181,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year, and 10% of the American population will experience a seizure in their lifetime. It also found that one fifth to one quarter of the people with controlled seizures are significantly less likely to work than the rest of the population; of the unemployed 64% said that they were unemployed as a direct result of their epilepsy. In the epileptic population 17% report that problems on the job were the chief challenge to their disorder. The report also found that while advances in medical treatment enable many people to live normal lives free of seizures, 25% of those with epilepsy -- 600,000 people -- resist control and become intractable. The study found that epilepsy remains a formidable barrier to normal life for this group, affecting educational attainment, employment, and personal fulfillment. 1 NIH Conference to Search for a Cure You will also announce that next year, the National Institutes of Health will convene the first- ever Administration conference on epilepsy which will include over 150 experts from across the country. The conference will consolidate current understanding of epilepsy and work towards finding a cure for epilepsy. It will also focus on how to best allocate the unprecedented investment this Administration has made in epilepsy research -- $76 million dollars in this year alone, up from $54 million dollars in 1995. New Initiative to Educate Doctors About Epilepsy A number of people with epilepsy are inaccurately diagnosed, which allows the condition to deteriorate, often causing brain developmental delays and additional health problems. You will announce a new partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research to inform practitioners on the importance of early diagnosis to help address this problem. Together, they will launch an education campaign directed towards primary care physicians in order to ensure appropriate diagnosis. Epilepsy Chatroom on the Web You will also announce a new Internet chat series that will allow consumers, patients, and family members to engage in live discussions on issues relating to epilepsy, with doctors and other experts who will be available online to answer specific questions about this disorder. The website address is www.ivillage.com or www.efa.org, and it will be sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America and iVillage.com. BACKGROUND ON EPILEPSY Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which nerve cells of the brain release abnormal electrical impulses from time to time. These cause a temporary malfunction of other nerve cells of the brain, resulting in an altered or complete loss of consciousness (what is commonly referred to as a seizure). A pattern of repeated seizures is referred to as epilepsy. There is no known cause in half of all cases. However, head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisoning, problems in brain development prior to birth, and certain genetic and infectious illnesses can all cause epilepsy. There are no visible symptoms, and individuals can suffer an attack without warning. According to NINDS, the federal government spent $68 million on epilepsy research and prevention last year and is projected to invest $76 million this year. This is up from $54 million in 1995. However, according to advocates, only $20.64 is spent on each patient who has epilepsy. In contrast, $312.00 is spent on the patient with multiple sclerosis and $136.00 on each patient with Parkinson's Disease, though epilepsy affects more people than those affected by either disease. In addition to finding the cause of epilepsy, advocates and researchers are concerned about improving the diagnosis of epilepsy; developing new drugs to control seizures; and improving and developing new surgical techniques for those who must rely on this form of treatment. 2 The Rush Epilepsy Center The Rush Epilepsy Center at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago is internationally known for its efforts to restore control over their disease to epilepsy patients. The center was opened in 1972 by Dr. Frank Morrell to focus on providing specialized care for adults and children with epilepsy and those experiencing symptoms of epilepsy. The center is one of the nation's most comprehensive facilities for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of epilepsy. In particular, the center provides care for patients whose disease has been unresponsive to standard medical management. Their multi-disciplinary staff including epileptologists, neuropsychologist, physiologists, pediatric neurologists, a neurosurgeon, clinical nurse specialists, and social workers work to provide a comprehensive individualized program for each patient by focusing on the medical, social, psychological, and daily effects of epilepsy. Options for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy at the center include diagnostic monitoring, surgical workup, implanted electrodes, and surgery. The Rush Epilepsy Center is currently under the direction of Dr. Michael Smith. As part of this event, you are dedicating the center in honor of Frank Morrell, who died last year, after working as an epilepsy specialist at Rush for over 20 years. Dr. Morrell was one of the nation's leading experts on the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders. III. PARTICIPANTS Roundtable Participants: -The First Lady -Dr. Michael Smith, Director of Rush's Epilepsy Center -Larry Gorsky, Special Assistant to the Mayor for the Office of Disabilities -Susan Axelrod, mother of Lauren Axelrod who is a 17-year-old young woman with intractable epilepsy who has suffered tremendous developmental disabilities as a result of her condition. - Sharon Ditch, who has been seizure-free since an operation she had two years ago. She will describe the difference in her life since her operation. -Liz Harris, who has a milder form of epilepsy but has faced tremendous stigma nevertheless. (See attachments.) Speaking Program: -The First Lady -Dr. Leo Henikoff, President and CEO of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke Hospital -Representative Danny Davis -Jeanne Carpenter, President of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and a lawyer who suffers from epilepsy -LeeAnn Brigido Smith, whose 8 year old son Zachary suffers from intractible epilepsy; as a result he has tremendous developmental delays Audience for speaking program 125 people, including medical professionals, advocates and people with epilepsy 3 IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Upon arrival at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Hospital, the First Lady will tour the epilepsy center, including its four patient rooms, with Dr. Leo Henikoff and Dr. Michael Smith; The First Lady will unveil a plaque dedicating the epilepsy center after Dr. Frank Morrell, an epilepsy specialist who died last year (Dr. Frank Morrell's family will be present at the plaque unveiling); The First Lady then proceeds to a roundtable discussion, which will be led by Dr. Michael Smith and include Larry Gorsky, Special Assistant to Mayor Daley. The roundtable will include Susan Axelrod, Sharon Ditch and Liz Harris, all of whom will discuss their particular experiences with epilepsy (see attachments); The First Lady will then proceed to a speaking program, in which Dr. Leo Henikoff, CEO and President of Rush, will make welcoming remarks and introduce Representative Danny Davis; Representative Danny Davis will make brief remarks and introduce Jeanne Carpenter, President of the Epilepsy Foundation and a woman with epilepsy; Jeanne Carpenter will make remarks and introduce LeeAnn Brigido Smith, the parent of a child with intractible epilepsy; LeeAnn Brigido Smith will make remarks and introduce the First Lady; Upon conclusion of her remarks, the First Lady will depart. V. PRESS PLAN Tour Closed Press Roundtable Pool spray at the top only Speaking program Open press VI. REMARKS Provided by Christy Macy 4 JAN-12-99 08:07 PM P.02 FIRST LADY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON RUSH EPILEPSY CENTER RUSH-PRESBYTERIAN-ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER CHICAGO, ILLINOIS JANUARY 13, 1999 THANK YOU, LEE ANN, FOR TELLING US YOUR STORY. THANK YOU EVEN MORE FOR YOUR COURAGE AND DETERMINATION IN THE FACE OF SUCH HEARTBREAK. MUCH MORE ATTENTION NEEDS TO BE PAID TO WHAT YOU-- AND THOSE WHO I HAVE JUST MET WITH -- HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE EXTRAORDINARY CHALLENGES FACING EPILEPSY PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES EVERY DAY. I HOPE THAT WHAT WE DO HERE TODAY WILL HELP SHINE THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON THIS DISEASE - AND SPUR US ALL TO REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS TO END THE SUFFERING AND FIND A CURE. I'M VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE AT CHICAGO'S RUSH- PRESBYTERIAN- ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER -- AND TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR THIS HIGHLY ACCLAIMED EPILEPSY CENTER. I JAN-12-99 08:07 PM P.03 THE PROGRESS BEING MADE HERE IS A TRIBUTE TO THE TIRELESS EFFORTS OF ALL OF YOU: DR. HENIKOFF (DIRECTOR OF THE MEDICAL CENTER); DR. SMITH (DIRECTOR OF THE EPILEPSY CENTER); DEDICATED STAFF; PATIENTS; AND FAMILY MEMBERS. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO, EVERY SINGLE DAY, TO GIVE PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY THE CARE AND UNDERSTANDING THEY NEED AND DESERVE. IT'S ALSO A PRIVILEGE TO JOIN JEANE CARPINTER FOR TODAY'S EVENTS. HER PERSONAL COURAGE AND PUBLIC ADVOCACY IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL. WE'VE COME TOGETHER TO DEDICATE THIS CENTER IN THE MEMORY OF THE REMARKABLE MAN WHO FOUNDED IT MORE THAN 25 YEARS AGO. A BRILLIANT SCIENTIST AND A COMPASSIONATE HUMAN BEING, DR. FRANK MORRELL COMBINED QUALITIES NOT OFTEN FOUND IN A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL. AND IN THE PROCESS - HE TRANSFORMED THE WAY WE TREAT AND CARE FOR THOSE WITH EPILEPSY. THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME TO JOIN YOU ON THIS SPECIAL OCCASION. 2 JAN-12-99 08:07 PM P.04 ALL OF YOU HERE KNOW FIRSTHAND HOW DRAMATICALLY EPILEPSY CAN CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES -- OFTEN OVERNIGHT - AND HOW WIDELY IT AFFECTS FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES HERE AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. YET WHEN YOU STEP OUTSIDE THESE WALLS, THERE REMAINS ENORMOUS IGNORANCE ABOUT THIS CONDITION. MOST PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND THE TERRIBLE IMPACT OF EPILEPSY ON CHILDREN - WHOSE SEIZURES PRODUCE DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS AND BRAIN DAMAGE THAT CAN LEAD TO A LIFETIME OF DEPENDENCE, LONELINESS, AND UNFULFILLED DREAMS. MOST PEOPLE CAN'T SEE THE HEARTBREAK, OR HEAR THE WHISPERED PRAYERS OF PARENTS WHO WATCH THEIR CHILDREN SUFFER. MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE SEEMINGLY ENDLESS ARRAY OF DRUGS; HOSPITAL TRIPS; CAT SCANS AND BLOOD TESTS; TREATMENTS AND SURGERIES THAT MANY PATIENTS MUST ENDURE. AND THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THE TERRIBLE TOLL THIS DISEASE TAKES ON ADULTS AND THEIR ABILITY TO GET OR KEEP A JOB; DRIVE A CAR; MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS; OR HAVE A POSITIVE SELF IMAGE. 3 JAN-12-99 08:07 PM P.05 I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW DIFFICULT IT MUST BE TO LIVE WITH THOSE ENDLESS "WHAT IF'S": WHAT IF I GET A SEIZURE WHEN I'M CROSSING THE STREET, OR COOKING FOR MY FAMILY, OR HOLDING MY CHILD IN MY ARMS? AND WHILE MOST PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY CAN CONTROL THEIR SEIZURES -- THEY MUST LIVE WITH SOMETHING THEY CAN'T CONTROL: THE CRUEL SOCIAL STIGMA THAT COMES WITH WIDESPREAD IGNORANCE OF THIS DISEASE. IT CAN DAMAGE THE SPIRIT AS MUCH AS THE SEIZURES THEMSELVES - AND WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO END IT. CLEARLY WE MUST DO A FAR BETTER JOB OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM OF EPILEPSY IN AMERICA. TODAY, I'M RELEASING A NEW STUDY - SPONSORED BY THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA - AIMED AT HEIGHTENING THAT PUBLIC AWARENESS. "EPILEPSY: A REPORT TO THE NATION" CONFIRMS THAT EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES AFFECT 2.3 MILLION AMERICANS - AT A YEARLY COST TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES OF $12.5 BILLION. 4 JAN-12-99 08:08 PM P.06 IT ALSO REPORTS THAT 181,000 NEW CASES OF SEIZURES AND EPILEPSY OCCUR EVERY YEAR - AND THAT 10% OF THE AMERICAN POPULATION WILL EXPERIENCE A SEIZURE DURING THEIR LIFETIMES. WE HOPE THIS STUDY WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARD EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF EPILEPSY ON PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, AND WILL HELP DISPEL THE MISINFORMATION AND MISUNDERSTANDING THAT ARE OFTEN AS DEVASTATING AS THE DISEASE ITSELF. THE REPORT ALSO TELLS US THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE- MUCH MORE- TO FIND A CURE. THAT'S WHY I'M so PROUD OF THE UNPRECEDENTED COMMITMENT THE PRESIDENT HAS MADE TO FIGHTING EPILEPSY, AND FINDING A CURE. UNDER HIS ADMINISTRATION, FUNDING FOR EPILEPSY RESEARCH HAS GROWN DRAMATICALLY FROM $54 MILLION IN 1995 TO A PROJECTED $76 MILLION THIS YEAR. 5 JAN-12-99 08:08 PM P.07 TODAY-- AS A RESULT OF IMPROVED RESEARCH AND TREATMENTS, HALF A MILLION AMERICANS ARE RECEIVING MEDICAL RELIEF FROM THEIR SEIZURES, AND ARE ABLE TO LEAD NORMAL, PRODUCTIVE LIVES. ADULTS ARE RETURNING TO WORK; CHILDREN ARE ONCE AGAIN JOINING THEIR FRIENDS ON THE PLAYGROUND. AND PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE DARING TO IMAGINE THE DAY WHEN LIFE CAN RETURN TO NORMAL. UNFORTUNATELY, FAR TOO MANY WHO SUFFER FROM EPILEPSY ARE STILL FORCED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN DISABLING SEIZURES, AND DEBILITATING SIDE EFFECTS. AND WHILE SCIENCE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE MANY OF THE WORLD'S MOST COMMON DISEASES IN THIS CENTURY - THE 350,000 AMERICANS WITH INTRACTABLE EPILEPSY SUFFER AS MUCH AS THOSE WHO HAD THIS CONDITION HUNDREDS, EVEN THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO. BEFORE I CAME HERE, I HEARD ABOUT MEGAN, A 4-YEAR-OLD WHO IS UNABLE TO SPEAK BECAUSE OF THE RAVAGES OF EPILEPSY. AT ONE POINT SHE HAD OVER 100 SEIZURES A DAY, AND HER MOTHER SAYS SHE'S TERRIFIED THAT WHEN HER DAUGHTER HAS ONE OF HER BIG SEIZURES, "THAT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO BRING HER 6 JAN-12-99 08:08 PM P.08 BACK." HER PARENTS DREAM OF THE DAY "WHEN CHILDREN LIKE MEGAN CAN LIVE A NORMAL LIFE." CLEARLY, WE MUST DO MORE TO MAKE THAT DREAM A REALITY FOR THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS LIKE MEGAN AND HER PARENTS WHO SUFFER FROM EPILEPSY IN ALL OF ITS FORMS. FIRST, WE MUST REDOUBLE OUR EFFORTS TO FIND A CURE. I'VE ALREADY MENTIONED THE DRAMATIC RISE IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR EPILEPSY RESEARCH OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. AND TODAY, I'M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT NEXT YEAR, THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH WILL CONVENE THE FIRST EVER ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE ON EPILEPSY. MORE THAN 150 EXPERTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY WILL PARTICIPATE, FOCUSING ON HOW TO BEST ALLOCATE THE UNPRECEDENTED INVESTMENT THIS ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE IN EPILEPSY RESEARCH. 7 JAN-12-99 08:09 PM P.09 SECOND, WE MUST DO MORE TO EDUCATE DOCTORS ABOUT EPILEPSY. WHEN PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY ARE MIS-DIAGNOSED, THEIR DISEASE CONTINUES TO DEGENERATE, CAUSING INCREASINGLY SEVERE EFFECTS ON BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND THE AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE POLICY RESEARCH ARE LAUNCHING A NEW INITIATIVE THAT WILL REACH OUT TO THOUSANDS OF DOCTORS, AND INFORM THEM ABOUT HOW TO MAKE APPROPRIATE EARLY DIAGNOSES. THIRD, WE MUST MAKE INFORMATION ABOUT EPILEPSY MORE ACCESSIBLE. TODAY, I'M ALSO PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA AND iVILLAGE, AN INTERNET COMPANY, WILL LAUNCH AN INTERNET CHAT ROOM THAT WILL OFFER CONSUMERS, PATIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS A SAFE AND VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE IN LIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH EPILEPSY SPECIALISTS. 8 JAN-12-99 08:09 PM P.10 IF WE ARE TO BEAT THIS DISEASE, THEN ALL OF US MUST GET INVOLVED. WE'VE HEARD TODAY ABOUT SOME OF THE NEW STEPS BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, AND THE NON PROFIT SECTOR. TONIGHT, I WILL BE ATTENDING A FUND RAISER FOR CURE-- AN ADVOCACY GROUP THAT HAS JUST BEEN FOUNDED HERE IN CHICAGO TO RAISE MONEY FOR EPILEPSY RESEARCH. so WHETHER WE'RE INVOLVED IN RAISING PRIVATE FUNDS, LOBBYING FOR MORE PUBLIC SUPPORT; OR HELPING TO EDUCATE OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS - WE CAN ALL HELP BRING THE DAY CLOSER WHEN THERE IS NO MORE IGNORANCE, AND NO MORE SUFFERING. THE DAY WHEN WE FINALLY FIND A CURE FOR EPILEPSY. WHAT BETTER WAY TO CARRY ON DR. MORRELL'S LEGACY THAN TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO FULFILLING THAT VISION OF HOPE. THANK YOU. 9 LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ.5=c12ab4c6920bf5c0785b43c6ac83d26f Copyright 1999 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc. Chicago Sun-Times View Related Topics January 14, 1999, THURSDAY, Late Sports Final Edition SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 7 LENGTH: 385 words HEADLINE: First lady hangs tough during visit to Chicago SOURCE: JIM FROST BYLINE: BY SCOTT FORNEK AND ADRIENNE DRELL BODY: First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton came to Chicago on Wednesday to help raise awareness about epilepsy, push for federal funds for after-school programs, mingle with grammar school students and pay tribute to Michael Jordan. The busy day came on the eve of her husband's impeachment trial. "You know something?" she said. "It's hard to walk away, but it's the right thing to do." Clinton was not talking about the events in Washington. She was talking to third-graders about how to resolve conflicts peacefully. Her advice came during a visit to an after-school program at Haines Elementary School in the Armour Square neighborhood. But the first lady did walk away from reporters' questions about the perjury and obstruction of justice charges her husband faces. "I am delighted to be here with all of you to discuss this very important disease," Clinton told participants in a round-table discussion on epilepsy at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, moments after a reporter shouted a question about the impeachment. She did weigh in on Jordan, calling it "a sad day for Bulls fans." Later, in a speech at Haines, Clinton called for an additional $ 400 million for after-school programs. She said the money would help other cities mimic Chicago's Lighthouse program, which provides a mix of study help, recreational activities and warm meals to 175,000 students. But the impeachment hung like a cloud over her visit. A group of eighth-graders Clinton visited at Haines had plenty to say to reporters before the first lady entered the room. "I don't think he should have been impeached, because it's his business what he does behind closed doors," said Arkesha Green, 14, who lives in Chatham. Arkesha said she admires how the first lady is handling the situation, although she would do it differently. "It would have been a divorce quick, fast and hard," she said. Late Wednesday, Clinton spoke at a benefit at the Drake Hotel that raised more than $ 300,000 for Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. 1 of 2 7/13/2000 3:57 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ.5=c12ab4c6920bf5c0785b43c6ac83d26f Referring to Jordan's retirement, she said, "Nobody in this room will ever play professional basketball, but there are champions among us -- children who suffer but do the best they can every day, and family members who watch their champion children struggling." GRAPHIC: Hillary Rodham Clinton chats with students at Haines Elementary. She visited here on the eve of her husband's impeachment trial. LANGUAGE: English LOAD-DATE: January 14, 1999 FOCUSTM Search: General News;st. luke's medical center and hillary w/2 clinton To narrow this search, please enter a word or phrase: FOCUS Example: House of Representatives About LEXIS-NEXIS Terms and Conditions What's New Copyright © 2000 LEXIS-NEXIS Group. All rights reserved. 2 of 2 7/13/2000 3:57 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ.5=ab741707263f4968fd42113d7662c4af Copyright 1999 Paddock Publications, Inc. Chicago Daily Herald January 14, 1999, Thursday, Cook,Lake SECTION: News; Pg. 9 LENGTH: 436 words HEADLINE: First lady lends voice to epilepsy group BYLINE: Madeleine Doubek Daily Herald Political Editor BODY: Burr Ridge resident Susan Axelrod's daughter, Lauren, has battled epilepsy for nearly all of her 17 years. She is developmentally disabled and waits in "extreme terror" for the flurry of seizures that seem to come in bunches, Axelrod told first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton Wednesday. Liz Harris, an adult with epilepsy, described going "from job to job because of my seizures. Epilepsy, to them, sounded like leprosy." Sharon Datro told Clinton, "People would think I was drunk at work," when she suffered epileptic episodes. LeAnn Brigidio Smith's 8-year-old son, Zachary, has never imagined himself a superhero, she said. That is difficult to do when your entire young life has been spent wearing helmets and face shields to protect you from hurting yourself. "How can it be possible in 1999 that there is nothing to help my son?" Smith asked a crowd of hospital workers and others gathered at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center to dedicate a new epilepsy monitoring unit, the Frank Morrell Epilepsy Center. The unit is named for a deceased physician from the hospital who did pioneering epilepsy research. Clinton came to Chicago Wednesday to help dedicate the new center and to help raise more than $ 300,000 as the featured speaker at the first fund-raiser of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy founded by Axelrod, Hanover Park resident Debbie Flader and Nancy Monica of Lake in the Hills. "We've got to raise public awareness" about epilepsy, Clinton told her audience. "This is the kind of disease where the stigma and the rejection can actually aggravate the disease." Clinton tried to raise awareness Wednesday not only with her visit, but also by releasing a new report on epilepsy which found it affects 2.3 million Americans of all ages. Ten percent of Americans will experience a seizure in their lifetimes, according to the report sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America. Clinton also said the National Institutes of Health will host a first-ever epilepsy conference next year. The Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research will embark upon a campaign to better educate doctors about diagnosing the disease quickly. A new Internet chat series also is being launched and can be accessed at www.ivillage.com or www.efa.org, Clinton said. "This is a very important issue and we're making progress," Clinton said. "I can only imagine how difficult it must be to live with those endless what ifs. What if I have a seizure while I'm crossing the street, or I'm cooking for my family, or I'm holding my baby in my arms." LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 15, 1999 1 of 2 7/13/2000 3:58 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ.5=f88fc83b717fdf21c0c5a08770005527 Copyright 1999 PR Newswire Association, Inc. PR Newswire January 14, 1999, Thursday SECTION: Financial News DISTRIBUTION: TO CITY AND MEDICAL EDITORS LENGTH: 756 words HEADLINE: National Report Puts Annual Cost of Epilepsy at $12.5 Billion; First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton Cites as Cause for National Concern DATELINE: CHICAGO, Jan. 14 BODY: The Epilepsy Foundation has issued a special end-of-the-millennium report in which the preliminary annual national cost of epilepsy is reported to be approximately $12.5 billion. The figure represents the national cost for 1995 based on direct medical cost information gathered from patient records at two clinical centers, and indirect costs primarily employment-related -- based on the experience of more than 1,000 individuals at participating epilepsy centers. The brief 17-page document, "Epilepsy: Report to the Nation," paints a disturbing picture of the personal, economic, and medical impact of epilepsy and special burdens the condition poses on its victims and their loved ones. It is the first report to the nation about the disorder since 1978 when the temporary Commission for the Control of Epilepsy and Its Consequences, Department of Health Education and Welfare, issued its findings. "Epilepsy: Report to the Nation" was released today to coincide with a visit here by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton to dedicate the new epilepsy wing at the Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center. Mrs. Clinton has cited the Foundation report and multibillion dollar cost figure as cause for national concern for people with the condition. "It's so important that we bring attention to epilepsy because it affects millions of Americans at great cost to their families, communities and the nation. We must work to get rid of the stigma that people with epilepsy face in our society, and to find a cure for those who suffer from the condition," said Mrs. Clinton. In releasing the report, Epilepsy Foundation president Jeanne Carpenter, Esq. said, "It's time to go aggressively on the offensive against this long-neglected condition. Freedom from seizures must become a national health priority." Carpenter, who has epilepsy and also participated in today's dedication ceremonies, said further that, "We are extremely gratified that Mrs. Clinton recognizes the importance of epilepsy as a major national health problem and is promoting increased public awareness and understanding." According to the new report, 2.3 million Americans have epilepsy, only about 500,000 of whom are receiving medical care which successfully controls their seizures. Nearly half, or about one million patients, are receiving inadequate treatment for their seizures. Even with the increase in new medical and surgical options for treating epilepsy in recent years, one-fourth of patients, about 600,000, have seizures that do not respond to available therapies. "When seizures persist," says the report, "epilepsy is once again as devastating today as it was 100 -- or 1,000 years ago." "Epilepsy: Report to the Nation" calls for a major national offensive with five main objectives: -- Making the cure of intractable seizures and all forms of epilepsy a 1 of 2 7/13/2000 3:58 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ.5=f88fc83b717fdf21c0c5a08770005527 research priority. -- Ensuring access to specialized care for all people with epilepsy who need it. -- Educating the public so that seizure-related stigma and discrimination are eliminated. -- Providing employment, special education, and other targeted programs so that people with epilepsy are fully integrated into society. -- Developing new strategies to prevent epilepsy. The report states that seizures and epilepsy develop in 181,000 Americans of all ages each year, and that epilepsy strikes most cruelly against the young and the very old. The condition affects all aspects of life and wreaks havoc on family life and employment prospects. "Epilepsy: Report to the Nation" draws on information from a variety of scientific studies, among them the Epilepsy Foundation's National Cost of Epilepsy Study currently in progress and an as yet unpublished large community-based survey of quality of life and concerns of people with epilepsy. The full text of the report can be downloaded from the organization's web site, news and publications section, at www.efa.org. The Epilepsy Foundation is the national non-profit health organization that supports research, advocacy, education and service for people with epilepsy and their families. Direct services in the local community are provided by the Epilepsy Foundation of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties (1-800-564-0445). The national office is based in Landover, MD. SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation CONTACT: Peter Van Haverbeke of the Epilepsy Foundation, 800-470-1655, ext. 641, or Local Epilepsy Foundation, 800-564-0445, ext. 11 LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 15, 1999 FOCUSTM Search: General News;st. luke's medical center and hillary w/2 clinton To narrow this search, please enter a word or phrase: FOCUS Example: House of Representatives About LEXIS-NEXIS Terms and Conditions What's New Copyright © 2000 LEXIS-NEXIS Group. All rights reserved. 2 of 2 7/13/2000 3:58 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ.5=7cea9a8268cafdffd182ebe1d7d4baad Copyright 1999 Chattanooga Publishing Company Chattanooga Times / Chattanooga Free Press January 17, 1999, Sunday SECTION: LIFESTYLE; Pg. G3 LENGTH: 759 words HEADLINE: First Lady Advocates Epilepsy Research Funding BYLINE: HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON BODY: Not long ago, I had the opportunity to catch up with an old friend from Chicago. In the course of the conversation, he told me about his daughter, Lauren. Although Lauren was a happy, healthy baby at birth, she began to have seizures at the age of 7 months. Seventeen years later, the seizures continue, the cause has never been identified, and Lauren's development has been irrevocably delayed. She will never live independently and will require lifelong supervision and support. As her father spoke, I could see and hear the devastating impact Lauren's epilepsy has had, not only on her own life but also on her entire family. When I heard Lauren's story, I was determined to learn more about this condition and bolster this administration's efforts to improve treatment and find a cure. Nearly 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. Current treatments control symptoms in most of their cases. Yet the word epilepsy still provokes profound fear and misunderstanding. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by spontaneous, recurrent seizures that range from brief lapses in attention to prolonged losses of consciousness with convulsions. It affects more than 2 million Americans, one out of every 100. Of these, 300,000 are children. Head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, lead poisoning, genetic conditions and infectious illnesses can cause epilepsy. But in more than half of all cases like Lauren's -- no explanation is ever found. According to a new report, "Epilepsy: A Report to the Nation," sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation of America, anti-seizure drugs and other forms of treatment can control or eliminate seizures in 75 percent of those affected. These people live nearly normal lives lives that can be both personally and professionally fulfilling. But even they never escape the uncertainty or the potential social stigma that comes out of ignorance - -- a stigma that can crush the spirit as surely as the disorder debilitates the body and the brain. Tragically, though, for the nearly 600,000 like Lauren, the disorder is intractable. Drugs, diet, surgery and other treatments just don't bring their seizures under control. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of epilepsy is the toll it takes on children. Seizures in early childhood often produce developmental delays and brain damage that can lead to a lifetime of dependence and extraordinary costs. Children with epilepsy are at special risk for learning problems. They fall behind in reading, language development and general knowledge. Children who have frequent seizures can't even go to school. Perhaps worst of all, they live in constant fear of their next seizure. If these children are ever to live the normal, healthy and happy lives they deserve, we must dedicate ourselves to finding a cure now. 1 of 2 7/13/2000 4:03 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ.5=7cea9a8268cafdffd182ebe1d7d4baad I'm pleased that the president's budget for this year includes a 14 percent expansion for the National Institutes of Health, the largest funding increase ever. Of this, an unprecedented $76 million is for epilepsy research alone. But we must still do more. Next year, NIH researchers will convene the first administration conference on epilepsy, bringing together more than 150 experts and members of the public focused on finding a cure. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and the Agency for Health Care Policy Research together will launch a campaign to educate medical practitioners about the critical need for early and accurate diagnosis. I have heard from many families around the country who have been touched by epilepsy. The message is the same: More research dollars are critical if we are to devise innovative, safe and effective treatments or find a cure. No one has said it better than the parents of 12-year-old Philip Gattone, whose seizures ceased following a combination of successful surgery and drug therapy. They wrote: "Today, Philip plays sports, participates in school activities and clubs, and loves learning. He has friends that care about him. He is our hero. "There are so many children that need help. The fight for a cure is a daily battle, and it is real. It is a fight that must be won. Only research and new treatments will help these special families achieve their dreams of recovery from epilepsy." For more information on epilepsy, visit the Epilepsy Foundation of America at www.efa.org. To find out more about Hillary Rodham Clinton and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. c. 1999 Creators Syndicate Inc. LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 25, 1999 FOCUSTM Search: General News;epilepsy and hillary w/2 clinton To narrow this search, please enter a word or phrase: FOCUS Example: House of Representatives About LEXIS-NEXIS Terms and Conditions What's New Copyright © 2000 LEXIS-NEXIS Group. All rights reserved. 2 of 2 7/13/2000 4:03 PM Clinton Presidential Records Digital Records Marker This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place of a tabbed divider. Given our digitization capabilities, we are sometimes unable to adequately scan such dividers. The title from the original document is indicated below. 1/22/99 NARAL Divider Title: SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1999 FINAL WASHINGTON, D.C. NARAL LUNCHEON ADVANCE: MICHELLE KREISS 301/384-7118 PHONE WHCA PAGER #4350 NARAL PRESS ADVANCE: GEORGE SHELTON 202/778-0740 PHONE STATE DEPARTMENT ADVANCE: CHARLIE DUNCAN 202/647-4820 PHONE SCHEDULER: WENDY ARENDS 202/456-7007 PHONE 202/456-5340 FAX 202/518-8209 HOME WHCA PAGER #4781 PREV RON The White House - 10:00am- MEETING with Family Planning Advocates 10:45am Map Room CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO FORMAT: - The Vice President makes welcoming remarks and introduces the First Lady. - The First Lady makes brief remarks and opens up the meeting for discussion. - Upon conclusion, the First Lady departs. PARTICIPANTS: 25 guests 10:50am- DROP-BY with Women from Northern Ireland 11:05am Diplomatic Reception Room CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO PARTICIPANTS: 30 guests SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1999 PAGE 2 11:10am- DOWN TIME 12:30pm 12:30pm- DROP-BY with Close-Up Students 12:45pm Diplomatic Reception Room CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO PARTICIPANTS: 28 guests 12:45pm DEPART South Portico VIA Motorcade EN ROUTE Omni Shoreham [Drive time: 15 minutes] 1:00pm ARRIVE Omni Shoreham Hotel 2500 Calvert Street, NW Washington, D.C. GREETERS: Jose Campo, General Manager David Cooper, Banquet Manager Jim Taylor, Chief of Security 1:05pm- REMARKS to NARAL's 33rd Anniversary Celebration 1:35pm Grand Ballroom Omni Shoreham Hotel HRC Hold: Backstage sitting area Phone: 202/756-5290 Fax: 202/756-5179 Staff Hold: Backstage sitting area OPEN PRESS/WH PHOTO FORMAT: - Kate Michelman, President, NARAL, makes introductory remarks and introduces the First Lady onto stage. - The First Lady makes remarks. - Upon conclusion, the First Lady has the option to work a ropeline. PARTICIPANTS: 700-750 guests SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1999 PAGE 3 1:35pm- MEET AND GREET 1:45pm Regency Hold Omni Shoreham Hotel CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO PARTICIPANTS: 16 guests 1: 45pm DEPART Omni Shoreham VIA Motorcade EN ROUTE State Department [Drive time: 15 minutes] 2: 00pm ARRIVE State Department GREETER: Mel French, Chief of Protocol 2: 00pm- PRIVATE LUNCH 2:55pm Secretary Albright's Office, 7th Floor State Department CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO 2: 55pm PROCEED upstairs VIA Elevator 3: 00pm- INTERAGENCY COUNCIL ON WOMEN MEETING 4: 00pm Jefferson Room, 8th Floor State Department HRC Hold: Secretary Albright's Office Phone: 202/647-5548 CLOSED PRESS/WH PHOTO FORMAT: - Secretary Madeleine Albright, Council Chair, makes welcoming remarks and introduces Theresa Loar, Director, President's Interagency Council on Women and Senior Coordinator for International Women's Issues. - Theresa Loar makes remarks. - Secretary Albright introduces Ambassador Craig Johnstone, Director, Office of Resources, Plans and Policy. SCHEDULE FOR HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1999 PAGE 4 - Craig Johnstone makes remarks. - Secretary Albright introduces Secretary Donna Shalala. - Secretary Shalala makes remarks. - Secretary Albright introduces Nancy Hendry, General Counsel, Peace Corps. - Nancy Hendry makes remarks. - Secretary Albright introduces Kitty Higgins, Deputy Secretary, Department of Labor. - Kitty Higgins makes remarks. - Secretary Albright introduces the First Lady. - The First Lady makes remarks. - Upon conclusion, Secretary Albright makes closing remarks. - The First Lady departs. PARTICIPANTS: 27 participants 4:05pm DEPART State Department VIA Motorcade EN ROUTE South Portico [Drive time: 10 minutes] 4: 15pm ARRIVE South Portico RON The White House January 21, 1999 NARAL 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DATE: Friday, January 22 TIME: 1:05 pm - 1:35 pm LOCATION: Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, D.C. FROM: Brenda Costello and Natasha McMahan I. PURPOSE To deliver the keynote address at NARAL's 30th anniversary celebration, and to highlight the Administration's commitment to finding common ground in order to make abortion safe, legal, and rare. II. BACKGROUND Overview The event will highlight National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League's (NARAL's) thirty-year history of advocacy on behalf of a woman's freedom to choose and the 26th annual recognition of the landmark decision in Roe V. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Friday's luncheon will take place at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington. There will be 700-750 guests who will be from NARAL and its affiliate organizations. In addition, the luncheon will honor the memory of Dr. Barnett Slepian, the Buffalo physician, murdered in his home last October, along with other physicians and health care professionals who uphold the freedom to choose despite the climate of fear and intimidation. National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) NARAL has a grassroots network of 30 state affiliates and 500,000 members nationwide. NARAL's work is divided among three organizations, 1) NARAL, INC., which works through the political system to effect reproductive health policy; 2) NARAL-PAC, which is the political action committee and driving force behind the election of many pro-choice candidates, and 3) The NARAL Foundation, which supports the in-depth research and legal work of the organization. Since 1969, the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) and its affiliates have been the leading force in the fight for reproductive freedom in America. Serving as the political arm of the pro-choice movement, NARAL has been involved in several key races throughout the country to elect pro-choice candidates to Congress. While advocating for programs that reduce unintended pregnancy and make abortion less necessary, NARAL has pursued its mission of securing and protecting the freedom to choose. NARAL advocates that the freedom to make personal decisions without governmental interference is one of the most fundamental principles on which our nation was founded. NARAL is leading the way to promote policies that will make abortion less necessary. NARAL's legislative efforts played a vital role in passing the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which prohibits unlawful anti-choice violence and harassment that jeopardizes access to abortion services. In addition, NARAL has been involved in recent initiatives such as educating Americans, electing pro-choice candidates and advocates for pro-choice legislation to secure the freedom to choose, and defending reproductive choice from assaults by the radical right. NARAL is committed to reducing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. In a paper presented at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research Conference on Teenage Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use, statistics revealed that between 1990 and 1995, the percentage of teen girls who had ever had sexual intercourse declined by five percent, marking the first decline in more than 20 years, yet the rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease among teens remains unacceptably high. Format Actress Dana Delany and Penelope Ann Miller will make their remarks. Next, Kate Michelman, President of NARAL, will make introductory remarks and introduce you. Upon conclusion of your remarks, you have the option to work a ropeline. There will be 700-750 guests in attendance, including many members of Congress and the Administration (list attached). III. PARTICIPANTS Meet and Greet -Kate Michelman, President, NARAL -Susie Gelman, Co-Chair of Event -Selwa "Lucky" Roosevelt, Co-Chair of Event -Michael Gelman, Principal and Founder of Washington-based Accounting Firm -Mrs. Lynn Slepian, widow of slain provider, Dr. Barnett Slepian -Marilyn Buckham, Executive Director of the Buffalo Women's Clinic -Vicki Saporta, Executive Director, National Abortion Federation -Nancy Silverman, NARAL Foundation Board Member and New York Philanthropist -Roselyne Swig, Philanthropist and Community Activist -Candy Cox, Senior Vice President, DDB/Elgin Worldwide -Rick Gross, NARAL Board Member, Washington Attorney, Democratic Party Fundraiser (wife Roberta, Inspector General, NASA) -Susan McLane, NARAL Board Member, Women's Campaign Fund -Dana Delany, actress -Penelope Ann Miller, actress -Morris Wortman, M.D., OB-GYN -Lisa Perry, New York Philanthropist Program -Kate Michelman, President, NARAL -The First Lady IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Kate Michelman will make introductory remarks and introduces the First Lady onto stage. The First Lady makes remarks. Upon conclusion the First Lady has the option to work a ropeline. V. PRESS Open press. VI. REMARKS Provided by Laura Schiller. JAN-21-99 THU 05:17 PM NARAL LUNCHEON - Full Program P.02 Friday, January 22, 1999 445 11:30 am-noon VIP Reception 11:30 am Harpist plays in Reception Area 11:50 am Begin Calls for Seating All courses pre-set on table NOON Voice-over intros Co-Chairs, The Honorable Selwa Lucky Roosevelt and Susie Gelman Co-Chairs intro Kate Michelman 12:03 pm Kate Michelman delivers Opening Remarks 12:10 pm vo introduces Dana Delany for Wall of Honor segment 12:13 pm 15-minute Program Break for Luncheon 12:28 pm Kate Michelman delivers NARAL's history retrospective Ending with 60-second "I Believe" video 12:43 pm vo intros Penelope Ann Miller for Messages Segment 12:48 pm vo intros Reverend Carlton Veazey for Moment of Silence 12:51 pm vo intros Dr. Ralph Hale and Dr. John Choate of ACOG, accompanied by Kate Michelman for Slepian Award Segment: ACOG Remarks (5 minutes) Award Presentation to Mrs. Slepian 1:01 pm Kate Michelman returns to podium Asks Dr. Wortman to stand for recognition Kate introduces First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton 1:10 pm Mrs. Clinton delivers Keynote Address 1:35 pm Kate thanks audience NARAL Publications -- TEENS IN CRI...ategy to Protect Adolescent Health http://www.naral.org/publications/teensincrisis.html NARAL Promoting Reproductive Choices Publications TEENS IN CRISIS: A Comprehensive Strategy to Protect Adolescent Health National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL/The NARAL Foundation) Kate Michelman, President Paper presented at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research Conference on Teenage Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use: An Update May 1, 1998 Recent surveys identify several positive trends concerning teenage sexual activity and contraceptive use. Between 1990 and 1995, the percentage of teen girls who had ever had sexual intercourse declined by five percent -- marking the first decline in more than 20 Source years.1 In 1995, 78 percent of teen girls used contraception at first intercourse as compared to 65 percent in 1988 and 48 percent in 1982.2 In addition, the teen pregnancy, birth and abortion rates have been declining.3 Although these findings are notable, the U.S. continues to face an adolescent reproductive health crisis. The rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among teens remain unacceptably high. More teens may be using contraception at first intercourse; however, teens continue to fail to use contraception consistently or appropriately. Moreover, the frequency of unwanted sexual intercourse among teen girls is alarming. In searching for solutions to this adolescent reproductive health crisis, some individuals and groups have focused on abstinence-only education. An emphasis on abstinence-only education is misplaced. Abstinence education is an essential part of sexuality education, but abstinence should not be the only lesson taught. Sexuality education should teach teens to deal with peer pressure and pressure from partners to engage in sexual activity, but teens should also learn how to protect themselves if they do become sexually active. Rather than focusing on abstinence-only education, the U.S. must demonstrate a national commitment to remedying this adolescent crisis through a multi-pronged approach. Such an approach would invest in the development of young women by valuing their lives, inspiring them to seek better futures, enhancing self-sufficiency, preparing them for higher education, providing job training and ensuring access to health care. We need to embark on a campaign to increase family planning funding, improve and expand access to contraceptives, and increase awareness of and access to emergency contraceptives. Finally, we must launch a national effort to require comprehensive sexuality education throughout our primary and secondary schools. This approach would protect teens by promoting abstinence while simultaneously providing teens with the contraceptive and STD/HIV prevention information they need to make responsible decisions if and when they become sexually active. I. America is Facing a Crisis in Adolescent Reproductive Health. Despite the positive trends identified in the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth and 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males, the U.S. continues to face a crisis in adolescent reproductive health. Although some statistics demonstrate a decline in teen sexual activity, 1 of 11 1/21/99 1:55 PM PAGE 12 LEVEL 1 - 7 OF 50 STORIES Copyright 1998 The New York Times Company The New York Times October 26, 1998, Monday, Late Edition - Final SECTION: Section A; Page 1; Column 6; Metropolitan Desk LENGTH: 1148 words HEADLINE: Beliefs Pushed Doctor to Keep Abortion Role BYLINE: By JOSEPH BERGER DATELINE: AMHERST, N.Y., Oct. 25 BODY: Some of those who knew him said today that Dr. Barnett A: Slepian continued to perform abortions in the face of death threats because he had what one friend called "a stubborn kind of courage." Others said he persisted not for ideological reasons but because he was simply a conscientious doctor who wanted to practice the full range of gynecological medicine that he had been trained in, even if that included the procedures that many in the aggressive anti-abortion movement in western New York equated with murder. Having babies come into the world was his life," said Ellen Fink, a ytime friend. "But he performed abortions because he believed it was a woman's legal right to choose." Dr. Slepian, a 52-year-old gynecologist and obstetrician who lived in this suburb of Buffalo, was shot fatally in the back Friday night as he stood in his kitchen chatting with his wife, Lynne, and son Andrew. He had just returned from synagogue where he had gone to mark the yahrzeit, or anniversary, of his father's death. Today, his friends, patients and relatives were heartsick at his murder, but also fearful to speak about it because the sniper who lay in wait in the woods behind Dr. Slepian's house and shot him with a high-powered rifle through an undraped window was at large. Still, a few took time to talk to reporters because, they said, they wanted to make sure the man they knew was portrayed not as a pro-abortion zealot, but as a well-rounded doctor, father and husband. Dr. Slepian, who as a young man was so determined to become a doctor that he studied medicine in Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico, when American schools would not accept him, was a person who prized his time with his four sons: Andrew, 15; Brian, 13; Michael, 10, and Philip, 7. He was a devoted jogger, having run a marathon, and was, one friend said, "a health nut" who carefully watched such demons as cholesterol and salt. He belonged to a Reform synagogue, Temple Beth Am. He was painfully aware that he and his family could be the target of a fierce ent of abortions and took precautions. In the last five years, there had PAGE 13 The New York Times, October 26, 1998 b four attacks -- none fatal -- against doctors in the United States-Canadian r region, and two abortion doctors had been killed in other parts of the ed States. As recently as Friday morning, Dr. Slepian received a two-page ning from the downtown Buffalo clinic where he worked, urging him to beware of sniper attacks. "Do not assume that you are safe once you are at home,' the warning said. "Close the drapes in your house so you are not visible from outside.' In fact, Dr. Slepian often kept the blinds drawn at home and he called the police whenever he received a death threat. Neighbors said there were a number of periods when an Amherst patrol car was stationed outside Dr. Slepian's two-story brick colonial in a well-to-do enclave here. But he refused to change his approach to medicine, even when his friends warned him some anti-abortion protesters would view his death as a "coup" that would virtually eliminate poor people's access to abortion in the Buffalo area. "He knew the risks well," said Glenn Edward Murray, who was Dr. Slepian's lawyer and longtime friend. "We had discussed the fatal dangers he placed himself in by continuing to perform abortions. We discussed security measures. He was dedicated to providing women with safe and legal abortions and was unwilling to abandon his clients because of threats." Mr. Murray, who talked in carefully measured tones but still found himself choked with emotion, said that Dr. Slepian, as a young intern and resident in the Buffalo area, had been taught by mentors how dangerous and sometimes fatal = alley" abortions performed by bad practitioners or by the women themselves be. Even as he had four children of his own, he was determined that he 1d perform abortions for women who needed them, no matter how poor they were. So in addition to a private practice he had in this leafy suburban town in the prairie-flat countryside east of Buffalo, Dr. Slepian chose to work regularly at a clinic in downtown Buffalo that had been singled out by protesters and was the last of its kind in Buffalo -- Buffalo GYN Women's Services. Now, that clinic has been left without a doctor. His wife, Lynne, a trained nurse who stayed home in recent years to raise their sons, was as resolute as he was in not letting the protesters stop her husband from practicing medicine as he saw fit. Dr. Slepian, a slender, wiry man with the bearded face of a scholar, was born in Cambridge, Mass., into a lower-middle-class family of four children, each of whom went on to considerable accomplishment as an adult. One of his two brothers, Jacob, is also a doctor, specializing in ear, nose and throat medicine. Dr. Slepian, whom friends called Bart, was raised in Rochester, N.Y., attended college at the University of Denver in Colorado and received his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara. A residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo brought him to this' area 20 years ago, and he stayed. Although some gynecologists will quietly perform abortions for their longtime g patients, Dr. Slepian was one of only a few doctors in western New York PAGE 14 The New York Times, October 26, 1998 were willing to perform abortions openly at public clinics. Nonetheless, his ds said, he counseled women seeking abortion to consider alternatives like cion. In 1988, protesters taunted him outside his home on Hanukkah. When he emerged carrying a baseball bat, a clash ensued and Dr. Slepian was eventually charged with a misdemeanor for damaging a protester's vehicle. In 1992 he again became a target in a coordinated protest by 200 picketers from the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue that was known as "Spring of Life." In recent years, patients who visited him at the downtown clinic or his private office in Amherst periodically endured shouts from picketers of "You're murdering your babies." A longtime patient who asked that she be identified only as Karen said that Dr. Slepian frequently apologized for the protesters' disruptions. Still, Karen said she knew him mainly as a devoted gynecologist who saw her through infertility treatments and delivered her daughter. "He wasn't supposed to be there for the delivery but he came anyway and when I asked him, 'What are you doing here,' he said, 'I wouldn't miss it for the world.' " Similarly, she said, he went out of his way to visit another patient when she was in the hospital for a non-gynecological ailment. "I thought I'd come over to have donuts and coffee with you when I heard you were in the hospital," Karen heard that he told the friend. "He was the type of man," Karen said, "that I would put my life in his hands and not question what he had to say. And I can't say that about all doctors." HIC: Photos: Dr. Barnett A. Slepian was one of Buffalo's last abortion rs. (Associated Press); Mourners left flowers and a sign yesterday at the erst, N.Y., clinic of Dr. Barnett A. Slepian, an abortion doctor who was siain Friday. (Michael J. Okoniewski for The New York Times) (pg. B10) LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: October 26, 1998 PAGE 4 LEVEL 1 - 3 OF 50 STORIES Copyright 1998 The New York Times Company The New York Times October 27, 1998, Tuesday, Late Edition - Final SECTION: Section B; Page 1; Column 2; Metropolitan Desk LENGTH: 1265 words HEADLINE: Slain Physician Eulogized as Caring Man BYLINE: By JOSEPH BERGER DATELINE: AMHERST, N.Y., Oct. 26 BODY: Alan Dickison went to the funeral of Dr. Barnett A. Slepian this afternoon carrying his two towheaded children, Connor, 4, and Kelsey, 2, a boy and girl whom Dr. Slepian had delivered. "This man was about children," he said, brandishing the two children toward a cluster of reporters. "This man was not about abortions." As the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a $100,000 reward in its investigation of Dr. Slepian's slaying on Friday and the abortion clinic where r ad worked vowed to be open for business on Tuesday morning, Dr. Slepian was jized today by a brother and a niece and, in a letter, from President iton as a kind and dedicated physician who did not let threats and protests stop him from fulfilling what he regarded as his duty to care for women, no matter what their needs. Yet, among the hundreds of mourners who spilled out from a suburban funeral home here, there were many patients like the Dickison family who resented Dr. Slepian's description in many television and newspaper accounts as merely an "abortion doctor." Such a depiction, they said, was feeding into the agenda of the fierce enemies of abortion. "They raise the stakes and then some extremist shoots him in the back in the middle of the night," said Mr. Dickison, a registered nurse. Dr. Slepian, he said, was a doctor who cared for women through pregnancy, infertility, childbirth and menopause. His murder, he and other mourners said, has deprived the Buffalo area of a doctor who brought hundreds of babies into the world and attended to women who for medical or personal reasons could not carry an embryo to term. Marcia Sperduti, weeping as she walked toward the funeral home, told how Dr. Slepian had saved her son's life by rushing to perform a Caesarean on her when her son's umbilical cord became knotted in the womb. "Thank God I'm not having any more children, because Dr. Slepian is not alive to deliver them, she said. PAGE 5 The New York Times, October 27, 1998 `s Dr. Slepian's coffin was taken away for burial, the F.B.I. announced it ffering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of his er. But law enforcement officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity a that so far, little information had been developed about the killer -- what he or she looked like or what car was used in the getaway. Ballistics tests have not yet been completed on the bullet, which was fired by a sniper with a high-powered rifle from a wooded field behind Dr. Slepian's home. Officials said they were theorizing that this slaying was connected to four other sniper attacks since 1994 on doctors who performed abortions. Three attacks took place in Canada and one in Rochester, and there were injuries, though none of those doctors was killed. The F.B.I. and the Amherst Police Department have spoken to Canadian investigators about Friday's shooting. Dr. Slepian, 52, who had a private practice here, but also was the primary doctor at the only abortion clinic in downtown Buffalo, was shot in the back on Friday night as he stood chatting with his wife, Lynne, and 15-year-old son, Andrew, in the kitchen of their Amherst home. The killer had fired his high-powered rifle at an undraped window. At a news conference, John B. Askey, the Chief of Police of Amherst, revealed that six hours before Dr. Slepian was killed, his wife had called the police to inform them of a fax from the National Abortion Federation warning its 350 member clinics in the United States and Canada of the possibility of impending assaults because of the approach of Nov. 11. The holiday, known as Veterans Day in the United States, is Remembrance Day "anada, and this day to remember war dead has been embraced by abortion ents as a memorial day. The sniper shootings of the three Canadian doctors the one American took place in the days leading up to Nov. 11. Chief Askey said that Mrs. Slepian did not ask that a patrol car be stationed at the house, and the police did not send one. Asked if he regretted not doing so, he said: "I regret that Dr. Slepian is dead." Officials at Buffalo GYN Womenservices, the clinic where Dr. Slepian worked 15 to 24 hours a week performing abortions for largely poor and low-wage clients, said today that they had received offers from more than a half-dozen doctors around the country offering to take over Dr. Slepian's duties. Melinda Dubois, assistant director, said she expected the four-day-a week clinic, the only abortion clinic in western New York, to resume operations on Tuesday. "There are so many doctors that respected Bart," she said, using Dr. Slepian's nickname, "that they'd be willing to come into this area to take care of our patients.' At the same time, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan announced in Washington that any doctors who volunteered to work at the clinic would receive round-the-clock protection from the United States Marshals' Service. The Senator said marshals, assigned by John P. McCaffrey, chief of the western New York district, were being used to assure women seeking abortions a constitutional protection. The last time he said he could remember marshals' serving in a similar role was during the civil rights era of the 1960's. PAGE 6 The New York Times, October 27, 1998 "This is a constitutionally protected medical procedure and there is a rist movement trying to make it impossible," Senator Moynihan said in a phone interview. "And they murder people and they have Web sites that list tors who perform abortions and every so often a name is crossed off." The funeral drew an overflow turnout that included Dr. Slepian's patients and medical colleagues, as well as his family and friends and a sprinkling of abortion-rights supporters from as far away as Atlanta. A half-dozen Amherst police officers controlled traffic at the funeral and kept reporters out, but there was no indication of a heavy police presence to guard against a sniper. The Slepian family asked that the funeral be private, but Glenn Edward Murray, a friend of Dr. Slepian's and his personal lawyer, and others who attended described it afterward. Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach, rabbi of Dr. Slepian's synagogue, Temple Beth Am, read a three-paragraph letter President Clinton wrote to Mrs. Slepian and her four children, Andrew, 15, Brian, 13, Michael 10, and Philip, 7, that began with the words: "Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of your husband's tragic death." "Violence in our society hurts us all, but few have to endure its effects so personally," the President wrote. "This cowardly and brutal act has robbed your family of a beloved husband and devoted father and it has robbed your community of a skilled doctor and cherished friend. In the face of threats, taunts and V 'ence, Barnett Slepian refused to abandon the patients who trusted him and amilies who needed his help." Dr. Slepian's niece, Amanda Robb, told how Dr. Slepian became like a father to her after the death of her own father, providing financial and emotional support even as he was struggling to build his medical career. Before beginning his eulogy recalling Dr. Slepian's dedication, his older brother, Jacob, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Connecticut, told a story that highlighted his brother's dry sense of humor. He recalled how his brother had once had a bird, perhaps a macaw. When he learned that the bird could live to be as old as 80, he joked that he would train the bird to deliver his eulogy. Jacob Slepian said the bird and his brother had parted ways at some point, but he would try to do as well as the bird would have done. GRAPHIC: Photos: Alan Dickison with his children at services for Dr. Barnett A. Slepian yesterday. (Michael J. Okoniewski for The New York Times) (pg. B1); Mourners leaving services for Dr. Barnett A. Slepian yesterday. "This man was about children,' one said. "This man was not about abortions." (Michael J. Okoniewski for The New York Times) (pg. B7) LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: October 27, 1998 NARAL Press Release ⑉ October 28, 1998 http://www.naral.org/publications/press/98oct/102898.html NARAL Publications Promoting Reproductive Choices PRESS RELEASES & STATEMENTS STATEMENT OF KATE MICHELMAN AT THE VIGIL FOR DR. SLEPIAN October 28, 1998 I knew Dr. Slepian. I knew this remarkable man. I knew of his commitment to his patients and of his dedication to our cause. I knew of his devotion to the reproductive health and freedom of American women. And I knew of his determination and courage. Dr. Slepian was a victim of serious threats for years and he never backed down. Not once did he think of ending his practice or abandoning the women who relied on him SO much. Dr. Slepian believed deeply in the constitutional right of women to choose and he rightly believed that he was a force that enabled women to exercise that right with dignity and in safety. A dedicated physician, a true ally in the fight for women's reproductive health, a husband, a father, and a dear friend. Dr. Slepian will be sorely missed. Dr. Slepian would want his passing should serve a much higher purpose. So let us honor him with renewed commitment to the pro-choice values he so perfectly embodied. Let us mark his passing with renewed courage to fight for women's reproductive health and the right of women to choose - free from government interference - free from harassment - free from intimidation - and free from violence. Coming on the heels of the brutal death of Matthew Shepard, the shocking murder of Dr. Slepian reflects a deeply disturbing and increasingly dangerous trend of intolerance, exclusion, hatred and disdain for the rule of law. Both Dr. Slepian and Matthew Shepard were victims of those who use violence to express their opposition to social progress. This reign of terror must be stopped. Increasingly, anti-choice groups and their leaders are using sensationalized rhetoric and incendiary statements to characterize abortion. They have labeled doctors as murders, posted their names on "wanted" signs and on the Internet, and even gone so far a to publicly justify the murder of these men. But it is time for that to change. Those who oppose abortion must take responsibility for their role in creating a climate where the zealous feel justified in committing acts of violence. They must acknowledge and admit that their words drive unrestrained factions of their movements to commit these horrific acts. Denials and condemnations no longer suffice. They must stop referring to abortion as murder. And they must stop referring to doctors as murderers. These are acts of terrorism, pure and simple, and this country must condemn them as such. Our outrage should boil over and spill into the streets. Law enforcement, legislators, the medical community, pro-choice and anti-choice Americans alike must rise up and strike back at the heart of these criminals - not with violence, but with swift justice and meaningful action. 1 of 2 1/21/99 1:24 PM NARAL Press Release - October 28, 1998 http://www.naral.org/publications/press/98oct/102898.html Those who would do away with the Roe have become emboldened - have become smarter - have become a very powerful force in America - with a reach that is broader and deeper than we could ever have imagined just four years ago with the congressional landslide election of 1994. The freedom to choose is no longer safe and the time for action is now. In less than two weeks we must make choices at the polls. Let bring our outrage at these killings into the voting booth with us. Let us bring a renewed commitment to our cause. On November 3rd, I ask you to step up to our opponents and do as they preach - vote your own values. Dig deep into who we are as a people - into what we want for our children - into the freedoms SO hard won, and now at risk. If we fail to rally our people into action, then our opponents - and the murderer of Dr. Slepian will have won. If we fail to rally to our own cause, we will have failed ourselves - and we will fail our future. Let us honor Dr. Slepian with action, not tears. home search index what's new feedback join Copyright 1998, National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League 2 of 2 1/21/99 1:24 PM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton Remarks at NARAL Anniversary Luncheon Washington, D.C. January 22, 1999 Thank you. I am honored to be here with all of you on NARAL's 30th anniversary to celebrate the voices you have raised, the battles you have waged, and the victories won on behalf of women around the world. For 30 years, every step forward for women's reproductive health in America has had one thing in common: the leadership of the people in this room. So I wanted to come this afternoon for many reasons, but I want to start by thanking all of you for what you do every day for the rights and health of women and families. I want to thank my dear friend, Secretary Shalala, Nancy Rubin, former and present members of Congress, Lucky Roosevelt and Susie Gelman for your hard work. And I particularly want to thank someone else. I know that in her remarks, Kate spotlighted many of NARAL's countless achievements, but I happened to notice that she left one thing out. And that is that none of it would have been possible in these last years without her and her leadership. Whether speaking out in the halls of Congress or organizing in communities across America, no one understands the stakes more. No one has been more courageous, passionate and tireless in the battle to make sure that every child is wanted, to make sure every pregnancy is planned, to make sure that every woman is blessed with reproductive health and freedom. And Kate, we all want to thank you for what you've done every single day. Thank you very much. I'm also very humbled and honored to join the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and all of you, in honoring the courageous life and work of Dr. Slepian. The President and I, the Vice President and Tipper had the opportunity to meet Lynne Slepian and her four sons in Buffalo the other day. I don't know how I could adequately express the feelings that the four of us had standing there and talking with Lynne. Marilyn Buckham, the director of the Buffalo clinic, was with her. And those four young men. I'm told that recently Lynne, in a conversation with a friend, said how astounded she was that countless people that she didn't know had offered to help her family. Her friend replied, "It's because so many people admired Bart's courage and commitment." "But you know," Lynne said, "he didn't do those things to be admired." And the friend replied, "We know. And that's one of the reasons we admired him so much." For his work was not the work of politics. It was the work of a community physician who brought life into the world, and gave health and dignity to women. That was his mission, and it must be our enduring goal. Because we are here not only to celebrate NARAL's 30th birthday, but also to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Roe V. Wade. We can all take heart that despite many attempts to chip away at its guarantees, Roe is still the law of the land. We can take heart that we have stopped the global gag rule, for now. That Title X family planning funding increased by $12 million. And that federal health plans are now required, if they cover prescription drugs, to also cover contraceptives. But there is even more that happened this past year that we can celebrate. Because after years of moving in the wrong direction, we are finally seeing teen pregnancies and teen sexual activity going down. Unintended pregnancies are down. Abortions are down by a full 12 percent. And all of this happened under a pro-choice president who has refused to back down in his support of a woman's right to choose. A pro-choice president who respects the strongly held views of those who act in good faith, hold a different view. And who has worked to make good on the promise he made seven years ago to work to make abortion safe, legal and rare. Now you know better than anyone else that this will never be, it cannot 1 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm be, an easy issue. It will always be hard. We don't have to look any further than the events on the Mall, the event in this room, and the gulf between them to know that emotions and feelings will always run deep. But all too often, generally because of the loudest voices, the American people don't hear explained the efforts that we're engaged in to continue to work with people from all different walks of life to make abortion safe, legal, and rare. But instead they hear what Lawrence Tribe calls "The Clash of Absolutes.' People shouting at each other about their differences instead of talking about and working to find what they have in common. That doesn't mean that anyone should ever abandon his or her belief that their fundamental convictions, and certainly, for those of us here, it means we never abandon our belief that the fundamental human right all people have to plan their own families. And it also means that we can never work with those who advocate violence. But there are people of good faith on all sides of this issue, and every day that we fail to find common ground to meet our goals of giving human rights and dignity to all people, another day goes by where a child is born unwanted, or a woman cannot get access to proper health care, or a teenager becomes pregnant and doesn't know what to do. Across our country, we come to this issue as men and women, young and old, some far beyond years when we have to worry about getting pregnant, others too young to remember what it was like in the days before Roe V. Wade. People call themselves by different labels, follow different political philosophies or religions, but I think it's essential that as Americans we look for that common ground that we can all stand upon. For more than anything, our democracy is built upon a powerful idea: that people with profound differences and backgrounds can work together, across whatever divides them personally, in pursuit of common goals. Because, despite our differences, there are certain core beliefs and values that tie us together and set us apart as Americans. And it is those beliefs that can guide us in reaching our goal of keeping abortion safe, legal and rare into the next century. I want to talk about three of those core, fundamental American beliefs. First, as Americans, most of us believe that the government should never be involved in the personal decision a woman makes about whether to bring a child into this world. I know that earlier you got a look at the new NARAL ad that will begin running Monday night. And I want to congratulate NARAL for calling choice what it is: a fundamental American value and freedom. So every time we hear calls from those who would do away with family planning or limit reproductive rights, I hope we remember how fundamental our American values are to this debate. I also hope we will hear the voices of others who have come before us. Just imagine for a minute hearing the voices of the women who lined around the block for hours in 1916, waiting for Margaret Sanger to open the nation's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn. Before the police shut it down 10 days later, the clinic managed to help hundreds of women, and they all had their stories to tell. Stories of miscarriages and dangerous and illegal abortions, and the daily struggles to feed, clothe and shelter seven, eight, nine, ten or even more children when there was barely enough to care for one. Of course we know too well the human history beyond our shores is replete with examples of inhumanity, and the abuse of power. So every time someone glibly says that we should have a constitutional amendment banning abortion or we should criminalize abortions, I hope we will listen to the voices of those who have been the victims of such practices. I hope we could hear the voices of the women who have suffered, often in silence, in Nazi Germany. For Aryan women, deemed "valuable," abortion facilities were prohibited, and their miscarriages were investigated by the police. For Jewish women, and Gypsy men and women in the concentration camps, they faced mass sterilizations as part of the quest to prevent "inferior" children. And from 1942 on, when women deported as forced labor became pregnant, their pregnancy was reported to a special S.S. officer, who tested them to identify their race, and then he decided the outcome of their pregnancy. Every time someone tries to eliminate access to family planning, or further curtail 2 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm reproductive rights, I hope we'll hear voices from women in Romania. When I visited there just a few years ago, I spoke with women about what it was like before they had democracy -- when they were taken against their will, often, or just as it became a matter of course once a month during their working hours. Taken to a general holding facility where they were physically examined to determine if they were pregnant, stripping them of their dignity. As part of Ceausescu's campaign to increase population in Romania to 30 million, birth control, sex education and abortions were outlawed. You could open the door of your home and find a member of the communist youth group there to quiz you about your private life to find out why you hadn't conceived yet. And if you failed to conceive, you were fined a celibacy tax of up to 10 percent of your monthly salary. I hope we will also listen to the voices coming out of China. The voices of women today now include many who are working to ensure that their country's family planning practices are voluntary and respectful. When I was there, I heard about what the one-child policy had once meant for too many women. Back in the early 1980s, your menstrual cycle and use of contraceptives could be monitored by local authorities. If you wanted to have a child, you needed to get permission or perhaps face punishment. And, after you'd had your one allotted child, you could be sterilized against your will or forced to have an abortion. Which is why in my speech in Beijing, I said that "It is a violation of human rights when women are denied the right to plan their own families -- and that includes being forced to have an abortion or being sterilized against their will." I hope everyone who has ever talked about making abortion illegal or limiting access to family planning will listen to these voices from our own history and the history of other women around our world. More powerful than any statistic, they tell the story of two different extremes. The government saying you cannot have children and the government saying you must have children. Neither of which is consistent with our American sense of fundamental justice, freedom and democracy. That's why NARAL is right to keep asking, Who decides? And the American people have been right to answer again and again: This difficult decision must be made by individual women, in privacy, in consultation with her conscience, her family, her doctor, her God and not her member of Congress. We also must continue to say that making abortion illegal only succeeds in doing one thing -- making it unsafe, dangerous for women. As the Guttmacher Institute study released yesterday makes clear, even in some countries where abortion is illegal, they have abortion rates higher than what we have here in the United States. Because even when abortion is illegal, women who feel they need or have a right to the procedure find a way but often at great risks to themselves. Every year around the world, almost 600,000 women die of pregnancy related causes and 78,000 of these deaths are because of unsafe abortions. Even in our country, we have seen what can happen when a small group of extremists tries to accomplish through violence and intimidation what they have been unable to achieve through the ballot box or the courts. That brings me to the second principle that I hope continues to guide our country, and that is this: Violence, harassment, and intimidation have no role in our health care system or in this debate. Yes, we should respect each other's First Amendment rights to express our views. But no one debases the values of free speech, life and religion more than terrorists who claim to be acting in their name. 3 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi./generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm At Dr. Slepian's memorial, there were countless parents who came to honor him. And they did not come alone. In their arms or by their sides were the children that he had delivered, some of whose lives he had literally saved. They will be his lasting legacy. But what can each of us do that would best honor his memory, and the memory of others who have been killed? We must honor them as Dr. Wortman has done, by refusing to back down in our efforts to make sure that doctors are trained and available to provide safe and comprehensive health care to women all over our nation. And we can do everything in our power to prevent violence and terrorism before it happens. In the last 10 years, there have been seven murders, 38 bombings, 146 cases of arson, and 733 cases of vandalism. Wherever one stands on the issue of abortion, surely we should all agree that when doctors are murdered, when clinics are bombed, splattered with acid, or set on fire, this is not free expression. This is domestic terrorism. And it must stop. That's why I'm pleased to announce that the President's FY 2000 budget will include $4.5 million to provide extra security to clinics at risk. And that means proper lighting, motion detectors, closed-circuit cameras, security systems, and bullet-resistant windows. You know, we should recognize that nothing good can come from people preaching or practicing hate whether they do it from a street corner or from a website. And no one has taught us this lesson better than the man whose birthday we celebrated this past Monday. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his speech about this topic 33 years ago said, "There is scarcely anything more tragic in life than a child who is not wanted." And that brings me to my third point. More than anything, as Americans I think we can find common ground in the belief that all children should be wanted and that indeed abortions should be rare. I have met thousands and thousands of pro-choice men and women. I have never met anyone who is pro-abortion. Being pro-choice is not being pro-abortion. Being pro-choice is trusting the individual to make the right decision for herself and her family, and not entrusting that decision to anyone wearing the authority of government in any regard. Now I think we can all agree that it is a tragedy when four in 10 pregnancies worldwide are unplanned and half of them end in abortion. Now if we want, really, to reduce these numbers, we know we cannot achieve that goal by making abortions harder to get. We must do it by standing up for family planning here and around the world. And I am pleased to announce that the President's budget request for FY 2000 does just that. He is asking for an increase of $25 million in Title X Family Planning grants -- the largest increase in 15 years and is also asking for $25 million for the United Nations Population Fund thereby renewing our commitment to those women around the world who rely upon that fund for contraceptives, maternal care, and child care. Now, I am always amazed as I was during the debates on this issue last year that those who oppose family planning try to link family planning to increases in abortion. Now we know that it is, on the contrary, by refusing to fund family planning programs that we force women to fall back on abortion. We know that contraception reduces the probability of having an abortion by 85 percent. We know that every year, U.S. family planning programs prevent 1.2 million unintended pregnancies and 516,000 abortions in our country alone. And we have seen the same results the world over. I am looking forward to my trip to the Hague in a little over, a little less, I guess now, than two weeks, where nations will gather in anticipation of Cairo plus five, to highlight success 4 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm stories -- and find ways of replicating them worldwide. But I have already seen many of those success stories firsthand. As I have personally had the opportunity to visit health centers all over the world, where family planning is decreasing the abortion rate and helping women gain authority and dignity in their own lives. I remember visiting a maternity hospital in Brazil, where they had integrated family planning and reproductive health into their maternal and health services. I saw mothers standing in the crowded hallways, cradling their newborns, waiting for well-baby appointments. Young women waiting for their prenatal appointments. Infants getting immunized. I saw parents getting the information they needed to make wise choices about planning their families. And I also saw wards of women who were there because they had not received quality health care. Many had, however, received self-induced or back-alley abortions. I spoke to a number of mothers who told me that for the first time they could adequately care for the children they had. I learned about how rates of maternal mortality and abortion decreased because women received health care they needed in a timely fashion. And I fell in love with the Minister of Health for the state I was visiting when he said what everyone knows, and that is he intended to bring to poor women the same access to family planning services that well-to-do women take for granted. It was indeed a victory when contraceptives were included last year in health plans for federal employees. But now, private plans should cover contraceptives as well. It is also past time to pass a Patient's Bill of Rights so that women will not have to go through a gatekeeper to see their OB/GYN every year. And it is time, through our community health clinics and other facilities, to give all people access to effective family planning and, I hope someday, universal health care. And, if we want to decrease unintended pregnancies, abortions, welfare, and the number of young people dropping out of school, we must continue the progress we have made on preventing teen pregnancy. I am very pleased with the results of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, headed by Sarah Brown and enlisting many distinguished Americans. That campaign has made teen pregnancy an issue on the front covers of teen magazines and soap operas, and has used many imaginative ways of reaching out with many Americans, particularly young Americans, as possible. And we've got some success to show for this effort. Fewer teens are having sex, getting pregnant, and having abortions, so we are getting the word out, but there are clearly too many young people who have not yet gotten this message. I'm always stunned when I meet with groups of young women who have babies already, who are pregnant and perhaps attending a class I visit. They sit there with a totally straight face and tell me that as soon as their boyfriend gets a job or gets back from the Army, or gets out of jail, they'll be a family, and everything will work out just fine. Well, we know better, and we have to continue to educate our young women about that reality as well. But we know that young women get pregnant for a whole host of reasons. Some just don't understand why it's a bad idea, because they will, they think, have someone who is totally there who will love them unconditionally, at least until that child becomes a toddler and learns to say no. But that's another story. Some are coerced by older boyfriends. Some are the victims of incest. Others can't cope with school or their family and see pregnancy and motherhood as a way out. Whatever the reason might be, we have to try to reach every single teenager. We're doing that in a variety of ways. We are leaving no strategy unused. The pregnancy prevention programs include abstinence education, more after-school 5 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm programs, efforts like Secretary Shalala's Girl Power Campaign, access to family planning, decision-making groups any approach that we think can work. And we are seeing that this multi-pronged strategy can give us positive results. For example, back in 1990, Cortland, New York, had one of the highest teen pregnancy rates around. The county's family planning clinic and Catholic Charities decided to work together. They made the clinic free. They enlisted teens to talk to teens. They created a place for youngsters to go every Saturday night with adult supervision. They brought in religious leaders and businesses and they taught parents how to talk to their own children. And they set a goal of reducing the teenage pregnancy rate by one-third by the year 2000. Today they have almost reached that goal. As of 1996, the rates had decreased 30 percent -- the lowest in that community in 20 years. So we know what works. We have to muster the will and build the coalitions that reach out and include all members of a community in making it possible for not only young people, but people of any age, to have access to the services, to be given the support they need to make wise decisions about their sexual life so that they can prevent pregnancy and prevent abortion. I remember hearing about a conversation that Sarah Brown had with a teen father in Los Angeles. As they talked about what he felt like, being a father at such a young age, at the end of the conversation, he told Sarah that, "No adult had ever taken that much interest in what happened to me." Well, the truth is that we have to pay attention to young women and young men, we have to do what we can to make it possible that they can have the equipment they need psychologically, emotionally to withstand pressure and to make the right decisions. One young person from Texas, when asked what parents could do to prevent their own children from becoming pregnant said: "Don't leave us alone so much." Now, as any parent of teenagers knows, I don't think he meant literally he wanted to spend every second with his parents. But I do think that he was sending us in the adult community a very important message: that we have to fill our young people's lives with meaningful activities, skills they can obtain, a good education and just plain old-fashioned support and love. If we give them something else in their lives to look forward to playing on a soccer team, being in a school play, or going to college, becoming a teacher, whatever it might be then the needs that they sometimes feel to achieve maturity early will have some tough competition. A number of years ago, at the Baltimore Self Center, Rosalie Strett used to give pregnant girls baby dolls to teach them to be parents. But she replaced the face of the doll with a mirror not only so they would learn to make eye contact with their children, but so that when they looked down, they would see themselves, and that child, in the future. Imagine if every person looked into the mirror before sexual activity, before a pregnancy, and asked, "Am I ready for this?" Imagine if boys and men not just girls and women -- looked into that mirror as well. Because we have to do more to reach out to young men, and enlist them in the campaign to make abortion rare, and to make it possible for them also to define their lives in terms other than what they imagine sexual prowess and fatherhood being. All of us -- citizens, parents, teachers, government officials, the media, sports figures, religious leaders, business leaders all of us need to look in that mirror. We have to make it our responsibility to create a new ethic of planned parenthood in this country. An ethic where people have the tools they need to plan every pregnancy -- probably, by any measurement, the most important event in their lives with as much care and detail as they plan other major events. 6 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM First Lady's Speeches http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/Fi../generalspeeches/1999/19990122.htm I hope we will do more than imagine. I think again of Dr. Slepian, who despite the harassment, had the courage every day to be there for the women who relied upon him. I think of the women who died in back-alley abortions. The women forced to bear children in Romania or forced to abort them in China. And I think of the pioneers in our own country before Roe V. Wade -- some in this room -- who, even when you were ridiculed, threatened or ostracized, stood up for the right of each woman to choose. You have led us to this day, and we are grateful for your leadership. But now we have to expand far beyond this room, and far beyond those who are already identified an understanding that the issue we are proposing the pro-choice issue -- is an issue with deep roots in American democracy and human rights. I hope that at the 50th anniversary of NARAL, the people on this podium speaking to you and the people in the audience will be able to say that we persevered. We did not turn our backs on our fundamental principles, but we also faced forward. That we worked with those who were willing to work with us to end some of the divisiveness that has plagued this issue. And we found the courage -- and the common ground -- to make it possible for future generations to say that abortion is safe, legal and indeed, rare. At some point in that future, where we will be able, I hope, to have built a much stronger foundation, and created on much more common ground, we will not have to hear these endless debates about family planning, about reproductive rights, but instead, we will all be focused on giving to each person in our country the respect that person needs to make the decisions all of our lives that only we can and should make. That's the kind of America that we celebrate today. That's the kind of America we must continue to fight for. Thank you all very much. ? To comment on this service, send feedback to the Web Development Team. Read our Privacy Policy 7 of 7 6/14/2000 9:54 AM January 21, 1999 NARAL 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DATE: Friday, January 22 TIME: 1:05 pm - 1:35 pm LOCATION: Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, D.C. FROM: Brenda Costello and Natasha McMahan I. PURPOSE To deliver the keynote address at NARAL's 30th anniversary celebration, and to highlight the Administration's commitment to finding common ground in order to make abortion safe, legal, and rare. II. BACKGROUND Overview The event will highlight National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League's (NARAL's) thirty-year history of advocacy on behalf of a woman's freedom to choose and the 26th annual recognition of the landmark decision in Roe V. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion. Friday's luncheon will take place at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington. There will be 700-750 guests who will be from NARAL and its affiliate organizations. In addition, the luncheon will honor the memory of Dr. Barnett Slepian, the Buffalo physician, murdered in his home last October, along with other physicians and health care professionals who uphold the freedom to choose despite the climate of fear and intimidation. National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) NARAL has a grassroots network of 30 state affiliates and 500,000 members nationwide. NARAL's work is divided among three organizations, 1) NARAL, INC., which works through the political system to effect reproductive health policy; 2) NARAL-PAC, which is the political action committee and driving force behind the election of many pro-choice candidates, and 3) The NARAL Foundation, which supports the in-depth research and legal work of the organization. Since 1969, the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) and its affiliates have been the leading force in the fight for reproductive freedom in America. Serving as the political arm of the pro-choice movement, NARAL has been involved in several key races throughout the country to elect pro-choice candidates to Congress. While advocating for programs that reduce unintended pregnancy and make abortion less necessary, NARAL has pursued its mission of securing and protecting the freedom to choose. NARAL advocates that the freedom to make personal decisions without governmental interference is one of the most fundamental principles on which our nation was founded. NARAL is leading the way to promote policies that will make abortion less necessary. NARAL's legislative efforts played a vital role in passing the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which prohibits unlawful anti-choice violence and harassment that jeopardizes access to abortion services. In addition, NARAL has been involved in recent initiatives such as educating Americans, electing pro-choice candidates and advocates for pro-choice legislation to secure the freedom to choose, and defending reproductive choice from assaults by the radical right. NARAL is committed to reducing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. In a paper presented at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research Conference on Teenage Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use, statistics revealed that between 1990 and 1995, the percentage of teen girls who had ever had sexual intercourse declined by five percent, marking the first decline in more than 20 years, yet the rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease among teens remains unacceptably high. Format Actress Dana Delany and Penelope Ann Miller will make their remarks. Next, Kate Michelman, President of NARAL, will make introductory remarks and introduce you. Upon conclusion of your remarks, you have the option to work a ropeline. There will be 700-750 guests in attendance, including many members of Congress and the Administration (list attached). III. PARTICIPANTS Meet and Greet -Kate Michelman, President, NARAL -Susie Gelman, Co-Chair of Event -Selwa "Lucky" Roosevelt, Co-Chair of Event -Michael Gelman, Principal and Founder of Washington-based Accounting Firm -Mrs. Lynn Slepian, widow of slain provider, Dr. Barnett Slepian -Marilyn Buckham, Executive Director of the Buffalo Women's Clinic -Vicki Saporta, Executive Director, National Abortion Federation -Nancy Silverman, NARAL Foundation Board Member and New York Philanthropist -Roselyne Swig, Philanthropist and Community Activist -Candy Cox, Senior Vice President, DDB/Elgin Worldwide -Rick Gross, NARAL Board Member, Washington Attorney, Democratic Party Fundraiser (wife Roberta, Inspector General, NASA) -Susan McLane, NARAL Board Member, Women's Campaign Fund -Dana Delany, actress -Penelope Ann Miller, actress -Morris Wortman, M.D., OB-GYN -Lisa Perry, New York Philanthropist Program -Kate Michelman, President, NARAL -The First Lady IV. SEQUENCE OF EVENTS Kate Michelman will make introductory remarks and introduces the First Lady onto stage. The First Lady makes remarks. Upon conclusion the First Lady has the option to work a ropeline. V. PRESS Open press. VI. REMARKS Provided by Laura Schiller. JAN-21-99 THU 05:17 PM NARAL LUNCHEON - Full Program P. 02 Friday, January 22, 1999 445 11:30 am-noon VIP Reception 11:30 am Harpist plays in Reception Area 11:50 am Begin Calls for Seating All courses pre-set on table NOON Voice-over intros Co-Chairs, The Honorable Selwa Lucky Roosevelt and Susie Gelman Co-Chairs intro Kate Michelman 12:03 pm Kate Michelman delivers Opening Remarks 12:10 pm vo introduces Dana Delany for Wall of Honor segment 12:13 pm 15-minute Program Break for Luncheon 12:28 pm Kate Michelman delivers NARAL's history retrospective Ending with 60-second "I Believe" video 12:43 pm vo intros Penelope Ann Miller for Messages Segment 12:48 pm vo intros Reverend Carlton Veazey for Moment of Silence 12:51 pm vo intros Dr. Ralph Hale and Dr. John Choate of ACOG, accompanied by Kate Michelman for Slepian Award Segment: ACOG Remarks (5 minutes) Award Presentation to Mrs. Slepian 1:01 pm Kate Michelman returns to podium Asks Dr. Wortman to stand for recognition Kate introduces First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton 1:10 pm Mrs. Clinton delivers Keynote Address 1:35 pm Kate thanks audience JAN-21-99 THU 04:45 PM P. 02 NARAL LUNCHEON In Attendance: Administration: Katie Button, First Lady's Office Carolyn Frederickson, White House Legislative Affairs Roberta Gross, Inspector General, NASA Peggy Hamburg, Assistant Secretary, HHS Jennifer Luray, White House Women's Office Janet Murguia, White House Legislative Affairs mur-geea Margaret Pollack, Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Nancy Rubin, US Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission Donna Shalala, Secretary of HHS Merlanne Verveer, Chief of State, First Lady Marcy Wilder, Deputy General Counsel, HHS (former NARAL employee) Members of Congress: Sen. John Chafee Rep. Eva Clayton Rep. Danny Davis Rep. Eliot Engel Rep. Sam Farr Former Rep. Jane Harman Rep. Alcee Hastings Rep. Rush Holt Former Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick Former Rep. Mike Kopetski Former Rep. Peter Kostmayer Rep. Tom Lantos Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald Rep. Patsy Mink Rep. Dennis Moore Rep. Connie Morella Sen. Patty Murray Rep. Ed Pastor Rep. Nancy Pelosi Rep. Lynn Rivers Rep. Jan Schakowsky Former Rep. And Ambassador Jame Scheuer and Mrs. Emily Malino Scheuer Rep. Louise Slaughter Rep. Mike Thompson Rep. Anthony D. Weiner (weener) ИНЕКГ MARCHEW JAN-21-99 THU 04:45 PM P. 03 Rep. Lynn Woolsey Rep. David Wu Other Notables: Lynn Blitzer Esther Coopersmith Kitty Kelley Hon. Rosario Manolo, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Philipines Carol Pensky ID: :202-973-3098 JAN 22'99 4:16 No. 006 P.02 NARAL Promoting Reproductive Choices Kate Michelman, President National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Biography Kate Michelman's commitment to personal and individual liberties is longstanding. This fact is most evident when one examines her twelve-year tenure as the President of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL). Her leadership is marked by an unabiding commitment to reproductive freedom as a fundamental American value. This commitment has earned her recognition as one of the most influential and dynamic women in Washington, D.C., while the October 1997 edition of Vanity Fair named NARAL among the twenty most powerful special interest groups in the nation. Media sources frequently recognize Michelman as a leading voice in the pro-choice community. Journalists from national newspapers, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today, regularly quote her as a leading defender of reproductive freedom. She has also appeared on network news and talk shows, including Face the Nation, This Week With David Brinkley, Nightline, The MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour, CBS This Morning, Crossfire, Equal Time, Fox News Sunday and PBS. Michelman knows first-hand that abortion is a difficult human dilemma, Her tenacious spirit is driven by the memories of her difficult struggle with the abortion decision prior to Roe V. Wade. In 1970, she was denied the legal right to choose an abortion without the written consent of the man who had deserted her and their three children and the approval of a hospital board of four men. She has described this experience as a degrading, dehumanizing assault on her integrity, dignity and very sense of self. National Abortion and Reproductive Rights During the twenty-seven years since her abortion, Michelman has emerged as an Action League articulate and passionate defender of women's reproductive choices, conveying a 1156 15th Street, NW message that the majority of Americans support. As a political strategist, lobbyist Suite 700 and fundraiser, she has maintained that women must be trusted to make the Washington, DC 20005 Phone (202) 973-3000 abortion decision within their own moral and ethical framework. This framework Fax (202) 973-3096 structured NARAL's "Who Decides?" campaign, providing a timely and ageless 10536 Culver Boulevard message that has motivated and sustained a strong pro-choice constituency Suite B throughout the 1990s. Culver City, CA 90232 Phone (310) 559-9334 Fax (310) 204-6942 http://www.naral.org E-Mail: [email protected] * ID:202-973-3098 JAN 22'99 4:16 No. 006 P.03 By shifting the focus of the abortion debate to a woman's right to make personal decisions free from government interference, NARAL has played a central role in electoral politics, helping to elect pro-choice candidates at the state and federal levels. Under Michelman's leadership, NARAL has also lobbied on behalf of legislation that guarantees every woman the right to make personal decisions regarding a full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. Michelman's background provides a broad foundation of experience to develop and articulate the need for comprehensive reproductive health care policies. At the grassroots level, she developed a model multi-disciplinary diagnostic treatment program for developmentally disabled preschool children and their families. The project resulted from her work on behalf of children with special needs in Adams County, Pennsylvania, a predominantly rural county on the fringes of Appalachia. One of the first such projects in the United States, it has become a model program replicated by early childhood specialists in several regions. As an educator, Michelman has provided clinical training of medical students and residents in child development while working as a clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine. In 1994, she was selected to be a fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government's Institute of Politics at Harvard University. In addition, she served as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. During her five-year tenure, she expanded the availability of health services to include all aspects of reproductive health needs. No one knows better than Kate Michelman that the right to choose is one of the most contested American values. Victories have been hard won, and the status of reproductive freedom is currently tenuous. Michelman, however, is a woman of vision. She is leading the efforts to create a positive, moral, pro-choice message that elevates childbearing to a new level of responsibility. She is also a woman of compassion, working to create a society that enables women to participate fully as citizens, and that values women's choices, health, and safety. 2 NARAL Publications -- TEENS IN CRI...ategy to Protect Adolescent Health http://www.naral.org/publications/teensincrisis.html NARAL Promoting Reproductive Choices Publications TEENS IN CRISIS: A Comprehensive Strategy to Protect Adolescent Health National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL/The NARAL Foundation) Kate Michelman, President Paper presented at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research Conference on Teenage Sexual Activity and Contraceptive Use: An Update May 1, 1998 Recent surveys identify several positive trends concerning teenage sexual activity and contraceptive use. Between 1990 and 1995, the percentage of teen girls who had ever had sexual intercourse declined by five percent - marking the first decline in more than 20 Source years.1 In 1995, 78 percent of teen girls used contraception at first intercourse as compared to 65 percent in 1988 and 48 percent in 1982.2 In addition, the teen pregnancy, birth and abortion rates have been declining.3 Although these findings are notable, the U.S. continues to face an adolescent reproductive health crisis. The rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among teens remain unacceptably high. More teens may be using contraception at first intercourse; however, teens continue to fail to use contraception consistently or appropriately. Moreover, the frequency of unwanted sexual intercourse among teen girls is alarming. In searching for solutions to this adolescent reproductive health crisis, some individuals and groups have focused on abstinence-only education. An emphasis on abstinence-only education is misplaced. Abstinence education is an essential part of sexuality education, but abstinence should not be the only lesson taught. Sexuality education should teach teens to deal with peer pressure and pressure from partners to engage in sexual activity, but teens should also learn how to protect themselves if they do become sexually active. Rather than focusing on abstinence-only education, the U.S. must demonstrate a national commitment to remedying this adolescent crisis through a multi-pronged approach. Such an approach would invest in the development of young women by valuing their lives, inspiring them to seek better futures, enhancing self-sufficiency, preparing them for higher education, providing job training and ensuring access to health care. We need to embark on a campaign to increase family planning funding, improve and expand access to contraceptives, and increase awareness of and access to emergency contraceptives. Finally, we must launch a national effort to require comprehensive sexuality education throughout our primary and secondary schools. This approach would protect teens by promoting abstinence while simultaneously providing teens with the contraceptive and STD/HIV prevention information they need to make responsible decisions if and when they become sexually active. I. America is Facing a Crisis in Adolescent Reproductive Health. Despite the positive trends identified in the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth and 1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males, the U.S. continues to face a crisis in adolescent reproductive health. Although some statistics demonstrate a decline in teen sexual activity, 1 of 11 1/21/99 1:55 PM PAGE 12 LEVEL 1 - 7 OF 50 STORIES Copyright 1998 The New York Times Company The New York Times October 26, 1998, Monday, Late Edition - Final SECTION: Section A; Page 1; Column 6; Metropolitan Desk LENGTH: 1148 words HEADLINE: Beliefs Pushed Doctor to Keep Abortion Role BYLINE: By JOSEPH BERGER DATELINE: AMHERST, N.Y., Oct. 25 BODY: Some of those who knew him said today that Dr. Barnett A: Slepian continued to perform abortions in the face of death threats because he had what one friend called "a stubborn kind of courage." Others said he persisted not for ideological reasons but because he was simply a conscientious doctor who wanted to practice the full range of gynecological medicine that he had been trained in, even if that included the procedures that many in the aggressive anti-abortion movement in western New York equated with murder. Having babies come into the world was his life," said Ellen Fink, a ime friend. "But he performed abortions because he believed it was a i's legal right to choose.' Dr. Slepian, a 52-year-old gynecologist and obstetrician who lived in this suburb of Buffalo, was shot fatally in the back Friday night as he stood in his kitchen chatting with his wife, Lynne, and son Andrew. He had just returned from synagogue where he had gone to mark the yahrzeit, or anniversary, of his father's death. Today, his friends, patients and relatives were heartsick at his murder, but also fearful to speak about it because the sniper who lay in wait in the woods behind Dr. Slepian's house and shot him with a high-powered rifle through an undraped window was at large. Still, a few took time to talk to reporters because, they said, they wanted to make sure the man they knew was portrayed not as a pro-abortion zealot, but as a well-rounded doctor, father and husband. Dr. Slepian, who as a young man was so determined to become a doctor that he studied medicine in Spanish in Guadalajara, Mexico, when American schools would not accept him, was a person who prized his time with his four sons: Andrew, 15; Brian, 13; Michael, 10, and Philip, 7. He was a devoted jogger, having run a marathon, and was, one friend said, "a health nut" who carefully watched such demons as cholesterol and salt. He belonged to a Reform synagogue, Temple Beth Am. He was painfully aware that he and his family could be the target of a fierce ent of abortions and took precautions. In the last five years, there had PAGE 13 The New York Times, October 26, 1998 four attacks none fatal against doctors in the United States-Canadian r region, and two abortion doctors had been killed in other parts of the ed States. As recently as Friday morning, Dr. Slepian received a two-page rning from the downtown Buffalo clinic where he worked, urging him to beware niper attacks. "Do not assume that you are safe once you are at home,' " the warning said. "Close the drapes in your house so you are not visible from outside.' In fact, Dr. Slepian often kept the blinds drawn at home and he called the police whenever he received a death threat. Neighbors said there were a number of periods when an Amherst patrol car was stationed outside Dr. Slepian's two-story brick colonial in a well-to-do enclave here. But he refused to change his approach to medicine, even when his friends warned him some anti-abortion protesters would view his death as a "coup" that would virtually eliminate poor people's access to abortion in the Buffalo area. "He knew the risks well," said Glenn Edward Murray, who was Dr. Slepian's lawyer and longtime friend. "We had discussed the fatal dangers he placed himself in by continuing to perform abortions. We discussed security measures. He was dedicated to providing women with safe and legal abortions and was unwilling to abandon his clients because of threats." Mr. Murray, who talked in carefully measured tones but still found himself choked with emotion, said that Dr. Slepian, as a young intern and resident in the Buffalo area, had been taught by mentors how dangerous and sometimes fatal alley" abortions performed by bad practitioners or by the women themselves be. Even as he had four children of his own, he was determined that he perform abortions for women who needed them, no matter how poor they were. So in addition to a private practice he had in this leafy suburban town in the prairie-flat countryside east of Buffalo, Dr. Slepian chose to work regularly at a clinic in downtown Buffalo that had been singled out by protesters and was the last of its kind in Buffalo Buffalo GYN Women's Services. Now, that clinic has been left without a doctor. His wife, Lynne, a trained nurse who stayed home in recent years to raise their sons, was as resolute as he was in not letting the protesters stop her husband from practicing medicine as he saw fit. Dr. Slepian, a slender, wiry man with the bearded face of a scholar, was born in Cambridge, Mass., into a lower-middle-class family of four children, each of whom went on to considerable accomplishment as an adult. One of his two brothers, Jacob, is also a doctor, specializing in ear, nose and throat medicine. Dr. Slepian, whom friends called Bart, was raised in Rochester, N.Y., attended college at the University of Denver in Colorado and received his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara. A residency at the State University of New York at Buffalo brought him to this' area 20 years ago, and he stayed. Although some gynecologists will quietly perform abortions for their longtime g patients, Dr. Slepian was one of only a few doctors in western New York PAGE 14 The New York Times, October 26, 1998 were willing to perform abortions openly at public clinics. Nonetheless, his ds said, he counseled women seeking abortion to consider alternatives like cion. n 1988, protesters taunted him outside his home on Hanukkah. When he emerged rying a baseball bat, a clash ensued and Dr. Slepian was eventually charged with a misdemeanor for damaging a protester's vehicle. In 1992 he again became a target in a coordinated protest by 200 picketers from the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue that was known as "Spring of Life." In recent years, patients who visited him at the downtown clinic or his private office in Amherst periodically endured shouts from picketers of "You're murdering your babies. A longtime patient who asked that she be identified only as Karen said that Dr. Slepian frequently apologized for the protesters' disruptions. Still, Karen said she knew him mainly as a devoted gynecologist who saw her through infertility treatments and delivered her daughter. "He wasn't supposed to be there for the delivery but he came anyway and when I asked him, 'What are you doing here,' he said, 'I wouldn't miss it for the world.' " Similarly, she said, he went out of his way to visit another patient when she was in the hospital for a non-gynecological ailment. "I thought I'd come over to have donuts and coffee with you when I heard you were in the hospital," Karen heard that he told the friend. "He was the type of man," Karen said, "that I would put my life in his hands and not question what he had to say. And I can't say that about all doctors." HIC: Photos: Dr. Barnett A. Slepian was one of Buffalo's last abortion rs. (Associated Press); Mourners left flowers and a sign yesterday at the st, N.Y., clinic of Dr. Barnett A. Slepian, an abortion doctor who was n Friday. (Michael J. Okoniewski for The New York Times) (pg. B10) LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: October 26, 1998 PAGE 4 LEVEL 1 - 3 OF 50 STORIES Copyright 1998 The New York Times Company The New York Times October 27, 1998, Tuesday, Late Edition - Final SECTION: Section B; Page 1; Column 2; Metropolitan Desk LENGTH: 1265 words HEADLINE: Slain Physician Eulogized as Caring Man BYLINE: By JOSEPH BERGER DATELINE: AMHERST, N.Y., Oct. 26 BODY: Alan Dickison went to the funeral of Dr. Barnett A. Slepian this afternoon carrying his two towheaded children, Connor, 4, and Kelsey, 2, a boy and girl whom Dr. Slepian had delivered. "This man was about children," he said, brandishing the two children toward a cluster of reporters. "This man was not about abortions." As the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a $100,000 reward in its investigation of Dr. Slepian's slaying on Friday and the abortion clinic where ad worked vowed to be open for business on Tuesday morning, Dr. Slepian was jized today by a brother and a niece and, in a letter, from President on as a kind and dedicated physician who did not let threats and protests him from fulfilling what he regarded as his duty to care for women, no matter what their needs. Yet, among the hundreds of mourners who spilled out from a suburban funeral home here, there were many patients like the Dickison family who resented Dr. Slepian's description in many television and newspaper accounts as merely an "abortion doctor." Such a depiction, they said, was feeding into the agenda of the fierce enemies of abortion. "They raise the stakes and then some extremist shoots him in the back in the middle of the night," said Mr. Dickison, a registered nurse. Dr. Slepian, he said, was a doctor who cared for women through pregnancy, infertility, childbirth and menopause. His murder, he and other mourners said, has deprived the Buffalo area of a doctor who brought hundreds of babies into the world and attended to women who for medical or personal reasons could not carry an embryo to term. Marcia Sperduti, weeping as she walked toward the funeral home, told how Dr. Slepian had saved her son's life by rushing to perform a Caesarean on her when her son's umbilical cord became knotted in the womb. "Thank God I'm not having any more children, because Dr. Slepian is not alive to deliver them, she said. PAGE 5 The New York Times, October 27, 1998 Dr. Slepian's coffin was taken away for burial, the F.B.I. announced it ffering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of his er. But law enforcement officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity id that so far, little information had been developed about the killer -- what r she looked like or what car was used in the getaway. Ballistics tests have yet been completed on the bullet, which was fired by a sniper with a high-powered rifle from a wooded field behind Dr. Slepian's home. Officials said they were theorizing that this slaying was connected to four other sniper attacks since 1994 on doctors who performed abortions. Three attacks took place in Canada and one in Rochester, and there were injuries, though none of those doctors was killed. The F.B.I. and the Amherst Police Department have spoken to Canadian investigators about Friday's shooting. Dr. Slepian, 52, who had a private practice here, but also was the primary doctor at the only abortion clinic in downtown Buffalo, was shot in the back on Friday night as he stood chatting with his wife, Lynne, and 15-year-old son, Andrew, in the kitchen of their Amherst home. The killer had fired his high-powered rifle at an undraped window. At a news conference, John B. Askey, the Chief of Police of Amherst, revealed that six hours before Dr. Slepian was killed, his wife had called the police to inform them of a fax from the National Abortion Federation warning its 350 member clinics in the United States and Canada of the possibility of impending assaults because of the approach of Nov. 11. The holiday, known as Veterans Day in the United States, is Remembrance Day anada, and this day to remember war dead has been embraced by abortion ents as a memorial day. The sniper shootings of the three Canadian doctors he one American took place in the days leading up to Nov. 11. Chief Askey said that Mrs. Slepian did not ask that a patrol car be stationed at the house, and the police did not send one. Asked if he regretted not doing so, he said: "I regret that Dr. Slepian is dead." Officials at Buffalo GYN Womenservices, the clinic where Dr. Slepian worked 15 to 24 hours a week performing abortions for largely poor and low-wage clients, said today that they had received offers from more than a half-dozen doctors around the country offering to take over Dr. Slepian's duties. Melinda Dubois, assistant director, said she expected the four-day-a week clinic, the only abortion clinic in western New York, to resume operations on Tuesday. "There are so many doctors that respected Bart," she said, using Dr. Slepian's nickname, "that they'd be willing to come into this area to take care of our patients." At the same time, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan announced in Washington that any doctors who volunteered to work at the clinic would receive round-the-clock protection from the United States Marshals' Service. The Senator said marshals, assigned by John P. McCaffrey, chief of the western New York district, were being used to assure women seeking abortions a constitutional protection. The last time he said he could remember marshals' serving in a similar role was during the civil rights era of the 1960's. PAGE 6 The New York Times, October 27, 1998 This is a constitutionally protected medical procedure and there is a rist movement trying to make it impossible,' Senator Moynihan said in a phone interview. "And they murder people and they have Web sites that list ors who perform abortions and every so often a name is crossed off." The funeral drew an overflow turnout that included Dr. Slepian's patients and medical colleagues, as well as his family and friends and a sprinkling of abortion-rights supporters from as far away as Atlanta. A half-dozen Amherst police officers controlled traffic at the funeral and kept reporters out, but there was no indication of a heavy police presence to guard against a sniper. The Slepian family asked that the funeral be private, but Glenn Edward Murray, a friend of Dr. Slepian's and his personal lawyer, and others who attended described it afterward. Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach, rabbi of Dr. Slepian's synagogue, Temple Beth Am, read a three-paragraph letter President Clinton wrote to Mrs. Slepian and her four children, Andrew, 15, Brian, 13, Michael 10, and Philip, 7, that began with the words: "Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of your husband's tragic death." "Violence in our society hurts us all, but few have to endure its effects so personally," the President wrote. "This cowardly and brutal act has robbed your family of a beloved husband and devoted father and it has robbed your community of a skilled doctor and cherished friend. In the face of threats, taunts and ence, Barnett Slepian refused to abandon the patients who trusted him and amilies who needed his help." Dr. Slepian's niece, Amanda Robb, told how Dr. Slepian became like a father to her after the death of her own father, providing financial and emotional support even as he was struggling to build his medical career. Before beginning his eulogy recalling Dr. Slepian's dedication, his older brother, Jacob, an ear, nose and throat specialist in Connecticut, told a story that highlighted his brother's dry sense of humor. He recalled how his brother had once had a bird, perhaps a macaw. When he learned that the bird could live to be as old as 80, he joked that he would train the bird to deliver his eulogy. Jacob Slepian said the bird and his brother had parted ways at some point, but he would try to do as well as the bird would have done. GRAPHIC: Photos: Alan Dickison with his children at services for Dr. Barnett A. Slepian yesterday. (Michael J. Okoniewski for The New York Times) (pg. B1); Mourners leaving services for Dr. Barnett A. Slepian yesterday. "This man was about children,' one said. "This man was not about abortions." (Michael J. Okoniewski for The New York Times) (pg. B7) LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: October 27, 1998 NARAL Press Release - October 28, 1998 http://www.naral.org/publications/press/98oct/102898.html NARAL Publications Promoting Reproductive Choices PRESS RELEASES & STATEMENTS STATEMENT OF KATE MICHELMAN AT THE VIGIL FOR DR. SLEPIAN October 28, 1998 I knew Dr. Slepian. I knew this remarkable man. I knew of his commitment to his patients and of his dedication to our cause. I knew of his devotion to the reproductive health and freedom of American women. And I knew of his determination and courage. Dr. Slepian was a victim of serious threats for years and he never backed down. Not once did he think of ending his practice or abandoning the women who relied on him so much. Dr. Slepian believed deeply in the constitutional right of women to choose and he rightly believed that he was a force that enabled women to exercise that right with dignity and in safety. A dedicated physician, a true ally in the fight for women's reproductive health, a husband, a father, and a dear friend. Dr. Slepian will be sorely missed. Dr. Slepian would want his passing should serve a much higher purpose. So let us honor him with renewed commitment to the pro-choice values he so perfectly embodied. Let us mark his passing with renewed courage to fight for women's reproductive health and the right of women to choose - free from government interference - free from harassment - free from intimidation - and free from violence. Coming on the heels of the brutal death of Matthew Shepard, the shocking murder of Dr. Slepian reflects a deeply disturbing and increasingly dangerous trend of intolerance, exclusion, hatred and disdain for the rule of law. Both Dr. Slepian and Matthew Shepard were victims of those who use violence to express their opposition to social progress. This reign of terror must be stopped. Increasingly, anti-choice groups and their leaders are using sensationalized rhetoric and incendiary statements to characterize abortion. They have labeled doctors as murders, posted their names on "wanted" signs and on the Internet, and even gone so far a to publicly justify the murder of these men. But it is time for that to change. Those who oppose abortion must take responsibility for their role in creating a climate where the zealous feel justified in committing acts of violence. They must acknowledge and admit that their words drive unrestrained factions of their movements to commit these horrific acts. Denials and condemnations no longer suffice. They must stop referring to abortion as murder. And they must stop referring to doctors as murderers. These are acts of terrorism, pure and simple, and this country must condemn them as such. Our outrage should boil over and spill into the streets. Law enforcement, legislators, the medical community, pro-choice and anti-choice Americans alike must rise up and strike back at the heart of these criminals - not with violence, but with swift justice and meaningful action. 1 of 2 1/21/99 1:24 PM NARAL Press Release - October 28, 1998 http://www.naral.org/publications/press/98oct/102898.html Those who would do away with the Roe have become emboldened - have become smarter - have become a very powerful force in America - with a reach that is broader and deeper than we could ever have imagined just four years ago with the congressional landslide election of 1994. The freedom to choose is no longer safe and the time for action is now. In less than two weeks we must make choices at the polls. Let bring our outrage at these killings into the voting booth with us. Let us bring a renewed commitment to our cause. On November 3rd, I ask you to step up to our opponents and do as they preach - vote your own values. Dig deep into who we are as a people - into what we want for our children - into the freedoms so hard won, and now at risk. If we fail to rally our people into action, then our opponents - and the murderer of Dr. Slepian will have won. If we fail to rally to our own cause, we will have failed ourselves - and we will fail our future. Let us honor Dr. Slepian with action, not tears. home search index what's new feedback join Copyright 1998, National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League 2 of 2 1/21/99 1:24 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ..5=36f6200e03de0c031c8c956c628efb27 Copyright 1999 The Washington Post The Washington Post View Related Topics January 23, 1999, Saturday, Final Edition SECTION: METRO; Pg. B01 LENGTH: 918 words HEADLINE: Roe V. Wade 26 Years Later; Abortions Protested; First Lady Pledges to Help Clinics BYLINE: Sari Horwitz; John W. Fountain, Washington Post Staff Writers BODY: "Hey, hey, ho, ho! Roe v. Wade has got to go!" a pack of teenage girls chanted yesterday at the steps of the Supreme Court. Behind them stood a 70-year-old former Marine carrying four pictures of bloody fetuses and wearing a fifth placard. Mothers pushed toddlers in strollers, several men rode in wheelchairs and a group of priests softly sang prayers. Tens of thousands of protesters from across the country marched under a gray sky to voice their strong opposition to abortion and to vow to continue the fight to reverse Roe V. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion 26 years ago. Across town at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton marked the anniversary in a different fashion. She announced that the administration will seek $ 4.5 million from Congress for alarm systems and closed-circuit cameras at abortion clinics. "We must work to make abortion safe, legal and rare," Clinton told the National Abortion Rights Action League. "Violence, harassment and intimidation have no place in our health care system or in the debate." On the streets, protesters marched up Constitution Avenue, past the Capitol and the impeachment trial within, to the steps of the Supreme Court, where they were met by a phalanx of police in riot gear. The marchers waved banners showing scissors, tearful children and Jesus Christ. "The scandals that have rocked the White House pale to near insignificance when compared to the anti-child policies so methodically pursued by our abortion president and his administration," said Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.), a rally speaker. "The execution of a partially born girl or boy by stabbing them in the back of the head and sucking their brains out shatters the myth that abortion is somehow benign, just or compassionate," Smith said. "It is ugly beyond words." Police said there were no arrests or serious incidents reported during the four-hour protest, which began at noon with a rally on the Ellipse. The U.S. Park Police no longer estimate the number of participants in Washington marches, after controversies over official crowd counts. March organizer Nellie Gray, the president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, estimated the crowd at 100,000 and proclaimed the 26th annual march "the best we have ever had." Gray acknowledged that there was a tense moment on stage when former representative Robert K. Dornan (R-Calif.) was nearing the end of a passionate speech. He began to criticize the U.S. Catholic 1 of 3 7/13/2000 4:08 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ.5=36f6200e03de0c031c8c956c628efb27 bishops -- scores of whom were standing nearby -- for not doing enough to end abortion. Gray jumped to the lectern and began to pull the microphone away from Dornan. He tried to get it back. "No, no," Gray said, pulling it away. But Dornan retrieved the microphone, telling her he just wanted to say goodbye to the crowd. Instead, Dornan quoted a line from the movie "A Few Good Men": "You can't handle the truth." Later, Gray called Dornan "one of my heroes and a dear friend" but said that "the March for Life was not the place to publicly criticize the bishops. I could not tolerate those kinds of remarks at my microphone." Yesterday's events an annual commemoration since the Roe V. Wade decision -- began early in the morning inside the stately third-floor caucus room of the Russell Senate Office Building. About 300 people held a solemn memorial service for "the pre-born and their mothers and fathers." A panel of clergymen in robes sat at the front. With them was Norma McCorvey, whose fight to get an abortion led to the historic Roe v. Wade decision but who has since become an antiabortion crusader, publicly apologizing for her role in the court case. Under crystal chandeliers, there were prayers for the unborn and the sins of a nation. Participants sang spiritual songs amid the soft symphony of a harp and violin and the lighting of "The Life Candle." The candle flickered on the white-clothed table, in front of a quilt stitched with names given by parents to children who died before birth. After the memorial service, some in the crowd posed for pictures with McCorvey. One woman embraced her. Their eyes shut tight as they hugged, the sparse words between them barely audible. Others shook her hand. Some said thank you. Later at the rally, the protesters filled the Ellipse and spilled over to the Mall. In the crowd was Jeannie French of Pittsburgh, who tightly held the hand of her son, 5-year-old Will. Will looked up at a large placard bobbing in front of him, at the picture of a bloody fetus torn into bits. "Mommy," he said, "that's scary." "It is scary, Will," French replied. "That's why we're here today." French said she and her son were marching in honor of Will's twin sister, whom doctors advised French to abort because of serious birth defects. Instead, she gave birth to the baby. The girl lived for six hours. "She died peacefully, not violently," French said. "And we donated her heart valves to two children in Chicago who were given the gift of life." Shelly Sigler, right front, prays with others from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, during the rally. Thousands of antiabortion protesters -- some with placards, some without march from the Ellipse to Capitol Hill, marking the 26th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. KatieJane DeMonti, 8, of Stafford, holds a sign as she prays before the start of the March for Life. She was at the protest with family and friends. 2 of 3 7/13/2000 4:08 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ.5=d7115a470c40d940a82ce6ba3e0220a3 Copyright 1999 Chicago Tribune Company Chicago Tribune View Related Topics January 23, 1999 Saturday, NORTH SPORTS FINAL EDITION SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 4; ZONE: N LENGTH: 524 words HEADLINE: FIRST LADY UNVEILS CLINIC SECURITY PLAN; ANNOUNCEMENT COMES ON ROE ANNIVERSARY BYLINE: Associated Press. DATELINE: WASHINGTON BODY: Announcing an administration plan to counter abortion clinic violence, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday that President Clinton plans to seek $4.5 million for alarm systems and closed-circuit camera systems to protect the clinics. Across town, meanwhile, thousands swayed, sang and prayed for the government to make abortions illegal again. On the 26th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion nationwide, Hillary Clinton told an abortion rights group of the administration's proposal, under which clinics would buy security devices--which also include motion detectors, bulletproof windows and improved lighting--with federal money. The money also would be used to determine which clinics were most at risk. She said the president will include the plan in his budget proposal for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. "Violence, harassment and intimidation have no place in our health-care system or in this debate," she told members of the National Abortion Rights Action League. NARAL was celebrating its 30th anniversary at a Washington hotel. The first lady also saluted Dr. Barnett Slepian of Amherst, N.Y., an obstetrician shot to death by a sniper in October in the kitchen of his home. Investigators suspect he was killed by an abortion protester. At the NARAL meeting, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists honored Slepian's widow, Lynn, with a plaque honoring her husband's service. An appropriate way to honor him, Mrs. Clinton said, is to "make sure doctors are trained and available to provide safe and comprehensive health care to women all over our nation." "In the last 10 years, there have been seven murders, 38 bombings, 146 cases of arson and 733 cases of vandalism" that were abortion-related, she added. A law-enforcement official said Friday that preliminary DNA tests link a missing anti-abortion activist to a strand of hair found near where a sniper shot and killed Slepian. The first round of DNA tests by the FBI established a high probability that the hair came from the same person as a hair found in a New Jersey home where James C. Kopp, a 44-year-old abortion protester, lived last year, the official said. 1 of 2 7/13/2000 4:08 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/In.univ.5=d7115a470c40d940a82ce6ba3e0220a3 Kopp has eluded authorities since they obtained a warrant for him as a material witness in the Slepian killing. Clinton also emphasized the importance of making contraceptives and health counseling available to young women and men to avoid teen pregnancies. "After years of moving in the wrong direction, we are finally seeing teen pregnancies and teen sexual activities going down," she said. As the first lady spoke, hundreds of anti-abortion activists gathered on a muddy park within shouting distance of the White House for speeches, songs, prayers and a march to the Supreme Court and the Capitol. This was the 26th year in a row that the group March for Life has organized a rally just south of the White House to mark the anniversary of Roe VS. Wade. Participants waved dozens of colorful signs--some hand-lettered, some professionally printed--with slogans and graphic pictures of aborted fetuses. GRAPHIC: PHOTOPHOTO: Abortion foes march to the Supreme Court Friday, the 26th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Reuters photo. LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 23, 1999 FOCUSTM Search: General News;national abortion rights action league and hillary w/2 To narrow this search, please enter a word or phrase: FOCUS Example: House of Representatives About LEXIS-NEXIS Terms and Conditions What's New Copyright © 2000 LEXIS-NEXIS Group. All rights reserved. 2 of 2 7/13/2000 4:08 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ.5=9d0dd934e6ff328c297990503721b89b Copyright 1999 Associated Press AP Online January 22, 1999; Friday 15:10 Eastern Time SECTION: Washington - general news LENGTH: 691 words HEADLINE: Clinton Seeks Abortion Clinic Funds BYLINE: KALPANA SRINIVASAN DATELINE: WASHINGTON BODY: Abortion clinics could use federal funds for alarm systems, bulletproof windows and closed-circuit camera systems, under a White House plan to counter clinic violence. The administration is seeking $4.5 million to enable clinics to bolster security measures and pay for security assessments to determine which clinics are most at risk. First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton made the announcement today in a speech to the National Abortion Rights Action League on the 26th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Meanwhile, thousands of anti-abortion advocates gathered on a grassy area just south of the White House to sing, pray, wave signs and demand an end to what one speaker called "the unseemly and aggressive persecution of children." Rep. Christopher Smith, R-N.J., called on the crowd to fast and pray that President Clinton and Vice President Gore take steps to make abortion illegal. "The scandals that have rocked the White House pale to near insignificance when compared to the anti-child policies so methodically pursued by our abortion president and his administration," Smith said. This was the 26th time the March for Life had organized a massive rally and march to the Supreme Court and the Capitol on the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision. "We are touching the hearts and minds of people more and more," said Teresa Snyder of South Hampton, Pa. "We must work to make abortion safe, legal and rare," Mrs. Clinton told an abortion-rights crowd in a ballroom at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. "Violence, harassment and intimidation have no place in our health care system or in the debate." She saluted slain obstetrician Barnett Slepian of Amherst, N.Y., who was shot to death in October. She suggested an appropriate way to honor him is to "make sure doctors are trained and available to provide health care to women all over our nation." When doctors are murdered or clinics are bombed, she said, "This is not free speech. This is domestic terrorism and it must stop." She emphasized the importance of providing contraceptives and health counseling to young women and men to avoid teen pregnancies. 1 of 2 7/13/2000 4:09 PM LEXIS®-NEXIS® http://web.lexis-nexis.com/ln.univ..5=9d0dd934e6ff328c297990503721b89b The money the president is seeking, to be included in the budget proposal for fiscal 2000, also would help clinics purchase motion detectors and improved lighting, according to a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "I think with the escalation of violence waged against abortion provider clinics, this is good news," said Belle Taylor-McGhee, spokeswoman for NARAL. She stressed the need for doctors, abortion providers and women to all have safe access to clinics, which provide a variety of health services. "This is a good first step, and it's important that the administration is taking domestic terrorism seriously," said Jacquelyn Lendsey, vice president of public policy for Planned Parenthood. In November, Attorney General Janet Reno set up a national task force to prosecute and prevent attacks and threats against abortion providers. The announcement was made a month after Slepian, an abortion provider, was killed by a rifle shot fired into his home. The task force plans to train local law enforcement and abortion providers in how to respond to and prevent such attacks and establish a national database with all information on clinic violence. A survey released Thursday by the Feminist Majority Foundation showed that in the first seven months of 1998, 22 percent of clinics experienced one or more forms of violence. These included blockades, invasions, bomb threats and bombings, arson threats and arsons, chemical attacks, death threats and stalking. This was a slight decrease from 25 percent in 1997. But the foundation's president, Eleanor Smeal, said even the current percentage of clinics that "are battered day after day with violence is unconscionable." The survey also found clinics that reported law enforcement response as "excellent" experienced lower levels of violence than those that characterized local law enforcement as "poor." LANGUAGE: ENGLISH LOAD-DATE: January 22, 1999 FOCUSTM Search: General News;national abortion rights action league and hillary w/2 To narrow this search, please enter a word or phrase: FOCUS Example: House of Representatives About LEXIS-NEXIS Terms and Conditions What's New Copyright © 2000 LEXIS-NEXIS Group. All rights reserved. 2 of 2 7/13/2000 4:09 PM

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HRC Health care Book No.12: Health Reform [2]

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