October 11, 2000
Kelsey Lee not an appendage to her mother

A mind-boggling court case has reached the Alberta court of Queen's bench. The court is being asked to define a still-born baby as part of the mother's body.

Cindy and Stephen Martin's baby girl (they named her Kelsey Lee) died in 1996, shortly before birth with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and she was asphyxiated. Her mother had asked for a Caesarian Section and it was not given.

Their lawyer, Blaine Schumacher has said, "If you lose a finger, if you lose a thumb, it has value. We are seeking damages for a part of Cindy that was lost."

Jim Hughes, National President of Campaign Life Coalition, reacting to the story said, "We now see how far people will go in trying to deny the scientific reality of life. Kelsey Lee was never a part of her mother's body. Every doctor, every lawyer and everyone on the street knows this. When tragedies such as the death of baby Kelsey Lee occur, we are all saddened; but pretending that she did not die but that she was only an appendage to her mother is shocking and deceitful."

Media Contact:

Mrs. Mary Ellen Douglas - National Organizer Campaign Life Coalition - 613-389-4472 Mrs. Karen Murawsky - Ottawa Public Affairs Office - 613-729-0379

Campaign Life Coalition is Canada's national pro-life organization.