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 News Archives Also Check Marriage in the news Abstinence in the news Fatherhood in the news DIVORCE Rhode Island Denies Same-Sex Couple Divorce By John R. Ellement and Jonathan Saltzman, The Boston Globe:December 8, 2007 RHODE
ISLAND---Rhode Island's highest court announced it would not allow a
lesbian couple, who married in Massachusetts, to get a divorce because
Rhode Island does not allow same sex- marriage. Internet Divorce By Alexia Campbell, South Florida Sentinel:November 12, 2007 FLORIDA---Residents of Broward County are now able to file for divorce online. The Clerk's office provided this service to reduce paperwork, and help couples who cannot afford, or do not want an attorney. Divorce Threat Persists Through Marriage By Sharon Jayson, USA Today:September 19, 2007 Recent data released by the U.S. Census suggests that divorce remains a threat throughout marriage. The data showed divorces peak between 5-10 years. China: Young Couples Quick to End Marriage By Zou Huilin, China Daily:July 6, 2007 SHANGHAI, China---Statistics show that divorce rates are increasing among young couples in China. In this year alone, 2,100 couples are getting a divorce. This is up 10% from 2006. When facing problems, young couples are more willing to separate than work on their marriage. N.J Authorizes No Fault Divorce Asbury Park Press:January 23, 2007 NEW JERSEY---Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ) has signed a bill into law that will allow couples who cite irreconcilable differences to get divorced in six months. Current law requires couples to wait 18 months. Divorce Rights for Unwed Couples Does not Threaten Marriage By Clare Dyer, The Guardian:January 8, 2007 ENGLAND---According to a recent study of Australian couples, providing financial divorce rights to unwed couples is not correlated with a decline in marriage. Changes Sought in Virginia Divorce Laws WJLA News:January 5, 2007 VIRGINIA---Virginia's Family Policy Council, The Family Foundation, is seeking to change the state's no-fault divorce law. They are lobbying to pass legislation to force both a husband and wife to consent to a divorce if children are involved. EDUCATION Shoe Giveaway Called Unconstitutional Family News in Focus:December 18, 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA---Laces 4 Love is a ministry that gives free shoes to students in South Carolina schools. Americans United for the Separations of Church and state called the unconstitutional and threatened the schools with legal action. Signature Drive to Overturn California's SB 777 By Jim Sanders, McClatchy Newspapers:October 21, 2007 CALIFORNIA---on October 12th, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed SB 777 into law. SB 777 bans teaching that promotes a discriminatory bias against gender or sexual orientation. Opponents of the bill have organized a signature drive to overturn the law. Not All Are Pleased With Birth Control Plan By Katie Zezima, The New York Times:October 21, 2007 MAINE---The article highlights parent and community concerns after school officials at King Middle School authorized having birth control available at the school health clinic. How Young is Too Young for Birth Control? ABC News.com:October 17, 2007 MAINE---The article outlines how administrators at King Middle School are considering having birth control available at their student health center. Student can obtain birth control without their parents permission. School District Split Over "That's A Family" Film By Richard G. Jones, The New York Times:September 14, 2007 NEW JERSEY---The J. Harold Van Zant School stopped showing the documentary "That's a Family" to third graders when parents objected about the same-sex content. The film featured children with interracial parents, divorced parents, and same-sex parents. George Fox University Serve Day By Cliff Newell, Lake Oswego Review:September 13, 2007 LAKE OSWEGO, Ore---The Community House in Lake Oswego is a home dedicated to helping unwed mothers and their children. On their annual Serve Day, some George Fox University students helped cleaning out closets and aided the mothers in making scrapbooks. High School Bans American Flag NBC17.com:September 11, 2007 SAMPSON COUTNY, N.C.---The schools in Sampson County have opted to ban students from wearing clothing with a flag from any country on it--including the United States. Schools See High Turnover Rate in Teachers By Sam Dillon, the New York Times:August 27, 2007 Many
schools are suffering from a high turnover rate of teachers. Many new
teachers leave teaching after 3-5 years. Schools are beginning to offer
incentives, such as bonuses, to recruit more qualified teachers in their
schools. Sp. Ct. Rules on Washington Union Law The Columbian, Op-Ed:June 15, 2007 WASHINGTON---The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 in favor of the Washington state law that required public sector labor unions to get non-member consent before using their fees for political causes. Homeschooling: A Viable Alternative to Public Schools By Richard Sousa, The San Francisco Chronicle, Op-Ed:June 15, 2007 Sousa observes that although only 3 percent of America's children are homeschooled, homeschooled students greatly excel in academics including that National Spelling Bee or National Geographic Bee. He discusses how parental interaction adds to this success. All Day Kindergarten By Jennifer Moody, Albany Democrat-Herald:June 10, 2007 LEBANON, Ore---Last year, two elementary schools in the Lebanon School District developed all day kindergarten programs. Three more schools should follow this year. Officials are seeing an increase in learning. Teachers feel less rushed. Blue Mountain Charter School May Be Revoked By Joe Hansen, Cottage Grove Sentinel:June 7, 2007 COTTAGE GROVE, Ore---The South Lane School District is considering revoking the charter for Blue Mountain Charter School due to concerns with safety and learning. Blue Mountain maintains a Democratic environment where students and teachers can have equal say. Kulongoski Promotes College Funding Plan Associated Press:February 21, 2007 SALEM, Ore---Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D-OR) is promoting a college education plan modeled after one in Minnesota. In his plan the state would cover about $2,000 a year per student. The new plan would cost the state $110 million, up from $78 million. Rogue Valley Seeing Increased Violence Among Girls By Sanne Specht, The Medford Mail Tribune:February 6, 2007 ROGUE VALLEY, Ore---Southern Oregon school officials are seeing an increase in female violence in their schools. Many girls view fighting as a positive way to gain status in school. Officials partly attribute increased images of violent women in the entertainment culture to the issue.
Wall Street Journal Opinion Page:February 5, 2007 UTAH---Utah Governor Jon Huntsman (R) shared that he will likely sign a bill to authorize a statewide school choice program. The program would allow parents to choose private schooling for their children. Parents would receive a voucher between $500-$3,000. Lower Achievement Gap at Oregon Elementary School By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:February 1, 2007 MEDFORD, Ore---Howard Elementary School will receive a state award for closing the achievement gap between white students and minorities. Oregon Graduation Requirements to Change By Erin Zysett, Itemizer-Observer:January 31, 2007 OREGON---The Oregon Legislature has passed new requirements for graduating seniors. By the class of 2014, graduating seniors be required to complete three years of math, and three credits of science with two lab credits. The students will not be expected to have as many electives and arts credits. CIM and CAM will also be phased out. Yoga Causes Controversy in Public School Associated Press:January 28, 2007 "Yoga Ed" is a yoga program created for the public school system. The Hindu roots of yoga, such as chanting, are removed in "Yoga Ed" so it will not conflict with the separation of church and state. Parents are still concerned whether teaching yoga is necessary during school hours. More Public Schools Offer Single Sex Classes By Scott Bauer, Associated Press:January 25, 2007 WISCONSIN---According to the National Association for Single Sex Public Education, 253 public schools offer single sex classes. 51 public schools are entirely single sex. In 1995, only three public schools offered single sex classes. Union Striking Out in Court? By Elizabeth Hovde, The Columbian, Op-Edu:January 18, 2007 WASHINGTON---On January 10th, the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case between Washington State and the Washington Education Association regarding a 1992 state law that prohibits unions from using a teachers union fees to support a cause he or she disagrees with. The WEA claimed it was a violation of their freedom of speech. EUTHANASIA 46 People Die by Oregon Assisted Suicide Law By Sarah Skidmore, The Associated Press:March 8, 2007 OREGON---According to the Department of Human Services 46 people chose to end their lives through the Oregon Assisted Suicide Law in 2006. The number was 8 more than 2005. GAMBLING Bill Would Ban Military Slot Machines By Drew Griffin, CNN:December 15, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---U.S. Representative Lincoln Davis [D-TN] is sponsoring a bill that would remove gambling machines from military bases. As spokesman for the military noted they provide a controlled environment to gambling venues where they are stationed. Gambling: Not Just an Adult Pastime By Jessica Keller, Argus Observer:December 9, 2007 ONTARIO, Ore---According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, more than 75% of Oregon teens have gambled. One in every ten teens is considered at risk for problem gambling. Ontario Middle and High School students will watch a problem gambling awareness video. Gambling Addiction Growing Among Students By Joanna Evans, The O'Collegian, Oklahoma State University:October 11, 2007 OKLAHOMA---According to a study by the Minnesota Gambling Problem Resource Center, 88 percent of college students participate in gambling throughout the year. Although not everyone who gambles will become addicted, gambling addictions are increasing. Is the Lottery Shortchanging Schools? CBS News.com:September 17, 2007 CBS News correspondent Armen Keteyian investigated the impact lottery funds play in education. In many states lottery funds are a small part of education revenue. What Are Your Odds? The Boston Globe:September, 2007 The Boston Globe has put together a slide show outlining the almost impossible odds of the lottery and other casino games. Legal Gambling on Sports Can Lead to Corruption By John D. Wolf, Chicago Post Tribune, Op-Ed:August 14, 2007 Wolf discusses how legalized sports gambling can lead to the corruption of the game and corruption of character in athletic competition. Helping Those Whom Gambling Hurts By Kathleen Scanlan and Charles Sarkis, The Boston Globe, Op-Ed:July 14, 2007 MASSACHUSETTS---The authors discuss how including casinos in Massachusetts could lead to an increase in problem gambling. They emphasize the emotional and physical consequences of gambling.
Family News in Focus:July 5, 2007 According to a recent study by the Tax Foundation, that lottery money is often not going where it is appropriated. Lotteries also cost states due to programs aiding gambling addiction. 2007-2008 Indian Gaming Report Released Sys.Con Media, Press Release:June 28, 2007 Casino City Press has released their 2007-2008 edition of the "Indian Gaming Industry Report." The report includes a history of Indian gaming, number of facilities, and gaming revenue trends. Oregon Sheds Light on Youth Gambling Associated Press:July 1, 2007 OREGON---Oregon Partnership has teamed with other local non-profits to create a campaign encouraging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of gambling and the importance of keeping it a game. Internet Gambling Bill Put on Hold By Sabrina Eaton, Eye on Gambling:June 10, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---There is a current ban on using credit cards, checks or electric fund transfers to gambling online in the United States. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) believes this interferes with American's free rights. He is proposing a bill to legalize Internet gambling. The bill is currently on hold while he works on gaining more votes. Google Extends Ban on Advertising on Poker Sites By Paul Sandells, Poker News.com:June 6, 2007 UNITED KINGDOM---Currently, Google bans ads for any websites that offer gambling services. Now, Google is extending the ban to include sites in the United Kingdom that offer free gambling, such as poker playing, or even tips on gambling. Gambling Can Pose a Dangerous Addiction By Derek Meurer, The Prescott Daily Courier:May 26, 2007 ARIZONA---Mark Erickson, special projects coordinator for the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, discusses his struggles with gambling addiction. Teen Gambling Tied to Risky Behavior Associated Press:March 18, 2007 SALEM, Ore---According to a study by the Oregon Department of Health, students in the 8th and 11th grades who gamble are more likely to be involved in other risky behavior such as drinking, sexual activity, or carrying weapons. The Problem Gambling Department has released a video on the dangers of gambling. The video will be shown to middle school students. The Joys of Gambling/The Pitfalls of Playing By Amy Magro, The Marquette Tribune:February 15, 2007 Margo discusses how the thrill of a possible win keeps people gambling even though there is a greater chance they will lose. Gamblers Experiencing 'Jackpot' Fatigue Family News in Focus:February 14, 2007 Lottery sales are plummeting in several states including Wisconsin, Texas, and Massachusetts. The industry calls the condition 'Jackpot Fatigue where people lose interest unless the top prize exceeds $100 million. Nevada Considers Problem Gambling Fee By Brendan Riley, Associated Press:February 2, 2007 NEVADA---The Nevada State Legislature needs to consider whether or not to renew a $2 fee on slot machines to fund problem gambling. The fee was imposed for the first time in 2005. WA Gov. to Sign Agreement with Spokane Tribe Associated Press:January 30, 2007 WASHINGTON---Gov. Chris Gregoire (D-WA) is likely to sign an agreement with the Spokane Indians to allow slot machines at newly planned casinos. Her agreement will not effect casinos built on non-reservation land. Illinois to Change Lottery By Edward Ugel, NY Times Op-Ed:January 28, 2007 ILLINOIS---Ugel discusses Illinois plan to turn over its state run lottery to a private investor in exchange for a huge lump sum up front. 22 Year Old Recovering Gambling Addict By Pam Louwagie. The Centre Daily Times:January 24, 2007 MINNESOTA---This article covers the life of Matthew Bowles-Roth, who at the age of 22 is recovering from a three year addiction to gambling. The addiction started at age 18. Matthew feels he was lucky to suffer gambling addiction at such a young age as he did not have a wife, home and career to loose. Gambling Ads Axed By Google Online Casinos.com:January 23, 2007 After warnings from the US Justice Department that Google and Yahoo are indirectly promoting gambling to minor through pop up ads, Yahoo plans to remove ads in the US. Google plans to remove ads globablly. Oregon Lottery Examines Lottery Delis By Steve Law, The Statesman Journal:January 22, 2007 OREGON---The Oregon Lottery is examining deli's that also provide lottery games and video poker. Many of these delis offer a limited menu and their advertisement emphasizes the availability of lottery games. The Oregon Lottery is seeking to impose new rules to curtail the delis that operate like casinos. Children are Using Debit Cards for Internet Gambling and Porn This is London.co.uk:January 10, 2007 Children, as young as age eleven, are being issued debit cards by banks. They are using these debit cards to play Internet gambling, as well as purchasing knives, tobacco and alcohol, and pornography on the Internet. More Gambling Means More Addicts By Elizabeth Pertzoff, Delaware Online:December 31, 2006 DELAWARE---Elizabeth Pertzoff, the Executive Director of the Delaware Council on Problem Gambling, discusses the effect that legalizing gambling has on problem gamblers. JUDICIAL NEWS Schoolgirl Loses "Virginity Ring" Battle Yahoo News:July 17, 2007 LONDON---The High Court ruled that purity rings cannot be exempt from a school's ban on jewelry. Lydia Platfoot, 16, challenged the ban noting Muslim and Sikh students could wear jewelry or headscarves based on their religion. The court argued that those were integral to their faith. Purity rings are not an integral part of the Christian faith. Crucifixes are allowed, however. Student Loses Bong Hits 4 Jesus Ruling By James Vicini, Reuters:June 25, 2007 In 2002, a high school student held up a sign "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" during an Olympic Torch Rally. He was suspended for promoting drug use. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the principal did not violate a student's free speech rights. The Supreme Court refused to extend the school's authority to other forms of free speech, such as religious expression. 'Purity Ring' Case Goes to High Court Reuters:June 22, 2007 ENGLAND---A teenage school girl will appear before the High Court after being banned from wearing her purity ring at school. The school has a policy against jewelry. She notes her ring is symbolic of her Christian faith and should be exempted from the ban. She noted how Muslim girls are allowed to wear their headscarves. OBSCENTIY/PORNOGRAPHY Younger Generation Finds Pornography More Acceptable Family News in Focus:December 18, 2007 According to a study by Brigham Young University, 86% of college men surveyed had viewed pornography in the past year. Almost half of college women found that acceptable. 37% of fathers and 20% of mothers also found it acceptable. Aggressive Behavior Tied to Porn Use Family News in Focus: December 3, 2007 According to the Journal of Research and Personality, 6 in 10 men surveyed said they would forcibly take advantage of a woman if they knew they would not get caught. Experts are blaming messages derived from pornography. Mom Awarded Damages for Daughter's Exposure to Porn Family News in Focus:October 15, 2007 NASHVILLE, TN---Edwina McCombs was awarded $85,000 in damages after her two daughters accidentally viewed hard core pornography at a Value Lodge Motel. Voyeur Dorm in Florida By Elena Lesley, St. Petersburg Times:August 19, 2007 TARPON SPRINGS, Fla--- Voyeur dorms feature sexual acts, but are difficult to regulate. Unlike other sexually oriented businesses, people do not view a voyeur dorm. Instead, they view acts on the Internet. After receiving word a dorm was being planned in their town, officials of Tarpon Springs, Florida are deciding how they can set regulations to prevent a voyeur dorm up in their town. Salvation Army Liaison Speaks on Sex Trafficking By Jennifer Mesko, Family News in Focus:August 22, 2007 Mesko interviews Lisa Thompson, the Salvation Army liaison for the abolition of sex trafficking. Thompson notes that about 14,500-17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year. Ohio is a hub for the sex trafficking ring. The BBC Exposes Bulgarian Trafficker BBC News:July 29, 2007 BBC reporters went undercover to expose child traffickers from Bulgaria. Sony/Blu-Ray Sign with Porn Companies in Japan Digital Journal.com:July 31, 2007 When the porn industry in North America turned to HD-DVDs for its distribution, Sony teamed up with porn producers in Japan to feature pornography exclusively on Blu-Ray. Sex Trafficking in The United States Family News in Focus:July 16, 2007 Human trafficking victim support groups note how sex trafficking is taking place in the United States. Currently, some truckers in the midwest are hauling women and children in the sex trade. About 100,000 children are at risk in becoming victims of sex trafficking. Remove Porn From Hotel Line-Up By Wendy Cloyd, Family News in Focus:July 5, 2007 Family advocates are asking the Justice Department to investigate the LodgeNet Entertainment Corp. LodgeNet provides pay-per view movies to hotels in America. Most of its earnings come from hard core pornography. Child Porn Models in Japan? By Jun Hongo, The Japan Times Online:May 3, 2007 JAPAN---In Japan, one can see an increasing trend in preteen girls, some as young as 9, posing in slinky bathing suits. This trend prompts the question of where does one draw the line between modeling and child pornography. Florida Shell Station to Re-Offer Pornography Family News in Focus:April 20, 2007 FLORIDA---Although Shell gas stations have a policy "...that prohibits stores from 'selling or displaying materials with themes of sex, nudity or prurient interest,'" they are allowing their stores to carry "Adult Sophisticate" magazines, such as Playboy or Penthouse, because it is not pornography as the general public defines it. Porn is Fine, Not Prostitution By Fred Leeson, The Oregonian:April 19, 2007 PORTLAND, Ore---Portland police are trying to close Cindy's Adult Bookstore noting it has been a bed of drug use and prostitution. Board Rejects .XXX Domain By Jennifer Mesko, Family News in Focus:March 30, 2007 The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers has rejected the .XXX domain for the third time in seven years. The .XXX domain was intended to regulate pornographic sites. Strip Club Opens in Salem By Eunice Kim, The Statesman Journal:March 22, 2007 SALEM, Ore---Presley's Playhouse Cabaret has opened on Commercial Street. Neighbors protested the opening of the strip club with fear it would bring unsavory characters into their neighborhood. The Oregon Constitution does not allow cities to zone for adult businesses. More Kids Exposed to Online Porn Associated Press:February 5, 2007 According to a recent survey reported in the February edition of Pediatrics, 42 percent of Internet users aged 10-17 have been exposed to online pornography. 66 percent of them did not seek out the images. XXX Domain Name Under Consideration Again By Nathan Burchfiel, CNS News.com:January 19, 2007 Due to an outcry from family organizations, in May 2006, The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) voted against the creation of the domain .xxx for pornography ites. On January 5th, ICANN issued a revised proposal for the creation of the .xxx domain. OTHER
China to Hear Legal Case on Forced Abortion By Richard Spencer, Telegraph.co.uk:January 7, 2008 BEIJING, CHINA---For the first time, China's higher courts have agreed to hear a plea from a woman who shares how she was forced to undergo an abortion, even though her husband tried to bribe officials. Her baby was conceived out of wedlock, which is illegal in China. However, forced abortion is also illegal. Adult Stem Cell Success Stories of 2007 By David Prentice, William L. Saunders, and Michael Fragoso,:The Family Research Council, 2007 This paper outlines advancements in adult stem cell research in 2007. The article includes advancements in diabetes, heart tissue regeneration and liver cancer. A Web Playground for the Very Young By Brooks Barnes, The New York Times:December 31, 2007 As the popularity of the virtual online world declines for adults, companies are creating online virtual worlds for children. Examples include Webkinz, where kids care of stuffed animals or Club Penguin where kids pay 5.95/month to care and dress penguins. Some adults worry about kids escaping to another reality online. Study Links Abortion and Preemies By Laura Dunn, The Times:December 18, 2007 A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found a link between premature births and abortions. Although researchers did not distinguish between miscarriages and abortions, this is the largest study of its kind. Lawmakers Recognize Christmas By Jennifer Mesko, Family News in Focus:December 11, 2007 Members of the Wisconsin House passed a resolution to call their tree in the rotunda a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree. However, it appears the bill will not be heard in the Senate. The U.S. House of Representatives voted to recognize Christmas the the importance of the Christian faith. Congress Drops Hate Crime Bill By Anne Flaherty, Associated Press:December 6, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---Congress dropped legislation that would have added sexual orientation to the hate crimes law. Supporters had tried to add the bill to a defense policy bill. They dropped the legislation after they realized not enough people would support it. Man Drugs Girlfriend with RU486; Causes Miscarriage By Dinesh Ramde, Associated Press:November 30, 2007 After suffering two miscarriages, Darshana Patel found out her boyfriend, Manishkumar Patel, had slipped RU486 into her food. He got the pills illegally from India. Patel is charged with intentional homicide of an unborn child. Despite Breakthrough, Stem Cell Work Continues By Andrew Pollack, The New York Times:November 27, 2007 Earlier this week, scientists announced they can turn human skin cells into a cell similar to an embryonic stem cell. This article outlines the possible directions scientists will take with this new discovery. Oregon Meth Lab Reduction Related to Tighter Laws Ashland Daily Tidings:November 26, 2007 OREGON---In July of 2006, Oregon laws require a prescription for medications containing pseudoephedrine; a primary ingredient in methamphetamine. Since then, the number of homemade meth labs has dropped dramatically. However, the number of meth users remains roughly the same. Scientists Bypass Need for Embryos to Get Stem Cells By Gina Kolata, New York Times:November 21, 2007 Scientists from Japan and Wisconsin reported they have turned human skin cells into embryonic stem cells without destroying and human embryo. The scientists added four genes to the cells which turned them into cells capable of turning into 220 of different human cells. Dolly Creator Will Not Clone Human Embryos By Roger Highfield, Telegraph.co.uk:November 16, 2007 ENGLAND---Ian Wilmut, the scientist who created Dolly, the cloned sheep, has chosen to not pursue a license to clone human embryos. Instead, he favors an approach to turn adult cells into human embryonic cells. He feels this method is not only more socially acceptable, but also more practical. Oregon Scientists Claim to Clone Monkey Embryos By Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press:November 13, 2007 OREGON---Reported by the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Portland, scientists have claimed to successfully clone monkey embryos and extract stem cells from them. Their work has not yet been published or confirmed. House Passes Protections for Gay Workers By David Herszenhorn, The New York Times:November 8, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---The U.S. House passed a bill which added sexual orientation to the employment non discrimination act. Although some cities and states have this protection (including Oregon) this is the first federal law. Some opponents were upset the bill did not also include protection for gender identity. The bill also includes a broad religious exemption. New Jersey Rejects Stem Cell Bonds By Terrence Dopp, Bloomberg News:November 7, 2007 NEW JERSEY---New Jersey voters defeated a measure that would have authorized over $450,000 in funding for stem cell research. New Jersey is currently facing a deficit and voters did not believe allowing stem cell research would bring in enough revenue to warrant spending the money. Alaska High Court Rules Parental Consent Law Unconstitutional Family News in Focus:November 5, 2007 ALASKA---In 1997, the state of Alaska passed a law requiring parental or judicial consent for an under aged girl to receive an abortion. The law was never enacted due to court battles. The Alaskan High Court has ruled the law unconstitutional as it infringes on the teenager's right to reproductive freedom. Teen Pregnancy Rates Plummet Across D.C. Region By Susan Levine, The Washington Post:October 29, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---Teen pregnancy rate has declined by 1/3 between 1996 and 2005. In 1996, teen pregnancy rates were at 164.4%. In 2005, they fell to 64.6%. Officials attribute the decline to a delay in teen sexual activity and a programs and messages on sexual education. Previous Abortions Linked with Pre-Term Birth By Hilary White, LifeSite News.com:October 26, 2007 According to a study in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 32% of pre-term births were a result of a mother's prior abortion. Babies born pre-term are at higher risk to develop medical problems such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or serious infections. Adult Stem Cells Create a Bionic Nerve Science
Daily: October 18, 2007 Teen Entitled to Morning After Pill Family News in Focus:September 26, 2007 PENNSYLVANIA--The 3rd U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that parental notification is not required to give teens the morning after pill. Pennsylvania does require parental consent before a teenager has an abortion. Oregon Suicide Rates Remain High KTVZ.com:September 18, 2007 OREGON---IN 2005, 555 people committed suicide in Oregon. This is slightly lower than 2004, but Oregon still remains 10th in the nation. These number do not include Oregon Death with Dignity act. Woodburn Community Home Makeover By Michelle Te, Woodburn Independent:September 17, 2007 WOODBURN, Ore---In February, Rebecca Gomez's husband passed away, leaving her to raise her five children. While the family was away on vacation, community volunteers and members of the Mid-Valley Community Church remodeled her older home in Hubbard. President Bush Denies Funding to United Nations Population Fund By Matthew Cullinan Hoffman, LifeSite News.com:September 13, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---The Bush Administration has denied funding to the United Nations Population Fund because the Fund cooperates with forced abortion and sterilization in China's "One Child Policy." Adult Stem Cells Make New Heart Valves PhysiciansOrg.com:September 11, 2007 Scientists at Harvard's Boston Children's Hospital were able to use adult stem cells to create artificial heart valves. Unlike heart valves made from pig tissue, these valves have the possibility of growing with the heart as it gets larger. More Sex and Violence During Family Television Viewing Hour By Peter Kaplan, Yahoo News.com:September 5, 2007 Family viewing hour covers programming between 8-9pm. According to the Parents Television Council, family hour has seen a 52% increase in violence, and a 22% increase in sex since 2001. MS Breakthrough Disputes Need for Embryonic Stem Cell Research Family News in Focus:August 15, 2007 Researchers have discovered a DNA vaccine that will help slow the progress of multiple sclerosis. Company Kills Embryos for Personal Stem Cell Lines By Steven Ertlet, LifeNews.com:August 14, 2007 A California company, StemLifeLine, has obtained contracts with fertility clinics to offer to use a couples frozen embryos to create personalized stem cell lines the couple can use as potential cures for future diseases. Embryonic stem cell supporters disagree with this company noting there is no guarantee the cures will work. There is also no proof stem cells coming from their own biological embryos will aid them better than other embryos. One cannot obtain stem cell lines without destroying the embryo. The Aging Population By Carolyn Moynihan, Mercator.Net:August 3, 2007 AUSTRALIA---The population demographic is changing around the world. Moynihan discusses Japan, China and Africa to show how the elderly population is increasing, and fertility rates are decreasing. House Passes Children's Health Insurance Bill Kaiser Daily Women's Health:August 2, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C. The House renewed the Children's Health Insurance Bill, SCHIP, with a 225-204 vote. The bill extends funding for abstinence education. The bill also provides funding for low-income pregnant women. However, it removed funding for an unborn child. Conservatives Promote Healthcare Plan By Barbara Barrett, The Seattle Times:July 27, 2007 WASHINGTON D.C.---Republican Senators have created a healthcare plan that will provide tax credits of up to $5,400/year per family. The credits allow families to choose their own healthcare plan. Pro-Life Film "Bella" to Open October 26 By John Jalsavec, Lifesite News.com:July 26, 2007 Winner of the People's Choice Award at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, Bella, is a family centered movie about a young girl's choice when facing an unexpected pregnancy. | |||