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 News Archives Also Check Marriage in the news Abstinence in the news Fatherhood in the news DIVORCE Children in UK Caught in Divorce Raising Kids.co:October 20, 2008 UNITED KINGDOM---Agony Aunts (advice columnists) in the UK are asking the government to make children a priority whose parents have separated or divorced. In a new survey by Kids in the Middle, 70 percent said their experience of their parents' separation has been 'bad' or 'very bad.' Cultural Tolerance for Divorce Grows 70% By Lydia Saad, Gallup.com:May 19, 2008 According to a Gallup's 2008 Values and Belief's survey, over 70% of people believe that divorce is morally acceptable. This is an increase of 11% from 2001. The New Alone By Elizabeth Marquardt, The Washington Post:January 27, 2008 Marquardt discusses the role divorce plays in the care adult children give their aging parents and step parents. EDUCATION Technology Makes Cheating More Tempting By Dominick Tao, ABC News.com:October 8, 2008 Educators are having difficulty keeping up with students using advances in technology to help cheat on their school work. Not only are students using cell phones, computers, iPods, electronic pens, mini video recorders, or more to cheat on tests, but they are then bragging about their achievements on Internet video sites such as You Tube. The article claims many students cheat due to pressure to stay ahead. Schools Make Adjustments for Physical Education Law By Kelly Ashford and Faris Tanyos, KDRV.com:October 1, 2008 TALENT, Ore--In the 2007, Legislature, lawmakers passed H.B. 3141, a requirement to increase physical education requirements for elementary students. Districts have until 2017 to implement the change. Milwaukie School Wins Intel Award By Su-jin Yim, The Oregonian:September 9, 2008 MILWAUKIE, Ore---Sojourner School, a magnet school in the North Clackamas School District won the Intel Star Innovator Prize for their math and science instruction. School To Debut Anti Gang Program By Buffy Pollock, Medford Mail Tribune:September 8, 2008 CENTRAL POINT, Ore---Students at Scenic Middle School will get to take part in a new G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program designed to discourage delinquent and violent behavior. HEROES: Heppner's Alternative to SMART By Erin Mills, The East Oregonian:September 6, 2008 HEPPNER, Ore---When Heppner Elementary School faced losing their SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) program, the school held a community wide fundraiser to help create HEROES (Heppner Elementary Reading Opportunities for Every Student). Unlike SMART, HEROES is available for all kids, volunteers will work directly in class, and they are not limited to pre-approved books. The school saw a lot of success from SMART and is excited to build on that success through HEROES. Victory For California Homeschoolers Homeschool Legal Defense Association:August 8, 2008 CALIFORNIA---The California Court of Appeals overturned a previous ruling requiring all homeschooled parents to have a teacher's certificate. Instead, they ruled that California permits homeschooling as part of private school education. Parents do not need a teacher's certificate to homeschool their children. Choosing Your Homeschool Curriculum By Vicki Lewis, Family.org:August 2008 Lewis advises homeschooling families on how to choose their curriculum, create a learning atmosphere, and handle interruptions to their schedule, such as housework, illness, or telephone calls. Oregon Receives U.S. Grant for Charter School Development Press Release, U.S. Department of Education:July 24, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---The U.S. Department of Education awarded the Oregon Department of Education a 9.5 million dollar Charter School Program grant. Oregon schools will use the funding to increase the number of high quality charter schools (independent public schools) and increase school choice for parents and children. California Homeschooling Case May Be Dismissed By Lawrence Jones, The Christian Post Reporter:July 18, 2008 CALIFORNIA---In February, the California Appellate Court ruled that parents cannot homeschool without teacher credentials. The ruling came from a family court case of homeschooling parents Mary and Philip Long. The Longs were accused of abusing their youngest children. Their case has since been thrown out. Homeschooling advocates ask the court to overturn their controversial decision. Homeschoolers Left Out of National Competitions Madison Park, Baltimore Sun:July 7, 2008 Subway restaurants made headlines by creating a national essay contest for public and private school students. The reward was $5,000 in sports equipment. After homeschooling advocates complained about being left out, Subway promised to create a new essay contest that includes homeschoolers. The article goes on to mention how homeschooled students are often overlooked in national competitions. Albany Boys and Girls Club Helps Kids Prepare for the Future By Jennifer Moody, The Albany Democrat-Herald:June 16, 2008 ALBANY, Ore---The Albany Boys and Girls Club has used a grant to start the Miracles Technology Academy to prepare pre-teens for the technological demands they will face in the future. Former Students Get Degree at Last By Kyle Odegard, The Corvallis Gazette:June 16, 2008 CORVALLIS, Ore---In 2007, OSU students lobbied the state legislature to award honorary degrees to Japanese-Americans who were removed from college and sent to interment camps during WWII. Duck Wrestlers Fight to Save Team Save Oregon Wrestling.com:June 9, 2008 EUGENE, Ore---Citing the need to comply with Title IX gender requirements, the U of O athletic department announced it would drop men's wrestling and add women's cheerleading in order to bring back men's baseball. Since the announcement, the department acknowledged Title IX does not require them to drop wrestling. They site low attendance instead. The wrestling department has filed suit. WA High Schools Lose 13 Million Dollar Grant Associated Press:May 6, 2008 WASHINGTON---Washington State won a 13.2 million dollar grant to enhance Advance Placement courses in math and science. The grant includes finance incentives for teachers who improve test scores. The National Math and Science Initiative wanted to pay teachers directly. State law requires teachers salaries are decided through collective bargaining. Unions and the state were unable to decide how the money should be awarded. The state will not be getting the funding. Teaching Inspires Second Career By Eunice Kim, The Statesman Journal:May 5, 2008 A growing number of people are choosing education as a second career. Many are seeking the personal fulfillment that comes from teaching. Oregon Colleges Allow Gender Neutral Dorms By Suzanne Pardington, The Oregonian:March 30, 2008 OREGON---Colleges around Oregon are opening up sections of their dorm to allow students of the opposite sex to live together. Some schools allow this so dating couples can live together, others are changing their rules to make same sex and transgender students more comfortable. Court to Reconsider Home Schooling Ruling Channel News 10:March 27, 2008 CALIFORNIA--The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in Los Angeles granted a re-hearing for their February 28th decision stating parents who homeschool their children must have a teachers credential. You Bet It's Tough: Kid's Walk in Adult's Shoes By Buffy Pollock, Mail Tribune:March 24, 2008 MEDFORD, Ore---Fifth graders from Washington and Jackson Elementary Schools took part in Portland's "Biztown," a mock city. Students interviewed for jobs, worked, and earned paychecks. The experience gave many kids more respect for the work their parents did. Rogue Community College Fees May Increase By Anita Burke, The Medford Mail Tribune:March 12, 2008 MEDFORD, Ore---Rogue Community College has proposed an increase in tuition of $2 per credit for in state students and $3 per credit for out of state students. Reading First in Oregon By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:March 11, 2008 OREGON---34 elementary schools in Oregon have implemented the federal Reading First program. The program calls for 90 minutes of reading time for grades K-2 and an additional 30-60 minutes study time for students struggling with reading. The percentage of students at benchmark has increased since implementation. Students Eschew Campus Romance By Sue Shellenbarger, Wall Street Journal:January 31, 2008 Shellenbarger discusses how college students are more focused on studying and pursuing a career then dating on campus. Only 14% of married couples met their spouse on campus. However, 76% of students admit to hooking up, with no thought to romance. Ashland Parents Want Smaller Classes By Julie French, Mail Tribune:January 22, 2008 ASHLAND, Ore---A group of parents has asked the school board to form a task force to address the large class sizes in Ashland's elementary schools. School Superintendent Juli Di Chiro noted that the higher class sizes are due to budget restrictions. However, she notes the numbers have remained steady since last year. College Parties Getting Hotter, Boozier By Dan Childs and Audrey Grayson, ABC.com:January 7, 2008 Researchers are finding that at college theme parties, women's clothing was getting skimpier and the less clothing women wore, the more they drank.
EUTHANASIA Washington State Considers Assisted Suicide Measure By Rachel La Corte, Associated Press:June 16, 2008 OLYMPIA, WA---Voters are attempting to collect the 250,000 signatures necessary by July 3rd to get an initiative on the ballot that would legalize doctor assisted suicide. The initiative mirrors Oregon's law. Oregon Health Plan Covers Asst. Suicide, not Drug Treatment By Tim Christie, The Eugene Register Guard:June 3, 2008 EUGENE, Ore---Barbara Wagner suffers from lung cancer. Her oncologist prescribed a drug that would slow the cancer's growth. She found out her Oregon Health Plan (OHP) would not cover the drug because they will not cover chemotherapy if it is for comfort care. However, the letter of denial noted the OHP would cover doctor assisted suicide. Fortunately for Wagner, the drug manufacturers offered to give her the drugs for free. Belgium Considers Euthanasia for Terminally Ill Kids Family News in Focus:March 28, 2008 BELGIUM---Lawmakers are considering passing legislation that would allow terminally ill teenagers and those who suffer from severe dementia to kill themselves. The legislation would also allow parents of children with incurable diseases to have the doctor kill their children. GAMBLING Gambling Addictions Keep Climbing By Michael Maresh, Lahontan Valley News:September 21, 2008 NEVADA---According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, 1.5 percent of people in the U.S. are at risk for problem gambling. 1.2 percent are at risk for becoming pathological gamblers. The Council also shares that gambling addiction is often paired with a drug addiction. Payment System Protection Act Passes Committee By Haley Hintze, Poker News.com:September 17, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---The Payment Systems Protection Act of 2008 (H.R. 6870), sponsored by Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA), is an attempt to clarify and restrict language in the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The bill limits the UIGEA to ban only illegal sports betting. Sweet Dreams in Hard Times Lead to Lottery Sales By Katie Zezima, The New York Times:September 13, 2008 State lotteries around the country are experiencing growing sales as more people spend their money on lottery tickets in hopes of winning it big in this financially difficult time. Treat Sports Gambling Like the Problem It Is By Tim Otteman, Detroit Free Press:September 2, 2008 MICHIGAN---According to Tim Otteman, professor at Central Michigan University, illegal sports gambling wagers run between $80 billion and $380 billion a year. Sports gambling can have severe consequences including addiction, and accumulation of debt. Bill Seeks to Clarify Illegal Online Gambling By Sarah Polson, PokerListings.com:August 6, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) has introduced H.R. 6663, Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Clarification and Implementation Act to limit illegal online gambling to sports betting. Lottery Rates Increase in Economic Slow Down By Rinker Buck, Courant Staff:July 27, 2008 CONNECTICUT---Although gas and food prices are up, lottery officials found that people are spending more money on lottery tickets. This is a common occurrence. People realize the odds of winning are stacked against them. However, they figure it is worth a couple of dollars to take the chance they could win big. Study Suggests U.S. Should Regulate Online Gambling By Wojtek Dabrowski, Reuters:July 19, 2008 According to a joint study by the University of Western Ontario in Canada, and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, online gambling is still readily available in the U.S. and Canada, even though it is illegal. The study recognizes that online gambling is more addictive than casino gambling. The study suggests that legalizing and regulating the sites will allow the countries to place controls on the sites to curb the harmful effects. Lawmakers Disagree over Defining Online Gambling By Erica Werner, Associated Press:June 27, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---In 2006, Congress passed a ban on Internet gambling. However, the Federal Reserve and Treasury department need Congress to officially define what online gambling is before they can implement the ban. Legislators are still struggling on a definition. Gambling Drops Nationwide By Ashley Wiehle, Chicago Tribune:June 21, 2008 ILLINOIS---According to a report from the Rockefeller Institute of Government, revenue growth from gambling has slowed nationwide in the past three years. They cite a slowing economy and moral objections to gambling as reasons for the decline. States Aim to Take Gamblers' Winnings for Child Support Family News in Focus:June 3, 2008 Colorado and West Virginia will implement plans to work directly with casinos to get use gambling winnings to pay for over due child support. Oregon Survey Shows Online Gambling Places Kids at Risk By Eunice Kim, The Statesman Journal May 27, 2008 OREGON---According to a recent survey by the Oregon Department of Human Services, almost 95,000 teens in the Oregon gamble for free on the Internet. This worries officials because not only is it convenient, easily accessible, but parents may not be aware their teens are gambling. The DHS is seeking to educate parents and youth on the dangers of online gambling. Judge Deals Blow to Online Poker Players By Vanessa Ho, Seattle Post Intelligencer:May 15, 2008 WASHINGTON---Superior Court Judge Mary Roberts upheld a state law banning internet gambling. The law was enacted in 2006 as an amendment to the 1973 gambling act. The original act prohibited electronic transmission of gambling information. The 2006 amendment added Internet to the list of electronic devices. US Gambling Revenues Up 5.3 Percent in 2007 By Oskar Garcia, Associated Press:May 14, 2008 According to a recent survey by the American Gambling Association, U.S. Gambling revenues were up 5.3 percent to 34.1 billion dollars in 2007. This is more than American's spend on candy or movie tickets. Officials predict the number will decline as the economy slows down. Problem Gambling Common Among Young Adults Washington Post:May 12, 2008 According to a recent survey by researchers at University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions, 750,000 American teens and young adults are problem gamblers. Congress to Take Testimony in Internet Gambling Ban By Matt Richtel, The New York Times:April 1, 2008 The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 made it illegal for banks and other financial institutions in the United States to process online wagers. However, some of the financial institutional assert they will have a difficult time complying with the new rules. Congress will also hear testimony on a bill by Rep. Barney Frank [D-MA] that would override the Act. Casino Plan Timeline 1998-2008 By Raelynn Ricarte, Hood River News:March 21, 2008 Ricarte outlines the timeline of the Confederate Tribe of Washington's decision to build a casino in the Cascade Locks. Supporters Dominate First Hearing By Rodger Nichols, The Dalles Chronicle:March 6, 2008 KAH-NEE-TAH---Over 200 people attended the first federal hearing on whether to allow the Warm Springs Tribe build a casino on non reservation land. 34 of the 39 people who testified supported the casino. Tribal leaders cited declining revenue and high unemployment rate as a reason to want the casino. Colorado Gambling Bill Fox Colorado News:February 28, 2008 COLORADO---The Colorado House passed legislation requiring casinos to use some of their proceeds to pay for gambling treatment, and education on gambling addiction. Currently, private funds are used for treatment. Public Hearing Next Step for Gorge Casino By Harry Esteve, The Oregonian:February 16, 2008 OREGON---The federal government released five public hearings on the decision to allow the Warm Springs Tribe to build a Columbia River gorge casino. The hearings are on March 3rd, March 10th, March 12, March 13, and March 17th. Check the full article for times and locations. Hearing on Warm Springs Casino By Holly M. Gill, Madras Pioneer:January 28, 2008 OREGON---The federal government has decided to hold a public hearing on the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs casino proposal. The casino is planned for the Columbia Gorge. JUDICIAL NEWS Portland Reception Center Alt. for Juvenile Detention By Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian:January 14, 2008 PORTLAND, Ore---In 1998, the Portland Reception Center opened as a place for tens picked up by police for minor offences. As an alternative to juvenile detention, the center provides counseling and referrals to drug treatment. Previously, police had to keep kids in their car while trying to contact parent. OBSCENTIY/PORNOGRAPHY American Airlines Will Filter In-Flight Internet By Matt Phillips, Wall Street Journal:October 8. 2008 American Airlines has decided to block pornographic content on its in flight Internet access. Previously, American noted it would not filter out pornography because it could disrupt legitimate sites. However, flight attendants and passengers were worried others, especially children could accidentally view the inappropriate content. Delta will also filter its content. Flight Attendants Want Filters Bloomberg News:September 11, 2008 American Airlines may offer in flight Internet access. Flight attendants are urging the airlines to install filters to block obscene material. Attendants fear children will see the offensive pages. They have also received complaints. The Airlines does not want to filter access at this time. American Airlines Testing In Flight Internet Access Associated Press:July 25, 2008 DALLAS, TX---American Airlines may allow passengers to purchase Internet access during their flight. Internet content will not be filtered because it could disrupt illegitimate websites. Passengers will have access to pornographic material during the flight. It will be up to flight attendants to enforce existing procedures against inappropriate content. Georgia Town Buys Strip Club? Associated Press:July 31, 2008 LAVONIA, GA---The small town of Lavonia, Georgia purchased a strip club for 1 million dollars. The town unsuccessfully tried to close the club down for 7 years. The town has since passed a law banning adult entertainment businesses. Prostitution and Prevention New York Times, Op Ed:July 29, 2008 The New York Times offers an op-ed article on the increase in child prostitution across the United States. Child prostitutes have typically run away from sexually abusive homes. Internet Content Law Unconstitutional By Ryan Singel, ABC News:July 23, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---In 1998, the Child Online Protection Act was passed. The Act would force websites with adult content to have an age requirement. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling that the Act violated the First Amendment. Court Upholds Part of Child Pornography Law By Mark Sherman, Associated Press:May 19, 2008 The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that it is a federal crime to lead someone to believe you have child pornography to show or exchange. Opponents were worried this would affect e-mails with grandkids, or rated R movies; however, the Justices said the law would not apply to those cases. FBI: We're Losing the War on Child Porn By Jason Ryan, ABC News:April 23, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---According to F.B.I. director Robert Mueller, the growth of child pornography and child exploitation on the Internet is so strong that lawmakers cannot keep up with it. He is asking for the ability to expand records retention to better catch child pornographers. He is also asking for state and local involvement. Towns Use Zoning to Limit Sex Businesses By Nate Schweber, The New York Times:January 27, 2008 NEW YORK--Since banning adult only businesses is illegal, cities set zoning laws to limit the businesses to certain areas in town. Some cities choose to set zoning laws prior to businesses moving in. Internet Pornography Cause of Increase in Male Sex Addiction By Helen Neil, BBC:January 10, 2008 BRITAIN--According to a survey, 80% of counselor noted that sex addiction is on the rise. The most common cause is Internet pornography. Not surprisingly, counselors also share this negatively affects their personal relationships. TECHNOLOGY NEWS Social, Work Lives Collide On Networking Websites By Janet Kornblum, USA Today:January 17, 2008 The article shares how adults and teens need to be careful about the information they post on online social networks such as MySpace and Facebook as the information is very difficult to keep private. Bullies in Cyberspace By Sharon Noguchi, Mercury News:January 13, 2008 Coined the "bathroom wall" of the Internet, the article highlights how the anonymity of the Internet has lead to an increase in cyberbullying. OTHER Michael J. Fox Hopeful Obama Will Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research By Steve Ertlet, Lifenews.com:November 6, 2008 Actor Michael J. Fox, and others, hope the Obama administration will overturn the limits placed on funding for embryonic stem cells. Currently, however, there has not been progress with embryonic stem cell research. There has been large progress with adult stem cell research. Recap of Family Issues on Ballots Across the U.S. The Hartford Courant:November 5, 2008 This article outlines voting results on family related issues in the United States. Topics are same sex marriage, abortion, gambling, elections, drug policy, and taxes. Servant Evangelism Tim Stafford, Christianity Today:October 31, 2008 Tim Stafford gives an inside look to how evangelist Luis Palau has combined evangelism with service in Portland. Service included cleaning up Portland schools, free medical and dental clinics and free lunches. This encourages churches to combine efforts and work together to serve others. Survey Results of Tillamook Youth on Drinking By Amber Nobe, Headlight-Herald:October 21, 2008 TILLAMOOK, Ore---According to a recent survey of Tillamook Jr and High School students, a majority of high school students and almost 50% of Jr High students have consumed alcohol. 1/3 have been a passenger with a drunk driver. Kids are drinking not for social reasons, but simply to get drunk. Aaron Middleton, youth pastor at the Tillamook Church of the Nazarene says kids are searching for a purpose. Parents Find Hope in Down Syndrome Support Groups Citizen Link:October 17, 2008 According to Dr. Brian Skotko, of Boston Children's Hospital notes that parents of children with Down syndrome greatly benefit from connection with other parents. In 'Sweetie' and 'Dear,' a Hurt For the Elderly By John Leland, New York Times:October 7, 2008 The article cites 'elderspeak' as addressing an elderly person by sweetie or dear, assuming an older person does not know how to use technology, or speaking to them in a loud, slow voice. Studies now show that elderspeak can lead to negative images of aging and have health consequences. Arizona Okay's 'Choose Life' Plates Fox News.com:October 6, 2008 ARIZONA---The Arizona Life Coalition won a ruling that allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to offer license plates stating 'Choose Life.' The state originally turned down their request. The 9th Circuit Court ruled this violated the Coalition's free speech. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that ruling. Student Prayer Warriors By Jason Horton, The Woodburn Independent:October 2, 2008 WOODBURN, Ore---On September 24th, Woodburn students gathered around the flag poles at local high schools for See You At The Pole (SYATP) to pray for students, teachers, and the nation. Started in 1990 in Texas, SYATP is now grown internationally to countries such as Ghana, Ecuador, Kenya, Germany, and more. Experts Lean Toward Adult Stem Cells Family News in Focus:September 25, 2008 John McNeish, executive director of Pfizer, is encouraged by the continued success of adult stem cells. Scientist Dr. James Thorton notes that using embryonic stem cells for medical treatment may not even be necessary. Girl Talk Has Its Limits By Sarah Kershaw, The New York Times:September 11, 2008 Kershaw shares how many psychologists believe that "co-rumination" frequently discussing the same problems, a behavior typical among teen girls, can actually lead to anxiety and depression. They site a difference between "self-disclosure" and dwelling on problems. Groups Combine Efforts to Reduce Teen Drinking Daily Astorian:September 9, 2008 ASTORIA, Ore---Oregon Partnership and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission have created the "Face It, Parents" campaign to educate adults on the dangers of furnishing alcohol to minors; even if they buy it for the kids to drink at home. College Professors Debate a Lower Drinking Age By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times:September 1, 2008 Over 100 college presidents have signed a petition asking for a debate on whether or not the drinking age should be lowered from age 21 to age 18. The professors cite an increase in binge drinking and drinking related deaths and injuries. Supporters for keeping the status quo note the current age limit has led to fewer traffic deaths. Adult Stem Cell Success Stories 2008 Update Jan-June By William Saunders, Jr., David Prentice, Simona Beskova, and Martin Kolesar, Family Research Council This report features new cases of people who have benefited by adult stem cell therapy to fight leukemia, auto immune disease, or cerebral palsy, and more. Make sure to check out the success stories here. Scientists Reprogram Adult Stem Cell Function By Rob Stein:August 28, 2008 Scientists at Harvard University discovered they can use pancreatic cells in mice to produce insulin without using and destroying embryonic stem cells. The treatment is still in the initial stages. Court Rules Doctors Can't Refuse Treatment on Religious Issues By Maura Dolan, Los Angeles Times:August 19, 2008 CALIFORNIA---According to the California Supreme Court, doctors cannot deny treatment to gays and lesbians, even if the procedures conflict their religious beliefs. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Guadalupe T. Benitez. Benitez went to have an OBGYN artificially inseminate her so she and her lesbian partner could have a child. The doctor refused treatment due to religious reasons that she would not perform that treatment on any unmarried woman. Benitez's case can now go to trial. Voting Experiment Might Come to Oregon By Edward Walsh, The Oregonian:August 18, 2008 OREGON---Measure 65, on Oregon's November ballot, proposes changing the primary system to an open primary. In an open primary, all candidates, regardless of party, are placed on the same ballot. Then, the top two vote getters, again, regardless of party, are sent to the November ballot. Supporters hope to increase voter turnout. Opponents feel this will entirely remove power from the minority party. At Long Last, Playground is For All By Nancy Raskauskas, Corvallis Gazette Times:August 18, 2008 CORVALLIS, Ore---A new playground structure has opened at Garfield Elementary School. The playground is open to the public, and wheelchair accessible. APA Finds Abortion Doesn't Affect Mental Health of Women; Study Disputed By Jennifer Mesko, Family News in Focus:August 13, 2008 The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recently released a report concluding that having one abortion does not cause significant mental health problems for women. However, Priscilla Coleman, researcher at Bowling Green State University, found that 10-20% of women who have an abortion experience mental-health problems. The APA report did show women who had multiple abortions or were coerced into having could experience mental health problems. The article notes that up to 60% of women have had multiple abortions, or felt coerced. South Dakota Vote Draws Attention By Amy Merrick, Wall Street Journal:August 12, 2008 SOUTH DAKOTA---Two years ago, voters overturned a ban on abortion in South Dakota. Now, a similar measure is on the ballot. Unlike the previous ban, this version contains provisions for the health of the mother and in cases of rape and incest. Cord Blood Stem Cells Reverse Girl's Cerebral Palsy Fox News:July 28, 2008 Chloe Levine, 2, was born with cerebral palsy that affected her right side. Her parents, Ryan and Jenny had saved her cord blood when she was born. Two months ago, doctors injected Chloe with her own cord blood. She has made a 50 percent recovery. Weight Drives the Young to Adult Pills By Stephanie Saul, The New York Times:July 26, 2008 According to pharmaceutical records, due to an increase in childhood obesity, children are taking medicine for chronic conditions usually found in adults. Children are taking medication for acid reflux, blood pressure, cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. There are concerns doctors are turning to medication instead of encouraging lifestyle changes of diet and exercise. Botox Treatments as Bridesmaid Gifts By Abby Ellin, The New York Times:July 24, 2008 In the past five years it has become popular for brides to ask or treat bridesmaids to facials, laser treatments, teeth whitening, tanning, and even Botox, so they can look the best for the wedding day. They will even invite their mother and mother-in-law. Abortion Proposal for Federal Health Aid By Robert Pear, New York Times:July 15, 2008 WASHINGTON D.C.---The Department of Health and Human Services is pushing a prerequisite that all recipients of federal health aid will have to sign a contract certifying the will not refuse to hire nurses or doctors or other support staff who refuse to provide abortions or certain types of birth control. If they do not sign the contract, the recipients would be denied the funding. Mice Produce Human Sperm By Jonathan Leake, and Sarah-Kate Templeton, TimesOnline.uk:July 6, 2008 BRAZIL---Research scientists have been able to use mice to create human sperm for infertile men by inserting human stem cells into mouse reproductive organs. This is controversial as it gives animals a role in human reproduction. Adult Stem Cell Treatment Treats Heart Disease By Cindy Nyugen, New Orleans CW38 News:July 17, 2008 LOUISINANA---Two doctors have used adult stem cells to treat Patricia Welch's heart disease by repairing a blocked artery. The doctors have successfully used adult stem cells in 25 other medical procedures. Juvenile Offenders Restore Old Diners By Pam Belluck, The New York Times:July 14, 2008 RHODE ISLAND---Teenage offenders at a Rhode Island detention center are restoring classic american diners as part of a service project. Once the diners are restored, many of the teens will act as cooks and cashiers. The project teaches teens valuable life skills. To qualify, teens must be on good behavior, and have earned, or on their way to earning, their high school diploma. Brazil Legislators Reject Law Legalizing Abortion Alert Net.org:July 9, 2008 BRAZIL---A committee in Brazil's lower house of Congress voted against a bill that would have legalized abortion. The bill is now likely to be shelved. Michigan Advances Stem Cell Research Proposal By Tim Martin, Associated Press:July 8, 2008 MICHIGAN---The Stem Cell Research Ballot Question Committee of Michigan shared it had more than 570,000 signatures backing a ballot measure that would loosen Michigan's restrictions on state funded embryonic stem cell research. The proposal would allow scientists to use donated embryos created during fertility treatments. Supporters were unable to get legislation passed in the legislature. Contraceptive Pill Increases Risk of Heart Disease LifesiteNews.com:May 7, 2008 According to a study by the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology at the University of Udine, in Italy, the newest version of oral contraceptive has an increased risk of heart disease, higher cholesterol and blood clots. Dallas Schools on Alert for Cyberbullying By Jillian Beaudry, The Itemizer Observer:June 18, 2008 DALLAS, Ore---The 2007 Oregon Legislature passed legislation that addresses cyberbullying in school. Cyberbullying occurs when one uses electronics to harass or bully. Michael Beck, Assistant Principal of Dallas High School, said he has seen at least 12-15 cases of cyberbullying this year. He said most of the cases involved MySpace. Louisiana Won't Fund Therapeutic Cloning By Kevin McGill, Associated Press:June 3, 2008 LOUISIANA---The State's Senate voted to ban government funding for therapeutic cloning. Therapeutic cloning occurs when an embryo is cloned and then destroyed for the purpose of harvesting the stem cells. The Senate's vote does not ban therapeutic cloning. Adult Stem Cells Treat Skin Disease By Josephine Marcotty, Star Tribune:June 3, 2008 MINNESOTA---Nate Liao, age 2, and his brother Jake, age 5, suffer from recessive dystrophic epidermyolysis bullosa (RDEB), a disease which prevents their bodies from making a protein that holds the skin together. Last fall, doctors performed a bone marrow transplant in Nate. The transplant worked. Nate is starting to develop the missing collegan in his skin and intestines. The just recently treated Jake. Virginia Abortion Law Overturned Again By Robert Barnes, The Washington Post:May 21, 2008 VIRGINIA---The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Virginia's law banning partial birth abortion. The Court ruled the law was unconstitutional because it bans intact dilation and extraction after 12 weeks of pregnancy. There is the possibility a doctor may unintentionally perform an intact D&E, and the only way to avoid risk is to not perform abortions in the 2nd trimester. The court ruled this places an undue burden on the woman. Read further to learn more about the law and dissenting opinions. Arizona Nursing Board Allows Nurse Practitioners to Perform First Trimester Abortions Medical News Today:May 19, 2008 | |||