http://fsd.org.qa/doha/wfns/wfns.asp To help families and scholars stay up-to-date on the latest family-related news, the Doha Institute collects and shares internet articles about current events from around the globe in the World Family News Service (WFNS). Public submission of items such as news articles, policy and legal briefs, and conference notes/summaries are encouraged and will be posted online after being reviewed for suitability. en-us Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:45:00 GMT http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/06/czech-republic-scraps-bill-to-fund-abortions-for-eu-residents/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/06/czech-republic-scraps-bill-to-fund-abortions-for-eu-residents/ Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:44:00 GMT The Czech Parliament has decided against adopting legislation that would have required the European nation to offer inexpensive abortions to citizens of foreign European Union member states. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/06/late-term-abortion-plans-at-university-of-wisconsin-stopped/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/06/late-term-abortion-plans-at-university-of-wisconsin-stopped/ Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:44:00 GMT Over the weekend, the Joint Finance Committee in the Wisconsin legislature approved a provision that would limit the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority Board on late-term abortions. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://ncfamily.org/stories/110606s2.html http://ncfamily.org/stories/110606s2.html Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:43:00 GMT On Friday, a special House subcommittee considered HB 239-Grandparents Visitation Rights, a bill that seeks to change North Carolina law to significantly expand the legal rights of grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren. Law and Policy http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/italians-not-having-kids-and-now-not-getting-married-either-new-stats http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/italians-not-having-kids-and-now-not-getting-married-either-new-stats Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:43:00 GMT The archetypal Italian family, with mamma and papa presiding over a noisy dinner table, surrounded by rambunctious children and grandchildren, has become a cultural artifact of the past. Not only are Italians not having children, they are increasingly not even bothering to get married, according to recently released government statistics. Marriage http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/wallpaper-of-sexual-imagery-surrounds-children-uk-govt-commissioned-report http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/wallpaper-of-sexual-imagery-surrounds-children-uk-govt-commissioned-report Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:42:00 GMT "Society has become increasingly full of sexualised imagery. This has created a wallpaper to children's lives," says Reg Bailey, the chief executive of The Mother's Union, a Church of England charity that supports marriage and the family. Children http://www.childwatch.uio.no/news/2011/opportunity-in-crisis http://www.childwatch.uio.no/news/2011/opportunity-in-crisis Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:42:00 GMT Opportunity in Crisis: Preventing HIV from early adolescence to young adulthood examines the state of the HIV epidemic among young people, highlighting the challenges they face and presenting solutions informed by evidence of what works with different age groups and in different epidemic settings. Children http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43286216/ns/world_news-europe/ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43286216/ns/world_news-europe/ Mon, 6 Jun 2011 21:41:00 GMT Pope Benedict XVI wrapped up his visit to Croatia on Sunday by denouncing the "disintegration" of family life in Europe and calling for couples to make a commitment to marry and have children, not just live together. Religion and Culture http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/03/florida-gov-scott-signs-bill-to-not-fund-abortion-in-obamacare/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/03/florida-gov-scott-signs-bill-to-not-fund-abortion-in-obamacare/ Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:50:00 GMT Florida Gov. Rick Scott has signed the first of several bills he is expected to sign that put new limits on abortion in place. The first bill he's signed makes it so the state doesn't have to pay for abortions under Obamacare. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/02/indiana-will-defy-obama-admin-order-to-not-de-fund-planned-parenthood/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/02/indiana-will-defy-obama-admin-order-to-not-de-fund-planned-parenthood/ Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:49:00 GMT State officials in Indiana say they will defy the decision by the Obama administration asking it to not proceed with implementing a new pro-life state law that would revoke taxpayer funding for the Planned Parenthood abortion business. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20110602/sc_livescience/willusdasnewplateiconmakeadifferenceinamericandiets http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20110602/sc_livescience/willusdasnewplateiconmakeadifferenceinamericandiets Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:47:00 GMT The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled a new icon today designed to assist Americans in their daily food choices. Called MyPlate, the icon represents a plate of food and replaces the familiar food pyramid that has been used to educate Americans on nutrition since 1992. Health http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1498 http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1498 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:45:00 GMT The UK schools minister has told Parliament that parents should retain the right to take their children out of sex education classes if they wish to. Education http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43268634/ns/health-womens_health/ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43268634/ns/health-womens_health/ Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:45:00 GMT Single moms may be at risk for poor health later in life. Of thousands of mothers who participated in a 30-year study, the ones who had delivered children outside of marriage reported being less healthy when they reached their 40s than the ones who had postponed motherhood until after marriage. Parenting http://familypolicy.net/perspective/?p=7744 http://familypolicy.net/perspective/?p=7744 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:44:00 GMT Family Research Council's Marriage and Religion Research Institute released a paper last week showing that economic well-being in the United States is strongly related to marriage. Marriage http://nichcy.org/how-states-are-addressing-the-needs-of-substance-exposed-infants http://nichcy.org/how-states-are-addressing-the-needs-of-substance-exposed-infants Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:44:00 GMT An estimated 400,000-440,000 infants (10-11% of all births) each year are affected by prenatal alcohol or illicit drug exposure. This new report from the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW) examines state policy on this issue. Children http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25121 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25121 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:43:00 GMT The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has draw attention to what it describes as grave violations of children's rights that are taking place every day in Somalia, which has been wracked by factional warfare since the collapse of the government 20 years ago. Children http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25119 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25119 Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:43:00 GMT The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais, expresses her deep concern at the continued acts of violence perpetrated against children in the context of the on-going unrest in Syria. Children http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/southafrica_58749.html http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/southafrica_58749.html Fri, 3 Jun 2011 21:42:00 GMT The school is part of the child-friendly school initiative - known in South Africa as the 'Safe and Caring Child-Friendly School' programme - that is being implemented by the Department of Education, with support from UNICEF and non-governmental organisations such as Link Community Development. Education http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/legislation-to-limit-abortion-proposed-in-russian-parliament http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/legislation-to-limit-abortion-proposed-in-russian-parliament Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:49:00 GMT Conservative parliamentarians, with the backing of Russia's Orthodox Church, are drafting legislation aimed at reducing the more than 1 million abortions performed in Russia each year. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/02/abortion-advocates-hope-to-hold-senate-in-2012-elections/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/02/abortion-advocates-hope-to-hold-senate-in-2012-elections/ Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:49:00 GMT Should pro-abortion President Barack Obama lose his bid for re-election next year, abortion advocates appear to be holding on to hope that they can keep the Senate in pro-abortion hands to defend against the pro-life agenda. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.c-fam.org/publications/pub_detail.asp?id=1871 http://www.c-fam.org/publications/pub_detail.asp?id=1871 Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:48:00 GMT By authorizing the use of a single drug, the World Health Organization has simultaneously raised hopes for saving thousands of mothers' lives and raised fears that the drug will also be used to kill perhaps millions of unborn children. Misoprostol is used to help stop bleeding during delivery, the main cause of maternal deaths, but it can also be used to induce at-home abortions. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/02/should-babies-be-screened-for-untreatable-diseases/ http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/02/should-babies-be-screened-for-untreatable-diseases/ Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:48:00 GMT A new poll shows parents are split over whether their newborns should be screened for fragile X syndrome, the most common type of inherited mental disability. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1493 http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1493 Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:47:00 GMT Marriage commissioners in one district of Amsterdam will have to undergo a yearly evaluation to make sure their support for homosexual marriage has not changed. Marriage http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20110602/sc_livescience/divorceplagueskidssocialacademiclivesforyears http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20110602/sc_livescience/divorceplagueskidssocialacademiclivesforyears Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:47:00 GMT Young kids whose parents divorce struggle with math, social skills and emotions such as anxiety and depression for at least two years after the split, a new study finds. Children http://www.c-fam.org/publications/pub_detail.asp?id=1870 http://www.c-fam.org/publications/pub_detail.asp?id=1870 Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:46:00 GMT "Polish sovereignty to limit abortion is under strong political pressure from supranational bodies," Gr�gor Puppinck of the European Center for Law and Justice told the Friday Fax. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/new-zealand-court-unborn-have-no-right-to-life http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/new-zealand-court-unborn-have-no-right-to-life Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:46:00 GMT Unborn children have no right to life, according to New Zealand Court of Appeal judges. The judges also ruled against findings by a High Court judge that questioned the lawfulness of many abortion procedures. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25101 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25101 Thu, 2 Jun 2011 15:46:00 GMT In Ukraine, it is expedient to establish an institution of the Ombudsman for Children. This opinion has been expressed by Anatoly Zabolotny, the Director of Rinat Akhmetov's Foundation for Development of Ukraine at a press conference called "The Protection of Children's Rights through the Prism of an Administrative Reform". Children http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/01/catholic-bishops-to-vote-on-document-opposing-assisted-suicide/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/06/01/catholic-bishops-to-vote-on-document-opposing-assisted-suicide/ Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:07:00 GMT The nation's Catholic bishops are expected to debate and vote on a new document later this month that would renew their opposition to the practice of assisted suicide at a time when activists are trying to expand it. Religion and Culture http://www.lifesitenews.com/blog/more-americans-believe-that-assisted-suicide-is-morally-wrong http://www.lifesitenews.com/blog/more-americans-believe-that-assisted-suicide-is-morally-wrong Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:07:00 GMT The recent Gallup poll in America shows that 45% of those polled thought that physician-assisted suicide was morally acceptable whereas 48% thought that physician-assisted suicide was Morally wrong. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=5736 http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=5736 Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:07:00 GMT The annual Gallup poll about Moral Issues has just been released, and the results follow well-established trends. Americans in general are strongly opposed to the reproductive cloning of humans (84% opposed) and somewhat less opposed to cloning animals (62% opposed). We do, however, support medical research that uses stem cells obtained from human embryos, by a margin of 62-30. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/01/obama-administration-calls-indianas-ban-planned-parenthood-illegal/ http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/06/01/obama-administration-calls-indianas-ban-planned-parenthood-illegal/ Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:06:00 GMT The Obama administration has declared Indiana's new law that withholds some public funding for Planned Parenthood of Indiana illegal and is warning other states that some of their Medicaid funding will be in jeopardy too if they pass legislation barring any qualified health care provider. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.bionews.org.uk/page.asp?obj_id=95410 http://www.bionews.org.uk/page.asp?obj_id=95410 Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:06:00 GMT A widow has been granted possession of her late husband's sperm in an 'exceptional' Australian court ruling last week. Law and Policy http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20110601/ts_usnews/whenitcomestomoneymomsrule http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20110601/ts_usnews/whenitcomestomoneymomsrule Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:05:00 GMT The fact that parents exert a powerful influence over their children's money habits has been well-established, but a new survey suggests it's moms, not dads, who are the true guiding force: 26 percent of respondents in a CreditCards.com survey named their mothers as the person in their family who had the most influence over what they know about handling finances. Parenting http://www.bionews.org.uk/page.asp?obj_id=95089 http://www.bionews.org.uk/page.asp?obj_id=95089 Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:04:00 GMT More people are crossing borders to build their families than ever before. Prospective parents can easily access information about treatment options in countries where regulations permit treatments outlawed in the UK or where there is little or no regulation at all. But where surrogacy is involved, going abroad raises very difficult legal issues. Law and Policy http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/01/illinois.civil.unions/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/01/illinois.civil.unions/index.html Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:03:00 GMT Starting Wednesday, same-sex couples in Illinois can enter into civil unions and enjoy many of the legal protections granted to married couples. Marriage http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/married-couples-form-minority-of-us-households-for-first-time http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/married-couples-form-minority-of-us-households-for-first-time Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:03:00 GMT Households maintained by a married couple are for the first time ever in America being outnumbered by those without marriage, the latest Census data has shown. Marriage http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/philippines-set-to-consider-legalizing-divorce http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/philippines-set-to-consider-legalizing-divorce Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:02:00 GMT With Malta having voted to legalize divorce, the last remaining country in the world where divorce is illegal, beside Vatican City, is set to open deliberations on a revision of its laws. Law and Policy http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/the_essential_public_purpose_of_marriage/ http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/the_essential_public_purpose_of_marriage/ Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:01:00 GMT To understand this purpose we must ask: What is owed to the child? Marriage http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ominous-house-bill-would-effectively-ban-us-christian-adoption-agencies http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ominous-house-bill-would-effectively-ban-us-christian-adoption-agencies Wed, 1 Jun 2011 15:01:00 GMT A bill reintroduced into the U.S. House of Representatives this month proposes federal-level punishment for states that ban homosexual couples and non-married individuals from adopting children. Effectively, the bill would ban all Catholic and Christian adoption agencies or forbid them from acting on faith beliefs. Law and Policy http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25054 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25054 Fri, 27 May 2011 15:49:00 GMT Indigenous youth suicide rates in Brazil are extraordinarily high and without international precedent: in Amazonas, there are 101 youth suicides per 100,000 natives and 446 per 100,000 in Mato Grosso do Sul. Children http://manhattandeclaration.org/the-movement/Blog/11-05-27/Defense_of_Marriage_Where_Do_We_Stand.aspx http://manhattandeclaration.org/the-movement/Blog/11-05-27/Defense_of_Marriage_Where_Do_We_Stand.aspx Fri, 27 May 2011 15:48:00 GMT The battle for traditional marriage is not an easy one. Those that would oppose this bedrock of society are organized and tireless. The current mainstream media would have us believe that gay marriage is the will of the people and states are all headed that way. However, the facts involved do not support this view. Marriage http://georgiafamily.org/resources/column/818-committed-to-mortgage-but-not-a-marriage http://georgiafamily.org/resources/column/818-committed-to-mortgage-but-not-a-marriage Fri, 27 May 2011 15:48:00 GMT Amidst all the "home and garden" television programs these days, there's a popular one where couples tour several homes then decide at the end of the show which one to purchase. What's interesting about this show (aside from the shocking amount of money some people will pay for a house) is that more and more of the featured couples who are buying a house together aren't married. Religion and Culture http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/laopdr_58690.html http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/laopdr_58690.html Fri, 27 May 2011 15:47:00 GMT In this village outside of Luangprabang province, Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum populations live side by side. Thao Lee's mother-tongue is Khmu; his school curriculum is taught in Lao. It presents a linguistic challenge that the Lao PDR Government has had to address. That is why, with support from UNICEF, the Government is implementing a 'Schools of Quality' approach. Education http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/un-advisor-nigeria-should-work-towards-attaining-a-maximum-of-three-childre http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/un-advisor-nigeria-should-work-towards-attaining-a-maximum-of-three-childre Fri, 27 May 2011 15:46:00 GMT Figures released by the United Nations Population Fund earlier this month projected Nigeria's population to skyrocket from 160 million this year to 730 million by 2100 - behind only India and China. Law and Policy http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/26/un-youth-conference-gets-pro-life-statement-from-young-people/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/26/un-youth-conference-gets-pro-life-statement-from-young-people/ Fri, 27 May 2011 03:50:00 GMT As negotiations begin this week on the initial draft resolution of the upcoming youth conference, a growing international youth coalition submitted a pro-life statement to the UN. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110526/hl_nm/us_france_embryo http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110526/hl_nm/us_france_embryo Fri, 27 May 2011 03:50:00 GMT France looked set on Thursday to maintain its curbs on human embryonic stem cell research after the conservative government fought off a parliamentary bid to liberalize the country's bioethics law. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/eugenic-abortion-of-disabled-babies-increasing-in-uk http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/eugenic-abortion-of-disabled-babies-increasing-in-uk Fri, 27 May 2011 03:50:00 GMT The most recent available statistics from England and Wales show that eugenic abortions have risen by ten percent in the past year. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/illegal-babies-abducted-by-chinese-population-control-officials http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/illegal-babies-abducted-by-chinese-population-control-officials Fri, 27 May 2011 03:49:00 GMT As Beijing continues to vigorously pursue its infamous one-child policy, PRI has gathered evidence showing that Chinese villagers who cannot afford to pay these fines have their "illegal" children abducted and sold by Chinese population control officials. Law and Policy http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25030 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=25030 Fri, 27 May 2011 03:48:00 GMT Ecuador's child labour laws say children who work must also go to school. Yet poor families simply can't afford to do that. Education http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/unesco_launches_global_partnership_for_girls_and_womens_education/back/18256/ http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/unesco_launches_global_partnership_for_girls_and_womens_education/back/18256/ Fri, 27 May 2011 03:47:00 GMT World political and corporate leaders today launched a major new Global Partnership for Girls' and Women's Education during a High-Level Forum held at UNESCO Headquarters. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova welcomed the participants to the Forum which aimed to galvanize support from the private and public sectors to make quality education available for girls and women everywhere. Education http://www.familyvoices.org/news/latest?id=0114 http://www.familyvoices.org/news/latest?id=0114 Fri, 27 May 2011 03:47:00 GMT The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has published its annual report, America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, on the welfare of children and families. Children http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13531511 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13531511 Fri, 27 May 2011 03:47:00 GMT Dogs can help reduce stress in parents of children with lifelong developmental disability autism, a study suggests. Parenting http://www.zenit.org/rssenglish-32670 http://www.zenit.org/rssenglish-32670 Thu, 26 May 2011 03:21:00 GMT The latest Irish abortion figures released yesterday by the British Department of Health show a further reduction in the number of Irish women travelling to Britain for abortions. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/24/ohio-judge-backs-law-limiting-dangerous-ru-486-abortion-drug/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/24/ohio-judge-backs-law-limiting-dangerous-ru-486-abortion-drug/ Thu, 26 May 2011 03:21:00 GMT A federal judge has upheld a law saying abortion centers in the state can't put women's health at risk by not properly using the dangerous RU 486 abortion drug as recommended by the FDA. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/24/minnesota-governor-dayton-vetoes-bill-to-ban-human-cloning/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/24/minnesota-governor-dayton-vetoes-bill-to-ban-human-cloning/ Thu, 26 May 2011 03:20:00 GMT Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed legislation that would have prevented the cloning of human embryos in Minnesota, and the funding of such experiments. Both pro-life measures were strongly supported by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the statewide pro-life group. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/state-roundup-abortion-defunding-pro-life-amendment-parental-rights-see-gai http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/state-roundup-abortion-defunding-pro-life-amendment-parental-rights-see-gai Thu, 26 May 2011 03:19:00 GMT Following is a list of recent pro-life legislative gains on the state level. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/scottish-presbyterian-church-moves-toward-openly-gay-clergy-same-sex-blessi http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/scottish-presbyterian-church-moves-toward-openly-gay-clergy-same-sex-blessi Thu, 26 May 2011 03:19:00 GMT A minister in the Presbyterian Church of Scotland says he will likely resign after the denomination moved one step closer to allowing the ordination of openly and actively homosexual clergy this week, with indications that they will even explore the blessing of same-sex unions. Religion and Culture http://ncfamily.org/stories/110525s1.html http://ncfamily.org/stories/110525s1.html Thu, 26 May 2011 03:18:00 GMT A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau includes several interesting findings, including the fact that Americans are marrying at older ages, if they marry at all. The report, "Number, Timing, and Duration of Marriages and Divorces: 2009", was released May 18, 2011. Marriage http://unitedfamiliesinternational.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/divorced-stay-close-be-involved/ http://unitedfamiliesinternational.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/divorced-stay-close-be-involved/ Thu, 26 May 2011 03:17:00 GMT Today it's rare to find someone that has not been personally affected by divorce. Media is full of information on the "how to" of divorce - how to get one and how to survive one. Recently, one article in particular caught my attention. Parenting http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/24/abortion-rate-declines-in-u-s-but-increases-for-poor-women/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/24/abortion-rate-declines-in-u-s-but-increases-for-poor-women/ Wed, 25 May 2011 02:53:00 GMT A new study reported in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology indicates the abortion rate has decreased in the United States -- good news because it means more pregnant women are opting against having an abortion. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=5723 http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=5723 Wed, 25 May 2011 02:52:00 GMT India's increasing wealth and improving literacy are apparently contributing to a national crisis of "missing girls," with the number of sex-selective abortions up sharply among more affluent, educated families during the past two decades, according to a new study. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://familypolicy.net/us/?p=7154 http://familypolicy.net/us/?p=7154 Wed, 25 May 2011 02:52:00 GMT The question is often asked of Christians who oppose the cultural advancement of so-called gay marriage: "How would homosexual couples being allowed to file taxes together, adopt, and visit each other in the hospital harm heterosexual couples?" Marriage http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/23/campaign-against-the-normalization-of-the-baby-mama/ http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/23/campaign-against-the-normalization-of-the-baby-mama/ Wed, 25 May 2011 02:51:00 GMT Who is better placed than a midwife to speak on behalf of babies and mothers and why marriage matters? Who has greater moral authority to speak to the family crisis of our time besides the woman who is on call 24/7 to bring new life into the world? Parenting http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/05/24/parents-creating-gender-identity-crisis-4-month-old/ http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/05/24/parents-creating-gender-identity-crisis-4-month-old/ Wed, 25 May 2011 02:49:00 GMT I recently read a news story about a husband and wife in Toronto who have chosen to keep the gender of their 4-month-old baby a secret from family and friends and whoever else may come into contact with the child. The couple says they intend to let the child, whose name is Storm, choose its identity for itself, without undue influence from society. Parenting http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/why_mothers_matter/ http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/why_mothers_matter/ Wed, 25 May 2011 02:48:00 GMT A claim recently made in a premier family science journal raised a question that likely would have shocked previous generations: "Does having a mother really matter?" The claim was based on the premise that mothers do not provide anything particularly unique in children's development. Rather, all that children need for healthy development is two caring adults. Or do they? Parenting http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/23/aborting-imperfection-abortions-on-disabled-babies-are-dead-wrong/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/23/aborting-imperfection-abortions-on-disabled-babies-are-dead-wrong/ Tue, 24 May 2011 02:24:00 GMT Modern technology brings diagnoses earlier-even in the womb. In the U.S., that means that 90% of children with Down's Syndrom are aborted thanks to amniocentesis. In this UK example, a child diagnosed via ultrasound with Spina Bifida was aborted. His mother's experience is what follows. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/23/abortion-funding-battle-continues-20-years-after-rust-v-sullivan/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/23/abortion-funding-battle-continues-20-years-after-rust-v-sullivan/ Tue, 24 May 2011 02:23:00 GMT On May 23, 1991, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in the case Rust v. Sullivan, which upheld federal regulations prohibiting federal funds appropriated under Title X from being used to counsel on behalf of or refer women for an abortion as a method of family planning. Thus, we celebrate its 20th Anniversary this week. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/newsletters_stories.php?id=229 http://www.sutherlandinstitute.org/newsletters_stories.php?id=229 Tue, 24 May 2011 02:23:00 GMT Forgotten is an old truth that a wedding is not just about the couple. Of equal, or perhaps even greater, importance are the community- and economic-centered attributes of marriage. Marriage http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP20110081.html http://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP20110081.html Tue, 24 May 2011 02:22:00 GMT Associations of popularity with adolescent substance use were examined among 1793 6-8th grade students who completed an in-school survey. Popularity was assessed through both self-ratings and peer nominations. Students who scored higher on either measure of popularity were more likely to be lifetime cigarette smokers, drinkers, and marijuana users, as well as past month drinkers. Children http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43131715/ns/health/ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43131715/ns/health/ Tue, 24 May 2011 02:21:00 GMT The number of U.S. children with developmental disabilities has been climbing over the past decade, reaching nearly one in six in 2006 to 2008, a new government report shows. Health http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/20/texas.abortion.sonogram/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/20/texas.abortion.sonogram/index.html Sat, 21 May 2011 01:45:00 GMT Women seeking an abortion in Texas will have to view a picture of the embryo or fetus and hear a description of its development before having the procedure, under a law that takes effect September 1. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/who-makes-end-of-life-decisions-family-or-doctors-ontario-court-to-decide http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/who-makes-end-of-life-decisions-family-or-doctors-ontario-court-to-decide Sat, 21 May 2011 01:44:00 GMT The question of whether end-of-life decisions, such as whether or not to withdraw life-support, should be made at the discretion of a doctor or family members is at stake in the Rasouli case, taken before Ontario's Court of Appeal yesterday. The court's decision could dramatically change how these important decisions are made in the province in cases such as the much-publicized Baby Joseph case. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1469 http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1469 Sat, 21 May 2011 01:44:00 GMT A Canadian judge has ruled that a law which allows anonymous sperm and egg donation to infertile couples is discriminatory on the grounds that the current law allows the release of information about biological parents to adopted children - but not to children of sperm or egg donors. Law and Policy http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=24984 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=24984 Sat, 21 May 2011 01:15:00 GMT Even more children could be arrested in future if police see youngsters as an easy target to boost arrest rates. Law and Policy http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/swiss-voters-overwhelmingly-reject-proposed-assisted-suicide-ban http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/swiss-voters-overwhelmingly-reject-proposed-assisted-suicide-ban Fri, 20 May 2011 00:21:00 GMT Swiss voters rejected a proposal to ban assisted suicide and suicide tourism in the Canton (political district) of Zurich. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/19/lawsuit-on-obamas-embryonic-stem-cell-research-funding-continues/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/19/lawsuit-on-obamas-embryonic-stem-cell-research-funding-continues/ Fri, 20 May 2011 00:18:00 GMT The pro-life side in the lawsuit against the executive order President Barack Obama issued forcing taxpayers to fund embryonic stem cell research that involves the destruction of human life has filed a new motion in the case. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/19/those-who-marry-are-staying-married-longer/ http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/19/those-who-marry-are-staying-married-longer/ Fri, 20 May 2011 00:18:00 GMT A Washington Post article yesterday (Number of long-lasting marriages in U.S. has risen, Census Bureau reports) reports that 75% of couples who married since 1990 reached their ten year anniversary. This is a three percentage point rise from those who married in the early 1980s. Marriage http://blog.bioethics.net/2011/05/will-your-child-be-a-baller-or-a-putter-good-thing/ http://blog.bioethics.net/2011/05/will-your-child-be-a-baller-or-a-putter-good-thing/ Fri, 20 May 2011 00:17:00 GMT As reported in the Washington Post today, at least two new companies are marketing tests that can identify "sports genes" for your child long before they kick their first soccer ball or pick up a racket. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=24972 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=24972 Fri, 20 May 2011 00:16:00 GMT Across the four regions, 818 Namibian and 27 non-Namibian children, between the ages of ten and 17, were found to be engaged in either full-time or part-time work. The major reasons why children took up employment were: family poverty, food insecurity, parental deaths of AIDS, parent/guardian migration, high teenage pregnancy rates, and increasing child-headed households. Children http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_58570.html http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_58570.html Fri, 20 May 2011 00:16:00 GMT On the first anniversary of a campaign for universal ratification of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention of the Rights of the Child, advocates held a forum in New York earlier this week on enacting legislation to protect all children from violence and exploitation by 2012. Children http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/18/senate-parental-notification-bill-would-stop-teen-abortions/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/18/senate-parental-notification-bill-would-stop-teen-abortions/ Wed, 18 May 2011 22:32:00 GMT Members of the U.S. Senate have introduced new pro-life legislation designed to protect the rights of parents when it comes to their teenage daughters having an abortion. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/overhaul-gov-brownback-tightens-abortion-clinic-regs-readies-to-gut-planne http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/overhaul-gov-brownback-tightens-abortion-clinic-regs-readies-to-gut-planne Wed, 18 May 2011 22:31:00 GMT The once-ironclad Kansas abortion industry is being shaken up by more clinic regulations, a pro-life health insurance law, and a budget that would gut Planned Parenthood's funding, all part of a seismic shift in the state's abortion politics that followed the November elections. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/18/co-parenting-before-conception-2/ http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/18/co-parenting-before-conception-2/ Wed, 18 May 2011 22:30:00 GMT A bizarre feature of a declining marriage culture, in which single women want their not-yet-conceived children to know their father, look around and see lots of divorced couples "co-parenting" their children, and decide to set up a co-parenting arrangement from the start. Religion and Culture http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/malaysia_58543.html http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/malaysia_58543.html Wed, 18 May 2011 22:29:00 GMT In this village, just north of the city of Kota Kinabalu, live some 8,000 people, many of them undocumented migrant workers from the Philippines. Without official status, their children have until recently had no access to regular schools. While some educational facilities for migrant workers do exist, they are few in number, and often overcrowded and underfunded. Education http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/extreme-work-and-family-parents-caring-for-children-with-special-education-needs http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/blog/extreme-work-and-family-parents-caring-for-children-with-special-education-needs Wed, 18 May 2011 22:28:00 GMT The number of children receiving special education services has steadily increased since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted in 1975. This law mandates the provision of a free and appropriate public school education for children who have disabilities. In 2007 - 2008, 6.6 million children (13% of public school enrollment) received special education services. Parenting http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ultrasound-one-of-the-most-powerful-tools-in-the-pro-life-battle-abby-johns http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/ultrasound-one-of-the-most-powerful-tools-in-the-pro-life-battle-abby-johns Tue, 17 May 2011 21:46:00 GMT Ultrasounds are one of the most powerful tools pro-lifers have to change a woman's mind about abortion and help her embrace the sanctity of life, according to former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johsnon Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/widespread-family-breakdown-demands-sweeping-reforms-of-family-law-uk-judge http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/widespread-family-breakdown-demands-sweeping-reforms-of-family-law-uk-judge Tue, 17 May 2011 21:44:00 GMT "The terribly high incidence of family breakdown" in the UK demands sweeping reform, according to Sir Paul Coleridge, a justice in the family division of the High Court, in a speech to the Christian charity, CARE, in London last week. Law and Policy http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/17/texas-battle-continues-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-abortion-biz/ http://www.lifenews.com/2011/05/17/texas-battle-continues-to-de-fund-planned-parenthood-abortion-biz/ Tue, 17 May 2011 21:43:00 GMT The battle in Texas is continuing to de-fund the Planned Parenthood abortion business by diverting $61.7 million in family planning funds away from it and towards other more legitimate programs. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.frcblog.com/2011/05/same-sex-marriage-is-not-legal-under-federal-law-ever-at-any-time/ http://www.frcblog.com/2011/05/same-sex-marriage-is-not-legal-under-federal-law-ever-at-any-time/ Tue, 17 May 2011 21:43:00 GMT That is because of a federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act (usually abbreviated DOMA). Public Law 104-199 was passed by overwhelming bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress (342-67 in the House, 85-14 in the Senate), and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996. Marriage http://unitedfamiliesinternational.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/mealtime%E2%80%A6the-most-important-family-time-of-the-day/ http://unitedfamiliesinternational.wordpress.com/2011/05/17/mealtime%E2%80%A6the-most-important-family-time-of-the-day/ Tue, 17 May 2011 21:42:00 GMT We always assume that families eating together would help strengthen family ties and raise better-adjusted kids, but specific studies have been done over the years that prove our assumptions by highlighting the benefits of time spent together at the dinner table. Parenting http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1462 http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1462 Tue, 17 May 2011 21:42:00 GMT Child custody applications rose by 44pc last year, according to family court statistics published yesterday. According to legal sources, the increase is due to an increase in unemployment among unmarried fathers who need to supplement their incomes. To claim allowances for their children, they need a court order to show they have part-time or full guardianship or custody. Law and Policy http://blog.marriagedebate.com/2011/05/divorce-and-childhood-suicide-risk.html http://blog.marriagedebate.com/2011/05/divorce-and-childhood-suicide-risk.html Tue, 17 May 2011 21:40:00 GMT In previous studies by our group, we found that female offspring of parental divorce and parental remarriage are more susceptible to suicide attempt than male offspring. In this study, we examine whether these findings remain even after controlling for offspring depression. Children http://familypolicy.net/us/?p=7393 http://familypolicy.net/us/?p=7393 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:46:00 GMT Pro-abortion advocates often talk about making abortion "legal, safe, and rare." But why rare? Why should they want to reduce abortions? It's because, deep down, abortion advocates know abortion is murder. Their language about finding common ground and making abortions "rare" only belies their own knowledge of the immorality of murder and abortion. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1460 http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1460 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:38:00 GMT The Swedish Parliament has voted to campaign against a Council of Europe resolution that upholds the right of medical personnel not to perform abortions. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://www.patientsrightscouncil.org/site/allowing-assisted-suicide-would-pressurise-disabled-to-kill-themselves/ http://www.patientsrightscouncil.org/site/allowing-assisted-suicide-would-pressurise-disabled-to-kill-themselves/ Mon, 16 May 2011 20:37:00 GMT Disabled people who are already worried about people assuming their life isn't worth living or seeing them as a burden, and are genuinely concerned that a change in the law could increase pressure on them to end their life. Sanctity of Life and Bioethics http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/13/constitutions-and-parenthood/ http://familyscholars.org/2011/05/13/constitutions-and-parenthood/ Mon, 16 May 2011 20:36:00 GMT Lynn Wardle's paper, "The Influence of Religion on Parenting: Jurisprudential Principles and Legal Problems," begins with a fascinating thematic exploration of the 86 percent of constitutions of nations around the world that contain provisions about parenting and parenthood. Parenting http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/9133/ http://www.mercatornet.com/family_edge/view/9133/ Mon, 16 May 2011 20:34:00 GMT Moms and dads bring different and essential gifts to the parenting enterprise, as a growing body of social science research findings testifies. Parenting http://www.bioedge.org/index.php/bioethics/bioethics_article/9523/ http://www.bioedge.org/index.php/bioethics/bioethics_article/9523/ Mon, 16 May 2011 20:33:00 GMT Germany is on the verge of providing a curious solution for its sharply declining birthrate: paying couples to have IVF treatment. Family minister Kristina Schr�der also promised to cut red tape for people seeking to adopt. Pregnant herself and expecting a child in June, Mrs Schr�der said it was "intolerable" that couples sought to have children but couldn't afford medical treatment. Law and Policy http://georgiafamily.org/component/content/article/57-uncategorized/801-competing-views-on-a-national-curriculum http://georgiafamily.org/component/content/article/57-uncategorized/801-competing-views-on-a-national-curriculum Mon, 16 May 2011 20:33:00 GMT Education leaders are engaged in an important debate over the need for a national curriculum and assessments. Currently, each state develops its own curriculum for each subject and grade, and most write their own standardized test to assess students' mastery of the material. Education http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1461 http://www.ionainstitute.ie/index.php?id=1461 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:31:00 GMT In a recent article posted on the Public Discourse website, Christopher Wolfe, emeritus professor of political science at Marquette University, draws an interesting analogy between marriage as a social institution and private property as a social institution. Marriage http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=24939 http://www.crin.org/resources/infodetail.asp?ID=24939 Mon, 16 May 2011 20:31:00 GMT Perhaps thousands of underage workers as young as 8, lured by the wages, leave school to work in coal mines under perilous conditions. The country officially upholds mining safety standards and forbids child labor, but loopholes in state laws allow widespread abuses. Children http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Timorleste_58538.html http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/Timorleste_58538.html Mon, 16 May 2011 20:30:00 GMT High along the mountainous spine of Timor-Leste, one of Asia's poorest countries, children in the remote town of Laclubar head for class. Yet the tranquil setting of this quiet place, nestled under the canopy of tall trees, masks a darker history that is only now beginning to fade. Education