tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36666324227309656202024-03-05T07:15:11.124-08:00Family Policy DiscussionsJoseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-49417908329723553482011-10-11T14:03:00.001-07:002011-10-11T14:16:06.072-07:00What is a Values Voter?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f53CwH2BligVRhB-LzmHxxudpdi3eXdvY0gDiFN4WOWUHV0KcKC4ziCf-3-cqBINJFr9eDv3OsCB83Uyzh-nr9VkXU4-dhSe3M2gkM3NeSGQOtLP0WBRMSi2BWeqmrGqbPQe_PN4AhU/s1600/JBackholm+No+Background2.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" 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Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> Last week at the Values Voters Summit in Washington D.C., Texas Governor and Presidential candidate Rick Perry introduced his speech with an off-the-cuff comment about how really, we’re all values voters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The only question,” he said “is whose values are you voting for”?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">This is true of course.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The belief that abortion is wrong is undeniably a values based position—as is the belief that women have the right to end the life of their child if it happens to be inconvenient to them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There may be factual disagreements about whether or not it is a child, or disagreements over whether mitigating factors are relevant to the rightness or wrongness of the final decision. But ultimately, whatever your conclusion, it is a values based conclusion based on your belief about what is right or wrong, good or bad. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Such is life in all of public policy.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">However, for too long, the left has claimed a sort of moral high ground by positioning themselves as the liaise faire lovers of freedom while denigrating the right as moralists intent on imposing their narrow view of right and wrong on the masses. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They self-righteously condemn those who want to “moralize” issues of life and marriage while failing to recognize their own moralism reflected in zoning restrictions, hate-speech legislation, graduated income taxes, or land use regulations. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Ultimately, the discussion about who is the greater moralist is a fruitless conversation because it distracts us from talking about actual issues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And as much as I know this will pain many of my friends on the left, we should all be willing to admit that, regardless of our conclusion, we have a values based understanding of the world which informs our preferences.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Fortunately, there is evidence that this truth may be penetrating the American psyche.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/09/19/robert_reich_taxing_millionaires_is_a_moral_battle.html">Robert Reich, a leftist talking head who served in the Ford, Carter, and Clinton administrations, referred to President Obama’s recent proposal to increase taxes by $1.5 trillion as a “moral battle”.</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And he seems quite pleased about it. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>He explains the moral imperative of raising taxes by explain how unjust it is that so much of America’s wealth is in the hands of our countries’ wealthiest individuals. The point is not to debate Mr. Reich’s tax policy preferences, but to highlight the admission that his preference for higher taxes is a moral one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And the need to raise them is not necessitated simply by budget realities, but by a fixed standard of right and wrong that he apparently expects the rest of us to know about.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No relativism here. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">So far, neither the Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, the ACLU, or the Freedom From Religion Foundation have compared Mr. Reich to the Taliban nor have they warned us of the looming theocracy that will be established if these moralists get their way. 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mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">But we can hope that the silence in response to Mr. Reich’s moral appeal is a foreshadowing of a future in which we can admit that all of us really are values voters.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps then, instead of obsessing over who is the worst person, we can move on to the more important discussion of who is right.</p>Best,<br /><br />Joseph Backholm<br />Executive DirectorJoseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-63725128367911323692011-09-27T11:28:00.000-07:002011-10-11T14:33:04.653-07:00Government Requires Insurance to Pay for Contraceptives<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style=";font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong style="font-family: times new roman;">By Rebecca Faust,</strong></span></span></p><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style=" ;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" > </span></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Federal agencies recently issued regulations under the new health care act impinging on the freedom of pro-life citizens to not purchase contraceptives. However, they are still accepting public comment on these regulations from citizens like you.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">At the beginning of August, the Health Resources and Services Administration added contraceptives to the list of services which health insurance plans are<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> required to cover without a co-pay</i>. While this does not include surgical abortions, it<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> does include morning after pills which can prevent implantation of an embryo</i>. Furthermore, some churches and individuals have religious beliefs against use of any artificial contraceptives, even those which don't cause abortion.</span></p> <a name='more'></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">On August third, the Department of Health and Human Services issued interim final rules authorizing the Health Resources and Services Administration to make a religious exemption to the contraceptives requirement for churches. These rules were declared effective August first, two days before their official publication. It appears that the release of the two sets of regulations was coordinated.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">But the limited religious exemption allowed by the Department of Health and Human Services provides inadequate protection.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The exemption only applies to certain non-profits. It does not protect pro-life business owners purchasing health care for their employees. It does not provide an option for companies who would prefer not to spend their money in that way. </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">In addition to qualifying as a non-profit under the Internal Revenue Code, organizations would need to meet three criteria to qualify for the exemption:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">(1) The inculcation of religious values is the purpose of the organization.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">(2) The organization primarily employs persons who share the religious tenets of the organization.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">(3) The organization serves primarily persons who share the religious tenets of the organization.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">This still leaves Christian charities endeavoring to serve the public unprotected. Ironically, even a pro-life pregnancy resource center would not meet the criteria for a religious exemption if it wanted to provide health insurance for employees.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Furthermore, there is no exemption for individual health insurance plans. This could leave pro-life citizens who choose to purchase health insurance for themselves in the tenuous position of paying into a program which subsidizes services contrary to their moral beliefs. </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">While this may happen already through some health care plans, these new regulations virtually insure the absence of options for those wishing to sell or purchase insurance plans grounded in pro-life ethics.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Finally, this situation will be compounded if and when the individual mandate takes effect. The price for refusing to subsidize contraceptives now may be remaining uninsured. The price in the future may be greater.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">For those of you who already have insurance, it should be noted that your plan may be grandfathered so that it won't be required to include free contraceptives.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can submit comments to the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the religious exemption. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Comments on the department's interim final rules <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>must be submitted by the end of the month.</i> If you would like them to broaden the religious exemption to better protect pro-life citizens, now is the time to say so. You can submit your comment online: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/">www.regulations.gov</a>. The identifier for the interim final rules is: CMS-9992-IFC2.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> <span style=" ">You can also submit comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration regarding whether insurance companies should be required to cover contraceptives at all. The Resources and Services Administration is accepting comments on an ongoing basis. Email them your comments at: <a href="mailto:womensguidelines@hrsa.gov">womensguidelines@hrsa.gov</a>.</span></span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-23888440422089721322011-09-20T15:55:00.000-07:002011-09-20T16:13:11.949-07:00How Pastors Helped Marriage in NC<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > </span></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Last week, the Governor of North Carolina convened a special legislative session to consider a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.</span></span><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Like Washington, amending the state constitution in North Carolina requires two-thirds of both houses of the legislature and a majority of the public to support it on the ballot before it can become part of the constitution. Getting the measure through the legislature is thought to be the more difficult step. It is expected to pass when it goes to a vote next year.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> But an interesting thing happened on the road to getting the measure on the ballot.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span> </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"> </span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> <a name='more'></a> The amendment had already passed in the State House but needed 30 votes in the State Senate. There are 31 Republicans in the North Carolina state Senate, one of whom was unable to vote for health reasons.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span> </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"> </span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> One other Republican State Senator was undecided. It was his vote that would determine whether or not the marriage protection amendment would receive a vote.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span> </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"> </span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> That is the point at which a group of pastors from his district got together to see what they could do on behalf of marriage in North Carolina. They didn't protest, they didn't picket outside his office, they didn't call the press and make statements about Sodom. They simply got together and visited with him in his office.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"> </span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span>They discussed the issue, prayed together, thanked him for his willingness to sacrifice to serve the public, and encouraged him to let the people of North Carolina vote on whether marriage should be protected in the state constitution.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"> </span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> And when it was all said and done, that is exactly what that he did. And after the vote, the pastors who visited him in the 11th hour were given much of the credit for helping create that outcome.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span> </span> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> You will probably never know the names of the pastors involved. That is probably how they prefer it. Still, what happened in North Carolina is a perfect example of what can be done if the church is paying attention and willing to get involved. These pastors weren't required to turn their churches into political action committees. They did not hijack the gospel for political purposes. They simply did what they're called to do.<br /></span> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span><span> </span><br /> This kind of ministry is not outside the realm of what a pastor should be engaged in. Some might say that it is precisely what pastors are called to do. It just so happens that a byproduct of ministering to this person made a positive contribution to the culture as well as to the individual. Nothing wrong with that, is there?</span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><br /></p><p face="Times New Roman,Times" size="12pt" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;" _mce_=""><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style=" color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:8pt;" > </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:14pt;"><strong>Joseph Backholm </strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Executive Director</strong></span></p> <p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Family Policy Institute of Washington</strong></span></p> <p></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-90898189472817838602011-09-13T12:36:00.000-07:002011-09-13T12:39:29.800-07:00Abortion and Mental Health - A New Look<p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>By Donald F. Calbreath, Ph.D</strong><br /></span></p><p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">As the Washington state legislature prepares for its next session, we can anticipate pro-abortion forces once again trying to close crisis pregnancy centers. These centers provide a number of valuable services to pregnant women and their partners - pregnancy testing, counseling, health information, and adoption services among others. What they do not provide is abortions. This "lack" is something that greatly offends "pro-choice" supporters (whose only "approved" choice appears to be abortion) (1). </span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">In the last legislative session, Planned Parenthood and its allies strongly supported HB 2837 (and its companion Senate bill 6452) which would have severely limited the activities of crisis pregnancy centers (2). Pro-life opponents said that these centers were providing false information to clients, including misinformation about links between abortion and breast cancer (worth another column at another time) and between abortion and mental health. Planned Parenthood's web site indicates that abortion is a relatively benign procedure for a psychological standpoint (3). They cite research studies that suggest few (if any) mental health issues for women undergoing an abortion. There are a number of problems with this work, including the fact that the most current reference is over five years old. No discussion of current literature is provided, leaving us with a very incomplete and misleading picture of the impact of abortion on mental health. <a name='more'></a> </span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Some of Planned Parenthood's criticisms are valid. Early studies did not correct for experimental bias. But their studies try to muddy the water by looking at women who have had children and the mental health effects on these individuals. Yes, many women experience depression after birth of a child, especially if they did not want the child to start with. But what does the current research literature say about the direct mental health effects of abortion? The picture is clearly different from what pro-choice advocates tell us.</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">Without doing an exhaustive survey of the literature, we want to focus on a few key papers that have appeared that represent quality peer-reviewed research on this issue. A 2007 publication (4) concluded that "High rates of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) characterise women who have undergone voluntary pregnancy termination." A report in the British Journal of Psychiatry (5) concluded that "...</span><span style="font-size:100%;">women who had had abortions had rates of mental disorder that were about 30% higher." A very recent study, which appeared within the last couple of months, also reported adverse effects of abortion (6). The abstract to the article stated "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">Women who had undergone an abortion experienced an 81% increased risk of mental health problems, and nearly 10% of the incidence of mental health problems was shown to be attributable to abortion." It went on to say "Calling into question the conclusions from traditional reviews, the results revealed a moderate to highly increased risk of mental health problems after abortion. Consistent with the tenets of evidence-based medicine, this information should inform the delivery of abortion services."</span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">An often-neglected aspect of the abortion-mental health debate is the impact of abortion on men. A Townhall column last year summarizes several research studies that looked at how abortion affects the men involved in the pregnancy (7). They write "In researching the topic, we found a variety of books, websites and support groups dedicated to male post-abortion trauma, as well as a number of studies on the issue. One study reported that 82 percent of male parents of a recently aborted baby (ranging from two days to 37 months) experienced depression. Another study found that men experienced anxiety, helplessness, guilt, and a dual sense of responsibility and regret during an abortion. An additional study reported that many biological fathers need professional support in dealing with abortion and its impact on relationships."</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">A very interesting summary of recent medical articles summarizing the adverse emotional effects of abortion can be found at the web site of the Elliott Institute which is "a leader in the field of research, education, and advocacy for women, men, children and families hurt by abortion" (from their web site) (8).</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">A quick search on Google for post-abortion support groups provided a lengthy list of organizations that are involved in post-abortion counseling and healing of various sorts. We have to ask the question: if abortion does not have an adverse effect on mental health, why do all these groups exist? They are here because there is real pain, real guilt, and real remorse that need healing.</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">The myth that abortion does not create mental health problems is just that - a myth. The truth is that everyone involved is harmed one way or another by abortion - the unborn child, the mother, and the father. Pro-abortion advocates cannot be allowed to spread misinformation about this serious topic.</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">1. <a shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.lifenews.com/2010/01/25/state-4753/" _mce_href="http://www.lifenews.com/2010/01/25/state-4753/">http://www.lifenews.com/2010/01/25/state-4753/</a></span> </p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">2. <a shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2837&year=2009" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2837&year=2009">http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2837&year=2009</a></span> </p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">3. <a shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/resources/research-papers/emotional-effects-induced-abortion-6137.htm" _mce_href="http://www.plannedparenthood.org/resources/research-papers/emotional-effects-induced-abortion-6137.htm">http://www.plannedparenthood.org/resources/research-papers/emotional-effects-induced-abortion-6137.htm</a></span> </p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">4. "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">Comparison of pain, cortisol levels, and psychological distress in women undergoing surgical termination of pregnancy under local anaesthesia versus intravenous sedation", S. Suliman et al, BMC Psychiatry volume 7, 24, (2007).</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">5. "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">Abortion and mental health disorders: evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study", D.M. Fergusson et al., British Journal of Psychiatry, volume 193, pp 444-451 (2008). </span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">6. "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009", Priscilla K. Coleman, British Journal of Psychiatry volume 199, pp 180-186,</span><span class="slug-pub-date" style="font-size:100%;"> (2011).</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;">7. "</span><span style="font-size:100%;">A Woman's "Choice" That Affects Men: Post-Abortion Trauma", </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Jerry DeBin and Jeanne Monahan, Townhall, June 20, 2010</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:12pt;color:black;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">8. </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://afterabortion.org/" _mce_href="http://afterabortion.org/">http://afterabortion.org/</a></span><br /></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-25011818508097155692011-09-08T16:20:00.000-07:002011-09-08T16:27:54.271-07:00Planned Parenthood Admits Failure<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/JBackholm%20No%20Background.png"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 155px; height: 233px;" src="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/JBackholm%20No%20Background.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">During the last legislative session, the Washington State legislature chose to increase funding for Planned Parenthood through a contraceptive program called "Take Charge". <a href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/5912%20testimony_0.pdf">In our testimony in opposition to HB 5912</a>, we explained that there is no evidence to suggest that increasing funding for contraceptives actually reduces the unintended pregnancy rates.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now, only a few months later, the Guttmacher Institute, which was started as a division of Planned Parenthood, has reached the same conclusion.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="http://www.guttmacher.org/media/nr/2011/08/24/index.html">In a recently released analysis</a>, the Guttmacher Institute confirmed that the overall unintended pregnancy rate in the U.S. has remained essentially flat since 1994. This is despite a steady increase in funding for contraceptives topping out at $305 million per year in 2006.</span> <a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Planned Parenthood has been one of the primary proponents of increased funding for contraceptives as a way of reducing unintended pregnancies and reducing costs for governments. That theory is much of the reason that funding for Planned Parenthood has increased from $187 million per year in 1999 to more than $363 million in 2009.<br /><br /></span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">Yet all the evidence suggests that despite this massive increase in funding for contraceptives generally and Planned Parenthood specifically, the efforts to reduce unplanned pregnancies through contraception have not been successful.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Still, the increased funding for Planned Parenthood has had a significant effect. As they have increased the size of their operations under the guise of reducing unintended pregnancies, they have managed to dramatically increase the number of abortions they provide. In 1999, Planned Parenthood performed 183,000 abortions. They performed 265,000 in 2005 and 332,278 in 2009. </span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />These increases in Planned Parenthood abortions occurred during a period in which abortions decreased 15% nationally.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The fact that money for contraceptives does not reduce pregnancy is not a state secret. This information has been available for years and has been presented to the Washington State legislature as well as other legislative bodies.</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"> <br /><br />However, the money directed to Planned Parenthood is not necessarily expected to accomplish an actual public purpose. That money is distributed to Planned Parenthood because Planned Parenthood is very active in the elections of those who pass these bills. Until the political pressure not to give money to Planned Parenthood is stronger than the political benefit from doing so, you can expect Planned Parenthood to continue to get public dollars despite their admitted failures.</span> </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Joseph Backholm<br /></span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;">Executive Director</span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Family Policy Institute of Washington</span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-32260653483748049132011-08-22T21:32:00.000-07:002011-08-23T09:37:35.103-07:00Washington’s Orphans Need You<p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Images/whatwedo_twoboys.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 161px;" src="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Images/whatwedo_twoboys.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Did you know that Washington has more than 10,000 children in foster care today? Did you know that more than 1,000 of those children are free to be adopted, if only a home could be found for them?</span></p><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span><p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The world has lots of problems with no obvious solutions, but this isn’t one of them.</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <a name='more'></a>
<br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Join Focus on the Family, the Washington Department of Social and Health Services as well as church and adoption leaders from around Washington on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, WA. You'll hear more about the kids who are waiting, the process of adoption from foster care and ways to support adoptive families. In addition, agency and county representatives will be on site to answer questions and help you get started.</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pure and undefiled religion before God is to look after orphans and widows in their time of need. This half-day conference will be a great opportunity to understand how you can help be part of the solution and engage those in your community to solve this problem. So join with thousands of others from around Washington State who share a goal of taking care of the most vulnerable children in our communities.</span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Washington.aspx" _mce_href="http://www.icareaboutorphans.org/Washington.aspx">Click here to get more information about this event.</a> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></p> <p face="times new roman" size="12pt" color="black" style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="font-size:100%;">Or if you don’t need any more information and you know you have all the information you need because there are just some things in life you really don’t have to pray about, <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WashingtonWaitNoMore" _mce_href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WashingtonWaitNoMore"> you can register here. </a>
<br /></span> </p> <p style=" ;font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We look forward to seeing you there.</span></span></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-55488357846803329982011-08-02T12:57:00.000-07:002011-08-02T13:06:30.686-07:00Polygamist Lawsuit Uses Same-Sex "Marriage" Arguments<strong><span style=" line-height: 115%; font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:16pt;" ></span> </strong><br /><div style="text-align: left; font-family:times new roman;font-size:12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><strong>By Joseph Backholm, Executive Director</strong></span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style=" text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="text-align: right; width: 146px; height: 202px;" src="https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/tip/dispatcher?pimg=tmp--1027114719" align="right" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5" /></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;"> </span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The last thing in the world same-sex "marriage" advocates want to talk about is polygamy. If you ever tell them marriage recognition for same-sex relationships requires recognition of polygamy as well, the usual response is, "we're not talking about polygamy." Nor will they, even if you want them to.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Polygamy exposes the weakness of the same-sex "marriage" debate like nothing else. By refusing to openly support polygamy, in addition to same-sex "marriage", advocates admit that they really don't want "marriage equality" like they say they do. They just want their recognition. They are apparently content to allow other sexual minorities to wallow in their ostracism. Which, given their own history, is ironic.</span></p><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > <a name='more'></a><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">They dislike discussing polygamy because it is impossible to make a legal distinction between polygamy and homosexuality with respect to legal status. They realize public opinion does not support polygamy. Therefore, if the public comes to understand that same-sex "marriage" will create precedent that will pave the way for the recognition of other, less popular relationships involving loving, consenting adults, they are less likely to win the debate.</span></p><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Therefore, they would rather ignore a discussion about legal and social precedent and focus on the fact that most gay people are decent people and good neighbors. As true as that may be, it is a hollow foundation on which to build public policy.</span></p><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For the past 20 years, the same-sex "marriage" advocates have been fairly successful in divorcing homosexuality from polygamy. The sympathies generated for same-sex "marriage" have not been extended to polygamists, despite the fact that there is no rational. legal reason to distinguish them.</span></p><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">That is why <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1106906486188&s=0&e=0012oPKBCTd0baHjJpOLy2CEEF06KoJ5IC0lpuHv5kWX_AblvR_CFhE2fIJ0Fh9NpJOVi4QbrY_eWZyJC-ELXpyu9XUjxnwgdBXzwerqOAnLVo_5IBHeABW1FCsFX2kHt-IyqxdVl7AjJNekFaTmEFNtgjk040mWhPVMFShDIqBmWArtbf5CmsOZRlTui-IdWF_xEb-00nBsfs=" shape="rect" target="_blank">the lawsuit filed by polygamist Jonathan Turley,</a> whose family is featured on the reality show <i>Sister Wives</i>, could end up being very significant in the on-going discussion over same-sex "marriage."</span></p><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Turley's lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Utah's anti-polygamy laws. His arguments rely heavily on the 2003 Supreme Court Case <i>Lawrence v. Texas </i>which was a landmark case striking down anti-sodomy laws. Subsequently, <i>Lawrence v. Texa</i>s has been cited heavily in cases finding a legal right to same-sex "marriage". In that case, the Supreme Court said:</span></p><div style="text-align: left; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><blockquote>The <span style="line-height: 115%;">case does involve two adults who, with full and mutual consent from each other, engaged in sexual practices common to a homosexual lifestyle. The petitioners are entitled to respect for their private lives. The state cannot demean their existence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime. Their right to liberty under the [Constitution's] due process clause gives them the full right to engage in their conduct without intervention of the government.</span></blockquote></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ></span><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Simply substitute the word "homosexual" for the word "polygamous" and nothing about this argument changes. Once you stand on the principle of "government cannot care what people do sexually, as long as it involves adults" you have to be prepared for where that road will lead. If you didn't contemplate the possibilities in advance, that's just poor planning.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;color:black;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This lawsuit and its arguments are not surprising. Even those in the gay community knew that their work for same-sex "marriage" would be used by those in polygamous or even incestuous relationships. The parallels are impossible to ignore. They just hoped it wouldn't be this soon.</span></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-55777893502216115422011-07-27T16:54:00.000-07:002011-07-27T16:56:22.969-07:00Four Days to Double Your Investment<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Last week we told you about an exciting matching opportunity that allows you to double your investment for the month of July. A generous ministry friend has offered to match every dollar, up to $20,000, that will be raised for the rest of July. </span><a href="https://www.fpiw.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Will you help us maximize this opportunity?<br /><br /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So far, many of you have. And we’re thankful. But we still have about halfway to go in order to make sure we take full advantage of this opportunity.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://www.fpiw.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Whether its $5 or $500, your support makes our work to change the culture possible.</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><br />Summer can be a difficult season financially. But thanks to your support, we can continue focusing on the work that needs to be done. And as you know, there is a lot of work to be done.<br /><br />The decision of the New York state legislature to pass same-sex “marriage” only weeks ago reminds us of the inevitability of that debate here in Washington. Since it is inevitable, we should prepare. If we do not prepare, we will lose.<br /><br />Our desire to make sure we are prepared like never before is the motivation behind our extensive efforts to educate, motivate, and mobilize.<br /><br />It is the reason we held our statewide pastor’s conference.<br /><br />That is why we are putting <strong>Culture Impact Teams</strong> in churches throughout Washington. These citizen led organizations exist to remind the church that every Christian is a duel citizen-a citizen of heaven and a citizen of earth-and that we have obligations to both.<br /><br />That is also why we are conducting <strong>Truth Project Trainings</strong> throughout Washington State. We have already done them in Spokane, Vancouver, and Renton, and are making plans for more this fall. As a result, nearly 100 individuals have been trained to lead small groups that will encourage their communities to think biblically about the culture, including: art, media, history, economics, philosophy, and more.<br /><br />That is why we continue to build relationships with legislators. In August, we will be bringing legislators from Washington together with legislators from around the country for a <strong>Legislative Worldview Training</strong> in Louisiana. The title of the conference is "Consequences of Truth" where Chuck Colson, and other leading thinkers on issues related to worldview, will encourage legislators to think about how the reality of Truth impacts the ways they govern.<br /><br />If you are excited about what is taking place on behalf of the culture and families here in Washington, we know you'll be excited to be part of it.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.fpiw.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1">Thank you for your support</a>. And please remember, your gift will be doubled for the remainder of July, up to $20,000. </span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-83614129819486375022011-07-25T15:06:00.000-07:002011-07-25T15:10:23.878-07:00Administration Threatens Conscience Rights<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Here in Washington, the state has been working for years to force pharmacists who are pro-life must choose between being in business or violating their conscience.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> It appears that same war on individual freedom is now being waged in Washington D.C. as well. We wanted to pass along the following letter that was published in the Washington Post from Jonathan Imbody, the President of the Christian Medical Association and director of Freedom2Care. <a name='more'></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> Not only do some have very different values, but there are some who are working very hard to take away the right of those who disagree with them to live life as they choose.<br /><br /></span></span><blockquote style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Discarding consideration of both cost and conscientious objections, the Obama administration appears poised to adopt a radical advisory board recommendation: that the federal government must pay for or force others to pay for ethically controversial contraceptive drugs.<br /><br />Included in the indiscriminate mandate would be controversial drugs such as ella (ulipristal acetate) and the "morning-after pill" (levonorgestrel). Food and Drug Administration labels note that these drugs "may inhibit implantation" of a living human embryo. Since many physicians, patients, employers and even some insurers adhere to life-affirming ethical standards, they cannot in good conscience participate in prescribing, taking or paying for such drugs. This mandate offers them no alternative.<br /><br />That's obviously of scant concern to the administration, which has gutted the only federal regulation protecting conscientious medical professionals from job-ending discrimination. Nor does the administration consider consequential the additional cost to taxpayers and potentially business-killing burdens that this overbearing policy will bring.<br /><br />Time and again, confronted with protests that the government cannot continue to willfully disregard cost and conscience, this president audaciously answers, "Yes, we can."<br /><br />Jonathan Imbody, Ashburn</span></blockquote>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-19983250098057249442011-07-20T16:42:00.000-07:002011-07-20T16:47:32.402-07:00President Supports Repeal of DOMA<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Yesterday <a href="http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0711/all_due_respect_52655160-80d9-4749-a26a-3525888f615a.html">President Obama gave his public support to legislation sponsored by Sen. Diane Feinstein that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)</a> which defines marriage as a union between one-man and one-woman.<br /><br /> Currently federal law, and almost all state law, says a person cannot not marry someone who is a minor, already married, a close relative, or of the same gender. Feinstein's bill, being called the Respect for Marriage Act, would remove the gender limitation but allow the other restrictions on marriage recognition to remain in place.<br /><br /> This position further confuses the President's position on the issue of marriage. During his 2008 campaign, the President said he did not support same-sex "marriage". Since then he has called the federal DOMA unconstitutional and was also instrumental in the repeal of the militaries' "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.<br /><br /> <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/tv/david-axelrod-defends-obamas-opposition-to-gay-marriage-on-daily-rundown/">The President also opposed Prop 8 in California while still maintaining his position that he opposed same-sex "marriage". </a><br /><br /> Regardless, during an election in which most of the attention will be given to a weak economy and high employment, these developments all but guarantees that cultural issues like marriage will be a critical voting issue in the 2012 Presidential election.</span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-51988926926706367082011-07-19T11:19:00.000-07:002011-07-19T11:35:11.218-07:00Preparing for Success<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In sports there is a saying that, "When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win." So it is in every effort. We cannot expect to win if we are not prepared to win. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> While the issues from the last session are over, we know there are more coming. </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://www.fpiw.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1">Will you help us prepare? </a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Others hope you will. And in order to encourage you to do so, a $20,000 matching grant has been offered for the rest of the month of July. Ever gift will be doubled, up to $20,000 for the rest of the month. </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://www.fpiw.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Will you help us maximize this opportunity? </span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> It is crucial that we are able to prepare year round for the battles we know will come, so that when they do come, we are prepared to win. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> We have already had some exciting success this year. We defeated legislation targeting pregnancy centers and stopped an effort to allow contract surrogacy, effectively allowing the sale of children in Washington. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> But there were other efforts we did not win. Despite our best efforts, and despite record deficits, the legislature still increased funding for Planned Parenthood. Why did that happen? Planned Parenthood is politically influential because they work year round in order to advance its pro-abortion agenda. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> We must make sure they are not the only ones preparing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> That is why we recently conducted a Pastors Seminar with Dr. Wayne Grudem, to equip pastors to lead courageously on issues related to government and public policy. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> That is why we are putting </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:times new roman;" >Culture Impact Teams</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> in churches throughout Washington. These citizen led organizations exist to remind the church that every Christian is a duel citizen-a citizen of heaven and a citizen of earth-and that we have obligations to both.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> That is also why we are conducting </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:times new roman;" >Truth Project Trainings</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> throughout Washington State. We have already done them in Spokane, Vancouver, and Renton, and are making plans for more this fall. As a result, nearly 100 individuals have been trained to lead small groups that will encourage their communities to think biblically about the culture, including: art, media, history, economics, philosophy, and more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> That is why we are building relationships with legislators. In August, we will be bringing legislators from Washington together with legislators from around the country for a </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:times new roman;" >Legislative Worldview Training</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> in Louisiana. The title of the conference is "Consequences of Truth" where Chuck Colson, and other leading thinkers on issues related to worldview, will encourage legislators to think about how the reality of Truth impacts the ways they govern. </span> <a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> In addition, we are making plans to carry out our </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family:times new roman;" >Candidate Training seminars</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> this fall. While working in communities to identify the next generation of leaders, we want to make sure that when they do decide to run for office they are prepared to run effective, efficient campaigns. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> We hope you are as excited about what is happening as we are! But none of this is possible without the support you have given and the support you continue to give. Summer is always a challenging time for non-profits, but thanks to your generosity, this could be the best summer ever for FPIW.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> If you are excited about what is taking place on behalf of the culture and families here in Washington, we know you'll be excited to be part of it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="https://www.fpiw.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1">Thank you for your support.</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> And please remember, your gift will be doubled for the remainder of July, up to $20,000.</span></span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-50871781262127481512011-07-14T12:47:00.000-07:002011-07-14T12:52:14.717-07:00Is it Really Death With Dignity?<span style="font-weight: bold;">By Don Calbreath, PHD</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >On November 4, 2008, 58% of the voters in the state of Washington approved Initiative 1000 (1). This measure allows certain terminally ill patients to receive lethal medications in order to terminate their lives, thus making Washington the second U.S. state to approve a form of physician-assisted suicide. Thirty of the thirty-seven counties had a majority of votes in favor of the initiative, with a few mainly rural counties in the state not giving a "yes" majority vote (2). (. Although the state voters had rejected a similar measure in 1991 (54% voted "no"), the tide of public opinion has made a major shift in the intervening seventeen years.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> </span><br /><br /></span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > Washington was not the first state to approve physician-assisted suicide - Oregon had already done so in 1994. But the history of physician-assisted suicide goes back even further in the U.S. Dr. Jack Kevorkian (known as "Dr. Death to many) had become interested in the issue of death early in his medical training in the 1950s (3). After a controversial and unsuccessful medical career, he became intrigued by medical reports of physician-assisted suicide in the Netherlands. Kevorkian became the leading U.S. advocate for this practice and contributed to the deaths of a number of individuals. His involvement ultimately led to him spending eight years in prison. Kevorkian died on June 3, 2011.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > The movement in the Netherlands that had fascinated Kevorkian began in the early 1980s in that country, although Switzerland had allowed the practice since 1941. Even before the practice was legalized in 2002, Dutch physicians had administered euthanasia to approximately 2700 patients each year. The new law required that the patient request be voluntary and that the patient be informed about his/her condition and the alternatives.A second physician must be involved in the consultative process (4). </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > How well has this law worked out? Since it is very similar to the Washington and Oregon statutes, it is worth our while to ask what has happened since the enactment of this legislation. Not surprisingly, there have been flagrant abuses of the situation. There is growing awareness that the guidelines are often not followed and that many patients are euthanized without their consent (5). A number of patients felt that they were being pressured into the act. Of even more concern is the fact that at least one Dutch health minister suggested giving "suicide pills" to the elderly who are simply bored with their lives (6). More recently, she has expressed regret for her role in legalizing euthanasia in Holland (7).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > Well, that's Europe, but things like that could never happen here. Let's take a quick look at Oregon, where "Death with Dignity" was made legal in 1994. One 2008 study showed that a fourth of the patients receiving lethal drugs were depressed, but were never referred to a mental health professional (8, 9). There are some indications that the law is not being followed with regard to proper documentation and review of requests. Perhaps the most troubling recent reports dealt with Oregon patients who were denied expensive medications for treatment of their terminal conditions, but were offered physician-assisted suicide instead (10).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > Are there problems with the Washington law? One prominent Washington attorney pointed out several flaws (11). One of your heirs can be a witness to the consent form, opening the door to coercion. At the time of administration of the lethal dose, the patient does not have to have mental competency or even be aware that the dose is being given. A "self-administered" dose does not necessarily mean that - another person can give the drug, whether the patient is aware of what's happening or not. There is no requirement for witnesses at the death, leaving the door open for drug administration without the patient's consent or awareness.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Furthermore, the "official" cause of death will be listed as the underlying illness and the death is to be considered as "natural".So, it will be very difficult to investigate cases of murder under these conditions.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > "Death with Dignity" was sold to the public under the guise of alleviating suffering in extreme cases and protecting patient autonomy. The reality is that abuses can and will occur, based on past experience with other statutes. Coercion will become more commonplace since there are few safeguards to protect against it.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > Both the American Medical Association and the Washington State Medical Association oppose assisted suicide legislation as being inconsistent with the healing role of the physician (12,13).Outside the major population centers of Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia, many physicians and hospitals in the state of Washington will not participate in the practice (14).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" > One encouraging sign in this controversy is the increased awareness for better pain management and palliative care for terminal patients. Physician resistance to "death with dignity" statutes could lead to improved end-of-life care and a truly dignified death.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >References:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >1. http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/osos/en/documents/i1000-text%20for%20web.pdf </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Death_with_Dignity_Act </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >3. http://www.biography.com/articles/jack-kevorkian-9364141 </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >4. "Death with Dignity: The Dutch explore the limits of a patient's right to die", John Horgan, Scientific American, March 1991. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >5. "The Dutch way of death", Rachel Nowak, New Scientist, June 20, 1992.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >6. http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/04/14/netherlands.suicide/index.html</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >7. http://sunandshield.wordpress.com/2009/12/09/regret-for-legalizing-euthanasia-expressed-by-former-dutch-official </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >8. Oregon Death with Dignity program spurs fierce debate, intense criticism</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >Steve Maynard. McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Washington: Nov 9, 2008 </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >9. "Death with dignity: The first decade of Oregon's physician-assisted death act", Heide Aungst, Geriatric, December 2008.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >10. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=5517492&page=1 </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >11. "Deatth with Dignity: What do we tell our clients?", Margaret Dore, Washington State Bar News, July 2009.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >12. http://www.wrtl.org/pdf/ama_phys_assisted_suicide.pdf </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >13. http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/secondhandsmoke/2008/09/30/washington-medical-association-brochure-against-i-1000-and-assisted-suicide </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" >14. "In rural Washington state, law allows assisted suicide, but most doctors don't", Kim Murphy, LA Times, May 7, 2009.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: times new roman;font-size:100%;" >*Don Calbreath PHD is the emeritus associate professor of chemistry at Whitworth University in Spokane.</span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-45152162941926821982011-06-22T17:22:00.000-07:002011-06-22T17:24:42.731-07:00Gay Bar Cries Foul when Printer Declines BusinessJust what does liberty mean? <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><img style="text-align: right;" src="https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/tip/dispatcher?pimg=tmp--1027114719" align="right" border="0" height="191" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="138" /><br /> A case in King County is forcing us, once again, to consider this question. According to reports, <a style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" href="http://www.king5.com/home/Seattle-bar-owner-refused-service-because-of-his-homosexual-lifestyle-124331544.html">someone trying to open a gay bar on Capitol Hill in Seattle requested print services from a printer in Kent.</a> According to the owner of the print shop, the material he was asked to print contained content he was uncomfortable with, so he made the decision not to print it.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> We don't know what kind of conversations took place in the print shop, but we do know that the following email was ultimately sent to the bar owners. According to the owner of the print shop, it was sent without his approval by a part-time employee.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 60px;"> <a name='more'></a><br />"My boss had decided that we won't be able to print for your bar. Not that we're against homosexuals at all, but because knowing that our printed products will be advertising and promoting the kind of lifestyle that goes against our morals is something that he can't bring himself to do. "</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> While this employee probably does not have a public relations career in her future, the more important question is whether or not the position taken by the print shop is one of the freedoms and individual business owner should have. </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><a style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" href="http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2011/06/20/local-printer-refuses-service-for-new-capitol-hill-gay-bar">According to the ACLU, it is not. </a> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"> The print shop owner insists that the refusal to print was not because the customers are gay.This is almost certainly true. If the same customers had asked for fliers advertising Girl Scout cookies, there would not be an issue.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> But they didn't. They asked for a flier that advertised "Bad-A** bartenders" and "No Bull****drinks". The flier also referenced "less tudes" and "more dudes" in combination with a rainbow flag. Like it or not, that flier represents a perspective and a value system that some (hundreds of millions) Americans are not entirely comfortable with.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"> Why the outrage then? Aren't we supposed to celebrate our differences?</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> If the shop owner had refused to do work for a strip-club, a casino, or a fortune teller, no one would care. Nor would we demand a gay printer to do a print job for Exodus International, a ministry that helps people leave the gay lifestyle.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> In America, after all, we respect the fact that not everyone is like us and we recognize that the chance to make different choices without the threat of harassment from our neighbors or our government is part of what makes us special. At least we used to.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> The fact that this is a story illustrates how much some "liberals" resent individual freedom.</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> In fact, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has offered to provide legal assistance in the event the customer wants to take legal action against the printer. Apparently their concept of "liberty"means the "liberty" to force people to do work for you but does not include the "liberty" to run your business in a way that is consistent with your personal beliefs. If you haven't been already, let me be the first to welcome to opposite world. </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;">Joseph Backholm</p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;">Executive Director FPIW<br /></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-22249109253417182032011-06-01T15:13:00.000-07:002011-08-02T13:04:52.845-07:00State Increases Planned Parenthood Funding to Balance BudgetOnly weeks ago, Indiana becoming the first state to decide that Planned Parenthood would no longer receive money from tax payers. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.<br /><br /> But here in Washington, the state took a very different approach.<br /><br /> With the passage of SB 5912, the state legislature decided to increase funding for Take Charge, a contraceptive program which Planned Parenthood claims pays for the services of 70% of their clients. Since Take Charge was implemented in 2001, Planned Parenthood of Western Washington has seen their revenues increase from $5.5 million to over $27 million a year.<br /><br /> Take Charge was created with the goal of reducing the state's costs for live births. But during that same period, <a href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/Washington%20Abortion%20Budget.pdf">the state's costs for live births have risen 70%, from $198 million to over $340 million a year.</a> <a name='more'></a><br /><br /> According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of women eligible for Take Charge in Washington (women within 200% of the federal poverty level) has increased from 294,000 in 2002 to 300,000 in 2009. During that same time period, <a href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/Washington%20Abortion%20Budget.pdf">the state's costs per birth have risen almost 25% from $6394 to $7952 per birth.</a><br /><br /> While some cost increases could be expected, neither of those factors explain the 70% increase in the state's costs. Nor do they fully explain why the increase dramatic rise in costs for lives births that coincide with the creation of the Take Charge program.<br /><br /> In fact, in the 7 year period prior to Take Charge being enacted (1993-2000), the state's annual costs for live births increased only 46% (from $135 million to $198 million).<br /><br /> Despite these facts, the state made assumptions about the impact of increased funding for Take Charge that allowed them to put it on the books as a net decrease in the overall state budget. Consequently, in the budget that was just passed, the state will direct more taxpayer dollars to Planned Parenthood but claim it as a spending reduction.<br /><br /> The willingness to ignore history in favor of rosy assumptions about the future might help explain how the state found itself with historic deficits in the first place.<br /><br /> In reality, this bill did serve a purpose. It allowed them to find a "savings" while increasing funding for a politically influential lobby. But it is not a purpose that serves the public well.<br /><br /> Moreover, knowing that these kinds of games were played on the balance sheet should cause us all to question whether the budget that was just passed will in any way resemble reality.Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-51394914004315378312011-05-26T11:56:00.000-07:002011-06-17T11:23:55.390-07:00Truth Project Training Coming To Renton and Spokane!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/Truth.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 442px; height: 280px;" src="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/Truth.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">is coming to Renton June 25th and Spokane June 26th!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/Do%20you%20really.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 525px; height: 65px;" src="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/Do%20you%20really.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the evangelical world. Only 9 percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview (See sources below).<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Because of this, today's believers live very similarly to non-believers. A personal sense of significance is rarely experienced, we spend our money and time on things that fail to satisfy, and the rates of addictions, family breakdown, and other problems are no different within the church as without. We are, in short, losing our bearings as the body of Christ because we tend to view the world the same way as those who do not have Christ. In essence, the body of Christ is conforming to the world when we need to be transformed by renewing our minds with a biblical worldview (Romans 12:2). Jesus commanded us to make "disciples," not just church members, and to teach them all things He taught us (Matthew 28:18-20). This is discipleship, or worldview, training.<br /><br />To address this need within the body of Christ, the <a href="http://www.fpiw.org/">Family Policy Institute of Washington</a> is partnering with Hightland Community Church in Renton,WA and Trinity Baptist Church in Spokane, WA to provide a training opportunity in the use of The Truth Project. This four-hour training is designed to equip Pastors, Ministers of Youth, Ministers of Education, Sunday School teachers, and Small Group Bible Study Leaders (laity or staff) with the tools to take their people through a 12-week course in the essentials of a biblical worldview.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:130%;" >What is Focus on the Family's The Truth Project?</span><br /><br />The Truth Project is a DVD-based small group curriculum comprised of 12 one-hour lessons taught by Dr. DelTackett. This study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail how view all areas of daily life from a biblical perspective. The Truth Project has been used in thousands of churches, worldwide, to equip both seasoned Christians as well as new believers. It is an excellent discipleship tool for new member's classes, youth, college, and young adult groups, or any adult discipleship training ministry.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:130%;" >Date and Location:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Renton</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, June 25th 8:30 a.m. to 12:30</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Highlands Community Church</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />3031 NE 10th Street</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Renton, WA 98056</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spokane</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, June 26, 2011 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Trinity Baptist Church</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6528 N. Monroe Street</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Spokane, WA 99208</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:130%;" >How can I start this in my church for Discipleship/Worldview training?</span><br />Registration is $99.00 per person/couple. This includes all the materials and information you'll need to lead a Truth Project group in your home, church, or other setting. Payment can be made in advance (by check or credit card) or at the event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:130%;" >To register:</span><br /><br />Please do not call the church. To register for the training or have your questions answered, send:<br />1) Name, 2) Address, 3) Phone, and 4) Name of church to:<br /><br />Dr. David Shelley - The Truth Project trainer<br />E-mail at: david.shelley@factn.org or call: (615) 957-1146 or<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Two other Christian Worldview Resources</span><br /><br />We're also introducing two other Christian Worldview Resources:<br />1) a new curriculum that Focus recently created for teenagers and college students called,<br />"True U: Does God Exist?"<br /><br />It is a sad fact that many Christian teens have their faith and biblical worldview belittled and attacked in school and many leave the church after graduating from college. To help counter that, Focus created this DVD-based, ten-week series to equip Christians with the logical and scientific proofs of their faith.<br /><br />I'll show a brief segment of the video promo, "The Toughest Test in College," during our Truth Project training, and these will be available for purchase too. They are $39.00 each. Here's a picture of the materials, and you can learn more online: www.trueu.org.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/DVDs1.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 460px; height: 236px;" src="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/DVDs1.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />"The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority" Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1963 </span><br /><br /><blockquote>This short book is NOT about partisan politics, it is NOT about Republicans and Democrats, and it is NOT about President Obama. IT IS ABOUT educating the Body of Christ on our biblical and historical responsibility to be informed and engaged in the political and cultural struggles of our day as the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world." This book was written by Dr. David Shelley, a veteran pastor and trainer for The Truth Project by Focus on the Family. It can be purchased at the training for $15.00.</blockquote>Want to know more about what's in The Truth Project lessons? See an overview.<br /><br />Attend this training and you will receive one "The Truth Project" DVD set per person/couple, which includes all 12 professionally produced lessons on seven DVDs, a leader-training DVD, and online access to hundreds of resources you can use in helping your fellow believers develop a biblical worldview.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sources quoted above: <a style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.barna.org/barna-update/article/5-barna-update/131-a-biblical-worldview-has-a-radical-effect-on-a-persons-life">The Barna Update</a>, "A Biblical Worldview Has a Radical Effect on a Person's Life," December 1, 2003. <a style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51);" href="http://www.blogger.com/www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/260-most-american-christians-do-not-believe-that-satan-or-the-holy-spirit-exis">A newer Barna Survey</a>, "Most American Christians Do Not Believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit Exist" March, 2009. </span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-24070246382593055562011-05-23T16:01:00.000-07:002011-06-16T14:54:36.319-07:00Host a Legislative Review with FPIW<span style="font-family:times new roman;">Now that the legislative session has ended, lots of people will be asking themselves, "what happened, anyway?" We know there was a $5 billion deficit. But what about the issues that affect your family and your values?<br /><br />Did you know that during this session the legislature was working with the abortion industry to shut down pregnancy resource centers? Did you know that during this legislative session the legislature was very close to allowing children to be bought and sold through surrogacy contracts? Did you know that the legislature removed the words "mother" and "father" from state law and replaced them with the word "parents" in an effort not to offend those who don't believe children benefit from both a mother and a father.<br /><br />And these efforts are just representative of the culture wide effort to restructure the family.<br /><br />The state is also on the verge of increasing funding for Planned Parenthood at a time when teachers are losing their jobs and the mentally and physically disabled are losing their assistance.<br /><br /><strong>These are the stories that are often buried under the budget deficit headlines that we want to make sure you know about.</strong><br /><br />Over the next several weeks, FPIW will be all over Washington State meeting in homes, community centers, and churches to discuss what happened this session on issues related to life, marriage, religious freedom, and parental rights.<br /><br /><strong>If you have a group of 30 or more that would like to hear more about these issues, and also discover what they can do to be part of the solution, we would love to meet with you</strong>.<br /><br />To inquire about hosting a review of the legislative session with a representative of FPIW for your friends or community group, please contact us at info@fpiw.org or call our office at 425-608-0242.<br /><br />We look forward to seeing you soon.<br /></span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-10556626955044598862011-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:002011-05-18T16:06:13.715-07:00Candy Cane Case Will Impact 41 Million Kids<a href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/CandyCane.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 196px;" src="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/CandyCane.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> On Monday, May 23, the Fifth Circuit Court of appeals will hear a casethat will impact every elementary school child in the nation. In the case Morgan et al. v. Plano (Texas) Independent School District, known as the infamous "candy cane" case, judges will determine whether elementary students are too young to have First Amendment freedoms.<br /><br /> This is the biggest religious freedom case in the nation.<br /><a name='more'></a><br /> The Liberty Institute, our sister organization in Texas, along with two former US Solicitors General, Kenneth Starr and Paul Clement, will go to battle for the rights of American students before all 17 judges of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Such en banc hearings are rare and are only for big cases with national impact.<br /><br /> The "candy cane" case started eight years ago when public school officials banned eight-year-old Jonathan Morgan from giving candy canes with Jesus' name on them to classmates at a holiday party.<br /><br /> They also confiscated one little girl's pencils banning her and others from handing them out afterschool because they had Bible verses on them.<br /><br /> Outrageously, these same officials even banned an entire class sending cards to our troops overseas from writing the words "Merry Christmas" to our soldiers.<br /><br /> The government officials are now arguing that elementary kids are too young to have First Amendment rights.<br /><br /> Think of what this would mean: no religious freedom, no right to respectfully express a different opinion than the government, religious discrimination permitted, and no way for parents to protect their children.<br /><br /> This is outrageous and we're fighting to stop what could be a horrible tragedy for this country. The First Amendment protects every American, even families and children in public school.<br /><br /> Please spread the word on this case. To the Liberty Institute's latest video on this case, visit www.FirstAmendmentFreedoms.LibertyInstitute.org<br /><br /> Encourage every church in the nation to pray this weekend.Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-50179740478946430932011-04-28T12:13:00.000-07:002011-04-28T12:34:39.086-07:00Does Planned Parenthood Want Fewer Abortions?<p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: times new roman;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" _mce_="" ></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">This week the </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0411/53841.html">Indiana State Legislature voted to end taxpayer support of Planned Parenthood. </a></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Here in Washington, Planned Parenthood was testifying in support of legislation (</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5912.pdf">SB 5912</a></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">) that would increase their public subsidy despite a $5.5 billion deficit. During the course of their testimony, Planned Parenthood representatives explained that they really want to help reduce the number of abortions by giving people increased access to government funded contraception. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> <a name='more'></a><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> This argument was also made repeatedly while taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood was being discussed at the federal level.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> While Planned Parenthood consistently states they really, truly, honest to goodness, want to reduce the number of abortions, and that giving them money for contraception is a great way to accomplish that goal, the evidence suggests otherwise.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> In reality, the more money Planned Parenthood gets, the more abortions they perform. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">In 1999, Planned Parenthood received $187 million from the federal government and performed 183,000 abortions. [1]In 2005, Planned Parenthood received approximately $273 million dollars from the government and performed 265,000 abortions. [2]In 2008-2009, Planned Parenthood received $363 million dollars [3]and performed 332,278 abortions in the year ending 2009.[4] </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Curiously, the increase in abortions for Planned Parenthood between 2006 and 2009 occurred during a period when abortions nationally declined by 15%.[5] Even when the rest of the country is doing fewer abortions, Planned Parenthood finds a way to do more. Since they benefit financially from every abortion, this really shouldn't be surprising.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> In 2009 if a pregnant woman walked into a Planned Parenthood clinic, she was 340 times more likely to receive an abortion than an adoption referral. In that year, PPFA performed 332,278 abortions while providing only 977 adoption referrals. [6]Yet they still claim to be the place for unbiased, objective counseling in making decisions regarding pregnancies.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Keep this in mind next time you hear that Planned Parenthood shares your goal of reducing the number of abortions.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /> </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> If you have an opinion on SB 5912 and its ability to provide more of your tax dollars to Planned Parenthood, please contact your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 and let your voice be heard. You can deliver a message to your legislators through that number even if you don't know who they are by providing your address. Please be respectful, but please be heard.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;">[1] Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Annual report, 1999-2000<br />[2] See Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Services (April 2007) [3] Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. Annual Report 2008-2009, p. 29 and 2008 Income Tax Returns.<br />[4] See Planned Parenthood Federaion of America, Planned Parenthood Services, p. 2 at http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/PPFA/PP_Services.pdf<br />[5] According to its 2008 annual report, PPFA performed 289,750 abortions in 2006 and 305,310 abortions in 2007. PPFA, 2007-2008 Annual Report, p. 9 (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/annual-report-4661.htm); PPFA, "Planned Parenthood Services," March 2011, p. 2 (link provided above); PPFA, "Planned ParenthoodServices," September 2010, p. 2 (link provided above); and, (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6001a1.htm).<br />[6] PPFA, "Planned Parenthood Services," March 2011 (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/PPFA/PP_Services.pdf).</span><div style="font-family:times new roman;"><div id="ftn6"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span _mce_="" href="https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/em/ecampaign/visualeditor?agent.uid=1105325900063&firstLoad=true&trStringAutoresponderPage=false&error=#_ftnref6" _mce_href="#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="font-size:100%;"></span></p> </div></div>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-49091062336793873812011-04-26T12:58:00.000-07:002011-04-26T13:14:25.297-07:00FPIW Testimony in Opposition to a Funding Increase for Planned Parenthood<p style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-weight: bold;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;" _mce_=""><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:130%;" _mce_="" >Summary of Concerns</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;" _mce_=""><span style=" line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" _mce_="" >SB 5912: Increasing eligibility for Take Charge to 250% of federal poverty level.<br /></span></p> <ul><li style="margin-left: 1px; font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-size:85%;" ></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"><b>Unintended pregnancies are NOT due to lack of access to contraception:</b> There is no evidence that the current pregnancy rates are due to lack of access to contraception. Conversely, there is a great deal of evidence that there is already virtually universal access to contraceptives.</span></li></ul><ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li style="margin-left: 1px; font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Increased contraception use linked to higher pregnancy and STD rates:</b> Access to contraception does not necessary reduce pregnancy rates. Recent studies have found that it actually has led to increased pregnancy rates, as well as STD infections, because those on contraceptives are more likely to engage in risky behavior.</span></li></ul> <ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li style="margin-left: 1px; font-size:14pt;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Funding Take Charge does not save money:<span> </span></b>The Take Charge Program has not managed to reduce state costs for live births in the last 10 years.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> In fact, under Take Charge, the state's costs for live births have increased more than 70%.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Therefore, the assumption that an increase in spending for Take Charge can be calculated as a decrease in the state's budget is erroneous.</span></li></ul> <ul style="font-family:times new roman;"><li style=" ;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" ><b>Take Charge forces those who do not support the mission of Planned Parenthood to fund it: </b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:85%;" ><span style="">Take Charge primarily funds Planned Parenthood, a non-profit that millions of Washingtonians would not choose to support with their charitable giving. It is not appropriate to channel more than $20 million to an organization much of the public is morally or philosophically opposed to when so many uncontroversial expenditures are being cut or eliminated.</span> </span></li></ul> <p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/5912%20testimony.pdf" _mce_href="http://www.fpiw.org/files/fpiw.campaigntoolbox.org/downloads/5912%20testimony.pdf">Read the full testimony here.</a></strong></span></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-19069787461749848212011-04-25T14:26:00.000-07:002011-04-25T14:55:43.575-07:00Senate 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mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;">The special session will convene tomorrow. And when it does, the state Senate will continue to consider how best to close the $5.5 billion deficit the state currently has. One peculiar solution has been offered. On Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 at 2:30 pm, the Senate Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing on <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1105289426232&s=0&e=001LqDgCqWkKNHPLmnK2tr4qTbuUgPiqu2dUSYE7DcrWJNs9d82wFqu5eXrxbOGUczAa_Ylw70Wz0MZ3qnQS0gDoWsgiRaEoDQM5TGAXBdK24Ml56DAtxL9U7rWfbqgcU33fsMdJEZftRNWwQ2-3z0Ewic7OrVfX8cN" target="_blank" shape="rect">SB 5912</a>, which would increase spending on contraceptives by $2.5 million. The bill proposes expanding eligibility for Take Charge, the state's primary state supported contraceptive program, to those who make up to 250% of the federal poverty level.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> While taxpayers spend $15 - $20 million each year on Take Charge, (most of which comes from federal sources) the state pays much more to deliver babies than it did previously. In fact, since take charge has been operating,<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1105289426232&s=0&e=001LqDgCqWkKNHPLmnK2tr4qTbuUgPiqu2dUSYE7DcrWJNs9d82wFqu5eXrxbOGUczAa_Ylw70Wz0PeKcj7CEd7FLTrXG4uFYsxW-Tw6z6mGSnkp91ySuxOw1eIFQzgKun6eFCCUJvL-h6qD0230XAWCy71ad5DexgFC4FZDBgIrnhdkkC18p1PL60DdH13jbwSp-vE3lUa829ZemveW4q6uUSQnUCm6S1M" target="_blank" shape="rect">Washington State's spending on live birth's through Medicaid increased from $200 million to nearly $340 million in 2009</a>.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> <a name='more'></a> Yet, despite this reality, this bill seeks to increase funding for Take Charge while claiming that those expenditures will save the state money.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"> <span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:12.0pt;" ></span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> Abortion providers, which also provide contraceptives, are strong supporters of this proposal. Take Charge has expanded their customer base to such an extent that more then half of Planned Parenthood's client's are now Take Charge enrollees.(<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1105289426232&s=0&e=001LqDgCqWkKNHPLmnK2tr4qTbuUgPiqu2dUSYE7DcrWJNs9d82wFqu5eXrxbOGUczAa_Ylw70Wz0PeKcj7CEd7FLTrXG4uFYsxW-Tw6z6mGSnkp91ySuxOw1eIFQzgKun6eFCCUJvL-h6qD0230XAWCy71ad5DexgFC4FZDBgIrnhdkkC18p1PL60DdH13jbwSp-vE3lUa829ZemveW4q6uUSQnUCm6S1M" target="_blank" shape="rect">see page 2</a>) Planned Parenthood now does 11% more abortions annually than they did before Take Charge.</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> It has also been a financial windfall for them as well. In 1999, when Take Charge was created, Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, the largest of the five Planned Parenthood regions in Washington, had $5.5 million in revenue. (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1105289426232&s=0&e=001LqDgCqWkKNHPLmnK2tr4qTbuUgPiqu2dUSYE7DcrWJNs9d82wFqu5eXrxbOGUczAa_Ylw70Wz0PeKcj7CEd7FLTrXG4uFYsxW-Tw6z6mGSnkp91ySuxOw1eIFQzgKun6eFCCUJvL-h6qD0230XAWCy71ad5DexgFC4FZDBgIrnhdkkC18p1PL60DdH13jbwSp-vE3lUa829ZemveW4q6uUSQnUCm6S1M" target="_blank" shape="rect">see page 9 line 17</a>) In 2008, after 8 years of Take Charge, their revenues had jumped to $27.3 million. (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1105289426232&s=0&e=001LqDgCqWkKNHPLmnK2tr4qTbuUgPiqu2dUSYE7DcrWJNs9d82wFqu5eXrxbOGUczAa_Ylw70Wz0PeKcj7CEd7FLTrXG4uFYsxW-Tw6z6mGSnkp91ySuxOw1eIFQzgKun6eFCCUJvL-h6qD0230XAWCy71ad5DexgFC4FZDBgIrnhdkkC18p1PL60DdH13jbwSp-vE3lUa829ZemveW4q6uUSQnUCm6S1M" target="_blank" shape="rect">page 2 line 9</a>)</span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;"> </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><span style=" line-height: 115%; font-family:times new roman;font-size:14pt;" > <br />If you can make it to Olympia, please attend the hearing on Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 at 2:30 pm, in Senate Hearing Room 4. Otherwise, please contact your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 and ask them to oppose <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=r9sh9dcab&et=1105289426232&s=0&e=001LqDgCqWkKNHPLmnK2tr4qTbuUgPiqu2dUSYE7DcrWJNs9d82wFqu5eXrxbOGUczAa_Ylw70Wz0MZ3qnQS0gDoWsgiRaEoDQM5TGAXBdK24Ml56DAtxL9U7rWfbqgcU33fsMdJEZftRNWwQ2-3z0Ewic7OrVfX8cN" target="_blank" shape="rect">SB 5912</a>.</span><br /><span style="line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:14.0pt;" ></span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-69001424509096383532011-04-21T18:19:00.000-07:002011-04-21T18:23:26.030-07:00Senate Passes Amended HB 1267<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">By Rebecca Faust</span><br /><br />This morning, the Washington Senate passed a newly amended version of </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011">HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >, which would overhaul the Uniform Parentage Act. Because the House and Senate must pass the identical bill before it can be signed into law by the governor, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011">HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > has been sent back to the House. The House may be considering it tomorrow or possibly even this evening.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />As originally passed by the House, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011">HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > would have legalized paid surrogacy. Fortunately, a majority of the Senate saw the problems with commercialized childbearing. So the Senate amended</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011"> HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >, removing the provisions which would have allowed paid surrogacy as well as making other changes. The bill as passed by the Senate was then returned to the House, but the House refused to accept the Senate amendments.<br /><br />Today the Senate voted to withdraw their previous amendments, adopt a new "striking amendment" instead, and re-pass the bill in this freshly amended form. A striking amendment is an amendment that re-writes an entire bill instead of listing specific changes. The new Senate version of </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011">HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > would still not allow paid surrogacy, but does back down from some of the other changes which the Senate had made previously.<br /><br />Even with the amendments made by the Senate, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011">HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > remains a deeply flawed piece of legislation. It is premised on the notion that a child's parents aren't necessarily a father and a mother and that the "intent" of, and relationships between, the adults involved are more important than their biological relationship to the child. (Please keep in mind that we are talking about determining who the parents are after a child is born, not about placing a child for adoption after the natural parents' rights have been relinquished or terminated and appropriate screening of the person or couple wishing to adopt the child.)<br /><br />For example, </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267&year=2011">HB 1267</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" > would require that if a birth mother is in a domestic partnership with another women, that other woman must be presumed to be a mother of the child also. The natural parents, or those wrongly presumed to be parents, could eventually straighten out the affected children's parentage after going through judicial proceedings and genetic testing (with associated time and costs for those involved).<br /><br />You can call the legislative hotline (1-800-562-6000) to send a message to your representatives, or find individual contact information for your representatives on the </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><a style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: ; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-WEIGHT: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rosters/Members.aspx?Chamber=H" _mce_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rosters/Members.aspx?Chamber=H">legislature's website</a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >. Keep in mind that this bill could be voted on very soon.</span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-48668267278706088792011-04-13T10:54:00.000-07:002011-04-13T11:25:47.299-07:00Victory & Defeat: Senate Passes Surrogacy Bill Without Surrogacy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7iMH3LlPKr9q5_YRetI8d-yZ9XRNGyQV6hg_I6fq-QaTG4eq1d0HnXDne6NwSEdkKSqHkCtWZ20aEGAXTJBsW26PSsyUQqzSl1o_s2p5GJJxRrPHMKasPncDo6uK9iWh85xhKTWcV8M/s1600/Win.Lose-350-x-319.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7iMH3LlPKr9q5_YRetI8d-yZ9XRNGyQV6hg_I6fq-QaTG4eq1d0HnXDne6NwSEdkKSqHkCtWZ20aEGAXTJBsW26PSsyUQqzSl1o_s2p5GJJxRrPHMKasPncDo6uK9iWh85xhKTWcV8M/s200/Win.Lose-350-x-319.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595135537658389266" border="0" /></a><br /><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%;color:black;" _mce_="" >Just before the 5 o'clock deadline on Tuesday afternoon, the State Senate passed HB 1267 by a vote of 27-21 making significant modifications to the state's "uniform" parentage law.</span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" ><span><br /></span></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span _mce_="" style="color:black;"> </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%;color:black;" _mce_="" >However, an amendment passed by the Senate gutted the most controversial portion of the bill which would have authorized contract surrogacy.<span> </span>However, the bill will still<span> </span>remove the words "mother" and "father" from state law in favor of "parent" and make other revisions that move Washington further away from the expectation that children should be born with a mother and father.</span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" ><br /></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" > <span> </span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%;color:black;" _mce_="" >Therefore, the passage of the bill was simultaneously a victory and a defeat.</span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" > <a name='more'></a><br /></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" > </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%;color:black;" _mce_="" >However, this issue is not resolved. The House and Senate must pass identical bills.<span> </span>Therefore, because the Senate made substantial changes to the bill, it must return to the House.<span> </span>The House will have the opportunity to concur with the amendments passed by the Senate or refuse to concur and send it back to the Senate.</span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" ><br /><span> </span></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span _mce_="" style="color:black;"> </span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" >If the House agrees to the amendments, the bill will go to the Governor where it will almost certainly be signed.<span> </span>If the House does not agree to the amendments, the Senate would have the opportunity to withdraw their amendments and vote on the bill as passed by the House.<br /></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" ><br /></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" >The sponsors of this bill are not accepting today's Senate vote as defeat, however.<span> </span>Prime sponsor Jamie Pedersen told the <i>Seattle Times</i>, </span><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" >"To get us to the point where we needed to be to move out of the Senate, we needed to retreat - I hope temporarily - on surrogacy," the Seattle Democrat said Tuesday evening. "The bill and subject matter are now eligible to be discussed until the [April 24] end of session."</span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" > </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%;color:black;" _mce_="" ><br /></span></p><p style=" margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;font-family:Times New Roman,Times;font-size:14pt;" _mce_=""><span style="line-height: 115%; color:black;" _mce_="" >You are urged to:</span></p><ul><li style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; color: black;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; color: black;">Pray that the House and Senate cannot reach agreement on this issue and that the entire bill dies; </li><li style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; color: black;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; color: black;"> Contact your legislators at 1-800-562-6000 and tell them contracts are for selling cars and houses, not kids.</li></ul>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-64582736384473241112011-04-11T15:37:00.000-07:002011-04-11T15:39:46.053-07:00Paid Surrogacy Bill Passes Rules Committee, Final Vote Pending<meta name="Title" content=""> <meta name="Keywords" content=""> <meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"> <link rel="File-List" href="file://localhost/Users/Media/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>197</o:Words> <o:characters>1126</o:Characters> <o:company>Mill Creek Foursquare Church</o:Company> <o:lines>9</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>1382</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>11.1282</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:donotshowrevisions/> <w:donotprintrevisions/> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:usemarginsfordrawinggridorigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New Roman"; panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">On Friday, the Senate Rules Committee voted to send <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267">HB 1267</a>, re-writing the Uniform Parentage Act and legalizing paid surrogacy, forward to the full Senate for debate. If the bill is going to be passed by the State Senate, it will happen either tonight or tomorrow. If you haven't yet contacted your senator about this bill and wish to do so, it is important that you do so right away. <span style=""> </span>Even if you have, it would be good give them another reminder of the need to oppose this bill.
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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This bill would allow a woman to be paid to become pregnant and give up custody of her child, even if the child is biologically hers. The bill would require the women to give up the child immediately upon birth. She would have no opportunity to reconsider her decision. She could seek an abortion during pregnancy, but could not rescind the surrogacy agreement. Custody of the child would be based solely on the surrogacy contract, without any allowance for a judge to consider the best interests of the child. It is a lengthy and complicated bill with numerous problems.<span style=""> </span>But if you believe that parental rights and a child’s well being is not something that should be bargained for in a financial transaction, you should oppose this bill.
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<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Please ask your senator to oppose <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267">HB 1267</a>. You can leave a message for your senator by calling the legislative hotline: 1-800-562-6000. </p> <!--EndFragment--> Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-92033225540670837602011-04-06T10:21:00.000-07:002011-04-06T10:30:40.913-07:00Thank You, U.S. Supreme Court: A Win for Religious Liberty in Education<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ4gtFeGisEKXoIahbN6nrhsBqJ9vykEH4o70nXWUunVZJNGK71ihJ_DM5LoXspzIRovri-sR7Ftk8IAqHSMyQYf9NTfE0TGT3mgBfleI0R9LRGgk7b4GvjtEipVbcSSmnS-g8N__yic/s1600/691gavel.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZ4gtFeGisEKXoIahbN6nrhsBqJ9vykEH4o70nXWUunVZJNGK71ihJ_DM5LoXspzIRovri-sR7Ftk8IAqHSMyQYf9NTfE0TGT3mgBfleI0R9LRGgk7b4GvjtEipVbcSSmnS-g8N__yic/s200/691gavel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592522875921590386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> Supreme Court upheld the Arizona Scholarship Tax Credit legislation that provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for contributions made to private tuition organizations, which in turn fund scholarships for private schools - many of which are Christian schools.</p> <p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p> <p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /> </p><p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">Despite the loud voices of a few disgruntled individuals, complaining that the law was a violation of church and state, the court ruled that a legitimate claim did not exist.</p> <p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /> </p><p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">In many other states, similar legislation is being considered. As a result of this tax credit, funding for private and religious education may increase, allowing parents to more easily afford a private or religious education for their children.</p> <p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p> <p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><br /> </p><p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;">The Family Policy Institute of Washington gladly supports the U.S. Supreme Court for its commitment to Parent's Rights and Religious Liberty in Education.</p> <p style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" _mce_style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 14pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><em><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf" _mce_href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf"><br /></a></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><em><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf" _mce_href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf">U.S. Supreme Court's Decision<br /></a></em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><em><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf" _mce_href="http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-987.pdf"><br /> </a></em></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Times New Roman,Times; font-size: 12pt;"><span><em><a style="color: blue ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important;" _mce_style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" shape="rect" _mce_shape="rect" href="http://www.acsto.org/" _mce_href="http://www.acsto.org/">Arizona's Private School Tax Credit Law</a><br /></em></span></p>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3666632422730965620.post-71951525793703866122011-03-24T10:38:00.000-07:002011-03-24T10:50:28.478-07:00Senate Committee Votes for Paid Surrogacy<span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">By Rebecca Faust</span><br /><br />The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections voted to recommend passage of House Bill 1267 on Tuesday, March 22nd. If enacted, <a _cke_saved_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267"><span>HB</span> 1267 </a>would make numerous changes to Washington's Uniform Parentage Act, including the legalization of paid <span>surrogacy</span>.<br /><br /> <a _cke_saved_href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1267"><span>HB</span> 1267</a> is rife with opportunities for abuse. It not only allows a surrogate mother to be paid for giving her child, but it eliminates criminal penalties for violating <span>surrogacy</span> laws and requires that if a <span>surrogacy</span> contract doesn't meet statutory requirements, custody of the child will be awarded on the basis of the parties' intent and not the best interests of the child. So whatever safeguards it does provide, which for the most part seem to be more about protecting the surrogate and intended parents than the child, have limited enforceability. <a name='more'></a><br /><br /> The committee voted down several proposed amendments to the bill, which is now in the hands of the Senate Rules Committee to decide whether to schedule it for debate in the full Senate.<br /><br /> If you have not already done so, please contact your senator and ask him or her to oppose this bill. You can call the legislative hotline to leave a message for your senator, or you can find contact information for individual senators on the legislature's website. The legislative hotline phone number is: 1-800-562-6000.</span></span>Joseph Backholmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04027048633605677352noreply@blogger.com0