The Inside Scoop

Family North Carolina Magazine—Jan/Feb 2008

By John L Rustin

First of all, let me say a big thank you to those who have responded to Family North Carolina with a letter to the editor or a word of encouragement. We truly appreciate and value your feedback and input, so please keep those e-mails and letters coming!

January 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s twin decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, which legalized abortion on demand in our country. To-date, these legal opinions have resulted in the death of close to 49 million unborn children in the U.S. since 1973.
As we mourn the loss of these precious lives, we must also take time to evaluate how we, as a nation and a state, have responded to King David’s decree in Psalm 139, “For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

If we hold to the tenet that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life, then our perspective on all stages of life should be impacted. This issue of Family North Carolina covers matters of life from beginning to end.

In our feature article, Alysse ElHage examines the pros and cons of assisted reproduction technology. In vitro fertilization has enabled thousands of infertile couples to experience the miracle of childbirth. This medical advancement, however, has not come without costs. Hundreds of thousands of “leftover” embryos remain cryogenically frozen at fertility clinics across the country, and these innocent human lives face an uncertain future. In other cases, fertile adult couples have utilized in vitro fertilization in an attempt to produce “designer” babies, implanting only those embryos possessing desired characteristics (such as a particular sex) and discarding the rest. Although many in our culture have embraced in vitro fertilization and other medical advancements in the area of reproduction, we must remain open to further debate and discussion about how the production of human life ultimately impacts our society.

At the other end of the “life” spectrum, have you considered what kind of medical treatment you expect to receive if you are critically injured or seriously ill? If so, have you communicated these wishes to your family and medical providers through legal documentation, in case such a circumstance should arise and you are unable to express your desires? Attorney Annette Rhodes analyzes changes made by the General Assembly during the 2007 Legislative Session to North Carolina’s “health care power of attorney” and “living will” statutes, as well as the newly established “MOST” form. Even if you have taken legal steps to protect your autonomy as a patient, these new laws could impact your right to live.

In addition to these changes, our state legislature and courts have enacted and rejected scores of policies over the years relating to abortion, stem cell research, human cloning, assisted suicide, and other matters, that all shape the spectrum through which our state views the value of human life. We take a “big picture” look a these policies from the “womb to the tomb,” and you may be surprised with the results.

Christian evangelicals, at times, have come under fire for seeking to protect the unborn but at the same time failing to serve the needs of orphaned children. David Bass contributes an inspiring account of a “revival” of sorts taking place within the evangelical church. More and more Christians are feeling led to adopt children both domestically and abroad, and new ministries are being formed with a renewed commitment to caring for children in need of a loving home.

Finally, our “Radio Talk” section features an interview with Allan Carlson, Ph.D., the author of a new book, The Natural Family: A Manifesto. Dr. Carlson discusses the importance of families, and how “a man and a woman together in marriage for the purpose of creating children” constitutes a “natural family.” Not only is this arrangement inherent in human nature, Carlson says, but this fundamental social unit benefits not only the individuals involved but also society as a whole.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Family North Carolina and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback. Don’t forget to stay tuned to what is happening in the realm of traditional family values in North Carolina and across the nation by visiting our website www.ncfamily.org. As always, thank you for your interest and support!

John L. Rustin is vice president and director of government relations for the North Carolina Family Policy Council.