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 News Archives Also Check Marriage in the news Abstinence in the news Fatherhood in the news DIVORCE Divorce Rate Increases Among Older Couples in Canada Family News in Focus:December 11, 2006 CANADA---According to a recent study, over half of Canadian couples between the ages 55-59 sought divorce. A lower divorce rate among younger couples is a result of fewer marriages. Keeping Divorced Dads At a Distance By Stephen Perrine, The New York Times:June 18, 2006 As a divorced dad who pays child support yet rarely gets to play a role in his girls lives, Perrine notes research shows that couples who go through mediation during a divorce fare better than couples who go through litigation. He feels they system currently forces couples into litigation. Divorce's Shadow: When Older Parents Need Help By Marilyn Gardner, The Christian Science Monitor:April 12, 2006 Adults who are care giving for their elderly parents are facing a greater challenge as there is an increase in divorced parents to care for. Adult children are split between caring for their parents. New York Joint Custody Bill A330 By Mike McCormick and Glenn Sacks, Reality Check.org:March 28, 2006 NEW YORK--The Bill A330 is a proposal to make joint custody the preferred placement for children of divorced parents. Currently, courts favor maternal custody. New York Asked to Provide No-Fault Divorce By Danny Hakim, The New York Times:February 7, 2006 A commission called for the authorization of no-fault divorce in New York as well as smoother procedures to move divorce cases more quickly through the state. Bill Extends Wait Time for Divorce By Sonji Jacobs, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:January 20, 2006 GEORGIA--The state legislature is working on a bill that requires a 120 day waiting period for married couples with children who want a no fault divorce. The couples would be required to attend a counseling session so they can understand the full impact of divorce on their children. Parents' Unexpected Divorce Can Destabilize New College Student's Life Penn State University,: January 10, 2006 Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services sees many college students who are struggling with the news of their parents' recent divorce. Many students feel a loss of security. This news can also lead them to question current relationships they might be in as well. Divorce Skyrockets in January Family News in Focus: January 5, 2006 More couples file for divorce in January than in any other month. Marriage experts note that communication breakdown is often the number one problem in marriage. One suggested couples share appreciations. EDUCATION Co-Ed Dorm Rooms in College By Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald:December 13, 2006 Officials at Harvard University are considering allowing all students, beside freshman, to live with members of the opposite sex. One official notes the current policy does not take into account people who are gay or compatibility. Harvard currently has unisex bathrooms in the dorms. Clarion U. Eliminates Three Sports Under Title IX Clarion University, Press Release:December 13, 2006 PENNSYLVANIA--In an effort to maintain Title IX, a federal law that seeks to eliminate gender discrimination in athletics, Clarion University officials have announced they will drop men's cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams. Christianity Out in the Cold By Father John Flynn, Zenit:December 4, 2006 ENGLAND---Student associations in four universities have banned Christian groups due to accusations that the Christian groups discriminate on the bases of religion and sexual orientation when determining the leadership of their groups and speakers invited to their group meetings. Unschooling Their Children By Susan Saulny, The New York Times:November 26, 2006 The article covers the lives of many families who are frustrated with the structure public, private, and even structured homeschooling provides. Instead, they unschool their children by allowing them to learn what they want when they want. Prolife Materials Restricted By High School Alliance Defense Fund:November 17, 2006 VIRGINIA---While participating in the Day of Silent Solidarity, a pro-life event, student Andrew Raker wore clothing with pro-life sayings and passed out pro-life material. He was told he could be suspended for wearing the clothing and passing out the material because it could be seen as offensive and religious in nature. Homeless Student Population Rises By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:November 16, 2006 MEDFORD, Ore---The Medford School District is found to have the second highest population of homeless students in the state. Portland School District has the highest. Homeless students are defined as lacking adequate, fixed night time residence. New Push For Basics in Math By Tamar Lewin, The New York Times:November 14, 2006 As U.S. students' are lagging behind international math standards, teachers are choosing to reform math classes and place a tighter focus on basic math skills. Many States Making It Easier to Homeschool Family News in Focus:November 13, 2006 Several states, some where homeschooling was once illegal, now make it very easy for parents to homeschool their children. Other states, such as New York and Pennsylvania provide strict requirements and curriculum approval from homeschooled parents. WOU Unveils High School Partnership By Craig Coleman, The Itemizer Observer:November 8, 2006 MONMOUTH, Ore---Western Oregon University and the Beaverton School District have formed a partnership that will align the K-12 curricula to better prepare students for college. Non-Public Schooling on Rise in Oregon By Paris Achen, The Mail Tribune:November 2, 2006 JACKSON COUNTY, Ore---Every year enrollment in public schools decrease and students in private schools or are homeschooled increases. Parents turn to private schools to either find smaller class sizes or religious based education. Bush OKs Single Sex Classes Associated Press:October 24, 2006 WASHINGTON D.C.---The Education Department is finalizing new rules that will allow public schools to offer single-sex classes if they thought it would provide educational benefits. Enrollment would be voluntary. German Ban on Homeschooling Christian Newswire:October 11, 2006 The European Human Rights Court has upheld German's ban on homeschooling. The ban was originally created during the time of Hitler so all students would learn in the public schools. Almost 40 homeschooled families are resisting the ban. Same Sex Classes Find Some Success By Kimberly Matas, Arizona Daily Star:October 1, 2006 ARIZONA---Two schools in the Tuscan area have implemented same-sex classrooms. The schools are finding success in that girls are participating more in math and science classes and they boys are more focused. Voucher Programs Less Segregated Than Public School National Center for Policy Analysis:September 8, 2006 According to two studies released by the Milton and Rose Friedman foundation and the Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions, private schools in the Cleveland and Milwaukee area are less segregated than public schools in the area. Abortion Lessons For School Children This is London.co.uk:September 8, 2006 ENGLAND---According to the Independent Advisory Group on Teen Pregnancy, school children from age 11 on should be taught the benefits of abortion as a choice to terminate their pregnancy. WOU Plan: Freeze Tuition By Shelby Oppel Wood, The Oregonian:September 8, 2006 MONMOUTH, Ore---Western Oregon University is proposing a flat tuition plan for a four year college student. The tuition paid when the student first enrolls in school will stay the same until he or she leaves. For the plan to take effect, however, WOU needs to increase tuition rates by 16 percent for 2006 incoming freshman. Cities and Schools Must Cut Ties By Lee van der Voo, Lake Oswego Review:September 6, 2006 OREGON---The Oregon Supreme Court ruled that schools must cut ties with government funded programs provided by local cities and counties. The programs violated Measure 5 tax cap. Some officials believe this ruling will only stop cities from giving money directly to schools. Parents Shell Out Big Bucks for Tutors By Lisa Kassenaar, Bloomberg News:September 2, 2006 Seventy five percent of all private high school graduates in New York receive some type of tutoring. Tutoring can be very costly, often ranging from 100 to 500 dollars. In other regions of the country, tutoring can range 15 to 25 dollars. Students Eager Buy Unready for Two Year College By Diana Jean Schemo, The New York Times:September 2, 2006 Many high school graduates need remedial work when they enter a community college. They majority of students are seeking help in math. Officials note that this extra help is costly to taxpayers who just finished paying for public K-12 and now must shoulder extra tutoring costs at the community college level. Public Schools Desire Homeschool Students By Brandon Hendrickson, Arizona State University:August 28, 2006 A graduate student at Arizona State, Hendrickson writes on a recent article by The Ledger Independent in Mason City Kentucky. The article noted that public school teachers are offered the incentive of better technology in their classrooms if they can recruit dropouts and homeschool students. SAT Scores are Down in Salem-Keizer Schools By Tracy Loew, Statesman Journal:August 30, 2006 SALEM, Ore---Districtwide, the SATs scores for the Salem-Keizer school district have dropped 19 points in the last year. Administrators noted that the test was 45 minutes longer this year and included an essay writing test. They speculated that the length and cost of this test caused students not to take it twice as they have done in years past. Does Gender of Teacher Make a Difference? By Ben Feller, Associated Press:August 27, 2006 According to researcher Thomas Dee, an associate professor from Swathmore College, girls learn better from a female teacher and boys learn better from a male teacher. Dee is not advocated same-sex classrooms with this study. Some are critical of his methodology. Single Sex Classes Go Public USA TODAY, Op-Ed:August 18, 2006 Within the next few days the Education Department will finish setting up requirements for other schools to teach single sex classes in public schools. The op-ed commends schools who have already implemented single sex classes by focusing on the different learning styles between boys and girls. Education Standards Ask More of Kids By Jennifer Smith Richards, The Columbus Dispatch:August 14, 2006 OHIO---Richards looks at Ohio School Districts education standards and concludes that students are being asked to learn skills at a much earlier age than before. Salem-Keizer Test Scores Improve By Tracy Loew, The Statesman Journal:August 10, 2006 SALEM, Ore---Students in nearly every grade have improved in their state testing scores from the previous year. Officials note the scores are a reflection of the hard work done in the classes. The Calm...The Storm.... By Donna Winchester, St. Petersburg Times Staff:August 9, 2006 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla---Several test schools in Florida have started the school year with same-sex classes. Already the teachers notice a difference from the classroom behaviors of boys and girls. The teachers are applying different teaching techniques as well. Schools Testing Mental Health? By Emily Richmond, Las Vegas Sun:August 7, 2006 NEVADA---Tests are now giving students tests that will determine their psychological state of mind; if they are depressed, or contemplating suicide. Some feel this is not a part of the schools' responsibility. Texas School District Bans Cleavage KeyeTV.com:August 4, 2006 ARLINGTON, Texas---The Arlington Independent School District has banned low cut tops with plunging necklines in its new dress code. School Board president noted it is nice to leave something to the imagination. Schools to Offer STD Vaccine By Lynn Doan, The LA Times:July 24, 2006 LOS ANGELES, CA---The Los Angeles Unified School District has announced plans to provide the new vaccine that prevents the human paploma virus (HPV), to female students with parental consent. HPV is an STD found to cause cervical cancer. Courts Back Families from Searches By J. Michael Smith, HSLDA:July 17, 2006 Homeschooled families are often faced with searches from social services that lack probable cause of abuse or neglect. In more than one occasion, the court has backed the families and stopped the search. Oregon Senate Panel for All Day Kindergarten Statesman Journal:July 13, 2006 OREGON---A Senate panel has proposed a plan that would expand kindergarten to all day, expand head start and decrease class sizes from grades one to three. Although school districts agree these changes would be effective they question where the space and funding will come from. Graduate Offers Example of Hope By Capi Lynn, The Statesman Journal:June 17, 2006 SALEM, Ore---Gary Kelso is a former addict who lost is wife, children and business to alcohol and drugs. Now he is a proud graduate of Union Gospel Mission New Life program. He has earned his GED and a year long internship with the mission. He would like to devote his life to missions. School Offers New Twist on Classical Education By Kristine Hughes, The Dallas Morning News:June 12, 2006 DALLAS, TX---Corem Deo Academy is a private/homeschool that focuses on the classics. Students attend the campus two days a week and are homeschooled the other two. This combination allows parents to have hands on involvement in their child's education. Student Barred from Wearing T-Shirt Gets Apology ADF Press Release:June 8, 2006 SPRINGFIELD, Ore---On April 27, the Day of Truth school officials told a Springfield High School student to remove a T-Shirt that shared her moral views. After the ADF noted the school had violated her freedom of speech, school officials apologized and the student will be allowed to wear the shirt in the future. Oregon University Students Face Tuition Hike By Mary Ann Albright, Corvallis Gazette Times:June 8, 2006 The Oregon Board of Higher Education has approved a tuition increase at an average of three percent for universities in the 2006-07 school year. Grad Diploma Held After She Speaks on Faith By Wendy Cloyd, Family News in Focus:June 7, 2006 COLORADO---Valedictorian Erica Corder did not receive her diploma after she shared her faith in God during her speech. The administration would like Corder to write an apology. She has refused because her speech was with in her Constitutional rights. Medford School Bond Spares Jackson By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:June 7, 2006. Due to opposition from parents and the local community, the Medford School Board has decided not to close Jackson Elementary. Instead, they are issuing a proposed bond of $189 million for the upcoming election that would update and repair 18 campuses. The Gilded Age of Home Schooling By Susan Saulny, New York Times:June 5, 2006 Many families who are on the road, or have children who are sick, or have learning disabilities are choosing to hire private tutors for their children. Saulny compares this to the era of governances. Milwaukee on School Vouchers By Amanda Paulson, Christian Science Monitor:May 23, 2006 MILWAUKEE, Wisc---Milwaukee is 16 years into its school voucher program. The program has found mixed results in the success of students. However, for those who succeed, the voucher program is a life altering tool. College Applicants Put on Hold By Wendy Owen, The Oregonian:May 19, 2006 As college applications increase, Oregon high school students are finding they are put on a waiting list even in more selective schools in Oregon. Although being put on hold is frustrating, many students use this as a time to decide which school they actually want to attend. 9th Circuit Panel Edits Parental Rights Decision By Pete Winn, Family News in Focus:May 18, 2006 In the 2005 decision Fields v. Palmdale School District, the 9th circuit court ruled parents did not have a constitutional right to object to sex-ed curriculum in the school. Recently, the judges went back and took out the line that read "(Parental) rights (do not) extend beyond the threshold of the school door." The ruling, however, remains the same. College Students Cheat with High Tech Equipment By Jonathan Glater, The New York Times:May 18, 2006 College professors and administrators face difficulty in implementing tests as students use electronic equipment such as their blackberries, cellphone, ipods and laptops to cheat during tests. One professor wished their students would spend as much time studying as they did cheating. Former Elementary Used as Continuation Ed. Building By Alan Panebaker, The Ashland Daily Tidings:May 16, 2006 ASHLAND, Ore---Ashland officials have turned the old Lincoln Elementary building in to a home for a preschool as well as continuing education classes for students who would have dropped out of high school. Controversial School Bill Passes Senate By Heather Muller, The Eureka Reporter:May 14, 2006 CALIFORNIA---Senate Bill 1437 would require California social instruction to include the achievements of lesbian, bisexual, transgender, gay people. This would amend textbooks as well. The bill passed the Senate and heads to assembly. Both the LA Times and Sacramento Bee are against this bill. Salem Keizer School Wellness Proposal Criticized By Tracy Loew, The Statesman Journal:May 9, 2006 SALEM, Ore---The Salem-Keizer school district recently voted to remove sodas and candy from vending machines during the day. The taskforce on wellness criticized the plan noting they provided other solutions too. These included providing adequate lunch hours, and balanced meals. The school board felt these changes were too costly at this time. CA Weighs Merit of Universal Preschools By Daniel Wood, Christian Science Monitor:May 4, 2006 CA---Proposition 82 would create a 3 hour, 180 days a week preschool program funded by a 1.7 increase in taxpayer money for those making $400,000 or more. The program will cost about $2 billion a year. Students Are Poor at Geography CNN News.com:May 2, 2006 A recent study by the National Geographic showed that young adults between the ages of 18-24 have difficulty finding countries and states. About 50% could not find New York. Reaction at Jackson Elementary By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:May 2, 2006 MEDFORD, Ore---As noted, the Medford School District is proposing to close Jackson Elementary School. Some parents are concerned because they do not have transportation and walk to the school to meet their children or attend school events. They are concerned if their child moves to another school they cannot be as involved. High Spending, Low Test Scores in D.C. Schools National Center for Policy Analysis:May 1, 2006 WASHINGTON D.C.---D.C. public schools spend over $16,000 per student in the 2002-2003 school year. This is more than some private schools in the area that charge a little over $10,000. D.C. also has very low test scores. Critics charge this is a good cause for school choice. Homeschoolers Field Own Teams By Michael Hunsberger, The Washington Times:April 30, 2006 MARYLAND---After learning homeschoolers in Maryland could not play on high school public sports teams, they decided to create their own teams. There are currently two homeschooled football teams in the state. There are cheerleading teams forming for the girls as well. School Committee Mulls What to Cut By Alan Panebaker, The Medford Mail Tribune:April 28, 2006 ASHLAND, Ore--School officials are trying to narrow down items for a proposed bond on November's ballot. Officials are seeking money for repairs. Panel: Close Jackson School By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:April 28, 2006 MEDFORD, Ore---In a proposal to remodel and restructure the Medford School system, officials are proposing to close Jackson Elementary. Officials note it has a poor structure and low enrollment. Education Dollars Follow Growth By Amy Hsuan, The Oregonian:April 25, 2006 OREGON---Although the legislature awarded extra money for the schools, growing districts such as Bend and Beaverton are finding they have more money then Portland districts which are looking at closing schools. Schools Cash a Winner By Vickie Aldous, The Daily Tidings:April 25, 2006 ASHLAND, Ore---During its special session, the Oregon State Legislature voted to give $42 million from lottery profits to schools. The Medford School District received a little over $900,000. Persecuting Campus Christians Should Not Be Socially Acceptable By Zachary White, University of Oregon, Guest Commentary:April 19, 2006 EUGENE, Ore---White notes that the U of O Insurgent, a student publication paid for by student fees ran an offensive picture of Jesus Christ and printed an error-laden rant insulting the Christian faith, specifically, Catholicism. White feels it is hypocritical for this publication to insult the beliefs of Christians on a campus that professes tolerance. Uniform Policy for DC High Schools By Tarron Lively, The Washington Times:April 22, 2006 WASHINGTON D.C.---Four schools in the D.C. area have decided to require a uniform dress code. The schools have noticed a decline in teasing and gang behavior and higher honor roll membership. California Group Opposes Universal Preschool By Juliet Williams, Associated Press:April 19, 2006 The California Family Council is opposing Proposition 82 which would raise taxes on the wealthiest Californians to pay for universal preschool. The council feels this is not an effective use of the state's money. Education System Criticized for Changing Historical Dating System By Jim Brown, Agape Press:April 18, 2006 KENTUCKY---The State Board of Education in Kentucky has decided to include the words c.e. (common era) and b.c.e (before common era) in addition to BC (before Christ) and AD (anno domini) in the state curriculum and texts. There are concerns the Board is hiding the historical origins from students. Homeschoolers: A Growing Minority By Rachel L. Pollack, Harvard Crimson:April 17, 2006 HARVARD--Homeschoolers Anonymous is a group formed by homeschooled students to help them transition from being homeschooled to college life at Harvard. It was also formed to remove some misconceptions about homeschoolers. EOU President Faces No Confidence Vote By Dick Mason, La Grande Observer:April 12, 2006 OREGON---Eastern Oregon University Khosrow Fatemi faced a vote of no-confidence. There are complaints he has mismanaged the budget. Fatemi has been president a little over a year. School Bond Information Available for Voters By Jennifer Moody, Albany Democrat-Herald:April 11, 2006 ALBANY,Ore---Albany residents will be asked to vote on a bond measure that provides $55 million for schools. Residents will receive information on the measure through fliers, a forum, lawn signs and a union rally. Who Knows Children Best? Teachers or Parents? Newswise.com:April 7, 2006 According to a study by the University of Virginia, parents are better able to assess their child's emotional needs while teachers are better able to recognize bad behavior. Portland Schools Reorganized PORTLAND, Ore---Portland school superintendent Vicki Phillips has announced a plan to close 7 Portland schools and convert 17 others in to K-8. The plan should save $4 million a year by 2009. The plan is awaiting a vote from the school board. WOU Averts Strike With Proposed Deal By Justin Much, Statesman Journal:April 4, 2006 Scheduled to strike on April 5th, the faculty and management have instead come to an agreement that provides both step and cost of living increases. The agreement awaits a vote by faculty union members. Portland Colleges Set 5-Campus Deal By Shelby Oppel Wood:March 29, 2006 OREGON---Portland State University has teamed up with four community colleges to allow students simultaneous enrollment. Educators hope students will be able to earn their degree in less time. April 5th Strike Date Set at WOU Albany Democrat Herald:March 30, 2006 WOU faculty has set a strike date for April 5th. Faculty wants a 14 percent pay increase between now and 2009. The administration is offering 10 percent. This would be the first time an Oregon college suffered a strike. Salem-Keizer School District to Revamp Bilingual Education By Tracy Loew, The Statesman JournalMarch 22, 2006 Noticing failures in their bilingual programs, the Salem-Keizer school district seeks several ways to change the program. They include sheltered classes, more teacher training, and use of Telescundaria, a Spanish video program. The changes will cost $640,000 per year for three years. Illinois Leads New Push for Universal Government By Amanda Paulson, The Christian Science MonitorMarch 21, 2006 There is a current push for more state funding for pre-k education. Illinois is currently pushing for universal pre schooling for all who want it. Studies show that children ages 3-4 who have pre education are more likely to graduate. Others feel these benefits are limited and it is better to spend money on the higher risk children. Oregon Magnet School Competes for Kids By Amy Hsaun, The Oregonian,:March 21, 2006 BEAVERTON, Ore---The International School is opened for students in grades 6-10. The school hopes to emphasize cultural understanding by teaching foreign languages, humanities, and computer technology. Group Offers 13 Ways to Improve Schools By Amy Hsaun, The Oregonian:March 21, 2006 OREGON---The Chalkboard Project, an independent non-profit has put together 13 ways to improve schools in Oregon. They include increasing funding and decreasing class sizes. Home-Schooling Grows Quickly in the United States By Alan Elsner, Reuters News:March 2, 2006 From 1999 to 2003, the number of home schoolers has increased from 7 to 15 percent a year. The number of homeschools ranged between 1.7 to 2.1 million for 2003. Policy Allows Dorms RA's Bible Study By George Hesselberg, Wisconsin State Journal:March 1, 2006 After resident assistant (RA), Lance Steiger, complained that University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire officials told him he could not hold a bible study in his dorm room, UW-Eau Claire officials now have suspended their policy. School Choice Added to No Child Left Behind By Pete Winn, Family News in Focus:February 8, 2006 President Bush has proposed the addition of $100 million dollars to the funding of No Child Left Behind for local school choice options. Advance Placement Tests Increase By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press:February 8, 2006 More public high school seniors took and passed Advanced Placement tests in nearly every state last year. Only 10.7 percent of Oregon high school seniors passed with a 3 or higher. This is below the national average of 14.1. Learning at Home By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:February 7, 2006 OREGON---The number of families in Southern Oregon choosing to homeschool their children has increased by 24 percent since 1999. Reasons for homeschool include concerns with negative peer pressure, desire for religious instruction or a more rigorous academic environment. Group's Strategy: Sue for Schools By Nick Budnick, The Portland Tribune:February 7, 2006 OREGON---the Oregon School Funding Defense Foundation has formed to sue the state for not adequately funding the public school system as set out in the Oregon Constitution. And for Perfect Attendance, Johnny Gets...a Car By Pam Belluck, New York Times:February 5, 2006 In order to increase their attendance records, many schools are offering prizes as an incentive for perfect attendance. The prizes or rewards could come in the form of a cash incentive (eg $25 a quarter), or as a raffle. Raffle prizes have ranged from grocery money to a new car. Schools Face Up to Online Bullying The Associated Press, Corvallis Gazette Times:February 3, 2006 After an incident following threatening remarks on the website MySpace.com, Eugene School officials are working to define policies against bullying in cyberspace. Pack Them In, It's Not a Crowd By Jennifer Squires, Ashland Daily Tidings:January 31, 2006 According to the Oregon Department of Education, the average size of school in Ashland are below 2004-05 levels. This comes even with the closure of Lincoln Elementary school. According to administrators, schools not over crowed, just "fully utilized." University-Bound By Paris Achen, The Medford Mail Tribune:January 27, 2006 EAGLE POINT, Ore- Eagle Point High School offers a course called Wings. This gives students guidance on how to prepare and pay for college. College enrollment in Oregon has increased from 69.2 percent in 1995. To 73.7 percent in 2003. Christian School Suing UC Over College Credits By Martin Kasindorf, USA TODAY:January 12, 2006 A Christian high school is suing the University of California for not accepting high school courses with a "Christian Viewpoint" when considering admission to the University. A Disappointing Voucher Ruling Tampa Bay Online, Editorial:January 6, 2006 The Florida Supreme Court recently declared the state's voucher program unconstitutional because it violated Florida's constitutional requirement for a uniform system of free public schools. According to the Court, the state cannot legally divert money from the public schools. Oregon Lags in National Education Report Associated Press:Corvallis Gazette Times Oregon's overall education system received a C, according to the report, "Quality Counts 2006: A Decade of Standards-Based Education," released Wednesday by Education Week. EUTHANASIA Disabled Newborns Face Verdict By Roya Nikkah, The Washington Times:November 6, 2006 LONDON---The Royal College of British Obstetricians and Gynecologists is calling on health professionals to consider euthanasia for seriously disabled newborns. The College reasons that disabled newborns too much of a drain on a family. Also, they note that this might prevent more late term abortions if the parents know they can choose euthanasia if their child is born disabled. Nations Move to Ban Suicide Counseling By Peter J. Smith, Lifesite News.com September 11, 2006 TORONTO---In the past year, both Australia and Germany have passed laws banning the promotion of suicide through the Internet. BBC Radio Host's Suicide Pact Made Public By Hilary White, Lifesite News.Net:August 15, 2006 LONDON---BBC Radio Host, Jenni Murray, announced that she and her friends have made a pact to kill each other if terminally ill so they will not force someone to care for them. Murray does not want to become trapped caring for her mother who has Parkinson's. CA Assisted Suicide Bill Fails in Committee By Colin Fogarty, Oregon Public Broadcasting:June 27, 2006 CALIFORNIA---Assembly Bill 651, an assisted suicide bill very similar to Oregon's assisted suicide law, was voted down in committee due to concerns that financial concerns and the health care industry could drive assisted suicide decisions in the future. Houston Hospital Votes to Remove Life Support By Gudrun Schultz, Lifesite News.com:April 25, 2006 HOUSTON---Texas law gives hospitals to decide if a person's life if worth maintaining. Under this law, a Texas hospital voted not to provide life support to 54 year old Audrey Clark. Ms. Clark needs a ventilator to breathe, but her mental capacity is still intact. Ex-Governor Advocates Right to Die By Sam Howe Verhovek, LA Times:March 24, 2006 WASHINGTON--Former Washington Governor Booth Gardner is advocating a right-to-die law for Washington. Gardner suffers from Parkinson's. Other advocates hope to have an initiative on the 2007 or 2008 ballot. Oregon's Eighth Annual Assisted Suicide Report By Hillary White Lifesite News.com:March 16, 2006 According to Oregon's eighth annual report on their assisted suicide law, in 2005, 38 people chose assisted suicide. Of those, 2 were referred to psychiatric care. Read the full report here. Holland to Allow Baby Euthanasia By Gudrun Schultz, Life Site News:March 6, 2006 HOLLAND---In a few weeks, it will be legal to euthanize children in Holland. The country has set up a committee to regulate the process. Doctors will be able to kill children who are severely handicapped, or suffering from extreme pain with a terminal illness with no hope for recovery. The parents must give consent. Fraught Issue, But Narrow Ruling in Oregon Suicide Case By Timothy Egan and Adam Liptak, New York Times:January 18, 2006 This article discusses how the recent ruling by the Supreme Court did not directly target Oregon's Assisted Suicide law. Instead it the Controlled Substance Act did not give John Ashcroft the right to ban Oregon doctors from prescribing lethal drugs to their patients. Oregon Lawmakers Brace for Bid to Undo Assisted Suicide Ruling By Matthew Daly, Associated Press:January 17, 2006 With the recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, members of congress expect a push to overturn the court ruling. Both Senators Wyden and Smith feel congress should accept the court's decision. Locally, Doctor-Assisted Suicide Issue Gets Mixed Reviews By Damian Mann, Medford Mail Tribune:January 18, 2006 MEDFORD, Ore--The article looks first hand at those who support the assisted suicide law and are pleased with the ruling. Mann also interviews two doctors who feel the law is a mistake and urtful to their profession. Supreme Court Upholds Oregon Assisted Suicide Law By Gina Holland, Associated Press:January 17, 2006 In a 6-3 vote, the U.S. Supreme court ruled that a federal drug law does not override the 1997 Oregon Assisted Suicide Law. Justices Roberts, Scalia and Thomas dissented. GAMBLING Philadelphia to Be Largest Gambling City By Martha T. Moore, USA Today:December 18, 2006 PHILADELPHIA---Pennsylvania's gambling board will soon authorize two slot machine casinos to be built in Philadelphia. Officials support the move for the increased tourism and revenue. Problem Gamblers Have Poorer Health By Amy Norton, Reuters News:December 1, 2006 A new study shows that problem gamblers have higher rates of liver disease, high blood pressure, high heart rate and heart problems. The study does not show that the health problems stem from the gambling problems. It does show that problem gamblers typically have more to worry about than finances. Gambling Lost Overall in Elections By Pete Winn, Family News in Focus:November 17, 2006 In many states, voters denied the expansion of gambling in their state. Voters denied larger casinos, video lottery, slot machines, and place more restrictions on current gambling laws in their states. Gambling Addiction Trapping Women By Lisa Grace Lednicer, The Oregonian:November 12, 2006 OREGON---More women than men are addicted to gambling in Oregon. Oregon recently legalized video slot machines. Experts say the availability and anonymity of these machines appeal to women. | |||