Health

How to Cook a Frog
The deceptive Hollywood culture has infiltrated the perception of marriage and family. Kami Mueller talks about the dire effects of poor programming on families, and presents examples of positive redeeming media. (Winter 2012)

Eugenics in North Carolina
Mary Summa outlines North Carolina’s history with the eugenics movement and the roots of today’s abortion movement in the eugenics horror of the past. (Winter 2012)

True Love Does Wait
In a succinct look at the correlation of marriage and sex, Paula Rinehart discusses the benefits of delaying sex until marriage. (Winter 2012)

Small Acts, Big Changes
Small acts of support can make a tremendous difference in the work to save unborn children in North Carolina. Kami Mueller highlights some of these acts in the wake of newly passed pro-life legislation. (Fall 2011)

Informed Consent
As science expands the window to life in the womb, mothers considering an abortion should be protected by an Informed Consent law, ensuring they have all the relevant facts about their child and the procedure. (Spring 2011)

Teen "Sexting"
Alysse Elhage details the proliferation of teen sexting, its emotional, psychological, and legal consequences, and offers suggestions for how parents and policy leaders should respond. (Summer 2010)

Do No Harm
Mary Summa chronicles the devastating effect of the ethics and medical profession’s shift from a “sanctity of life” ethic to “futile care theory.” (Summer 2010)

Slip-Sliding Down the Path of Euthanasia
Attorney Mary Summa discusses some of the problems with North Carolina's Medical Order for Scope of Treatment (MOST) form and how it provides opportunities for doctors to involuntarily euthanize sick patients with impunity. (Spring 2010)

Anonymous For Life
Brittany Farrell examines the ability of a proposed new law to expand the role of confidential intermediaries to destroy the concept of closed or anonymous adoptions. (Spring 2010)

Supporting the Life Choice
Dr. Matt Lytle explores the often overlooked option of adoption as an alternative to the difficult life of young unwed single motherhood or the tragedy of abortion. (Winter 2010)

The Silent Killer
Mary Summa, J.D., unveils the calculated efforts of the Euthanasia Movement to justify, promote, and legalize the abhorrent practice of killing both the willing and unwilling using an utilitarian valuation of human life. (Winter 2010)

Babies For Sale
Mary Summa discects the legal framework in North Carolina for establishing surrogacy agreements whereby women may rent out their wombs to carry another person or couple’s child to term. This issue received its first consideration in the General Assembly in the 2009 session. This article discusses the ins and outs of these agreements and, more importantly, the clear and convincing reasons why they should not only be rejected, but banned, in the state of North Carolina. (Fall 2009)

The Healthy Youth Act: What It Means for Sex Education in North Carolina
The future of AUM education in North Carolina depends on two key factors: 1) the willingness and ability of AUM educators to teach the requirements of the Healthy Youth Act (HYA) in a manner that does not promote sexual activity; and 2) the willingness of school districts and local communities to continue to support and fund authentic AUM programs. Both factors hinge on an understanding of the HYA in the broader context of current North Carolina law regulating sex education instruction. This paper provides an analysis of the HYA, including what remains intact from the 1995 law, along with an examination of the most controversial provisions of the HYA that could be used to challenge AUM programs. (October 2009)

Emergency Contraception
Alysse ElHage investigates the ease with which women can obtain emergency contraception and explains how this controversial drug could be causing abortions. (May 2009)

The Dangers of "Medical Marijuana"
Brittany Farrell investigates the claims of "medical marijuana" advocates and gives a medical and legal analysis of the issues involved with legalization. (January 2009)

In Vitro Fertilization: Assisted Reproduction Technology Continues to Raise Questions
Alysse ElHage explores the technologies employed in assisted reproduction and analyzes the benefits and risks associated with creating human embryos through in vitro fertilization. (January 2008)

Myths and Misconceptions: Behavioral Genetics and Homosexuality
Douglas A. Abbott, Ph.D., Professor of Child Youth and Family Studies at the University of Nebraska, writes about the misconceptions regarding the existence of a "gay gene." (September 2007)

Sexual Purity in a Hook-Up Culture
The Bible says that “among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity . . .because these are improper for God’s holy people” (Eph 5:3). At the same time, Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy Empire, has “tried to show there is another ethical way of enjoying sex without being married.” These are two views on sexual purity that are mutually exclusive. (July 2007)

Homosexuality and Mental Health
Recent studies show individuals who practice homosexuality have a substantially greater risk of suffering from psychiatric problems than do heterosexuals. We see higher rates of suicide, depression, bulimia, antisocial personality disorder, and substance abuse. This paper highlights some new and significant considerations that reflect on the question of those mental illnesses and on their possible sources. (July 2007)

The Physical Health Risks of Homosexuality
Alysse ElHage writes that despite its success at making homosexuality appear socially acceptable, the gay rights movement cannot sever homosexual behavior from the serious health risks associated with it and the related public consequences. (July 2007)

Abstinence Until Marriage. or Comprehensive Sex Education
Abstinence Education has been criticized by some as not being "comprehensive" enough. Alysse ElHage writes about the difference between Abstinence Education and Comprehensive Sex Education and why Abstinence education is not only the best alternative, but is more "comprehensive" than Comprehensive Sex Education. (May 2007)

The HPV Vaccine
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), has stirred debate in North Carolina. Should the HPV vaccine should be required or not? If required, should parents be left to opt out or opt in their children? Dr. Zanga discusses what we know and don’t know about the vaccine itself in order to give parents all the information they need to make a decision on this vaccine for themselves. (May 2007)

Hype v. Hope: Real Promise in Adult Stem Cells
David A. Prentice, Ph. D explains why adult stem cell treatments hold the promise for the present and the future and how policy makers and the public do not know the whole truth about stem cell research and its near cousin, cloning. (March 2007)

Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Dr. Jacques Mistrot provides an understandable essay on the difference between adult and embryonic stem cell research and why the distinction is important. (March 2007)

An Ethical Alternative
David N. Bass explores whether research in North Carolina holds the key to solving a growing dilemma in the stem cell controversy. (March 2007)

Reason, Sentiments, and Personal Significance
Peter Augustine Lawler, Ph. D writes about science and its influence on our lives as he explores how this body of knowledge interacts with human “progress.” (March 2007)

Aborting N.C.'s Future: A Look Back and Where We Stand Today
This paper is a broad overview of abortion in North Carolina, beginning with a brief profile of abortion in the state, a look at its history and current abortion policy, and what needs to be done at the legislative level to move the state one step closer to a future where every unborn child is safe from the threat of abortion. (January 2007)

Women have Another Choice
Amber Lehman looks at the Crisis Pregnancy Centers and explains their role in society and how they can help women who are pregnant. (January 2007)

The Planned Parenthood Trap
David N. Bass explores Planned Parenthood, what they do and how they do it. (January 2007)

Intelligent Design: Are We Here By Accident?
In the ongoing debate over the origin of the universe, controversy has emerged over the legitimacy of the theory known as “intelligent design.” Many in the scientific community have rejected intelligent design as mere religion and disqualified it from serious scientific consideration. But is intelligent design just religion disguised as science? This paper will explain what intelligent design is, how some in the scientific community are characterizing it, how it differs from creationism and what it contributes to the search for scientific answers. (June 2006)

Conscience Clause Protection: Should Pharmacists Have a Right to Choose?
Depending on the policies of their employer, pharmacists can be forced to dispense medications that violate their religious beliefs, such as emergency contraception. Refusing to dispense emergency contraception and to refer a customer to another pharmacist who will do so—even for moral, religious or ethical reasons—could mean the loss of a job. Do pharmacists have a constitutional right to refuse to dispense medications that violate their moral, religious and ethical beliefs? This paper will explore that question, and discuss why emergency contraception—and the issue of abortion—is at the center of the debate over pharmacist conscience clauses nationwide. ( April 2006)

Woman's Right To Know: The Importance of Informed Consent in Abortion Cases
Too many women decide to have an abortion without having proper information about the procedure, its effects, or its alternatives. In response, states across the nation have passed legislation strengthening informed consent requirements for women considering an abortion. This paper examines the components of Women’s Right to Know statutes, including legislation introduced in North Carolina, and explains why it is a reasonable solution for ensuring that women receive the information necessary to make an informed medical decision. (July 2005)

Hazardous to Teen Health: The Reality of Comprehensive Sex Education
This paper examines the reality of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and shows why it threatens the overall well-being of young people. Understanding the reality of CSE requires looking beyond the vague and misleading rhetoric used by advocates to the radical ideology it is based upon. It is also important to examine the hazardous messages in some popular CSE curricula. (April 2005)

The Alternative to Embryos: Successes of Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Treatments
Debates in the popular media tend to ignore and obscure the medical breakthroughs made by adult stem cell research—success that has conspicuously eluded embryonic stem cell treatments. This paper discusses some of the remarkable treatments that are taking place through adult stem cell research and the promise such research holds for better health. (January 2005)

HPV: Why it matters to adolescent sexual health and education
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most important and potentially dangerous STDs of today, especially when it comes to the ongoing debate over adolescent sex education in North Carolina and across the country. As the STD epidemic continues to eat away at the bodies, hearts and minds of teenagers, policy makers and health educators in North Carolina need to acknowledge the serious nature of HPV and look for effective ways to prevent its spread. This paper will present the facts about HPV, discuss why it matters, and show why abstinence from sexual activity until marriage is the only method that can successfully prevent the spread of HPV, as well as other STDs. (July 2003)

The Blue Cross Conversion: How it could affect North Carolina families
The proposed conversion of BCBS of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is important to North Carolinians because many families are enrolled in Blue plans. Should the Blues convert to a for-profit company, it could have a detrimental impact on those families who have come to trust BCBS for medical coverage. Not only could the benefit packages change dramatically, but also premiums may increase and the quality of service decrease. In addition, the conversion process could be a financial boon to some BCBS employees, officers, and other company officials. State government representatives could also benefit at the expense of the policyholders because the government will control millions, if not billions, of dollars in a state run non-profit entity that would be established as a result of conversion. (June 2003)

Medical Accuracy: The Strategy to Undermine Abstinence Education
There is an effort underway to undermine abstinence education by asking for legislation which purports to require "medical accuracy" in information given to teenagers in sex education programs. But this new campaign is not all it appears. This paper exposes the true agenda behind "medical accuracy" legislation and explains why an abstinence-until-marriage curriculum is the most effective means of reducing premarital sexual activity and teenage pregnancy. (May 2003)

The After-Effects of Abortion: The physical and psychological impact on women
Thirty years after abortion on demand was legalized by the United States Supreme Court, pro-life and pro-abortion advocates continue to debate what abortion means for the unborn child. What is often overlooked is how abortion impacts the bodies, minds and emotions of women. This paper examines some of the physical and psychological effects of abortion on women and shows why women deserve more information about abortion before they undergo this medical procedure which has irreversable consequences. (January 2003)

Physician-Assisted Suicide: Examining a Critical End-of-Life Issue
What authority do we have over the termination of our own life? Do we in any way have a particular power or right to make the decision to dispose of our own life? How far is it necessary for us to go in order to protect and sustain our life and the lives of those around us? These are questions that are emerging as the medical community and governments around the world confront a growing movement to legalize physician-assisted suicide. This paper will explore the realities behind physician-assisted suicide, the legal and medical considerations and what the government's role in regulating it should be. (September 2002)

Parental Consent for Abortion: How Common Sense Measures Assure Safety for Minors
Should the law require parents to give consent before their teenage daughter has an abortion? In a country where the abortion controversy has polarized much of the nation into two opposing camps, the answer is an overwhelming yes. These laws are a common sense way to ensure that young girls who may be facing a very difficult and potentially life changing decision do not undergo this medical procedure uninformed and without the counsel of parents. This paper factors in the politics, economics and medical risks associated with abortion while defending the need for parental consent laws. (August 2002)

The Case for Abstinence: Why comprehensive sex education sends the wrong message
This paper discusses the rationale behind North Carolina's Abstinence Until Marriage law which requires that "abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage is the expected standard of behavior for all school-age children" and requires that students be taught that "a mutually faithful monogamous heterosexual relationship in the context of marriage is the best lifelong means of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases." (April 2002)

Gambling With Our Future: How a State Lottery will harm children
Everything comes with a price, and a state lottery is certainly no exception. Gambling proponents talk a lot about the programs lotteries can help pay for, such as education. What they fail to mention is the price of a lottery, which can be measured best in terms of the human cost. This paper documents the high cost of a state lottery in terms of its negative impact on the lives of our children. (June 2001)

Gambling Addiction: High Stakes, High Costs and Real Victims
In order to achieve an understanding of the far-reaching effects of this addiction and why policy makers should consider limiting the further expansion of gambling, it is important to examine the prevalence of gambling activities, the forms of compulsive gambling, and the social costs of gambling addiction on the family and society. (January 2001)

Partial-Birth Abortion: An in-depth look at the controversial procedure
This paper explains the controversial abortion procedure known as partial-birth abortion, why it is not medically necessary and how commonly it is practised. The paper also addresses the public policy question of whether or not North Carolina needs its own ban on the procedure. (March 2000)

The Needle-Exchange Debate: Federal funds for needle-exchange giveaways
This paper summarizes the highly charged political debate over needle-exchange programs, and the spread of AIDS; and reviews the latest needle science and profiles needle-exchange programs across America. (May 1999)

Human Cloning: What's wrong with creating human life?
If reasoned arguments against human cloning are either not properly founded or are not well articulated, then feelings will be dismissed as irrelevant, and general opposition will subside. We have to ask whether initial alarm over human cloning is supported by anything other than feeling, and if defensible reasons do exist, we must identify what they are. (January 1999)

Teenage Pregnancy: How do we measure success
For years, teenage pregnancy has been a concern, but the approach to the problem is changing. There are two differing ideological points of view. One approach, stemming from the sexual revolution of the 60s, is often termed "comprehensive" or "safe-sex" education. This paper looks at some of the adolescent pregnancy prevention programs in North Carolina and their track record. (June 1998)