Dobbs v. Jackson – Family Council

The EU Is Mad About Dobbs

Aug 2, 2022John StonestreetAbortionAbortion, Dobbs v. Jackson, Life, Pro-life, Sanctity of Human Life

France is pretty mad at the United States. In fact, the entire European Union is mad, so mad actually, they wrote a strongly worded letter. Earlier this month the EU passed a resolution condemning the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs abortion case, which overturned Roe v. Wade and sent the matter of abortion restrictions back to individual state legislatures.

Parliamentarians said the Dobbs ruling showed that “women’s and girls’ rights” are under attack. The strange part is that the Mississippi law which sparked the Dobbs case restricts abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. That’s one week later than France’s law, which restricts elective abortions after 14 weeks.

It gets weirder: The EU’s condemnation also warns the Dobbs ruling could embolden “anti-gender” groups around the world. But if abortion is about the rights of “women and girls,” that implies we know how to define “woman” and “girl.”

It’s all a silly bit of posturing, but if the EU is worried Dobbs will change the world, I hope they’re right.

What Critics Miss About Being Pro-Life

Jul 28, 2022John StonestreetAbortionAbortion, Dobbs v. Jackson, Life, Pro-life, Sanctity of Human Life

In the wake of the Dobbs decision, an accusation often levied against pro-life Christians is that they only care about babies until “birth,” but not after.

Even if it were true, it’s a weird thing to say. Is “not killing innocent babies” not a sufficient moral position in and of itself? Even so, as an accusation, it’s simply false. There’s a virtual army of faith-based adoption, foster care, and family support organizations in existence today, all of whom strive to care for vulnerable families. 

One example is Safe Families for Children, who support parents on the brink of having to release their kids to foster care. In Ohio is My Village Ministries. They work to reduce, repair, and prevent childhood trauma that results from shattered homes. And a new ministry, Rachel Project supports the growing number of grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren.

And of course, there is adoption. Practicing Christians adopt at more than twice the rate of the general population, according to Barna Research. 

There’s plenty more to be done, of course, but don’t buy the empty accusation. And, why not pick any one of these groups and support them with your prayers and financial generosity?

What Does Arkansas’ Abortion Ban Actually Say?

Jul 8, 2022Jerry CoxAbortionAbortion, Dobbs v. Jackson, Life, Pro-life, Roe v. Wade, Sanctity of Human Life

*Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (left) and Family Council President Jerry Cox hold the official certification that Roe is reversed and Act 180 of 2019 is in effect.*

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Roe v. Wade, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge certified that Act 180 of 2019 prohibiting abortion except to save the life of the mother is in effect.

Family Council worked in support of Act 180 with our friends in the Arkansas Legislature and with other pro-life organizations.

Below is a brief overview of the law:

Act 180 is a “trigger law” that was designed to take effect when Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Act 180 prohibits abortion in Arkansas except to save the mother’s life.
It says anyone who performs an illegal abortion can be fined up to $100,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years.
It does not prosecute a woman who has an illegal abortion.
It doesn’t criminalize miscarriage.
The law permits procedures to remove an unborn baby who has died as a result of a miscarriage.
It doesn’t apply to ectopic pregnancies.
Act 180 doesn’t prohibit an OB/GYN from inducing labor or performing an emergency C-section.
It contains clear exceptions for contraception—including the “morning after” pill or Plan B.
Act 180 doesn’t prevent a pregnant woman from receiving medical treatments—such as chemotherapy—that carry risk for the unborn child.

Act 180 of 2019 had 47 legislative sponsors and co-sponsors.

Three-quarters of the Arkansas Legislature voted in favor of the measure, and Governor Hutchinson signed it on February 19, 2019.

Public opinion polling shows 79% of likely voters in Arkansas believe abortion should be either completely illegal or legal only under certain circumstances.

Act 180 reflects that. It generally prohibits abortion, but it makes exceptions for serious medical complications—like an ectopic pregnancy—and for circumstances when the mother’s life is in jeopardy.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.