policy Archives

Good News: Common-Sense Abortion Industry Rules Upheld in Texas

The first time some people heard of the dangers abortion can pose for the woman was during the court trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell last year.

Kermit Gosnell was ultimately found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 41-year-old Karnamaya Mongar, who died from complications from her abortion.

However, the sad reality is that medical complications and even death can threaten the lives of women who seek abortions – even in centers that submit to state regulations and inspections.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy, pro-life April 7, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Please Pray for Religious Liberties Cases before the Supreme Court Today

Today the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments for two cases that will have far-reaching implications for our religious freedom: Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius.

I’d like to ask for you to please pray about these cases – but before I go into specific prayer requests, I want to share a bit about why they’re so important.

Both cases have to do with objections the families who own these for-profit companies have to certain requirements found in the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, news, policy, pro-life, religious liberty March 25, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Are Some Christians Really Supporting “Homosexual Jim Crow Laws?”

It should come as no surprise that sometimes well-meaning, sincere Christians can disagree with each other on how to best live out their faith. Sometimes, those differences can run deep.

For example, in Jesus’ time, we see an example of two disciples who had vastly different political views. There was Matthew, a former tax collector – he was a Jewish representative of the Roman government. There was also Simon the Zealot – he was part of a group that actively sought to violently overturn that same Roman government.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, news, policy, religious liberty February 24, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

5 SCOTUS Cases to Watch

History tells us U.S. Supreme Court decisions often have a far-reaching impact on issues we care about – things like life, marriage and religious liberties.

To that end, I wanted to provide you with a list our experts compiled of SCOTUS court cases to watch. I hope this short summary will help you navigate the news.

As always, we encourage Christians to pray for the things that go on in our government. Pray for our Supreme Court justices, that God would grant them wisdom as they hear these cases.

Topics: Current Events Tags: homosexuality, news, policy, pro-life, religious liberty February 6, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: Looking Back on 41 Years Since Roe v. Wade

Today, pro-life advocates will be participating in the 41st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Their participation – despite the snow and cold temperatures – solemnly testifies to the beauty of preborn life, the worth of each and every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, and the need for us, as a country, to embrace a culture of life.

I was supposed to participate in that march today. I traveled from my home in Colorado to New York City for some work-related meetings before the march.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, kids, news, policy, pro-life January 22, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Returning to a Culture of Life

It’s hard to think back to a time when the majority of the culture was as acutely aware of life inside the womb as it is now.

Think about it this way: thanks to ultrasound technology, it’s commonplace to see pictures of preborn babies. They’re found on Facebook. They’re displayed in picture frames that say “coming soon.” Expectant parents even share videos of their 4D ultrasounds so family members can see their preborn son or daughter move around in the womb.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: broadcast, kids, policy, pro-life January 21, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Moral and Biblical Thoughts About Marijuana

By now you’ve probably heard that Colorado is the first state to legalize marijuana. If you watch late night television at all, chances are good that you’ve heard a number of jokes about it.

Here’s a thumbnail history of how we got here:

A couple years ago a majority of voters in Colorado backed an amendment to the state constitution making it legal for individuals age 21 and over to possess and use a small amount of the drug for recreational purposes.

Topics: Current Events Tags: news, policy January 15, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Focus Celebrates More Than 230,000 Babies Saved from Abortion

Every January Focus on the Family commemorates the sanctity of human life in all of its beautiful forms.

It was, of course, in January 1973 that the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its tragic decision on Roe v Wade, which legalized abortion in all fifty states. Since then about 51 million babies have been lost to abortion.

In the midst of this somber reality is a ray of hope – more than ever before we’re seeing Americans identify as “pro-life.” As technology helps to reveal the reality and beauty of life in the womb, a greater number of women facing unplanned pregnancies are choosing to parent their babies, or to place them for adoption.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: kids, parenting, policy, pro-life January 14, 2014 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

VIDEO: The 2 Questions We Should Ask Before War

The situation in Syria is dominating our evening and online news outlets. It can be challenging to think through what type of response, if any, the United States should take in response.

CitizenLink, our sister organization dedicated to issues that impact the family in the public policy world, recently released a video that explores the two questions we should ask before entering any armed conflict. I hope you’ll take a look.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: news, policy, religious liberty September 16, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

Analyzing the Supreme Court’s Decisions on Marriage

I’m still away with my family in Virginia, but I was able to record an important broadcast on Wednesday’s Supreme Court rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8.

On today’s Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast, you’ll hear as Dr. Al Mohler, Focus Board member and president of Southern Seminary and George Mason University law professor Helen Alvare and I discuss the rulings expected impact to families and the Church. (To read my post that discussed the rulings, click here.)

It was a heavy conversation at times, as the decisions were largely disappointing to those of us who believe in God’s design for marriage and family.

Topics: Current Events Tags: broadcast, homosexuality, marriage, policy, religious liberty June 28, 2013 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura