"Infant Adoption in Michigan: Reviving a Vanishing Phenomenon"
MFF Releases its Newest Report...
 On Wednesday, October 19, Michigan Family Forum released its newest report, "Infant Adoption in Michigan: Reviving a Vanishing Phenomenon." The report highlights the history of adoption, the current status of adoption in our state, the outcomes of adoption in the lives of the adopted child, the birth mother, and the adoptive parents, a synopsis of current Michigan adoption laws, and public policy initiatives for lawmakers to consider in helping Michigan promote a "culture of adoption" across the state.
"Infant adoption is often misunderstood by the public and the state has failed to effectively promote it," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "We can do better. Michigan has the potential to take the lead and become a much more 'adoption-friendly' state. The decline over the past 30 years in the number of infant adoptions is unacceptable. We can all do more to promote adoption as a positive option for women in crisis pregnancy situations."
MFF plans to use the report as a launching point for its new adoption initiative. "We hope the report will succeed in getting the policy makers and the public talking," said Snavely. "Out of their discussions and with cooperation from state and private adoption agencies, Michigan can take the lead in restoring adoption as the compassionate choice for out-of-wedlock births."
To view a web-based version of the report, click here. To request a free single-copy, click here.
National Council for Adoption President Address Legislators
MFF Hosts Luncheon Event
 Michigan Family Forum was pleased to welcome National Council for Adoption President, Tom Atwood, to Lansing on October 19. Mr. Atwood addressed a group of nearly 30 legislators and other public policy officials gathered at an MFF-sponsored luncheon.
Legislators heard an update from Atwood of national adoption initiatives, as well as a set of recommendations on how Michigan lawmakers can help promote both foster-care based and infant adoptions. He praised Michigan for its progress within the last few years in the adoption arena, but said there is much the state can and should be doing to make adoptions easier and less-costly for married-couple households.
MFF also highlighted the release of its newest report (see related article above) and offered to work cooperatively with legislators interested in addressing some of the changes recommended by Atwood and NCFA.
For more information about the work of the National Council for Adoption, click here.
Violent Video Games Bill Challenged
 As expected, a coalition of "entertainment industry" groups have challenged Public Act 108 - a law restricting the sale of "ultra-violent" video games to minors. The challenge was filed just five days after the law was signed by Governor Granholm.
The lead sponsor of the legislation, Senator Alan Cropsey, has indicated that his office was prepared for the potential challenge. Michigan's law was crafted using suggested language from Michigan Family Forum and other researchers in the hopes that it could survive a First Amendment challenge.
"It's too bad that the entertainment industry continues to put profits before kids," said MFF Executive Director Brad Snavely. "Senator Cropsey should be commended for his leadership role in helping craft a bill that has the best chances to survive a court challenge."
To read a press release from Senator Cropsey's office about the signing of PA 108, click here. To read the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan, click here.
Adoption Fact
Before 1973, 19.3-percent of all infants born (in the U.S.) to white, never-married mothers were relinquished for adoption. However, by 1995, just 1.7-percent of all infants born (in the U.S.) to white, never-married mothers were released for adoption. The numbers in Michigan are even lower: in 1996, only 0.8-percent of babies born to unmarried mothers were placed for adoption.
Source: "Infant Adoption in Michigan: Reviving a Vanishing Phenomenon"
Miers Nomination Update
 The Senate Judiciary Committee has set November 7 as the starting date for confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers. Conservatives remain divided in their support for Miers as more information regarding her judicial philosophy continues to emerge.
Earlier this week, the Judiciary Committee received Miers' questionnaire. The 57-page document answered numerous questions regarding her work experience and prior political and non-political positions. To view Miers' responses on the questionnaire, click here.
WORLD magazine editor Marvin O'Lasky also released an opinion piece this week at townhall.com regarding the "controversy" within conservative ranks. To view his article, click here.
Federal Abstinence Money Makes its Way to Michigan
 Five northern Michigan counties with higher than average teen-pregnancy rates will continue to reap the benefits of abstinence education programs. St. Joseph Health System, based in Tawas City, received a grant of nearly $650,000 grant to fund a 10-week course that teaches teens to abstain from sexual activity.
The five counties where the program will operate have had teen-pregnancy rates nearly 4 percentage points above the state average. The program has resulted in steady declines in that rate over the past ten years, however.
To read more about the federal grant and abstinence education program, click here. To download a copy of Michigan Family Forum's "Sex Education: Rights and Responsibilities in Michigan Law," click here.
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