The New York Times tackles pro-life issues
The New York Times featured a report on pro-life street protesters explores the role of faith, particularly evangelical Christianity, as a motivation to action, and describes not just the controversy surrounding the practice but also the self-reported success stories it has inspired. The article profiles Deborah Anderson, a 62-year-old activist, who describes her “first triumph”:
After becoming pregnant with a boyfriend while separated from her husband—and deciding to have the baby despite friends’ advice to abort, she said—she was a single mother with a bumper sticker on her Chrysler Fifth Avenue that said “the heart beats at 24 days for an unborn child.”
One day in a parking lot near her home, Ms. Anderson said, a woman came up to her and said she had been on her way to get an abortion when she saw that simple statement and changed her mind. “There was a 2-year-old in the back seat,” Ms. Anderson said.
The Times‘ Lens blog also profiles Monica Migliorino Miller, an associate theology professor at Madonna University and the director of Citizens for a Pro-Life Society, who produces the photographs of aborted fetuses that show up on protest signs, billboards, and trucks. The piece features a slideshow of her work. Warning: it’s very graphic.
The Times also reported on “selective abortion,” or the decision of some parents to terminate one or more fetuses in a multiple pregnancy. It suggests that this is sometimes necessary to ensure the survival and health of the remaining fetuses.
Iran drops charges of anti-state activity against 2 Christian women
In March, two Iranian women were arrested on charges of anti-state activity, propagating the Christian faith and apostasy. On Tuesday, the state of Iran dropped the charge of anti-state activity against Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 30. However, if convicted of the remaining charge of apostasy, the two women, who are reported as in poor health, could still face the death penalty.
Her.meneutics contributor featured on Slate’s Double X blog
Christine Scheller, a regular contributor to Her.meneutics, was featured on Slate‘s women’s site, Double X. In the article, “My Son’s Suicide Strengthened My Faith,” she writes about the suicide of her son, Gabe, and its impact on her Christian faith.
Judge orders Rifqa Bary back to Ohio
Florida and Ohio judges decided on Tuesday that Rifqa Bary, the 17-year-old who fled to Florida because she believed her Muslim parents would kill her for converting to Christianity, must return to her parents’ home in Ohio. Sarah Pulliam Bailey offers a report on the Christianity Today Liveblog.
Duggars welcome first grandchild
The Duggar clan, featured on TLC’s 18 Kids and Counting, welcomed Mackynzie Renee Duggar to the world on October 8th. She is the first grandchild for Jim Bob and Michelle, whose eldest son Josh is the father. Mackynzie has 18 aunts and uncles, and one on the way (Michelle is currently pregnant with her 19th child). In a recent interview with Beliefnet, Jim Bob and Michelle discuss their family’s lifestyle and religious beliefs, dispelling rumors that they are connected with the Quiverfull movement.
