1.31.2008

U.S. birth rates rise, media finds negative story

Story by Jeff Johnson - OneNewsNow.com - 1/25/2008 4:00:00 AM

Birth rates are up in the United States, and most are saying that's a good thing. But Associated Press began its reporting of the highest U.S. birth rate in 45 years with a negative spin -- describing Americans as "bucking the trend in many other wealthy industrialized nations." However, Carrie Gordon Earll of Focus on the Family has a different take. "We consider this to be very positive," she reports.

But according to Associated Press, unnamed experts blame the rise on "a mix of reasons, [including] a decline in contraceptive use, a drop in access to abortion, poor education and poverty." Other media reports blamed lack of career opportunities for the increase in U.S. fertility rates. But Earll thinks the media may be missing the real reasons behind the shift.

"What it says is, to a great degree, Americans are still pro-baby. They are pro-child, and they're having children," she points out. "And we think that also speaks to the resilient message of the pro-life movement -- that children are a good thing, they are blessing, and that we want to be having them.

In light of the negative reports, Earll warns media consumers to take any analysis of new statistics propagated by the mainstream media with a grain of salt. "You do need to take into consideration their political and ideological perspective," she maintains, "because that will have an impact on how they interpret the data."

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for this blog! I am a member of the LCMS and have been looking for info on where "we" stand as a denomination on this subject, but it's hard to find. I am about to have my fourth child, and have been debating having my tubes tied afterward. Your information, especially the scripture has been most helpful, and I will be praying upon it!!!

Erich Heidenreich, DDS said...

Mrs. D.

You're welcome. Thanks be to God for giving us His Word on the subject.

Blessings to you in the impending birth of your fourth! My wife is due to give birth to our seventh in July. Let me tell you that the fourth and fifth were the most trying years. After that it gets easier. The older ones really start helping out, and mom and dad become more disciplined because they realize they can't do everything! The blessings really become exponential.

I pray your fruitfulness continues.

God's blessings to you as you pray upon this during Lent.

Erich