Cheryl Wetzstein
Articles by Cheryl Wetzstein
Robert Gates joins Boy Scouts’ leadership team
Former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has been elected to the national leadership board of Boy Scouts of America and also will serve as national president-elect, the organization said Wednesday. Published October 30, 2013
Texas judge strikes down part of new abortion law
A federal judge son Monday struck down a new Texas law that would have required abortion providers to have hospital-admitting privileges, but declined to block a new rule on abortion-inducing drugs. Published October 28, 2013
Tactics shifting on subject of ‘responsible fatherhood’
For two decades, the "responsible fatherhood" movement has focused on jobs, child support and men playing a positive, active role in the lives of their children. Published October 23, 2013
Cartoon lambastes pro-lifers, GOP ‘rape’ comments
A new political-advocacy cartoon warns that if lawmakers aren't stopped in their attacks on abortion, women may need a time machine to get one. Published October 23, 2013
‘Whoops’ pregnancies cost taxpayers $12.5 billion
A study finds taxpayers awash in bills for diapers and formula: Medicaid and other public health programs paid for 1.1 million births in 2008 that resulted from "unintended" pregnancies. Published October 22, 2013
Chris Christie’s yield to same-sex marriage in N.J. seen as a shrewd political ploy
In a decision with direct implications for the 2016 Republican presidential race, Gov. Chris Christie ordered his attorney general Monday not to fight a court decision legalizing gay marriage, making New Jersey the nation's 14th state to recognize same-sex unions. Published October 21, 2013
Former Kansas AG loses law license over abortion probes
The Kansas Supreme Court Friday suspended "indefinitely" the law license of former state Attorney General Phill Kline for ethics violations for his aggressive efforts to investigate criminal wrongdoing at the state's abortion clinics.. Published October 18, 2013
Transgender advocates want free mammograms under Obamacare
Two advocacy groups are demanding that transgender women be given free mammograms under President Obama's new health care law, following reports that a transgender woman was denied a government-financed mammogram at a clinic in Colorado. Published October 18, 2013
New Jersey court agrees to allow same-sex marriages Monday
New Jersey can begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples on Monday, the state high court ruled Friday, as the justices prepare to hear a case on the constitutionality of the state's law banning same-sex unions. Published October 18, 2013
50 million U.S. whites obese; Asian-Americans most fit
The newly reopened federal government offered some hefty news Thursday: the U.S. obesity rate remains substantial, with more than a third of the nation's adults officially in big-person clothes. Published October 17, 2013
Autism rates rise in U.S., plateau in U.K.
In a finding researchers are still trying to understand, autism rates in British children appear to have plateaued in the past decade, according to a new study released Wednesday. Published October 16, 2013
Mich., N.J. awaiting gay marriage rulings
The nationwide rebellion of county clerks over state marriage laws continued Tuesday, as a North Carolina official accepted applications from gay couples and pressed the issue with state officials. Published October 15, 2013
California bucks trend on abortion restrictions
At a time when other states are moving to restrict abortion services, California Democrats have pushed through two new laws that will permit nonphysicians such as midwives to perform abortion procedures in the first 12 weeks and will loosen building standards for abortion clinics. Published October 14, 2013
At Values Voter Summit, Christians relay stories of religious repression
Standing up for personal religious views is leading to trouble with authorities, several Christians said Saturday at a conference on faith and family values. Published October 13, 2013
Ben Carson: Obamacare worst thing to happen to the U.S. since slavery
Dr. Ben Carson didn't mince words: Obamacare is "the worst thing that has happened in this nation since slavery." Published October 11, 2013
Values Voter Summit to tackle hot-button social issues
Marriage, abortion and religious liberty are the top cultural topics to be addressed at this weekend's Values Voter Summit. Published October 10, 2013
Pennsylvania digs in against Supreme Court, fights to prohibit gay marriage
In a bellwether case for states trying to preserve gay-marriage bans in a fast-shifting legal landscape, Pennsylvania officials are arguing that the Supreme Court's decision this summer and the Obama administration's approach should not undercut the state's ability to enforce its own marriage laws. Published October 8, 2013
Lutherans OK congregations affiliating with either Boy Scouts or Trail Life
Members of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are free to affiliate with any scouting organization, although they should be aware of possible conflicts over world views and proceed with "prayerful caution," the leader of the 2.3-million-member denomination said in documents released Monday. Published October 7, 2013
Ill., N.J. judges rule in favor of same-sex marriage
Judges in New Jersey and Illinois handed gay marriage supporters favorable decisions Friday, with one ruling setting Oct. 21 as the date when gay marriages can commence in New Jersey. Published September 27, 2013
Abortion clinics sue to halt key parts of Texas law
A group of Texas abortion clinics have filed a federal lawsuit against a new Texas law, saying it will force one-third of the state's abortion facilities to close and illegally interferes with a woman's right to have an abortion. Published September 27, 2013
