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Choose adoption or choose life: Why is this such a tough choice?
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Choose adoption. Who knew a simple, life-affirming phrase like that could cause any controversy? In Texas, it is.
In current legislative talks, anti-abortion groups and Texas governor Rick Perry advocate "Choose Life" license plates. Abortion rights groups however, argue that the "Choose Life" message is too political and could face legal free-speech challenges. To combat that argument, the Texas House of Representatives tentatively approved “Choose Adoption” wording alongside “Choose Life” this week.
In the Texas Senate, however, only “Choose Life” wording was approved. Now, both bills will trade places and the Senate and House will vote on each.
Sales from both plates would be designated to raise money to assist pregnant women considering adoption as well as assist infants waiting to be adopted. Money from both license plates would go only to pregnancy centers that do not offer or work with any group that offers abortions, abortion referrals or other "abortion-related services."
"(Choose Life) can be a very polarizing tool, and I'm trying to make sure that it's not and that we are achieving a balanced public policy in this state," said Rep. Jessica Farrar, D-Houston.
Personally, I don't understand how the phrase 'choose adoption' could be seen as a polarizing phrase. However, I'll be watching the Texas Senate to see whether it views such a positive phrase as a problem for Texans. Adoption is so maligned in some areas; I hope Texas legislators see fit to raise awareness on a very important topic through the approval of a simple license plate.
In Colorado, specialty license plates vary. None offer specific adoption or pro-life (i.e. anti-abortion) messaging, although after the Columbine shootings, the license plate “Respect Life” was approved to recognize the victims and survivors of the tragic bombing and shooting at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.
A lesser known license plate that benefits children in Colorado is the “Kids 1st” plate. It was created as an initiative of Rocky Mountain Research and Prevention Institute designed to raise money and awareness for health promotion and injury prevention activities for children in Colorado. Money raised from the Kids 1st license plate is distributed throughout the state and funds are given to community programs that support Colorado’s children.
Learn more about license plate options here.
Read Sally's view on Bristol Palin's decision to keep her baby instead of choosing adoption.
Thinking about foster parenting? Learn about foster parent requirements and PRIDE classes. If you don't have time to be a foster parent, consider becoming a CASA.
Looking for online adoption support? Check out ForeverParents.com.
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