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''''Nightlight Christian Adoptions''' is a national private adoption chain with offices in [[California]], [[Colorado]], and [[South Carolina]]. == Founding == Nightlight was founded in 1959<ref>Timothy P. Collins, ''On Abandoned Embryos'' 75 {{smallcaps|Linacre Quarterly}} 9 (Feb. 2008).</ref> by a group of evangelical Christian churches with the purpose of addressing the needs of women in crisis pregnancy.{{cn|date=October 2013}} At the time, the name of the agency was "Evangelical Welfare Agency." In 1994, the agency came under the leadership of [[Ron Stoddart]], a California adoption attorney.<ref>{{smallcaps|Beth Kohl}}, {{smallcaps|Embryo Culture: Making Babies in the Twenty-first Century}} 250-51 (2007); {{smallcaps|Debora L. Spar}}, {{smallcaps|The Baby Business: How Money, Science, and Politics Drive the Commerce of Conception}} 89 (2006).</ref> The agency changed it's name to Nightlight Christian Adoptions. Nightlight became a leader in international adoptions, and pioneered the concept of "orphan tours."{{cn|date=October 2013}} The agency brought hundreds of older children from eastern Europe to the United States for a couple weeks in the summer, and found families who adopted them.{{cn|date=October 2013}} Nightlight adheres to the strict accreditation, financial auditing, and reporting standards of the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability <ref>''http://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=20656''</ref> Nightlight is also a member of the Christian Alliance for Oprhans, a unity of organizations who fight child trafficking, provide orphan care, and complete inter-country adoptions. <ref>''http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/agencies-ministries/nightlight-christian-adoptions/''</ref> Nightlight is also known for its humanitarian and anti-child-trafficking efforts. <ref> ''http://www.everychildhasaname.org/projects/rescue.html''</ref> == Adoptions == === International adoptions === Nightlight has been involved in international adoptions in [[China]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Russia]], [[Taiwan]] and the [[Ukraine]].<ref>Sharon Hlapcich, ''[http://www.ocregister.com/news/children-222873-agency-parents.html Anaheim Hills agency creates scholarship fund for those seeking to adopt]'', {{smallcaps|Orange County Register}}, Dec. 7, 2009.</ref> The organization has successfully helped over 1000 families adopt internationally, with Russia historically being the largest program.<ref>Vladimir Lyubushko ''[http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/media/video/1588695.html]'', {{smallcaps|Voice of America (Russia.)}}, Jan. 22, 2013.</ref> Nightlight has brought potential adoptees to stay with host families in the United States, then the child returns to their home country until the adoption can be completed. Sometimes fees for an international adoption reach $49,000.<ref>Britney Barnes, ''[http://articles.dailypilot.com/2012-08-31/news/tn-dpt-0901-lemonade-20120831_1_andrey-adoption-process-host-families Newport Coast family looks to adopt Kyrgyzstani orphan]'', {{smallcaps|Newport Daily Pilot (Cal.)}}, Aug. 31, 2012.</ref> Some adoptees express their gratitude for the success they have found in their adoptive homes. Such is the case with Oleg Parent, who tattooed his mother's name on his calf, and became a star football player in his highschool, after being rescued from a dangerous home in Russia. <ref>''http://www.ocregister.com/articles/-247037--.html'' {{small caps|Marcia Smith}} Orange County Register (Cal.) May 3, 2010.</ref> In another case from 1997, a 12-year-old Russian child was adopted by a Michigan couple, Priscilla and Neal Whatcott.<ref>Beverly Byette, ''[http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/doc/421606262.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+11%2C+2001&author=BYETTE%2C+BEVERLY&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=&desc=A+Tangled+Web+of+Hope+and+Fear%3B+The+Internet+has+eased+adoption+in+some+cases%2C+but+it+can+also+be+a+minefield+of+unscrupulous+child-+brokering.+Series%3A+First+of+two+parts A Tangled Web of Hope and Fear; The Internet has eased adoption in some cases, but it can also be a minefield of unscrupulous child- brokering]'', {{smallcaps|L.A. Times}}, Mar. 11, 2001; Megan Twohey, ''[http://www.reuters.com/investigates/adoption/#article/part5 Orphaned in Russia, brought to America, and then abandoned time and again]'', {{smallcaps|Reuters}}, Sept. 11, 2013.</ref> The Whatcotts alleged that Nightlight did not inform them of the child's problems, and the Whatcotts were referred to a therapist by Nightlight to deal with the problems.<ref>Byette; Twohey.</ref> When Nightlight would not provide any additional help, the child was sent to various homes{{#tag:ref|None of the homes were approved by government agencies, they were located via a group on the internet to "re-home" adoptees.<ref>Byette; Twohey.</ref>|group=fn}} by the Whatcotts, where the child alleged that she was sexually abused.<ref>Twohey.</ref> In March 1999 the child became a ward of the state after neither the Whatcotts nor Nightlight would be responsible for her.<ref>Byette; Twohey.</ref> In 2003, Michigan absolved the Whatcotts of further responsibility for a payment of $5,000 to the state.<ref>Twohey.</ref> According to Stoddart, "Everybody who had anything to do with <nowiki>[the child's]</nowiki> life shares some of the blame."<ref>Byette.</ref> == Snowflake adoptions == === Frozen embryos === In 1997, after Stoddart heard a radio show talking about British frozen embryos being destroyed, Nightlight established an [[Embryo donation|embryo "adoption"]]{{#tag:ref|Embryo adoption is a misnomer, there are no actual adoption proceedings involved. The term is contested by a number of groups who say that it falsely equates human status to embryos.<ref>Pam Belluck, ''[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/02/national/02embryo.html?pagewanted=1 From Stem Cell Opponents, an Embryo Crusade]'', {{smallcaps|N.Y. Times}}, June 2, 2005 (hereinafter cited as Belluck, ''Crusade'').</ref> Doctors call the process "embryo donation"<ref>Jessie Beauchaine, ''[http://www.villagevoice.com/content/printVersion/1209675/ The Next Frontier of the Stem Cell Debate:"Snowflake" babies, embryo "adoption," and being pre-born again]'', {{smallcaps|Village Voice}}, June 17, 2009.</ref> and legally the matter is handled as a transfer of property, not an adoption. <ref>Rob Blackhurst, ''[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/10353338/The-pro-lifers-adopting-spare-embryos-created-during-IVF.html The pro-lifers adopting 'spare' embryos created during IVF]'', {{smallcaps|Telegraph (London)}}, Oct. 8, 2013; Cheryl Wetzstein, ''[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/19/embryo-adoption-becoming-rage/?page=all#pagebreak Embryo adoption becoming the rage]'', {{smallcaps|Wash. Times}}, Apr. 19, 2009.</ref>|group=fn}} program to allow for frozen embryos to go to infertile couples.<ref>Beauchaine.</ref> Prior to this, any transfer of embryos was typically arranged by [[medical doctors]], but Stoddart wanted to handle them as an adoption, to open up the market.<ref>{{smallcaps|Spar}}, at 89-90.</ref> The process was considerably less expensive than most options, at about $9,500 total.<ref>{{smallcaps|Spar}}, at 89-90.</ref> Stoddart and Nightlight believe that life begins when the embryo is created. <ref>{{smallcaps|Kohl}}, at 250-51; Beauchaine.</ref> As of January, 2013, more than 4500 babies in the US have been born through embryo adoption, and more than 300 of these babies were through Nightlight's Snowflake program.<ref>Blackhurst.</ref> According to one study, of the embryos thawed out, about one-sixth survive.<ref>{{smallcaps|David Petechuk}}, {{smallcaps|Organ Transplantation}} 122 (2006); Belluck, ''Crusade''.</ref> According to other studies, the national average is that about three quarters of the embryos survive.<ref>Blackhurst.</ref> Using a $500,000 [[United States Department of Health and Human Services|Health and Human Services]] grant, Nightlight produced promotional videos targeting strongly religious, middle-class couples.<ref>{{smallcaps|Spar}}, at 89-90.</ref> Those donating the embryos through Nightlight's Snowflake program could designate that they would only go to christian families.<ref>{{smallcaps|Kohl}}, at 250-51; Belluck, ''Crusade''.</ref> Most embryos have gone to white christian families who pledged to raise any resulting child in a "constructive, wholesome and spiritual home environment."<ref>{{smallcaps|Kohl}}, at 250-51.</ref> The Obama administration has since cut funding for embryo donation awareness programs.<ref>Cheryl Wetzstein, ''[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/4/obama-defunds-snowflake-babies/?page=all Obama Defunds Snowflake Babies]'', {{smallcaps|Wash. Times}}, Mar 4, 2012.</ref> Stoddart has pressed for publicity on the issue, believing it would increase the number of donations.<ref>Pam Belluck, ''[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/12/weekinreview/12belluck.html It's Not So Easy to Adopt an Embryo]'', {{smallcaps|N.Y. Times}}, June 12, 2005 (hereinafter cited as Belluck, ''Adopt'').</ref> According to one 2003 study by the [[American Society for Reproductive Medicine]] however, only 2 percent are donated.<ref>Belluck, ''Adopt''.</ref> In 2004, one woman died from complications from pregnancy while attempting to give birth through the program.<ref>Belluck, ''Crusade''.</ref> Other studies, however, show that the government support of embryo adoption awareness has led to drastic cuts in the amount Americans are paying for expensive, indefinite storage of embryos. <ref>Craig Young, ''[http://www.nightlight.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Loveland-Reporter-Herald-Article.pdf Funding cut threatens Loveland-based program that encourages adoption of frozen embryos]'', {{smallcaps|Loveland Reporter Herald}}, March 10, 2012.</ref> The campaign has had success at gauging public opinion: one survey "asked what should be done with remaining embryos. Most respondents said that the embryos should be donated to other infertile couples (68.8 percent) rather than being destroyed (5.9 percent) or being donated for research (which also destroys them)." <ref> ''http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/july/25.46.html'' {{small caps|Ron Stoddart}} Frozen Embryos:BioTech's Hidden Dilemma, Christianity Today, July 28,2010 </ref> In 2005, Stoddart was recognized by [[United States President|President]] [[George W. Bush]] for his work in transferring frozen embryos to infertile couples along with Lori Maze, the director of the Snowflakes Frozen Embryo Adoption Program.<ref>''[http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/24/politics/24bush-text.html?_r=0 Bush's Remarks on Bioethics and Stem Cell Research]'', {{smallcaps|N.Y. Times}}, May 24. 2005.</ref> President Bush mentioned the profound place that support of embryo adoption awareness, and specifically Nightlight's Snowflake program, played in his legacy as president in his Decision Points biography. <ref>Bush, George, Decision Points, (New York) Crown Publishers, 2010. Page 115</ref> === Anti-abortion efforts === As noted, Nightlight believes that life begins when the embryo is created.<ref>{{smallcaps|Kohl}}, at 250-51; Beauchaine.</ref> The pro-life movement contends that embryos are "pre-born" children and have legal rights and protections in the same manner as a child being adopted.<ref>Heather Johnson Kukla, ''Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Ethical Justification'', 90 {{smallcaps|Geo. L.J.}} 503, 527 n.167 (2002); Beauchaine.</ref> In 2001, Nightlight filed a lawsuit against Health and Human Services as the [[next friend]] of the embryos.<ref>Robert E. McGough, ''A Case for Federal Funding of Human Embryotic Stem Cell Research: The Interplay of Moral Absolutism and Scientific Research'', 18 {{smallcaps|J. Contemp. Health L. & Pol'y}} 147, 182 (2001).</ref> The lawsuit was stayed at Nightlight's request, but it was noted that the court could have ruled against Nightlight as not being a proper "next friend"<ref>Laura S. Langley & Joseph W. Blackston, ''Sperm, Egg, and a Petri Dish'', 27 {{smallcaps|J. Legal Med.}} 167, 169 (2006).</ref> or that an embryo was not a person.{{#tag:ref|The law is clear, since the Supreme Court has ruled that an embryo is not a person.<ref>McGough, at 183-84.</ref>|group=fn}}<ref>McGough, at 183-84.</ref> Most responsible scientists view this position as dangerous.<ref>Beauchaine.</ref> At a federally funded conference, most scientists found the religious tenor and belief in the human life of an embryo disturbing.<ref>Beauchaine.</ref> === Stem cell lawsuit === In March 2009, President [[Barak Obama]] issued an [[Executive Order]] allowing research on embryotic stem cells.<ref>Exec. Order No. 13,505, 74 Fed. Reg. 10,667 (Mar. 9, 2009).</ref> In August 2009, Nightlight, along with two researchers, two potential couples for embryo donation, the embryos themselves, and the [[Christian Medical Association]] filed a lawsuit in the [[United States District Court for the District of Columbia|D.C. District Court]] to block the research.<ref>''Sherley v. Sebelius'', 686 F. Supp. 2d 1 (D.D.C. 2009) ''rev'd in part'', 610 F.3d 69 (D.C. Cir. 2010); Gardiner Harris, ''[http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/24/health/policy/24stem.html?_r=0 U.S. Judge Rules Against Obama’s Stem Cell Policy]'', {{smallcaps|N.Y. Times}}, Aug. 24. 2010, at A1; Neil Katz, ''[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20014466-10391704.html Stem Cell Research Hits Pro-Life Roadblock: Is Science Really Stopping "Snowflake Adoptions?"]'', {{smallcaps|CBS News}}, Aug. 23, 2010.</ref> On Oct. 27, 2009, Judge [[Royce C. Lamberth]] dismissed the suit, ruling that none of the plaintiffs had [[Standing (law)|standing]] to bring the case.<ref>''Sherley'', 686 F. Supp. 2d at 7; Harris.</ref> On appeal to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit|D.C. Circuit Court]] the decision was reversed in part. The two researchers were held to have standing, while Nightlight and the others did not.<ref>''Sherley v. Sebelius'', 610 F.3d 69 (D.C. Cir. 2010); Harris.</ref> On August 23, 2010 Lamberth issued a preliminary [[injunction]] against the Federal government conducting stem cell research.<ref>''Sherley v. Sebelius'', 704 F. Supp. 2d 63 (D.D.C. 2010) ''vacated'' 644 F.3d 388 (D.C. Cir. 2011); Harris; Katz.</ref> Scientists immediately decried the ruling, stating that it would do "irreparable harm" to the field.<ref>Courtney Hutchison, ''[http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/scientists-outraged-block-stem-cell-research/story?id=11469249&singlePage=true Scientists Outraged By Block on Stem Cell Research]'', {{smallcaps|ABC News}}, Aug. 25. 2010.</ref> == Footnotes == {{reflist|group=fn}} == References == {{reflist|30em}} [[Category:Organizations]] [[Category:Adoption in the United States]] [[Category:Adoption-related organizations]]'