On paper, my resume looks like it came out of a blender. What in the world do embryo adoption, conservation agriculture and the future of the U.S. have in common?
A lot, actually.
Embryo adoption has occurred for the past 20 years. Many more people know about the process today than they did back then, yet awareness remains lacking. If more people knew about embryo adoption — and realized that yes, life really begins at conception, even if it occurs in the lab — they might share this critical pro-life issue with others or even adopt themselves. Couples might shift away from using in vitro fertilization to build their families and toward adoption.
In the world of food, conservation agriculture has been an important part of federal rule-making since the mid-1980s, probably earlier. Farmers, input companies, conservation organizations and government agencies recognize the importance of clean water, healthy soil and pure air. Yet the incentives required to change behavior and improve environmental outcomes are complex, require wide adoption and often take years to implement.
Our nation’s future is just as complex and urgent. Last week’s Supreme Court hearing is but one example of the deep polarization we face. There is no doubt we must do much better to support victims of sexual assault and bring perpetrators to justice. There can be no question that people deserve to be heard, and facts should be fully weighed and examined. Yet often all we hear is an explanation of these terribly massive issues in the context of Republican versus Democratic politics.
I am hopeful that as a society, we can move toward greater justice for women and for life at every stage of development. I am hopeful we will place a higher premium on the natural resources God has given us to steward. I am hopeful we will embrace, once again, a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for the men and women who ensure the food and water that sustain us are readily available, safe and nutritious.
There are many, many places in the world that don’t have anywhere near the abundance or security our nation offers. But we can do better — for the unborn, for our farmers and for our nation.