This paper explores global best practices concerning laws promoting life and the family. It will be divided into two Parts. Part I will give an overview of Category A laws that protect the right to life internationally and domestically, such as laws prohibiting or restricting abortion, the destruction or manipulation of embryos, euthanasia and/or physician assisted suicide, and so forth. Part II will give an overview of Category B laws, which protect the rights of the family both internationally and domestically. The latter domestic laws will discuss marriage between one man and one woman, and other laws promoting the responsibilities and rights of parents to protect and educate their children, divorce reform measures, the rights of the mother and their pre-born children, and improvements in adoption laws as well as family assistance.

This Paper has two annexes. Annex I presents model legislation from different parts of the world: United States, Ireland, Hungary, Honduras, Uganda, and Chile. In providing these laws, the intent is not to promote the overall activities of a particular government or State, nor is it to endorse every law the respective State has enacted. In specific regard to choices concerning the model legislation, the following selection criteria has been used: 1) the legislation, in many cases, is general enough to be adapted to various different situations in different States; 2) the legislation covers both Category A laws which directly protect the life of the human person and Category B laws which safeguard the human person by strengthening the family; 3) the legislation covers a broad range of issues essential to the protection of the right to life and the rights of the family; and 4) lastly, some legislation represents a good of example a very particular response to the needs of a specific problem which may arise in other countries. For example, in the United States of America where abortion is legal, the legislation chosen seeks to limit abortion to the greatest extent possible. In a country where abortion is illegal, such incremental limitations are unnecessary.

Annex II offers a list of some non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and governmental reports that contribute to building a culture of life, faith, and family by informing and educating the public. For example, some States have legislation on requiring a woman to view an ultrasound, while in other countries, there is no such legislation but rather non-governmental organizations are freely providing such services. Hopefully this paper can serve as a resource for politicians and encourage them to work with faith-based groups and nongovernmental organizations.