Amicus Family Research Council ("FRC") is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit research and educational organization that seeks to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy from a biblical worldview. FRC recognizes and respects the inherent dignity of every human life from conception until death and believes that the life of every human being is an intrinsic good, not something whose value is conditional based on its usefulness to others or to the state. We believe that all human life has been made in the likeness and image of God (Genesis 1:26). Accordingly, FRC recognizes the inherent dignity of every woman, and supports the creation and use of proper medical ethics and standards designed to protect their health and well-being.*
Amicus Martha Shuping, M.D., graduated from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. She has practiced psychiatry for 36 years, treating many patients who are survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and human trafficking, and patients with PTSD related to trauma from reproductive losses including abortion. For many years, she has taught continuing education workshops to health professionals on IPV, human trafficking, PTSD, the intersection of mental health and reproductive issues, and medical ethics. She is a graduate of Harvard Medical School's one-year Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Program. She has a certificate in Trauma and Recovery from Harvard and is a past participant of Notre Dame University's Vita Institute. She has an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry and conducts retreats for those desiring spiritual and emotional recovery after abortion. Dr. Shuping is an adjunct instructor in Psychology at Belmont Abbey College. She has worked part-time for multiple pharmaceutical companies since 2010. In 1973, she served as a volunteer abortion counselor, helping women to access abortion, but now finds that life- affirming choices best serve women's health, well- being and safety. Dr. Shuping desires that her patients, survivors of trauma, be protected from unsafe practices.
The Family Research Council and Dr. Shuping believe that the Court should affirm the Fifth Circuit's order and remand for further proceedings.