Can Obergefell Be Overturned? Josh Wood on Marriage, Parenthood & Child Rights

In this episode, Josh Wood, Executive Director of Them Before Us, joins us for a discussion about marriage, parenthood, children’s rights, and the organization’s Greater Than Campaign.

The conversation explores the legacy of Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and examines the broader cultural and legal implications that followed. Josh argues that the redefinition of marriage also led to a redefinition of parenthood, raising important questions about children’s rights, family formation, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception.

Throughout the discussion, Josh explains why Them Before Us approaches these issues from a child-centered perspective rather than an adult-centered one. He discusses the organization’s belief that children have a right to know and be raised by their biological mother and father whenever possible, and why they see family policy as a matter of justice for children.

The episode also addresses common objections, including claims that children raised in same-sex households fare just as well as those raised by married biological parents. Josh discusses the research, cultural assumptions, and public policy questions surrounding family structure and child well-being.

Key Topics Covered

• What is the Greater Than Campaign?
• Why Them Before Us wants to overturn Obergefell
• The connection between marriage and parenthood
• How IVF and surrogacy impact children’s rights
• Biological parenthood and donor conception
• The role of mothers and fathers in child development
• Family structure and child outcomes
• Child-centered versus adult-centered public policy
• Government, marriage, and family law
• How Christians can discuss these issues in a secular culture

About the Guest

Josh Wood serves as Executive Director of Them Before Us, a children’s rights organization focused on protecting every child’s right to be known and loved by their mother and father. Before joining the organization, Josh worked in ministry and community outreach, including serving immigrant and refugee communities.

Resources Mentioned

• Them Before Us
• Greater Than Campaign
• Them Before Us Substack

Connect With the Guest

Instagram/X: @J_K_Wood

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