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Health committee oppose general principles of Scottish assisted suicide bill

A majority of members of the committee tasked to discuss the Scottish assisted suicide legislation oppose its general principles. However, although the committee’s report said that “...the bill contains significant flaws” and that these “...present major challenges as to whether the bill can be progressed” they concluded that no recommendation on the bill could be made to parliament because assisted suicide is an issue of conscience. Bob Doris, deputy convenor of the committee said: "The committee's intention was to inform the debate and not influence the outcome as that is a matter of conscience for the parliament when they vote later this month." [BBC, 30 April]

Leading global pro-abortion advocates speak at Vatican conference

Two of the world’s leading pro-abortion advocates addressed a workshop at the Vatican last week. Ban-Ki Moon, the UN Secretary-General, and Jeffrey Sachs, the prominent environmentalist, participated at a workshop on environmental issues. Voice of the Family issued a statement expressing its "grave concern" at their involvement, especially "in anticipation of the new papal encyclical on the environment." [Voice of the Family, 28 April] Following the workshop, a statement signed by the heads of both the Pontifical Academy of Science (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS) endorsed the UN’s proposed creation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a result, the PAS and PASS will be endorsing abortion and the violation of parental rights. Voice of the Family called on both Pontifical Academies to strongly reject the UN’s population control agenda, which is being pursued under the cover of protecting the environment. [Voice of the Family, 29 April]

Chinese scientists become first to alter human embryo DNA

Chinese scientists have confirmed that they are the first in the world to alter the DNA of human embryos. Researchers at the Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou modified the gene responsible for thalassaemia whilst claiming that the engineered embryos were 'non-viable'. The technique used had previously been tested on adult stem cells and animal cells only. Dr David King of Human Genetics Alert said that it "...emphasises the need for an immediate global ban on the creation of GM designer babies”. [Telegraph, 23 April] Rev. Dr. John Fleming, the eminent pro-life bioethicist, commented: "If you are allowed to experiment on human embryos there will be many groups of researchers (four already in China) that will not be able to resist the megalomaniacal desire to recreate human beings in what they imagine is in humanity’s best interests and according to their own utopian prejudices." [John Smeaton, 4 May] Related story: US National Institutes of Health refuse funding for research modifying human embryos [BBC, 30 April]

SPUC seeking new honorary treasurer

SPUC is seeking a new honorary treasurer with a deep commitment to the pro-life cause. Bob Edwards, the current incumbent, wishes to retire from this particular role after many years’ devoted service. The honorary treasurer plays a key part in the work of the Society and serves, ex officio, on SPUC’s governing bodies. The Society is seeking someone who is qualified either by formal qualification or by experience. A detailed job specification for this voluntary post is available from lucindautley@spuc.org.uk

Other stories:

Abortion:

• DUP leader's stance against abortion welcomed by SPUC [SPUC, 1 May]
• The latest efforts to legalise abortion in Africa [Culture of Life Africa, 1 May]
• Birmingham’s March for Life takes us back to geographical roots of the evil of abortion [John Smeaton, 27 April]
• SPUC Plymouth branch hold successful pro-life chain [Plymouth Herald, 26 April]
• Baby branded "incompatible with life" enjoys life at 18 months old [Daily Record, 15 March]

Euthanasia:

• Irish woman acquitted of helping friend commit suicide [BBC, 28 April]
• GPs to discuss ‘do not resuscitate’ orders with elderly and seriously-ill patients [Mail, 26 April]

Family issues:

• Cardinal Nichols will celebrate "Soho Mass" on 10th May [John Smeaton, 4 May]
• US Supreme Court debates redefinition of marriage [Public Discourse, 30 April]
• The issue of ‘transgender’ celebrities [The Blaze, 27 April]

Fertility:

• Israel evacuate babies but leave surrogate mothers behind [Time, 28 April]

Maternal health:

• Innovators help save newborns with new invention [BBC, 14 April]

Population:

• Irony of abundance of storks on Camino trail amid Spanish demographic crisis [HLI, 1 May]

To subscribe to SPUC's email information services, please visit www.spuc.org.uk/em-signup. The reliability of the news herein is dependent on that of the cited sources, which are paraphrased rather than quoted. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. © Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, 2018