News,

Dutch researchers have found that single IVF babies are twice as likely to be born premature and to have low birth weight as babies who are conceived naturally. There was also limited evidence to suggest a three-fold increase in the risk of premature birth prior to 32 weeks gestation. One reason suggested was that the fertility problems faced by women who undergo IVF treatment may effect the developing baby. However, Dr Alastair Sutcliffe of University College London said that the biggest risks involving IVF babies concerned multiple births. [BBC, 23 January]


The Copenhagen University Hospital is to become the first Danish public hospital to offer parents the opportunity to freeze umbilical cord blood. It is hoped that stem cells from the blood could be used to treat certain diseases that the child might suffer later in life. [M2.com, 22 January]


A group of women will be speaking to the press about the true cost of abortion outside a clinic offering free abortions to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The press conference will take place as women begin entering the abortion facility on Saturday 24 January. "No abortion is free," said Brenna Sullenger of Operation Rescue West. [US Newswire, 22 January]


A police investigation of an alleged euthanasia death in a Sydney hospital has stalled after no record of the patient was found at the hospital. Police were informed about the alleged killing of an elderly woman by a lethal morphine injection after a nurse raised the matter with the New South Wales opposition party. Police have said that the incident will be pursued. [The Age, 23 January]


A survey carried out by the National Care Standards Commission, has found that only 45% of care homes meet the minimum standards regarding dispensing drugs to patients and a mere 1% dispensed medicine to patients properly. Inappropriate prescribing of drugs, such as staff giving patients sedatives in order to ensure a quiet night was highlighted as 'a matter of concern.' Dame Deirdre Hine of the Commission for Health Improvement said that the NHS could improve its care of the elderly but acknowledged that staff shortages were a problem. [BBC, 22 January]

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