The Irish Supreme Court has rejected a request by a woman, Mary Roche, to be implanted with frozen embryos created during IVF. Thomas Roche, her estranged husband, had refused permission for the implantation. Mrs Roche's lawyers argued that the embryos were protected by article 40.3.3. of the Irish Constitution. The court rejected that argument. Pat Buckley, Ireland spokesman for SPUC, told the media today that the court's interpretation was wrong and contrary to international human rights law. [SPUC, 15 December] http://is.gd/5oClo
The High Court in Belfast has again ruled against government guidance on abortion. Last month, Lord Justice Girvan ordered Northern Ireland's health department to withdraw its guidance on abortion because it was misleading in two key areas. In a subsequent hearing, Lord Justice Girvan not only confirmed his original judgment, but explained that the guidance should be withdrawn in full and not just in part. The case had been brought by SPUC. [SPUC, 14 December] http://is.gd/5npJr
Other stories:
Lower house of Spanish parliament passes government's radical pro-abortion bill [John Smeaton, 19 December] http://is.gd/5weYq
Euthanasia and assisted suicide; disability
Assisted suicide contrary to medicine says palliative care experts [Times, 19 December] http://is.gd/5wfx7
Wales seeks organ opt-out powers [BBC, 18 December] http://is.gd/5wfBQ