Amnesty International, the pro-abortion 'human rights' group, has criticised the Dominican Republic for moves to ban abortion. The country's congress is considering a new constitutional provision to guarantee the right to life from conception to natural death. In a press release, Amnesty admitted that, although "international human rights law...already protects prenatal life", banning abortion "could lead to violations of women's human rights". [Amnesty International, 9 June]

A British television presenter has written of how caring for his sick mother has led to his opposition to euthanasia. Charles Ottley has cared for 14 years for his mother, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mr Ottley wrote: "I believe it's worth fighting for every moment of life - which is why I was so dismayed to hear in the past few days that there are 800 British people on a waiting list for Dignitas". [Daily Mail, 9 June]

The abortion centre run by George Tiller, the American abortionist who was murdered last month, is to close permanently, his family have announced. Operation Rescue, the pro-life group which moved its headquartes near to Tiller's centre in Wichita, Kansas, said that it intended to remain in the city. Tory Newman, Operation Rescue's leader, said: "I want to see [abortion centres] close through peaceful, legal non-violent means". [BreakingNews.ie, 10 June]

A leading pro-life politician has lost her seat in the European parliament. Kathy Sinnott, formerly MEP for Ireland South, was narrowly defeated in this month's elections. Pat Buckley of the European Life Network, said that: "The outcome of the election was greatly influenced by the current economic crisis and Kathy was the target of a deliberate smear campaign which cost her critical support." The Libertas party, who also fielded pro-life candidates, suffered defeats in Ireland. [European Life Network, 10 June]