News,

Miscarriage risk could be predicted by measuring protein levels, according to researchers at Monash University, Victoria, Australia. The study, published in The Lancet medical journal found that levels of the MIC 1 protein were a third lower in women who suffered a miscarriage compared to women who did not. If confirmed by further studies, the finding could lead to tests and therapies to prevent miscarriage. [Reuters, 9 January ] Nursing homes and hospitals provide poor care and support for the dying, according to a comprehensive survey conducted in the US. According to a study of bereaved families, nearly one-third of dying patients at nursing homes did not receive adequate pain control, one quarter were not given relief for breathing problems and over half were not given enough emotional support. Dr Joan Teno, lead author of the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, stated: "We're moving toward factory medicine - get 'em in, get 'em out." [Boston Globe, 7 January ] The US pro-abortion organisation 'Catholics' for a Free Choice has published a report naming Catholic doctors, journalists, politicians and organisations working in Europe. The report claims that the "Pope's Armada" as it terms active European Catholics, are trying 'to infiltrate existing power structures and to exert pressure on decision-makers' and must be resisted on the grounds that 'Europe is the last hope for the world's poor women.' [C-Fam.org/CWNews.com, 8 January ] A spokeswoman for SPUC commented: 'CFFC's latest report displays a level of paranoia and sectarianism worthy of sixteenth century Europe not 2004. This needs to be taken seriously in spite of the hysterical tone of the attacks.' [SPUC source] 60% of teenage pregnancies in Surrey, UK, end in abortion, compared with the UK average of 46%, This is Local London reports. Figures show that a growing number of pregnant teenagers are opting for abortion. [This is Local London, 9 January ]