News,

The UK Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has begun an investigation into discrimination against pregnant women in the workplace. According to a recent survey, one in five pregnant women are affected, many of whom are given unsuitable duties, face unpleasant remarks or criticism and unfair dismissal. The EOC will present recommendations to the government in February 2005. [The Guardian, 1 September ] Research into premature birth is scheduled to begin in November at the Jennifer Brown Research Laboratory, based at the site of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The laboratory was set up after finance minister Gordon Brown and his wife launched a fund-raising campaign in memory of their baby Jennifer and hopes to bring together some of the leading researchers in the field. [The Herald, 1 September ] South Korea's birth rate has fallen to a record low, according to official figures published last week. The fertility rate is now just 1.17, well below replacement level, giving South Korea one of the lowest fertility rates in the world. [LifeSite, 29 August ] Arizona Right to Life is engaged in a major fundraising drive to enable them to run pro-life television advertisements, LifeNews reports. A similar advertising campaign four years ago reached 93% of households in Mariscopa County, Arizona and is believed to have saved the lives of 3,300 babies. The new adverts, created by VirtueMedia, emphasise the tragedy of those "missing" through abortion. [LifeNews, 20 August ] A Wisconsin state senate committee has voted 4-1 in support of a bill requiring babies born alive as a result of abortions to receive medical care. Last week, the committee heard evidence from a nurse who had witnessed the lingering deaths of babies who survived abortions at Christ Hospital, Illinois. [LifeNews.com, 28 August ] A declaration by a Houston judge that part of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act is unconstitutional is to be challenged by the Justice Department, the New York Times reports. The law, supposedly in place to prevent people using abortion clinics from being harassed, has been criticised for allowing the intimidation of peaceful pro-life protestors. Pro-life campaigners are particularly angered by the support being given to the law by the pro-life attorney general John Ashcroft. [The New York Times, 30 August ]