News,

Top Story:

MPs call for buffer zones around abortion clinics

MPs are calling for buffer zones to be established outside abortion clinics. An early day motion proposed by Caroline Lucas MP aims to prevent a peaceful prayer presence outside abortion centres. Nine MPs have already signed the motion. Home Office Minister Mike Penning said police have "adequate powers" to prevent the harassment of women already. [Independent, 24 June]

Dutch doctors call for legalisation of child euthanasia

Dutch doctors are calling for legislation allowing children under twelve to be euthanised. The Dutch Paediatric Association released a statement last week saying that children "should be allowed to request euthanasia", and claimed that they understood “the consequences of such a decision.” Current laws protect children under twelve from euthanasia. [Christian Institute, 24 June]

Plans for mini helicopters to deliver abortion drugs in Poland

A woman's rights group plan to deliver abortion drugs to Poland using small, unmanned helicopters. According to recent reports, Women on Waves are planning to fly in the drugs from Germany, to address the so-called "social injustice" of Poland's abortion law. [Guardian, 24 June] Paul Tully, SPUC's general secretary, commented, saying "This is a publicity stunt."

Papal encyclical Laudato Si released

The papal encyclical Laudato Si was released on . The document discusses environmental issues and has received a range of responses. The BBC reported that Francis has "blamed human selfishness for global warming" [BBC, 18 June] and the Guardian reports that the document demands fossil fuels be "phased out in favour of renewable energy" [Guardian, 18 June]. John-Henry Westen of Life Site News fears that the encyclical "will play into the hands of global warming activists whose agendas include population control." [LifeSiteNews, 18 June] ­The launch of the encyclical featured speakers such as Professor Schellnhuber and Carolyn Woo, which causes concern as explained in the articles linked. [Professor Schellnhuber] [Carolyn Woo] Voice of the Family praised the encyclical for condemning abortion, but expressed concern that the document did little to reaffirm "the Church’s teaching against contraception and on procreation as the primary end of the sexual act." Patrick Buckley, SPUC's UN lobbyist, said that the encyclical's call to environmental action will inevitably lead to "renewed attempts to further impose contraception and abortion on the developing world.” [Voice of the Family, 18 June]

Other stories:

Abortion

• Fall in Danish abortions [Ice News, 23 June]
• Woman sacked for refusing abortion receives £12,000 payout [Daily Mail, 23 June]
• Pope links ending abortion with saving planet [Independent, 18 June]

Euthanasia

• Euthanasia patient changes mind at last minute [The Local, 24 June]
• Lord Farmer: Evidence for physician-assisted suicide "is far from reassuring" [Politics Home, 24 June]
• Changing law on assisted suicide neither necessary or safe (letter) [Guardian, 23 June]
• The assisted dying bill brings danger not comfort [Huffington Post, 23 June]
• When the final solution becomes the right solution [Huffington Post, 22 June]

Fertility

• Freeze sperm at 18, bioethicist urges men [BBC, 25 June]
• Male contraceptive pill [Telegraph, 23 June]

General

• Laudato Si’ will bring no justice for the poor [Catholic Herald, 24 June]
• Encyclical panel member represents organisation which funds abortion [Voice of the Family, 19 June]

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