Further to our alert last Thursday, it has been announced this afternoon that the House of Commons debate on the Dorries-Field abortion counselling amendment is now due to take place this Wednesday (7 September) afternoon. Please read our updated briefing on the Dorries-Field amendment. Also, in response to the government's rejection late last week of the Dorries-Field amendment, Louise Mensch, a Conservative party MP, has tabled her own amendment on abortion counselling. The Mensch amendment raises even more serious concerns than the Dorries-Field amendment. Please read SPUC’s briefing on the Mensch amendment. Please share SPUC's concerns about the Dorries-Field and Mensch amendments with your MP and ask him/her to raise them in debate this week, and subsequently in any debate or consultation if regulations are brought forward.
House of Lords committee calls for compulsory school sex ed
The House of Lords Select Committee on HIV and AIDS has called for the teaching of sex and relationships education (SRE) to be made compulsory in schools. The committee claims that SRE is essential for reducing the incidence of sexually-transmitted diseases. The government is conducting a consultation on the matter. [Children & Young People Now, 2 September] http://bit.ly/nBgZ0l SRE often includes explicit depictions of sexual activity and promotes abortion and contraception.
English couple defend decision to abort disabled son
An English couple have defended their decision to abort their son who was diagnosed with disabilities. Georgina Pearson and Zak Turgoose said they would live with the choice for the rest of their lives. A spokesman for SPUC said: "A life is a life. Disabled children can still find joy in life. Life is precious. When parents face difficult decisions, they need some sound advice. We encourage them to contact us." [This is Derbyshire, 3 September] http://bit.ly/r2fW2K
Other stories:
EU clears adult stem cell trial for broken hearts [Reuters, 5 September] http://bit.ly/r4fxHk
Philippines archbishop says Catholic stand against population control bill is non-negotiable [CathNews Philippines, 6 September] http://bit.ly/n7iSDT
US football players save pregnant woman by flipping burning truck [Rivals High, 1 September] http://bit.ly/pkOhDF