A new statistical study into abortion in France has shown a huge rise in abortions since the procedure was legalised in 1974. Between 1974 and 2004, abortions increased from 40% to 60%. Chantal Blayot, professor of demography at Montesquieu-Bordeau IV, there is "a strong social pressure to abort" in France. [LifeSiteNews.com, 8 October] http://is.gd/46g6p

Ireland has highest birth rate in the European Union, according to the latest figures. The birth rate increased by 9% in 2007. [RTE, 9 October] http://is.gd/46eDH Abortion is banned in Ireland.

The British government has reportedly shelved plans for a system of presumed consent for organ donation. Andy Burnham, the health secretary, said the move was in response to a significant increase in the number of organ donations. [Mirror, 8 October] http://is.gd/46eTx Pro-life organisations fear that patients may be in danger of euthanasia under such so-called opt-out schemes.

Other stories:

Infanticide of female twins alleged in India [Times of India, 9 October] http://is.gd/46fJG