SPUC has responded to a new UK public opinion poll on abortion. Anthony Ozimic, political secretary, commented: "SPUC welcomes the evidence of continuing deep-seated concern about the alarming numbers of abortions, reflected in the poll conducted on behalf of Life, a leading pregnancy support charity in the UK. We at SPUC, as the world's first pro-life lobbying and educational organisation, would caution pro-life politicians not to introduce amendments at the present time. At this time there is no evidence of a change of heart among strongly pro-abortion MPs and peers - who remain a majority - and any amendments to the law are likely to go the wrong way. Any attempt to amend the Abortion Act in the current Parliament would probably make it even worse than it is at present. There is a large majority in parliament in favour of widening abortion provision. Labour ministers have spent millions of pounds on initiatives which encourage abortion, like fast-tracking requests for abortion, while resisting mandatory counselling for mothers considering abortion." [SPUC, 11 September]
The Vatican has condemned the British government's proposed Human Tissues and Embryos bill, which would allow the creation of human-animal hybrids for the purposes of research. Bishop Elio Sgreccia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, called it "a monstrous act against human dignity," adding that "We find ourselves facing an overthrow of ethics. ... With this go-ahead, we put ourselves completely outside of the scope of ethics and humanity." Archbishop Peter Smith of Cardiff, Wales, chairman of the English and Welsh Catholic bishops' Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship, emphasised how adult stem cell research was more effective. "This has already led to major clinical benefits, whereas it appears that embryonic stem cell research has yet to produce any," he said. [Zenit, 7 September]
The German government has plans to back non-embryonic stem cell research. Since 2002, the production of embryonic stem cells has been banned in Germany and now it has been announced that the German government would donate €5 million for adult stem cell research. Opponents have claimed that this puts German scientists at a disadvantage in the international research community. [Reuters, 10 September]
The Archbishop of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has criticized the UN for its position on abortion. He called it "irresponsible" and reminded everybody that "nobody has the right to kill another." The Church would never change its anti-abortion policy. The Dominican Republic's National Congress is discussing the legalization of abortion, which the archbishop has condemned. [CNA on EWTN, 10 September]
The British government is planning to give an extra £120 to all pregnant women in order that they might be able to buy healthy foods. Critics say the money will be wasted since there is no way of preventing expectant mothers from spending the money on things which are detrimental to the health of the unborn child. [Sunday Times, 10 September]
British women who have had abortions have spoken publicly at a meeting in Plymouth, Devon, about their experiences and how they found help. This meeting was part of the Silent No More campaign, supported by British Victims of Abortion. [Inspire, 11 September]