News,

Polio immunisation has been stopped in a Muslim part of Nigeria while the authorities investigate rumours that the vaccine contains a contraceptive substance. The state of Kano stopped the programme in August and the national assembly is now considering the issue. The World Health Organisation, which denies the claim, is involved in the scheme. [BBC, 22 December ] An SPUC spokesman said: "Such allegations must be very thoroughly investigated before any conclusion is reached." An Italian paediatrician who refused a cancer operation to save her unborn child is to be proclaimed a saint by the pope. Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla, a mother of four, died aged 39. The survival of an unborn child for several months without amniotic fluid has been recognised as a miracle attributed to Blessed Gianna. [Zenit, 21 December ] The maternity unit at Wales's newest hospital is to be run by midwives instead of consultants because it cannot recruit staff. A 5,000-signature petition opposed the move at Neath Port Talbot hospital, Baglan. Campaigners say the need to take expectant mothers to other hospitals in an emergency would present a risk. Midwives agree with the health-board's decision. [BBC, 22 December ] The first cloned deer has been reportedly produced by Texas A&M university, which claims also to have cloned a cat, cattle, goats and pigs. [Reuters, 23 December ] Techniques for cloning animals may be used to clone humans.