News,

Women who seek asylum in the Republic of Ireland have been allowed to obtain abortions in Britain. Mr Peter O'Mahony, director of the Irish Refugee Council, told the Irish Times that women asylum seekers have been allowed to abort their unborn children in Britain and then return to Ireland since 1997 or 1998. The Irish constitution guarantees freedom to travel for abortions. [Irish Times, 15 October] The Vatican's permanent observer at the United Nations has said that last month's terrorist atrocities should lead to a greater appreciation of the need to respect the fundamental dignity of human life. Addressing the UN general assembly last week, Archbishop Renato Martino reminded delegates that the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms was one of the central elements of the UN's work. He observed that the defence of life from the moment of conception until natural death also entailed defending the family and promoting the dignity of disabled people. [Zenit, 12 October] Abortion facilities in New Zealand are refusing to prescribe the RU-486 abortion drug until legal issues are resolved. The drug, also known under the Mifegyne tradename, was authorised for use in New Zealand last August, but two clinics in Auckland are concerned about the extent of their legal obligations of care for women after they have been given the drug. [New Zealand Herald, 13 October; via Pro-Life E-News] The governor of California has signed into law a measure which permits pharmacists to supply the abortifacient morning-after pill. The legislation signed by Governor Gray Davis lets pharmacists provide the drug under what are known as signed collaborative protocols. [Business Wire, 14 October; via Northern Light]