News,

Supporters of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children will lobby their members of the Westminster Parliament on euthanasia on 4, 5 and 6 April. They will raise concerns about British Medical Association guidance which promotes the intentional killing of patients by withdrawing or withholding assisted food and fluids, the government's position on legislative proposals which could force doctors to withdraw or withhold assisted food and fluids or necessary medical treatments, and the government's hostility to the Medical Treatment (Prevention of Euthanasia) Bill. UK constituents wishing to lobby in April should email lobby@spuc.org.uk The pope has urged Italian couples to have more children. Married couples, he said, have to "revive the culture of love and life." Italy has one of the lowest birthrates. [The Times, ] Today's Times suggests that Bishop Cormac Murphy O'Connor of Arundel and Brighton will be the next archbishop of Westminster. The paper describes him as a reformer and a radical. The Times also reports a claim by the Family Planning Association that doctors are reluctant to adopt new abortion procedures. Women who are less than nine weeks pregnant can be given Mifepristone which induces abortion, followed two days later with a prostaglandin which causes the abortion. Women in the north of England are much more likely to have a non-surgical abortion than those in the south. Criticism of Cardinal Winning of Glasgow's Pro-Life Initiative will not stop it from continuing to help pregnant girls have their babies. A 12-year-old who has been supported by the organisation allegedly gave birth in south-west England recently, causing adverse comment. The initiative has helped 181 women since its foundation in 1997. Also, Cardinal Winning has met members of the Scottish executive to discuss amendments to a bill before the Scottish parliament which would legalise intentional killing by neglect. [Scottish Catholic Observer, 4 February, 2000] A Scottish surrogate mother, who has had seven babies for other women, has used the proceeds of nearly 40,000 pounds to pay for holidays for herself, her husband and two daughters. Mrs Morag Riva says that she views surrogacy as a business-transaction. [Daily Record, 7 February, 2000] This bulletin is privately circulated by The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, www.spuc.org.uk, 5/6 St Matthew Street, London, United Kingdom, SW1P 2JT, +44 20 7222 3763. The reliability of the news herein is dependent on the cited sources. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the society. Please forward this bulletin to other interested parties. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an appropriate email to information@spuc.freeserve.co.uk