Illinois company files suit against U.S. federal government

Triune Health Group of Chicago, Illinois, has joined the growing number of private employers and colleges suing the Department of Health and Human Services because of a regulation that will force objecting employers to provide insurance coverage for contraception, embryocides and sterilization. [News release]

Midwives to appeal court ruling against freedom of conscience

Two midwives who were ordered to supervise the provision of abortions are appealing the decision of the Court of Session in Edinburgh against freedom of conscience.[Herald Scotland]

Herald Scotland:

Judge affirms permission for suicide/euthanasia, grants appeal

Madam Justice Prowse of the B.C. Supreme Court has ruled that Parliament need not legalize physician assisted suicide and euthanasia by 15 June, 2013, pending the outcome of an appeal by the federal government.  However, she upheld the “constitional exemption” that permits plaintiff Gloria Taylor to obtain physician assisted suicide or euthanasia in the interim. The appeal will be heard in March, 2013. [Globe and Mail]

Evangelical college joins lawsuit against U.S. federal government

In response to a regulation that requires employers to pay for insurance for contraceptives, embryocides and sterilization, despite moral or religious objections, Wheaton College of Illinois has filed a lawsuit against Department of Health and Human services.

Canadian judge strikes down law against physician assisted suicide, voluntary euthanasia

Madam Justice Smith of the British Columbia Supreme Court has struck down sections of the Criminal Code prohibiting physician assisted suicide and euthanasia, given the Government of Canada one year to draft a law allowing the procedures, and granted a woman with ALS a “constitutional exemption” that will allow her to have a court authorize assisted suicide or euthanasia in her case in the interim. [Ruling] [Project review of ruling]