Category: Procedures & Services

Philippines Senate amends Reproductive Health bill

In an attempt to break a deadlock, the Philippines Senate has removed provisions of its version of the Reproductive Health bill that were thought to promote abortion and contraception.  President Benigno Aquino wants the bill passed because he considers it essential to his economic development programme, but the bill remains highly controversial. [Philippine Daily Inquirer] [The Guardian]

Professors at Catholic university in Philippines support Reproductive Health bill

192 professors of the Jesuit Ateneo de Manila University from its Loyola Schools, School of Medicine and Public Health, Law School and School of Government have signed a declaration affirming support for the controversial Reproductive Health bill.  The declaration states that the bill “is a vital piece of legislation that needs to be passed urgently” and asserts that the key principles of the bill are compatible with Catholic social teaching.   [Declaration]

McGill University professor suggests new profession needed if euthanasia legalized

J. Donald Boudreau, Arnold P. Gold Foundation Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill University, has written a column protesting a decision by a B.C. Supreme Court judge to legalize physician assisted suicide and euthanasia.  Dr. Boudreau argues that the decision, if upheld, would poison the practice of medicine.  He closes with the suggestion that, if Canadians are willing legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia despite the concerns of palliative care physicians, responsibility for providing the services should be assigned to a new profession: euthanatrics. [Globe and Mail]

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]