Category: Law

Protect rights for health workers

Rebecca Mastee

A recent viewpoint column regarding Michigan Senate Bill 136, the Religious Liberty and Conscience Protection Act, proved a disservice to the LSJ and its readers. The column was factually inaccurate and relied on scare tactics by highlighting a case in Ireland which, of course, has different laws than the United States. Let’s set the record straight about SB 136.

The purpose of the bill is to maintain civil liberties and conscience rights that our nation has cherished for over 200 years. Unfortunately, these constitutional rights are slowly eroding as government mandates are forcing individuals and institutions to act contrary to their religious teachings. . . . [Read more]

Australian Medical Association Submission to the Tasmanian Government

On the law governing termination of pregnancy

Introduction

The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association expressed qualified support for statutory legalization of abortion in a submission to the Tasmanian state government concerning its proposed Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Bill 2013.  However, the Association also emphasized its opposition to parts of the proposed bill that would suppress freedom of conscience among physicians.  Those parts of the submission are reproduced below. [Read more . . .]

Appeal hearing on legalization of physician assisted suicide

An appeal against the judgement of the BC Supreme Court in Carter v. Canada (which found in favour of physician assisted suicide and the judge ordered Canada to change the law to permit it) is now underway.

The following link provides a live-feed from the BC Court of Appeal and links to the factums filed by the parties and intervenors.

British Columbia Court of Appeal live stream

Michigan protection of conscience bill passes senate commitee

Senate Bill 136 has been approved by the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee and will move to a vote in the state senate.  The bill provides protection for health care payers, purchasers, providers, and institutions.  A Michigan Radio report incorrectly states that the bill requires referral by objecting health care workers.

Philippines Supreme Court suspends controversial Reproductive Health Law

The Philippines RH Act, which was to go into effect on 31 May, has been temporarily suspended by a 10-5 ruling of the Philippines Supreme Court.  The court will hear arguments for and against the law on 18 June, 2013.  The ruling is a result of nine petitions against the law filed in the court.  The petitioners are

[Manila Bulletin]