Among amendments proposed to House Bill 4244, the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, it is proposed that health care workers still be forced to refer for services to which they object for reasons of conscience, though “Without in anyway agreeing or endorsing the family planning service or procedure required by the persons concerned.” [Sun Star]
Category: News
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]
- Scottish judge rules objecting midwives can be forced to facilitate abortions
- Statement by Glasgow midwives after abortion judgment
Herald Scotland:
- How much conscience can the NHS afford? Columnists Sun 4 Mar 2012
- Catholic midwives lose legal fight over abortions Home News Thu 1 Mar 2012
- Midwives lose legal bid over abortions Health Wed 29 Feb 2012
- Doctors back midwives in court action Health Mon 23 Jan 2012
- Midwives’ abortion battle described as landmark case Home News Thu 19 Jan 2012
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]
Debate ends on Philippines bill
The Philippines House of Representatives has voted to end 19 months of debate on the Reproductive Health Bill. It is expected to pass before the end of the month[Philippine Star]. The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) intervened in the controversy in the, insisting that the bill should be passed. The country is divided on the bill. It is strongly opposed by the Catholic Church. [Philippine Star]
Judge issues injunction to protect company against U.S. federal government
A federal judge in Colorado has granted an injunction that allows Hercules Industries to refuse to provide health insurance coverage for employees for contraception, embryocides and sterilization. The owner of the company is a Catholic who objects to facilitating the services for religious reasons. Lawyers for the company suggested that the government itself could offer such a plan. The injunction will protect the company pending the outcome of a trial and appeals. [Christian Science Monitor] [Washington Examiner]