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]

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]

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]

Catholic bishops in Philippines urge resistance to controversial bill

Philippines House Majority Leader Rep. Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II of Mandaluyong has announced that debates will end on the the Reproductive Health bill on 30 July, and there will be a vote in the house on August 7.  The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is urging Catholics to express their opposition to the bill through protests and novenas.   [Philippine Daily Inquirer]