Senate Bill 1365 (2012) has been signed by the Governor of Arizona. It was drafted to ensure that professionals cannot be disciplined for refusing to provide services to which they object for reasons of conscience.
Month: May 2012
New Guinea bishops object to compulsory condom distribution
Catholic Bishops in Papua New Guinea state that their schools will not comply with a government policy requiring the distribution of condoms to students. The Episcopal Conference is prepared to defend its decision in court should the government try to enforce the policy. [Zenit]
Swedish physicians expected to arrange abortions on demand
A Swedish health authority has ruled that physicians must facilitate abortions if patients request them even if they are doubtful about the mental stability of the patient. The ruling followed a complaint from a woman whose physician cancelled an abortion and recommended that she see a counsellor because of concern that she was not “mentally balanced.” The physician’s decision was prompted by conversation with the patient’s husband the day before the scheduled procedure [The Local].
Catholic business group files lawsuit against US federal government
A lawsuit has been filed against the U.S. federal government in Michigan by Legatus, a national organization of Catholic business leaders, and the Weingartz Supply Company, a Michigan retailer, the President of which is a member of Legatus. The suit seeks a permanent injunction against the HHS regulation that requires employers to provide health insurance coverage for birth control and sterilization on the grounds that the law violates freedom of conscience and religion. [News Release]
New Zealand Medical Association against euthanasia
The Chair of the New Zealand Medical Association has stated that the Association would continue to be opposed to euthanasia even if the procedure were legalized.[EPC]The statement clearly indicates that conflicts of conscience would arise among health care professionals were New Zealand to permit or require their involvement in providing euthanasia or assisted suicide.