Quebec Minister of Health Yves Bolduc and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Quebec, Jean-Marc Fournier have announed that a committee of legal experts will be formed to determine how to allow assisted suicide and euthanasia in the province, though the procedures are criminal offences in Canada. [LifeSite News]
Voluntary euthanasia bill defeated in South Australia
By a margin of two votes, the South Australia House of Assembly rejected the Voluntary Euthanasia Bill 2012, a private member’s bill. [ABC News] The bill included a protection of conscience provision.
Mormon physicians protest mandatory contraception coverage
The Collegium Aesculapium Foundation, an independent organization of Mormon physicians and health care professionals, has submitted a formal comment criticizing the Obama adminstration’s plan to force employers to provide health insurance forembryocidal drugs and devices and sterilization, despite moral or religious objections.
US Catholic bishops meeting focuses on freedom of conscience
At a meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore argued that the bishops must support freedom of conscience for individuals, including small businessmen and other employers who object to providing insurance coverage for contraception, embryodical drugs and devices and sterilization. The Papal Nuncio told the audience that it was important for the Church to speak with one voice. Several related initiatives were discussed. [Natiional Catholic Register]
Controversial bill moves forward in Philippines
Senate Bill 2865, a controversial Reproductive Health bill, will progess to the amendment stage in the Philippines Congress. House Bill 4244 or the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health And Population And Development Act Of 2011, is the House counterpart of the Senate bill.[Philippine Star] The latter includes provisions problematic with respect to freedom of conscience.