Triune Health Group of Chicago, Illinois, has joined the growing number of private employers and colleges suing the Department of Health and Human Services because of a regulation that will force objecting employers to provide insurance coverage for contraception, embryocides and sterilization. [News release]
Mandatory referral untouched by amendments proposed to Philippines bill
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]
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]