Swedish nurse takes a stand on conscience rights

 If soldiers can object to using weapons, why can’t health professionals refuse to assist at abortions?

Mercatornet

Mariola O’Brien

In 2011, the European Council adopted a resolution that protects healthcare workers’ right to freedom of conscience regarding abortion and euthanasia. Sweden has signed this agreement. But reality paints a different picture. Out of the 47 member states in the European Council, Finland and Sweden are the only two which do not uphold freedom of conscience in practice.

Ellinor Grimmark, 37, is the first midwife in Sweden to report a hospital to the Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) concerning abortion. She claims to have been discriminated against on the basis of her religious beliefs and moral convictions. Newly-graduated, she was fired from her position last summer because she refused to assist abortions. Even though there is a shortage of midwives at the moment, and even though she is willing to take on double shifts, she has been denied a job ever since. One employer had first agreed to hire her in spite of the “complication”, but withdrew the offer when her story began to spread in media.
Full Text

 

Missouri protection of conscience bill passes House of Representatives

House Bill 1430 has passed the Missouri House of Representatives by a vote of 112-38.  The bill largely replicates one that passed the House in 2013 but failed to pass the state Senate.  It is a procedure-specific bill that provides protection of conscience for individuals and institutions. [LifeNews]

Belgium extends euthanasia to children

By a vote of 86-44, the Belgian House of Representatives has approved a bill to extend euthanasia to children.  The bill had previously passed the Belgian Senate.  The law will apply to children who have a terminal and incurable illness, are near death, and suffering “constant and unbearable physical” pain.  Parents and health care professionals must agree, and a paediatric psychiatrist or psychologist must certify that the child has the capacity to discern that being killed is the ‘best choice.’ [The Guardian]

Quebec official considers expanding euthanasia to minors, dementia patients

Although Bill 52, Quebec’s euthanasia legislation, has not yet passed the National Assembly, the secretary of the Collège des médecins du Québec, the state regulator of medical practice, has suggested that grounds for euthanasia will likely be broadened after the bill passes.  Dr. Yves Robert, speaking of Alzheimer patients and those under 18, said “We will have to think about that, not only for [incapable] adults but
obviously for youngsters who face terminal diseases.” [National Post]  His statement is consistent with statements made by various groups giving evidence in committee hearings.  For example, the Quebec Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights takes the position that failing to provide euthanasia for mentally incompetent patients and minors would constitute a violation of human rights, and warned legislators that if they did not amend the bill to include it, the change would be forced through civil action.

Christian conscience in a secular culture

 Reflections of an ecumenical Pentecostal

Daniel Tomberlin*

. . .The Gospel of Christ should inform believers on the political left and right, and convict sinners on the left and right. The Incarnation (God with us) means that Christ is above, in, and with all human endeavors. So yes, Christian theology and ethics should seek to inform and shape public life. That means that individual Christians, and Christian institutions, have an obligation to exercise a Christ-shaped conscience.

So then, how does a Christian exercise conscience in a pagan or secular culture? Should believers bow before the idol of state for the sake of peace?  . . .[Full Text]