LifeZine No. 584: 17th Apr 08
Alarming Statistics Highlight Use of Abortifacient Pill in Ireland
Dr Helen O'Brien, writing in the "Irish Times" criticised the “rather simplistic view of the mode of action of the contraceptive pill" expressed by a previous correspondent, Colette Browne (I.T.April 3rd). As well as preventing ovulation, Dr. O’Brien pointed out, the pill can effect changes in cervical mucus, which block the passage of sperm; but it can also effect changes in the endometrium, which prevent an embryo from implanting. The progesterone-only pill has a weak effect on ovulation but has a very powerful one on cervical mucus. If the first two effects do not prevent the meeting of ovum and sperm, the pill may prevent the resulting embryo from implanting. As regards the Mirena device, she added, “there is no evidence to show that it acts in any way other than by causing an early abortion. The fact that there are up to 100,000 women here in Ireland using it, mostly as family planning, is alarming.” Details: CLICK TO READ MORE.....
First Minister Dr Paisley Warns on Abortion 'Backdoor' in Northern Ireland
Dr Ian Paisley, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, has warned that MPs may attempt to use the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill as a way to legalise abortion in Northern Ireland. Speaking at Prime Minister's question time, he said, "Would you give the people of Northern Ireland the assurance that no attempt will be supported by the government to countenance any attempt to use the embryo bill to bring in by the backdoor legislation that would legalise abortion in Northern Ireland? All parties in Northern Ireland are opposed to this and surely that decision should be made by Stormont and by Stormont alone." The first minister of Northern Ireland is to step down from that job and as leader of his Democratic Unionist Party in May. Dr Paisley is an outspoken opponent of abortion and takes a pro-life stance on several issues. Epolitix. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Two Out of Three People in UK 'Against the Creation of Hybrid Embryos'
Churches in Britain have condemned the recent creation of human/animal hybrids. The Church of Scotland, which had already announced its opposition to the practice, expressed regret and serious concern. It said the government's Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) bill would legalise research on hybrids. The Catholic bishops of England and Wales regretted that there had not been a debate in Parliament and called for public discussion of the ethical issues. Moreover, a recent poll suggests public disapproval of making hybrids. Two thirds opposed the practice, with half of those questioned expressing strong disapproval. Scotland’s Cardinal Keith O'Brien welcomed the findings and called on Parliament to take note of them. The government should support adult stem cell research, he said. Christian Today/Daily Mail. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Controversial Plans to Relax the Laws on Fertility and Embryology are ‘Turning Society on it's Head’
The chairman of a parliamentary pro-life group, Mr Jim Dobbin, MP, has given a cautious welcome the Prime Minister's letter permitting Labour MPs to vote against certain elements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) bill. He said that he opposed all embryo research and the creation of so-called saviour-siblings, and that the law should recognise children's need for fathers. These plans to relax the laws on fertility and embryology are "turning society on its head", he pointed out. He continued: "My belief is that ethics and good science go hand in hand and many of the scientists who are pursuing the embryonic stem cell research have completely ignored the ethical questions." Middleton Guardian. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Spanish Bishops: No Catholic can Support Abortion, Euthanasia or Research with Embryos
The Spanish Bishops’ Conference reiterated recently “no Catholic, either in private or public life, can support practices such as abortion, euthanasia or the creation, freezing and manipulation of human embryos in any case.” In a statement entitled, “Life is Always a Good,” the Spanish bishops underscored that “human life is a sacred value which we all must respect and which the laws must protect” from “its beginnings in fertilisation until its natural end.” Released on the occasion of the 7th Pro-Life Day, held on March 31st, the statement rebuffed the argument that Catholics can reject abortion but that it should be made available to non-Catholics, saying abortion is a matter of human rights and not of religion. CNA. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Dr Alveda King— 'Planned Parenthood, Stop Lying’
Recent visitor to Ireland, Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., has rejected Planned Parenthood's use of her uncle's image and words on its website. "Planned Parenthood is no stranger to deception. I know firsthand because prior to my abortion, a Planned Parenthood doctor told me that my baby was just a 'blob of tissue'", said Dr. King. "Now, Planned Parenthood lies by trying to imply that my uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., would somehow endorse the organization today. He most certainly would not." Details: CLICK TO READ MORE.....