LifeZine No. 590: 12th May 08
Senator Challenges Irish Council for Bioethics on Destructive Embyro Research
Adult stem cell research has major medical potential, unlike work on embryonic stem cells, wrote Senator John Hanafin recently in “The Irish Times”. He said the Irish Council for Bioethics, which called recently for legislation to provide for embryonic stem cell research in Ireland, “has made a negative and unproductive response” compared to advocacy for adult stem cell research that is both ethical and scientifically promising. Its recommendation goes against the proven success of adult stem cells, he noted. Instead of destructive embryo research, he said, Ireland should aim to become a world leader and centre of excellence for adult stem cell research, which is scientifically promising and ethically non-controversial. Rather than destroying some lives to prolong others, we need to look for cures we can all live with. Details: CLICK TO READ MORE.....
MEP Extends Congratulations to Dr Philip Boyle and the Galway Clinic
"I would like to congratulate Dr Philip Boyle and the Galway Fertility Clinic on this happy celebration of their 10th anniversary. It will be such a joyous occasion and I am looking forward to attending and meeting all the miracle babies", said Ireland South MEP Kathy Sinnott. Dr Philip Boyle is a gynaecologist and Natural Procreative Technology (NAPRO) practitioner who helps couples struggling with infertility to have a baby. He offers hope to couples with unexplained infertility and those who suffer miscarriages. IVF tends to ignore the underlying problem that causes infertility, the MEP noted. Dr Boyle’s work is focused on finding the underlying medical problem and treating it while restoring health. Details: CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Discrimination Against the Disabled in Embryology Bill ‘Will Bring Back the Nazi's Eugenics Programme’
A disability rights activist has expressed dismay that Jewish leaders are supporting the British government's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. Simone Aspis of the Disabled Peoples Council and the Not Dead Yet Campaign, writing in TotallyJewish.com, says that the discrimination against the disabled in the Bill "will bring back the Nazi's Eugenics programme". Ms Aspis points out that equal respect for all human beings is a Yiddish tradition and that the equal right to life of all human beings is protected in international law. Totally Jewish. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Nuclear Family Key to Supporting Mothers and Children
Fathers should stay overnight in maternity wards with their newborn babies and the babies' mothers, according to a British pressure group. The Fatherhood Institute said there was research to suggest that such behaviour was beneficial. The midwives' organisation commented: "The midwife's primary role is to the mother and baby; however, we see the inclusion of the nuclear and extended family as key to supporting mothers and their children." Telegraph/Royal College of Midwives. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Pope Benedict XVI Pays Tribute to Alfonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo
Pope Benedict XVI has paid tribute to Alfonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, the President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, who died recently. Speaking at the Cardinal's funeral in Rome, the Pope said the late Cardinal had dedicated "his entire life to affirming the truth". CNA. CLICK TO READ MORE.....
Dr. Alveda King —Planned Parenthood Should be ‘De-Funded’
Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said a new study released by Students for Life of America, giving evidence that Planned Parenthood targets African Americans for abortion, supports the call of black leaders to eliminate federal subsidies to Planned Parenthood. “It’s time to let freedom ring for the babies”, said Dr. King. “The Students for Life report on Planned Parenthood’s targeting of African Americans for abortion spells out why taxpayers should not be forced to contribute to that organization. The government should not be subsidizing racism, but that’s exactly what it’s doing through Planned Parenthood.” “Defending human life is part of the civil rights struggle and I and my fellow pro-life African American leaders are not going away”, added Dr. King. LifeNews.com. CLICK TO READ MORE.....