The following are pro-life news briefs featuring stories on abortion and bioethics issues from across the world.
Majority of Australians Against Sex-Selection Abortions, Poll Says
Canberra, Australia — Research led by University of Melbourne demographer Dr Rebecca Kippen has found 80 per cent of people are against sex-selective abortions and 67 per cent are against the use of IVF for sex selection.
Moreover, when asked whether they would support a hypothetical blue or pink pill for sex selection, only 11 per cent said yes. (more)
Belgium Proposal Advocates Euthanasia for Dementia Sufferers, Minors
Brussels, Belgium — Three Belgian parliamentarians are proposing euthanasia of dementia sufferers and minors. They propose draft legislation to allow people to make a pro-euthanasia advance directive before the onset of dementia. They have also proposed provisions for the euthanasia of newborns and of adolescents. (more)
Catholics in Vietnam Bury Bodies Daily of Babies Killed in Abortions
Hanoi, Vietnam — Catholics from Vietnam’s central provinces have been burying thousands of aborted fetuses for nearly two decades out of respect for life. “We want to raise awareness of respect for life that God makes among local people, especially mothers,” said John Baptist Truong Van Nang. Vietnam law allows abortion at hospitals to control population growth. (more)
Finland Nurse Murders Patients
Helsinki, Finland — Aino Nykopp-Koski, 60, killed the patients, aged between 70 and 91, with drugs they had not been prescribed, including sedatives and opiates. The murders took place at various hospitals, care homes and patients’ homes between 2004 and 2009, the Helsinki court heard. Media reported that the court had not been able to determine any motive for the crimes. (more)
Costa Rica Under Pressure to Lift Ban on In-Vitro Fertilization
San Jose, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is under both domestic and international pressure to legalise in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The pressure follows a request from the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, an entity of the Organization of American States, for Costa Rica to allow IVF. It is reported that Costa Rican politicians feel the request poses a dilemma for the Catholic nation. (more)
Taiwan Man Says Killing Elderly Wife Was a Euthanasia Bid
Taipei, Taiwan — An 83-year old man in Taiwan has admitted murdering his wife with a screwdriver in what he claims was a ‘mercy killing’ in the light of her Parkinson’s disease.
Wang Ching-hsi, a retired engineer, killed his wife Sun Yuan-ping, 80, who suffered from Parkinson’s’ disease, at their Taipei home Sunday. Wang gave her sleeping pills then used a hammer to knock the screwdriver in her skull. Wang then turned himself in to police, claiming he performed euthanasia to end her suffering. (more)
