LIFEAlerts

LIFEalerts – Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

Colorado – Breaking News: Colorado passes bill to overhaul marijuana industry

Recently, Colorado State Assembly has overwhelmingly passed a bill to establish a scientific review council to analyze the available research on the physical and mental health effects related to the use of high potency marijuana. The bill must face one more vote prior to being sent to Governor Jared Polis, who has signaled that he will sign the bill. The bill seeks to implement much-needed public health guardrails and promote public health, reigning in a marijuana industry that has been allowed to run free. The bill will prohibit “medical” marijuana advertising directed to those aged 18-20 and requires medical and retail marijuana concentrate advertising to include a warning regarding the risks of “medical” marijuana concentrate overconsumption. More

USA – New study found young adults not successful using marijuana as harm reduction

A small descriptive pilot study involving 26 adolescents found that using marijuana as a harm reduction strategy was unsuccessful because using marijuana enhanced cravings for opiates and promoted relapse in each case.  During the past several years, interest in the possible role of marijuana as a therapeutic agent to treat opioid use disorder has escalated. Recent studies present a very mixed picture of the possible role of cannabis in the self-treatment of opioid use disorders. In this sample, all were motivated by the desire to get high and by the belief that smoking marijuana would help them never return to opiate use. During the period that they smoked marijuana, they did not use other drugs. All said that smoking marijuana increased their cravings and urges for opiates, and within one day to six weeks, they returned to opiate use. More, Study.

USA – Federal study shows link between marijuana use and suicide in young adults

A new study by the federal government shows a link between marijuana use and suicide in young adults. The study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which analyzed data from more than 280,000 people ages 18 to 35, suggests marijuana users thought about suicide, planned suicide or attempted it more often than people who don’t use marijuana. The findings come as marijuana usage increases across the country and as more states like Michigan legalize it for recreational use. While the researchers aren’t saying that marijuana is causing suicidal thoughts or actions, they are pointing out that people who use pot are more prone to suicidal thoughts or actions. The study is published online in JAMA Network Open the journal of the American Medical Association. More, Online publication.

UK – The future of nicotine

Earlier this month the Global Forum on Nicotine discussed the future of nicotine aiming to develop “safer” nicotine use and tobacco harm reduction strategies. The principle of this strategy rests on the fact that smokers who want to quit fail to succeed and as a result, alternatives have emerged such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco. The World Health Organization and other national regulators are strong opponents to these alternatives and argue that they are not a 100% reliable in fighting tobacco related diseases efficiently and accuse them of being interested in making profit. More

LIFEalerts – LGBTQ+ Issues

LGBTQ+ Issues

Sweden – Swedish Hospital bans experimental drugs used on transgender minors

The most politically and socially liberal countries in the world has nonetheless issued new guidelines on how to care for gender dysphoric minors and their mental, emotional, and physical well-being under age 16. The guidelines contradict many assertions of the transgender lobby, which encourage parents and children to accept, without hesitation, treating their children with cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers as normal and healthy treatment. Astrid Lindgren’s Children’s Hospital—an arm of the one of the most renowned hospitals in Sweden, the Karolinska University Hospital has reported that the current treatment option for transgender children are “potentially fraught with extensive and irreversible adverse consequences, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, infertility, increased cancer risk, and thrombosis.”

On 1st December 2020, the UK High Court in the Keira Bell case ruled that it was “highly unlikely, if at all possible, for an individual under the age of 16 to give informed consent to this treatment.” There were also “overarching problems associated with puberty-blocking treatment,” This move make Sweden the first country to deviate from World Professional Association for Transgender Health guidance, which continues to promote puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones on children under age 16. In April 2021, Arkansas became the first state to ban cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for minors. Other states should follow suit. More

USA – New Research may upend efforts to ban change therapy

Currently Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) provided by licensed therapists have been legally prohibited for minors in 20 states and numerous municipalities in the United States. Efforts to expand the scope of these bans to include adult consumers and non-licensed religious providers are currently underway.

The Universally flawed studies by the psychology profession, conducted over the last couple of decades which have led to overwhelming negative attitudes toward SOCE share a universal commonality: They draw their data exclusively from LGBT-identifying populations. In fact, LGBT-identity is among the “inclusion criteria” for the studies. So anyone with same-sex attraction who does not identify as LGBT would likely be excluded, and yet there is a significant minority of individuals with SSA who do not identify as LGBT, but instead prioritize their religious identity.

A new study published in the Spring 2021 Issues in Law & Medicine, by a socio-politically diverse team of psychologists, found that participants who rejected an LGB identity did not have worse levels of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial flourishing than those who were LGB identified. André Van Mol, M.D., in a summary of the study published by Christian Medical & Dental Association cautioned against using studies derived from, or dominated by LGB identified individuals who reject or alienate traditional faith communities for crafting laws or advocacy that affect sexual minorities in traditional religious communities. Issues in Law & Medicine, CMDA article.

Switzerland – Redefines discrimination of LGBT group

63.1% of Swiss voters recently agreed to penalize public discrimination of individuals belonging to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) group. This amendment adds sexual orientation as an extension to Switzerland’s racism statutes that penalized discrimination based on race, ethnicity and religion. This law would essentially put an end to things said such as ‘Burn the gay’ or ‘Lesbians must be raped’. Opponents argued that this was counter to freedom of expression, and that they should be able to express their views on homosexuality publicly. Experts on the other hand explained that the law does not penalize arguments and that there is a big difference between discussing a different view respectfully, and insulting someone and promoting hatred. More

USA – The Supreme Court ruled in favour of religious freedom

The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that a Catholic social services agency in Philadelphia could defy city rules and refuse to work with same-sex couples who apply to take in foster children. The decision, in the latest clash between antidiscrimination principles and claims of conscience, was a setback for gay rights and further evidence that religious groups almost always prevail in the current court. The Catholic agency, Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “seeks only an accommodation that will allow it to continue serving the children of Philadelphia in a manner consistent with its religious beliefs; it does not seek to impose those beliefs on anyone else.” More

Hungary – Lawmakers ban portrayals of homosexuality to minors

Recently Hungary’s parliament passed a bill that bans homosexuality in any content portraying or “promoting” homosexuality or sex reassignment to anyone under 18. The bill passed on a 157-1 vote. Under the law, any educational programs, advertisements, books, movies or television programs depicting homosexuality or other gender minorities in a positive light will no longer be allowed. The bill is experiencing backlash calling it propaganda against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. On the other hand, based on reports from medical experts in the UK who fear that children are being rushed into life altering surgeries, plus the Keira Bell case of the transgender regret she and many teens like her face, Hungary is acting in the best interest of minors who are emotionally and physiologically underdeveloped. More

LIFEalerts – Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Belgium – UN Human Rights Council criticized Belgium’s euthanasia law

Since Belgium legalized Euthanasia in 2002, the country has experienced a hundredfold increase in registered euthanasia deaths. In February 2014, the law expanded to enable doctors to end the lives of children of any age. In 2017, almost 20% of deaths by euthanasia in Belgium involved patients displaying symptoms common with aging. In May this year, the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland challenged Belgium on the human rights implications of its euthanasia law with various states urging the government to improve treatment of the elderly and of persons with disabilities. Not only does the European Court of Human Rights challenge Belgium on its euthanasia law but also now pending another case before Europe’s top court in the Tom Mortier case.

The case, which now sits before the top European court, has the potential to set a precedent for euthanasia laws across Europe. The Court’s decision could affect more than 820 million Europeans across the 47 Council of Europe Member States subject to its rulings.

The World Medical Association has consistently rejected the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide as being unethical. The act has long been associated with discriminatory attitudes against those who are elderly or disabled.

“The slippery slope is on full public display in Belgium, and we see the tragic consequences in this case. According to the most recent government report, more than six people per day are euthanized in this way, and that may yet be the tip of the iceberg. The figures expose the truth that, once these laws are passed, the impact of euthanasia cannot be controlled. Belgium has set itself on a trajectory that, at best, implicitly tells the most vulnerable that their lives are not worth living,” said Robert Clarke, Deputy Director of Advocacy for ADF International, who represents Tom Mortier before the Court. Article, More on Tom Mortier case.

Belgium – Anthology of behind-the-scenes observations from professionals

The Springer website, publisher of many medical journals has released a downloadable copy: Searching for the Full Story: Experiences and Insights of Belgian Doctors and Nurses. Euthanasia, though legal in Belgium, is opposed by some healthcare professionals. This collection of essays contains insights and thought provoking stories from the authors’ professional experience. The testimonies reported in this book of professionals do not believe that euthanasia can be a medical or a caring act, neither can it be a neutral option. In essence, euthanasia does not complement palliative care, it ends it; it is not the pinnacle of care and support for the patient, it discontinues it; it does not relieve the patients, it takes their lives. This open access book has been written by ten Belgian health care professionals, nurses, university professors and doctors specializing in palliative care and ethicists who fear that euthanasia have become normalised and trivial. More

USA – Euthanasia expands to telehealth

During the Covid-19 pandemic telehealth was initiated and now a new bill is before the US Senate seeking to extend the use of telehealth. The 2019 New Mexico bill and the 2020 Hawaii bill included such provisions so this is nothing new. This would mean that a person with difficult health issues who feels like a burden on others, or is experiencing depression or distress, could commit suicide by telehealth without ever seeing a physician. People with unidentified psychological issues or suicidal ideation is of concern as well. A 2016 study published in the British Medical Journal showed that medical error is the third leading cause of death in the US, euthanasia by telehealth is expected to exasperate the problem. More, more

LIFEalerts – Abortion

Abortion

USA – Abortion clinic asks women for their aborted babies in medical research

A New Mexico late-term abortion clinic has partnered with the University of New Mexico by donating body parts of aborted babies to be used in medical research. The clinic started issuing consent forms to mothers for their babies to be used in medical research. The original consent form only included one sentence concerning the donation of the babies’ bodies without providing any further details. In the winter of 2015/2016, the abortion clinic began using a new form. This form provides an entire page of information on the donation of aborted babies for research. Since implementing this new form, the donation of aborted babies to the university dropped drastically. More

UK – Medics call for an end to abortion pills by post

In an open letter, more than 600 medics call for an end to the controversial ‘pills in the post’ abortion scheme introduced at the start of COVID-10 lockdown. The letter cited evidence that some pills mailed after phone or online consultations were used when foetuses were beyond the stipulated ten-week limit – and even after the 24-week upper limit for surgical abortions. They argue that the new rules also made it easier for men to coerce women into abortions against their will and failed to protect girls who were being abused by adults, or women trafficked into prostitution. The medics are supported by several Tory MPs, including Scott Benton, who said: ‘This not a debate about abortion itself, it is about ensuring women are safe.’ More

USA – New peer-reviewed study refutes abortion as “essential” for child- spacing

A new peer-reviewed study by the Charlotte Lozier Institute (CLI), the second in a series of  peer-reviewed studies from CLI, shows that when a woman’s first pregnancy ends in abortion, it decreases the likelihood that any upcoming pregnancy will result in birth. They also found that for both women with and without abortions between children, healthy child- spacing intervals can be attained without resorting to abortion, and were within the recommended guidelines of 18 to 60 months. The paper is published online in the peer-reviewed Journal of Primary Care and Community Health. This research confirms the exact opposite of what abortion-supportive academics, including those at the American Public Health Association and the American College of OB-GYNs have asserted for decades. More, 2nd Series research.

South Africa – High Court claims being wanted or unwanted decides humanity of the unborn

On 26 March 2021, the Pretoria High Court handed down its judgment in The Voice of the Unborn Baby court case declaring that grieving parents of miscarried babies “have the right to bury the dead child”. However, parents of unborn babies that were lost due to medical negligence and abortion was denied. According to the court’s ruling, the humanity of wanted babies is recognised and protected when they are wanted but unwanted (aborted) babies are denied their humanity. The remains of unwanted babies are not ‘human’ but medical waste. The only difference between the remains of wanted and unwanted babies who died before live birth is their mother’s preference. More

Tanzania – Commences crack down on abortion pills

The Tanzanian government will begin cracking down on pharmacies and other establishments selling emergency contraceptive pills, commonly known as P2, and abortion pills (misoprostol) without prescription. Ms Elizabeth Shekalaghe, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council recognized that dangerous tablets such as misoprostol and P2 are being used contrary to government’s intentions. They are encouraging members of the public to report establishments that are selling medicines illegally. This follows a complaint made by citizens that say the government have failed to protect them against these medicines because young people are using them incorrectly. More

LIFEalerts – Sexual Exploitation

Sexual Exploitation

World – Epilogue on the Archives of Criminology

Human trafficking is yet another type of crime whose meaning and expression are both relative and evolutive.  Palermo Protocol is where the UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) advocate three main approaches: prosecution, protection and prevention strategies.  Canada and the US have a fourth P which stands for partnership to build capacity at local, regional and national levels for combating human trafficking.  Despite an increasing push towards the protection of victims, the literature on the subject shows an ongoing disproportionate emphasis on the offender’s prosecution.  Finally, prevention has been touted as a more effective and efficient response than prosecution.  Without participation, the response to human trafficking will not be evolutive. More

South Africa – Cops nabbed after sex trafficking victim ‘raped repeatedly’

The Hawks have arrested two senior members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their alleged role in a sex trafficking operation in Vereeniging, south of Johannesburg. According to the elite crime-busting unit, the two suspects were regulars at an unidentified brothel where a missing woman was being held hostage and used as a sex slave. Instead of abiding by their oath and coming to her rescue, the officers – a brigadier and captain, forced themselves on the woman, raping her on multiple occasions and paying money to the brothel owner. The DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] is committed to tackling this scourge in collaboration with our partners in government and civil society. Instead of decriminalizing prostitution, the focus should be aimed at dealing with corrupt officials like these. More

UK – COVID shuts down UK red light district

When the Covid pandemic hit the number of sex workers plummeted by 50% and caused the UK’s first red light district to shut down. The Holbeck Managed Approach scheme launched in 2014 and was the only place in the country where on-street sex work was legal. This initiative hoped to make is safer for the women but locals objected because the sexual activity invaded their streets. The scheme officially closed last year following the emergency measures introduced by the Safer Leeds Partnership as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recommendations that ban kerb crawling and punters on foot have also been adopted. Men preying on vulnerable women in street prostitution are no longer welcome or tolerated in Holbeck. More

Mozambique – Prison wardens force inmates into prostitution

The Centre for Public Integrity (CIP) reported recently how guards at the Ndlavela Women’s Prison in Maputo are sexually exploiting inmates by selling the women to clients for money, which the wardens then pocket for themselves. Those who complied were offered special treatment in jail, but those who did not were “tortured,” the CIP said. The sexual exploitation has been going for more than a decade. Justice Minister Helena Kida visited the prison and ordered an urgent government inquiry, the findings of which are expected soon. More

LIFEalerts – Medical Ethics

Medical Ethics

USA – New movement calls for a change in determining brain death

The Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) is a model state law agreed upon in 1981 by a number of expert bodies, which gives criteria for deciding whether a severely brain-damaged person is dead or not. Most states have adopted it, but only two-thirds of them have used the complete language of the act. Now, a movement calling for revision of UDDA is a try for uniformity, and called the Revised Uniform Determination of Death Act (RUDDA). 107 experts in medicine, bioethics, philosophy, and law, spanning a wide variety of perspectives, agree that UDDA needs an update but not as RUDDA because: “ (1) the Guidelines have a non-negligible risk of false-positive error, (2) hypothalamic function is more relevant to the organism as a whole than any brainstem reflex, and (3) the apnea test carries a risk of precipitating BD [brain death] in a non-BD patient, provides no benefit to the patient, does not reliably accomplish its intended purpose, and is not even absolutely necessary for diagnosing BD according to the internal logic of the Guidelines; it should at the very least require informed consent, as do many procedures that are much more beneficial and less risky. The issue of brain death is as much metaphysics as medicine. It requires a deep understanding of both to define the necessary criteria. More

LIFEalerts – Paedophilia

Paedophilia

Ireland – School curriculum content contain images of paedophilia

A senior Fianna Fáil TD had questioned the suitability of some books and films on the curriculum for English in both Junior and Leaving Certificate exams, claiming they contain descriptions and images of paedophilia, bestiality and torture.  Former minister Willie O’Dea said the issue was a “cause of concern” which needed to be examined carefully.  He pointed out that several texts on the NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment) list had previously been banned from the curriculum in the UK and the United States. The Minister said, in the coming months, the list for both the Junior and Leaving Certificate curriculum would be reviewed. More

LIFEalerts – IVF & Surrogacy

IVF & Surrogacy

Australia – Specialist question the need for expensive add-ons of IVF

Two Australian IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) Specialists are questioning the need for expensive IVF add-ons that get offered to so many IVF clients. If standard IVF works, why all the expensive add-ons? They claim that many expensive IVF add-ons rest on very shaky evidence.

Take, for example, ICSI, intracytoplasmic sperm injection. First developed in 1992 (without clinical trials) as a way of treating male infertility, it has become the most popular method of IVF – even though the rate of birth defects appears to be a bit higher. The authors recently published an article in The Lancet based on data from Vietnam which claims that, ICSI – which is much more expensive — does not improve the chance of a baby when compared with standard IVF if men have a normal sperm count. “So why do clinics routinely offer it?”

Their hunch is that “doctors may recommend it for fear of patients’ reactions if the eggs don’t fertilise, even if ICSI doesn’t improve the ultimate chance of a baby for those with a normal sperm count.”

They conclude: “Couples with infertility belong to a very vulnerable group who will do almost anything to achieve a pregnancy. They deserve our dedicated care and evidence-based treatment.” More

LIFEalerts – Euthanasia

Euthanasia

Canada – Appeal to lawmakers considering legalizing euthanasia

In a 3-minute video presentation, Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition appeals to lawmakers to first examine the Canadian experience before legalizing euthanasia & assisted suicide. Hidden in the euthanasia debate are the stories of pressure and coercion. The following represent a sample of many stories from Canada…

Canada – Canadian Medical Health Association concerned about Euthanasia

In response to the Canadian government’s recent decision to permit Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) for people with mental illnesses, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) issued a statement expressing deep disappointment. According to CMHA, until the health care system adequately responds to the mental health needs of Canadians, assisted dying should not be an option. This they also testified before the Senate in November of 2020. CMHA points out that it is “not possible to determine whether any particular case of mental illness represents “an advanced state of decline in capabilities that cannot be reversed.” And the CMHA “know that cases of severe and persistent mental illness that are initially resistant to treatment can, in fact, show significant recovery over time. Mental illness is very often episodic. Death, on the other hand, is not reversible. In Dutch and Belgian studies, a high proportion of people who were seeking MAID for psychiatric reasons, but did not get it, later changed their minds.” More

Australia – Nurse loses license to practice

Maura Kathryn Bannister, 60, an Australian nurse who referred to herself as the “angel of death” lost her nursing license on March 19 but will unlikely face criminal charges. Civil And Administrative Tribunal of the nursing and midwifery board of Australia, in the Bannister case decided to: disqualify her from applying for registration as a health practitioner for a period of two years from the date of this decision, and prohibit her from providing any health service for a period of two years from the date of this decision. This follows because she administered an unprescribed dose of morphine to an elderly and frail family friend who was receiving palliative care at home after a fall. Knowing the woman had already taken one dose or morphine that morning, Ms Bannister then gave another dose “greater than that prescribed, without any direction from the general practitioner to do so”.

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in August 3, 2017, published a Netherlands study titled: End-of-Life Decisions in the Netherlands over 25 years. This study uncovers abuse of the law. In 2015 there were 150 assisted suicide deaths, 431 terminations of life without request in the Netherlands. The Netherlands euthanasia law did not prevent 431 terminations of life without request. The euthanasia lobby will argue that legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide will regulate and prevent these types of deaths, but in fact it normalizes it as an acceptable medical practice and makes it impossible to prevent or even censure someone who carries out similar acts. More

LIFEalerts – Abortion

Abortion

UK – Many Politicians hear evidence from experts on dangers of DIY abortions

In the last week of March 2021, a large number of Politicians attended a webinar to hear evidence from experts on the dangers of DIY abortions that put women at risk. Dr Calum Miller, an NHS (National Health Services) doctor and research associate at the University of Oxford who specialises in abortion policy, showed the inherent flaws in the practice of ‘telemed’ abortions. He provided evidence to politicians not only of the medical risks involved but also of how easy it was for coercion to take place.

Kevin Duffy, a former Global Director of Clinics Development at one of the world’s largest abortion providers, Marie Stopes International (now MSI Reproductive Choices) highlighted many serious medical risks and safety concerns arising from DIY abortions. In particular, Duffy provided evidence that there is massive underreporting of medical complications arising from DIY abortions. How? He used data obtained largely from Freedom of Information Requests sent to six different NHS trusts/hospitals. Further analysis of the data shows that “every month, 495 women attended hospital with complications arising from retained products of conception (RPOC) after a medical abortion.

Every month, 250 women after using the abortion pills, required hospital treatment to surgically remove retained baby body parts. Quoting several sources, Dr Calum Miller, noted that “abusers might be listening in on [telemedicine phone consultation] conversations” said the New England Journal of Medicine; “Consultations, when possible, are offered online, which may introduce further barriers to accessing support” said the UN Office of Drugs and Crime; and some women’s “living arrangements may not permit the privacy and confidentiality appropriate for patient care” said the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Dr Miller referred to recent research on the subject as well, noting one study which found that a quarter of women seeking an abortion were pressured by a partner to do so. Polling from earlier this year shows 87% of GPs were concerned that women were at risk of unwanted abortion arising from domestic abuse by partners controlling or monitoring their actions.

Similarly, recent polling of the general public found 86% of women were concerned about women being at risk of being coerced into an abortion by a partner or family member during the ‘at-home’ abortion process. Furthermore, 86% of GPs surveyed across the UK were concerned about women having a medical abortion past the legal limitof ten weeks’ gestation. Concern was highest among female doctors (91%). More

USA – New longitudinal study shows Abortion causes mental health problems

A new study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that abortion not only aggravates pre-existing mental illness but also can mark the onset of problems for women with no history of psychiatric disorders. The researchers examined more than 1.9 million medical claim records of women that induced abortion or had miscarriage of a first pregnancy and found that it increased the risk of postpartum mental health problems by 10 to 35%. It is the first peer-reviewed study to carefully control variables related to a prior history of mental illness and the timing of the first episode of mental health problems.  Lead author of the study Dr David Reardon is not surprised with the results and says “There is no question about the fact that abortion can aggravate pre-existing mental illness. But there are also women who report that the abortion marked the onset of problems that did not previously exist. Our data confirms that both pathways are true.” “Unresolved memories and feelings about pregnancy loss can lead to postpartum depression and even psychosis during a subsequent pregnancy.

Unresolved emotions will demand one’s attention sooner or later. I have spent the last 35 years treating pregnancy loss and unresolved grief for those struggling in the aftermath of an abortion which left them shattered with sadness, heartache, guilt, shame and anger. Many learned to numb themselves with alcohol and drugs. Some re-enact their abortion experience with promiscuity and repeat abortions, trapped in traumatic cycles of abandonment and rejection. Others suffer eating disorders, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Some have permanent physical and reproductive damage that rendered them unable to have children in the future. The excruciating level of pain I have witnessed inspired me to establish a treatment model to address the unique and complicated grief for both women and men who have lost a child through abortion. That program, Rachel’s Vineyard, is a psychological and spiritual journey for healing after abortion that has spread to more than 80 countries and is offered in dozens of languages throughout the world. Pregnancy loss is a death experience. It is the demise of human potential, relationship, responsibility, maternal attachment, connectedness, and innocence. Such a loss is rarely experienced without conflict and ambivalence.” MDPI, Lifesite News

USA – FDA endangers women by lifting safety restrictions on abortion pills

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has planned to lift safety restrictions on abortion pills that get posted to women without in-person consultation. The American Association of Prolife Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) who represents 7,000 women’s healthcare practitioners, have expressed deep concern in over the FDA’s decision and have issued a statement detailing their concerns has healthcare practitioners who will not support this due it jeopardizing the lives of their patients. A recent analysis of the Adverse Events submitted to the FDA with the safety restrictions in place shows over 3000 women suffering with complications, of which 24 of these women died, and another 500 would have died if they had not reached emergency medical care in time. These numbers will only increase if the current safety restrictions, that require a woman be seen and evaluated by a licensed healthcare practitioner before receiving abortion pills, are removed. This requirement is not restrictive – it is protective.

Many women are pressured into abortions by their partner, a family member, or a trafficker. Oftentimes, their visit with a physician in early pregnancy is the only chance these women will have to expose this pressure they’re facing. Screening for abuse and trafficking is inadequate during a telemed visit because the physician cannot control the environment of the woman on the other end of the screen, or know who is hovering behind the computer screen. AAPLOG would like the FDA and American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to explain why women seeking abortions deserve substandard medical care that places their lives at risk. AAPLOG, AAPLOG

UK – Influential committee criticizes legislation without discussion

Very influential, The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC), a body within the House of Lords that scrutinizes proposed legislation, has released its Fifty First Report which draws “special attention” to Northern Ireland abortion regulations which enable Brandon Lewis to take action on rolling out abortion services in Northern Ireland. The committee pointed out that preventing discussion before the legislation takes effect “is particularly inappropriate when that policy is likely to be controversial, and the House may wish to ask the Minister to explain that decision”. In addition to its criticism of the swift passing of this legislation, the SLSC was able to pose a series of questions raising points that had been made by organizations, including Right To Life UK, in their submissions to the Committee. Publications Parliament, Right to Life

USA – Elective abortions for medical research resume

Federal officials have removed the Trump Administration restrictions on elective abortion fetal tissue for medical research. Government scientists will now continue to use fetal tissue that has in the past led to treatments for a variety of diseases, including COVID-19. Scientists at universities also can now apply for federal grants without getting approval from a special ethics panel for any such work. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra determined there were “no new ethical issues that require special review,” so the agency will return to using procedures that had been in place for decades before then-President Donald Trump’s administration changed the policy in June 2019, a statement from the agency said. More