LIFEAlerts

LIFEalerts – Medical Ethics

Medical Ethics

China – Tests the theory of male pregnancy

Recently, a team of scientists in China at the Naval Medical University in Shanghai tried to create a model to test the hypothesis that you could get a male rat to deliver babies. They took a male and a female rat and literally joined their blood circulation to get female hormones into the male bloodstream. Then they transplanted the uterus of the female rat into the male rat. Embryos were transferred from the female that they had created in vitro and the male gave birth to 10 rat cubs, and they seemed normal. It’s obvious that this model will not be used in humans since you would have all kinds of immunologic and other problems. Medscape, Study.

UK – WHO declares human genome editing as safe

The World Health Organization (WHO) is offering a pathway to establish human genome editing as a safe, effective and ethical tool for public health. WHO Director-General explained that “Human genome editing has the potential to advance our ability to treat and cure disease, but the full impact will only be realized if we deploy it for the benefit of all people, instead of fuelling more health inequity between and within countries,”. Doctors For Life’s (DFL) official stance on genome editing is that we see no issue in genome editing as a therapeutic intervention however, when it comes to using this tool for enhancing humans ability to exceed normal human capabilities, DFL disagrees at this point. More

UK – Devices that help people control electronics with their mind becomes reality

Researchers from Imperial College London have reviewed commercial brain-computer interface (BCI) devices in the journal APL Bioengineering. The most promising is electroencephalography (EEG), a method for monitoring the brain noninvasively through its electrical activity. However, these devices raise social, ethical, and legal concerns. These devices allow a person to control electronics, which is useful for medical patients who need help controlling wheelchairs, but it may also change the way the brain functions. “For some of these patients, these devices become such an integrated part of themselves that they refuse to have them removed at the end of the clinical trial,” said one of the authors. “It has become increasingly evident that neurotechnologies have the potential to profoundly shape our own human experience and sense of self.” Other concerns are what if companies own the neural data? Since it is considered to be the most intimate and private information that could be associated with any given user it is worrisome said another author. More

LIFEalerts – Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

USA – UN World Drug Report: Ban Marijuana Advertising & THC potency caps

Earlier this month (June) the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the latest edition of the annual World Drug Report, which highlighted the fact that while use of marijuana among young people has increased to levels not seen since the early nineties, the perception of harm from use among the same demographic is at a historic low. The report also called for a global ban on marijuana advertising and the implementation of a cap on THC potency in marijuana products where the marijuana industry has expanded. According to the report, “a comprehensive ban on advertising, promoting, and sponsoring marijuana would ensure that public health interests prevail over business interests… The measures could work in a way similar to the provisions of The Who Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.” More

Europe – Aims for alcohol- and tobacco-free Europe

The European Commission plans to contemplate a tobacco free generation by 2040 with stricter regulation of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, as well as increasing taxes on alcohol, curbing its promotion, and restricting sales. Since 90% of lung cancers can be avoided without tobacco use, the Commission is aiming to have fewer than 5% of EU citizens using tobacco in 20 years. The EU particularly aims to protect young people from taking up smoking. Alcohol, which accounts for more than 15% of cancer-attributable deaths in men and 30% in women, the Commission proposed to stop stimulating consumption of alcohol via the EU promotion programme for agricultural products. More

South Africa – School study shows concerning HPV prevalence

A new study, done by the National Health Laboratory Services and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, in two Eastern Cape schools shows more than three-quarters of teenage girls were found to have the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the study, published in the PLOS One, young girls who consumed alcohol were almost three times more likely to have HPV infections compared with their non-drinking counterparts. The current prevalence was higher than the 68% HPV prevalence among HIV-negative young women (aged 16- 24) in the Western Cape, and the 65% reported in Gauteng. Research was conducted only in two communities, which do not represent the population of the Eastern Cape, “and cannot be generalised”. More

USA – Olympic trials suspend champion for traces of THC

Earlier this July, track and field made front-page news everywhere when U.S. 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson was given a 30-day suspension after testing positive for THC, a substance found in marijuana, at the U.S. Olympic trials. The length of her suspension meant that Richardson, a gold medal favourite in Tokyo, would miss the Olympic Games. Fans everywhere were outraged, and several voices in the track and field world demanded to know why the drug, which is now legal in several countries and states, is still on the banned list.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) published a paper in the journal Sports Medicine explaining that  marijuana 1) poses a health risk to athletes. 2) has the potential to enhance performance. 3) Violates the “spirit of sport”. When athletes use cannabis in competition, they potentially endanger themselves and others because of increased risk-taking, slower reaction times and poor executive function or decision-making. Use of illicit drugs that are harmful to health and that may have performance-enhancing properties is not consistent with the athlete as a role model for young people around the world. More

Mozambique – Government seeks to remove Cannabis Energy Drink

Although the energy drink called Cannabis Energy Drink contains no marijuana and has no hallucinogenic properties, Mozambique’s tax authorities want the drink removed from the Mozambican market. Officials are concerned it would encourage the consumption of illegal narcotics in the country. The energy drink has an image of a Cannabis sativa leaf, which allegedly violates the country’s anti-drug legislation. It is not clear where ‘Cannabis Energy Drink’ is produced, although its official website lists the Netherlands as the host country. Anyone who understands marketing techniques will realize that the concern of these officials are not baseless at all and that the mere name and image of marijuana on the energy drink certainly does have the effect of normalising and encouraging a particular idea and would spark curiosity. More

USA – New App designed to help recovering addicts manage triggers

Rimrock Foundaiton and Substance Abuse Connect Coalition in Billings, along with New Jersey-based behavioral science tech company, GoMo Health, have seen good anecdotal results after utilizing a text messaging app designed to interrupt relapse behavior in people with substance use disorders. The app provides support services available 24hours seven days a week so that such people do not have to deal with those triggers alone. The program is called recovery pathways and is a response initiative to help with the out of control substance use within communities. More

USA – New research shows correlation between drug use and increased violence

Specialists in Central Illinois share there is a correlation between substance abuse and the increase in violence. Whether it is selling the substance, using a substance and money has been driving factors. It’s a trend being seen across the united states. Studies show that drug use is strongly linked to gun violence, especially when illegal drug sales are involved. “When we think about people who use substances, they’re impulsive, they’re not in the right mind,” Outpatient Clinical Supervisor for The Gateway Foundation’s Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center, Mercedes Kent said. 90% of individuals who take their own life meet the criteria for one or more diagnosable conditions, including substance abuse according to studies done on suicide and prevention. More

LIFEalerts – Sexual Exploitation

Sexual Exploitation

Germany – Registered sex workers drop sharply in pandemic

The number of people registered as sex workers with German authorities declined sharply last year as coronavirus restrictions shut brothels for months. Legislation in 2002 legalized and regulated prostitution in Germany, giving sex workers social benefits, and they are now obliged to register. But brothels have been closed for much of the time since the covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020 as part of wider lockdowns.  At the end of last year, 24,940 prostitutes were officially registered with authorities, the Federal Statistical Office said. That was down from some 40,400 a year earlier — a 38% drop. This is the reality if you want to legalize prostitution. We learn from countries who tried it, it does not work. More

Germany – Brothel converted into test centre

Prostitutes in Germany were trained up to become Covid testers after their brothel closed down due to lockdown restrictions and then subsequently turned into a test center. Brothels closed down and the sale of sex has been banned across Germany due to the coronavirus, which has forced many prostitutes into poverty and danger. Some prostitutes have admitted that they have had no choice but to flout the restrictions. Regarding the free-of-charge examinations, they said; ‘We want to make a contribution to the fight against the pandemic and to do something good for the people.’ Doctors For Life International is impressed with news like this. More

USA – Detective finds evidence of sex trafficking on OnlyFans

A Detective from Texas, one of the country’s most elite human trafficking investigators, shared with viewers how OnlyFans shows evidence of sex trafficking activity. He has participated in arresting over 460 sex buyers, 149 individuals for human trafficking and related offenses, which led to the identification of 260 trafficking victims.   During the pandemic, OnlyFans has seen exponential growth. Last year, it claimed to have more than 30 million registered users and more than 450,000 creators. Palmbach said some of the ways to stop the potential threat of OnlyFans is through banking, financing, working with law enforcement by reporting things that are witnessed and searching for potential dangers in other social media platforms. More

LIFEalerts – Pornography

Pornography

World – Controversial Sexuality Education Rejected at World Health Assembly

Multiple UN Member States have recently rejected a paragraph calling for highly controversial “Comprehensive Sexuality Education” (CSE) at a World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution on ending violence against children. This means that UN documents will no longer accept CSE moving forward. CSE goes far beyond sex education and is one of the most controversial terms at the UN, never having achieved consensus because of its radical content. CSE sexualizes children and mainstreams diverse sexual and gender identities among other things, and used by sexual rights activists to change the sexual and gender norms of society forcing them to embrace abortion, promiscuity, and transgenderism.  More

USA – Pornography producer sentenced to 20 years for sex trafficking

A pornography producer for GirlsDoPorn, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for “Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion” along with four others who run the company together. Advocates for sex trafficking survivors applauded the judge in the case for listening to the GirlsDoPorn survivors who courageously spoke at the sentencing hearing. The entire pornography industry – that is built on abuse, exploitation, and coercion – is hereby put on notice that exploitation will not stand. GirlsDoPorn placed ads for “modelling jobs” that would pay $5,000 but instead pressured women into signing documents without a chance to read them thoroughly, and were threatened with legal action or “outing” if they did not “perform” in a sex video. More

UK – Porn fuelling sexual harassment in schools

Children’s easy access to violent online pornography is fuelling sexual harassment in schools, and shaping pupils’ expectations of relationships and ‘normal’ behaviour. Sexual harassment of girls has become normalised in schools, and boys collect nude images of them like a card game Dame Rachel de Souza urged the Government to introduce age-verification checks on websites to prevent children from accessing pornography. She amended that in the real world, adults wouldn’t leave something dangerous or inappropriate lying around for children to stumble upon – why should the internet be different?” Former Sunday Times editorial director Eleanor Mills highlighted that the issue became worse in lockdown and we now have a generation of traumatised young women and emotionally deadened young men. More

Texas – Lawmaker Call for Investigation into Pornhub for Child Pornography

State Rep. Matt Krause has called for Texas attorney general and Department of Public Safety (DPS) to investigate Pornhub and MindGeek for potential involvement in sex crimes and to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Krause did this to protect vulnerable and victimized adults and children from this predatory industry that is fuelling deadly and dangerous human trafficking. MindGeek, the parent company of Pornhub, is currently the subject of several lawsuits, by women who claim it profits from videos of rape, underage sex, trafficking, and other non-consensual content. MindGeek is the most dominant online pornography company and the largest human trafficking ventures in the world, as claimed by one of the complainants. More

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