News - Announcements

Genetic surgery in the womb moves closer (30.3.2004)
British scientists lead in the use of HIV to deliver a pre-birth cure after successfully treating blood clotting in foetal mice, reports Roger Highfield.
British scientists are preparing to conduct genetic surgery on an unborn child. The team reported yesterday that it is the first to use gene transplants in the womb to cure an inherited disease - the blood clotting disorder Haemophilia B.

Conference of European Churches (CEC):
Contribution to the Euthanasia debate at the Council of Europe
With the question of euthanasia being on the European political agenda at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the CSC sought opinions of member churches of the CEC on this issue. Responses have been received from several member churches from Orthodox and Protestant traditions. Although on first sight these responses show diverging positions - from an absolute rejection of euthanasia to a carefully worded permission under strict conditions and in exceptional cases - none are in favour of active euthanasia.

Italy Fertility Treatment Curbed (9.3.2004)
A new law making it more difficult for couples to get fertility treatment in Italy has come into effect.
The legislation restricts treatment to stable couples and gives a fertilised egg the same rights as a citizen.