CMF Ethics and Public Policy Newsletter − May 2019
It’s been a busy few months in the Public Policy department, with lots of topical issues to keep up with.
Paul calls on the Ephesian church to 'put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.'
(Ephesians 6:13).
This call to ‘stand firm’ is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In our modern society, which is often opposed to biblical values, it’s a necessary reminder. It can feel as though we tread on shaky ground with unstable foundations. As soon as one bill is defeated, another springs up; as soon as one battle is won, another arises. Each new wave of opposition threatens to shake the foundation on which we stand.
But we know that our ‘foundation’ cannot be shaken that easily. Our foundation – our security, the ground on which we stand – isn’t our reputation, job or bank account. Paul writes 'For no man can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.' (1 Corinthians 3:11). If we are trusting in Jesus, we cannot be ultimately defeated. His purposes will succeed. In light of that, let’s continue to take a stand on this solid foundation.
Here’s some insight into what’s going on behind the scenes…
Puberty blockers: a societal experiment built on sand
With a rapidly increasing number of children presenting with gender dysphoria, puberty blockers are in high demand. Described as a “momentous step in the dark”, they are an experimental treatment – but what does the evidence suggest? Are they effective? Are they safe? And how should Christians approach this minefield? Dr John Greenall analyses the evidence to tackle this complex and controversial issue.
Why the Royal College of Physicians will go ‘neutral’ on assisted suicide and why that matters
Following a poll of its members, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) have formally changed their stance on assisted suicide from ‘opposed’ to ‘neutral’. The undemocratic way the poll was conducted has raised eyebrows, as a 60% supermajority was required for the college to maintain its historic stance of opposition. This triggered two blog posts. In the first, Philippa Taylor questions the murky concept of ‘neutrality’ and explains why we should be extremely concerned about ‘going neutral’.
The risks of neutrality on assisted suicide – lessons from abroad
The second blog analyses the risks of a medical body abandoning the established stance of opposition to assisted suicide. Lessons may be learned from the examples of Canada and Oregon, where the adoption of a ‘neutral’ position paved the way to legalisation of assisted suicide.
After three decades the Department of Health recognises fetal pain
Amid calls for abortion decriminalisation, advances have been made in the area of fetal surgery. The traditional view that the fetus does not experience pain no longer holds sway. Following a government announcement endorsing the use of fetal analgesia for in utero spina bifida surgery, this blog post explores the implications and the logical next steps.
A stark warning to UK doctors from Canada
In the light of seemingly increased support for abortion and euthanasia from well-respected medical bodies, this insightful blog reflects on recent events in Canada, where doctors’ rights to conscientious objection have been forfeited for the sake of so-called ‘equitable access to health care’. Could the UK follow suit?
‘Abortion does not cause mental illness’. Discuss. New abortion advice to schools: Fact or fiction?
Does abortion affect women's mental health? A new ‘factsheet’ produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) claims not. This factsheet has prompted two blogs: In the first, Philippa Taylor takes on the mammoth task of appraising the research around mental illness following abortion. In the second, James Evans scrutinises six claims on the factsheet to determine if they are as ‘factual’ as seems. Highly relevant reading for anyone with an interest in what young people are taught on this emotive subject.
Surrogacy: A selfless gift… or something more?
A public consultation on the law around surrogacy is expected within the coming months. This post reviews current legislation and the implications of potential changes. Many of us might be relatively unfamiliar with this issue, but we should not be ignorant of it.
Two giants are approaching; are we ready for them?
Expect to be challenged as you read this response to two recent proposals for law change. These twin ‘legislative giants’ – to decriminalise abortion across the UK and to introduce abortion in Northern Ireland – are ‘lurking just around the corner’ and could resurface at any moment. This is more than an interesting read – it is a call to be vigilant, to take up arms, and to break our silence on abortion.
A good day to bury bad news? New CANH guidance released by BMA
Many will have missed the release of new guidance on the withdrawal of Clinically Assisted Nutrition and Hydration (CANH). This affects up to 24,000 patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) as well as, worryingly, vulnerable individuals affected by severe stroke or dementia. Steve Fouch highlights concerns with this guidance, which represents a step towards the legalisation of euthanasia.
Being a Christian in the UK today – an Inquiry by Christians in Parliament
CMF has submitted a response to an Inquiry on the topic of ‘Being a Christian in the UK Today’, to highlight pressure points experienced by Christian healthcare professionals. Particular attention is given to sharing faith, freedom of conscience and access to specialist training. You can read the full submission here. CMF’s head of Public Policy, Philippa Taylor, was able to give oral evidence in response to this Inquiry.
Reducing family conflict: Reform of the legal requirements for divorce – Government Consultation
Proposals to ‘reform’ current divorce law in England and Wales will lead to divorce on demand. This submission explains CMF’s opposition to the proposals, based on robust evidence, and proposes an alternative agenda – to strengthen and stabilise families.
Submission to the 72nd Session of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women – Government Consultation
Following a recommendation from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) that Northern Ireland legalises abortion on the basis of serious and fatal abnormality, CMF has submitted a response that draws attention to the protective safeguards of the current law – safeguards that protect the mother, the unborn child, the healthcare professionals and the people of Northern Ireland. In addition, CMF member Dr Paul Coulter gave oral evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee.
Royal College of Physicians poll
Following the announcement of the poll on assisted suicide, CMF released statements to draw attention to this issue. The first called on the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to abandon the biased and undemocratic poll. You can read the response here. The second post followed the results of the poll and the subsequent decision to adopt a ‘neutral’ stance, despite opposition to assisted suicide being the most prevalent view held by members.
Upcoming events
First Do No Harm: Euthanasia in Belgium
On 16th May 2019, Professor Raphael Cohen-Almagor, Professor and Chair in Politics at the University of Hull, will be giving a lecture about the Belgian law on euthanasia and the concerning implications that this has.
Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Location: St Mary's University
Please see here for more details and to book a place (no charge).
The Why? Series A day exploring the Christian perspective on some of today's biggest ethical questions.
On 18th May 2019, the Zacharias Trust are holding an event to explore important ethical questions about the Christian faith. Led by a team of apologists, this day aims to equip Christians to address contemporary challenges.
Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Cost: £22 per person (£15 for students / unwaged)
To find out more information and to book tickets, please visit the website here.
