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News Embryo
Genetic modification of human embryos: a gateway to eugenics?
Researchers at Columbia University in New York have announced that they have used a basic gene-editing technique to modify the genome of human embryos at the single-cell stage (zygote). Although the study (preprint) has not yet been peer-reviewed, it is already raising questions. Whilst no therapeutic applications are yet on...
News Abortion
Belgium – Proposed liberalisation of abortion laws: 12, 14 or 18 weeks – a scientific question or an ethical choice?
The Belgian Minister for Justice, Annelies Verlinden (CD&V), announced in early June that a bill would shortly be tabled to substantially amend the current legislation on abortion. The bill proposes, in particular,...
News Surrogacy
Surrogacy: between freedom-restricting contracts and eugenic abortions
The issue of regulating surrogacy continues to be a subject of debate across Europe, and particularly in Belgium. Regulating a practice that involves, on the one hand, the provision of a person – the surrogate mother –...
News Abortion
Criminalisation of abortion prior to 1990 in Belgium: towards recognition of ‘harm’?
The Belgian Federal Parliament is currently considering a draft resolution aimed at recognising the harm suffered by individuals convicted under criminal provisions criminalising abortion prior to its partial...
News Abortion
In the Netherlands, the abortion pill is available on request via an online platform
The website thuisabortus.nl was launched in March 2026 under the leadership of GP and sexologist Peter Leusink. He heads a team currently comprising nine doctors and a midwife, who respond online to requests for prescriptions for abortion pills.
News Fertility and Pregnancy
The First 1,000 Days Campaign: where does humanity begin?
“Protecting children from endocrine disruptors during their first 1,000 days”: this is the aim of theprevention campaign launched on 1 April 2026 by the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) for Public Health, in...
News Abortion
My Voice My Choice: Has the European Commission decided to fund cross-border abortions within the EU?
On 26 February, the European Commission issued its official response to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) My Voice My Choice (MVMC). This stance was eagerly awaited, given that the initiative raised sensitive...
News Surrogacy
The Hague Conference: another setback for the international recognition of surrogacy
TThe Hague Conference has abandoned the draft protocol setting out the conditions under which states should recognise parent-child relationships arising from cross-border surrogacy. This was announced by the...
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All the news
Genetic modification of human embryos: a gateway to eugenics?
France: Will the government force through the euthanasia bill?
Bereavement leave in the event of euthanasia: will it be possible to change one’s mind?
Belgium – Proposed liberalisation of abortion laws: 12, 14 or 18 weeks – a scientific question or an ethical choice?
Belgium: care for people with disabilities under scrutiny from the UN
Alberta (Canada): a setback for the expansion of euthanasia?
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