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Abortion

Press Statement – Abortion Law at a Crossroads

Our Press Statement concerning the abortion-related amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

Assisted Reproduction

Press Release – Babies for Sale, Wombs for Rent: Why Surrogacy Must Not Be Normalised

Surrogacy is always an injustice, according to Dr Pia Matthews, as she explains in a new essay written for the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, which examines the problems created by surrogacy, and a new framework for it proposed by a joint report of the Law Commission of England and Wales and Scottish Law Commission, for the welfare and best interests of children and the risk of exploitation of women.

Human Dignity

Press Release – The Important Contribution of Dignitas Infinita to Current Debates

The Anscombe Bioethics Centre welcomes a new document from the Vatican about the nature of human dignity, which makes an important contribution to current debates by clarifying what we mean by human dignity.

Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide (EAS)

Press Statement – Support for Assisted Suicide Ebbs Away in Scotland

The Journal of Medical Ethics Forum has released an article by Prof. David Albert Jones, Director of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, showing that support for assisted suicide in Scotland has declined significantly. Read full statement for further details!

Showcase

A showcase selection of the work of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, from noteworthy research, events, and media presentations.

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Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide (EAS)

Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Guide to the Evidence

This evidence guide has been written to inform the debate about whether to legalise physician assisted suicide or euthanasia in the United Kingdom. Most of the sources cited here are also relevant to the debates on assisted suicide or euthanasia in other countries.

Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide (EAS)

Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and Suicide Rates in Europe (Journal of Ethics in Mental Health)

The Journal of Ethics in Mental Health (JEMH) published an article by the Anscombe Centre’s Director, David Albert Jones, which shows, contrary to some claims that introducing euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) would reduce suicides, that there is no evidence that this is the case, but that European data shows that in countries that have introduced voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide into law and medical practice.

COVID-19

The Ethics of Vaccine Passports: An Interview with Prof. David Albert Jones

As the UK gradually moves out of lockdown, the government has been considering multiple strategies for reopening. Among these is the well-known, and somewhat controversial proposal for ‘Vaccine Passports’. Plans have also been put forward to introduce ‘COVID Status Certificates.’ What would these certificates, or ‘passports’, mean for citizens? And what are some of the ethical implications of them? David Albert Jones is videoed here in conversation with Becky Short exploring these questions and more.


 

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Research

A virtual library of essays and articles by past and present staff members of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre. Our briefing papers, offering in-depth analysis of fast-moving issues, are also available here.

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Assisted Reproduction

Normalising Surrogacy: A Threat To Human Dignity (Dr Pia Matthews)

A critique of joint proposals by the Law Commission of England and Wales, and the Scottish Law Commission to effectively normalise surrogacy through a regulated pathway that would remove important safeguards in the current legal framework intended for the protection of surrogate mothers and the children to whom they give birth.

Embryo Research

A Briefing on the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) consultation, ‘Modernising the regulation of fertility treatment and research involving human embryos’

Our Briefing on the March-April 2023 HFEA consultation into the potential revision of Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.

Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide (EAS)

Anscombe Centre Submission to Isle of Man Consultation on Private Member’s Bill for Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (EAS)

From 01 December 2022 to 26 January 2023, a Consultation was held on a Private Member’s Bill introduced into the House of Keys proposing to introduce euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) into Manx law and medical practice. The Consultation took place via a series of set questions, with multiple choice answers and space to give explanations of the answer. The below is the submission on behalf of the Anscombe Centre composed by our Director, Professor David Albert Jones.

Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide (EAS)

Anscombe Centre Submission to Government of Jersey Consultation on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (EAS)

From 17 October 2022 to 14 January 2023, the Government of Jersey held a consultation on proposals to introduce euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) into Jersey law and medical practice. The Consultation took place via a series of set questions, with multiple choice answers and space to give explanations of the answer. The below is the submission on behalf of the Anscombe Centre composed by our Education and Research Officer, Dr Chris Wojtulewicz.

Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide (EAS)

Submission to House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into ‘Assisted Dying’ (Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide)

The Anscombe Centre’s Submission to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into ‘Assisted Dying’ (Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide). Composed by our Director, Professor David Albert Jones.

Bioethics in Brief:
A Catholic Guide

Why is the Church against IVF even though it results in a child? Is brain death really death? Does the principle of Double Effect mean it doesn’t matter how much harm we cause, so long as we don’t intend it?

For answers to these and many more questions, check out our virtual guidebook. In this resource, you will find short articles on a range of bioethical topics, laid out in an accessible question-and-answer style

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Support Us

The Anscombe Bioethics Centre is supported by the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, but has also always relied on donations from generous individuals, friends and benefactors.

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