Weekly News

3. British Psychiatrists, Abortion May Lead To Mental Illness – March 17, 2008

The United Kingdom’s Royal College of Psychiatrists is warning women that abortion may lead to mental-health problems. The college says women should not be allowed to have an abortion until they receive counselling about the risks involved.

The Royal College is advising that post-abortive information be updated to include the risks of mental-health problems.

“For doctors to process a woman’s request for an abortion without providing the support, information and help women need at this time of crisis, I regard almost as a form of abuse,” said Nadine Dorries, a Conservative Member of Parliament.

By Alex Schadenberg – Chairperson, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition – International

Commentary on the speech by Pope Benedict XVI to the participants of the Pontifical Academy for Life Congress: “Close by the incurably sick person and the dying: scientific and ethical aspects”.

February 25 – 26, 2008 I had the privilege of attending and presenting to the Pontifical Academy for Life Congress titled: “Close by the incurably sick person and the dying: scientific and ethical aspects”.

This was my third time I have had the opportunity to attend a Congress by the Pontifical Academy for Life since 2004. These meetings attempt to bring scientific knowledge, philosophical thought and theological reflection together to move the Church toward a greater understanding of the ethical issues of our time.

This year’s congress was particularly interesting because some of the presentations seemed to differ in their premises and/or conclusions than what would be considered the current thought of the Church. This can be a good exercise within the Church if it leads to a greater clarification of Church teaching.

What was particularly interesting was the address by Benedict XVI to the participants of the congress. Since most of the presentations were focused on scientific, philosophical or theological thought, it was great that Pope Benedict offered a more human or personal approach to the questions at hand.

Benedict sets the stage for his presentation by reminding us that death is not an end “but indeed a new birth and a renewed existence offered by the Risen One.”

Benedict then states: “The Lord of life is present beside the Sick person as the One who lives and gives life, the One who said: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10: 10) “I am the Resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11: 25), and “I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6: 54)”

Benedict wants us to understand that not only in death is their life, but for everyone, death brings us a spiritual gift. He stated: “For the community of believers, this encounter of the dying person with the Source of Life and Love is a gift that has value for all, that enriches the communion of all the faithful. As such, it deserves the attention and participation of the community, not only of the family of close relatives but, … of the whole community that was bound to the dying person.”

Benedict then makes a strong and loving pronouncement in relation to the role of the Christian community by stating: “No believer should die in loneliness and neglect.”

The Pope then quotes from the Encyclical Spe Salvi (n. 38) by stating: The true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering and to the sufferer. This holds true both of the individual and for society. A society unable to accept its suffering members and incapable of helping to share their suffering and to bear it inwardly through ‘compassion’ is a cruel and inhuman society.”

This is a serious commandment to be stating to the community of believers. The fact is that more people live and die in loneliness and abandoned from the community than in any other period of history. Benedict connects this problem that represents a true lack of love and charity to the question of euthanasia by stating: “More and more lonely elderly people exist in big cities, even in situations of serious illness and close to death. In such situations, the pressure of euthanasia is felt, especially when a utilitarian vision of the person creeps in. In this regard, I take this opportunity to reaffirm once again the firm and constant ethical condemnation of every form of direct euthanasia, in accordance with the Church’s centuries-old teaching.”

Benedict then focuses on the need for the people of faith, through their parish, organizations and possible new initiatives to extend further our solidarity with our dying, seriously ill and marginalized elderly brothers and sisters.

The Pope stated: “The Church, with her already functioning institutions and new initiatives, is called to bear a witness of active charity, especially in the critical situations of non-self-sufficient people deprived of family support, and for the seriously ill in need of palliative treatment and the appropriate religious assistance. On the one hand, the spiritual mobilization of parish and diocesan communities, and on the other, the creation or improvement of structures dependent on the Church, will be able to animate and sensitize the whole social environment, so that solidarity and charity are offered and witnessed to each suffering person and particularly to those who are close to death.

Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging all people of faith to become a greater witness to the Love of our Lord by living in the service of life. He is asking people to recognize the suffering in our world and the need to serve the dying and the marginalized frail elderly and chronically ill by visiting and being with and sharing oneself with others.

If we are to hold off the pressure to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide in the western world we will need to create an effective alternative to killing. The Pope recognizes that the only real alternative is to love one another.

Dioceses, parishes and people of faith need to recognize the need to go out into the world and simply care for friends, family, relatives and members of their community who are dying and marginalized. We must become witnesses of love by being with, listening to, and caring for others. Let’s take Benedict’s message to heart and build a culture of life by living the call to Love one another.

The question of the use of deep sedation in the Netherlands as the alternative form of euthanasia is an important question.

In the case of deep sedation, a person is usually sedated and then fluids and food are withdrawn resulting in an intentional death by dehydration or "slow euthanasia"

Intentionally killing someone by injection (or as Dignitas Clinic in Switzerland now use, a plastic bag and helium) usually takes several minutes and usually not more than one hour.

The problem with the moral assessment of deep sedation is that not all acts of deep sedation are related to decisions to intentionally kill the person. Sometimes, a person is very near to death and experiencing intractable pain. The person is sedated and dies within a few days. This is not euthanasia but in fact good palliative care.

Deep sedation can also be used in other cases when someone is not near to death but also experiencing intractable pain. These people can be sedated for several days, fluids and food should be continued, and after the short period of time the person comes out of the sedated state. These people are sometimes relaxed from their time of sedation and can be effectively treated for pain and symptom management without re-sedating them.

The point is: deep sedation can be used as a form of "slow euthanasia" or it can be effectively used as a form of good palliative care.

We must point out that when deep sedation is used as a form of euthanasia that this is an abuse of medical ethics and often an imposed death, whereby the family is not informed that the reason for the deep sedation is to cause the death of their family member.

Like all acts of euthanasia, deep sedation can be abused and is a direct threat to the lives of the most vulnerable people in our society who are not given the care and respect that is due a human person.

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7. Latimer’s Parole Sends Dangerous Message – March 5, 2008

Latimer’s parole sends “dangerous message”

Disabled Canadians are fearful of what the decision to release convicted child murderer Robert Latimer from prison might mean for their safety, the /Toronto Star http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/308119/ reported.

Latimer had been convicted of second-degree murder, which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 10 years before becoming eligible for parole. He had served seven years. But given that he was highly unlikely to re-offend, the appeal division decided that keeping Latimer incarcerated any longer would be “unfair.”

“This isn’t about one man,” Anna MacQuarrie, a policy analyst at the Canadian Association for Community Living http://www.cacl.ca/english/mediaroom/pressrelease/index.html, told the /Star/. “Tracy had a serious disability, not a terminal illness. Robert Latimer did have alternatives. It’s time to focus on the bigger issue and that is attitudes to disabilities.”

While on parole, Latimer is barred from having any responsibility for, or making decisions for, anyone who is severely disabled. He must also take part in psychological counselling to assist him in his “reintegration into the community.”

Dr. Dick Sobsey http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/CMS/printpage.cfm?ID=18675, director of the J. P. Das Developmental Disabilities Centre at the University of Alberta, is not surprised by Latimer’s unwavering belief that he did nothing wrong in killing Tracy.

“Studies of parents who murder their children show that about 50 per cent actually believe that killing their child was for the child’s own good,” he said.

“[Latimer] is no better or worse than [those who] honestly believe that their children are better off dead than suffering through a family break-up, living a life outside the family’s cultural or religious tradition... or suffering through disgrace as a victim of rape.”

Sobsey added: “What breaks my heart is not Mr. Latimer’s delusion but that, as a nation, so many of us share in it.”

“Many might feel sympathy for Latimer’s situation,” an editorial in the /Kingston Whig-Standard
http://www.thewhig.com/PrintArticle.aspx?e=926648/ stated. “But it is Tracy’s plight, her ultimate fate – and the potential fate of others who are similarly vulnerable – that should strike deepest at our hearts.”

Post-abortion trauma & healing: Project Rachel – a path to healing after the trauma of abortion

The project is about helping women devastated by abortion trauma. Mrs Thorn is the head of the National Office of Post-Abortion Reconciliation and Healing, based in Milwaukee, U.S.A. She has held initial meetings in Hong Kong, the Ukraine, Mexico, Austria, Chile and Poland. The Rome conference concerned starting similar projects in India, the Philippines, and many countries in Africa & Eastern Europe, such as Romania & Lithuania.

The project already works in 170 U.S. dioceses, and in other countries. Victoria Thorn emphasised to Zenit Catholic news agency: the church is a sure place of refuge for women, where they can discuss their abortion experience in confidence, particularly in countries where abortion is illegal or the local culture considers it shameful: "The church is the only institution which can bring healing to millions of women suffering guilt and the suffering associated with the most common surgical procedure performed on women".

Mrs Thorn also stated: men & women suffering the devastating consequences of abortion urgently need more pastoral care. Such help projects are especially necessary in Africa & Eastern Europe. Bringing 'Project Rachel' to these countries doesn’t demand enormous funds, or human resources. There’s a need "of one person" at the start, to be instructed in how to start healing work. The majority of the costs concern making the project known, and educational materials, nevertheless "...in the nature of things, the project develops in one diocese, so the bishop’s approval is needed”, said Mrs Thorn to the Catholic news service. http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0702850.htm.

'Project Rachel', and 'Post-abortion work: a manual for priests', the guide Mrs Thorn composed for the U.S. Catholic bishops’ conference in the U.S, represent a model '...which could work anywhere'. The only thing Thorn stated priests & laity must change is certain people’s response to suffering, and the sense of loss in the culture concerned. 'Many people depend on the Lord’s mercy & forgiveness, but to help a woman to forgive herself is the most difficult of all', Mrs Thorn also said.

About 60 people from different European countries, including Romania, also Latin America and Africa, took part in the conference from 18th May 2007, organised by the Pope John Paul II institute (in Rome) for Studies of Marriage & the Family, the Italian bishops’ conference, and the Emmanuel community. ('Pro-Life Media Association')

'Adevãrul' writes about women’s post – abortive suffering The newspaper Adevãrul gives an article, which asserts post-abortion syndrome is similar to the confusion whereof Vietnam veterans complained. The article refers to some American studies, which show: if a year or two after an abortion, the woman says she took the best decision, she regrets it (in reality). It also states British specialists, gynaecologists, obstetricians, and paediatric doctors wrote to ‘The Times’ last year, asking that women should be informed about the risks abortion carries.

The article offers some advice to pregnant women who don’t know what to do: discuss with the baby’s father, and if he doesn’t want to accept the child, it's good to appeal to other families for adoption. If even this isn’t possible, the author recommends finding a psychologist "who will guarantee emotional balance in the time after the abortion". (Adevãrul: The truth, 13th May 2007)

Pro Vita comment: This is the first time a important, high – circulation newspaper has reported women’s suffering after abortion.

Father Frank Pavone on post-abortion trauma On the website http://www.viata-crestina.ro/ for (the Romanian language) magazine ‘Christian Life’, there is an article by the American catholic priest Frank Pavone, director of the organisation ‘Priests for Life’ http://www.priestsforlife.org/ about post-abortion healing, titled 'Shepherding the flock after abortion'.

Father Pavone has been a prolife activist since 1976. He has journeyed through all 50 American states and through the world, preaching against abortion and helping other priests to do likewise. He has appeared in many important television shows (Larry King Live, Good Morning America, The O’Reilly Factor) in the U.S, speaking in defence of life. He is quoted by such major publications as ‘The New York Times’ and ‘The Los Angeles Times’. He can be seen daily on EWTN, and heard on Radio Vatican. He attended Terri Schiavo in her final stages, and was a genuine supporter of her life.

In the above – mentioned article http://priestsforlife.org/postabortion/shepherdingtheflock.htm Father Pavone briefly describes post-abortion trauma, speaks of the moment of the sacrament of confession, and the healing of women who seek reconciliation, opening themselves to God, for only "God offers all the opportunities for liberation." Father Pavone says of the moment of reconciliation: There will always be a pain and a grief there that is very legitimate. Our counsel at this moment is to both assure her of forgiveness and to assure her that it is quite normal to continue to suffer from the abortion. Feelings of horror regarding what has happened do not mean she is not forgiven. But they do mean that there is a wound that needs attention and healing.

Abortion & contraception – Some 17,000 Romanians teenagers had abortions in 2005 According to figures published in Adevãrul newspaper, some 17,000 teenage girls aged 15 to 19 had recourse to abortion in 2005. Abortions totalled 162,087 in that year, and live births 221,000. Figures from the national statistics institute show the average Romanian woman has two terminations of pregnancy during her fertile years. According to a study by the Health ministry in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), made public last February, among poor women, with a low education level, the abortion rate is twice as high as among other female categories. Dr (masc.) Stelian Pană, chief obstetrics & gynaecological medical officer, states abortion "has other grave risks: haemorrhage, infections, sterility, or uterine perforations (piercing of the womb during intervention). A young woman who has never given birth may be mutilated for life if complications arise which can lead to the removal of the womb". According to psychologist Andrei-Tudor Chiriac "Pregnancy involves responsibility beyond the ordinary, and taking on womanhood for which young women aren’t psychologically prepared. If there is no one, even in the family, who can support a young woman in her decisions, the repercussions could be very serious." In Romania, 16-year-olds have the right to decide whether or not to continue a pregnancy. Family agreement is necessary under that age. (Adevãrul: The truth, 3rd March 2007)

Contrary to general opinion there would be great numbers of minor-age mothers in very poor countries, some 90% of mothers under 18 come from developed countries, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) figures. (Curentul: current affairs, 12th March 2007)

Romanian abortion rate still worst in Europe ’Curentul’ newspaper reports Romania continues to hold the worst place in Europe, for its abortion rate: 1 in 2 pregnancies are aborted. A study by the Society for contraceptive & sexual education shows 43% of women interviewed had had at least one abortion, and 29% had 2. Some 20% had 4 abortions.

According to ‘Curentul’ newspaper, the causes of turning to abortion can be "mistaken outlooks, lack of information or means to procure contraceptives". The article emphasises: "8 months after the baby’s conception, all its organs are already formed. Moreover, it can feel pain. The heartbeats, but it will stop when torn to pieces by curettage or vacuum suction. Can this not be called a crime? Religion says it is."

We learn in this article: since 1982, a national programme of family planning has been developed, co-ordinated by the Health ministry, with NGO’s support. Through this programme, rural women 'benefit' from free contraceptives, distributed through family doctors. Nevertheless, 48% of Romanian women don’t use any form of contraception, according to a study by the Society for contraceptive & sexual education (SECS), while 1 in 5 uses natural methods: intercourse by calendar‚ 'coitus interruptus', vaginal cleansing. SECS states: today, almost all the contraceptives used in the world are available in the Romanian market: some 20 types of contraceptive pill, 3 forms of injected contraceptive, all sorts of condoms, intra-uterine coils (both of copper, and with hormones). There are 200 family planning clinics and some 2,000 gynaecologists who advise about family planning problems. (Curentul: current affairs, 12th May 2007)

‘Solution’ to growing teen abortions: yet more contraceptives in schools A study by the Constanţa Public Health authority (ASP) shows: in the first 4 months of 2007, 107 girls under 15 aborted in the Constanţa region, and about 300 aged 15 to 18. According to the ASP assistant director, Dr (fem.) Tanţa Culeţu: "an explosion of pregnancy terminations among girls under 18 has been recorded." In the first months of 2006, 14 abortions were registered in under-15s; in the first 5 months of 2007, the number reached 107. Dr Culeţu stated to ‘Adevãrul’ "These cases are obvious at the hospitals alone. We no longer take into account the 24 obstretics-gynaecology clinics in Constanţa". It is interesting the highest numbers of similar cases are in urban surrounds. Dr Culeţu states this is because the Constanţa health authority "has concentrated more, on promoting contraceptives in the countryside, as it is harder for information to arrive there. Nevertheless we face an abortion explosion in the cities". The solution offered by Dr Culeţu is to ‘intensify’ sex education classes, and to distribute "many more contraceptives in schools. We’ll lower the bar as far as the 6 th grade". (Adevãrul: The truth, 30th May 2007)

Free helpline – ‘Love without worries’ The Society for sexual & contraceptive education has launched the ‘Love without worries’ campaign: information by free telephone helpline, for those who request "any information whatever concerning contraception and sexual health." (Curentul: current affairs, 11th June 2007)

Pro Vita comment: These campaigns will only encourage promiscuity, while encouraging the young to start sexual activity ever speak for themselves, and should be brought to the authorities’ notice. Following such campaigns, we may expect more abortions, more STDs, and more promiscuity.

Romanians start sexual activity at 12 to 14 A study by Noegen shows the age of first sexual contact has consistently fallen in recent years. Sexual debut is now at 12 to 14, shows the study: 17% of Romanians lose their virginity under 15. The majority of respondents (54%) state their sexual debut was between 15 to 20. 20% say they began sexual activity later, between 20 and 25. The psychologists explain the start of sexual activity among under-15s by the separation of sexual activity from marriage, also because children & adolescents do what they see happening around them. According to the specialists, "the young have too much access to sexual information, and come to believe drinking & having sex is part of normal life." (Curentul: current affairs, 15th June 2007)

Contraception: one of the causes of myocardial infarctions and mammary cancer In a long article concerning heart disease in Romania, professor (masc.) Mircea Cinteză, head of cardiology at the emergency hospital, university of Bucharest, states: "The young smoke, they use contraception without previously consulting a doctor, their diet is based on red meat & fat, and they are sedentary. It seems we have neither the tradition, and possibly not the designed spaces, for playing sport". Each year some 600 people come to the clinic with infarcts, 10% of them aged under 45. (Adevãrul: The truth, 4th July 2007)

Professor Adrian Streinu-Cercel of the ‘Matei Balş’ institute in Bucharest states oral contraceptives and smoking increase the incidence of cervical cancer. He states prevention of such cancer is possible through "large-scale immunisation of teenage girls & young adults, completed by periodic implementation of the ‘Papanicolau’ test". The mortality rate from cervical cancer in Romania continues to rise, from 15.68 cases 1,000 women in 1982 to 31.5 1,000 in 2000. (Adevãrul: The truth, 18th July 2007)

Pro Vita comment: Professor Streinu-Cercel promotes a vaccine which has not received long-term testing, and which is given to teenagers & children. In the USA & Canada, the greatest opponents of this vaccine are parents, who don’t want to give their children an uncertain vaccine.

Warning from medical specialists One of the main causes of cervical cancer is known to be the human papilloma virus (HPV). Women with many sexual partners must take great care about illnesses connected with the HPV, as men don’t show symptoms of the infection, when they can be virus carriers. A frequent change of sexual partners increases the risk of infection. A women who resumes sexual activity after a pause, will have to take a Papanicolau test after about a year. HPV infection is often identified, 50% of sexually active adults having had such an infection before. (România liberă: Free Romania, 15th July 2007)

New sex education brain washing campaign by SECS The ‘Love without worries’ campaign begun in June & July strongly promotes contraceptives and carries the message 'A baby can appear when you least expect it. Choose the appropriate moment.' The campaign is carried out by the Society for contraceptive & sexual education (SECS). (Adevãrul: The truth, 6th August 2007)

Newspapers praise ‘benefits’ of contraceptives unceasingly An article in ‘Adevãrul’ newspaper argues contraceptives "prevent many forms of cancer", among them cancer of the ovaries, the colon, or the stomach. (Adevãrul: The truth, 8th August 2007)

Pro Vita comment: As we follow the Romanian press, we have not found a single article, which suggests these pills, could have dangers for women’s health. Of these, the most common are thromboses and blood clots. This represents a concealment by doctors and journalists, so as only to present the so-called ‘benefits’ of the hormonal pill. Dr Ellen Grant, the renowned member of the UK Royal College of obstetricians and gynaecologists, was part of the research team, which carried out the first major study of the pill in Great Britain. The conclusions she drew from that research, besides many years experience of prescribing the pill, are given in her book ‘The Bitter Pill’: 'The pill, however, is a drug of such social and sexual convenience that its tragic consequences will continue to be disregarded until women fully realise the consequences of such convenience. Preferred ignorance has caused us to close our eyes to the enormous increase in ill health of young women since the pill was introduced and to the fact that the effects of the pill on allergies, vascular disease, mental health, cancer and congenital abnormalities are more powerful than the effects of smoking and show up in a much quicker time.' (Ellen Grant, ‘The Bitter Pill’, 1988, p. 15)

Doctor in emergency hospital refuses to perform abortion The obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. (masc.) Virgil Trofin, head of the gynaecology section of the Iaşi municipal emergency hospital, refused to carry out more abortions, which has caused anger among some patients. Dr Trofin states: "Professional morality states I should comply with all the requests of my sick patients, but abortion is not an illness. Legally, no one may oblige me to perform abortions on demand, therefore I cannot be judged and condemned, in that nowhere is such an obligation written in law." Two assistants have followed his decision. (Gardianul: The Guardian, 25th August 2007)

Abortions falling, increasing cervical cancer The programme ‘Family Health initiative in Romania 2001 to 2007’ was formally concluded recently. It was financed by the U.S, and promoted family planning services, contraception, and training of specialists in the field. According to statistics, the abortion rate has fallen by two thirds. The Health minister, (Mr) Eugen Nicolăescu, states nearly all (80%) of women in the country know how to look after themselves. Contraception & family planning services will be assured from the 2nd half of 2008 through the national programme to evaluate the population’s health. According to minister Nicolăescu, it is most likely they will start with prevention of cervical cancer, which is the most frequent form of cancer among women. (Curentul: current affairs, 13th September 2007)

Health minister Nicolăescu stated the national population health evaluation programme will have a new female component: preventing cancer of the cervix and the breast, as well as family planning & contraception. This aims firstly at women at risk of cervical cancer, considering:

1) Family antecedents
2) If sexual activity began under 16
3) More than 3 abortions
4) Whether the menopause appeared earlier than 45 or later than 55

The Papanicolau tests will be performed free, as the programme is generalised. The minister added: "At first, we shall monitor and give priority to women at risk, we shall teach them how to use modern contraception, in order not to give birth to unwanted children, and avoid any inclination to abort." (Cronica Româna: Romanian chronicle, 13th September 2007

Romanian abortion rate worst in EU According to World Health Organisation figures, there were 883.37 abortions to each 1,000 live births in Romania, in 2004. WHO statistics show Romania has the highest abortion rate in the EU. Dr Borbala, chief executive of the Society for Sexual & Contraceptive Education (SECS), deplores Romanian women who, in his view, "lead sexual lives by improvisation and chance". ‘Adevãrul’ newspaper reports World contraception day is celebrated on Sept 26th. (Adevãrul: The truth, 22nd Sept 2007)

Mothers & children's health – Many children saved from begging Following the campaign led by ‘Adevãrul’ newspaper, many children begging on the streets of Bucharest have been taken into placement centres. In February 2007, ‘Adevãrul’ began a campaign to save these little ones, forced by their parents, or by begging networks, to beg on public transport and markets in Bucharest. (Adevãrul: The truth, 2nd March 2007)

Release of paedophile Kurt Treptow shows lack of judicial protection for children (Ms) Theodora Bertzi, head of the Romanian adoptions office, stated she was astounded by the release from jail of paedophile William Kurt Treptow (an American citizen). She holds the legislation, which allowed his freeing, does not protect children’s rights. (Adevãrul: The truth, 2nd March 2007)

Many young Romanians believe the family a very important value for their life According to the study ‘Relations between generations. Aspects of education’, 80% of young Romanians choose family & children, compared to 96.1% of adults & elderly, who chose that value. The survey was recently published by the Institute of educational sciences. (Adevãrul: The truth, 3rd March 2007)

Women who abandon their children risk three years in jail A new – born baby was found abandoned in the hall of the Zărneşti hospital in Braşov. Initial enquiries showed the baby was born the night before it was abandoned. It weighs 3.1 kg, and is healthy. Politicians in Braşov began an enquiry. The mother risks up to three years in jail for endangering the life of an individual unable to care for themselves. (Adevãrul: The truth, 6th March 2007)

Thousands of children in Alba County left in the care of friends & relatives, by parents working abroad Nearly 3,500 pupils or kindergarten children in Alba County have at least one parent gone to work abroad. The children were left in the care of distant relatives, neighbours, or family friends. In 950 cases, both parents have gone to work in a foreign country. (Adevãrul: The truth, 13th March 2007)

According to recent statements by the minister, (Mr) Bogdan Panait, president of the National Authority for the protection of children’s rights (ANPDC), was to receive some 17 million lei in 2007 (c. 3.39 million UK pounds sterling) for national programmes to protect children. The largest sum – 2 million lei (approx £413,000) was to be given to developing alternative services for handicapped children, and those with AIDS. The network of specialist services for children with parents gone abroad to work was allotted 1,278,000 lei (approx. £264,000) for 2007. (Adevãrul: The truth, 31st March 2007)

Project for abandoned children A project is being developed in Romania for saving abandoned children. Project ‘Babyklappe’ (‘Baby hatches’) "...is directed towards babies a few hours old, unwanted by mothers who wouldn’t take them home if they were paid to... because they are minors or inexperienced students whose parents won’t let them come home, or whose husbands won’t accept them with another baby, and women in general who would commit infanticide after birth just to escape babies ... they don’t give birth in hospitals, knowing they will have to answer questions there...” The project is similar to those in the Czech republic, Belgium or Germany, and the founders "don’t encourage child abandonment, but struggle for these children’s right to live."

Elle’ magazine reports this project, emphasising it "could save innocent lives". (ELLE, 29th March 2007) ’Adevãrul’ newspaper reports about this project in Germany, with the aim of reducing numbers of infanticides, which have increased greatly in that country, recently. ‘Adevãrul’ journalists state such an idea would not be welcome, for the authorities fear an avalanche of abandoned children (Adevãrul: The truth, 29th March 2007)

Post-traumatic stress symptoms among children A recent study by American researchers (cited by Reuters) shows: children can develop post-traumatic symptoms and psychological disturbances, such as depressions, following traumas. 1,420 children aged 9 to 13, who have undergone a trauma, were examined each year up to 16. 7 out of 10 children had suffered an experience, such as the violent death of a loved one, sexual abuse or the diagnosis of a serious illness. Following the examination, it was established 13.4% of the traumatized children had symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as nightmares. For all this, only 0.5% of the children taking part in the study were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress. According to the study, anguished children, those who had been sexually abused, or came from poor families, showed the most stress symptoms. (Curentul: current affairs, 12th May 2007)

About 100 children abused by parents in Jan – March 2007 Figures from the Argeş General Directorate of Social security & child protection show: 101 children from Argeş county were abused by their parents in the first 3 months of 2007. ‘Adevãrul’ newspaper reports more such cases. The psychologists’ comment: such children, when they start a family, show themselves similarly violent towards their own children. Florin Tudose, (male) psychologist & university professor, lists other causes of violence towards the young: "alcohol consumption, lack of education, everyday frustration (mishaps at work, or family disagreements)". (Adevãrul: The truth, 31st May 2007)

First ‘Child’s charter’ drafted by children in Cisnădie On the occasion of the International Day of the Child, pupils in Cisnădie have drawn up the first ‘Children’s charter’, addressed to parents and local authorities. The proclamation has 20 points and is directed at family, school & social problems. Firstly, the children request equal chances. Next, they do not want to be left alone, for "they have the right to a family". The fifth point declares "we do not agree with child trafficking; we are not a commodity!" The aim of the ‘Children’s charter’ is to launch a full brochure, which includes the wishes of children in all Romania. (Adevãrul: The truth, 2nd June 2007)

Siamese Anastasia & Tatiana suffered a raft of operations to separate them The Romanian Siamese twins Anastasia & Tatiana Dogaru, aged 3, joined at the head, have undergone a marathon separation operation in a hospital in Cleveland, U.S.A. The girls have separate brains, but the skull and the majority of the blood vessels are in common, including a vein, which carries blood to the heart and some tissues. This is the third intervention the twins have been subjected to. In April and May, doctors separated some of the blood vessels in the head area. One of the twins has no renal function, and depends on the other’s kidney’s, which complicates matters. (Curentul: current affairs, 8th June 2007)

Satu Mare woman dies after Caesarean through doctors’ negligence A woman from Satu Mare died at the county hospital, after giving birth by Caesarean. Amalia Szabo, aged 24, died of cardio-respiratory arrest and a pulmonary embolism. Presumably the woman could have lived if the hospital hadn’t lacked certain equipment necessary for saving her. The lady’s husband said he was sent by the doctors to buy equipment a little before she died. The authorities have started an enquiry into this hospital. (Ziua: The day, 8th June 2007)

The commission of enquiry appointed by the Health ministry to examine the causes of death found the tragedy did not occur because of lack of anti-coagulant medicine in the hospital. The intermediate report establishes the doctors disregarded the patient’s obesity (120 kg), an important risk factor for embolism clots. In the circumstances, the college of Doctors has the obligation to judge medical liability. (Ziua: The day, 16th June 2007)

Children’s lawyers only in Brasov Since 23rd November 2004, the only law court in Romania for children & families has functioned in Braşov. This court still needs three magistrates & three clerks. Last year, the Minor’s court in Braşov was dealing with 1,800 files. (Adevãrul: The truth, 20th June 2007)

First professional midwives graduate from Iaşi medical university The first batch of professional midwives in Romania received their graduation certificates from the midwifery faculty of the ‘Gregory T. Popa’ university of medicine & pharmaceuticals in Iaşi. The graduates have the right to work, both individually, and contracting with the national health insurance house. They "can carry out pregnancy education work before birth, preparation for birth, or prevention of STDs", states (Ms) Marian Bolota, vice-president of the Iaşi branch of the Union of medical assistants & midwives in Romania, head of midwifery graduates from the Iaşi university. (Curentul: current affairs, 2nd July 2007)

Some 50,000 children beg on Italian streets Nearly 50,000 children aged 2 to 12 are forced to beg on the streets of Italy. The majority are gypsies from Romania, Albania, Morocco, or the former Yugoslavia, shows an EU report. According to the study, these children constitute a business profiting by about 200 million euros per year. At least 120,000 Romanians find themselves on Italian soil, 50% of them under 14. (Curentul: current affairs, 10th July 2007)

150 million euros spent on child protection in Romania since 1990 During December 2005 and June 2007, the education campaign for the protection of children’s rights was developed, a scheme financed by the EU, and carried out by the National Authority for the protection of children’s rights (ANPDC). The project was aimed at educating the professionals who work directly with the children, parents, and publicity campaign, and cost about 2 million euros. During 2001 and 2007, child protection projects were supported with 50 million euros from the EU, and another 100 million euros before then. (Curentul: current affairs, 11th July 2007)

Ever more Romanian women give birth by Caesarean Some 30% of Romanian give birth by Caesarean, a figure considered worryingly high by specialists. (Adevãrul: The truth, 31st July 2007)

Pro Vita comment: The World Health Organisation recommends Ceasars should not exceed 10 to 15% of the total births of a country.

Fines for parents who abandon children to work abroad Parents who abandon children and go abroad to work, without informing the local authorities, risk fines of 1,000 lei (c. £200). At the end of August, a bill was submitted to Parliament concerning the protection of minors whose parents have gone to work outside the country. (Adevãrul: The truth, 28th August 2007)

Increasing domestic violence in Romania Some 2,300 women in Romania were victims of domestic violence in the first months of 2007, of which 34 died. According to studies, 45% of the women were verbally abused, 30% suffered physical violence, while 7% were sexually abused in their life. Nearly two thirds of the sexually abused women were forced by their partners, 15% were raped by boyfriends or former boyfriends, while 12% were raped by an acquaintance. 36 shelters for victims of violence have been set up, and 54 counselling centres. (Cronica Româna: Romanian chronicle, 3rd September 2007)

Increasing help for institutionalised children and youths Social benefits for obtaining clothes, toys and other equipment for institutionalised children & youths, and for mothers in maternal centres, has been increased by 32%. Children up to 3 will receive 366 lei (c. £73) monthly, for those aged 4 to 7, 498 lei (c. £100), while those between 7 and 14, assistance will be 611 lei (c. £120). (Adevãrul: The truth, 19th September 2007)

Open-heart surgery for 660-gram baby At the Rostock University, a Romanian surgeon, Dr. Eugen Săndică, co-ordinator of the department of child cardiac surgery, carried out open-heart surgery on a baby weighing only 660gms. The operation was the first in the world on a newborn baby, weighing less then 1kg. "Albeit the little girl’s heart was the size of an acorn, while the entire quantity of blood in her body could have fitted in a wine-glass, the operation took place without complications, and she has a great chance of normal development.” said Dr. Săndică to the German press. (România liberă: Free Romania, 21st September 2007)

2006 UNICEF report – figures about Romania According to the UNICEF report on Romania, average birth weight has fallen in that country compared to international standards. Moreover, recent studies show a growing number of premature babies.

The report also refers to increasing prostitution in Romania, dominated by risky practices closely linked to consumption of injected drugs and human trafficking. (Ziua: The day, 27th September 2007)

World Vision starts a campaign to stop child abandonment in maternities World Vision in Romania has begun a campaign "Don’t let mummy leave". The aim is to make people aware of child abandonment in maternities, and raise capital to prevent it. (Curentul: current affairs, 29th Sept 2007)

IVF, cloning, genetic engineering – Medically assisted human reproduction only by written agreement, without legal basis ‘Ziua’ newspaper has published an article about assisted human reproduction in Romania. The article demonstrates Romania has no law concerning this, at present. The bill proposed by Dr. (masc.) Ovidiu Brînzan, a former Health minister, was rejected. According to statements by Dr. Laura Dracea, co-ordinator of the dept. of assisted human reproduction in the ‘Panait Sîrbu’ clinic, "everything works by the principle of written consent". The only sperm bank in Romania functions entirely under the ‘Panait Sîrbu’ clinic, where are held "donor’s files, which contain numerous details – age, height, weight, hair & eye colour, state of health, personal medical antecedents, blood group, Rhesus, analysis, tests, spermogram, civil state, occupation, hobby, etc". (Ziua: The day, 13th April 2007)

Assisted human reproduction has been discussed in local Orthodox bioethics committees. The Romanian Orthodox church has yet to give a definite statement, via its Holy Synod, concerning the matter. ('Pro-Life Media Association')

Obstetrics & gynaecology hospital in Arad offers drawing –stem cells from the umbilical cord At the 'Dr Salvator Vuia' Obstetrics & Gynaecology hospital in Arad, many mothers choose to pay to preserve the umbilical cord blood of their newborn babies, rich in stem cells, at a clinic in Bratislava. This technique virtually represents a guarantee, should the babies fall seriously ill after some years, there would be a chance of healing. The Arad maternity recently concluded a contract with a specialist US firm, which represents a tissue bank in Bratislava, Slovakia. The cost of such a operation was 3,200 lei – approx £660 UK sterling (Adevãrul: The truth, 5th July 2007)

STDs, HIV/AIDS – HIV children take part in British film HIV-positive children in Romanian hospitals and orphanages, during the end of the communist regime, were the stars of a British film, shown at the Human Rights Watch International Film festival, during 21st to 30th March. The film, ‘We’ll never meet childhood again’ by Sam Lawlor and Lindsay Pollock, deals with Romanian teenage orphans infected with AIDS. (Curentul: current affairs, 19th March 2007)

Pupils with syphilis in Botoşani Five pupils aged 15 to 18 were found in Botoşani with advanced syphilis. The people who passed the disease to the girls, "following some casual sexual acts", cannot be identified, having gone abroad for work. The authorities expressed concern that such cases could have been discovered among female pupils, and that those implicated can no longer be identified for treatment. (Ms) Elena Leonte, assistant at the epidemiology clinic in the Botoşani county hospital, is indignant that the female pupils concerned "did not take trouble to learn how to protect themselves." (Curentul: current affairs, 12th May 2007)

AIDS sufferers helped by the Orthodox Patriarch The first stage of the project ‘Consolidation of community initiatives to prevent AIDS & family violence in Romania’ was evaluated by the office of the Romanian Patriarch, at the start of July. The project was implemented by the Patriarch of Romania, the international Orthodox-Christian Caritas organisation, and the ministry of Education & Research. It has been developed with 1,234 priests, and 906 professors of religion, in 13 countries in Romania. (Adevãrul: The truth, 11th July 2007)

Romanian AIDS centre created A new centre to fight HIV / AIDS has been set up to implement national strategy, to correctly inform the Romanian public of the situation, and coordinate education & communication plans in the field. The centre proposes to organise conferences, seminars, and formation courses to raise the quality of services. (Curentul: current affairs, 10th August 2007)

The health minister, (Mr) Eugen Nicolăescu said at the centre’s opening: Romania is one of the few European countries, which guarantee free treatment of those infected with HIV / AIDS. (România liberă: Free Romania, 8 th August 2007)

The health ministry, together with the HIV / AIDS centre, and other institutions, is preparing instructions whereby anybody who stays more than 6 months abroad must undergo an AIDS test under a supervisor. "Statistics show the greatest risk of transmitting infection appears among those who stay more than 6 months abroad, i.e. 4.64% – 1 in 23 of those tested", stated Dr. Adrian Streinu Carcel, at the inauguration of the HIV / AIDS centre. (Ziua: The day, 9th August 2007)

Handicaps – Handicapped children’s rights are not respected in Romania ’Adevãrul’ newspaper writes: some half (10,000) the handicapped children in Romania find themselves in institutions under the National Authority for the protection of children’s rights. The paper quotes a study by ‘Children’s High Level Group’ association, showing the largest group of handicapped children (some 45%) is represented by mental handicaps, followed by the multiple-handicapped (31%), then children with neuro-physical handicaps (15%). (Adevãrul: The truth, 2nd April 2007)

The report 'monitoring the rights of disabled children & youths in public institutions', carried out by UNICEF & the centre for juridical means, included data about living conditions for handicapped children in institutions in Romania. Five specialist teams monitored 64 public residential institutions in 35 counties, during Sept 2005 and July 2006. The report concluded some two thirds of these institutionalised children don’t enjoy minimum accommodation & hygiene. These children don’t have their own soap or shampoo: it’s only given when they go to the bath. Many children don’t have footwear, while their clothing was degrading. Their teachers, by contrast, have modernised group cleaning areas, and other facilities the children lack. (Adevãrul: The truth & Curentul: current affairs, 3rd April 2007)

(Mr) Bogdan Panait, head of the National Authority for the protection of children’s rights (ANPDC), declared "It is not acceptable there are so many cases of child abuse, and no one is punished." Mr Panait made this statement after the control team of ANPDC began enquiries into abuse cases in three placement centres, and became aware of various improprieties. (Ziua: The day, 2nd April 2007)

‘Saint Macrina’ Foundation cares for 120 children The ‘Saint Macrina’ foundation looks after small children from disadvantaged families. In April 2007, the foundation organised ‘Open doors day’ where many guests came to see the 120 children in ‘Saint Macrina’s care. The majority of these children come from chaotic families, marked by great material need. Some of them were thrown out of home, others left, unable to tolerate conflict. At the foundation they have received all the necessary help to be able to go to school. Some of them have even been helped by the foundation to take foreign scholarships. Father Gabriel, the director of the foundation, has started a campaign to economise on funds. (Adevãrul: The truth, 14th April 2007)

Adoption – About 60,000 Romanian children’s parents work abroad Some 59,959 children have been left at home by parents who have gone to work abroad. Some 2,700 of these find themselves in the system for special protection. These figures were made public by (Mr) Bogdan Panait, president of the National Authority for the protection of children’s rights (ANPDC). The counties with the highest numbers of children with parents working abroad are Suceava, Neamţ, Bacău, Galaţi, Iaşi, Dâmboviţa, Constanţa, Maramureş, Botoşani, and Vaslui. (Ziua: The day, 27th April 2007)

Mr Panait considers the legal framework "for those who leave their children and go abroad" should be changed. One of ANPDC’s initiatives is to create counselling & information centres at the level of local authorities, both for children & parents, while parents who want to go abroad to work will helped to find the best way to care for their children. ANPDC has assigned around 1.3 million lei (approx. £270,000 UK sterling) to develop specialised services for these children. (Adevãrul: The truth, 27th April 2007)

Romanian families prefer to adopt children under 2 ’Adevãrul’ newspaper tells the story of a family, which adopted a child, after trying for 6 years to have their own. When they found they could not be ‘natural parents’, Ionela & Adrian adopted Tiţi (a boy), who was abandoned at birth in hospital. The family is very happy, and wants to adopt another boy, to be Tiţi’s brother. According to statements by (Ms) Theodora Bertzi, head of the Romanian adoptions office (ORA), there are some 1,400 families who have deposited adoption requests, while about 750 to 800 children may be adopted. Most families want to adopt children under 2 years. Only 12% of families adopted children aged about 5 years. (Adevãrul: The truth, 24th April 2007)

Ms Bertzi also stated that parents who wish to adopt older children must undergo specialised psychological preparation. (Curentul: current affairs, 28th April 2007)

Romania dropped minor's courts on account of lack of people & funds By the reform imposed by the EU, Romania must create courts for minors in the whole country, starting from the beginning of 2007. In Romania, there is just one tribunal for minors & the family, in Braşov, created five months ago by the adoption of Law 272 / 2004 concerning the protection of children's rights. This demands the setting up of specialist courts for the problems of children's lives (parental abuse, crimes by minors, investigation for adoption, minors abandoned by parents). The minister for Justice has had to give up the creation of these tribunals for financial reasons, and lack of personnel.

The head of the Romanian adoptions office, (Ms) Theodora Bertzi, stated in a meeting with the justice minister, (Mr) Tudor Chuiariu, formalising an adoption takes a very long time on account of the length of the processes involved, and because adoption files are not given priority. The Justice minister promised he will endeavour to improve the adoption situation, which demands "creating a justice system for minors through setting up specialist bodies in the field, training professionals involved, and organising a centre for resources and documents." Mr Chuiariu also promised /*"creating specialist mixed structures for minors & families, which should have jurisdiction in civil & penal matters alike, in the context of the tribunals & appeal courts." Nevertheless before this, legislation had to be modified, and administrative steps taken in the courts, because of the imperative of resolving cases. (Ziua: The day, 5th May 2007)

Situation of children with parents gone abroad to work A study by a team of specialists and students from the History & Philosophy departments of the 'Lower Danube' university in Galaţi has tried to divine the attitude of children whose parents have gone to work abroad, towards their parents & families. Nearly half (45.67%) of such children state they miss their parents very much. The study reveals: in the largest part of these cases, mothers have left; and girls suffer more than boys in the parents’ absence.

The study was carried out by 981 pupils from the counties of Galaţi, Brăila, Iaşi and Botoşani, during May to July 2007. About 39% of the children’s mothers have gone abroad to work; 38% of the fathers; in 23% of cases – both parents. The number of children left behind without either parent is much higher in towns than in the countryside (18.2% compared to 4.9%). The counties with the highest numbers of children left without parents are: Suceava, Neamţ, Bacău, Galaţi, Iaşi, Damboviţa, Constanţa, Maramureş, Botoşani, and Vaslui. (Ziua: The day, 20th July 2007)

Legislation – Minimum marriage age of 18, if Family code bill passes In the middle of March, the Senate adopted the bill concerning modifying the Family code. By the proposed regulations, the minimum age for marriage will be 18 for both parties. The new provisions will eliminate marriage licences given to the young. The present law foresees girls marrying at 16 with parental permission, and 15 with guardian’s consent. The bill went to the Chamber of deputies to be debated. (Adevãrul: The truth, 15th March 2007)

Magistrates’ high council supports under-18 marriage In a statement, the High magistrates’ council (CSM) proposes the minimum age for marriage be under 18 in the (future) Family code. CSM is aware this demands the completion of article 4 of the code which lays down the one minimum age for marriage both for men & women, with clauses concerning some exceptions (when marriage age may be lowered). The council’s opinion, together with observations about the bill for changing the family code, were to be sent to the juridical commission for discipline & privileges of the parliamentary deputies’ chamber, which debates this bill. (Curentul: current affairs, 22nd May 2007)

The law of social protection of the elderly On 15th May 1997, Romania signed the European Social Charter (adopted by the European council in May 1996), which foresees the populace’s right to health protection, medical & social security, as well as the right to benefit from social services. The charter was ratified by Romania by Law 74 / 1999. Article 23 of the charter regulates the right of the elderly to social protection. According to it, states which sign the charter commit themselves:

1) To allowing the elderly to lead an independent life in their accustomed surrounds, for as long as they want and is possible.
2) To promote health care, and services, for the elderly. (România liberă: Free Romania, 15th July 2007)

New regulations for organ & tissue donation The new health ministry instructions regulate the licensing of cell and tissue banks. There are fears that when the ministry order comes into force, banks in the state hospitals will be wound up because of the strict licensing criteria. On the other hand, foreign private tissue banks will enter the market, which are supposed to have sufficient capital to convince Romanians to become organ & tissue donors. Transplant law forbids trade in tissue & organs, although hospitals pay the relatives of someone recently dead 800 lei (c. £160), which covers the cost of transport & burial, if they will agree to donate the deceased’s organs. Dr Victor Zotta, head of the national transplant agency, states Romania will continue to face a donor crisis. On the other hand, Dr Vasile Astărăstoaie, head of the Health ministry bioethics commission, states nothing is heard about "risks to which the donor is exposed, nor the benefits for the recipient. The transplant mutilates the donor. There is no test of the health of those who donate organs or tissues, nor of those who receive them." (Gardianul: The Guardian, 20th September 2007)

Politics & policies – 4 months, 3 weeks & 2 days’ will be screened in French schools, with an advert The French (national) education minister announced the (Romanian) film ‘4 months, 3 weeks & 2 days’ by Romanian Christian Mungiu, awarded the Palme d’Or, has been rated ‘for general public viewing’, and will be screened from 29th August (2007), accompanied by an warning. The Education minister accepted the recommendation of the national film classification commission. The warning will be "the subject of the film, its theme, and certain scenes are liable to disturb sensitive viewers – in particular, the young: it is recommended these should be accompanied". The film, which tells the story of a clandestine abortion in communist Romania, received the national education prize at the end of May. (Starting in 2003, this award is bestowed on a film formally chosen at the Cannes film festival for "artistic & teaching qualities". In this context, the film is then promoted as a teaching DVD in schools. (Mr) Xavier Darcos, the French education minister, who described the film as "too brutal" for the teenage public, reconsidered his initial decision not to give the film out as a DVD in schools, and stated he was going to accept the advice of the classification commission. © genethique.org.

The French anti-abortion group 'Choisir la vie' (choose life), in a communiqué headed 'Culture of death rewarded at Cannes', characterized the whole matter as "veritable pro-abortion propaganda, and a danger to school children". The group clearly voiced its "strong opposition to the showing of such a film in French schools". (Adevãrul: The truth, 10th July 2007)

Demography – Romania has lowest female life expectancy A Eurostat study estimates Romania has the lowest life expectancy for women; while for Romanian men, expectancy is one of the lowest in Europe. In 2005, female expectation was 75 years, 4 months. In 2050, it is estimated it will be 82. (Ziua: The day, 6th March 2007)

UNFPA warns many pre-school children risk not having crèche places ’Adevãrul' newspaper reports "a revival of births in Romania" during 2003 and 2005. Mrs Georgiana Ilie, communication assistant at UNFPA considers the large number of births could have overwhelmed the social services. In her view, the system "was completely overtaken by the number of children born 2003 to 2005". Mrs Ilie proposes as a solution to the crèche places crisis, "an annual estimate of teaching places, according to the number of new-born children". In 2050, according to 'Adevãrul', there will be a population of 14 to 16 million, only 10% fit for work, meaning a taxpayer will pay the pension, education & services of 9 others (Adevãrul: The truth, 29th March 2007)

Pro Vita comment: It is clear from this statement, UNFPA doesn’t understand correctly an important problem for children’s lives in Romania. Firstly, the statistics show Romanian births are tending to fall. Secondly, UNFPA should draw to the Romanian govt’s attention: it isn’t making minimum efforts to stop the ruin of public services, which care for very small children. The majority of crèches receiving money from the state budget were closed after 1990. In this way, the government doesn’t support families with families with small children; on the contrary, it makes life very difficult.

According to the latest report of the UN population division, in 2050 Romania will have the same population as 100 years ago: that is, 15.9 million inhabitants. (Adevãrul: The truth, 15th March 2007)

Figures from the national statistics institute show, of 21,584,365 inhabitants of Romania estimated by the statisticians on 1st July 2006, 11,063,176 are women: 51.3% of the total. (Curentul: current affairs, 8th March 2007)

Both marriages, and divorces, increase in Romania The Romanian national statistics institute (INS) shows the marriage rate changed following the passing of a law concerning the grant of 200 euros to each young couple marrying for the first time. After the family support law came into effect on 1st Jan 2007, 26,849 married couples had registered by March. 18,418,785 lei was paid to them, the ministry of Works, Social & Family stated at the beginning of April. Marriages per month have grown by 9,200, compared to December 2006. Divorces have likewise increased, by 1,800. (Curentul: current affairs, 16th March 2007)

Romanian population falls The national commission of forecasting estimates in 2013 the Romanian population will fall to 21.1 million, compared to 21.6 million in 2006. (Ziua: The day, 4th April 2007)

Study of Romanian demographic crisis The recent study "Demographic decline & the future of the Romanian population" shows Romania finds herself in an unprecedented demographic crisis. The study was carried out by professor (masc.) Vasile Gheţău, of the 'Vladimir Trebici' centre for demographic research. According to the study, the fertility rate has fallen to 1.3 children / women, from 2.2 before 1989. To replace generations, the fertility rate must be 2.1 children / woman. Considering…

1) The aging population
2) The ever-smaller number of children & youths
3) The female mindset of having one, or at most two, children
4) The generally high mortality

… the specialists fear not the depopulation of Romania, but its de-Romanization, as people from Asia & Africa could fill the gap. Bearing in mind this dramatic situation, the specialists suggest reforming the health system to deal with the complex problems caused by the aging population, orienting the system to prevention – that is, changing conduct among the people.

The minister for work, family & equal opportunity, Mr Paul Păcuraru, stated it is urgent the politicians consider how to increase birthrates among the European countries, in order to see what impact measures had where they were implemented.

At present, of 21.6 million inhabitants of Romania, about 10.5 million are adults, 5 million children & youths, and 6 million elderly. The specialists warn: in 50 years, pensioners will represent more than half the population. (Curentul: current affairs, 6th June 2007; Ziua:
The day, 6th June 2007)

Europe will have some 100 million pensioners by 2050 At the end of June, a high-level meeting took place in Munich about the definite, rapid aging of the European population. The summit in the Bavarian capital was organised by the expert group CESIfo http://www.cesifo.de/portal/page/portal/ifoHomeat the university of Munich, and the 'BMW Herbert Quandt' foundation http://www.bmwstiftunghq.de/e/index.shtm, and brought academics, business & political leaders together. They sounded a new alarm about demographic changes and their effects. The figures show Europe’s population aging faster than that of any other continent. The figures are gloomy, as the fall in the younger population brings with it economic decline. By 2050, the working population will fall by about 38 million. At the same time, those aged over 65 will increase by 40 million, statistics show. This process will increase the number of EU pensioners to some 100 million. The prognosis shows the ratio between those aged over 65, and the working population, will double from 1:4 to 1:2, or less, by 2050.

Among proposed solutions are new pharmaceutical inventions, and using genetic therapies to ‘remove the ugly aspects of aging’, so ‘Europe will age gracefully’ and ‘remain dynamic’. Another solution would be increasing pensionable age to 68. Immigration remains another possible solution. UN statistics show Germany alone would have to take in 3 million immigrant workers each year, to combat the population fall. (Adevãrul: The truth, 2 nd July 2007)

Pro Vita comment: The logic of such expressions as ‘the ugly aspects of aging’, and ‘aging gracefully’ promotes eugenicist ways of thinking: if aging isn’t lovely, lets eliminate it.

In Romania, the number of young people is falling. According to the national institute of statistics (INS), the younger generation fell some 41,000 in 2007, compared to 2006, while the elderly increased by 5,400. Only 25 cities in Romania are inhabited by 100,000 or more people. In April 2007, the rate of birth was less than that of dying. According to INS statistics, the number of newborn babies was 5,700 less than the number of deaths. Thus, about 15,200 babies were born, i.e. a birthrate of 8.6 / thousand inhabitants. That month, the number of deceases neared 21,000. Hence the death rate was 11.8 / 1,000. Of the 21.6 million inhabitants, 10.5 million are adults, 5 million children & teenagers, and 6 million are elderly. (Cronica Româna: Romanian chronicle, 12 th July 2007)

UNFPA wave the population control banner on Population Day On World Population day (11th July), Ms Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of UNFPA, stated in her speech we must "concentrate on the duty of making sure every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every youth is protected from AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect." (http://www.gabrielacretu.ro/11-iulie-ziua-mondiala-a-populatiei.html)

Pro Vita comment: It is very clear: the majority of international pro-abortion institutions speak with forked tongues. All their documents are full of such expressions as "desired / unwanted pregnancies", "gender equality", "safe birth", which conceal the reality. The logical question, which arises from "every pregnancy – a desired pregnancy" is, "if it is unwanted, shall we terminate it?" How can we protect the young from AIDS if we offer them condoms and don’t help them change their outlook; how can you treat a woman with dignity and respect, if you offer her contraceptives & abortion (i.e. purely ‘medical’ solutions to problems as complicated as pregnancy and childbirth)? See how Steve Mosher, head of the U.S. Population Research Institute, explains what 'population terminology' really means for such international institutions as UNFPA. He states the 'population question' turns out to be one of the most profitable businesses in the world. It functions "like a very well-organised cartel, with ramifications on the world level, in which organisations with abbreviated names take part, names like those sponsored by the UN, and other NGOs".

The strands of this web extend into all the developing countries. The ‘cartel’ is financed through ‘specific support canals’, which proceed from the governments of advanced countries, like the population research agencies, representing a real industry. This industry benefits from the work of hundreds of professors and thousands of students. The aim of their work is to destroy fertility, to impede children’s conception and birth. In this way, ‘the surplus of people’ is removed, which act assures "our protection of all the population. Those who don’t accept this ideology are bribed or intimidated through the influence of the industrial powers in the poor countries". (Interview with Steve Mosher, head of PRI, Washington, U.S.A).

UNFPA & population control (cont.) Concerning International population day, the newspaper ‘Free Romania’ discusses the fall in maternal deaths since 1990 and cites UNFPA sources in well-known language: "no woman should die giving life".

Thus we learn maternal mortality in Romania fell constantly, from 626 in 1989 to 34 in 2006. This corresponds to a rate of 15 deaths to 100,000 live births (there were 218,300 live births). For all that, maternal mortality is much higher than in other EU countries, where the rate in 2006 was 6.66 deaths / 100,000 live births. (România liberă: Free Romania, 11th July 2007)

Pro Vita comment: It is sad the number of women who die following pregnancy is so high in Romania. Our health system must do all it can to save the lives of both mother and child. Nevertheless, we must also be aware – how many women die today because of abortion. When just the number of women dying because of pregnancy is presented, the implication is: childbearing is a menace to a woman’s health. We all know that is untrue.

Soros foundation opinion poll The Soros Foundation in Romania conducted a public opinion poll in May, on the theme 'life as a couple’. The enquiry offered information concerning the number of people who have a lifetime partner, an analysis of family roles, necessary conditions for a happy marriage, sex life, and tolerance towards sexual minorities, knowledge & use of contraceptive methods. (România liberă: Free Romania, 24th July 2007)

The results show, for Romanians, the following is considered important in a marriage – love: 84%, faithfulness: 77%; mutual trust: 76%. Concerning having & raising children, 85% of adults want 2 children at most. 75% of the respondents stated that material needs determines birth control in the family, and three quarters of those (i.e. 56.5% of those surveyed) say they have recourse to contraception. Homosexual couples are rejected by Romanians. 52% of the enquiry respondents state they don’t accept homosexuals. (România liberă: Free Romania, 25th July 2007)

The enquiry was carried out during 21st May – 4th June 2007, upon a sample of 1,999 people. About two thirds of Romanians desire long-term relationships, and some 50% finalise them through marriage, while ‘de facto marriage’, without documents, with other forms of words, mistresses, is only preferred by 6%.

The most important things in Romanians’ personal lives are family, though not definitely children, and health. Only 8% of respondents said children were the most important thing. The reasons why Romanians don’t have more than 2 children seem to be materialistic, according to those surveyed. (Curentul: current affairs & Adevãrul: The truth, 25th July 2007)

Romanian population falling & ever older In July 2007, the birth rate was below that of mortality in Romania. The national institute of statistics advises: 2,700 more children were – nevertheless – born than in July 2007. On the other hand, the number of deaths grew from 10.7 per 1,000 inhabitants, to 11.5. (Adevãrul: The truth, 15th September 2007)

President Traian Băsescu expressed concern about the fall in the Romanian population, by 1.4 million, over the last 17 years. The principal causes he mentioned were: emigration and the fall in the birthrate. "So great is the effect of the fall, even if we taken into account the growth in fertility, the population will hardly increase after 2060. This is a problem for all Romanian society: the family, the church, the man in the street, its a problem for today’s generation, for tomorrow’s also. If we do nothing today to reverse the negative trend in the birthrate, it may be too late for future generations", said President Băsescu, at the international conference ‘Whereto the Romanian population?’ held at Sibiu during 18 to 19th Sept. The president also mentioned the country needs a rapid revision of its demographic policy, while responses must be given by the Romanian demographic school of thought. (Ziua: The day & România liberă: Free Romania, 19th September 2007) http://www.romanialibera.ro/a106438/romania-ar-putea-fi-un-desert-demographic.html

Human trafficking – Less trafficking in Romania compared with 2005 According to the head of the national agency against human trafficking (ANITP), Mr Dumitru Licsandru, 2,285 people were trafficked in 2006: a fall of 11% compared to 2005 (2,551). Half the traffickers’ victims were aged 18 to 25; the next largest age category were aged 14 to 17. Two thirds of these people were women exploited sexually, or forced to beg. (Adevãrul: The truth, 12th April 2007)

Nevertheless, human trafficking is growing on the world stage. According to the International Organisation for Migration (http://www.iomlondon.org/& http://www.un.ro/iom.html & http://www.iom.md/), the Ukraine, Belarussia, and (independent) Moldova are the largest ‘providers’ of victims, followed by Romania and Bulgaria. According to the specialists, these 5 countries have ‘provided’ at least 225 people into this area. The Italian press reported recent cases of selling pregnant young girls. They are forced to prostitute themselves until they give birth. After this, the child is sold. (Ziua: The day, 27th April 2007)

Handicaps – Programmes for the handicapped The ‘Alternative 2003’ association is working on a project to train 100 handicapped people as potters. "The programme is directed to young people with handicaps, aged 18 to 30. The aim is to start them in modelling ceramics professionally", stated (Ms) Mihaela Rotar, head of ‘Alternative 2003’, to ‘Adevãrul’. The project will be developed over 2 years, and the capital has risen to 45,000 euros. Projects of this kind can be financed through the EU Social Protection & Social Inclusion Process http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/social_protection_en.htm (Adevãrul: The truth, 13th March 2007)

The government corrected law concerning the handicapped People who are responsible for handicapped children will be able to request paid leave for a maximum of seven years. In this way, the government has changed Law 448 / 2006 concerning the protection of the handicapped & promotion of handicapped rights. According to that law, people with incomes receive support payment for handicapped children for three years (200 lei – approx. 40 pounds benefit for the child, and 600 lei c. 122 pounds support for raising the baby). Hitherto, leave & benefit of 450 lei 92 pounds was granted for between 3 and 7 years. Likewise, a handicapped individual who cares for / oversees a child without handicaps still receives 450 lei until the child reaches 2, and 150 lei approx. 30 pounds until the child is 7. (Ziua: The day, 9th March 2007)

Various – Former interior minister proposes new legalisation of prostitution bill ‘Adevãrul’ newspaper published a large article concerning a bill to legalise prostitution. The article emphasises the measure "could prove an inspired macro-economic measure", which "would bring money to the budget". One of the bill sponsors is the former Interior & administration minister, (Mr) Vasile Blaga. Citing Greece & Holland as examples, ‘Adevãrul’ journalists estimate legalising prostitution in Romania could "save agriculture", bringing in some 1% of Romanian national income, thus compensating for agricultural losses from drought & natural disasters. (Adevãrul: The truth, 2nd March 2007)

Referring to the "financial benefits" of prostitution, we give here some opinions of Mr George Pruteanu, published in ‘Curentul’ newspaper, concerning this bill: "A state which legalises prostitution thus legitimises it (for it cannot admit illegal activity), thus becoming the supreme pimp (the State, supervising women’s renting) which is a travesty." 27th DEC. 2004. "The issue of ‘the world’s oldest profession’ is a cheap cliché. One could as well, and as verifiably, say burglary is ‘the oldest profession’, or farming, if we admit people must eat before they can sleep together. For one thing, by legalising prostitution, the state becomes the pimp. For another, it implicitly admits woman is an object that may be hour hired." (Curentul: current affairs, 10th March 2007)

"Legalising prostitution solves nothing, it creates more prostitution & problems, without eliminating any of the existing ones. Moreover, in this way the state loses the sheet-anchor of its self-respect, becoming a beast, an accomplice in the trade in human flesh, a party in the lucrative trade in the humiliation of women, of humankind in general – 26th July 2005." (Curentul: current affairs, 9th March 2007)

Pro Vita comment: Legalising prostitution will only ease human trafficking, and subjugate yet more women as sexual objects. We hope (once the change of government is complete) this bill will share the fate of 4 others on this subject, which were happily rejected by Parliament and other institutions in Romania.

Children are the worst victims of marital infidelity In an article in ‘Ziua’ newspaper, it is noted ‘infidelity has got out of control in Romania’. The number of divorces has exploded in Romania. This has happened because 'On the one hand, men who become rich – in general, after they are 40 / 50, consider it good to have a mistress. On the other, young women think it normal to have relationships with such men, even if they don’t care about (such men), in order to be ‘supported’. In the West the problem of protecting marriage is very serious; in Romania, the number of divorces is ever greater, and the side-effects ever more serious, especially for children. This manifests itself particularly among the well-to-do classes, but the others aren’t doing too well either. Extra-marital relations start at work, in the great majority of cases. Generally, women make advances. It’s not necessarily about physical attraction, but more often social status. A boss is always an interesting male. We may jump ahead: it is hard to believe, but our studies show: in Romania, women are the ones who abuse social status, who are sexually predatory, and pressure men', says Mrs Maria Bumbaru. (Ziua: The day, 5th May 2007)

About 3,000 Romanians commit suicide each year A report by the legal institute of medicine http://www.legmed.ro/index.php shows about 3,000 Romanians decide to end it all, each year. The figures also show, in 2006, the number of suicides was higher than in 2005. The majority of those who give up in the face of difficulties are men. Their motives vary from case to case, say the psychologists. Among the young, adolescence is usually the problem, and the consequent changes. (Curentul: current affairs, 6th June 2007)

Handicap rights still not respected in Romania Ms Marian Minculescu, head of the Society for Locomotive handicaps in Romania, considers the state doesn’t actively involve itself to resolve disabled people’s problems. "The greatest problem is lack of access", which explains the absence of handicapped people "from the social and professional life of the cities". Only 10% of institutions have special ramps for handicapped access. (Ziua: The day, 20th June 2007)

Centre to deal with suicide in Iaşi Doctors at the ‘Saint John’ emergency hospital in Iaşi have proposed creating a suicide centre within the hospital, following the model in European countries, because of the growing number of attempted suicides each year. In the first 6 months of 2007, some 300 people were taken into the Iaşi emergency hospital that had tried to end their lives. (Curentul: current affairs, 3rd July 2007)

Suicides in Romania 3% of all deaths in Romania are caused by suicide: 3,187 Romanians in 2006. The highest rate is among the Hungarian population (Translator’s note: some 8% of those within Romanian borders are Hungarian, e.g. the writer & human-rights activist Andras Suto who died naturally in Oct 2006). "The suicide rate is Covasna and Harghita counties is about 34 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in Satu Mare and Mureş it is 22 per 100,000", said Dr. (fem.) Doina Cosman, head of the anti-suicide alliance in Cluj. The main cause of suicide is depression. Events in life play their part, but do not always cause, depression. About three quarters of such deaths are among men aged 45 – 50. (România liberă: Free Romania, 11th September 2007)

Republic of Moldova – UNPD & USAID opened a social reintegration centre at Călăraşi The ‘Kishinev news’ reports two orphans, who benefit from the centre for orphan protection, recently created in Călăraşi with the help of the UN development programme (PNUD) & US Aid. The centre in Călăraşi is part of a series of projects within the anti – trafficking initiative of US president George W. Bush, besides 5 centres like it in Moldova. They offer professional training & social reintegration to young orphans, aged 18. ('Jurnal de Chişinău': The Kishinev news, 27th March 2007)

Every 4th child in Moldova born outside marriage 37,856 children were born in Moldova in 2006, less than in 2005. The birth rate is 10.5 live births per 1,000 inhabitants. According to figures from the national statistics office, births in the countryside continue higher (11.4 / 1,000 inhabitants) than in urban areas (9.2 / 1,000).

Natality out of wedlock has grown: the figures show every fourth child born in 2006 in Moldova was outside marriage. Of these, 67.1% were born in rural areas. The general average of mothers’ age at first birth was 22.5. On average, mothers in the countryside give birth younger – 21.8 – than in cities: 23.8. ('Flux, Cotidian naţional': Time & Tide, national daily, 23rd April 2007)

New pro-life initiative in Moldova In Kishinev (the Moldovan capital), an initiative – ‘Movement for Life’ – was recently launched, which united Moldovan associations & media groups. These organisations want to contribute to the defence & preservation of traditional values. Subjects debated in meetings include: the moral influence of the mass-media on the young, the problems of sex education among the young, the dangers of legal abortion, and the role of the church in educating the young. The ‘Movement for Life’ initiative brought together the following organisations: National union of students & youths in Moldova, the 'Diaconia' (deaconate) social mission, 'Act Civitas' association, European Youth Movement, Association of Orthodox Christian pupils, the 'Chernobyl Echo' foundation. The movement was started on 20th April 2007. Its website is http://www.pentru-viata.org/. (Novopress: ‘New Media’, 18th April 2007)

(Moldovan) Interview – Mr Vlad Cubreacov, Head of the Christian Democrat parliamentary deputies in the Republic of Moldova ”We Christian-democrats acknowledge man is the crown of God’s creation”

A: I can’t explain it, I can only regret it. Abortion, as a form of infanticide, is a sin, which destroys nations.

A: We should not generalise when we speak of the position of the political parties concerning the abortion problem. The philosophy and the policies of each political party are based upon a particular current of thought. Thus, as a rule, the doctrines of political groups near to liberalism, or near to socialism, approach abortion in an individualist way. The advocates of the particular visions concerning the individual and society consider there is a right to abort. This right, according to them, follows from the individual’s freedom to decide for themselves. It is regrettable these currents of thought deny an objective truth, that a human becomes a person with fundamental rights from the moment of conception, not just from birth. From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, at all stages of pregnancy, she no longer disposes of herself alone, but holds a great responsibility for the being conceived in her. The fundamental right to life must be guaranteed in law for every human being once conceived. Thus, the child’s parents become responsible for its life and integrity, physical & psychological, from the moment of conception. Hence we see how certain ideologies, pondering on the theme of man’s rights and the idea of liberty reverses rights & responsibilities in the case of pregnancy. Through playing games of logic, using sleight of hand about notions & values, the child’s right to life is changed into a right to kill it by the mother who, in fact, is responsible for its life.

Insofar as it concerns us, we Christian Democrats recognise man is the crown of the divine creation, not the final arbiter of all things. Our policies are based on the Christian vision of the person, who is responsible before God. Up to a certain point, man is responsible before God for the destiny of other human beings, to whom God has given life. Precisely through the Popular Christian Democrat party’s programme we state abortion represents a capital sin, a crime against life and against the human being.

Q: Why do the political parties not see a connection between abortion, the fall in population, and economic decline?

A: The question is very well asked, because besides the moral aspect, it raises the pragmatic side of the problem. God made an order in the world, and brought into being laws grafted in nature. Concerning respect for the particular orders, human conduct is either more or less in accord with the Creator’s will. What is fascinating, for us, in the working of God’s laws, is the effect respect towards divine laws has, of bringing wellbeing – even in the worldly sense of the idea. So when God obliges us to do something, or forbids us something, He seeks only our good. Being limited in perception and understanding, we human beings cannot fully comprehend the unlimited love invested by God in his relationship with us.

Every country’s demographic state affects its economy. A society with a positive birthrate is vigorous and productive. This supposes those of working age (who produce what is necessary for society’s life), are enough to support the dependent (children, the elderly, ill, etc). Hence, a society, which allows and encourages abortion, commits a crime against God’s gift of life, and at the same time hurts itself. Practicing this sin leads to the nation’s fertility drying up, and reduces its capacity for development and regeneration.

Q: Why do the politicians not see a link between so-called contraception and abortion? (Contraception is supposed to be a important method of combating abortion, and is the main element in the new sex education given to pupils & students).

A: This is a consequence of other errors and ideas that in the embryonic stage the individual cannot be considered a person with fundamental rights. The authors of these terrible beliefs bear responsibility for the exclusion of the weakest and most defenceless beings from the protective umbrella of secular judicial norms. This destruction of the embryo through ‘contraceptive’ methods, as through abortion, essentially represents the same sin: infanticide. Hence, the politicians you refer to, knowingly or in ignorance, hide behind the illusion the embryo represents just a bunch of cells that is not part of the category of individual beings.

Q: Why don’t the politicians see the connection between ever-growing female infertility and the phenomena of contraception and abortion? (The most important specialist sources in Moldova state in the press contraception is one of the main causes of the fall in couples’ fertility: FLUX newspaper 13th Feb 2006).

A: Some politicians see this. Others, because they’re not sufficiently developed intellectually or morally, aren’t able to realize this correlation. But the most dangerous are the political figures who promote abortion & abortion-causing contraception; simultaneously realising these practices seriously affect the population and its fertility. For us Christian Democrats, deliberately taking away the embryo’s life represents a capital sin, regardless of the means and the form of words the act bears, and a crime against life and the human being.

Q: Why isn’t it understood treating infertility by IVF opens the way to the industry of exploiting and manipulating the human embryo? This means human embryos will be used not only to help women who can’t have children, but also for research to improve people’s health with products obtained from the embryos. Such conduct fundamentally modifies man’s vision of life, so that man substitutes himself for God, desiring perfect health and eternal life.

A: The embryonic baby, once excluded from the category of human beings, is considered on the same plane as animals, on which all sorts of operations are performed. This harsh reality illustrates very strikingly how Beelzebub makes fun of man, who chose to work under the banner of evil. Our mission is to struggle against such experiments.

Q: What is the opinion of the political class about euthanasia, and assisted medically suicide for the incurably ill, in the final stages of their illness?

A: First we should not speak of the political class as of a group of lead soldiers, completely identical, cast of the same mould. The parties position themselves differently on the political chessboard. Individual politicians are very different, in intellectual preparation and spiritual development. Motivation for being involved in politics likewise varies from person to person. So, when we speak of opinions, we eventually consider Christian Democrats, liberals, socialists, ecologists, such a politician, or such a parliamentary deputy.

The Christian Democrats represent the only political family, which openly opposes euthanasia and so-called medically assisted suicide, as much on the national field as internationally. Only God, the one who gives life has the right to take it. All that exceeds these norms is a crime and a shame, whatever justifications are brought in support of such practices.

Q: What is the opinion of the political class about the way handicapped children are treated, from their mother’s womb until maturity? Unborn handicapped children, supposed to have a handicap, are condemned to death by abortion much more often, after prenatal screening.

A: Mankind often becomes the victim of the search for commodities. On the other side of this coin is stamped the flight from responsibility. Our impression is that God allows some of our brothers & sisters to be born with infirmities. Probably the Creator wishes we who are physically fit to care for the powerless, yet this supposes showing Christian love and courage, taking on responsibility and giving up comfort. Only those who relate to the example of Jesus Christ are able to take such positions. Families and communities must take in their bosom those born with a handicap and treat them entirely lovingly. If the Creator decided to give them life, what right do we creatures have to decree against the decisions of the Supreme Sovereign?

Q: Do you think politicians could introduce legislation against abortion, to limit contraception & IVF, so as to prevent embryo traffic and research in Moldova?

A: A political team made up of moral people, aware of their responsibilities – above all before God, yet also towards nation and family, has available all the motivation and doctrinal support to govern the state, basing conduct on the Gospel values. In this case I also would have to ask: what should moral people from society do in order that the Christian – Democrats should take the government of the state, and govern without finding themselves obliged to favour the slightest evil (on account of some political combinations created through the democratic process, instead of working with free hands for the common good, bearing the standard of Gospel truth?

9. Roman Catholic Church Has Not Redefined Seven Deadly Sins – March 24, 2008

After reading articles in the Chronicle Herald by Jim Meek poking fun at Roman Catholics and exposing his ignorance of the subject, I had to pass this along. As well as the Pepsi Jesus' art show at St. Mary's University. It is insulting. – Herm

Roman Catholic Church has not redefined Seven Deadly Sins: Archbishop – By Jim Coggins

Mainstream media around the world have announced an apparent change in the Roman Catholic doctrine of sin, publishing news stories under such titles as 'New and improved ways to go to hell' and 'Vatican introduces new deadly sins.' Later commentators suggested the coverage sometimes amounted to "anti-Christian rhetoric" and journalists seizing an opportunity to "ridicule the church."

The controversy began after a Vatican bureaucrat, Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti, was asked by a reporter for the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano to define "New Forms of Social Sin." In an article published March 10, Girotti mentioned issues such as embryonic stem cell research, drug abuse, environmental pollution and amassing wealth at the expense of the poor.

Paul Schratz, editor of the BC Catholic, told CC.com such discussions are very common during Lent. It is a time when "many priests are asking their flocks to take an inner look and engage their own sinfulness," he said.

The problem occurred, Schratz said, when the mainstream media took Girotti's comments "on an awkward new tangent" and said the Church was either replacing the Seven Deadly Sins or adding new sins to an already onerous list of moral obligations.

The Seven Deadly Sins – pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth – have no official standing in Roman Catholic theology. They were apparently formulated by a fourth-century monk named St. John Cassian and refined by Pope Gregory the Great. The Catholic Catechism mentions these only briefly as "capital sins" which "engender other sins and vices."

Publication of Archbishop Girotti's statements coincided with the March 12 release of a pastoral letter called 'Our Relationship with the Environment: The Need for Conversion' by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. Brendan M. O'Brien, Archbishop of Kingston, was one of the four bishops who authored the statement. He told CC.com the statement argues for the need for a conversion, or change of heart, to recognize the "moral implications" of environmental damage. The document calls this a rupture with "our environment, our neighbour and God."

The timing was a coincidence, said O'Brien, as the document had been in the works for a year and is a follow-up to a 2003 document called 'The Christian Ecological Imperative' and a variety of other statements in recent years. The Catholic Church has always had a strong social conscience about such issues, he said.

Archbishop Daniel J. Bohan of Regina, another of the authors, told CC.com the doctrine is not new since it "goes back to the biblical understanding of humanity's responsibility for creation." The issue may be receiving more attention now, he said, because "we are becoming more aware of the damage we have done to the environment."

Some of the negative reaction in the press can be attributed to the fact that "our modern society doesn't like to talk about sin," said Bohan. He said the "church has become unpopular" because it continues to confront people with the immorality of their "wilfully destructive" behaviour.

Destruction of the environment is essentially based in the "deadly sin" of greed, he added. That is, it is based on the desire to have more regardless of the impact on the poor in our own country, the poor in other countries and future generations. It is a failure to love one's neighbour.

Schratz agreed there is "less of a sense of personal sin" today among both society at large and Catholics in particular. It has been observed, he said, "the line-up for communion is getting longer and the line-up for confession is getting shorter."

It is important for the church to provide moral teaching, said O'Brien, because people have lost a common understanding of right and wrong. People prefer to decide moral issues for themselves and resent the church or anyone else telling them what they should be doing, he said.

That is characteristic of "the extreme individualism of our society," said Bohan. However, "if everyone decided for themselves what was right and wrong, we would have a very chaotic society. That was the sin of Adam and Eve -- they wanted to decide for themselves what is right and wrong."

Thus, while the imperative to care for creation goes back to Genesis, so does human failure to obey that imperative. "The story in Genesis is a marvellous illustration of the destructiveness of sin," said Bohan. "Everything falls apart when people want to be God."

"I think we've got some major evangelistic work to do," said Schratz, "not just in society but with our own people." In that sense, he said, the controversy may have been helpful because it may have "made a few people look at their own state."

O'Brien suggested the negative reaction to the recent statements on sin may illustrate a serious problem: "We often try to get people to follow the moral teaching before they have a solid relationship with Christ. We need to help people develop a deeper Christian spirituality. Then the moral standards would make more sense."

Man's timeless sins – This week, The National with Peter Mansbridge played up the story of the Vatican proclaiming a new list of deadly sins. The implication was that the old seven – pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth – just didn't cut it today, so Rome had invented new sins to lay upon gullible believers. Well, why not? In CBC-land, everything to do with the Church is a fit subject for ridicule. Alas, the real story is more prosaic, if less newsworthy. – Ian Hunter, National Post, March 14

10. Spain's Socialist Government Sees The Folly Of Falling Fertility – March 17, 2008

Spain's Socialist Government Sees the Folly of Falling Fertility – by Carlos Beltramo

The socialist government of Spain has surprised everyone by adopting a pro-natal policy. Each newborn will receive a check for Euro 2,500 (about 3,938 dollars). If the newborn is born into a family with three or more children, the amount is increased to Euro 3,500.

In announcing the policy, President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said to the Parliament that "In order to continue progressing Spain needs more families with more children. And families need more aid to have more babies and more resources for their upbringing".

Image by Luis Jáspez, used here under Creative Commons License v2.5 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/

Even a blind man could see that this is so. In only 30 years, the average size of the Spanish family has dropped from 3.8 members to 2.9. Today, two and a half million Spanish people live alone. There are now only about 1.7 million large Spanish families--that is, families with three or more children--and the number is steadily falling.

Along with Italy and Greece, Spain has one of the lowest fertility rates in the EU. Spain's population is again rapidly, and is on the cusp of absolute population decline. In 1996 Spain added only 11,177 people to its population. Since that year, the numbers have gone up, but only because immigrants from Latin America and North Africa are having children. Even with these births, however, in 2005 births only exceeded deaths by 78,597. Experts call this the "desnatalidad," which translated means the "un-birth rate".

So President Zapatero is right in trying to ramp up the birth rate, but will he succeed? It's hard to be optimistic, for several reasons.

Given that it costs over 100,000 Euro to raise a child to adulthood, the 2,500 payment may not be enough to encourage more childbearing. Juan Moreno, the head of the Consumers Association of Spain, has called the amount "insignificant."

Moreover, according to 2004 Eurostat data, Spain spends less on family and childhood programs than any other country in the EU. Such programs account for only 0.7 percent of Spain's GNP, while Europe as a whole averages 2.1 percent. And Spain taxes back some of this money since, along with Greece; it includes public family aid as taxable income. What the government gives with the right hand, it takes away, in part, with the left.

Abortion is also eating away at the Spanish population. Abortion is supposedly legal in Spain only for cases of rape, "foetal defect," and danger to the mother's physical or psychological health. In the case of rape and foetal defect the law allows abortions between 12 and 22 first weeks of pregnancy. For the "health" exception, however, there are no time limits.

At present, one in every six pregnancies ends in abortion. Every day, 252 abortions are performed in Spain, for an average of 11 each hour.

Spanish police recently closed several abortion clinics in Barcelona after they found medical abuses beyond description. The closures were the result of investigations carried out by an association called
"E-Christians" (www.e-cristians.net ), and an undercover TV investigation by the Danish press. Many abortionists were jailed, and Spanish society as a whole was horrified.

One would think that Spain, in light of the current scandal, and facing a population crisis, would want to put additional limits on abortion. In fact, there are groups in the Spanish Parliament clamouring for a revision of the current law, but they want to make it more permissive, not less.

This is both immoral and nonsensical, given that Spain needs more children, so much so that it is even willing to pay for then.

We at PRI do not believe that the current policy will succeed in reversing Spain's population decline. The evidence shows that one-time baby bonuses, however large, are unlikely to cause more than a blip in the birth rate.

Spain needs to shelter parents with children from taxes altogether. Were Spain to embark upon a generous program of tax credits for children, the birth rate would rebound. Only this can stave off demographic decline.

Carlos Beltramo reports for Population Research Institute from Navarre, Spain.

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