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Carrier screening is a test carried out before conception for couples who are at risk of passing on a genetic disease to their offspring. Ghent University Hospital recently asked the government to reimburse the cost of these genetic tests for all couples who wish to undergo them. In the event of such a reimbursement, the more systematic use of preconception tests would raise serious concerns. In future, if a risk of genetic disease were detected, would couples really be free not to turn to in ...

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In its decision of 13 June 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled that the Hungarian government's ban on euthanasia and assisted suicide did not breach the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Karsai, a Hungarian citizen suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, considered that this ban violated his rights under Articles 8 (right to respect for private and family life) and 14 (prohibition of discrimination) of the European Convention on Human Rights. By voting six to one,...

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In the new Penal Code, "loss of pregnancy", whether or not intentionally induced, is classed as an "act of violence" resulting in third-degree bodily harm. Unlike under the old Code, the intention to cause the loss of pregnancy is now taken into account (Art. 214). This offence is punishable by a level 4 penalty (as opposed to a level 3 penalty if the perpetrator did not intend to cause the loss of pregnancy). Article 215 provides for a level 5 penalty if the loss of pregnancy results in the...

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"According to studies, nearly 30% of women are at risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress one month after losing their unborn child. I don't want to ignore that.” This reality, highlighted by the Minister for the Civil Service, Petra de Sutter, called for better recognition of the pain experienced by women and couples faced with this ordeal. Until now, women who suffered a miscarriage before 180 days of pregnancy (6 months) were only entitled to sick leave (maternity leave is only g...

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43 participants aged between 15 and 46 whose mothers had been exposed to radiotherapy during pregnancy took part in the study.  The participants were monitored at predefined ages in childhood and then every 5 years in adulthood. The researchers gave them tests to measure intelligence, attention and memory. They also collected questionnaires from the parents to assess the children's executive and psychosocial functions. These tests were supplemented by medical examinations. The results of the ...

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"Will I be able to look after him?” This is one of the questions asked by pregnant women who are going through an ordeal with their pregnancy, and whose stories have been collected by the Résilientes media. Although they never expected to become mothers, they made the choice to go ahead with a pregnancy, sometimes at the cost of a breakup with their partner or even their family. These never-before-seen testimonials, broadcasted via YouTube videos and podcasts, highlight the multiple pressures ...

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On 11 April 2024, the European Parliament voted (336 in favour, 163 against and 39 abstentions) for a resolution to amend Article 3 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to include the right to abortion. Although European Parliament resolutions are not binding, they nevertheless express the official position of the legislative body if a majority of MEPs vote in favour of them. As for the Charter of Fundamental Rights, it is binding on the Member States, but only when the...

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On 23 April 2024, the European Parliament voted to amend the Directive on human trafficking to include surrogate motherhood among the acts of human trafficking that Member States are obliged to punish. Voted 563 in favour, 7 against and 17 abstentions, the text is still subject to approval by the ministers of the Member States who are part of the Council of the European Union. Given the diversity of European legislation in this area, the question arises as to what impact this will have on...

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After more than 150 years, a new Penal Code is launched, with articles 109 to 111 making incitement to suicide a criminal offence. The new article 109 defines this offence as "the deliberate accomplishment of an act likely to cause a person to commit suicide. Incitement to suicide is punishable only if it results in the victim committing suicide or attempting to do so". Incitement can be both psychological (convincing a person that suicide is the solution to their problems) and...

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In the early days of 2024, the prestigious scientific journal American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published the results of a study to determine the feasibility of cryopreserving ovarian tissue in order to delay menopause. "For the first time in the history of medicine, we have the ability to potentially delay or eliminate menopause", said Dr Kutluk Oktay, author of the study and Director of the Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Fertility Preservation at the Yale School of...

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