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Note #8344 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Health Issues
GA04052
June 29, 2004

Health Issues

by Erin Cox-Holmes

RICHMOND, June 29 --The Health Issues Committee turned down an overture that
sought to overturn the denomination's current "pro-choice" stance on abortion
and to add a condemnation of abortion to the Book of Order.

After extended debate as to whether the "Statement on Post-Viability and
Late-Term Abortion" approved by the 214th and 215th Assemblies is strong
enough in encouraging live births when possible in late-term problem
pregnancies, the panel voted to recommend a change in one paragraph. The new
language would affirm the delivery of babies that have reached viability
whenever possible; call on Presbyterians to support women in problem
pregnancies; and affirm adoption as an alternative.

A minority report urges the sending of a pastoral letter to inform PC(USA)
members of existing resources rather than modifying the policy statement.

An overture calling on the FDA to approve emergency contraception for
over-the counter sale was disapproved. Proponents of the measure argued that
it would prevent more than 1.5 million unwanted pregnancies and 800,000
abortions each year; opponents said it would encourage promiscuity. Members
also disagreed as to whether this form of contraception prevents pregnancy or
terminates it.

The committee also adopted a resolution on guidelines for fetal-tissue and
stem-cell research; and passed an overture opposing a relaxation in
regulation of emissions from smokestack industries.

This story and many others may have photos, media, video clips that can be
found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga216/.

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