"Neither at 16, nor at 18 - abortion - abolition." This was the slogan on a giant banner unravelled on the night of Mariano Rajoy's election victory in Spain. Now the Spanish government has announced that it aims to restrict access to abortion to cases of rape, serious health problems for the foetus, or psychological fragility of the mother. It would take the law back to the time before Rajoy's Socialist predecessor Zapatero made abortion a right.
Libya's new masters try bringing rival bands of militias back into the fold. Meanwhile, the French foreign minister pays a visit to Tunisia, pledging millions of euros of investment. Finally, the topic of abortion has long been considered taboo in Morocco, but there are now growing calls for changes to the law.
Mitt Romney's win in Iowa kicks off what is likely to be a long Republican campaign to choose their nominee for the 2012 US presidential election. Much of the coverage of the Republican candidates is critical: they emerge as "weirdos" in a cattle car. That's the focus for this look at the world papers, Wednesday 4th January 2011.
India's recent preliminary census results had a shocking statistic: the ratio of girls to boys had fallen yet again. There are now only 914 girls for every 1,000 boys, while in some areas it's as low as 800. Easy access to ultrasound machines and illegal sex determination tests have led to a boom in the abortion of female fetuses, leading to widespread people trafficking and abuse of women.
Web users report on the ongoing protests in Bahrain. An anti-abortion campaign has sparked controversy in Macedonia. And a group of men change the tires of a moving car…
As France reviews its bioethics legislation, news of the birth of the country’s first "saviour sibling" sparks condemnation from the Catholic Church. François Picard’s panel argues over the distinction between helping parents start a family and the fear of designer babies.
As France reviews its bioethics legislation, news of the birth of the country’s first "saviour sibling" sparks condemnation from the Catholic Church. François Picard’s panel argues over the distinction between helping parents start a family and the fear of designer babies.
Australia underwater: how are residents of Brisbane coping after the worst flooding in decades drenched their homes? Our correspondent went to visit an 87-year-old Chinese dissident who's behind bars in Thailand. And you will learn how the Chinese are making Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton's engagement ring accessible to all.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Ireland's constitutional ban on abortion violates human rights laws in cases where giving birth proves a threat to the mother's health. The ruling does not challenge the constitutional ban itself.
In this edition: Haiti’s presidential campaign in in full swing online. Web users react to Benedict XVIs comment on condom use. And Harry Potter’s greatest fan reveals himself on YouTube.
