We support the many midwives who oppose Diana Johnson MP’s Ten Minute Rule Bill seeking to introduce abortion on demand, up-to-birth, for any reason, on Monday 13th March 2017.

The “decriminalisation” of abortion means the total removal of all legal restrictions on abortion. There would be no grounds on which abortion could not take place and no ‘upper’ gestational time limit.

This point has been acknowledged by abortion provider BPAS, the backers of this Bill, who’s CEO, Anne Furedi, at the launch of their campaign for decriminalisation stated “I want to be very, very clear and blunt… there should be no legal upper limit.”

I oppose Diana Johnson MP’s Bill for the following reasons:

• This is an extreme and radical legislative proposal.

  • The Bill in its construction and consequences is more extreme than any abortion Bill previously raised in British history, as it would allow for abortion on any grounds at any time throughout pregnancy.

• The proposal is out of touch with the views of the British people.

  • One YouGov poll showed that 88% of women in the UK either want to keep the current law and time limit as it is, or restrict it further. This contrasts with the 2% of women who wanted to see an increase in the abortion time limit beyond 24 weeks, let alone birth.

  • Last year, the Royal College of Midwives’ support for BPAS’ abortion-up-to-birth campaign saw a serious backlash from over 1,000 midwives who protested against the RCM’s position.

• The situation would allow for far greater abuses than have already occurred under the current law.

  • Already within our current legal framework we have seen doctors pre-signing abortion forms, gender-selective abortions being offered, live babies being left to die following abortions that have gone wrong and children with minor disabilities, such as cleft palate, being aborted. In this context, where the current law is supposed to be preventing such appalling practices, the thought of allowing abortion on demand up to birth is seriously worrying.

• The abortion industry have proven that they cannot be trusted.

• • In 2015, 98% of abortions were funded by the NHS. Of these, over two thirds (68%) took place in private abortion clinics (e.g. Marie Stopes International and BPAS clinics) under NHS contract.

  • In August 2016, however, the Care Quality Commission had to step in to protect patients from potential harm at Marie Stopes abortion clinics. The December 2016 report showed doctors had been bulk-signing abortion consent forms, babies remains had been left in open bins, women were left at risk of infection, staff were not trained in how to respond to deteriorating patients and post-surgery safety checks were being completed before the surgery started. If these kind of breaches in patient safety protocols were occurring under the current law and close inspection of clinics, what will happen when all legal restrictions are lifted from abortion practice?

The British public prides itself in being a reasonable, humane and tolerant society. Such an extreme and radical proposal has no place in the UK.

It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of biblical description has often led to amazing discoveries.

Dr. Nelson Glueck

I believe the most effective preachers in the future will be those who fuse the head and the heart in their preaching.

If you preach mostly to the head of your audience, start thinking about what connects with the heart.

Information alone doesn’t bring about transformation. Preaching to the head can lead to a changed mind, but not a changed life.

This year, we’ve uncovered a whole bunch of students praying. Praying in new, different ways for their universities, friends and cities. Praying through the night, sacrificing sleep. Praying instead of studying or partying. 

Students stepping up and following God’s gentle whisper.  

24/7 Prayer International

Glenn told the world during his 1998 shuttle mission, “To look up out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible. It just strengthens my faith.” He told reporters that he was praying every day in orbit. He made public his faith across his career in the military, NASA, and public service.

COUNT ME IN!

Christians in the Middle East are in desperate need of hope. War and severe persecution threaten their very survival. Many have fled their homes to escape Islamic extremists intent on destroying the church. But many courageous Christians have chosen to stay. They want to shine in the darkness with the light of Christ, now and in the future. They believe they have a vital role to play in rebuilding their shattered societies.

We asked church leaders and Christians from Syria and Iraq what would give them hope. They highlighted three things: equality, dignity and responsibility. It’s vital that their call reaches the ears of world leaders so that change can happen on the ground.

This is only possible with global support – with your support.

One million voices can make this happen. Will you join with others around the world – including Christians in the Middle East – in calling for a hope and a future for Christians and others in that region? Make your voice count – please sign the petition today!

 http://advocacy.oduk.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=77&ea.campaign.id=54115&ea.tracking.id=Web

Risca Christmas Market and Light Parade comes to town from 12pm – 5.30pm.  Held in Tredegar Park, Risca, with stalls and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

A fun light parade at 4.45pm is the finale to the event, along with the Christmas light switch on and carols around the Christmas tree.

This is a free event.

For more information call 02920 880 011.

This event is organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council in partnership with Risca West and East Community Event Group.

Blackwood Street Pastors holding their 7th Anniversary Celebration service on Thursday 20th October at St Augustine’s Church Pontllanfraith – commencing at 7pm