Pope takes tough line on assisted fertility

POPE Benedict XVI yesterday endorsed efforts by Italian bishops to restrict assisted fertility treatments, contending that a referendum next month to scrap parts of a law posed threats to life and the family.

The Pope spoke to the Italian bishops conference, which has called on Italians to boycott the referendum, which is scheduled for June 12-13.

It was the German-born Pope’s first foray into an Italian issue, but his support was not unexpected.