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.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the head of the Italian bishops conference, is the Pope’s vicar for Rome.

The current law forbids sperm and egg donation, limits the number of embryos created with in vitro techniques to three and bans all embryo research.

The referendums would abrogate the law’s provisions on embryo research, the three-embryo limit, the ban on egg or sperm donation from outside the couple and the attribution of rights to the unborn.

Opponents complain the law restricts scientific research and a woman’s reproductive rights.

The bishops are pressing Italians not to vote.

At least 50% plus one of eligible voters must cast ballots to make a referendum valid.