A British court has found that a mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy was not a criminal offence, and so has denied a damages claim made on behalf of her disabled daughter. However, this poses obvious ethical dilemmas, particularly appertaining to the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy on the child…

The New South Wales Health Minister and Attorney-General have taken opposing sides over proposed legislation to change the legal definition of an unborn child. MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on the private member’s bill, which is designed to allow criminal liability for the death of a foetus that is at least 20 weeks old. Currently, charges can only be laid over the injury or death of the mother…