Health

Belgium debates euthanasia for minors

Belgian legislators opened a debate Wednesday on whether to amend a decade-old law on euthanasia to cover minors, being told by experts that it was already taking place in practice without any set guidelines.

Obstetrics & gynaecology

Germany clears genetic testing of embryos

Germany's upper house of parliament on Friday gave its green light to testing embryos after in vitro fertilisation in certain cases after a passionate ethical debate in the country on the issue.

Health

Plain-packet cigarettes delayed in Australia

Australia's world-first plan for plain packaging on cigarettes has been delayed, giving tobacco firms extra time to prepare, the government said Wednesday, with the first sales now due in December 2012.