Keys to Fighting AIDS

THE LANCET, Nov. 29 — An article signed by nearly 150 HIV/AIDS experts from more than 35 countries acknowledged that sexual abstinence by single young people and being faithful in marriage are key to stopping AIDS, according to the British medical journal. The article lauds Uganda's “ABC” model as a successful campaign against the deadly virus. The acronym stands for “Abstain, Be faithful/reduce partners, use Condoms.”

Though it is supported by the Bush administration, many have criticized Uganda's implementation of the program because it shunned the use of condoms.

Promising Research

BRITISH BROADCASTING COMPANY, Dec. 1 — Doctors at the Medical University of Inns-bruck have found that stem cells derived from a patient's own muscle tissue show promise in successfully treating urinary stress incontinence. Eighteen of 20 women in the study were still symptom-free one year after an injection with stem cells derived from muscle tissue from their own arms.

The research has been cited as another example of successful stem-cell research that does not involve using cells from aborted babies.

Malta Stands Firm

LIFESITENEWS.COM, Dec. 1 — A United Nations recommendation to legalize abortion in Malta has been rejected by Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Malta's bishops. The U.N. Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had urged the state party “to review its legislation on abortion and consider exceptions to the general prohibition of abortion.”

The exceptions they refused would be for “therapeutic” abortions and when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.