Nigerian Catholic Church criticises new National Health Bill

(Vatican Radio) The Catholic Church in Nigeria  has criticised the National Health Bill passed by the National Assembly, saying some sections were defective and unfavourable to human life.

John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja, advised President Goodluck Jonathan, not to sign the bill into law until sections of the Act, particularly Sections 50, 51, and 52 were revised.

“The sections of the bill as passed touches on tissue and organ transplant among other delicate issues that is against the teachings of the Church,” he said.

Speaking during a forum organised by the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) on the bill in Abuja, Cardinal Onaiyekan advised the Federal Government and the National Assembly to be careful of policies and initiatives introduced by foreign governments and organisations.

The cardinal noted that ideas coming in from outside should be accepted if they would be useful but should be discarded if found to be contrary to the health and well being of Nigerians.