Latest news with #CarolineJohnson
Cosmopolitan
13-06-2025
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
Anti-choice groups and some MPs want to end pills-by-post abortions that help thousands of women a year
A group of cross-party MPs, including Reform's Richard Tice and Caroline Johnson of the Conservative Party, backed by ardent anti-choice groups with religious affiliations, are hoping to push forward an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill next week which would see the end of telemedicine (pills-by-post) abortions. This method of ending a pregnancy is a preferred choice for thousands of women every year, particularly those who live in remote areas and who cannot easily access a clinic in person, and those in vulnerable situations, such as an abusive relationship. Data shows that since telemedicine abortions were introduced during the pandemic (and voted in permanently in August 2022) that more than 150,000 women have opted for this method of ending a pregnancy. It is the preferred option for more than half of women, according to MSI Reproductive Choices, a leading abortion provider. A study by the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology also described the pills-by-post method as 'effective, safe, acceptable, and improves access to care'. The push to ban this form of healthcare comes as Parliament are also gearing up to vote on another amendment (NC1) to the Crime and Policing Bill which would see the biggest overhaul to abortion-related laws in more than 50 years and which would decriminalise the procedure (abortion is still technically a criminal offence in England and Wales under a law dating back to 1861, before women had the right to vote, however it is legal if strict criteria is met as set out in the Abortion Act 1967). More than 30+ medical bodies, women's rights groups and abortion providers are in support of NC1, saying it is important to remove women and abortion from the law as police investigations into women suspected of illegal terminations have ramped up in recent years. Police have now been formally issued guidance on how to search a woman's phone for evidence of an illegal abortion following a miscarriage, if she is reported as suspicious by medical staff after seeking help. Anti-choice campaigners are hearing this discourse, repackaging the call to decriminalise abortion and are instead trying to frame it as pro-choice groups calling for 'abortion rights up until birth'. This is false: no groups are calling to amend the time limit around abortion cut off points. However, groups are calling for women to no longer be prosecuted for ending a pregnancy outside of the legal time limit – something that happens incredibly rarely, and when it does is, according to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists "generally involves extremely vulnerable women, including victims of domestic abuse, women with a history of mental health problems, women not registered with a GP, and women who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or have difficulties accessing the health system". The College argues that these women deserve compassion over prosecution. Abortions are not permitted in England and Wales after 24 weeks unless the woman's life is at risk or if there is a severe fetal abnormality. Less than 0.1% of abortions take place beyond 24 weeks. Speaking about the rally cry to end at-home abortions, Louise McCudden, UK head of external affairs at MSI Reproductive Choices, told Cosmopolitan UK, "At-home abortion care is safe, effective, and preferred by a majority of women. Banning women from choosing at-home abortion care would be an authoritarian restriction on a common, safe healthcare procedure, with no clinical or ethical basis whatsoever." She added that, "Everyone who needs or chooses abortion should be offered the right type of care for their needs. For some, that will be taking pills at home as part of our supported care package, for others that will be taking pills in a clinic, and for others, that will mean having a surgical abortion. "These decisions should be between women and their doctors, not ill-informed politicians. Despite the handful of MPs backing this bizarre proposal, we hope that most MPs would instead listen to doctors, midwives, and women themselves about the vital importance of offering at-home abortion care." Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, echoed McCudden's sentiments, saying, "Restricting telemedicine would significantly reduce women's and girls' access to an essential form of healthcare in England and Wales. "There is a wealth of evidence to show that telemedicine for early medical abortion is safe, has enabled women to access treatment sooner, and that the service is preferred by women." Professor Thakar highlighted that it is abortion providers that have extensive expertise and experience in the management of abortion care, of safeguarding and of the needs of patients – and that they strongly oppose any amendment to the law that would reduce access to pills-by-post terminations. "Removing access to telemedicine will only increase barriers." Last month, a woman named Nicola Packer was found not guilty of carrying out an illegal abortion after experiencing a traumatic stillbirth after taking abortion pills in November 2020. Packer told the court she was not aware of how far into the pregnancy she was when she opted for a telemedicine abortion. She delivered a stillbirth estimated to be about 26 weeks' gestation and after seeking medical attention, was reported to the police. Packer described the criminal investigation against her as 'horrific' and says what happened in her case was a "tragic accident" that deserved support rather than criminal proceedings. "There are other ways that it could have been handled after I'd been in hospital," Packer said when speaking to the Guardian, and recalling how intimate images of her body were shown in court as part of evidence. "I could have been sent home to recuperate. There was no legal need for me to be taken straight to a police station [in the back of a police van]. "I had to sit basically on a plank of wood, with no seatbelts on it, driving around London like that." Due to the criminal investigation that ensued, Packer claims to have not been given anti-clotting medication in good time as she was deemed "not a priority". Another amendment relating to abortion law reform (NC20) is also being put forward in Parliament next week, but it is not supported by any of the UK's abortion providers. BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) said during a BBC Radio 4 interview that it does not feel NC20 is the right approach when it comes to overhauling abortion law which is "incredibly complex [and] governs 250,000 women's healthcare every single year". A BPAS spokesperson, Rachael Clarke, Head of Advocacy, added, "Because of that, it is essential that any huge change to abortion law is properly considered. That means involvement with providers, medical bodies, regulators – and proper debate time in parliament [which NC20, in the charity's opinion, would not have]." Cosmopolitan UK has partnered with leading abortion provider BPAS to campaign to 'End 1861' and call for urgent law reform that would decriminalise abortion in England and Wales. It hopes to see the rare cases, like Packer's, to be treated with compassion rather than prosecution. You can find out more information about the campaign here. Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC's Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women's Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
MPs fight to criminalise pills-by-post abortions
MPs are seeking a law change to ban the unsupervised use of abortion 'pills by post' to prevent women being coerced into terminations. Nearly 30 MPs including Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory party leader, are backing an amendment to the Government's policing Bill which would crack down on the pills-by-post scheme to prevent it being abused by coercive partners or result in mistaken terminations. The postal scheme enables women who are fewer than 10 weeks pregnant to access abortion medication after a phone or video consultation with a doctor. It was introduced in the pandemic to ensure women could continue to access terminations during early pregnancy. The scheme was made permanent in March 2022. Critics have said the removal of the requirement for an in-person medical appointment leaves the process open to abuse. Last year, a 40-year old man from Norfolk was jailed for 12 years for administering pills obtained by post to a woman without her knowledge after he crushed up the medication in a glass of orange juice. Stuart Worby's victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered a miscarriage in hospital within hours of the assault, which happened in 2022. Worby obtained the medication from a friend, who posed as a woman in need of an abortion. Require medical checks Caroline Johnson, a Tory MP, is tabling an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill which would bar a woman from securing abortion pills for use at home without a prior in-person appointment with a doctor or appropriate medical professional. This would allow medics to check for any health risks, the woman's gestational age and the possibility of a coerced abortion. The move has already been backed by 27 MPs across six political parties and, according to new polling, has support from the public. Two-thirds of women backed a return to in-person appointments with 4 per cent in favour of the status quo, according to a poll of 2,103 adults by Whitestone Insight. Prevent 'coerced or dangerous abortions' Ms Johnson said: 'Since its introduction, the safeguarding risks caused by the 'pills by post' scheme have been evident, with one man able to obtain pills by a third party to induce a woman to have an abortion against her will or knowledge. 'Other women have taken the pills later in pregnancy, in some cases because they were mistaken about their gestation, putting themselves in danger. 'Women would continue to be able to take abortion pills at home but, in line with public support, my amendment would reinstate prior in-person consultations so medical professionals are able to accurately assess a woman's gestational age, any health risks and the risk of coercion before abortion pills can be prescribed. 'This would protect women and prevent further cases of coerced or dangerous abortions arising as a result of the pills by post scheme.' Cross-party support Among MPs backing the law change alongside Sir Iain are Tim Farron, the former Lib Dem leader; Neil O'Brien, the former health minister; Sir Edward Leigh, the Father of the House; Bob Blackman, the chairman of the Conservative 1922 Committee; Mary Glindon, the former Labour opposition whip and Rachael Maskell, the former health and social care select committee member and Labour shadow minister. Catherine Robinson, of the pro-life group Right to Life UK, said: 'The controversial amendment that made at-home abortions permanent passed by a razor-thin margin of just 27 votes. A large number of MPs raised serious concerns about the negative impact these schemes would have on women. Since then, we have seen these concerns tragically borne out.' Ms Robinson noted the case of Carla Foster, who was jailed in 2023 for taking abortion pills after the legal cut-off time during lockdown. She said: 'Women such as Carla Foster have performed at-home abortions well beyond the 24-week time limit, putting their health at serious risk. 'Had Carla Foster been given an in-person consultation, where her gestation could have been accurately determined, she would not have been able to access abortion pills, and this tragic case would have been prevented. 'The solution is clear. We urgently need to reinstate in-person appointments. 'This simple safeguard would prevent women's lives from being put at risk from self-administered late-term abortions, a danger that would be exacerbated if abortion were 'decriminalised' right up to birth.'
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ellison opposes appointment of Otto Bremer Trust trustee's daughter
A Ramsey County District Court judge on Friday will hear an unusual request from the Minnesota Attorney General's office, which hopes to remove a recently-appointed trustee from the helm of one of the state's oldest philanthropies, or at least slash her salary, impose training requirements and institute safeguards against future family appointments. When Charlotte Johnson retired last August after 34 years as one of the three leaders at the helm of the Otto Bremer Trust, she appointed her daughter as her successor. Until then, Caroline S. Johnson had served as a Bremer Bank branch manager in New Richmond, Wis., a rural community of some 10,000 residents. Based in St. Paul, the $1.5 billion philanthropy has been a major owner of the bank since its inception in 1943, and the charity's three trustees have chosen their own successors for the past 80 years. Those concerns reverberated with Ellison's office, which regulates charities. With her move from community banker team lead to trustee, Caroline Johnson became one of three co-chief executive officers of the multi-billion dollar philanthropy overseeing Bremer Bank. The bank is one of the state's largest farm lenders and recently merged with Indiana-based Old National Bank. Efforts to get comment from Caroline Johnson and the trust's attorneys for this story were unsuccessful as of Thursday morning. Her annual salary, according to the attorney general's office, increased nearly tenfold from $73,000 to $685,000. Her resume, according to the attorney general's office, did not reveal deep credentials administering sizable charities beyond her family roots. In 2023, the Otto Bremer Trust issued $105 million in grants and low-interest loans to charitable causes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Montana. The attorney general's office, 'as representative of the charitable interests of the public, does not have sufficient assurances that the selection is in the best interest of the beneficiaries,' reads an April 16 legal filing from Ellison's office. 'Rather, trustees' continuing pattern of nepotism substantially undermines the trust of the public whom trustees are supposed to serve.' Ellison's office noted that while trustees have a tradition of choosing their own successors, state law requires that they 'must comply with their fiduciary duties of care and loyalty when exercising that discretion,' and that breaching those duties 'cannot have been the (founder's) intent.' A hearing before Judge Mark Ireland is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at the Ramsey County Courthouse in St. Paul. In their legal response to the attorney general's office, attorneys with Ciresi Conlin wrote that Ellison's office 'has never provided any evidence that her removal is necessary to best serve the interests of all beneficiaries.' Instead, it would in fact be inconsistent with both 80 years of practice and Otto Bremer's express preferences, spelled out in the trust's founding documents, that trustees select their own replacements. Newspaper delivery delayed on Thursday due to printing press issue Pigeons on a plane: Delta flight from MSP delayed when 2 birds sneak aboard Eagan city administrator to step down after 24 years with the city Stillwater: Water Street Inn's Chuck Dougherty named Lumberjack Days parade grand marshal Snelling Ave. and St. Clair Ave. intersection closing intermittently The attorney general's office 'relies primarily on arguments it made and lost three years ago' when the office attempted to block a bank sale in court, the attorneys wrote. 'This court has already rejected the (attorney general office's) campaign against what the (office) terms 'nepotism.' … Charlotte did all she was required to do, and Trustee Caroline has faithfully administered the Trust since then.' Charlotte and Caroline Johnson have joined the Otto Bremer Trust in objecting to the attorney general's petition and defending her credentials, as have trustees Daniel Reardon and Francis Miley, who both submitted affidavits to the court. Caroline Johnson's previous public service has included sitting on the board of directors and finance committee of the St. Croix Valley Food Bank during its capital campaign, serving on the board of directors of the Encampment Forest Association/Minnesota Land Trust, and serving for five years on the board of directors of the St. Croix County United Way, specifically its grants committee. Reardon noted that Otto Bremer selected his grandfather, his trusted tax consultant, as a trustee, who later selected his father, who later selected Reardon. He praised Caroline Johnson's 'high emotional intelligence' and said her intimate knowledge of both banking and relationship building were assets during the recent bank sale. 'I have known Caroline for over 30 years and have seen her evolve and grow both personally and professionally,' Reardon wrote, noting she had previously worked for Bremer Bank for seven years. 'This direct boots-on-the-ground experience in a Bremer branch bank was an excellent way to learn about the banking industry as well as Otto Bremer's philanthropic vision for the Trust,' Reardon wrote. 'Like me, Caroline grew up surrounded by the Trust. She learned about a life of service to Otto Bremer's vision at the dinner table, by joining Charlotte on Trust retreats, and other events over the last 30 years.' Ellison's office asked that the court adjust her salary and consider reviewing 'Caroline Johnson's skills and abilities and imposing training requirements and/or independent advisors as needed.' In her affidavit, Caroline Johnson noted she recently received a certificate from University of Minnesota Continuing and Professional Studies for completing a course on 'Leadership Essentials.' She also completed another course on 'Introduction to Trust Administration' at the University of Sioux Falls. Ellison's office has asked that even if the court does not remove Charlotte Johnson, that it require a more formal appointment process moving forward. Ellison's office previously alerted the courts they will take a hard look at the selection process if a trustee appointed a family member as a successor, said Brian Evans, a spokesperson for the attorney general's office. Charlotte Johnson 'did not use any kind of objective process, such as collecting a pool of qualified candidates, applying objective criteria to narrow those candidates, and then making a selection applying those criteria that best serves interests of the public whom the Trust serves,' said Evans, in an email. 'Despite the fact that Trustees justify their substantial compensation by comparing themselves to CEOs of large nonprofit foundations, Johnson did not take the steps expected of a large nonprofit when replacing a high-level executive,' he wrote. The attorney general's office has sought to remove trustees before. In August 2020, Ellison's office accused three trustees of attempting to inflate their compensation through a bank sale, among other forms of self-dealing. Following a 20-day bench trial, Judge Robert Awsumb chose to remove Brian Lipschultz as a trustee but retain Reardon and Charlotte Johnson. Lipschultz filed legal appeals, but they failed to sway the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court. He recently filed a legal request to have the Otto Bremer Trust pay his legal fees. Bremer Bank completed its sale to Old National earlier this month, creating the third-largest bank to the Twin Cities — as measured by deposits — and one of the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the U.S. As a result of the merger, the Otto Bremer Trust will retain an 11% ownership stake in Old National, and Reardon will join the Old National board of directors. Newspaper delivery delayed on Thursday due to printing press issue Pigeons on a plane: Delta flight from MSP delayed when 2 birds sneak aboard Eagan city administrator to step down after 24 years with the city Stillwater: Water Street Inn's Chuck Dougherty named Lumberjack Days parade grand marshal Snelling Ave. and St. Clair Ave. intersection closing intermittently
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Claims Red Arrows face solar glare risk rejected
An RAF source has dismissed claims that glare from solar farms could cause the Red Arrows to crash. In a House of Commons debate, Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson said light reflecting from panels could dazzle RAF pilots flying from air bases, including one used for training aircrew. However, a senior RAF source told the PA news agency this was not the case and "in general terms, solar panels across fields in Lincolnshire are not going to affect our pilots". The Ministry of Defence and the RAF have been contacted for comment. Johnson, the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, hit out at plans for large solar farms in her rural Lincolnshire constituency during a parliamentary debate on the issue, arguing they were inappropriate as they could hinder farmland productivity. She told the Commons earlier: "I also ask the minister to give due consideration to the three RAF bases local to my constituency, RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell and RAF Digby. "Glint and glare from reflective panels will cause problems for pilots flying over these areas. "Our newest pilots undergo basic training at Cranwell and RAF Waddington is home to the Red Arrows." She said while it was "a huge joy" to watch the display team practising at high speeds, clusters of adjoining panels "creating glint and glare could lead to disaster". Labour MP Sarah Russell intervened to point out the pilots in countries such as Spain, where there are "widespread solar panels", did not have a problem. Johnson replied: "I wonder if the average jumbo jet flying to Heathrow does a loop-the-loop on the way in?" A senior RAF source, who had flown fast jets for more than two decades, said: "At no point in my flying career did I ever have any problems with solar panels. Clearly, they weren't as prolific as they are now around the UK, but even so. "If you were putting something big, shiny and tall on the approach lane to a major airfield like Heathrow or any of our MoD operating bases, then clearly the Ministry of Defence or the Civil Aviation Authority would be interested and put a request in for more information, and if we weren't happy, we would oppose it." Energy minister Michael Shanks said: "These solar panels are designed to absorb light, not reflect it... glint and glare is considered within the planning process already." Five large solar farms have already been approved for Lincolnshire, with more already in the pipeline. Johnson said: "Lincolnshire is the nation's bread basket and produces 30% of the nation's vegetables. "This is land we can least afford to lose." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Retired couple 'devastated' by solar farm plans Concern over impact of large-scale solar farm Ed Miliband criticises Reform's Net Zero stance
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Claims solar glare could cause Red Arrows to crash rejected
An RAF source has dismissed claims that glare from solar farms could cause the Red Arrows to a House of Commons debate, Conservative MP Dr Caroline Johnson said light reflecting from panels could dazzle RAF pilots flying from air bases, including one used for training a senior RAF source told the PA news agency this was not the case and "in general terms, solar panels across fields in Lincolnshire are not going to affect our pilots".The Ministry of Defence and the RAF have been contacted for comment. Johnson, the MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, hit out at plans for large solar farms in her rural Lincolnshire constituency during a parliamentary debate on the issue, arguing they were inappropriate as they could hinder farmland told the Commons earlier: "I also ask the minister to give due consideration to the three RAF bases local to my constituency, RAF Waddington, RAF Cranwell and RAF Digby. "Glint and glare from reflective panels will cause problems for pilots flying over these areas."Our newest pilots undergo basic training at Cranwell and RAF Waddington is home to the Red Arrows."She said while it was "a huge joy" to watch the display team practising at high speeds, clusters of adjoining panels "creating glint and glare could lead to disaster".Labour MP Sarah Russell intervened to point out the pilots in countries such as Spain, where there are "widespread solar panels", did not have a problem. Johnson replied: "I wonder if the average jumbo jet flying to Heathrow does a loop-the-loop on the way in?" 'Glint and glare' A senior RAF source, who had flown fast jets for more than two decades, said: "At no point in my flying career did I ever have any problems with solar panels. Clearly, they weren't as prolific as they are now around the UK, but even so."If you were putting something big, shiny and tall on the approach lane to a major airfield like Heathrow or any of our MoD operating bases, then clearly the Ministry of Defence or the Civil Aviation Authority would be interested and put a request in for more information, and if we weren't happy, we would oppose it."Energy minister Michael Shanks said: "These solar panels are designed to absorb light, not reflect it... glint and glare is considered within the planning process already."Five large solar farms have already been approved for Lincolnshire, with more already in the said: "Lincolnshire is the nation's bread basket and produces 30% of the nation's vegetables."This is land we can least afford to lose." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
