hello, i'm sarah campbell. you're watching the context on bbc news. we could have state surrounding alabama seeing an increase in people seeking ivf treatments because they are potentially trying to manoeuvre outside of the state of alabama. i got very angry and very hurt that it could _ i got very angry and very hurt that it could potentially hurt my cycle and people need to know this is affecting — and people need to know this is affecting couples. as pro—lifers we believe that is an unethical— as pro—lifers we believe that is an unethical treatment _ as pro—lifers we believe that is an unethical treatment of— as pro—lifers we believe that is an unethical treatment of human - as pro—lifers we believe that is an unethical treatment of human life i unethical treatment of human life and h0pefully_ unethical treatment of human life and hopefully through _ unethical treatment of human life and hopefully through this - unethical treatment of human life i and hopefully through this decision people _ and hopefully through this decision pe0ple can — and hopefully through this decision pe0ple can begin— and hopefully through this decision people can begin to _ and hopefully through this decision people can begin to examine - and hopefully through this decision people can begin to examine that. and hopefully through this decision . people can begin to examine that and make _ people can begin to examine that and make changes — people can begin to examine that and make changes in _ people can begin to examine that and make changes in the _ people can begin to examine that and make changes in the industry. - make changes in the industry. talking — make changes in the industry. talking through _ make changes in the industry. talking through the _ make changes in the industry. talking through the issues - make changes in the industry. - talking through the issues tonight. on tonight's panel: kurt bardella, former republican aide, now news nation and la times contributor and writer and broadcaster, jenny kleeman.

first, the latest headlines. us president biden has met with alexei navalny�*s widow and daughter in san francisco. during the meeting, he said the united states will announce major new sanctions against russia on friday in response to navalny�*s death. earlier, the mother of the late russian opposition leader, spanish firefighters are battling a huge fire in a residential block in the eastern port city of valencia. some of those rescued are receiving treatment for smoke inhalation. several firefighters have also been injured. palestinians in rafah say they've experienced some of the most intense israeli bombardment so far in gaza's southernmost city. overnight, a number of people were killed as several homes were destroyed and a mosque was flattened. hundreds of people wrongly convicted in the uk s post office scandal are set to have their names cleared under new legislation

planned by the government. the law is expected to come into effect by the end ofjuly and will apply to convictions in england and wales. now to the us where a second fertility clinic in alabama has paused ivf procedures after the state's top court ruled that frozen embryos could be legally considered children — and that a person could be held liable for accidentally destroying them. the court ruling was prompted by three couples who filed a case after their embryos were accidentally destroyed. a patient wandered into the part of a fertility clinic where the embryos were being stored, handled them, and accidentally dropped them. the largest hospital in alabama paused ivf procedures yesterday — saying it is concerned it could be prosecuted. the decision left many

patients confused but it was hailed as a victory by pro—life groups. take a look at this. i got very angry and very hurt that it could potentially stop my cycle and ijust said, people need to know that this is affecting couples, real—life couples who are trying to start families, who are just trying to live the american dream, and you are stopping us from having a child. we know that there are hundreds of thousands— we know that there are hundreds of thousands of embryos that are discarded through the ivf process, killed _ discarded through the ivf process, killed and — discarded through the ivf process, killed and lost, and as pro—lifers we believe — killed and lost, and as pro—lifers we believe that that is an unethical treatment— we believe that that is an unethical treatment of human life and so hopefully through this decision people — hopefully through this decision people can begin to examine that and make _ people can begin to examine that and make changes in the industry.

let's speak to drjennifer lincoln, she's an obstetrician, author and educator. thank you for talking to us. just give us your reaction to the fact that the largest hospital in alabama and are now a second clinic feels that they need to pause ivf procedures because of the supreme court ruling. mi; procedures because of the supreme court ruling-— court ruling. my reaction is unfortunately _ court ruling. my reaction is i unfortunately unsurprised, of course they have to act in this way. they have to deal with the ruling that is bizarre and makes no sense and from a pro—life standpoint is anything but flat with people trying to grow their families and having to but flat with people trying to grow theirfamilies and having to be cautious because they don't know if physicians are patients can be prosecuted for manslaughter or murder. if embryos are destroyed in the process in which this is routine, it is heartbreaking but absolutely unsurprising.- routine, it is heartbreaking but absolutely unsurprising. could you take us through _ absolutely unsurprising. could you take us through the _ absolutely unsurprising. could you take us through the process - absolutely unsurprising. could you take us through the process of- absolutely unsurprising. could you take us through the process of ivf for those who haven't had to go down that route. the process and why

there is destruction of embryos as part of the process, you called it routine. ,, , ., , ,, ., routine. sure. it is a process that alon: the routine. sure. it is a process that along the entire _ routine. sure. it is a process that along the entire way _ routine. sure. it is a process that along the entire way you're - routine. sure. it is a process that along the entire way you're not i along the entire way you're not going to start with fertilising one 999 going to start with fertilising one egg and getting one embryo and implant one embryo. it would be lovely if we could do that but along the way you have a natural attrition meaning some eggs may not be fertilised, some of those fertilised eggs may be fertilised but to be genetically abnormal. even some normal embryos you may transfer and it does not result in a pregnancy so it does not result in a pregnancy so it is a process which is medically intensive and people are required to get serial rounds of blood work, inject medicine, undergo egg retrieval and implantation, so it is important to start with as many eggs and fertilised embryos as you can because it is also a very costly process so the cycles are done in such a way that you can minimise

cost and risk to the person trying to grow their family and then every family is done growing or if there are embryos which had genetically abnormal and will never result in a live birth, they can be destroyed or donated for research purposes. 50 is donated for research purposes. so is there a way — donated for research purposes. so is there a way for— donated for research purposes. so is there a way for the _ donated for research purposes. so is there a way for the ivf _ donated for research purposes. so is there a way for the ivf process to work without having the option to destroy embryos? is it simply not possible? destroy embryos? is it simply not ossible? . , . destroy embryos? is it simply not ossible? ., , ., , ., possible? that is a good question. it could if possible? that is a good question. it could if you _ possible? that is a good question. it could if you only _ possible? that is a good question. it could if you only retrieve - possible? that is a good question. it could if you only retrieve that. it could if you only retrieve that one egg and fertilised that one egg which we know would result in so many failed cycles and so much extra exposure to extra cycles and medicine. the other option is that you keep these embryos and keep them frozen indefinitely which is a huge cost so i am very curious to see how the state of alabama plans to do this, to fund it or pay for the first preservation of embryos that will never become babies? it is very

unclear. �* , ~ ., ., ., unclear. and it is alabama at the moment, unclear. and it is alabama at the moment. do _ unclear. and it is alabama at the moment, do we _ unclear. and it is alabama at the moment, do we know _ unclear. and it is alabama at the moment, do we know if - unclear. and it is alabama at the moment, do we know if any - unclear. and it is alabama at the | moment, do we know if any other states are looking to enact similar legislation? edi states are looking to enact similar legislation?— legislation? of course, i am sure the are legislation? of course, i am sure they are foaming _ legislation? of course, i am sure they are foaming at _ legislation? of course, i am sure they are foaming at the - legislation? of course, i am sure they are foaming at the mouth, i legislation? of course, i am sure . they are foaming at the mouth, they are excited and they love it when something like this happens, whether it is about abortion travel ban restrictions, ivf restrictions, they see it as a blueprint. we know florida is looking at this and this is just the first of what will likely be many and it is why people everywhere in the united states must not feel complacent, even if they live in a place like i do like oregon or new york or california, we have to think ahead especially to the 2024 election. you have to think ahead especially to the 2024 election.— have to think ahead especially to the 2024 election. you brought up the 2024 election. you brought up the election _ the 2024 election. you brought up the election which _ the 2024 election. you brought up the election which seems - the 2024 election. you brought up the election which seems like - the 2024 election. you brought up the election which seems like the| the election which seems like the right place to bring in a statement. president biden has called the ammo —— alabama court ruling outrageous and unacceptable. he released the statement a short while ago, make no mistake, this is a direct result of the overturning of roe versus wade.

my the overturning of roe versus wade. my message is, the vice president and i are fighting for your rights. we are fighting for the freedom of women, forfamilies and we are fighting for the freedom of women, for families and for doctors who care for these women, and we won't stop until we restore the protections and federal law for all women in every state. let's bring in the panel: kurt bardella, former republican aide, now news nation and la times contributor. jenny kleeman, writer and broadcaster. good evening to both of you. thank you forjoining us. kurt, lets start with you. this is likely to be very much an election issue, would you say? much an election issue, would you sa ? , . , ., , , ., say? yes, which is really staggering to me on some _ say? yes, which is really staggering to me on some level _ say? yes, which is really staggering to me on some level that _ say? yes, which is really staggering to me on some level that after- say? yes, which is really staggeringj to me on some level that after what we have _ to me on some level that after what we have seen in every election that took place — we have seen in every election that took place since role was overturned in the _ took place since role was overturned in the united states it has benefited democrats in the states.

we have _ benefited democrats in the states. we have seen democrats prevail and republicans. it. just last week we had a _ republicans. it. just last week we had a special election in a new york congressional district that was a republican seat and is now a democrat seat, and yet the republicans seem determined to double _ republicans seem determined to double down on the strategy of putting — double down on the strategy of putting the issue at the forefront of the _ putting the issue at the forefront of the national consciousness, in spite _ of the national consciousness, in spite of— of the national consciousness, in spite of the fact it is a terrible issue — spite of the fact it is a terrible issue for— spite of the fact it is a terrible issue for them politically and this issue for them politically and this is only— issue for them politically and this is only going to animate the largest constituency in america, and that is the women — constituency in america, and that is the women vote. can constituency in america, and that is the women vote.— the women vote. can you give us an insiaht the women vote. can you give us an insight into — the women vote. can you give us an insight into the _ the women vote. can you give us an insight into the make-up _ the women vote. can you give us an insight into the make-up of- the women vote. can you give us an insight into the make-up of the - insight into the make—up of the supreme courtjudges and whether these are political appointments. how does that work at a state level? some states have it where they are elected. _ some states have it where they are elected, some states have it where they are _ elected, some states have it where they are appointed. or confirmed by one of— they are appointed. or confirmed by one of the _ they are appointed. or confirmed by one of the state houses. this is why there _ one of the state houses. this is why there is— one of the state houses. this is why there is some concern that you have a situation _ there is some concern that you have a situation where the majority of americans— a situation where the majority of americans would not be able to tell you who _ americans would not be able to tell you who any of their state supreme

court _ you who any of their state supreme courtjustices are yet you who any of their state supreme court justices are yet here you have a situation — court justices are yet here you have a situation where in a lot of cases unelected — a situation where in a lot of cases unelected judges, who have their seats— unelected judges, who have their seats for— unelected judges, who have their seats for a — unelected judges, who have their seats for a very long time are making — seats for a very long time are making decisions about your personal family. _ making decisions about your personal family, about your personal health care, _ family, about your personal health care, about — family, about your personal health care, about something that is more sacred _ care, about something that is more sacred than— care, about something that is more sacred than anything, your family and children, and you have no idea who these — and children, and you have no idea who these people are and they are making _ who these people are and they are making consequential decisions about what the _ making consequential decisions about what the composition of your family and health— what the composition of your family and health can be, and that is an incredibly— and health can be, and that is an incredibly disturbing thing we are seeing _ incredibly disturbing thing we are seeing because really what it comes down _ seeing because really what it comes down to— seeing because really what it comes down to is— seeing because really what it comes down to is people are trying to do through— down to is people are trying to do through the courts what they can't do at _ through the courts what they can't do at the — through the courts what they can't do at the ballot box and it is very much _ do at the ballot box and it is very much and — do at the ballot box and it is very much and undermining of our democratic process.- much and undermining of our democratic process. jenny, i want to net our democratic process. jenny, i want to get your view. _ democratic process. jenny, i want to get your view. and — democratic process. jenny, i want to get your view, and to _ democratic process. jenny, i want to get your view, and to remind - democratic process. jenny, i want to | get your view, and to remind viewers that this is the largest hospital in alabama but also another clinic and presumably others will follow have felt the need to pause ivf procedures after a top court ruled that frozen embryos could be legally considered children. the

ramifications are huge. enormous. accordinr ramifications are huge. enormous. according to _ ramifications are huge. enormous. according to the _ ramifications are huge. enormous. according to the latest _ ramifications are huge. enormous. according to the latest figures, - ramifications are huge. enormous. | according to the latest figures, one in six _ according to the latest figures, one in six people — according to the latest figures, one in six people worldwide _ according to the latest figures, one in six people worldwide is - according to the latest figures, one in six people worldwide is living - in six people worldwide is living with infertility. _ in six people worldwide is living with infertility. sperm - in six people worldwide is living with infertility. sperm counts . in six people worldwide is living i with infertility. sperm counts have been _ with infertility. sperm counts have been plunging _ with infertility. sperm counts have been plunging in— with infertility. sperm counts have been plunging in the _ with infertility. sperm counts have been plunging in the western - with infertility. sperm counts havel been plunging in the western world and also _ been plunging in the western world and also as— been plunging in the western world and also as women _ been plunging in the western world and also as women wait _ been plunging in the western world and also as women wait until - been plunging in the western world and also as women wait until they. and also as women wait until they are older— and also as women wait until they are older to— and also as women wait until they are older to have _ and also as women wait until they are older to have babies. - and also as women wait until they are older to have babies. a- and also as women wait until they. are older to have babies. a growing number— are older to have babies. a growing number of— are older to have babies. a growing number of families— are older to have babies. a growing number of families are _ are older to have babies. a growing number of families are made - are older to have babies. a growing i number of families are made through assisted _ number of families are made through assisted reproduction. _ number of families are made through assisted reproduction. these - assisted reproduction. these restrictions, _ assisted reproduction. these restrictions, at— assisted reproduction. these restrictions, at the _ assisted reproduction. these restrictions, at the momentl assisted reproduction. these - restrictions, at the moment there is a pause _ restrictions, at the moment there is a pause in _ restrictions, at the moment there is a pause in ivf— restrictions, at the moment there is a pause in ivf treatment _ restrictions, at the moment there is a pause in ivf treatment in - restrictions, at the moment there is a pause in ivf treatment in these i a pause in ivf treatment in these clinics _ a pause in ivf treatment in these clinics while — a pause in ivf treatment in these clinics while there _ a pause in ivf treatment in these clinics while there is _ a pause in ivf treatment in these clinics while there is the - a pause in ivf treatment in these clinics while there is the legal- clinics while there is the legal wrangling _ clinics while there is the legal wrangling over— clinics while there is the legal wrangling over whether- clinics while there is the legal wrangling over whether or- clinics while there is the legal| wrangling over whether or not embryos — wrangling over whether or not embryos can _ wrangling over whether or not embryos can be _ wrangling over whether or not embryos can be classed - wrangling over whether or not embryos can be classed as. wrangling over whether or not - embryos can be classed as children and people — embryos can be classed as children and people who _ embryos can be classed as children and people who dispose _ embryos can be classed as children and people who dispose of- embryos can be classed as childrenl and people who dispose of embryos can be _ and people who dispose of embryos can be charged _ and people who dispose of embryos can be charged with _ and people who dispose of embryos can be charged with manslaughter. and people who dispose of embryosl can be charged with manslaughter or wrongful— can be charged with manslaughter or wrongful death _ can be charged with manslaughter or wrongful death. you _ can be charged with manslaughter or wrongful death. you have _ can be charged with manslaughter or wrongful death. you have to - can be charged with manslaughter or. wrongful death. you have to remember the people _ wrongful death. you have to remember the people going — wrongful death. you have to remember the people going through— wrongful death. you have to remember the people going through fertility - the people going through fertility treatment— the people going through fertility treatment do _ the people going through fertility treatment do not _ the people going through fertility treatment do not necessarily- the people going through fertilityi treatment do not necessarily have time to— treatment do not necessarily have time to pause _ treatment do not necessarily have time to pause. there _ treatment do not necessarily have time to pause. there are - treatment do not necessarily have time to pause. there are many. treatment do not necessarily have i time to pause. there are many years of wrangling — time to pause. there are many years of wrangling potentially. _ time to pause. there are many years of wrangling potentially. meanwhile i of wrangling potentially. meanwhile if you of wrangling potentially. meanwhile it you are _ of wrangling potentially. meanwhile it you are trying _ of wrangling potentially. meanwhile it you are trying to _ of wrangling potentially. meanwhile if you are trying to start _ of wrangling potentially. meanwhile if you are trying to start a _ of wrangling potentially. meanwhile if you are trying to start a family- if you are trying to start a family the one — if you are trying to start a family the one thing _ if you are trying to start a family the one thing you _ if you are trying to start a family the one thing you really - if you are trying to start a family the one thing you really don't i if you are trying to start a family. the one thing you really don't have as time _ the one thing you really don't have as time so— the one thing you really don't have as time so there _ the one thing you really don't have as time so there are _ the one thing you really don't have as time so there are real— as time so there are real implications— as time so there are real implications for- as time so there are real implications for the - as time so there are real. implications for the patients as time so there are real- implications for the patients of these — implications for the patients of these clinics _ implications for the patients of these clinics now, _ implications for the patients of these clinics now, regardless. implications for the patients ofi these clinics now, regardless of whether— these clinics now, regardless of whether or— these clinics now, regardless of whether or not _ these clinics now, regardless of whether or not there _ these clinics now, regardless of whether or not there is - these clinics now, regardless of whether or not there is some i these clinics now, regardless of. whether or not there is some sort these clinics now, regardless of- whether or not there is some sort of domino— whether or not there is some sort of domino effect — whether or not there is some sort of domino effect to _ whether or not there is some sort of

domino effect to other— whether or not there is some sort of domino effect to other clinics - whether or not there is some sort of domino effect to other clinics in - domino effect to other clinics in other— domino effect to other clinics in other parts— domino effect to other clinics in other parts of— domino effect to other clinics in other parts of america. - domino effect to other clinics in other parts of america. to - domino effect to other clinics in other parts of america. to return to doctorjennifer_ other parts of america. to return to doctorjennifer lincoln, _ other parts of america. to return to doctorjennifer lincoln, for - other parts of america. to return to doctorjennifer lincoln, for a - other parts of america. to return to doctorjennifer lincoln, for a final. doctorjennifer lincoln, for a final thought as to your views, the way that the area you working as an obstetrician, how you feel the future is. how your ability to practice your type of medicine in the united states, do you feel under threat? ~ , , . the united states, do you feel under threat? ~ , , ~ ., threat? absolutely. and even though i am in threat? absolutely. and even though i am in awe — threat? absolutely. and even though lam in awe are _ threat? absolutely. and even though i am in awe are gone _ threat? absolutely. and even though i am in awe are gone which _ threat? absolutely. and even though i am in awe are gone which has - threat? absolutely. and even though i am in awe are gone which has a - threat? absolutely. and even though i am in awe are gone which has a lot| i am in awe are gone which has a lot of protections it is not guaranteed and we know that 75% of americans do not think politicians belong making these decisions, they don't think they are informed enough and yet here we are and it is important we show up for those elections, because these are the people who are forcing their way into out exam rooms and personal lives and that is not american, that is not freedom. thank ou. and american, that is not freedom. thank you- and let's — american, that is not freedom. thank you. and let's return _ american, that is not freedom. thank you. and let's return to _ american, that is not freedom. thank you. and let's return to a _ american, that is not freedom. thank you. and let's return to a story - you. and let's return to a story that has been making the headlines in the uk over the last 24 hours. to westminster now, where the speaker of the house

of commons is facing mounting pressure to quit over his handling of a vote on gaza. sir lindsay hoyle on wednesday departed from convention to allow politicians a vote on an opposition party amendment calling for a ceasefire in the israel—hamas war during a debate allocated to another party. he justified his decision saying he had allowed the vote to give mps the chance to vote on a wider range of positions, and to protect them from threats to their safety. let's once again bring in the panel to talk about this issue. jenny, if i can ask a first of all we heard in the last hourfrom i can ask a first of all we heard in the last hour from an mp about the threats against mps from constituents. barry shearman saying those threats were increasing seriously and this is why the speaker took the position that he did. was he right to do so? he has

apologised — did. was he right to do so? he has apologised and _ did. was he right to do so? he has apologised and said _ did. was he right to do so? he has apologised and said he _ did. was he right to do so? he has apologised and said he wasn't - did. was he right to do so? he has| apologised and said he wasn't right to do— apologised and said he wasn't right to do so— apologised and said he wasn't right to do so but he has explained himself— to do so but he has explained himself and we know that there have been attacks on mp5, we know the mp for finchley— been attacks on mp5, we know the mp for finchley and golders green is standing — for finchley and golders green is standing down after the attack at his constituency office. there were protests _ his constituency office. there were protests outside the homes of many mps, _ protests outside the homes of many mps, tobias ellwood being one of them, _ mps, tobias ellwood being one of them, that have been bordering on harassment, that are very intimidating. these are really feeble — intimidating. these are really feeble at all times. nobody would like to— feeble at all times. nobody would like to think that threats and intimidation is could affect the process— intimidation is could affect the process of democracy in the house and that— process of democracy in the house and that is— process of democracy in the house and that is what appears to have happened — and that is what appears to have happened and lindsay hoyle himself says that _ happened and lindsay hoyle himself says that he made the wrong decision, _ says that he made the wrong decision, albeit for very noble motives _ decision, albeit for very noble motives. he does not want anyone to be attacked. — motives. he does not want anyone to be attacked, and that is understandable, but it has made his position— understandable, but it has made his position shaky. i would say lindsay hoyle _ position shaky. i would say lindsay hoyle is— position shaky. i would say lindsay hoyle is generally very well liked and while lots of mps have said they don't have _ and while lots of mps have said they don't have confidence in him, i think— don't have confidence in him, i think it — don't have confidence in him, i think it all— don't have confidence in him, i think it all depends what comes out

over the _ think it all depends what comes out over the weekend of what pressure may have _ over the weekend of what pressure may have been put on him, what stories— may have been put on him, what stories are — may have been put on him, what stories are in the sunday papers. we will see _ stories are in the sunday papers. we will see next— stories are in the sunday papers. we will see next week whether or not he stays in _ will see next week whether or not he stays in his _ will see next week whether or not he stays in his post. a will see next week whether or not he stays in his post-— stays in his post. a particularly different issue _ stays in his post. a particularly different issue and _ stays in his post. a particularly different issue and particularly| stays in his post. a particularly - different issue and particularly the israel gaza issue is one which is particularly divisive and on which people have particularly strong opinions. is there an issue in the states of lawmakers or mps, the equivalent obviously, having personal attacks and threats and intimidation that is that escalating intimidation that is that escalating in the late appears to be in the uk? if anything, unfortunately the united states in recent years has been kind of leading the way in what it looks like when one side doesn't like what is happening politically and use threats and violence and intimidation to get their way. the most stark example of that was what happened here onjanuary most stark example of that was what happened here on january the most stark example of that was what happened here onjanuary the 6th, and they hand over from former

president trump to president biden and the effort to try to derail the certification of a free and fair election by what i believe are domestic terrorists. if you are using violence to try to get a political outcome and threats of violence, to me that is terrorism, and that is a very slippery slope where we have people that we elect, people who have the choice in our country to participate in that process, and if things aren't going your way and you don't like the direction those leaders are going, you have the opportunity to exercise your voice every election cycle. threatening people with potential violence and promoting violent acts is not the way. violence and promoting violent acts is not the way-— is not the way. people might argue oliticians is not the way. people might argue politicians themselves _ is not the way. people might argue politicians themselves perhaps - is not the way. people might argue. politicians themselves perhaps don't help themselves by the language they use. i help themselves by the language they use. ~' . help themselves by the language they use. ~ ., , help themselves by the language they use. ~' ., , i“, if use. i think that is 100% right. currently it _ use. i think that is 10096 right. currently it is _ use. i think that is 10096 right. currently it is part _ use. i think that is 10096 right. currently it is part of _ use. i think that is 10096 right. currently it is part of what - use. i think that is 10096 right. currently it is part of what is l currently it is part of what is being litigated in this country when you look at some of the court cases with president donald trump being engaged then that he actively

promote insurrection, that he actively promote acts of violence? there are political figures who seemed to double down on that expression of what they call political protest. that is something being litigated right now and it is going to be very consequential how that ultimately plays out and whether or not some of these charges and indictments against donald trump end up carrying weight and he ends up end up carrying weight and he ends up being successfully prosecuted for it. it up being successfully prosecuted for it. , ., ., , , , , it. it is a really interesting issue and one in _ it. it is a really interesting issue and one in which _ it. it is a really interesting issue and one in which an _ it. it is a really interesting issue and one in which an election - it. it is a really interesting issuel and one in which an election year it. it is a really interesting issue - and one in which an election year in the states and the uk is probably going to be hitting the headlines again, i would going to be hitting the headlines again, iwould imagine. do stay going to be hitting the headlines again, i would imagine. do stay with us, we will have a little break to have a look at some other stories but we will be back with you shortly. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. an inquest has heard that a grandmother attacked by xl bully dogs died from a bite wound to her upper right limb. 68—year—old esther martin was visiting her grandson at a house near clacton—on—sea in essex, when she was injured earlier this this month.an inquest opening in chelmsford was told police found her with "unsurvivable injuries".

epilepsy charities are warning that ongoing shortages in the supply of life—saving medication are putting patients at a higher risk of seizures. they say many more people are calling their helplines, after struggling to get hold of the drugs they need. industry experts say there are also problems with the supply of many other medicines. police chiefs are warning that an increasing number of people are getting behind the wheel after using drugs such as cannabis and cocaine. merseyside police say they're now catching more drivers under the influence of illegal drugs than of alcohol. the home office said it was clamping down on the behaviour companies have been told they should make workplace adjustments for women going through the menopause, including relaxing uniform policies and offering working from home on warm days. the equality and human rights commission guidance also

states that using language that ridicules someone because of their menopausal symptoms could be harassment. lets go back to the panel, a former republican aide and a writer and broadcaster. it is a really interesting issue. i have been looking at social media on this today and there is a lot of debate about this. clearly the menopause hasn't been spoken about enough over the years but should that mean it is classed effectively as a disability? it is something that is dividing people — it is something that is dividing people whether or not it should be classed _ people whether or not it should be classed as— people whether or not it should be classed as a disability and what is important — classed as a disability and what is important to know is that this is guidance, — important to know is that this is guidance, not legally binding, but the issue — guidance, not legally binding, but the issue in this country as there are many— the issue in this country as there are many women who are having a difficult _ are many women who are having a difficult time during the menopause who cannot get access to the health care that _ who cannot get access to the health care that they need or cannot get access—

care that they need or cannot get access to — care that they need or cannot get access to people who can diagnose them _ access to people who can diagnose them properly or give them the drugs they need _ them properly or give them the drugs they need and it is a lottery of whether— they need and it is a lottery of whether or not you are able to get access— whether or not you are able to get access to — whether or not you are able to get access to what you need during the menopause and during that time they need to— menopause and during that time they need to be _ menopause and during that time they need to be supported in the workplace. olderwomen need to be supported in the workplace. older women face discrimination at work and not just because _ discrimination at work and not just because of— discrimination at work and not just because of the menopause. there is a lot of— because of the menopause. there is a lot of ageism — because of the menopause. there is a lot of ageism in this country as well— lot of ageism in this country as well as— lot of ageism in this country as well as some misogyny as well so anything — well as some misogyny as well so anything that makes things easier for older— anything that makes things easier for older women i think should be applauded but i also know there are lots of— applauded but i also know there are lots of women who go through the menopause and don't feel affected by it. it menopause and don't feel affected by it it is _ menopause and don't feel affected by it it is a _ menopause and don't feel affected by it it is a bit _ menopause and don't feel affected by it. it is a bit of a lottery in itself— it. it is a bit of a lottery in itself of— it. it is a bit of a lottery in itself of what symptoms you feel. so itself of what symptoms you feel. so it is good _ itself of what symptoms you feel. so it is good that there is guidance in place _ it is good that there is guidance in place but — it is good that there is guidance in place but it— it is good that there is guidance in place but it is only guidance, it is not legally— place but it is only guidance, it is not legally binding. it depends on employers and employees whether they want to _ employers and employees whether they want to put that into action. and there is concern _ want to put that into action. fific there is concern running through want to put that into action. fific there is concern running through the comments today that for women who are perhaps in their late 40s and early 50s, traditionally employers haven't necessarily looked at them

as a good bet, and then worrying that they are going to have to give them extra rights and all the rest of it because they are going through the menopause, people are worried that it might actually impact on their ability to get a job. i that it might actually impact on their ability to get a job.- their ability to get a “oh. i have to sa , their ability to get a “oh. i have to say. people _ their ability to get a “oh. i have to say, people have _ their ability to get a job. i have to say, people have said - their ability to get a job. i have to say, people have said that l their ability to get a job. i have - to say, people have said that maybe people _ to say, people have said that maybe people don't want to hire women of child—bearing age in case they go off and _ child—bearing age in case they go off and have a baby and have maternity leave. this basically means — maternity leave. this basically means you can't hire women at all because _ means you can't hire women at all because you — means you can't hire women at all because you can't hire them when they are _ because you can't hire them when they are fertile and you can't hire them _ they are fertile and you can't hire them when — they are fertile and you can't hire them when they are infertile as well _ them when they are infertile as well if— them when they are infertile as well. if we want women in the workplace _ well. if we want women in the workplace we have to accept there are some — workplace we have to accept there are some things our bodies do that are some things our bodies do that are different to men and even though the world _ are different to men and even though the world of work was designed for men: _ the world of work was designed for men. there — the world of work was designed for men, there are women in it and we have— men, there are women in it and we have to— men, there are women in it and we have to accept that and adapt the work— have to accept that and adapt the work place for them because women do work place for them because women do work that— work place for them because women do work that is— work place for them because women do work that is as good as they were commended. | work that is as good as they were commended-— work that is as good as they were commended. i don't want to have cau~ht commended. i don't want to have caught feel _ commended. i don't want to have caught feel left _ commended. i don't want to have caught feel left out _ commended. i don't want to have caught feel left out so _ commended. i don't want to have caught feel left out so let's - commended. i don't want to have caught feel left out so let's bring | caught feel left out so let's bring you in. is this issue is rife in the states as it seems to be in the uk?

overall right now we are seeing that every issue related to women is a hot button issue, as we saw in the previous section about what we saw with the alabama state court. if men had the same biological composition as women, there would be paid family leave in every county in america, there would be support days on your site: for when you are going through menopause, men would not be physically capable of doing what women have to do every single day, every single month. women are so much tougher than men, in my opinion. i watch what my partner goes throughjust living opinion. i watch what my partner goes through just living life as a normal woman and the things that she goes through every month, i am not capable of that. she is 45,000 times stronger than i am and i think she deserves every protection possible so that she can participate in the

workplace, that it can be fair and equitable and i think women are far more outstanding biologically than men. it more outstanding biologically than men. . . more outstanding biologically than men. , ., ., , more outstanding biologically than men. ._ g men. it is a really difficult debate. — men. it is a really difficult debate, how _ men. it is a really difficult debate, how to _ men. it is a really difficult debate, how to bring - men. it is a really difficult. debate, how to bring those protections without in a way making it detrimental to the women trying to just it detrimental to the women trying tojust go about it detrimental to the women trying to just go about their life because asjenny to just go about their life because as jenny was to just go about their life because asjenny was saying, it is not every woman that suffers severe menopausal symptoms and so we can't talk about all women in the same breath, if that makes any sense. i all women in the same breath, if that makes any sense.— all women in the same breath, if that makes any sense. i think we need a system — that makes any sense. i think we need a system that _ that makes any sense. i think we need a system that is _ that makes any sense. i think we need a system that is flexible - that makes any sense. i think we | need a system that is flexible but one that has protections for those who suffer the most so that they are protected and not discriminated against and not professionally set back for simplyjust being a woman and enduring normal biological functions. the world we are living in was created by men, men had all the power, the positions of power, ceos and industry titans. there are plenty of ways that the system is

skewed towards men. i have zero issue with balancing the playing field a little bit and making sure women have every right they need to be able to live healthily as well as successfully in the professional workplace. successfully in the professional workplace-— successfully in the professional worklace. ., , , workplace. your wife will be pleased with what you _ workplace. your wife will be pleased with what you just _ workplace. your wife will be pleased with what you just said, _ workplace. your wife will be pleased with what you just said, well - workplace. your wife will be pleased with what you just said, well done. l with what you just said, well done. we will move onto something completely different but something we hope will happen in the next of hours. a privately—owned spacecraft is on course to make history as it attempts to land on the moon. if it's successful the odysseus would become the first commercial craft to land on the lunar surface — and the first american vessel to do this so since the final apollo mission more than fifty years ago. i want to go straight to you because i want to go straight to you because i find i want to go straight to you because ifind it i want to go straight to you because i find it astonishing that america hasn't been back to the moon in more than 50 years, almost like it is getting left behind in the space race. how did that happen? it is race. how did that happen? it is really something _ race. how did that happen? it 3 really something because just yesterday i was watching this amazing film called hidden figures that talks about the space 50 years

ago, and how there was such national pride in trying to be a pioneer and leading the way in the space race and like you said, we have taken a step back over the years and it has kind of become less of a priority but i still think this is the last frontier, the great unknown. and discovery is inspiring and i look at the world we have right now and what this country has become and how divisive everything is, we could use a little bit of discovery and inspiration. we could use a little bit of achievement. we need to get back to being the country that is the first to do things again, that are unifying and spectacular and define what human achievement and intellect and skill is capable of. so stuff like this i absolutely love and wish we had more of. that so stuff like this i absolutely love and wish we had more of.- so stuff like this i absolutely love and wish we had more of. that is a lovely way — and wish we had more of. that is a lovely way to _ and wish we had more of. that is a lovely way to end _ and wish we had more of. that is a lovely way to end the _ and wish we had more of. that is a lovely way to end the sapphire. - and wish we had more of. that is a lovely way to end the sapphire. doj lovely way to end the sapphire. do stay with us, plenty more to talk about after the break so do stay with us on the context.

hello there. well, during the day today, we've seen much colder weather move in from the west. we've swapped the mild south—westerly winds that we've seen over recent weeks, really, and swapped them with much colder north—westerly winds. hence the drop in temperatures. it's even been cold enough to see some snow return to the scottish mountains. that's not something we've seen very much of over recent weeks. the drop in temperatures, then, has been widespread and really sharp. yesterday, you might remember, rhyl was the warmest place in the country at 15 degrees. this afternoon's temperature has been hovering more around 7 celsius, really. the radar picture still picks up a band of rain clearing its way eastwards and we've got plenty of showers working into western areas of the uk, with those north—westerly winds feeding the showers in. so, during this evening and overnight, showers will continue to come and go across western areas. cold enough for some snow up over the scottish mountains — above 400 metres elevation, for the most part. the winds keep the frost

at bay for many areas, but where we do see the winds fall that bit lighter, particularly in parts of scotland, well, there will be some areas of frost. aberdeen getting down to —4. so a cold start to the day on friday, certainly a lot colder a morning that we've been used to for a good while now. plenty of sunshine for eastern scotland, central and eastern england, eastern wales and eastern counties of northern ireland to start the day. showers get going in the west quickly and the showers become widespread through the course of the day, some of them with a bit of hail and thunder mixed in, and cold enough for some snow up over the scottish mountains — again, mostly above 400 metres elevation. for the weekend, well, there's probably a drier picture overall, fewer showers around. still a risk of some showers, though, probably the greatest risk across southern counties of england. a few morning mist patches, quite a widespread frost, and then through the afternoon, in the sunshine, we're looking at temperatures of around 8 or 9 degrees celsius, which is quite close to average for the time of year. showers return to northern ireland during the second half of the weekend. some of those could be quite heavy.

maybe a few showers for northern scotland, but otherwise a lot of dry weather. this low pressure gets quite close to southern—most counties of england, so it could turn wet and windy towards the far south coast. otherwise, plenty of sunshine around and temperatures of around 8 or 9 again. now, beyond that, monday looks like being a dry day. a ridge of high pressure moves in, but then we see rain returning from tuesday.

hello, i'm sarah campbell. you're watching the context on bbc news. new documents show that presidentjoe biden's dog commander bit secret service agents on multiple occasions, causing chaos for the presidential bodyguards. this saturday marks two years since the russian president, vladimir putin, ordered his troops to invade ukraine. in that time, the russian military has faced huge losses. the latest bbc estimates suggest more than 110,000 have died. while ukraine has borne the brunt of the war, russian towns have also been shelled and hundreds of thousands of men draughted into the army. the international criminal court issued an arrest warrant

for russia's president for alleged war crimes, and now vladimir putin's