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Abortion Rights rejects David Cameron’s call for a reduction in the abortion time limit. His proposal, reported in the Catholic Herald newspaper, disregards current medical opinion and scientific evidence and threatens to undermine a crucial right for British women.

Foetal viability was rigorously examined by the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology in 2007. The Committee concluded, in a view shared by the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, that

“while survival rates at 24 weeks and over have improved they have not done so below that gestational point. Put another way, we have seen no good evidence to suggest that foetal viability has improved significantly since the abortion time limit was last set, and seen some good evidence to suggest that it has not.”

Abortion Rights notes that when the abortion time limit was last debated in Parliament in 2008, during the passage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, MPs voted decisively to retain the current 24 week time limit.

The vast majority of abortions in the UK are carried out before 13 weeks of pregnancy (90% in 2008) and 73% take place below 10 weeks. Less than 1.5% of abortions are carried out later than 20 weeks.

Later abortion is disproportionately likely to involve teenage or vulnerable women. Typically it is requested after delayed recognition of pregnancy, family or relationship breakdown, domestic violence, sexual assault or rape; ‘denial’ of pregnancy due to fear of parents’ or partners’ reactions; not knowing where to ask for help, delays to referral or the diagnosis of a serious foetal abnormality.

Darinka Aleksic, Campaign Co-ordinator of Abortion Rights, said:

“Abortion Rights rejects David Cameron’s claim that developments in medical science and technology mean that the abortion time limit should be reduced . All the major British medical bodies agree that the current 24 week time limit should be maintained.

Reducing the time limit would have serious negative consequences for the well-being of the small number of women needing a later abortion each year – who often face extremely distressing circumstances.

The majority of the British public support a woman’s right to choose, and will not appreciate Mr Cameron’s attempt to exploit this serious personal health issue for political gain in the run up to the general election“.

Notes

1. Abortion Rights is the national pro-choice campaign, working to defend and extend abortion rights and provide a pro-choice voice to the media. We are supported by the TUC, National Union of Students and work closely with the All Party Parliamentary Pro-choice and Sexual Health Group.
2. House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology, Scientific Developments Relating to the Abortion Act 1967 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmsctech/1045/104505.htm
3. For further comment, please call Darinka Aleksic (Abortion Rights Campaign Co-ordinator) on 07842 270139 or email choice@abortionrights.org.uk