MPs’ amendments will increase access to abortion throughout pregnancy

MPs’ amendments will increase access to abortion throughout pregnancy London, Monday, May 19, 2008 - Pro-abortion amendments tabled at the last moment last Friday will make abortions in Britain more easily available throughout pregnancy, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children says.

The amendments have been tabled by Chris McCafferty MP, Labour, John Bercow MP, Conservative, Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat, and Katy Clark MP, Labour.

"The amendments set out new circumstances under which only one doctor approves an abortion, both before and after the upper limit for most abortions" said John Smeaton, SPUC national director.

"Also, medical practitioners will no longer have to form their opinion 'in good faith' which applies in all situations under the current abortion law. "There are other changes proposed by the MPs which reduce accountability on the part of doctors. "These amendments will send the message to doctors: 'when you decide a woman should have an abortion, you don't need to justify your decision or worry about what other doctors will think'. If MPs vote for such amendments they will show they care as little for health and welfare of women as they do for unborn children. "It's essential to contact your MP to ask them to vote against these and any other pro-abortion amendments tomorrow, Tuesday, 20th May."