SPUC laments "widespread" illegal abortion London, - The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has lamented the fact that illegal abortion is reportedly widespread in Britain.

Paul Tully, SPUC's general secretary, said: "Many years ago we began warning of the danger of RU486 being distributed illegally. Those calling for a widening of the abortion law could well worsen the problem by creating a culture where abortion is regarded as morally and medically unrestricted. "Suggestions like abolishing any need for a medical reason for an abortion are likely to increase the pressures on women in difficult circumstances to resort to abortion, especially when they are not aware of the support available from pro-life groups. There seems to be no indication of the extent of this reported problem."

Calls for a widening of the abortion law have come from medical bodies and abortion providers in the context of the House of Commons science and technology committee's recent report.

The reports of illegal abortion will be part of a programme on BBC Radio 5 Live to be broadcast on Sunday (the 25th). One of the pro-life organisations which helps pregnant women who are under pressure to have an abortion is British Victims of Abortion who are on 0845 603 8501.