Menu
31/10/2007
MPs Disagree On Easier Abortions
While some members of a powerful Government committee want it made easier for women to gain access to abortions, some of the MPs' collegues disagree.
A spokesman for the Science and Technology Committee said that there was no scientific justification for lowering the current 24-week limit for having an abortion.
The committee's report also recommended removing the current requirement for two doctors to sign forms before an abortion could be carrying out. It also said that nurses and midwives who were suitably trained should be able to carry out all stages of early medical abortions involving the use of drugs and early surgical abortions and added that there was no reason why woman should not be able to take the second stage of an early medical abortion at home.
Committee chairman Phil Willis said: "Abortion is a complex issue. Legislative decisions are informed by ethical, moral, religious and political views, case law, and scientific and medical evidence. We have focused on the science and have done so rigorously."
However, not all the committee members agreed on the report's findings. Conservative MPs Nadine Dorries and Dr Bob Spink have called for abortion laws to be tightened, while Labour MP Jim Dobbin said that the committee had rejected key findings, which were crucial to the debate.
(KMcA)
A spokesman for the Science and Technology Committee said that there was no scientific justification for lowering the current 24-week limit for having an abortion.
The committee's report also recommended removing the current requirement for two doctors to sign forms before an abortion could be carrying out. It also said that nurses and midwives who were suitably trained should be able to carry out all stages of early medical abortions involving the use of drugs and early surgical abortions and added that there was no reason why woman should not be able to take the second stage of an early medical abortion at home.
Committee chairman Phil Willis said: "Abortion is a complex issue. Legislative decisions are informed by ethical, moral, religious and political views, case law, and scientific and medical evidence. We have focused on the science and have done so rigorously."
However, not all the committee members agreed on the report's findings. Conservative MPs Nadine Dorries and Dr Bob Spink have called for abortion laws to be tightened, while Labour MP Jim Dobbin said that the committee had rejected key findings, which were crucial to the debate.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 June 2008
Figures Show Abortion Increase In Teenage Girls
New figures published today have shown a rise in abortions among young girls. The Department of Health has released statistics revealing how many women had abortions in 2007. The number of abortions among girls aged under 16 rose by 10% to 4,376 in 2007. In the under 14s, abortions rose by 21% from 135 in 2006 to 163 in 2006.
Figures Show Abortion Increase In Teenage Girls
New figures published today have shown a rise in abortions among young girls. The Department of Health has released statistics revealing how many women had abortions in 2007. The number of abortions among girls aged under 16 rose by 10% to 4,376 in 2007. In the under 14s, abortions rose by 21% from 135 in 2006 to 163 in 2006.
21 September 2005
Late abortion referrals case ruled legal
A charity that referred a woman seeking a late abortion to a clinic abroad did not break the law, an inquiry has concluded. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) launched an investigation into the handling of late abortion cases by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, following newspaper allegations.
Late abortion referrals case ruled legal
A charity that referred a woman seeking a late abortion to a clinic abroad did not break the law, an inquiry has concluded. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) launched an investigation into the handling of late abortion cases by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, following newspaper allegations.
05 December 2007
Pilot Studies On GP Surgery Abortions
Two pilot studies are being carried out to see if it is viable for early abortions to be carried out in GP surgeries in England, the Government has confirmed.
Pilot Studies On GP Surgery Abortions
Two pilot studies are being carried out to see if it is viable for early abortions to be carried out in GP surgeries in England, the Government has confirmed.
23 July 2010
Fifth Of Teens Pregnant At 18
One in five teenage girls has been pregnant at least once by the age of 18, according to the latest Government figures. The figures, from a Department of Education study of 8,500 teenagers, found that more than eight of ten boys and girls questioned said that they were sexually active by the time they turned 18.
Fifth Of Teens Pregnant At 18
One in five teenage girls has been pregnant at least once by the age of 18, according to the latest Government figures. The figures, from a Department of Education study of 8,500 teenagers, found that more than eight of ten boys and girls questioned said that they were sexually active by the time they turned 18.
21 May 2008
MPs Dismiss Abortion Time Limit Changes
Proposed changes to abortion law have been dismissed by MP's last night. The time limit for abortions will remain at 24 weeks despite arguments for it to be cut to 22, 20, 16 or 12 weeks. The 304 to 233 free vote was the culmination of two days of emotive and heated exchanges on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
MPs Dismiss Abortion Time Limit Changes
Proposed changes to abortion law have been dismissed by MP's last night. The time limit for abortions will remain at 24 weeks despite arguments for it to be cut to 22, 20, 16 or 12 weeks. The 304 to 233 free vote was the culmination of two days of emotive and heated exchanges on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
