This in from Andrew Turner’s office, in their own words, Ed
A debate last week in Westminster Hall, the secondary debating chamber in the Commons, gave MPs a chance to express views and concerns about whether the time limit for abortion should be lowered, from the current 24 weeks to 20. Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP attended the debate.
The subject was last debated in 2008 during the passage of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill. Amendments to lower the abortion time limit to 22, 20, 16 or 12 weeks were voted on, and all were rejected by MPs. However medical advances may mean that MPs could be debating this in the House of Commons again soon.
Take account of changing times
Mr Turner commented, “It is important that the law takes account of changing times and advances in science. This issue always prompts passionate debate, but we must try to assess what is best for both mother and baby. I believe that the current, 24 week limit is too late. There are many examples of babies born at that gestation and earlier who go on to lead healthy, happy lives.
“If this issue is to be debated further in the House of Commons, we must hear more from medical experts and specialist paediatricians about what limit they would recommend. It is currently assumed that a foetus born at 20 weeks never survives, but I believe there needs to be greater clarity on that.
“We also need to be as sure as we possibly can that a baby will be unable to feel pain within the legal time for an abortion. It is also essential that there are extensive advice and counselling services available to women who are considering abortion.”
If you would like to offer your views to Mr Turner regarding this issue you can contact him at The Riverside Centre, The Quay, Newport, PO30 2QR or by e-mail at www.islandmp.com.
