Current Abortion Debate

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill (previously the Human Tissue and Embryos Bill), debated in the House of Lords on 19 November 2007, will open up the entire 1967 Abortion Act to amendment.

Pro-choice MPs have pledged to liberalize the law and are pushing to bring in 'abortion on request' in the first three months of pregnancy.

This agenda is being supported by Abortion Rights, a national coalition which plans to liberalize the current UK abortion law to bring in abortion on demand, nurse abortion and to make abortion available in doctors' surgeries and at home. Abortion Rights work closely with the parliamentary All Party Pro-choice and Sexual Health group and the Voice for Choice coalition of the major abortion providers.

It also has the support of many women's organizations, student groups including NUS and civil society organizations as well as the TUC and national trade unions including AMICUS, ASLEF, T&G, TSSA, UCU and UNISON. It has already gained some support from the British Medical Association (BMA), whose Medical Ethics Committee is already committed to its agenda.

This movement is extremely well-organized and well-funded. Continuing efforts are being made to shape public opinion in favour of a change in the law and even if this autumn's initiative fails there will be continuing pressure to change the law during the lifetime of the present Parliament.

The first stage of the battle was a government consultation carried out by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee into scientific developments relating to the Abortion Act 1967. Oral and written evidence was gathered throughout September and October 2007. The controversial final report was issued on October 31.