Proposed UK abortion liberalisation has been slammed by a large body of lawmakers. MPs and Peers have urged the Government to halt legislation allowing a woman to kill her unborn baby at any stage of pregnancy without sanction.
In a letter addressed to Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, 79 parliamentarians said it would be “reckless” for such a significant change in law to take place without an impact assessment and the publication of appropriate guidance for healthcare professionals.
In March, the House of Lords voted through a controversial clause in the Crime and Policing Bill which effectively decriminalises a mother in England and Wales for aborting her unborn child up to birth.
The letter highlighted several scenarios which needed to be addressed, including what a doctor should do if a woman sought medical assistance immediately after inducing a late term pregnancy, when it is illegal for healthcare professionals to assist.
It also asked what paramedics ought to do “if they arrive at the scene of a late-term, self-induced abortion and the baby demonstrates signs of life? Can you assure us that the baby’s right to life would be protected?”
The signatories noted that such scenarios are not “fanciful” as “disturbing cases” of late term abortions had already occurred and they warned of a “real danger that such instances will increase with tragic consequences for women and viable unborn babies”.