Abortion law amendment proposes mandatory counselling

MPs Angela Watkinson, Ann Widdecombe and others have tabled an amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, proposing that women seeking abortion are given ‘a suitable opportunity to receive counselling’, and ‘a description of … the potential post-termination physical, psychological and psychiatric risks associated with the termination of pregnancy’. 

The amendment also proposes that medical practitioners offer women ‘contact details of sources of available help and advice including adoption services and if tests of the embryo or foetus have already recealed a risk of any material or physical abnormality, where available, relevant supportive service providers and information.’

Amendments to, and the progress of, the HFE Bill can be followed here.

Also read:

Debating abortion in a therapy culture, by Dr Ellie Lee. Abortion Review, 14 October 2008

1967 Abortion Act section, Abortion Review