8 May 2024
At-Home Abortions and Sex-Based Abortions
Thank you for contacting me about abortion access.
If abortions other than natural miscarriages take place, it is my view that they should be with as little delay and as little stress as possible.
Under the Abortion Act, all women have the opportunity to access safe and legal abortion services through the NHS, permitted up to 24 weeks of gestation, and the current stance of the UK Government is to maintain this time limit without revisions. Additionally, women can take abortion pills for pregnancies up to ten weeks in their own homes. The Government views this strategy as a suitable and balanced approach, and at present, there are no intentions to alter this policy.
Abortion on the grounds of sex alone is illegal and guidance for doctors on how to comply with the Act makes this clear.
It is a desire for a reduction in the number of unnecessary abortions.
The number of abortions can easily be brought down from about 200,000 a year, involving nearly 400,000 people having sex together, to a quarter of those numbers with the correct access to family planning services, education, and support.
We live in a country with an uncodified constitution. That is to say, our laws are constantly changing and improving.
I am committed to engaging in informed debates on reproductive rights and related issues. In May, I attended an event held by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Women’s Health. It is crucial to empower women with the knowledge to understand all available treatment options, promote access to innovative therapies and ensure healthcare systems prioritise women’s health.
I am saddened to hear that many women experience discrimination during pregnancy, maternity leave or after maternity leave. The Equality Act 2010 protects women against direct discrimination and victimisation because of the protected characteristics of pregnancy and maternity. In addition, under employment law, employers are required to provide minimum employment rights, including maternity leave and pay.
Reform is always possible to improve a situation. I look toward a path that aligns with evidence and ethics.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
12 August 2023
Family Planning Access and Rights
Thank you to those sharing their concerns and views regarding abortion access and other matters of family planning.
Simply, if abortions other than natural miscarriages take place, my view is that they should be with as little delay and as little stress as possible. No one should feel pressured - likewise, no one should feel helpless.
The issue of concern that you raise is one that we share.
It is highly undesirable to have so many abortions. The numbers are far too high.
In no situation should it be the first consideration nor relied upon as a "backup" to contraception.
My thinking is simple: the only thing we cannot inherit from our parents is celibacy.
If a couple are going to be closer than sharing a toothbrush, they could consider together the embarrassment they prefer - either discussing fertility choice or conception choice or a possibly embarrassing conversation that might start in one of three ways:
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Oh no, we have conceived; we already have five children.
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Oh no, we have conceived; what did you say your name was?
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Oh no, we have conceived; I know we have lived together for two years but we had not expected this.
The number of abortions can easily be brought down from about 200,000 a year, involving nearly 400,000 people having sex together to say a quarter of those numbers with the correct access to family planning services, education and support.
This is something we both share in desiring - a reduction in unnecessary abortions.
By banning abortions, we achieve nothing more than forcing thousands upon thousands of women into using 'behind-closed-door' services or, even worse, attempting an at-home abortion that severely endangers the life of the mother.
We live in a country with an uncodified constitution. That is to say, our laws are constantly changing and improving. Reform is always possible to improve a situation.
We may share in wanting to see legislation improve.
I look toward an evidence and ethics based course of direction.
Thank you once again for sharing your views.
26th June 2023
Abortion Up-To-Birth Concerns
Like many, I was sad to learn of the case of Carla Foster. This was a very complex and emotive case, and it would be both unwise and unhelpful for me to make any comment on an ongoing legal process.
If abortions other than natural miscarriages take place, my view is that they should be with as little delay and as little stress as possible. We live in a country with an uncodified constitution. That is to say, our laws are constantly changing and improving. Reform is always possible to improve a situation. We share in hope that legislation will improve. I look toward evidence and ethics-based improvements.
I wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to express the range of concerns of constituents.
24th June 2022
Abortion Rights in Northern Ireland
Thank you to those who have been in touch regarding the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2022.
I have been involved in the campaign for Family Planning Rights in Northern Ireland for several years and more widely since I was a Minister there at the end of the 1980s.
In recent years, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has made moves to compel Stormont to implement abortion laws reflecting the rest of the United Kingdom.
The choice is between compassion and politics.
If there is going to be an abortion, it should be legal, safe, early and local.
It should not be at the whim of politicians to decide whether the service be provided locally or many miles away.
I choose to put first the interests of women and girls.
Simply, if abortions other than natural miscarriages take place, my view is that they should be with as little delay and as little stress as possible.
No one should feel pressured.
The issue of concern that you raise is one that we share.
It is highly undesirable to have so many abortions.
The numbers are far too high.
My thinking is simple: the only thing we cannot inherit from our parents is celibacy.
We cannot ignore that fact nor that there are circumstances when abortions are necessary.
The number of abortions can easily be brought down from about 200,000 a year, involving nearly 400,000 people having sex together to say a quarter of those numbers.
The provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland seems controversial, but such provisions appeared hugely controversial in the Republic of Ireland until they had a vote, when it was then clear they were not controversial. If there is a need, I suggest that Stormont hold a referendum to get a clear decision from the people of Northern Ireland.
They should not be forced to jump on a ferry across the Irish Sea or travel to the Republic for the sake of essential medical treatment. That is not the answer. That is not what politics is about. I look toward an evidence and ethics-based course of action.
I have always maintained that Northern Ireland should receive the same treatment and services as its fellow countries within the Union.
I support the Secretary of State in taking this issue forward. He will have the support of most people in Northern Ireland, regardless of what some individuals might say.
Please have confidence that I appreciate all concerns and take these on board.
