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Concerns have been expressed about plans to shorten the allowable time for abortions by two weeks, as it could adversely affect vulnerable women and potentially lead to an increase in the number of abortions.
MP Caroline Ansell recently suggested an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would lower the legal limit for abortion from 24 weeks to 22 weeks. A vote on the proposal is expected to take place in the near future.
However, leaders in healthcare and providers of abortion informed The Independent that Ms Ansell’s proposals, supported by a coalition of 26 MPs from various parties, are “extremely heartless” and lack evidence from clinical studies.
The president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr. Ranee Thakar, stated that they oppose any decrease in the time limit for abortion.
She stated that only 1% of abortions occur after 20 weeks. These instances are usually due to the detection of severe fetal abnormalities or serious maternal health concerns.
In some cases, women may not realize they are pregnant until later or may experience unexpected changes in their personal situations, leading them to seek out a later term abortion. However, we strongly believe that no woman should be compelled to carry a pregnancy to full term against her wishes, regardless of the circumstances.
Dr. Thakar advocated for increased funding for nearby abortion services in order to prevent women from facing extended wait times or having to travel long distances to receive terminations.
MPs will vote on an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill next month, which would result in the complete decriminalization of pregnancy terminations in England and Wales. This comes after the recent comments provided by her.
After learning about a scan anomaly at 18-20 weeks, couples are understandably distressed and seek diagnostic tests, according to Jonathan Lord, the medical director of MSI Reproductive Choices, the top abortion provider in the UK.
“It may take several weeks for the tests to be completed. Lowering the time limit for receiving the test results may force this group to make a decision about abortion without waiting for potential reassurance from the test results.”
Dr Lord, who is co-chair of the British Society of Abortion Care Providers, warned that curbing the cut-off point could actually increase the number of abortions taking place, adding that it is highly rare for terminations to be carried out after 22 weeks.
The consultant gynaecologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust stated that in unique situations, women can be more susceptible. Examples of this include patients experiencing extreme distress and cases involving teenage pregnancies where the individuals may deny their pregnancy.
MPs should be wary of the transparent tactics of anti-abortion politicians attempting to divert attention from their belief that women should face imprisonment for terminating pregnancies in 2024.
He also mentioned instances of individuals becoming pregnant after experiencing sexual assault, victims of domestic violence who live in constant fear of their abuser, and individuals dealing with mental health concerns.
Dr. Lord expressed that it would be extremely cruel to compel them to have a child, which would only further solidify the abuse they have already endured.
Clarifying her stance on the reduction of the abortion limit, Ms. Ansell explained to The Daily Telegraph that the current time limit is not in alignment with other European countries. She hopes that her proposed amendment will garner widespread backing from members of the house.
In France and Spain, the cut-off point for an abortion is 14 weeks.
Dr. Katie Morris, leader of the British Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, stated: “For marginalized women in our community, such as those who experience domestic violence or sexual assault, having access to abortion care after 20 weeks could potentially save lives.”
We need to show compassion and provide access to abortion as a form of healthcare for women facing complex and difficult situations.
The duration of time in which a woman can legally undergo an abortion in England, Scotland and Wales is limited to the first 24 weeks of her pregnancy. However, the procedure must first be authorized by two doctors who determine that terminating the pregnancy poses less risk to the woman’s physical and mental health than continuing with it.
Delivering an abortion outside the guidelines laid out in the 1967 Abortion Act could result in prosecution for medical professionals. A law from 1861 states that a woman who terminates a pregnancy without following proper procedures and obtaining consent from two doctors may be sentenced to life in prison.
We need to have confidence in women’s ability to make decisions about their own bodies, lifestyles, and families.
Rachael Clarke, the leader of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and a top provider of abortion services, stated: “The suggestions put forward are not endorsed by any medical organizations, lack support from clinical evidence, and are not backed by the British population.”
“MPs should not be deceived by the expected tactic of anti-abortion lawmakers to divert attention away from their belief that women should face imprisonment for having an abortion in 2024.”
“Given the decline in women’s rights in the United States, it is not unexpected to witness American-backed anti-abortion groups spearheading efforts to restrict legal abortion access for thousands of British women annually.”
In certain rare circumstances, it is allowable under the law to perform an abortion after 24 weeks. These scenarios include cases where the mother’s life is in danger or the child would have significant disabilities.
According to government records, abortions carried out after 24 weeks comprise only 0.1% of the overall abortion rate, with a total of 276 in 2021.
Louise McCudden from MSI Reproductive Choices’ UK cautioned against decreasing the time limit for receiving abortions, stating that it would have a detrimental impact on a small group of women who are already facing a challenging decision regarding their pregnancy.
According to her, females would have to pick between carrying on with an undesirable or hazardous pregnancy or potentially facing criminal charges.
Ms. McCudden stated that women typically take on the majority of responsibilities for childcare and caring for relatives. She emphasized the importance of trusting women to make decisions that are best for their own bodies, lives, and families.
“Some fetal abnormalities may not be detected until the 22nd week of pregnancy,” she stated. “Requiring individuals to make a choice before receiving all necessary information is cruel and, paradoxically, may lead to some feeling trapped with no other choice but to terminate a pregnancy that they initially desired.”
Ms. Ansell has been asked for her response.
Source: independent.co.uk
