By Alex Green
Two anti-abortion amendments have been put forward to the Criminal Justice Bill in parliament, one submitted by Caroline Ansell MP to reduce the time limit from 24 to 22 weeks and the other by Liam Fox MP to introduce restrictions based on Downs Syndrome diagnoses.
Currently in Britain, women are being criminalised for having an abortion, despite the overwhelming majority of the population being pro-choice. Reforms to Abortion law are needed that decriminalise abortion and increase safe access to this form of healthcare. Anti-abortion reforms, to introduce further restrictions, need to be resolutely opposed.
Should either of these two anti-abortion amendments be agreed by Parliament it would be a great set back.
It is urgent that the views of the country’s pro-choice majority are heard in Parliament.
Supporters of choice need to lobby their MPs now on this matter, before any votes take place.
Abortion Right has produced a briefing to assist people in lobbying their MPs. It can be read here: https://abortionrights.org.uk/briefing-on-anti-abortion-amendments-protecting-abortion-rights/