Press releases

Let the voices of millions of women be heard

17th October 2008

The LRC seeks firm assurances that the Government is not going to prevent the extension of abortion rights via amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill is debated in parliament next week.

It would be a disgrace for a Labour Government to use undemocratic procedural measures to silence MPs who are attempting to liberalise the current law.

The positive amendments, which include extending abortion rights to Northern Ireland, are supported by doctors and nurses in the health service, the trade union movement and millions of women through the UK.

John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair, said

“Being able to access adequate reproductive rights, including the right to have a free and safe abortion without unnecessary delays, is essential if a woman is to maximise control over her own life.”

“Abortion provision at the moment is clearly inadequate whereby many of women still face unnecessary distressing delays. The positive amendments would sharpen up provision and help to move us away from the culture of condemnation of women who simply want the right to decide what happens to their own bodies.”

“This is not about being pro-abortion but about standing up for women’s rights.”

“At the very least the Government should facilitate the debate to take place.”