Q and A: Mark Pritchard

Published on Wednesday 21 May 2008 22:24

THE Conservative MP for The Wrekin moved an amendment to reduce the abortion limit from 24 weeks to 16 weeks, which was heavily defeated on Wednesday.

What is your response to losing the vote on reducing the time limit for abortions?

I am disappointed with the outcome, but encouraged by the number of MPs that did vote for a reduction in the time limit. Parliament does seem to be lagging behind public opinion, which shows that three out of four women themselves want to see a reduction in the limit, but it is positive that so many MPs want to see an overall cut.

Why was it important for you to push amendments to reduce the time limit?

I believe in the sanctity of life and I believe that the unborn need protecting from an abortion industry that is increasingly relied on for social reasons. I'm not against abortion, but I think it should be on medical grounds, not for social convenience.

You made some interesting interventions in the debate. Is there anything you did not get a chance to say?

The Prime Minister says that he is a listening man, but he has ignored the overwhelming view, which is that most people want to see a cut in the overall limit. Was it really a free vote? We have heard that Labour whips were whipping Labour MPs to be back in Parliament. They were nodding and winking to tell them which lobby to go into.

What is your assessment of media coverage of abortion?

I'd like to see a broadcaster actually show on British TV an abortion at 24 weeks.

Where does your campaign go from here?

I hope that the next Conservative Party manifesto will have a commitment to review the law in light of the recent medical advances.

Do you think anything you said made a difference?

We may have persuaded some mothers to bring a child to term. Even if we did not win the debate, if we have saved one life that's a result.