Brown sees no need to reduce abortion time limit by month

Published on Monday 25 February 2008 21:21

GORDON Brown, the Prime Minister, last night insisted the abortion time limit should not be reduced, putting him directly at odds with David Cameron, the Conservative leader.

Mr Brown spoke out after Mr Cameron called for the time period in which a woman can have a termination to be reduced from 24 weeks, possibly to 20.

MPs will be able to vote by conscience if the issue comes before parliament as part of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

It is expected that members will try to reduce the current 24-week limit by tabling an amendment to the proposed legislation, which could provide them with their first opportunity to vote on the issue since 1990.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said Mr Brown had "always made clear that he thinks we should be guided by the best medical advice on this".

He said: "At the moment, the key organisations in the medical profession are not pressing for a review in this area.

"For example, both the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have said they do not believe there is a case for changing the time limits. The government has no plans to change the law on abortion."

His backing was welcomed by the Pro Choice lobby, who also insisted there was no scientific evidence to suggest the age at which a foetus becomes "viable" had decreased.

Louise Hutchins, campaigns co-ordinator at Abortion Rights, said: "In addition to that, women's needs haven't changed and I think all politicians should be putting women at the centre of the debate and consider their needs."

However, the Pro Life Alliance claimed Mr Brown's view "flies in the face of public opinion on the issue of abortion time limits and also medical opinion".