Should the law on abortion be changed?

I see no reason to change the law. These days a pregnancy test is available on every high street and give immediate results.

I'd just like to point out that not every woman has regular menstrual cycles and many wouldn't even suspect pregnancy until almost 12 weeks. For a while between babies my menstrual cycle went to a regular 5 week cycle. I enjoyed the longer gaps and could easily have not noticed a missed period. Some women experience very irregular cycles that often involve missed periods not attributable to pregnancy.

What constitutes 'seriously wrong' and who decides? Why should these babies have less rights than their perfect counterparts? Some people knowingly continue with a pregnancy that will produce a baby with Down Syndrome, others choose to use their legal right to abort the affected foetus. Same condition, different outcomes. It's a minefield, and there's rarely one correct answer.

I agree with tickingbird. I also agree with Oreo about the time reduced to 12 weeks. The idea of someone aborting a live baby at 24 weeks (unless something seriously wrong with it) makes me feel sick.

Jaberwok

Sorry, but for me late abortion unless there is a serious medical condition is an absolute No, No. First three months (just) ok, but later than that, I can't agree with. I know it's a matter of choice and point of view and I accept that.

I agree, I would like to see the time reduced to 12 weeks for an abortion unless there are real and serious reasons for it to be any longer.

Blondiescot

Grantanow

Yes because the present law requires medical approval. It should simply be a woman's choice.

I agree. It's always going to be an emotive subject, but women should have autonomy over their own bodies.

That means you think being able to kill a baby up to 40 weeks is ok then? Or not?
It’s not just a woman’s body there is another body in there, a baby.

Grantanow

Yes because the present law requires medical approval. It should simply be a woman's choice.

I agree. It's always going to be an emotive subject, but women should have autonomy over their own bodies.

I'm not for or against the current time limits, I think there are arguments for both sides. However we must always bear in mind that while safe legal abortion is available some women will have safe legal abortions. Equally when only unsafe, illegal abortions are available some women will have unsafe, illegal abortions. It was ever thus. I'd prefer that every woman who wants an abortion had access to a safe one and not be driven by desperation to the unsafe version. For that reason I'd certainly make at least very early abortion available on demand with no need to satisfy two doctors.

It isn’t simply a woman’s right to choose. Plenty of time to change one’s mind before 32 - 34 weeks. I had my eldest son at 32 weeks. Aborting a baby at that stage is appalling. The law is ok as it is although I think it should be less than 24 weeks.

I agree with grantanow. We need a right to abortion, within term limits, which I think are currently correct.

Sorry, but for me late abortion unless there is a serious medical condition is an absolute No, No. First three months (just) ok, but later than that, I can't agree with. I know it's a matter of choice and point of view and I accept that.

No need to change the law, stop internet prescriptions for abortion pills.

At 24 weeks gestation many babies have been born and survived and thrived. They are human beings, not just lumps of inanimate flesh and blood. I think the rules are fine.

I don't think it should change but I do think the sentence should not be a custodial one for breaking that law.

I agree with Rishi Sunak and Gillycats.

The current law is as follows:
abortionrights.org.uk/the-current-situation-in-the-uk/

I see no reason to change it.

Yes because the present law requires medical approval. It should simply be a woman's choice.

It shouldn’t change. I think it’s reasonable as it is. There are plenty of childless couples that would love to adopt and give the babies a good and loving home. Maybe there should be more clinics offering support and advice to the Mums. Those advanced and healthy babies should be given rights too.