PM rejects Cameron's abortion call

The government has rejected David Cameron calls to reduce the time limit for abortions to between 20 and 21 weeks.

 

In an interview with the Mail, the Conservative leader said that advances in care for premature babies and wider understanding of the viability of young foetuses had persuaded him to take up the position.

 

Cameron said: "I would like to see a reduction in the current limit, as it is clear that, due to medical advancement, many babies are surviving at 24 weeks.

 

"If there is an opportunity in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, I will be voting to bring this limit down from 24 weeks.

 

"This must, however, remain a conscience issue and a free vote."

 

Responding to the call, the prime minister's spokesman said the government had no plans to change the law.

 

"He has always made clear that he thinks we should be guided by the best medical advice on this.

 

"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 for abortion.

 

"The government has no plans to change the law on abortion.''

 

The spokesman pointed out that so far no amendments that would allow a vote on the abortion time limit had been tabled to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.