Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 5 March 2012.

Abortion

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of recent reports that sex-selection abortions are taking place in the United Kingdom, they will establish an independent audit of all the authorisation forms connected with abortion provision in each private abortion provider for the past five years to determine whether any irregularities and criminal activity have occurred.

Answer: The allegations of sex-selection abortions are being taken very seriously by the department. All abortions must meet the requirements of the Abortion Act 1967. The department has written to the relevant police forces and the General Medical Council which is undertaking investigations. The Care Quality Commission is undertaking a review and the Nursing and Midwifery Council has also been informed. Officials are also investigating the specific hospitals and clinics against which allegations have been made. On 23 February, the Chief Medical Officer wrote to all private sector and independent clinics, National Health Service organisations and medical directors to remind them of their duties and responsibilities in relation to the Abortion Act. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library. There are no plans to audit all the HSA4 forms that have been submitted to the Chief Medical Officer but appropriate checks will be made against relevant forms as part of the ongoing investigation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 15911; 735 c391WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2012-0412
Monday, 5 March 2012
Deposited papers
House of Lords
Subjects: Abortion Sex selection Private sector
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk