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Written question asked by Chris Green (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 July 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 July 2023. It was answered by Maria Caulfield (Conservative) on Friday, 14 July 2023 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Abortion: Drugs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing Section 3(D) of the Abortion Act 1967 in the context of potential risks presented to the health and safety of women.

Answer

No assessment has been made of the implications for policies on the provision of abortion pills to a woman beyond the legal time limit for abortion.

The law on abortion and required standards of medical care are clear. The Department continues to work closely with NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and abortion providers to ensure that abortions in England are performed in accordance with the Abortion Act 1967.

There are no plans to review Section 3(D) of the Abortion Act 1967. Parliament decided the circumstances under which abortion can legally be undertaken. It would be for Parliament to decide whether to make any changes to the law on abortion. As with other matters of conscience, abortion is an issue on which the Government adopts a neutral stance and allows hon. Members to vote according to their moral, ethical or religious beliefs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
192547
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Abortion Drugs
Legislation
Abortion Act 1967
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk