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Written question asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 10 February 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 2020. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Foetuses: Pain

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the article by Dr Stuart W G Derbyshire and John C Bockmann Reconsidering fetal pain, published in the British Medical Journal’s Journal of Medical Ethics in January; and what steps they are taking as a result of any such assessment.

Answer

The Department does not set clinical practice. To support clinical practice, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has considered the issue of fetal pain and awareness in its guideline on Fetal Awareness: Review of Research and Recommendations for Practice.

The Department has brought the article by Dr Stuart W G Derbyshire and John C Bockmann to the attention of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. It is for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to consider whether to revise the guidelines having considered the available evidence.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1491
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Pain Foetuses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk