Tory MP Nadine Dorries has launched an attempt to restrict women’s access to abortion.
Along with Labour MP Frank Field, she has tabled an amendment to the government’s Health and Social Care Bill that would force women considering abortion to have counselling.
This would have to be given by an organisation that doesn’t carry out abortions.
Ridiculously, Dorries accused the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) of having a “vested interest” in promoting abortion.
BPAS is a non-profit making charity that provides advice and access to abortion.
Forcing women to have compulsory counselling before they can access abortion is patronising—and dangerous.
The time it takes up can take women beyond the 24 week cut-off point, after which they can no longer access legal abortion.
Women certainly should have access to information and support.
But forcing them into counselling they do not want puts another obstacle in the way of access to abortion.
We should resist the amendment and defend women’s right to choose.
Go to www.abortionrights.org.uk for updates
Women can now access the morning after pill free in chemists in Wales.
If the Tories were serious about reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies, they could do the same throughout Britain.
Oladeji Adeyemi Omishore died on 4 June
Pay fight at Rolls-Royce
Tories threaten critical safety roles
Trade unionists support the rail workers
