BMA: Changes should be made
Tuesday, 23 Oct 2007 12:46
There are a number of aspects of abortion law that need to be changed, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
The doctors' group is one of a number of organisations giving evidence to the science and technology committee on whether the 1967 Abortion Act should be revised.
Under the current law two doctors must approve an abortion before it can go ahead.
But the BMA says this is outdated and believes one doctor's signature is sufficient for terminations in early pregnancy.
"The need for two doctors to approve a termination is out of step with the increasing emphasis on patient autonomy in all other areas of medicine," a BMA statement said.
"Women make other important decisions concerning both their own health and that of their fetus without the need to involve two doctors and they should be given the same decision-making authority in relation to this aspect of their pregnancy."
The BMA also believes the requirement for a medical justification for an abortion carried out at 13 weeks or earlier is now unnecessary as evidence shows that the risks involved in first trimester abortion, particularly medical abortions, are less than the risks associated with carrying a pregnancy to term.
Also under consideration by the committee is the 24-week abortion limit.
BMA members have voted against lowering the limit in the light of new evidence of foetal developments and advances in neonatal care.
