No change needed in local abortion law

by GD on Fri 16 May 2008, 3:03 pm

Pressure on MP’s in England to reduce the upper limit for an abortion from 24 to 20 weeks is not being backed in Guernsey by Director of Public Health, Dr David Jeffs.

Dr Jeffs says local figures do not support the need for similar changes in legislation in Guernsey.

'I have recently reviewed the 2007 figures for abortions performed in Guernsey.
These are down from 150 in 2006 to 106 in 2007.

'These involved women of all ages with six terminations performed on women under the age of 18 years, compared with four on women aged 40 and above. Contrary to public perception, this is not predominately a problem of promiscuous adolescents.

'The other big difference comparing our local figures with those in England is the stage of pregnancy at which termination was performed. Of the 106 abortions performed during 2007, only two were performed at 12 weeks or more.

'We must understand that many serious congenital conditions can only be diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy (between three and six months), and I fully support a parent’s right to decide whether they wish to bring a child who is likely to have severe handicaps into the world.

'But in general, I feel our most recent figures confirm that our abortion law in Guernsey is not being abused, and I will not be recommending any changes to the new HSSD Board.'