Conservatives Renew Pressure for Tighter Abortion Laws

Michael Howard, the leader of UK's opposition Conservative party, has refreshed the call to the British government to impose more restrictions on the existing abortion laws in a bid to tackle the casual trend of abortions in the UK.

According to an interview published in many newspapers today, Howard said abortions were currently available "on demand", which is a widespread morality issue in Britain. He pledged to vote to cut the legal time limit for late abortions from 24 weeks to 20 weeks, even 2 weeks lower than the 22 weeks restriction he had voted for before.

His argument is based on research quoted by medical professionals. In July 2004, a series of newly developed ultrasound scans showing vivid pictures of a 12-week-old foetus "walking" in the womb were released. The British abortion laws that currently allows mothers to abort a child up to 24-weeks-old in cases involving serious handicap or risk to a mother’s life has therefore triggered an ethical dilemma.

The need for a review of the abortion laws was raised by Lord Steel of Aikwood, former Liberal leader and the move has since been backed by 100 leading MPs.

Howard told Cosmopolitan magazine, "I believe abortion should be available to everyone, but the law should be changed."

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis backed Howard, according to Scotsman newspaper. Davis commented that the current abortion laws were "the prospect of real cruelty to the foetuses, to the children involved". He cited "stories of, without any medical assistance, the foetuses surviving after abortion for a time".

"We are talking 24 weeks here. It is an enormous length of time."

"It is a pretty horrible prospect," he added.

It has been reported that pro-life MPs are determined to try to change the law in the next Parliament.

However, the Prime Minister Tony Blair appeared to be greatly undetermined with regards to this proposal. He responded to the ultrasound scans in July, "I have not had an opportunity myself to study in detail the evidence that has been provided. But I am sure if the situation does change, then it would be advisable for us to have another look at the whole question."

In response to Howard, Blair said it was a "difficult issue" but added, "however much I dislike the idea of abortion, you should not criminalise a woman who, in very difficult circumstances, makes that choice."

"Obviously there is a time beyond which you can’t have an abortion, and we have no plans to change that although the debate will continue."

Till now, the reform of the abortion laws is still uncertain after nearly half a year of debate. However, the comments made by conservatives are expected to reignite a new wave of debate, pushing the government to move on the proposal.

Anti-abortion group, the Pro-Life Alliance have celebrated Howard’s support for a reform of abortion laws, but it has expressed their wishes that he would go further.

"We acknowledge it will be difficult to abolish abortion overnight, but the lead given by Mr Howard will inspire us in our forthcoming campaigns," said a spokesman to BBC.