Increase in abortion of disabled babies 'tragic'

The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children has criticised the "double standard" in post-birth care for the disabled alongside abortions of unborn disabled babies.

The pro-life organisation said it was "tragic" that recent figures from the Department of Health revealed an increase in the number of abortions of disabled babies.

Figures show that abortions for suspected handicaps numbered 2,692 in the last year, an increase of nearly 300 on 2011, when there were 2,307 abortions on grounds of disability.

Abortions after 24 weeks were shown to have risen from 146 to 160, with 99 of these taking place after 26 weeks.

SPUC said the abortion of disabled babies was "offensive" and that the trend was worsening.

The organisation's education manager Anthony McCarthy said the rise could be attributed to an increase in the number of later-age pregnancies.

"Either way, the double-standard between post-birth care for the disabled and the NHS-funded elimination of the disabled before birth continues apace," he said.

A parliamentary report this week called for urgent reform of the Abortion Act to stop "discrimination against unborn children".

Section 1(1)(d) of the 1967 Abortion Act permits the termination of a pregnancy up to birth if there is a substantial risk of the baby being born with a serious disability.

The report was published by a cross-party commission headed by Fiona Bruce MP.  It urged Parliament to reduce the upper time limit for abortions on the grounds of disability to the same 24 weeks upper limit in place for non-disabled babies.

"Given the advances in medical science and the very positive changes in our attitudes towards disabled people since the relevant law was enacted over twenty years ago it is time to review it," said Mrs Bruce.

related articles
Call to end 'discrimination' against unborn disabled children

Call to end 'discrimination' against unborn disabled children

News
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds
Belief in ghosts and magic linked to faith and trust in science, study finds

A new study suggests that Americans who believe in God while placing strong trust in science and reason may be more likely to believe in ghosts, curses and other supernatural phenomena.

Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey
Archaeologists may have discovered identity of mystery skeleton in Westminster Abbey

Archaeologists believe they may have finally discovered the identity of a skeleton buried in a Roman sarcophagus in Westminster Abbey.

Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds
Many churches lack AI policies despite widespread support among pastors, study finds

New research reveals a significant divide between church leaders’ recognition of the need for responsible AI practices and the measures currently in place within their congregations.

New index examines how faith-based businesses put beliefs into practice
New index examines how faith-based businesses put beliefs into practice

A pilot study of 100 organisations explores how religious beliefs shape investment, governance and social responsibility.