BMA Ethics Committee - Abortion

The BMA's medical ethics committee has said it supports revising the Abortion Act 1967 so that, during the first three months of pregnancy:

- Women are not required to meet medical criteria for abortion, such as proving that going ahead with the pregnancy would damage their physical or mental health.
- The requirement that two doctors approve the abortion is removed.
- Suitably trained and experienced nurses and midwives may carry out both medical and surgical abortions.
- As long as safety is ensured, premises do not need to be approved to carry out first-trimester abortions.

Thanks to Natalie at Philobiblon for pointing this out. As she says:

"Whatever your personal stance on the issue, such a change in the law would not mean more abortions - just safer, less stressful ones, i.e. we would stop penalising, punishing women for getting pregnant."