Anti-abortion group vows to continue with its campaign
‘A BIG disappointment’ was how a group opposed to the reform of the abortion law described Wednesday’s decision by the States to approve a range of changes.
But Life For Both spokeswoman Maria O’Brien said the group would continue.
‘This has become States policy, but the legislation still has to be passed, so it still has to be debated,’ she said.
Among the changes to the law that will now be made were the decriminalisation of abortion, increasing the time limit as to when an abortion can take place from 12 to 24 weeks, with no limit for foetuses showing ‘significant abnormalities’, and removing the requirement for a second doctor to approve the procedure.
And in future it will be a legal requirement for medical staff who object to abortion conscientiously to refer the woman to another health practitioner who does not have such an objection.
While these are all of concern to Life For Both, Mrs O’Brien said the group was particularly anxious about giving the power for an abortion up to birth in the case of major abnormalities.
She said that figures from the UK showed that last year there were about 150 abortions that involved cases of club foot or cleft palate. Down syndrome is also considered to be another condition that would enable a woman to have an abortion up to birth.
‘What message does this distinction send out regarding the value and dignity of those living with disabilities?’
And the changes to the law on conscientious objection also concern the group: ‘This is a huge medical and ethical change for it to not be properly debated and have other people consulted,’ she said.
Nurses and midwives will now also be able to perform certain abortions and these could take place in a woman’s home.
‘This – along with the reduction of medical safeguards – downgrades the common perception of abortion from a significant medical procedure to a routine, minor one, something advocates of this new law are keen to do.
‘It was a big disappointment, but not completely unexpected, if I’m being completely honest,’ said Mrs O’Brien of the decision.
The States decision was welcomed by the Channel Island Humanists group.
‘We are delighted that the Guernsey Assembly has passed this motion on abortion,’ said committee member Gary Vaudin.
‘It is vital that women are able to access the health care services they need and our outdated abortion law is badly in need of reform.’
He said the island was at risk of lagging behind, given the recent reforms to the abortion laws in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
‘However, the policy proposal that has just passed sets Guernsey on the path to having one of the best abortion laws in Europe.
‘We look forward to the draft law returning to the Assembly in due course.’
