| MPs' abortion enquiry hears new evidence that majority back the 24 week time limit |
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Wednesday 17th October 2007 Abortion Rights, the national pro-choice campaign gave evidence this morning to the influential Commons select committee on Science and Technology. The group gave the evidence that has so far been largely overlooked in the abortion debate – women’s reasons for needing later abortion and better access including the need to remove two doctors’ signatures. A new opinion poll conducted by GFK/NOP for Abortion Rights, released this morning, shows that a majority of the population (52%) support the current 24-week abortion time limit when given the facts about why some women need later abortion. Support remains for current abortion rights despite a strong bias against women’s stories in some media coverage of the issue over the past three years. Evidence from a media content survey on the issue was also released. Please see details of research below. The poll finding counters the argument promoted by the anti-abortion lobby - which is opposed to women's rights to choose on abortion in all circumstances - that there has been a sea change of opinion against existing abortion rights. For more information, or to arrange an interview with Abortion Rights or a woman who has had an abortion, please contact Anne Quesney or Louise Hutchins on 020 7923 9792. ENDS javascript:submitbutton('save'); Save Save NOTES TO EDITORS1. GFK/NOP asked the following opinion poll question: The 27th October 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the UK 1967 abortion Act and I would now like to ask you a question on this subject. The upper time limit for abortion is normally 24 weeks with the agreement of two doctors. Less than two per cent of abortions are carried out between 20 and 24 weeks. Women most commonly have a later abortion because their pregnancy is not discovered until later. This may be due to consistently using contraception or having irregular periods. Women may also be delayed in being seen by the NHS, or face a domestic crisis such as experiencing violence in the household or the loss of a partner. Do you agree or disagree that a woman should continue to be able to access abortion up to 24 weeks? Yes Agree 52% No do not agree 37% Don't know 9% Refused 3% GfK NOP conducted a nationally representative survey of 999 adults in the UK aged 16+ between 12th and 14th October 2007. Weighting was applied to the data to bring it in line with national profiles. 2. The evidence for the opinion poll question was based on the two studies of why women seek later abortions. The Centre for Sexual Health Research at the University of Southampton study published on 17 April 2007 found that women present late because of: 1. Failure to recognise the pregnancy earlier (this can disproportionately affect teenagers or women approaching their menopause) 2. Delay in seeking abortion due to personal circumstances, including decision-making. 3. Difficulty in accessing abortion services (not knowing where to go or not being referred promptly) A study by Marie Stopes International also found similar results and provided case study evidence. http://www.mariestopes.org.uk/pdf/late-abortion.pdf 3. A media content survey conducted by Abortion Rights found that only nine per cent of press articles on later abortion during 2005 focussed on women, compared to 23 focused on foetal behaviour and viability, and a further 20 per cent focussing on religion and abortion/religious leaders' statements. 222 articles about abortion were published in British newspapers across the eight largest circulation papers in 2005. 97 of these (44%) referred to the time-limit as a source of debate.Please contact the office for more details. |
