Thursday October 28 2004

Abortion Rights is extremely concerned about the Sunday Telegraph's allegations, which have led Ann Widdecombe to table an Early Day Motion calling for an end to the government's partnership with bpas. We are not, however, surprised at her wish to close the charity down.

Bpas provides a valuable service for some 50,000 women every year. This is especially true in terms of post-20 week abortion provision. It is also important to clarify that the charity does not receive direct government funding. Primary Healthcare Trusts contract their service to the private provider, which, in turn, contributes to improving women's access to and experience of abortion, in a country where provision remains notoriously patchy.

The campaign to vilify bpas focuses entirely on the issue of late abortions, of which there are in fact very few: 2,927 abortions between 20 and 24+ weeks were carried out in 2003. But, because they are unpalatable, the women who request them and those who provide them are constantly in the line of fire.

In reality, Ms Widdecombe's agenda is far more insidious. By attacking bpas, she is striking directly at women's right to choose. Since abortion became legal in the UK in 1967, anti-choice groups and politicians have made relentless attempts to chip away at the law. What we need is a more positive approach to women's reproductive health, not a return to back-streets and coat-hangers.