Abortion (Sex-Selection): Ten Minute Rule Bill

As predicted in the media, Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con) was today given leave under the Ten Minute Rule (SO No. 23) in the Commons to bring in her Bill “to clarify the law relating to abortion on the basis of sex-selection; and for connected purposes”, [HC Hansard 4 Nov 2014 Vol 587 (55) Col 677).  Ms Bruce spoke in favour of her motion and no-one spoke against – but there was a division on the motion for leave, which was agreed by 181 votes to 1.

Clause 1 of her intended Bill (which has not yet been published)

“… would send a clear signal that abortion for gender is not permissible under UK law, clearing up considerable confusion. Subsection (2) would make it clear that the clarification relates only to sex-selective abortions, therefore putting the Bill squarely in line with the Government’s interpretation of the Abortion Act. Clause 2 obliges the Secretary of State for Health to ensure that the law is being upheld. That will enable the Government to think about ways to help such women”. Continue reading