Howard backs change to abortion law

Sunday, 13 March 2005 12:00 AM

Conservative leader Michael Howard backs a reduction in abortion time limits in an interview to be published next week, reports The Observer.

Mr Howard was asked for his views along with Tony Blair and Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy by the women's magazine, Cosmopolitan.

Stressing that the views expressed were his own personal ones and not those of his party, Mr Howard reportedly told the women's monthly that he would vote to cut the legal deadline for late abortions from the present 24 weeks for cases of serious handicap or risk to a mother's life.

"I believe abortion should be available to everyone, but the law should be changed. In the past I voted for a restriction to 22 weeks and I would be prepared to go down to 20," he said.

Commentators suggest that Mr Howard risks angering pro-choice groups by saying the current situation is "tantamount to abortion on demand".

Pro-life MPs are said to be determined to press for a change to the law during the next Parliament and all three main parties allow their representatives a free vote on abortion issues.

The Prime Minister told Cosmopolitan that although he disliked the idea of abortion, it would be wrong to criminalise women who, "in very difficult circumstances" opt for a termination.

"Obviously there is a time beyond which you can't have an abortion, and we have no plans to change that although the debate will continue," Mr Blair said.

Mr Kennedy said he had previously voted for a 22 week limit but said medical advances meant: "I don't know what I would do now".

Cosmopolitan's "blind date" interviews were conducted as part of the magazine's "High Heeled Vote" campaign ahead of May's expected election.

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