HC Deb 24 November 1969 vol 792 cc2-3
3. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what improvements he intends to introduce in the operation of the Abortion Act in order to ensure that all women in every regional hospital board area have equality of treatment.

Mr. Crossman

Officers of my Department are making a series of exploratory visits to selected areas in the country to study the effects of the Act upon the hospital service. In the light of their findings I shall consider what further action is needed.

Mrs. Short

As my right hon. Friend is on record as saying that he regrets the difference between the regions and also the attempts at self-help which organisations like the Birmingham Pregnancy Advisory Service have set up, can he tell the House what he intends to do to ensure that the Act is properly operated?

Mr. Crossman

If my hon. Friend is thinking about conditions in the West Midlands, I shall be making a decision about the possibility of opening a nursing home in the immediate future.

Mr. Brooks

Is my right hon. Friend aware of certain allegations that in some parts of the country women are being denied abortions unless they simultaneously agree to be sterilised? Does he agree that, while this operation might become eminently desirable in certain circumstances, it is improper if pressure of this kind is put on women?

Mr. Crossman

I have not heard of the allegation which my hon. Friend mentions. If he will put it to me in writing, I will certainly investigate it.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the object of the Health Service is to save life, not to end it?