§ Mr. Chris Smith (Islington, South and Finsbury)I have the honour to present a petition on behalf of a number of my constituents and other residents of north London relating to the Department of Health and Social Security circular of December 1980 and the decision of the courts in relation to the Gillick case.
The humble petition of United Kingdom residents showeth
That to prevent unwanted pregnancies amongst young women under sixteen years of age the DHSS Circular of December 1980 should be fully implemented.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House do urge the Secretary of State for Social Services thatIf the House of Lords upon Appeal in the case of Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech AHA and Another do uphold the decision of the Court of Appeal this would leave many young women in danger of unwanted pregnancies and prevent doctors from giving treatment they felt necessary for the health of their patients andThe law should be changed to allow doctors to give abortion and contraceptive advice and treatment as set out in the DHSS Circular on the organisation and development of a family planning service.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.