§ Mr. Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield)I wish to present a petition on behalf of more than 2,000 of my constituents, who are members of every Christian church in Macclesfield.
My constituents share my view and that of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists that it is wrong in principle for doctors, counsellors and agencies who refer women for abortions to have any financial interest in the clinic or hospital in which those abortions are performed. I know that you, Mr. Speaker, will be aware that that is the subject of the Abortion (Financial Benefit) Bill which is before the House. The petition says:
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your Honourable House in this, the 20th year of operation of the Abortion Act 1967 does enact legislation to sever financial links between doctors and agencies who refer women for abortions and the clinics in which those abortions are performed.And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.