§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the private clinics licensed to perform abortions which have used, or were planning to use, a macerator to dispose of the bodies of aborted unborn babies, together with the means and place of disposal that each clinic is currently using;
(2) if he will list the private clinics licensed to perform abortions which are curretly using a macerator to dispose of the bodies of aborted unborn babies.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis method of disposal is not now considered appropriate. It is being phased out as soon as possible in the few places where it is used. The Department is writing urgently to proprietors of approved places requiring them to use incineration and, where appropriate, to confirm that they have ceased to use maceration as a means of disposal. Compliance will be further monitored through the regular, unannounced inspections by the Department's medical, nursing and investigative officers.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department issues to those places licensed to perform abortions regarding consultation with the mother concerning the disposal of her aborted unborn baby.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis is a matter for the woman concerned to take up with the proprietors of the approved place if she wishes to do so. Where the possibility274W of research arises, advice has been given about the need to discuss this with the woman so that she can decide whether or not to give consent.