§ Ms Julie MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidelines have been issued to GPs on the action they should take regarding their patients if they hold a conscientious objection to abortion; [84991]
(2) what plans he has, following Mr. Justice Alliott's judgment in the High Court case of Dr. Sheila Matthews, to issue new advice or guidelines to GPs about referring patients to another doctor if they have a conscientious objection to abortion. [84992]
§ Ms Jowell[holding answer 25 May 1999]In 1991 the General Medical Services Council of the British Medical Association issued guidance to general practitioners through Local Medical Committees, reminding them of their obligations under their terms of service. That guidance remains extant and GPs who have a conscientious objection to abortion should refer the patient to another doctor as soon as possible.
Regional directors of the National Health Service Executive have been asked to ensure that Primary Care Groups have arrangements in place so that women considering an abortion are able to have easy access to a GP who can make a referral where appropriate.