§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) in which health board areas, amniocentesis is performed with a view to recommending an abortion dependent upon the results of the tests;
(2) in which health boards areas pregnant women are only offered amniocentesis if they consent to an abortion dependent on the results of the tests.
§ Mr. Chris PattenAmniocentesis is carried out in Northern Ireland as a regional service based at the Royal Maternity hospital, Belfast which is administered by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board. The circumstances under which the tests are performed are a matter for the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned.
§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has as to the frequency in Northern Ireland with which amniocentesis cause (a) complications in pregnancy, (b) damage to the foetus and (c) inadvertent death of the foetus.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIt is estimated that in Northern Ireland amniocentesis causes complications in pregnancy resulting in miscarriage in 0.7 per cent. of cases. The only damage reported has been superficial marking of the foetus in one case.
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§ Sir Hugh Rossiasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what percentage of cases in Northern Ireland amniocentesis has indicated abnormalities whereas the foetuses subsequently have been found to be normal.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI am not aware of any such cases in Northern Ireland.