HC Deb 13 April 1984 vol 58 cc405-6W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that patients requiring a therapeutic termination are generally able to obtain it within 12 weeks of pregnancy in all regions.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The most recent available figures show that in 1982 nearly 86 per cent. of all abortions on women resident in England and Wales were carried out within 12 weeks of gestation. However, we are aware that the situation varies to some extent between regions, although figures are not readily available which provide information about gestational age by region of treatment. A recent research report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, commissioned by our Department, examines late abortions. We are considering its findings carefully.