§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he last issued guidance to the health authorities Wales concerning the implementation of the Infant Life (Preservation) Act 1929 in regard to late abortions and what that guidance was.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonNo guidance has been issued to health authorities in Wales on this subject but the Government financed the publication in 1985 of a document on foetal viability and clinical practice prepared by a working party set up by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This document contained the considered opinion of the royal college and other relevant professional bodies that the reference to 28 weeks gestational age in the 1929 Act is now out of date in view of advances in medical techniques. With Government financial assistance, this document was circulated to all members of the royal college including those residing in Wales.