HC Deb 18 January 1988 vol 125 c581W
Ms. Richardson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to in which year the following countries introduced laws to make abortion legal, either on request or in certain circumstances(a) the Federal Republic of Germany, (b) the United States of America, (c) France, (d) Spain, (e) Italy and (f) Portugal.

Mr. Newton

I understand that the information requested is as follows:

  1. (a) Federal Republic of Germany—1974 and 1976;
  2. (b) United States of America—there is no federal legislation on abortion but in 1973 a ruling established the constitutional right to an abortion in certain circumstances. Individual States enact a wide range of laws;
  3. (c) France—1975 and 1979;
  4. (d) Spain—1975;
  5. (e) Italy—1978 and 1981;
  6. (f) Portugal—1984