§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he intends to take any action to ensure 563W that those doctors currently performing abortions on babies of 23 weeks or more gestation are made aware of the protection afforded by the Infant Life (Preservation) Act to all babies capable of being born alive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe provisions of the Infant Life (Preservation) Act are made clear in the report on foetal viability and clinical practice which was issued, in September 1985, to all fellows and members of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and to all private sector places approved to carry out abortions beyond 20 weeks' gestation. The publicity given to recent consideration of proposed legislation both in this House and another place have highlighted these provisions to the medical profession and we see no need for further action at this time.