HC Deb 26 July 1989 vol 157 cc743-4W
Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women were admitted to hospital for failed attempted abortion in each year since 1959.

Mr. Freeman

The available information is shown in the table taken from the hospital in-patient inquiry, a 10 per cent. sample study of National Health Service hospitals in-patient records. The last data year for this study was 1985.

The data shown are the number of patients recorded in this study with the principal diagnosis of failed attempted abortion, International Classification of Diseases (9th revision) code 638. There is no comparable code for earlier revision of the ICD, prior to 1979.

Number of patients (10 per cent. sample) with principal diagnosis of failed attempted abortion, England and Wales 1979–81 England 1982–85
Year Number in the sample
1979 15
1980 8
1981 6
1982 11
1983 14
1984 8
1985 11

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received recently(a) supporting and (b) opposing the amendment of the Abortion Act 1967 to include the words "serious" and "substantially" in the criteria for an abortion; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

None.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy on the availability of abortions to minors under the age of 16 years without parental knowledge or consent; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

Under the Abortion Act 1967 termination of pregnancy may be carried out if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that an abortion is justified in terms of the Act.

Parental consent to treatment of girls under 16 years of age, whether for abortion or any other condition, is not essential if, in the judgment of the doctors concerned, the treatment is in the girl's best medical interest and she has sufficient maturity and understanding to appreciate what is involved.

Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received(a) supporting and (b) opposing the introduction of legislation requiring that the parent or guardian of a minor under 16 years of age is informed before an abortion is performed; what percentage the latter represents of the former; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

One representation has been received on this subject and this supports a change in the law.