§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce legislation to enable a person born live but damaged during an abortion prior to 28 weeks' gestation to secure compensation.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyNo. The hon. Member may wish to refer to section 1 of the Congenital Disabilities (Civil Liability) Act 1976.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance on(a) methods of abortion, (b) possible complications after an abortion, (c) causes of death in abortions to the unborn baby and (d) characteristics and development of the unborn baby, he makes available to mothers considering abortion after 18 weeks' gestation;
(2) what guidelines he has issued to abortionists concerning the matters that should be mentioned to mothers considering abortion after 18 weeks' gestation.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Department does not give direct advice to women seeking abortion. Circular HC(77)26 issued to health authorities and all places in the private sector which carry out abortions, deals with the general arrangements for the provision of counselling services to these women. The circular endorses the Lane committee's view that as part of the counselling process a women seeking abortion should be told of the nature of the operation; and of the likelihood of complete recovery from it or possible resultant morbidity. A copy of the circular is in the Library.