HC Deb 19 February 1997 vol 290 cc617-8W
Sir David Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will embody the British Medical Association guidelines on conscientious objection to abortion in a departmental circular to GPs. [16095]

Mr. Horam

In 1991 the general medical services council of the British Medical Association issued guidance to general practitioners through local medical committees, reminding them of their objections under their terms of service. The guidance remains extant, and GPs who have a conscientious objection to abortion should refer the patient to another doctor as soon as possible.

Sir David Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will direct regional health executives not to employ criteria for NHS abortions which are not provided for in the Abortion Act 1967. [16096]

Mr. Horam

The Abortion Act 1967 as amended sets out the grounds on which abortion may lawfully be carried out. The criteria health authorities use when deciding on the level of abortion services are not covered by the Act.

Sir David Steel

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement of the Abortion Law Reform Association report on "NHS Abortion Services". [16161]

Mr. Horam

The Abortion Law Reform Association report has indicted that where the conditions of the Abortion Act 1967 as amended are met there is an overall national improvement in access to abortion services.

Any specific service issues are a matter for local health authorities and should be brought up with them in the first instance.

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