HL Deb 31 July 1997 vol 582 cc107-8WA
Lord Robertson of Oakridge

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the increases in the number of abortions in 1996 against 1995 of 8.6 per cent. for women resident in England and Wales and 15.2 per cent. in the age group 16 to 19 and 11.3 per cent. under 16, what action they propose to take to warn women considering having an abortion of the possible health consequences of doing so.

Baroness Jay of Paddington

To assist them in making their decision on any medical treatment including abortion, patients are entitled to receive sufficient information, in a way that they understand, about the proposed treatments, the possible alternatives and any substantial risks. A pregnancy may only be terminated if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that an abortion is justified within the terms of the Abortion Act 1967 as amended.