§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the accuracy of British abortion statistics; and if he will make a statement on how they are compiled. [61673]
§ Ms JowellAbortion statistics are compiled from the information provided on the notification form which medical practitioners are obliged by the Abortion Act 1967 to submit to the Chief Medical Officer within 7 days of each abortion. Incomplete or unclear forms are returned to practitioners for clarification and resubmission. Any evidence of non-reporting is investigated and would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service if appropriate.
The Department's Chief Medical Officer recently wrote to all obstetricians and gynaecologists in England and Wales to remind them of their legal obligations with regard to completion of notification forms.