BsGK4PqV
type: Answer
type: WrittenAnswer
answer has question: izJqSbMO
answer has answering person: lnhtzHcA
answer text: The chief medical officer (CMO) wrote to all doctors on 23 February 2012 to remind all those involved in providing and commissioning treatment for termination of pregnancy of the need to fully comply with all the requirements of the Abortion Act 1967 (the Act). The letter highlighted that: “a pregnancy may only be terminated if two registered medical practitioners have certified that they are of the opinion, formed in good faith, that at least one and the same ground for abortion in section 1(1) of the Act exists. The certification takes place in the light of their clinical judgement of all the particular circumstances of the individual case. If there is evidence that either certifying doctor has not formed the opinion in good faith, then the doctor performing the termination is not protected by section 1(1) of the Act and has potentially committed a criminal offence by terminating the pregnancy. It is also possible that the doctor could be acting contrary to their professional duties.” Further guidance will be issued by CMO shortly. The findings of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges are an interesting, though not conclusive, addition to the scientific literature around abortion. The report itself recognises that there is substantial limitations to the review, and there are great difficulties in carrying out research in this area. Furthermore, the conclusions are based on research that includes mental health outcomes for women denied an abortion of an unwanted pregnancy or those unable to access abortion. Therefore, while doctors may be aware of this report, they must still make decisions based on their clinical knowledge and the case in front of them.
answer given date: 2013-10-23+01:00
answer has answering body: qjSEa2Ms
written answer has answering body: qjSEa2Ms