The man who introduced Britain’s infamous 1967 Abortion Act has called for abortions to be ‘fast-tracked’, to stop the UK falling behind other countries.
Lord Steel of Aikwood, former leader of the Liberal Party, thinks that women should not have to see two doctors before being given access to a non-surgical abortion.
The Christian Institute described his comments, made on the 50th anniversary of his abortion Bill, as “appalling”.
Easier access
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Lord Steel said that “people taking a pill don’t need two doctors to certify that it is necessary”.
Commenting on abortion laws in other European countries, he said: “Most of our neighbours in Europe have adopted a policy based on early abortion, up to the first trimester”.
He added: “Having led the way in 1967, we’re now a bit behind the times.”
’Appalling’
Simon Calvert, Deputy Director for Public Affairs at the Institute, said: “The Abortion Act legalised the destruction of millions of unborn babies and the suffering of countless women.
“To hear that half a century later one of its chief architects is calling for even easier access to abortion is appalling.
“Lord Steel says ‘people taking a pill don’t need two doctors to certify that it is necessary’. To reduce the enormity of abortion to ‘taking a pill’ shows how little he understands about what abortion really is.
“Instead of trying to be a world leader in abortion on demand, it is time for politicians in Britain to lead the way in recognising and protecting the value of every human life, no matter how vulnerable.”
The law
In total, there have now been over 8 million abortions in Great Britain since the 1967 Act was passed.
The legal limit for abortion is 24 weeks, but if the child is disabled abortion is allowed up to birth.
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the UK to have a pro-life law. Abortion is only allowed in the Province if the mother’s life is at risk.