Statistics show increase in residents travelling to UK for abortions

Tue, 24 May 2016

Official abortion statistics are hiding the "real picture of harm" created by the Isle of Man's tough abortion laws.

That's the message from the Abortion Support Network - figures released by the UK Department of Health show that 105 people travelled to England or Wales for a termination last year.

It's an increase of 15 on the previous year - the figures only take into account people who gave accurate Manx addresses leading to fears that there could be many more travelling across but falling under the radar.

The Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation group - which is trying to change our legislation - will discuss the statistics at a public meeting at the Manx Legion in Douglas tomorrow night.

Network director Mara Clarke believes the restrictions here need to change: