Get the latest news from Manx.News

HEAR disappointed by "regressive" abortion bill

Wed, 25 Jan 2017

A pro-life campaign group says the Island's abortion laws are heading in a regressive direction after an MHK was given permission to draft a bill updating the rules.

Ramsey member Alex Allinson believes women on the Isle of Man should have similar rights to those in England, Scotland and Wales, and was given leave to introduce a private members bill at this week's sitting of the House of Keys.

However, Humanity and Equality in Abortion Reform says it's disappointed by the move, which it describes as wrong and inhumane, and that an amendment for a Select Committee to look into the plans further before drafting a bill was rejected.

The bill will undergo several readings in the House of Keys before being considered for royal assent.

Women can currently only have abortions on the Island under certain circumstances, including if their pregnancy is a result of rape and if the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman's life.

---