Abortion

Debate between Earl Howe and Lord Bishop of Derby

Thursday 11th October 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the department is currently considering the best way to make progress with pregnancy options counselling in the context of improvements to sexual health as a whole. As regards the noble Baroness’s second point, the Care Quality Commission looked into the allegations that were made about the pre-signing of HSA 1 forms and found that a number of trusts were non-compliant. The CQC is working closely with these trusts to ensure future compliance, but we are awaiting the conclusions of the investigations by other agencies, including the police, the GMC and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

[The Lord Bishop of Derby]

My Lords, does the Minister agree with the comment on this issue made by my colleague the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury that every abortion is a tragedy? I think that that is the context in which this matter features in people’s lives and why counselling is important. Further, will the Minister consider whether there should be a proper debate in this House about the social and moral issues surrounding the enormous increase in the number of abortions?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I am sure that the whole House will greatly respect the moral authority that the most reverend Primate carries in all quarters of our community. As regards the law itself, however, we must remember that it was a measure passed by Parliament as a whole. Abortions in this country are carried out legally under the terms of the Act and that must remain the position until Parliament decides otherwise.