Sex-selective Abortion

Debate between Lord Prior of Brampton and Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne

Monday 7th December 2015 Lords Chamber

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

My Lords, the statistics are collected on the basis of birth across the population. They are then analysed in 500 different ways. In only one of those 500, which concerned the third or further child given birth to by women from Nepal, was there any variation from what one would expect. I can assure noble Lords that the statistical analysis is very robust.

[Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne (LD)]

My Lords, while welcoming the appointment of the noble Baroness, Lady Verma, as the Minister with responsibility for women and children and for tackling violence against women and children overseas, given the prevalence of this abortion of female foetuses and the prevalence of FGM among certain girls under five, are the Government thinking of appointing a Minister for violence against women and children in the United Kingdom?

[Lord Prior of Brampton]

My Lords, I am not aware that we are giving consideration to that, but I will find out and write to the noble Baroness.