Counselling Bill Rejected
5 June 2007
MP Anne Winterton’s bill proposing mandatory counselling for abortion seekers was rejected today in Parliament.
Mrs Winterton’s bill proposed a mandatory seven-day cooling off period for women wanting an abortion, along with counselling services.
The bill was defeated by 182 votes to 107. Pro-choice groups had condemned the bill, calling it an unfair restriction of women’s rights.
Louise Hutchins of Abortion Rights said: “We are delighted that this cruel bill has been defeated so decisively. Every MP who voted against Winterton’s bill today took an important stand to defend women against a concerted campaign of attack on their rights.”
Michaela Aston of LIFE said it was "outrageous and patronising" that the bill was defeated. She felt it reflected the importance of counselling and support for women.
In the weeks leading to the introduction of the bill, pro-life campaigners had encouraged people to write to their MP asking them to support Mrs Winterton’s bill.
Although it was generally acknowledged that the bill wasn’t likely to pass, groups felt it was important to highlight the role they felt counselling should play for women considering abortion.
This is the third Ten Minute Rule Bill in three months introduced since last October. Previously Nadine Dorris put forward a bill to reduce the abortion time limit, and Angela Watkinson proposed to end young women’s access to confidential services.