Protect the 24 week time limit for abortion
The Petition
WOMEN NEED 24 WEEKS FOR A REASON!
The 24 week time limit for abortion in Britain is under threat.
Help fpa (Family Planning Association) protect the 24 week limit and a women\'s right to choose.
MPs and groups who oppose women having abortions are going to use the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill going through parliament to slash the abortion time limit from 24 weeks to 20.
There is no scientific evidence to do this either on grounds of women\'s health or the survival of babies born under 24 weeks.
fpa opposes any cuts to the time limit, a view also supported by the Royal College of Nursing, The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.
Women needing an abortion between 20 and 24 weeks gestation are often in tragic and difficult circumstances. They are extremely vulnerable and many are ending what began as a wanted pregnancy.
The most vulnerable women will be affected including those:
whose baby has been diagnosed with a disability
in personal crisis, (homeless, abandoned by their partner, in financial crisis)
delayed by a health professional who doesnt agree with abortion
experiencing NHS delays
who may not have known they were pregnant (especially menopausal or very young women)
in denial of pregnancy
women who face physical and/or mental abuse if they continue with their pregnancy
The only outcome of a 20-week time limit would be to add overwhelming pressure and stress on fragile women and to neglect their fundamental health needs.
What women actually need is time to make the right decision.
Give them that time.
