AbortionAbortion

Lawyers’ Christian Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship Fellowship

20 November 200620 November 2006

Beginning of Life Issues Beginning of Life Issues

AbortionAbortion Contraception Contraception Artificial Artificial

reproductionreproduction Designer babiesDesigner babies Embryo researchEmbryo research Cloning Cloning Gene therapy Gene therapy

Abortion contradictionsAbortion contradictions

The healthcare system has departments of The healthcare system has departments of fetal medicine, while also providing facilities fetal medicine, while also providing facilities and staff to perform abortionsand staff to perform abortions

The law allows abortion for abnormalities The law allows abortion for abnormalities right up to term, but many babies born after right up to term, but many babies born after only 23 weeks of pregnancy now survive only 23 weeks of pregnancy now survive

We encourage people to consider adoption, We encourage people to consider adoption, but abortion is so widely accepted and but abortion is so widely accepted and available that there are few babies to adoptavailable that there are few babies to adopt

Abortion contradictionsAbortion contradictions

We pass equal opportunity laws but We pass equal opportunity laws but work hard to ensure that babies with work hard to ensure that babies with disabilities are screened out before birthdisabilities are screened out before birth

At the same time as we are reducing At the same time as we are reducing the status of life before birth, medical the status of life before birth, medical technology is literally changing our view technology is literally changing our view of the fetusof the fetus

Abortion in the UK – The Abortion in the UK – The facts facts

UK law permits abortion of healthy babies up to UK law permits abortion of healthy babies up to 24 weeks 24 weeks

Babies suspected of having a disability can be Babies suspected of having a disability can be aborted up to birthaborted up to birth

6,231,033 babies have been aborted since the 6,231,033 babies have been aborted since the Abortion Act 1967 became lawAbortion Act 1967 became law

More than 200,000 babies are aborted in Britain More than 200,000 babies are aborted in Britain each year; each year; one in every four pregnanciesone in every four pregnancies

How many is 6,231,033?How many is 6,231,033?

More than 10% of the entire UK population More than 10% of the entire UK population

More than the combined populations of More than the combined populations of Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cambridge, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Chester, Derby, Edinburgh, Leeds, Cardiff, Chester, Derby, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northampton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northampton, Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield Nottingham, Oxford, Sheffield

5 times the UK casualties in two World Wars 5 times the UK casualties in two World Wars

More specifically…More specifically…

Early abortion figures have tripled since 1967 and Early abortion figures have tripled since 1967 and continue to rise continue to rise

More than 600 babies are aborted every day More than 600 babies are aborted every day

More than 3,000 a year are killed after 20 weeks More than 3,000 a year are killed after 20 weeks

Disabled babies can be aborted up to birth Disabled babies can be aborted up to birth

More than 450 babies were aborted in 2004 for More than 450 babies were aborted in 2004 for having Downs Syndromehaving Downs Syndrome

Abortion worldwideAbortion worldwide

55 million abortions per year55 million abortions per year

Major demographic changes with Major demographic changes with falling birth-rates in Eastern falling birth-rates in Eastern Europe/ Former USSREurope/ Former USSR

Major changes in sex ratios in Major changes in sex ratios in India/China India/China

95% of abortions occur 95% of abortions occur between…between…

Seven weeks Seven weeks

… … and 20 weeksand 20 weeks

Half way through Half way through pregnancypregnancy

Four weeks short Four weeks short of viabilityof viability

Why are abortions done?Why are abortions done?

95% of abortions are performed on Ground C, 95% of abortions are performed on Ground C, which exempts a doctor from prosecution for which exempts a doctor from prosecution for performing an abortion (before the 24performing an abortion (before the 24thth week) week)

if:if:

  

‘…‘…continuance of the pregnancy would involve continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy were risk, greater than if the pregnancy were

terminated, of injury to the physical or mental terminated, of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman…’ health of the pregnant woman…’

Public opinion is changingPublic opinion is changing

Nine out of ten MPs want the abortion Nine out of ten MPs want the abortion law to be under CONTINUOUS review in law to be under CONTINUOUS review in light of advances in medical science light of advances in medical science

63% of MPs support a reduction in the 63% of MPs support a reduction in the six-month upper age limitsix-month upper age limit

Nearly two-thirds of the public want the Nearly two-thirds of the public want the six-month upper age limit reduced now six-month upper age limit reduced now

Public opinion is changingPublic opinion is changing

More than three-quarters of women support More than three-quarters of women support a reduction in the six-month upper age limit a reduction in the six-month upper age limit

Public opinion poll finds that 81% of those Public opinion poll finds that 81% of those who expressed an opinion believe that ways who expressed an opinion believe that ways should be found of reducing the 200,000 should be found of reducing the 200,000 abortions performed each year in Britainabortions performed each year in Britain

Even some in the abortion industry accept Even some in the abortion industry accept that change must happenthat change must happen

Why is public opinion Why is public opinion changing?changing?

Developments in medical science have increased our Developments in medical science have increased our understanding of how babies develop in the womb understanding of how babies develop in the womb

The abortion of a baby at 28 weeks for cleft palate The abortion of a baby at 28 weeks for cleft palate shocked the nationshocked the nation

Newspapers and TV have revealed the abuse of Newspapers and TV have revealed the abuse of teenagers by a cash-driven abortion industry teenagers by a cash-driven abortion industry

Stories of abortion survivors in the mediaStories of abortion survivors in the media

Why is public opinion Why is public opinion changing?changing?

Questions are regularly raised in Parliament Questions are regularly raised in Parliament concerning abortion clinics that harm concerning abortion clinics that harm women with bad practice women with bad practice

Increasingly, evidence reveals that many Increasingly, evidence reveals that many women suffer from depression after abortionwomen suffer from depression after abortion

Extensive research shows that after abortion Extensive research shows that after abortion a mother has an increased likelihood of a mother has an increased likelihood of subsequent premature birthssubsequent premature births

Late Abortion Late Abortion

100 late abortions per 100 late abortions per year since 1991year since 1991

Recent case at 26 Recent case at 26 weeks for cleft palateweeks for cleft palate

Joanna JepsonJoanna Jepson

Down’s Syndrome Down’s Syndrome

Human developmentHuman development

Six weeksSix weeks

Twelve weeksTwelve weeks

Eighteen weeksEighteen weeks

Life before birth on the mediaLife before birth on the media

Prof Stuart Campbell’s Prof Stuart Campbell’s ultrasoundsultrasounds

Front page news Front page news

Walking in the wombWalking in the womb

Yawning on videoYawning on video

Abortion survivorsAbortion survivors

Stories of botched Stories of botched abortionsabortions

Stories of babies born Stories of babies born alive after abortionalive after abortion

Gianna JessenGianna Jessen

History of abortionHistory of abortion

Practised in most societies at some Practised in most societies at some level for many centurieslevel for many centuries

Legalised abortion on a massive Legalised abortion on a massive scale a 20scale a 20thth century phenomenon century phenomenon

Hippocratic OathHippocratic Oath

‘‘I will give no deadly I will give no deadly medicine to anyone medicine to anyone if asked nor suggest if asked nor suggest such counsel’; nor such counsel’; nor in like manner will I in like manner will I give a woman a give a woman a pessary to produce pessary to produce abortion’abortion’

Declaration of GenevaDeclaration of Geneva

I will maintain the utmost respect for human I will maintain the utmost respect for human life life from the time of conceptionfrom the time of conception, even under , even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity; contrary to the laws of humanity;

I will maintain the utmost respect for human I will maintain the utmost respect for human life life from its beginningfrom its beginning even under threat even under threat andand I I will not use my medical knowledge contrary will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity; to the laws of humanity;

(Changes 1948-1994)(Changes 1948-1994)

International Code of Medical International Code of Medical EthicsEthics

A doctor must always bear in mind A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of preserving human the obligation of preserving human life life from conception.from conception. (1949) (1949)

A doctor must always bear in mind A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of preserving human the obligation of preserving human life. (1983)life. (1983)

The Declaration of Oslo The Declaration of Oslo (1970)(1970)

There is a 'diversity of attitudes towards the life of the There is a 'diversity of attitudes towards the life of the unborn child'unborn child'

  'Where the law allows therapeutic abortion to be 'Where the law allows therapeutic abortion to be

performed... and this is not against the policy of the performed... and this is not against the policy of the national medical association' then abortion 'should be national medical association' then abortion 'should be performed' in circumstances 'where the vital interests performed' in circumstances 'where the vital interests of the mother conflict with those of the unborn child'.of the mother conflict with those of the unborn child'.

  This declaration lays the framework for doctors to perform This declaration lays the framework for doctors to perform

abortions if their 'individual conviction and conscience' abortions if their 'individual conviction and conscience' allowed it and the law and the national medical allowed it and the law and the national medical association were not in disagreement.association were not in disagreement.

Changing Abortion Policy 1948-Changing Abortion Policy 1948-20002000

'I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce 'I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion.' abortion.' Hippocratic OathHippocratic Oath

'I will maintain the utmost respect for human life 'I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of from the time of conception conception even against even against threat...' threat...' The Declaration of Geneva (1948) The Declaration of Geneva (1948)

'The spirit of the Hippocratic Oath can be affirmed 'The spirit of the Hippocratic Oath can be affirmed by the profession. It enjoins... the duty of caring, by the profession. It enjoins... the duty of caring, the greatest crime being destruction in the co-the greatest crime being destruction in the co-operation of life by murder, suicide and abortion' operation of life by murder, suicide and abortion' BMA StatementBMA Statement (1947) (1947)

Changing Abortion Policy 1948-Changing Abortion Policy 1948-20002000

The child deserves 'legal protection before as well as after The child deserves 'legal protection before as well as after birth'. birth'. The UN Declaration of the Rights of the ChildThe UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) (1959)

'Therapeutic abortion' (may be performed in 'Therapeutic abortion' (may be performed in circumstances) 'where the vital interests of the mother circumstances) 'where the vital interests of the mother conflict with those of the unborn child'. conflict with those of the unborn child'. Declaration of OsloDeclaration of Oslo (1970) (1970)

'I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from its 'I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from its beginning...' beginning...' The Declaration of GenevaThe Declaration of Geneva (amended 1983) (amended 1983)

'Abortion is a basic health care need.' 'Abortion is a basic health care need.' RCOGRCOG (2000) (2000)

Philosophical Shift C17-Philosophical Shift C17-C20C20

TheismTheism– Humans are created and morals are revealedHumans are created and morals are revealed

DeismDeism– Humans are created and morals are discoveredHumans are created and morals are discovered

AtheismAtheism– Humans have evolved and morals are Humans have evolved and morals are

discovereddiscovered ExistentialismExistentialism

– Humans have evolved and morals are chosenHumans have evolved and morals are chosen

Christian Christian PrinciplesPrinciples

The Sanctity of LifeThe Sanctity of Life - Human beings are made - Human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, 9:6, Exodus in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, 9:6, Exodus 20:13) – abortion involves killing a human being20:13) – abortion involves killing a human being

MarriageMarriage is the proper context for sex (Genesis is the proper context for sex (Genesis 2:24) – 82% of abortions result from sex outside 2:24) – 82% of abortions result from sex outside marriagemarriage

The strong should make The strong should make sacrifices for the sacrifices for the weakweak (John 13:34-45; Galatians 6:2) – abortion (John 13:34-45; Galatians 6:2) – abortion is an abuse of the weak by the strongis an abuse of the weak by the strong

Sanctity of LifeSanctity of Life No discrimination on the basis of sex, race, social No discrimination on the basis of sex, race, social

standing (Gal 3:28) and age (Mt 19:14)standing (Gal 3:28) and age (Mt 19:14)

Protection for the vulnerable: poor (Pr 22:22-23), Protection for the vulnerable: poor (Pr 22:22-23), widows and orphans (Ex 22:22-24), aliens (Ex widows and orphans (Ex 22:22-24), aliens (Ex 22:21), handicapped (Lv 19:14), slaves (Ex 21:2-6) 22:21), handicapped (Lv 19:14), slaves (Ex 21:2-6) and elderly (Lv 19:32)and elderly (Lv 19:32)

Life before birth (Is 49:1; Je 1:5; Jb 10:8-9, 18-19; Gn Life before birth (Is 49:1; Je 1:5; Jb 10:8-9, 18-19; Gn 25:22-23; Ps 22:9,10, 51:5, 71:6, 119:73; Ec 11:5; Is 25:22-23; Ps 22:9,10, 51:5, 71:6, 119:73; Ec 11:5; Is 44:2,34; Ho 12:3; Mt 1:18; Lk 1:15, 41-44)44:2,34; Ho 12:3; Mt 1:18; Lk 1:15, 41-44)

Over 60 references to ‘conception’ Over 60 references to ‘conception’

Psalm 139:13-16Psalm 139:13-16  13 For you created my inmost being; 13 For you created my inmost being;

       you knit me together in my mother's womb.        you knit me together in my mother's womb.

  14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;        your works are wonderful,        your works are wonderful,        I know that full well.        I know that full well.

  15 My frame was not hidden from you 15 My frame was not hidden from you        when I was made in the secret place.        when I was made in the secret place.        When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,        When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

  16 your eyes saw my unformed body. 16 your eyes saw my unformed body.        All the days ordained for me        All the days ordained for me        were written in your book        were written in your book        before one of them came to be.        before one of them came to be.

Exodus 21:22-25Exodus 21:22-25  22 If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she 22 If men who are fighting hit a pregnant woman and she

gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman's the offender must be fined whatever the woman's husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise (NIV)burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise (NIV)

  22If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her 22If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine (KJV)judges determine (KJV)

The sixth The sixth

commandmentcommandment ‘‘You shall not murder’ (Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17; Mt 19:18; You shall not murder’ (Ex 20:13; Dt 5:17; Mt 19:18;

Rom 13:9)Rom 13:9)

‘‘Murder’ (Hb Murder’ (Hb ratsachratsach; Gk ; Gk phoneuophoneuo) )

‘‘The intentional killing of an innocent human being’ The intentional killing of an innocent human being’ (Ex 21:12-14; Lv 24:17-21; Nu 35:16-31; Dt 19:4-13) (Ex 21:12-14; Lv 24:17-21; Nu 35:16-31; Dt 19:4-13)

Distinguished from the killing of ‘guilty’ human Distinguished from the killing of ‘guilty’ human beings in Holy War (Dt 20:10-18), capital punishment beings in Holy War (Dt 20:10-18), capital punishment (over 20 offences) and self-defence (Ex 22:2,3)(over 20 offences) and self-defence (Ex 22:2,3)

Secular PrinciplesSecular Principles Quality of lifeQuality of life - Taking human life is justified if it is - Taking human life is justified if it is

of low quality and constitutes a burden to others of low quality and constitutes a burden to others

Autonomy Autonomy - The right to exercise sexual and - The right to exercise sexual and reproductive freedom and make moral choices reproductive freedom and make moral choices according to our own personal valuesaccording to our own personal values

CompassionCompassion – The avoidance of suffering – The avoidance of suffering

RelativismRelativism – Each person can choose their own – Each person can choose their own valuesvalues

Christian Christian responsesresponses

Quality of lifeQuality of life – Human life is precious by virtue of – Human life is precious by virtue of being human and regardless of its quality. The strong being human and regardless of its quality. The strong should protect the weakshould protect the weak

Autonomy Autonomy – We are not free to make choices which – We are not free to make choices which violate the reasonable freedoms of othersviolate the reasonable freedoms of others

CompassionCompassion – abortion is a actually potent cause of – abortion is a actually potent cause of suffering for both mother and babysuffering for both mother and baby

RelativismRelativism – There are universally recognised – There are universally recognised values, like sexual purity and the sanctity of life, values, like sexual purity and the sanctity of life, which all should respectwhich all should respect

The key questionThe key question

What is the unborn What is the unborn child worth and child worth and

what what circumstances circumstances justify it being justify it being

killed?killed?

Arguments against Arguments against abortionabortion

Isn't the fetus only a potential human Isn't the fetus only a potential human being?being?

   How can a non-sentient being have value?How can a non-sentient being have value?

   Don't women have a right to choose?Don't women have a right to choose?

Won't refusing abortion simply mean that Won't refusing abortion simply mean that women and children suffer?women and children suffer?

Arguments against abortionArguments against abortion

Surely we can't return to the days of back Surely we can't return to the days of back street abortionists and abortion tourism?street abortionists and abortion tourism?

What about abortion for rape?What about abortion for rape?

What about abortion for fetal handicap?What about abortion for fetal handicap?

What about abortion to save the life of What about abortion to save the life of the mother?the mother?

Isn’t the fetus only a Isn’t the fetus only a potential human being?potential human being?

Isn’t it rather a human being with Isn’t it rather a human being with potential – or a potential adult?potential – or a potential adult?

The fetus is both human and alive and The fetus is both human and alive and therefore a human beingtherefore a human being

The key question is what value we give The key question is what value we give that beingthat being

How can a non-sentient being have How can a non-sentient being have value?value?

Human value is not based on human Human value is not based on human characteristics such as consciousness, characteristics such as consciousness, awareness, age, size or ability to awareness, age, size or ability to communicate but simply on being humancommunicate but simply on being human

To kill a child in the womb is to To kill a child in the womb is to discriminate on the basis of non-morally discriminate on the basis of non-morally relevant characteristics like age, location relevant characteristics like age, location or degree of consciousnessor degree of consciousness

Don't women have a right to Don't women have a right to choose?choose?

Autonomy has limits and we cannot Autonomy has limits and we cannot make choices which limit the make choices which limit the reasonable freedoms of othersreasonable freedoms of others

The fetus is not part of a woman’s The fetus is not part of a woman’s body but a genetically distinct body but a genetically distinct human being human being

Won't refusing abortion Won't refusing abortion simply mean that women simply mean that women

suffer?suffer? Women who abort are 3.5 times more likely to die within Women who abort are 3.5 times more likely to die within

the year than women who have normal births; this includes the year than women who have normal births; this includes deaths from suicide (seven times), accidents (4x) and deaths from suicide (seven times), accidents (4x) and natural causes (1.6x) natural causes (1.6x) (Finnish study 1987-1994)(Finnish study 1987-1994)

Mental illness is a contraindication to abortion (Royal Mental illness is a contraindication to abortion (Royal College of Psychiatrists) and depression and psychiatric College of Psychiatrists) and depression and psychiatric admissions are higher after abortion than normal birth admissions are higher after abortion than normal birth

There is an acknowledged link between abortion of the first There is an acknowledged link between abortion of the first pregnancy and breast cancer (Brind, 2005)pregnancy and breast cancer (Brind, 2005)

Abortion increases the risk of subsequent pelvic infection Abortion increases the risk of subsequent pelvic infection and infertilityand infertility

Post-abortion syndromePost-abortion syndrome

Much more common if previous mental illness, Much more common if previous mental illness, religious background and ambiguity about religious background and ambiguity about

abortion.abortion.

‘‘Abortion does not end all the problems; it Abortion does not end all the problems; it often just exchanges one set for another’often just exchanges one set for another’

(Francis Schaeffer)(Francis Schaeffer)

Won’t refusing abortion simply mean the Won’t refusing abortion simply mean the children suffer through abuse and children suffer through abuse and

deprivation?deprivation?

Most abused children come from wanted Most abused children come from wanted pregnanciespregnancies

The incidence of child abuse has doubled since The incidence of child abuse has doubled since the Abortion Act came into forcethe Abortion Act came into force

Most unwanted pregnancies, if not aborted, Most unwanted pregnancies, if not aborted, result in wanted children. result in wanted children.

Adoption is always an option and there is lots of Adoption is always an option and there is lots of support for unmarried motherssupport for unmarried mothers

Surely we can't return to the days of Surely we can't return to the days of back street abortionists and abortion back street abortionists and abortion

tourism?tourism?

Claims of thousands of deaths before the 1967 Abortion Claims of thousands of deaths before the 1967 Abortion Act were wildly exaggeratedAct were wildly exaggerated

Most ‘back-street’ abortions before the Abortion Act Most ‘back-street’ abortions before the Abortion Act were performed by doctorswere performed by doctors

UK maternal deaths from abortion had fallen to less UK maternal deaths from abortion had fallen to less than 20 per year by the time of the Abortion Actthan 20 per year by the time of the Abortion Act

In Poland following a 1993 change in the law abortions In Poland following a 1993 change in the law abortions fell dramatically from 180,000 a year to 150 without fell dramatically from 180,000 a year to 150 without any increase in maternal deaths any increase in maternal deaths

What about abortion for What about abortion for rape?rape?

Rape is an extremely serious crime but…Rape is an extremely serious crime but…

Pregnancy following rape is extremely rare and far Pregnancy following rape is extremely rare and far less than 1% of abortions are performed following less than 1% of abortions are performed following alleged rapealleged rape

Rape sacrifices a second innocent victim (Should the Rape sacrifices a second innocent victim (Should the baby die for the crime of its father?)baby die for the crime of its father?)

In the only major study of pregnant rape victims ever In the only major study of pregnant rape victims ever done, 75 to 85% chose against abortiondone, 75 to 85% chose against abortion

What about abortion for fetal What about abortion for fetal handicap?handicap?

Fetal handicap accounts for far less than 1% Fetal handicap accounts for far less than 1% of all UK abortions of all UK abortions

It now extends to viable children with It now extends to viable children with remediable conditions (eg cleft palate)remediable conditions (eg cleft palate)

Over 450 Down’s syndrome children (over Over 450 Down’s syndrome children (over half the total) are now aborted annuallyhalf the total) are now aborted annually

Why do we tolerate destruction of children Why do we tolerate destruction of children with special needs with special needs before before but not but not after after birth?birth?

What about abortion to save What about abortion to save the life of the mother?the life of the mother?

Only 0.013% of UK abortions are performed 'to save Only 0.013% of UK abortions are performed 'to save the life of the mother' the life of the mother'

there are no medical circumstances justifying direct there are no medical circumstances justifying direct abortion, that is, no circumstances in which the life of abortion, that is, no circumstances in which the life of the mother may only be saved by directly terminating the mother may only be saved by directly terminating the life of her unborn child'. (Irish obstetricians, 1992)the life of her unborn child'. (Irish obstetricians, 1992)

Of 21 maternal deaths among 74,317 pregnancies at Of 21 maternal deaths among 74,317 pregnancies at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin from 1970-the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin from 1970-1979, abortion wouldn't have saved the mother's life 1979, abortion wouldn't have saved the mother's life in a single case in a single case

The middle way (John 8:1-The middle way (John 8:1-11)11)

Prevention of unplanned pregnancyPrevention of unplanned pregnancy

Legal protection for the baby Legal protection for the baby

Care for the mother (CARE Centres Care for the mother (CARE Centres Network)Network)

Promotion of adoption Promotion of adoption

Legal protection for the Legal protection for the babybaby

Dangers of making things worse Dangers of making things worse (1991) (1991)

Problems with a change solely aimed Problems with a change solely aimed at bringing down upper limitat bringing down upper limit

Impossibility of an all or nothing Impossibility of an all or nothing approach (Poland and South Dakota) approach (Poland and South Dakota)

Bringing about legal changeBringing about legal change

Broad coalitions (Alive and Kicking) Broad coalitions (Alive and Kicking)

Prime focus on changing public opinion Prime focus on changing public opinion

Specific legal interventions (upper limit for Specific legal interventions (upper limit for handicap, separating psych and physical handicap, separating psych and physical indications, accurate recording of indications, accurate recording of complications) complications)

Changing medical opinion – guidance of RCOG Changing medical opinion – guidance of RCOG and RCPsych on psychological effects of and RCPsych on psychological effects of abortion and resuscitation guidelines abortion and resuscitation guidelines

Specific opportunitiesSpecific opportunities

Private members’ ballot Private members’ ballot

4040thth anniversary of Abortion anniversary of Abortion Act October 2007Act October 2007

Alive and Kicking Alive and Kicking

A powerful alliance of nine A powerful alliance of nine organisationsorganisations

CARE CARE Christian Medical Fellowship Christian Medical Fellowship

Comment on Reproductive Ethics Comment on Reproductive Ethics Evangelical Alliance Evangelical Alliance

Guild of Catholic Doctors Guild of Catholic Doctors Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship

LIFE LIFE ProLife Alliance ProLife Alliance Student LifeNet Student LifeNet

Alive and Kicking Alive and Kicking

Aims and goals Aims and goals

Our near-term objective is to halve the Our near-term objective is to halve the yearly abortions from 200,000 to yearly abortions from 200,000 to

100,000 per year100,000 per year

Alive and Kicking Aims Alive and Kicking Aims An immediate, substantial reduction in the upper age An immediate, substantial reduction in the upper age

limit for abortion. limit for abortion. Eliminating discriminatory abortion of disabled babies Eliminating discriminatory abortion of disabled babies

up to birth. up to birth. Proper enforcement of the abortion law as originally Proper enforcement of the abortion law as originally

intended. intended. A prohibition of abortions for social convenience. A prohibition of abortions for social convenience. A Charter of Informed Consent drawn up to ensure A Charter of Informed Consent drawn up to ensure

women are made aware of medical and psychological women are made aware of medical and psychological risks associated with abortion. risks associated with abortion.

A cooling-off period between diagnosis of pregnancy A cooling-off period between diagnosis of pregnancy and access to abortion. and access to abortion.

Provision of compassionate alternatives to abortion Provision of compassionate alternatives to abortion Increasing support for families with disabled children Increasing support for families with disabled children Guaranteed regular reviews of the abortion law. Guaranteed regular reviews of the abortion law.

Useful addressesUseful addresses

CARE Centres Network CARE Centres Network (www.careconfidential.com)(www.careconfidential.com)

Alive and Kicking Alive and Kicking

(www.aliveandkickingcampaign.org)(www.aliveandkickingcampaign.org)

Christian Medical FellowshipChristian Medical Fellowship(www.cmf.org.uk)(www.cmf.org.uk)

Elliott InstituteElliott Institute ((afterabortion.orgafterabortion.org))