The leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, has joined in calls for the upper time limit for abortion to be lowered.
Women can currently terminate a pregnancy up to 24 weeks’ gestation. However, as babies are now far more likely to survive at 24 weeks, many feel the time limit ought to be lowered.
Debate around the issue has also been sparked by new evidence about the ability of unborn babies to experience pain and ultrasound technology which shows babies ‘walking’ and ‘dancing’ in the womb.
Mr Cameron told The Daily Telegraph: “I would like to see a reduction in the current limit, as it is clear that, due to medical advancements, many babies are surviving at 24 weeks.
“If there is an opportunity in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, I will be voting to bring this limit down from 24 weeks.”
It is expected that amendments relating to the law on abortion will be tabled to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill when it reaches the House of Commons in coming weeks.