In London, about 3,000 abortions a year are carried out between 20 and 24 weeks. Doctors have argued that abortions should not be performed this late:
“There is an ethical problem that baby A can be terminated at 24 weeks’ gestation in one unit while baby B in a different unit, who was accidentally born before 24 weeks, may survive.”
Andrew Rowland, a trainee paediatrician
Part of the push to lower the abortion limit was the new ultrasound technology which could produce images like this one, taken at 24 weeks:
But other doctors disagree about lowering the legal limit for abortions. Retired obstetrician Wendy Savage said of the pictures:
“What we have seen are advancements in imaging. This may have raised emotions but they are not scientific evidence of the foetus developing any more rapidly.”
REBECCA SMITH BMA votes to keep the abortion limit; DOCTORS REJECT CALLS TO TIGHTEN 24-WEEK LAW. The Evening Standard (London, England) June 30, 2005
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