What does the law say about “late abortions”?
The time limit on abortions is governed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act of 1990. Some types of abortion have a time limit of 24 weeks. These are where doctors believe there is “risk of injury to the physical or mental health” of the pregnant woman – or one of her existing children. However, some abortions have no time limit, and can be legally be carried out right up until the baby is due to be delivered. This covers terminations where there is a risk to the life of the mother if the pregnancy continues, or a risk of “grave permanent injury” to her mental or physical health. In addition, abortion is allowed without time limit if there is a “substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.” All abortions must be agreed by the mother and two doctors. How often does it happen? Figures suggest that last year, there were 110 abortions carried out post 24 weeks in England and Wales. In total,
