Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Pregnant women considering an abortion will be offered independent counselling under Government plans to be announced next week. MPs will debate proposals to prevent organisations that carry out terminations – such as Marie Stopes and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service – offering pre-abortion counselling. Tory MP Nadine Dorries, who backs such a ban, said the independent advice would not be compulsory but an option. She said her aim was not to achieve fewer abortions but that could be the consequence, which would be "good".
Evan Harris, a former Liberal Democrat MP and GP, warned the proposal would not provide an independent service for women. He said: "They are going to be pushed into the clutches of anti-abortion religious organisations."
The Department of Health said: "These proposals are focused on women's health. Final decisions on who should provide this counselling have not yet been made."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments