Liam Fox backs Nadine Dorries over plan to cut number of abortions
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.The Defence Minister, Liam Fox, has thrown his weight behind a bid to change the law on counselling for women considering a termination, saying yesterday he would support efforts to reduce the "far too high" number of abortions.
Amid tensions within the Coalition over the amendment, Dr Fox said he would back anything that made people "think twice".
The Tory MP Nadine Dorries is rallying support for an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill which would prevent abortion providers giving advice to pregnant women. The move would stop organisations such as Marie Stopes and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service providing counselling. Ms Dorries says that, because they receive money for carrying out abortions, they have a vested interest. Downing Street has indicated that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, will not support the amendment, which is to be considered by the Commons this week.
He is said to be sympathetic to the need for more advice for women but is concerned about existing providers being shut out.
The Health minister, Anne Milton, has emailed MPs saying she and her colleagues at the Department of Health also intended to vote against the amendment.
Dr Fox, a former GP, said: "I would certainly want to support any amendments that saw the number of abortions fall in the UK.
"I think the level is far too high. I would certainly welcome any restrictions which enable people to think twice and get objective advice." PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments