30 years of abortion rights celebrated

Leonora Lloyd reports

27th April marks the 30th anniversary of the 1967 Abortion Act. The Act was a big step forward for women but a lot has changed since then. The idea that two doctors -- rather than the woman concerned -- should make the decision, is not acceptable to women three decades on from the start of the modern women's movement. Women can increasingly control their own lives but still cannot make the most important decision of all -- whether or not to continue a pregnancy.

Thanks to the National Abortion Campaign and other pro-choice groups, the population as a whole agrees with this, as polls consistently show. Now the time is ripe for the next step. We have a Labour Party in power, with pro-choice policy and a record number of women MPs. We have a Secretary of State for Health who has publicly called for progressive change. And on the 30th anniversary itself a new pro-choice Parliamentary group -- Voice for Choice -- is to be launched.

The main problem remains finding MPs prepared to put forward the necessary private member's bill. A wide spread of MPs is needed -- one must come in the top six if the bill is to stand a chance of becoming law. A vigorous campaign is needed to ensure that opposing MPs cannot filibuster the bill. MPs in marginal seats may be reluctant to face an onslaught from anti-abortionists if they go ahead with a bill. Pro-choice groups must explain that anti-abortionists make a lot of noise but are a tiny minority of the electorate. No one will be risking their seat by supporting choice.

30 years ago a young, unknown MP -- David Steele -- made his name with the original Abortion Act. But he could not have succeeded without a Labour Government giving the bill parliamentary time. Now we must demand the same of our current Labour Government if we are to have the abortion law that women deserve and need for the next century.

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