Nadine Joins With Frank Field MP In Campaign To Find Middle Way
Posted by Nadine Dorries, MP for Mid Bedfordshire, at 14:49, Wed 21 May 2008:
Following yesterday's attempt in the House of Commons to reduce the upper the limit for abortions from 24 to 20 weeks, I am joining forces with Labour MP Frank Field in a cross party to campaign to reduce the number of abortions, tackle teenage pregnancy and improve sexual health.
During yesterday's debate on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, MPs had the opportunity to vote on my amendment, to reduce the upper limit for abortions from 24 to weeks to 20 weeks.
While I am clearly disappointed that we were unsuccessful in the vote on reducing the upper limit for abortions, I believe we have achieved a great deal in making more people aware as to what the methodology of an abortion actually involves. Following the campaign I believe we have also brought into the public domain important information such as the viability of a foetus below 24 weeks, the issue of foetal pain and the long term consequences in terms of mental health for many women who choose to have an abortion. The vote may have been lost, but I feel we certainly won the arguments.
I have a great deal of sympathy when people say politicians - and MPs in particular - are out of touch with the views of the public. Opinion polls consistently show that the public wants to see a reduction in the upper limits for abortions, which is already one of the highest in Europe, yet yesterday the majority of MPs defied the views of the majority of their constituents and voted for the status quo.
However, I will continue to campaign for a reduction of abortions in the UK and the broader issues of tackling teenage pregnancy and improving sexual health, particularly amongst young people. I am delighted that following yesterday's vote I received a telephone call from the widely respected Labour MP, Frank Field MP, who told me that after listening to my speech in the House of Commons yesterday evening, he changed his mind and decided to vote for my amendment. We have decided to establish a new, cross party group to continue the campaign to tackle issues surrounding the rise of teenage abortions and pregnancy.
However, I am interested to know the views of residents in Mid Beds on this matter - if you have any thoughts or views on this, or any other issues then please get in contact with me in the usual way.
Write to me at: Nadine Dorries MP House of Commons London SW1A 0AA
Telephone me on: 020 7219 4239
Fax me on: 020 7219 6428
Email me at: dorriesn@parliament.uk
Visit my website at: www.dorries.org.uk
Nadine
Nadine Dorries MP Member of Parliament for Mid-Bedfordshire.
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Posted by Paul Woodruff, 18:54, Wed 21 May 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
Nadine says - "I have a great deal of sympathy when people say politicians - and MPs in particular - are out of touch with the views of the public. Opinion polls consistently show that the public wants to see a reduction in the upper limits for abortions, "
Will she now throw her support behind capital punishment - opinion polls consistently show MP's are even more out of touch on this issue.