Member

The amendment would remove this long-standing law from any girl who presents for an abortion. It would harm girls needing abortion care, dissuading them from contacting formal healthcare providers to avoid being reported to the police, and instead pushing them towards unregulated abortion providers. It would make abortion for girls harder to access, with professionals opting out of provision because of the increased legal risks. Evidence of sexual activity related to children under 13 is already reported to the police and child protection agencies as standard practice, and safeguarding is a core component of abortion care.