Law reform on abortion

Law reform on abortion; b) Intvw Mrs Vera Houghton, Chairman of the Abortion Law Reform Society on Bill which has been put forward by David Steel: (Shearer) ENGLAND: London: Westminster: EXT / RAINING Vera Houghton (Chairman of the Abortion Law Reform Society) (under brollie) SOF (Q: What do you think are the chances for the progress of the Bill in its second reading?) - Four hundred MPs are in support of some measure of reform: Hope they will support the Bill so that it can go into committee and can be thoroughly discussed. There's never been an opportunity before really to debate this matter in the Commons, but there has been in the Lords - Lord Silky's Bill got through in the last session it's now reached the committee stage (Q: Now the Bill has got formidable opposition - the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians are opposed to it?) - It's now opposed to reform as such - it doesn't think it is necessary to change the law, but the Royal College of Gynaecologists say they could work under a Bill similar to the Silky Bill (Q: What is your answer to criticisms of about this clause about the mother that can't cope with another child, being allowed to have an abortion?) - Well I think this is very necessary because the mother has got to look after the child. Her existing family is going to suffer if she really feels that she can't give the love and affection and care a child needs. This shows a responsible attitude towards parenthood. (Q: But how are you going to decide whether she's justified in her own feelings on this?) - It won't be a matter of how many children she has. She will consider it with her own doctor and another one. If she feels she cannot go on with it, we hope the doctor will recommend she has a termination. NEG 16mm ITN (Downes) 2.16 mins 85 ft 19/7/66/11.22pm 45432/623DL/1/66