Topic de jour- abortion

Somedays I love my Independent, and today's one of them because it splashed the pre-election abortion debate on its front page. Not that I agree with all the copy, here, here and least of all here, but I am glad to see a semblance of a rational review of this issue raised and discussed.

The Independent also carries a leader and an opinion by Joan Smith (both protected by Portfolio sub) on the issue. The leader argues that hastily-submitted, badly-worded or reactionary legislation like the Prevention of Terrorism Bill are not to anyone's benefit, and while this isn't the argument that strikes me strongest, it will do.

A brief recap is that Cosmo (no link supplied- find yer own) interviewed the main UK party leaders on the issue of whether the 24-week limit should be reduced. Tony turned out to be the most liberal of the three. Now Catholic cardinals (probably of Glasgow- these are often the most reactionary) are pressurising congregations to 'vote Catholic' on this issue, just as they're discouraged from buying lottery tickets on the grounds that lottery awards have been granted to the Brook Advisory Service.

Many things concern me about a Commons abortion debate, especially now just before a UK election. For a start, the question is always framed as 'should we reduce the 24 week limit', never to extend it. For a second, the issue is almost always framed from the criterion of foetal sentience or viability, which the Independent bought into. With reproduction and neonatal advances, these are become ever more blurred, less meaningful and arbitrary and should be jettisoned as a foundation of abortion law. Yes, a foetus can survive birth at 20 weeks gestation, but not usually intact. I find myself in the uncomfortable position of both siding with Tony Blair, and also David Aaronosonovavitch siding with Blair siding with me. Yeugh.

Hot news- Just noticed in the Guardian that David Aaronosonovavitch is leaving for the Times. I'm looking forward to him going the way of Mad Mel now.

Bitch PhD keeps a weather eye on abortion debate and legislation on the other side of the Atlantic.
AbortionRights.org
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Brook Advisory Service
Family Planning Association