7 Oct 2012

Abortion ban after 12 weeks favoured by Health Secretary

6:43 am on 7 October 2012

British Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has revealed that he favours a ban on abortions after the 12th week of a pregnancy - half the current limit of 24 weeks.

In an interview inThe Times newspaper, Mr Hunt said he had reached the conclusion after studying the evidence, adding it was his personal view over what remains an "incredibly difficult question".

Responding to his comments, Home Secretary Theresa May told the BBC she "probably" backed a change to a 20-week limit, but also said that that was a personal view.

Earlier this week Women's Minister Maria Miller told the Daily Telegraph that she would vote to lower the abortion limit from 24 weeks to 20 weeks.

The BBC reports the majority of abortions in England and Wales last year were carried out under 13 weeks.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the government has "no plans" to bring in new laws governing when a women can legally have an abortion.

He said Mr Hunt was "entitled to hold an individual view", but insisted it was not government policy.

The 24-week limit applies to England, Wales and Scotland.