Disappointment over abortion rise in Scotland (26 May 2009)

The Scottish Government has expressed disappointment after the number of abortions being carried out in Scotland rose to an all-time high last year. There were 13,817 terminations in 2008. Almost 3,500 were carried out on teenagers and 343 were performed on girls under 16. The rise is in contrast to England, where abortions had fallen for first time in three years.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Spanish PM defends abortion on demand for 16-year-olds (20 May 2009)

Spain's prime minister defended one of the most controversial parts of his proposed abortion law reform which would allow 16-year-olds to terminate their pregnancies without parental consent. "Let's take into account what the experts say, the experience of other European countries and let's have confidence in our youth, in our women".

AFP - www.google.com

Sex infections soar in under-16s (19 May 2009)

Sexually transmitted diseases amongst children have rocketed in the past five years, according to figures released by the Government. Sex infections amongst under-16s in England rose by 58% from 2,474 in 2003 to 3,913 in 2007. The biggest increase was in cases of chlamydia, which rose by 90%, with genital herpes up by 42% and genital warts by a third.

The Independent - www.independent.co.uk

President Barack Obama speaks on abortion (17 May 2009)

US President Barack Obama laid out his views on abortion in clear terms, describing it as "a heart-wrenching decision for any woman. Let's work together to reduce the number of women seeking abortions by reducing unintended pregnancies, and making adoption more available, and providing care and support for women who do carry their child to term".

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

More Americans 'pro-life' than 'pro-choice' for first time (15 May 2009)

A new Gallup Poll, conducted May 7-10, finds 51% of Americans calling themselves 'pro-life' on the issue of abortion and 42% 'pro-choice'. This is the first time a majority of U.S. adults have identified themselves as pro-life since Gallup began asking this question in 1995.

Gallup - www.gallup.com

Loose Women star, Coleen Nolan had secret abortion, aged just 16 (21 April 2009)

'The fear of family finding out about my abortion was worse than the fear for my health'. After the abortion, she says she didn't cry as she had prepared herself and blocked out any emotion. Coleen, who split up with Robin two years later, went on to have two sons and one daughter, but says she still thinks about the child she might have had, who would now be 28.

The Daily Mail - dailymail.co.uk

Teen abortions in Wales at five-year high (06 April 2009)

Abortions carried out on girls aged under 18 in Wales is at a five-year high, assembly government figures show. 1,043 teenagers underwent the procedure in 2007, up from 906 in 2002. Overall, abortions in Wales rose to 8,765 in 2007 - the equivalent of 24 a day - up 18% from 7,396 abortions in 2002.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion review after 15 year old girl dies (26 March 2009)

Marie Stopes International is reviewing its procedures after the death of a 15-year-old girl who had an abortion at one of its clinics. Alesha Thomas was allowed to leave the clinic in Leeds in July 2007 without antibiotics. Five days later the Huddersfield teenager died from a heart attack due to the infection toxic shock syndrome.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion clinics to advertise on television (26 March 2009)

TV ads for abortions will be allowed for first time under the biggest shake-up of advertising rules for 50 years. Advertising watchdog acknowledges it will offend members of the public.. ads for pregnancy advisory services will be allowed in prime-time evening slots on TV. Marie Stopes International said it would immediately consider running ads.

The Independent - www.independent.co.uk

Condoms to be advertised round-the-clock on TV (26 March 2009)

Condoms to be advertised round-the-clock on television... in an attempt to cut the teenage pregnancy rate, which is the highest in Europe, the Advertising Standards Authority wants to relax the current rules and proposes to allow pro-abortion services to advertise on television for the first time... The 9pm watershed on condom advertisements is to be abolished.

The Times - www.timesonline.co.uk

Does access to contraception raise teenage pregnancy rates? (24 March 2009)

With the teenage pregnancy rate higher that it was a decade ago, David Paton asks whether easy access to contraceptive services is contributing to this problem.

Nursing Times - www.nursingtimes.net

Girls 11 to send text for morning-after pill (24 March 2009)

Schoolgirls will be able to request the morning-after pill by text message in a scheme being introduced later this year. Any girl at the four schools in Oxford and two in Banbury will be given the opportunity to ask for emergency contraception if they have had unprotected sex, or their contraception has failed.

The Metro, London - www.metro.co.uk

Anger over 'morning-after pill bulk-buy offer' (22 March 2009)

Women are being sold morning-after pills in bulk over the internet in a move that MPs say encourages unprotected sex. Dr Peter Saunders, of the CMF, described the move as "extraordinary and reckless... it will encourage unprotected sex and ... fuel the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer".

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

UK population must fall to 30 million, says Porritt (22 March 2009)

Jonothon Porritt, one of Gordon Brown’s leading green advisers, is to warn that Britain must drastically reduce its population if it is to build a sustainable society. Porritt’s call will come at the annual conference of the Optimum Population Trust (OPT), of which he is patron. Porritt said: “Population growth, plus economic growth, is putting the world under terrible pressure.

The Times Online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Northern Ireland abortion guidelines published (20 March 2009)

The Department of Health has, for the first time, published guidance to health professionals in Northern Ireland on terminating pregnancy. Abortion is illegal in NI, except when the mother's life is at risk. While the move will not change the law, the guidelines should make clear what is and is not permitted.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Wolverhampton and Solihull teens having highest repeat abortions (08 March 2009)

Shock new government figures show under 19s are regularly having repeat abortions, sparking fears they are using the procedure as a method of contraception. Wolverhampton and Solihull Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have the highest rate of repeat terminations in the Midlands, with 14 per cent of young women having had an abortion at least once before.

Sunday Mercury - Birmingham,UK - www.sundaymercury.net

Government’s teenage pregnancy strategy has been a disaster (26 February 2009)

Teenage pregnancies increase with a sharp rise among girls under 16. Norman Wells, director of the Family Education Trust, said "The Government’s latest initiative advising parents not to tell their children that there are any rights or wrongs where sex is concerned... is depriving them of the moral compass they so desperately need".

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

The truth about under-18 abortion (26 February 2009)

Labour defended the latest rise in teenage pregnancy by saying that the number of conceptions had remained stable. But closer analysis of the figures reveals the Government's strategy has led to startlingly higher numbers of [teenage] abortions... up 32% over the decade. Labour's policy was supposed to slash underage pregnancies. In reality it had the opposite effect.

Mail Online - www.dailymail.co.uk

'Teenage Pregnancy And Young Parents' statement from Brook Services (15 February 2009)

Simon Blake, Chief Executive of Brook, said: "Since the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was launched in 1998 teenage pregnancy rates have reduced by 12.6%. We must keep teenage pregnancy as a national and local priority and do more of what we know has an impact.

Medical News Today - www.medicalnewstoday.com

Poll shows GP abortion fears (10 February 2009)

One in three GPs would refuse to work in a surgery that offered abortions, a new poll has suggested. Almost half (49%)also called for a cut in the current 24-week time limit. More than half (56%)said offering abortions in surgeries or polyclinics would lead to more women having the procedure. And 61% said they did not believe practices should be offering abortions at all.

The Press Association - www.google.com

Abortion: 'If only I had known more' (03 February 2009)

Judy (not her real name), a 26-year-old Kenyan student who had an illegal abortion aged 18, gives the BBC her reaction to US President Barack Obama's recent decision to end a ban on US aid money going to abortion counselling groups.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Two children should be limit, says green guru (01 February 2009)

Couples who have more than two children are being “irresponsible” by creating an unbearable burden on the environment, the government’s green adviser has warned. Jonathon Porritt, who chairs the government’s Sustainable Development Commission, says curbing population growth through contraception and abortion must be at the heart of policies to fight global warming.

Times online - women.timesonline.co.uk

Increase in repeat pregnancies among teenagers (28 January 2009)

An expert in health services at The University of Nottingham is calling for urgent action to improve contraceptive advice and services to reduce the growing number of repeat teenage pregnancies in the United Kingdom. Researchers at Nottingham found that the number of women under 20 presenting for repeat abortions has risen steadily over the last 15 years.

Medical News Today - www.medicalnewstoday.com

Obama lifts ban on abortion funds (24 January 2009)

US President Barack Obama has lifted a ban on federal funding for foreign family planning agencies that promote or give information about abortion. The US is one of the biggest supporters of family planning programmes globally, but former president George W Bush blocked funds for abortion services.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

More Asian women having abortions (12 January 2009)

Big jump [over 50%] in the number of Asian women having abortions in the UK, according to figures from the Department of Health... 15,197 terminations in 2007, compared with 10,084 in 2003 for all age groups. Experts say more Asian women are now in open relationships and are having sex whereas culturally in the past it was something they did after marriage.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

MP says contraceptive jabs will increase sexual disease (05 January 2009)

MP Sandra Gidley has attacked plans to curb teenage pregnancy by giving contraceptive jabs to girls as young as 13. She said the plans are only aimed at meeting targets and would lead to a rise in sexually transmitted infections. Under the proposed scheme, teenagers would not have to tell their parents before having the injection at school-based clinics.

Daily Echo - www.dailyecho.co.uk

Pill without prescription 'will not reduce unwanted pregnancies' (24 December 2008)

Making the contraceptive Pill available without a prescription will not reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, a health expert has warned. Dr Sarah Jarvis, from the Royal College of GPs, argued that the UK's high rate of unintended pregnancies is caused by women forgetting to take their contraceptive, not a problem with availability.

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Teenage pregnancies rose last year (16 December 2008)

Office for National Statistics published figures for under-18 pregnancies in England and Wales showing rise of at least 2.7 per cent in the rate last year. Last year’s increase means around 43,000 girls under 18 in England and Wales became pregnant, only 1,000 fewer than 1998 and at least 1,200 more from 2006. Britain has highest teenage pregnancy levels in Europe.

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Teenage pregnancies go up despite free contraception and sex education (16 December 2008)

The number of teenage pregnancies leapt last year, despite all Labour's efforts to increase sex education and contraception among children and the young. The increase appears to have struck a death blow to the Government's long-standing pledge to halve rates of pregnancy among girls under 18.

The Daily Mail - dailymail.co.uk

Pill to be given out by chemists (10 December 2008)

Pilot scheme allowing pharmacists to give women the contraceptive pill without a prescription has been given the go-ahead for next year. Women and girls aged over 16 will be able to get the pill.If the pilots are successful, the pill could become available over the counter like the morning after pill. Officials say this might help reduce the UK's high teen pregnancies.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Rapist made daughters pregnant 19 times (27 November 2008)

A father who made his two daughters pregnant 19 times during almost 30 years of repeated rape and physical abuse was given 25 life sentences last night, and will serve a minimum of 19-and-a-half-years in prison. The man fathered nine children with them, two of whom died at birth. The other 10 pregnancies were miscarried or ended in abortion.

The Guardian - www.guardian.co.uk

Down's Syndrome birth rate increase (24 November 2008)

More babies are being born with Down's Syndrome than before pre-natal screening for the disorder was introduced at end of 1980s, research reveals. Parents appear more willing to bring a Down's child into the world than they used to be, research shows. Many are taking the decision because those affected by the syndrome are more accepted in society today and their quality of life has improved.

The Press Association - www.google.com

TV shows link to teen pregnancies (04 November 2008)

Teenage girls who watch a lot of TV shows with a high sexual content are twice as likely to become pregnant, according to a study. Boys watching similar programmes, like Friends and Sex and the City, were also more likely to get a girl pregnant, the research in Pediatrics found. The study authors said limiting exposure to sexual content on TV might reduce teen pregnancies.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Generation of girls facing infertility through STI's (30 October 2008)

Britain has the worst sexual health in Europe - and it is teenagers who have the worst sexual health of all. Dr Trevor Stammers, a London GP and chairman of the CMF, believes it is essential that the information given about sex is not imparted in a moral vacuum. Parents also have a key role to play.

The Mail on Sunday - www.mailonsunday.co.uk

New 'compulsory' lessons on sex (23 October 2008)

Government to announce that sex and relationship lessons will be made compulsory in primary and secondary schools in England. Kevin Ward, headmaster of Holmleigh Primary School in Hackney, and Norman Wells, director of family charity the Family Education Trust, discuss whether more information given about sex can lead to fewer unplanned teenage pregnancies.

BBC Radio 4 discussion via BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion pill for girls of 12 (20 October 2008)

Girls aged 12 could be given drugs to induce home abortions under plans being debated by MPs this week. Liberal Democrat member Evan Harris believes schoolgirls 9 weeks pregnant should be allowed to take pills with no need to inform their parents.

The Express - www.express.co.uk

MPs bid to make abortion easier (19 October 2008)

Abortion laws will be liberalised for the first time in 40 years this week if a group of MPs succeed in introducing a series of changes to make it easier for women to terminate pregnancies. ...proposals to reduce the number of doctors required to sign abortion papers from two to one, to allow nurses and midwives to carry out terminations and to let women take abortion pills at home. MPs will also be asked to make it legal for abortions to take place in GP surgeries.

Times Online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Should stamps honour eugenics supporter? (14 October 2008)

The politics of stamps. Objections to new stamp of Marie Stopes...allegations that Stopes believed fervently in eugenics, supported compulsory sterilisation of some, and, having sent a book of poetry to Adolf Hitler, should be regarded as a sympathiser.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Ante-natal testing for Down's Syndrome (11 October 2008)

For as long as it has existed, the prenatal test for Down's syndrome has stirred ethical controversy ....it has become a battleground in the abortion debate. Down's screening, however, is contentious for another reason: it endangers pregnancies ... provoke a miscarriage in one in 100 women, and cause the loss of 300 healthy pregnancies each year.

Times Online - women.timesonline.co.uk

Coca-Cola advert may condone underage sex and teenage pregnancy (08 October 2008)

Two commercials for Coca-Cola's Oasis fruit drink have been banned because they appear to condone underage sex and teenage pregnancy, the advertising watchdog said. The Advertising Standards Authority upheld 32 complaints about the television ads, which feature young lovers called Cactus Kid and Cactus Girl who elope after she falls pregnant.

Reuters, London - uk.reuters.com

Campaign to lower abortion time limit is like the battle to abolish slavery (08 October 2008)

Leading Christian charity claimed that supporters of abortion rights believe unborn babies are not fully human, just as plantation owners justified their ownership of African slaves by claiming they should not be treated as men. It said both struggles were about what it means to be human, and similarity between them shows how little English society has progressed since 19th century.

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Abortion counselling in Britain (24 September 2008)

The Royal College of Psychiatrists has stated that women should not be allowed to have an abortion until they are counselled on the possible risk to their mental health. But is the current provision of abortion counselling in Britain up to the job?

Therapy Today - www.therapytoday.net

Google climbdown on abortion ads (17 September 2008)

Google is to change its policy on adverts about abortion following a legal challenge from a Christian pressure group. It had refused a Christian Institute advert... Google said "Following the review we have decided to amend our policy, creating a level playing field and enabling religious associations to place ads on abortion in a factual way".

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Down's test miscarriage warning (17 September 2008)

The number of healthy babies lost as a result of Down's syndrome testing is "unjustifiable", a charity has claimed. Down Syndrome Education International estimates two healthy foetuses are miscarried for every three found to have the condition.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Global safe abortion petition flounders (11 September 2008)

After nearly a year of soliciting signatures as part of a campaign for global “safe abortion,” Marie Stopes International has little to show for it. Less than 500 people have signed an online petition which calls for “full access to legal, voluntary, safe and affordable abortions as part of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care” around the world.

Spero News - www.speroforum.com

Palin case highlights teenage pregnancy (03 September 2008)

BBC news website looks at the problem of teenage pregnancy in the US after the revelation that the 17-year-old daughter of Alaska Governor and new Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin is pregnant. According to America's leading health agency: About one-third of girls in the US get pregnant before age 20.More than 80% of births in this group were unintended.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Compulsory sex education for children under five proposed (26 August 2008)

Cross-party group of MPs is calling on the Government to make advice on sexual health and relationships mandatory in all schools. The appeal is made in a letter to The Daily Telegraph. Britain's teenage pregnancy rates remain among the highest in the developed world and sexually transmitted diseases are becoming more prevalent among children.

The Daily Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Abortion has risks, whatever the research says (19 August 2008)

Even if the dangers to mental health are slight, how can anyone object to women being counselled about them? Melanie McDonagh: "... if we are to take seriously the question of whether abortion may have problematic consequences, then we have to acknowledge that most of the research on mental health has not been conclusive".

Times Online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Struggling with India's gender bias (19 August 2008)

No Country for Young Girls? The number of female foetuses being aborted in India is rising, as ultrasound is increasingly used to predict the sex of babies. The BBC World news series, Life on the Edge, travels across India with a young mother to find out why the country is still such a tough place to be a woman.

BBC Programme news - news.bbc.co.uk

UN call for Northern Ireland abortion law review (01 August 2008)

UN committee has repeated its call for a review of Northern Ireland's abortion law through public consultation. The call coincides with moves by some Westminster MPs to have the act extended to Northern Ireland. This is despite significant opposition from NI church and political leaders.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Gap-year mission to find baby orphans for France (29 July 2008)

French volunteers have been set a challenging task: to scour the world for orphans for childless families in France. Total of 30,000 families have been approved as adoptive parents by the authorities. With only about 800 French children adopted every year, most prospective parents look abroad.

Times online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Death of conversation at home 'fuels teenage pregnancy' (25 July 2008)

Parents are fuelling teenage pregnancy rates by failing to talk to children about sex at a young age, according to a Government-backed report. Waiting until teens are older to begin discussions is also risky. Although the majority of teens don't have sex until at least 16, many younger teens feel pressure to have early sex and need support to make safe and healthy choices.

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

MPs pushing abortion rights in Northern Ireland (23 July 2008)

MPs have tabled an amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill to give women in NI the same abortion rights as in Britain. The 1967 Abortion Act was never enacted in NI. All the Northern Ireland parties with MPs at Westminster oppose moves to extend abortion rights.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Death of conversation at home 'fuels teenage pregnancy' (23 July 2008)

Parents are fuelling teenage pregnancy rates by failing to talk to children about sex at a young age, according to a Government-backed report. The death of traditional family meals and conversation in the home - combined with long working hours - leaves many young people sexually naive, it is claimed. Most mothers and fathers fail to raise the subject until children hit 15, when they often refuse to listen to parental advice.

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Schools ‘encouraging’ underage sex (20 July 2008)

Schools have been criticised for encouraging underage sex by giving pupils free condoms. Teenagers at secondary schools in Edinburgh and West Lothian have received the contraceptives, in a bid to curb unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

The Times Online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Women 'using web for abortions' (11 July 2008)

Some women in countries where abortion is restricted are using the internet to buy medication enabling them to abort a pregnancy at home, the BBC has learned. A British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology review of 400 customers found nearly 11% had needed a surgical procedure after taking the medication.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

GPs reject abortion stance calls (10 July 2008)

Doctors have narrowly rejected calls to tell patients in advance if they object to providing abortions or IVF. Current guidance from the GMC says it expects doctors to be honest with patients in person and in leaflets, although it cannot compel them.

The Press Association - ukpress.google.com

Disappearing daughters (22 June 2008)

The ratio of surviving girl children to boys has fallen to an all time low in parts of Punjab, with higher caste families identified as being the most active in getting rid of unwanted daughters. New report, Disappearing Daughters, will be presented at a UK parliamentary reception.

The Telegraph, India - www.telegraphindia.com

At least 4,686 Irish women had UK abortions last year (19 June 2008)

The number of women with Irish addresses having abortions in Britain was down slightly last year, according to latest statistics. The British Department of Health says 4,686 abortions were carried out last year on women who gave addresses in the Republic, down 356 compared to 2006. Abortions carried on women with addresses in the North was up 48 to 1,343.

Belfast Telegraph - www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Abortion increase in young girls (19 June 2008)

The number of abortions among girls aged under 16 rose by 10% to 4,376 in 2007, official figures for England and Wales show. In the under 14s, abortions rose by 21% from 135 in 2006 to 163 last year. The number of abortions in all women rose by 2.5% to reach an all time high of almost 200,000.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Tayside has highest abortion rate (27 May 2008)

Tayside has a higher abortion rate than anywhere else in Scotland, according to the latest official health statistics. Last year there were 1,297 terminations. Dundee was top of the council area tables, with 655 abortions. Across Scotland there were 13,703 terminations, with abortion rates highest in areas of deprivation. In total, 372 abortions were carried out on girls under 16.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

How MPs voted on abortion limit (23 May 2008)

Attempts to reduce the 24-week limit for abortions have been defeated in the House of Commons. In the closest vote, 233 MPs voted to reduce the limit to 22 weeks, with 304 against. Links to full list of how MPs who voted for and against the 22 week abortion limit.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

MPs reject cut in abortion limit (21 May 2008)

The upper time limit for abortions will remain at 24 weeks after MPs voted against proposals to reduce it. They rejected options ranging from 12 to 22 weeks in a series of votes. Tory MP Nadine Dorries, a former nurse who proposed a 20-week limit, said a baby's rights should be considered at the point it had the "chance of life".

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Parties united on abortion laws in Northern Ireland (11 May 2008)

The four main party leaders in Northern Ireland have written to Westminster MPs to state their opposition to plans to extend the 1967 Abortion Act. It has been reported that an amendment could be tabled to the Embryology Bill which would extend the Abortion Act to Northern Ireland.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Plan to increase abortion sites (07 May 2008)

A consultation is to be launched over whether to relax abortion rules by allowing terminations outside hospital settings in England. It follows a pilot study which found early abortions using pills rather than surgery could be safely carried out in local health centres. The government said the findings paved the way for a relaxation in the rules over terminations before nine weeks.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Doctors say no to abortions in their surgeries (19 April 2008)

Family doctors are threatening a revolt against Government plans to allow them to perform abortions in their surgeries. Four out of five GPs do not want to carry out terminations even though the idea is being tested in NHS pilot schemes, a survey has revealed. In a survey by Doctors.Net, only 14 per cent were willing to undertake the procedure.

Daily Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Campaigner in Italy seeks global moratorium on abortion (10 April 2008)

Giuliano Ferrara, 56, a communist activist turned socialist turned conservative, who is an atheist … is proposing a global moratorium on abortion. He says he is appealing for more resources to help women have children. "Thirty to 40 per cent of women who have abortions do so because it's difficult to raise children in this society," he says.

The Independant - www.independent.co.uk

Abortion at industrial level says MP (27 March 2008)

Abortions in England and Wales have reached 'industrial levels', according to a Conservative MP who obtained figures on multiple terminations. The statistics, for 2006, showed nearly 15,000 women were having their third or more abortion, while 54 of those had terminated eight or more pregnancies. "Urgent action was needed to reduce the figures", Mr Pritchard said.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Royal college warns abortions can lead to mental illness (16 March 2008)

The Royal College of Psychiatrists says women should not be allowed to have an abortion until they are counselled on the possible risk to their mental health. This overturns the consensus that has stood for decades that the risk to mental health of continuing with an unwanted pregnancy outweighs the risks of living with the possible regrets of having an abortion.

The Sunday Times - www.timesonline.co.uk

My baby, right or wrong (10 March 2008)

Rebecca Atkinson has not had her unborn baby tested for Down's syndrome. She knows some people will say that was irresponsible. But how, as a disabled person herself, could she let her child's physical condition decide whether or not it was born? ....94% of women who receive a pre-natal diagnosis of Down's syndrome terminate their pregnancies.

The Guardian - lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk

India announces girl child award (05 March 2008)

The Indian government has announced it will pay poor families nearly $3000 to bring up their girl children. The scheme is hoped to discourage the widespread practice of aborting female foetuses, which has led to a gender imbalance in parts of the country. India outlawed gender selection and selective abortion in 1994, but the practice still continues.

BBC online - news.bbc.co.uk

Pregnancy rate among women over 40 reaches record high (29 February 2008)

After doubling in 15 years, figures rose 6.4% in 2006. London was the pregnancy hotspot for the over-40s. Conceptions among women aged between 35 and 39 also increased sharply.... fall in the number of older pregnant women opting for an abortion. In 1991 more than 40% chose to terminate their pregnancy, but over the past three years this has fallen below a third.

The Guardian - www.guardian.co.uk

Teach sex in context, Government told (26 February 2008)

Advocacy groups welcomed the government's review of sex education in schools, but warned that putting sex into the context of relationships was paramount in cutting the UK's soaring rates of teenage pregnancy... The group will also consider how schools can use outside professionals to add to SRE lessons...

The Guardian - education.guardian.co.uk

Government to review sex education classes (25 February 2008)

Review of sex and relationship education, which is seen as crucial in reducing teenage pregnancies, has been set out by the Government.... It said many young people feel they are not receiving sex and relationship education which arms them with what they need to make safe and well-informed choices and delay sex until they are ready.

The Press Association - ukpress.google.com

Young artist hanged herself after grief of aborting her twins (22 February 2008)

A talented artist hanged herself because she was overcome with grief after aborting her twins, an inquest heard. Emma Beck, 30, left note saying: "Living is hell for me. I should never have had an abortion. I see now I would have been a good mum. I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is too late. I died when my babies died."

London Evening Standard - www.thisislondon.co.uk

The battle to stop teens becoming pregnant (20 February 2008)

Worcestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership is using a DVD in its battle to cut the rate of under 18 conceptions by half by 2010... The DVD series is designed to encourage youngsters to relate to the characters and see the impact decisions can have on their lives in the hope they will delay having sex.

Worcester News - www.worcesternews.co.uk

Teenage mums say hit film Juno is just a joke (18 February 2008)

Box-office smash Juno is an award-winning comedy about a schoolgirl who has a baby but can teenage pregnancy really be a laughing matter? Despite bagging a Bafta and four Oscar nominations, Juno has been slammed for putting a rosy gloss on a serious issue. Teenage pregnancy is a growing problem in UK, with nearly 40,000 girls under 18 expecting every year.

The Mirror - www.mirror.co.uk

Greens back abortion law shake-up (15 February 2008)

The Green Party has voted in favour of easing restrictions in the 40-year-old abortion law in England and Wales. The party's spring conference in Reading backed removing the rule that two doctors need to give approval. It also supported nurses and midwives carrying out abortions at up to three months, and axing restrictions on where abortions can be conducted.

BBC online - news.bbc.co.uk

Survival rate soars for babies born early (02 February 2008)

Survival rates for the most premature babies have soared at one leading hospital, reigniting the debate over lowering the abortion time limit. Research has found the number of successful births between 22 and 25 weeks has more than doubled. Research, by neo-natal consultant Professor John Wyatt, looked at births at University College Hospital in London between 1981 and 2000.

London Evening Standard - www.thisislondon.co.uk

Give young free condoms, says MP (28 January 2008)

Free condoms should be given to young people as part of campaign to cut teenage pregnancies, says Labour MP. Chris Bryant wants them made available first150 areas of UK with highest levels of teen pregnancy. He also wants booklets sent to all parents on their children's 11th birthday to help them talk about sex. UK is second only to US in rates of teenage pregnancy.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortions in USA down 25% from peak (17 January 2008)

Comprehensive study of abortion in America underscores a striking change in the landscape, with ever-fewer pregnant women choosing abortion.. down 25% since peaking in 1990. Some say the rapid growth of crisis pregnancy centres has helped cut the number of abortions.. and laws mandating counselling before an abortion.

Los Angeles Times - www.latimes.com

Teenage girls to get Pill over the counter (13 December 2007)

The contraceptive Pill will be available from chemists without a prescription next year in an attempt to tackle Britain’s persistent problem of teenage pregnancy. Under the pilot scheme, women will be able to have a private consultation with a pharmacist, where any health risks will be assessed, before obtaining the Pill free.

The Times - www.timesonline.co.uk

'Born Survivors' show mum at 14 (11 December 2007)

BBC3 documentary ‘Born Survivors’ about Kizzy who had sex for the first time at the age of 13 and gave birth nine months later. In September, Kizzy went back to school. Kizzy's not the only young mum in her area. Torbay has one of the highest rates of pregnancy in Britain and it is rising. BBC gave links to CAREconfidential and to Choices Cornwall.

BBC Online - www.bbc.co.uk

Trials to consider abortions at GP surgeries (05 December 2007)

Trials have been launched to see whether abortions can be carried out safely at GP surgeries in England, the Department of Health said on Wednesday. Pilot schemes have begun at two unnamed hospitals to test whether early terminations, using so-called abortion pills can be carried out in ... a community medical setting such as a doctor's surgery.

Reuters - uk.reuters.com

Sex education and teen pregnancy (04 December 2007)

Half the young people in the UK today have not been taught about teenage pregnancy and wouldn’t know where to find their local sexual health clinic. These figures from a UK Youth Parliament survey of over 20,000 young people may go some way to explaining disproportionately high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

The Times online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Morning-after pill at 12 (03 December 2007)

Girls as young as 12 are being given the controversial morning-after pill without their parents’ knowledge. Figures show that 84 per cent of NHS primary care trusts (PCT) authorise secretly prescribing Levonelle to under-16s. And 70 per cent admit they are prepared to force chemists to prescribe the drug by withholding pharmacy licences if they refuse.

Daily Express - www.express.co.uk

British Asians aborting unwanted girls (03 December 2007)

Cultural pressure to give birth to sons is causing some pregnant Indian-born women living in Britain to return to India to abort their unwanted daughters, an investigation has found. It reveals how “selective sex abortion”, a practice outlawed in India in the 1980s, is still widespread and being used by some women living in England and Wales.

The Times - www.timesonline.co.uk

Texts that help reduce teenage pregnancy (29 November 2007)

Twelve months ago, Lincolnshire County Council spent £12,000 setting up an initiative which allowed youngsters to send text messages asking for advice. A year on, more than 1,000 teenagers have used the service, requesting help. While some have dubbed the service "sex text for teens" those behind the scheme say it has contributed to the 31 per cent drop in teenage pregnancy rates between 1998 and 2005.

Yorkshire Post - www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Illegal abortions still blight UK (23 November 2007)

Illegal abortions are still taking place in the UK, a BBC undercover investigation has discovered. Abortion has been legal in Britain for 40 years - under certain conditions a woman can terminate a pregnancy up to 24 weeks. But the BBC has discovered pills for getting rid of unwanted pregnancies are readily available on the black market.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

GP in ethical rules storm over abortion (11 November 2007)

GP is facing an inquiry by the GMC after allegations that she breached ethical guidelines by trying to dissuade patients from having a termination. The inquiry has arisen after the GMC received a complaint, believed to be from a practising doctor involved in the pro-choice movement, about an interview with Downes in the Daily Mail. In it she described how she talked to the women who come to her to discuss having an abortion about having the baby instead.

The Observer - observer.guardian.co.uk

DVD offers abortion support (07 November 2007)

A pregnancy advice service in Norwich has made a DVD offering help and support to women coping with the emotional aftermath of an abortion. See a clip via the new BBC service which reviews the video. Or contact CAREconfidential helpline 0800 028 2228 for more details.

BBC Online - search.bbc.co.uk

MPs back lower time limit for abortions (30 October 2007)

Out of more than 100 MPs who responded, two thirds of them said they were ready to vote to cut the 24-week limit. The results indicate that legislation to be introduced in next week's Queen's Speech could be used as a vehicle for the first major change in the law for 17 years.

The Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

MPs call for clarity on grounds for abortion (30 October 2007)

Guidance on what constitutes "serious handicap" as grounds for aborting a baby must be clearer, according to members of an influential commons committee. MPs on the cross-party science and technology committee want a more explicit legal definition of the term, amid concern at the number of foetuses aborted for minor, treatable defects such as club foot.

DailyTelegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Abortion law anniversary marked (27 October 2007)

Religious and anti-abortion groups are due to stage events marking 40 years since abortion was legalised. They will walk to Westminster Cathedral for a service commemorating 6.7m abortions performed since 1967. Campaigners against abortion began their protest on Friday night when they projected the number of abortions on to the riverside face of the Houses of Parliament.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Plans to relax law on early abortion (26 October 2007)

The most extensive liberalisation of abortion laws for 40 years is being planned by MPs, The Times has learnt. MPs will propose that women be allowed to seek an abortion on the basis of informed consent – dropping the requirement for two doctors’ signatures – and perform the second stage of a medical termination at home rather than at a hospital or clinic. They also want nurses rather than doctors to be allowed to carry out abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy, up to 12 weeks. Anti-abortion MPs say privately that they may not have the numbers to oppose the moves. MPs will have a free vote on the changes, probably early next year.

The Times online - business.timesonline.co.uk

Minister defends abortion limit (25 October 2007)

Health Minister Dawn Primarolo says the government does not believe there is sufficient scientific evidence to lower the legal abortion limit of 24 weeks. She said nothing had persuaded the Department of Health that survival rates had improved for extremely premature babies born before that time.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion stories: Relief and regret (24 October 2007)

As the 40th anniversary of the Abortion Act in the UK approaches, two women speak to the BBC News website about their experiences of having abortions.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Too many abortions: Lord Steel (24 October 2007)

Lord Steel, architect of the 1967 Abortion Act, says today that abortion is being used as a form of contraception in Britain and admits he never anticipated "anything like" the current number of terminations when leading the campaign for reform. The Liberal Democrat peer, whose bill legalising abortion in certain circumstances marks its 40th anniversary on Saturday, says an "irresponsible" mood has emerged in which women feel they can turn to abortion "if things go wrong".

The Guardian - www.guardian.co.uk

Babies aborted for minor disabilities (23 October 2007)

More than 50 babies with club feet were aborted in just one area of England in a three-year period, according to new statistics. Thirty-seven babies with cleft lips or palates and 26 with extra or webbed fingers or toes were also aborted. The data have raised concerns about abortions being carried out for minor disabilities that could be cured by surgery. Abortions are allowed up to birth in Britain in cases of serious handicap. The Commons science and technology committee is carrying out an inquiry into whether the law should be made more specific. Some parents, doctors and campaign groups are worried by what they see as a tendency to stretch the definition of serious handicap.

The Sunday Times - www.timesonline.co.uk

Abortion debate reignited (12 October 2007)

The government's Human Tissues and Embryos Bill has put the issue of abortion in the public spotlight. Link to BBC video that reviews the debate and possible outcomes.

BBC Online - search.bbc.co.uk

Members lobbied on Northern Ireland abortion move (26 September 2007)

An anti-abortion group has called on assembly members to back a motion opposing terminations. They want the assembly to oppose draft guidelines on the termination of pregnancy, calling them "flawed". The Department of Health issued the guidelines after a legal case by the Family Planning Association. Precious Life said the guidelines will change how the law on abortion is interpreted and legalise abortion in Northern Ireland "through the back door". It calls on the health minister to abandon any attempt to make abortion more widely available in Northern Ireland.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Salmond seeks abortion law review for Scotland (23 September 2007)

First Minister Alex Salmond has backed the setting up of an independent commission to examine abortion laws. He personally supports a reduction in the time limit for terminations from 24 to 20 weeks. The commission could look at whether the reserved issue of abortion should be devolved to Scotland.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Stolen children in China (23 September 2007)

In China, 190 children are snatched every day - more than twice the number taken in England and Wales in a year. The Chinese government does not acknowledge the extent of the problem, or the cause. The Single Child Policy has made it essential to have a son, leading to the abortion of more than 40 million girls and setting the price on a boy's head at more than six months' wages

The Observer - observer.guardian.co.uk

China warned on gender imbalance (24 August 2007)

The gender imbalance in China has reached alarming levels far exceeding UN recommendations, says China's Family Planning Association (CFPA). There were 163.5 boys for every 100 girls aged up to four in the eastern city of Lianyungang, it said. Abortions of female foetuses were the main cause of the imbalance, CFPA said. The State Population and Family Planning Commission warned that gender imbalances could lead to social instability.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Bishop leaves Amnesty over stance on 'abortion violence' (21 August 2007)

A senior Roman Catholic bishop has resigned from Amnesty International in a row over the human rights group’s new policy on abortion. The Right Rev Michael Evans, the Bishop of East Anglia, stood down after 31 years in protest at support for abortion facilities in developing countries. Bishop Evans said that Catholics would find it difficult to support a human rights group that advocated violence against unborn children.

The Times online - www.timesonline.co.uk

Amnesty ends abortion neutrality (18 August 2007)

Amnesty International has confirmed its controversial decision to back abortion in some circumstances, replacing its previous policy of neutrality. The human rights group will campaign for woman to have access to abortion in cases including rape and incest. Christian organisations, including the Roman Catholic Church, have threatened to withdraw support from the group.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Doctors call for abortion reform (27 June 2007)

The British Medical Association conference is to consider a call for quicker and easier access to abortion. One proposal at the Torquay conference is a call to scrap the need for two doctors to allow an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy. Doctors will also consider proposals for non-approved premises, such as GP practices, to carry out abortions.. the government said there are no plans to change the law.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion numbers increase again (20 June 2007)

The number of abortions carried out in England and Wales rose by 3.9% to 193,700 in 2006. There was also a rise in the under-16 abortion rate and among under-18s. Abortion has been increasing since it was legalised 40 years ago - there were 22,000 legal terminations in 1968. The Royal College of Obstetricians said the rise was "disappointing" and showed a failure to deal with the problem of unplanned pregnancies.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion remains an emotive issue (19 June 2007)

Abortion has been steadily increasing almost from the moment it was legalised 40 years ago - one of many reasons why it still stirs up controversy..... Anne Atkins, a Christian commentator, argues growing knowledge has, if anything, led to a more ambivalent attitude. "Young people are much more aware of what abortion is and how traumatic and how drastic it is. That is not to say they won't take that option."

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Teenage abortions hit all-time high (19 June 2007)

More teenagers are having abortions than ever before, fuelling a significant rise in the number of terminations in England and Wales. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the figures pointed to "a failure to address the problem of unplanned pregnancy, particularly in teenagers and young women .... this now represents a major public health issue, and a failure of preventative medicine," it said, and it called for a "rethink" in the way sex and relationship education is provided.

Daily Telegraph - telegraph.co.uk

CAREconfidential is honoured at BT Awards (11 June 2007)

A major award has been scooped by CAREconfidential's ground-breaking website, for setting the pace in the whole area of 'multi-channel' helpline services. CAREconfidential was honoured (Highly Commended) in the BT & Telephone Helplines Association Awards for imaginative use of web-based services - and in particular for its 'pioneering online advisor service'.

Article from Care today Newsletter Summer 2007 - www.careconfidential.com

Increase in abortions in Scotland (29 May 2007)

Number of abortions carried out in Scotland is continuing to rise, according to official figures. All-time high of 13,081 pregnancies were terminated in 2006, compared with 12,603 the previous year. Scottish government committed to improving Scotland's sexual health and reducing number of unintended pregnancies through Respect and Responsibility… and has provided more than £600k over next two years for programme for secondary teachers providing sex education

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion: It's time we started to say no (22 April 2007)

Dr Adrian Marks, GP, describes his experience of abortion. “The first abortion I saw is carved into my memory”. He asks “Perhaps we should not ask why we hesitate but why we do them at all?”.

Daily Express - express.co.uk

One in 30 aborted foetuses lives (20 April 2007)

One in 30 foetuses aborted for medical reasons is born alive, a 10-year study at 20 UK hospitals has found. Most of these babies with disabilities were born between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy and all lived for no more than a few hours.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Late abortions reasons revealed (19 April 2007)

Many women who have late abortions had not realised they were pregnant, a study has found. Southampton and Kent University researchers say women need more information so that they realise they are pregnant much earlier. This study found women had not realised they were pregnant for two main reasons. Just under 40% because they had irregular periods and another 31% had been using contraception, and so had not thought they could be pregnant.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

US top court backs abortion ban (18 April 2007)

The US' top court has upheld a ban on the controversial late-term partial birth abortion procedure. The Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling upholding the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act does not violate a woman's constitutional right to an abortion. Abortion opponents condemn the operation, in which the foetus is partially removed alive from the woman's uterus and then aborted.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortions 'crisis' threatens NHS (16 April 2007)

An increasing number of doctors are refusing to carry out abortions, leading to a crisis in NHS services, experts have warned. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says there has been a big rise in the number of doctors who are "conscientious objectors".

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Immigrant pregnancies stretch NHS (26 March 2007)

The BBC has been told the influx of eastern Europeans to the UK has led to a massive rise in pregnancies and abortion requests in some areas. Health professionals warn that some antenatal services are stretched to breaking point.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Academic backs teen abortion law (15 March 2007)

Nottingham academic says legislation requiring parents to be notified over abortions for the under 16s could see a drop in teenage pregnancy. MPs rejected a bid to force doctors offering abortion or contraception advice to under-16s to inform the child's parents on Wednesday. Professor David Paton said studies in the United States demonstrated a new law could cut teenage pregnancies. He said research had revealed that STDs amongst teenagers also fell.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion: Do parents have a right to know? (14 March 2007)

Parents have a right to know if their children are given an abortion or contraception, MPs will demand today. And a proposed parental involvement law could cut under-age pregnancies and terminations. Britain has the highest number of sexually active under-15s in western Europe, and experts say involving parents in their children’s sexual education and well-being will reduce this statistic. Similar legislation in the United States has had a significant impact on juvenile sexual behaviour.

Daily Express - express.co.uk

Rise in abortions after Christmas (08 February 2007)

Heavy Christmas drinking and partying, leading to unprotected sex, could be to blame for a record number of abortions last month, says a UK charity. A total of 5,992 abortions were carried out at Marie Stopes International's nine UK clinics in January - a rise of 13% on the 5,304 in January 2005. This is more in a month than at any time in the charity's 32-year history.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Doubts voiced over emergency pill (15 September 2006)

Making emergency contraception more available has failed to reduce abortion rates, a family planning expert says. Edinburgh-based Anna Glasier said abortion rates were rising despite the morning-after pill having been available from chemists for five years. She said research had shown that women did not always use the contraception at the right moments because they were unaware they had put themselves at risk and as a result it had no impact on pregnancy or abortion rates. In 1984, 11 women per 1,000 aged 15 to 44 had abortions, compared with 17.8 in 2004.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Third 'have sex below legal age' (14 August 2006)

Nearly a third of 16 to 24-year-olds lost their virginity below the age of consent, a survey has suggested. The BBC Radio 1 poll also suggested 43% of young people had had at least five sexual partners with one in five having more than 10. Over half - 57% - claimed to have had a one-night stand and many of the youngsters said they did not always use condoms with new partners. Many showed a lack of awareness about contraception failure, with 43% not knowing it was possible to get pregnant if a condom is not used correctly and 35% unaware that the contraceptive pill can also fail.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Teenagers 'using condoms wrongly' (09 August 2006)

Some teenagers are failing to use condoms properly, risking unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, a snapshot study suggests. Southampton University researchers surveyed just under 1,400 teenagers aged 16 to 18 across England. Around half had had sex. Of the 373 who had used a condom on the most recent occasion, 6% had put one on too late and 6% had removed one too early. Researchers also asked just over 100 teenagers to keep a diary of their sexual activity for six months .... of the 714 diary entries given to the researchers, a condom was not used during sex on 322 occasions.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Babies put teenage mothers back on course (27 June 2006)

Having a child can motivate girls to return to education. But they must be allowed to study when they're ready. Getting pregnant at 15 isn't generally regarded as a smart career move. But with experts saying motivation levels can soar once the baby is born, maybe society should think again. Letting women choose how they want to be mothers while supporting their educational ambitions when they're ready to start again is the only way to optimise their chances of success.

The Guardian - education.guardian.co.uk

Calls for Government rethink of teen pregnancy plan (21 June 2006)

The minister for social exclusion has suggested the Government will need to reconsider its approach to cutting teenage pregnancy if it is to meet its targets. Hilary Armstrong, the Cabinet Office minister for social exclusion, said: "It is a common misconception that teenage pregnancy rates haven't fallen. But they are still far too high, and higher than they are in other European countries. We have to find a more effective way of doing this work. And we have to work with the third sector to make sure we deal with this effectively."

Young People Now Magazine - www.ypnmagazine.com

Plaudits for teenage pregnancy consultancy (09 June 2006)

The Leeds Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Partnership was given top marks for its work which included helping young parents stay in education. Kiera Swift, teenage pregnancy coordinator for Leeds, said: "We are delighted at the outcome of the report and are proud of the work that has been achieved across the city to reduce the teenage pregnancy rate". Work carried out by Barnados and the Young Fathers work of Education Leeds was also praised.

Leeds Evening Post - leedstoday.net

Home abortions hit record high (30 May 2006)

A record 10,000 women had an abortion at home last year, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service has said. It said nearly one-third of the 32,000 terminations it provided in the first nine weeks of pregnancy had been medical - involving abortion drugs. The BPAS described the trend as a success for sexual health, but campaign groups have been critical. Reproductive Ethics (CORE) accused the BPAS of deeply insensitive self-promotion of abortions. A £1m government investment into selected NHS primary care trusts had enabled them to improve early access to abortions, making BPAS the biggest provider of EMA in Europe.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Parents offered a termination at 35 weeks (25 May 2006)

After a complicated pregnancy, during which the doctors had found that Mrs Green was carrying excess amniotic fluid, the couple had agreed that their baby could be tested for genetic conditions. "We were both in total shock, but this was considerably worsened when he said, 'You can have a termination.' I was 35 weeks' pregnant at this stage. My baby was fully formed and his name was decided. I was appalled. He urged us to think about the termination and think about how having a baby with 'mental retardation' would affect our lives. He listed only the potential negatives about Down's syndrome, without giving us any information to read for a more balanced view. Mrs Green decided to go ahead with the pregnancy and, two weeks later, gave birth to Harrison who is now two years. He is, according to his mother, a "happy and healthy" child.

The Telegraph - telegraph.co.uk

Boy charged over child pregnancy (13 May 2006)

A 15-year-old boy is being prosecuted in connection with the case of a girl who fell pregnant at the age of 11. The girl from West Lothian - who would become one of the UK's youngest mothers - told a newspaper that she was looking forward to having her child. The teenage boy is due to appear in court in July charged with rape because of the age of the girl, who is now 12. The case has prompted calls for a better teenage sexual health strategy in Scotland. Her 34-year-old mother said: "I'm not ashamed of my daughter, I'm proud of her for keeping her baby."

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Mother sues for birth of 'aborted' twin (21 March 2006)

A woman sued a hospital for £250,000 yesterday because four years ago she gave birth to a healthy baby despite having an abortion when she became pregnant with twins. Stacy Dow, 21, of Perth, launched her claim against Tayside University Hospitals NHS Trust for "the financial burden" of raising her daughter, Jayde, whom she had when she was 16. The hospital is contesting the case at Perth Sheriff Court, arguing that Miss Dow was given no guarantees that the termination would succeed.

Telegraph online - www.telegraph.co.uk

US state outlaws abortion (08 March 2006)

The US state of South Dakota has signed into law a near-total ban on abortion in a move the governor called a 'direct frontal assault' on the supreme court decision 33 years ago to legalise it South Dakota's governor, Mike Rounds, yesterday signed a bill that will make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless the procedure is necessary to save the woman's life. The legislation would make no exception for instances of rape or incest, though victims in such cases could get emergency contraception.

Guardian - www.guardian.co.uk

Abortion clinics banned from hotline (03 March 2006)

In Australia, counsellors with links to abortion clinics will be barred from claiming a new taxpayer-funded subsidy to counsel pregnant women about their options. And religious groups that refuse to refer women to an abortion doctor would not qualify for the commercial tender to run a new national pregnancy counselling hotline. A week after federal cabinet signed off on the $51 million counselling plan designed to cut the number of abortions, Prime Minister John Howard said the boost to services was in response to public concern about the abortion rate.

The Fairfax, Australia - www.theage.com.au

£150m plan fails to cut teenage pregnancies (28 February 2006)

£150 million campaign to reduce pregnancies among young girls has been an embarrassing failure, figures showed yesterday, with ministers under pressure to close the discredited Teenage Pregnancy Unit. Official statistics show a rising number of girls under 14 becoming pregnant and experts said the Government missed its target of cutting the under-18 pregnancies. David Paton said: "The taxpayers' money spent by the Teenage Pregnancy Unit seems to have had no impact. The Government should look closely at the unit's future".

Telegraph - www.telegraph.co.uk

Abortion clinics encourage women to abort (19 February 2006)

Australian Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott is attempting to take millions of dollars off counselling services he believes encourage women to abort. He has put a plan to Cabinet that aims to bypass all counselling services to women provided by abortion clinics. The plan, worth more than $50 million, would see the Federal Government directly funding church-affiliated groups provide alternate counselling. He believes counselling offered by abortion clinics is fundamentally predisposed towards going ahead with termination but counselling should be at arms length.

Australia, Sun Herald - www.heraldsun.news.com.au

Hewitt against abortion changes (29 January 2006)

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has said she is not in favour of introducing tougher UK abortion laws. She said she was against reducing the 24-week limit, but wanted to try to cut the number of late terminations. She said the important thing was to make sure that a woman who requested an abortion in a very late stage of pregnancy "gets very good counselling and advice before she makes that decision. We really want to keep reducing the number of late abortions". Her comments came after a survey in the Observer suggested that almost half of the women surveyed wanted the legal time limit for an abortion cut from 24 weeks.

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Mother loses abortion right-to-know battle (24 January 2006)

A mother of two teenage daughters spoke of her disappointment yesterday after losing a landmark legal battle for a parents right to know if girls under 16 are being advised on obtaining an abortion. A High Court judge ruled that parental rights under human rights legislation were overridden by the childs right to confidential advice from doctors. The mother said: "Having endured the trauma of abortion, I brought the case to ensure that medical professionals would not carry out an abortion on one of my daughters without first informing me. I could then discuss such a life-changing event with her and provide the support she would need".

Yorkshire Post - www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk

India 'lost birth' study disputed (11 January 2006)

A top Indian doctors association has disputed a report which says more than 10 million female births may have been lost over the past two decades. Researchers in India and Canada said in the Lancet journal prenatal selection and selective abortion was causing the loss of 500,000 girl births a year. But the Indian Medical Association said pre-birth gender checks had waned since a Supreme Court crackdown in 2001

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion 'leaves mental legacy' (12 December 2005)

An abortion can cause five years of mental anguish, anxiety, guilt and even shame, a BMC Medicine study suggests. University of Oslo researchers compared 40 women who had had a miscarriage with 80 who chose to have an abortion. Miscarriage was associated with more mental distress in the six months after the loss of a baby - but abortion had a much longer lasting negative effect.

BBC - news.bbc.co.uk

Abortion rate continues to rise (27 July 2005)

Department of Health figures show there were 185,400 abortions in 2004 - a rise of 2.1%. Marie Stopes International said a 2% rise was "neither here nor there..... we should stop seeing abortion as a problem and start seeing it as a legitimate and sensible solution to the problem of unwanted pregnancy". Under-14 abortions increased by 6%. Conservative MP Theresa May said the governments teenage pregnancy strategy was failing. "We need to educate and instil young girls with the self esteem... and equip them with the confidence to say no".

BBC Online - news.bbc.co.uk