MP ‘disappointed’ over Prime Minister’s abortion response

A CATHOLIC MP says he is “hugely disappointed” with the response of the Prime Minister to his concerns over the conscience clause of the current abortion law.

Tom Clarke submitted a written question to David Cameron earlier this month asking that those opposed to abortion who worked in administrative positions in the NHS should not be required to participate in the organisation of terminations.

Now the 74-year-old Labour member for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill has written a letter to the Prime Minister after saying he was “hugely disappointed” by Mr Cameron’s response, describing it as “appalling” that Mr Cameron did not reply to him directly but instead left it to Jane Ellison, a junior Minister in the Department for Health.

Mr Clarke wants a clarification of the conscientious objection clause in the abortion law after two Catholic midwives failed to convince the Supreme Court that they should be excused from delegating, supervising and supporting staff involved in terminations. The Supreme Court ruled that conscientious objection only applies to those who participate in procedures or treatments that lead to an abortion. Mr Clarke believes the 1967 Abortion Act should be amended. In her reply Ms Ellison simply restated the Supreme Court decision.

In his letter to Mr Cameron, the MP writes: “I expected a reply from you confirming that your Government would offer protection to those who regard the court’s findings as being inconsistent with their conscience.”