MPs seek to relax rules on abortion for early terminations

Abortion laws could be relaxed for the earliest terminations but tightened up for women seeking to end their pregnancy later.

MPs on both sides of the debate are preparing to back the compromise package, which has been drawn up by former Labour minister Frank Field.

He has drafted a change to the law that requires only one doctor to give his consent before an early abortion – one before 13 weeks – is carried out.

However, two doctors would have to approve a termination between 13 and 24 weeks, and three doctors for abortions beyond 24 weeks, which are allowed in cases of disability.

Currently, the signatures of two doctors are needed for all abortions regardless of the length of the pregnancy.

Tory leader David Cameron is understood to think it would be 'practical and sensible' to ease the restrictions on early abortion.

Conservative MP Nadine Dorries, who spearheaded an unsuccessful campaign to limit the abortion time from 24 to 20 weeks, is also backing the plan.

At the same time, prochoice MPs will seek to amend the Government's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill to allow nurses to carry out terminations and force pro-life doctors to refer women with unplanned pregnancies to colleagues.

Mr Field said last night: 'There are those who want to make abortions as easy as going into Woolworths.'

Amendments to liberalise the abortion laws are expected to be tabled by Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris and Labour MP Christine McCafferty, both pro-abortion campaigners, and voted on within the next fortnight.