'Relaxing abortion laws will trigger a surge in terminations', MPs warned

The number carried out each year will rise from just under 200,000 to more than 250,000 if the law is relaxed in a Commons vote next week, they said.

They argued that stricter safeguards similar to those used elsewhere in Europe, such as a 'cooling-off' period and pre-operation counselling, could see the annual total fall to around 135,000.

At odds: Tory MP John Bercow (l) wants to 'criminalise' those offering alternatives to abortion, while Labour MP Frank Field (r) is proposing a 'compromise amendment'

The predictions came as MPs prepare for another emotionally-charged showdown on abortion next Monday.

Analysis by the 'pro-life' Alive and Kicking organisation has found that the average termination rates of EU countries with 'on demand' abortion is 18.8 per 1,000 women - higher than the current UK level of 17 per 1,000.

If Britain moved to a similar 'no questions asked' system, abortions would jump by a quarter, the group claims.

However, where countries have strict controls over terminations, the rate falls to 11.9 per 1,000 women. Applied to the latest UK figures, such a regime could see 65,000 fewer abortions annually here.

Dr Peter Saunders, of the Alive and Kicking campaign, said: 'It is clear that European countries which provide counselling and/or a cooling off period have lower levels of abortion.

'Bringing in abortion on demand without safeguards in this country would be disastrous. What we need is a law providing women with the time, space and information to make an unpressured and properly informed decision.'

Attempts to lower the legal limit for abortion from the current 24 weeks to 20 were defeated this year by a Commons majority of 71.

Buoyed by the size of the victory, pro-choice MPs are attempting to liberalise the law still further with a series of amendments tabled to the Government's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

They want to allow nurses to carry out early-stage terminations, reduce the requirement for two doctors' signatures approving an abortion to one, and let women have medical abortions at home alone.

Julie Bentley of the fpa, formerly the Family Planning Association, said: 'This is long overdue and we very much welcome the opportunity to finally modernise our abortion laws.

'It will enable women to access services more easily and speedily. This is not radical.'

MPs will be allowed a free vote on any of the amendments relating to abortion.