Cameron backs 22-week abortion bid

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Mr Cameron said he would "certainly" vote for a limit of 22 weeks.

But he insisted his view was personal and it was a matter of individual conscience for MPs.

"I will certainly vote for 22 weeks, I think this is a really difficult issue, it is another issue of conscience, there is no party whip, Conservatives will be voting in all sorts of different directions," he told GMTV.

"I think the reason personally why I want to see it come from 24, definitely to 22, is because there are now children surviving, being born at 22, or 23 weeks who survive.

"I think that it is very difficult to have a system that is aborting foetuses at that age when children are surviving.

"That is my personal view."

His remarks come as a sustained attempt is mounted in the Commons to cut the time limit on abortion for the first time in 18 years.

A series of Commons amendments will give MPs the chance to vote for a reduction in the current 24-week limit to between 22 and 12 weeks.

Supporters of the existing law have signalled their determination to fight the attempted changes, with 86 MPs signing a cross-party Commons motion stating that the current limit is "scientifically and ethically justified".