Cameron vow on abortion time limits

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It is expected that MPs will try to reduce the current 24-week limit - possibly to 20 weeks - by tabling an amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, which is going through Parliament.

An amendment could provide the first opportunity for MPs to vote on the issue since 1990.

Mr Cameron told the Daily Mail: "I would like to see a reduction in the current limit, as it is clear that, due to medical advancement, many babies are surviving at 24 weeks.

"If there is an opportunity in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, I will be voting to bring this limit down from 24 weeks.

"This must, however, remain a conscience issue and a free vote."

Aides stressed that Mr Cameron was not seeking to pressure Tory MPs to fall in line behind him and vote for a reduction, and was not at this stage committing himself to supporting any specific new time limit.

No amendment has yet been tabled in the House of Commons proposing a particular reduction.

In debate on the 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, MPs voted on options varying between 28 and 18 weeks, plumping for the current 24-week limit.