Petition calls for action on coerced abortions

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

A petition launched by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is calling upon the Health Secretary to tackle coercive abortion.

The petition calls coerced abortions "an often unrecognised form of domestic abuse". 

The pro-life group highlights the case of a 16-year-old victim named only as Hayley who was pressured into an abortion by her boyfriend and family.

The petition asks the Health Secretary to urgently commission research into the area of abortion coercion, and "in so doing recognise coerced abortion as a priority for health and social policy moving forward".

It has been launched after a recent BBC poll found that 15 per cent of British women had experienced pressure or coercion to have an abortion that they did not want.

SPUC said the data was "shocking" and demonstrated that "coercion in abortion decisions is an urgent and immediate threat to women's health and wellbeing".

Alithea Williams, Public Policy Manager, said, "Ever since the Roe v Wade verdict was handed down, a woman's right to choose has been a hot topic of conversation.

"However, something that many pro-abortion advocates aren't willing to talk about is that for many women, abortion isn't a choice at all."

News
Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?
Which type of tree did Zacchaeus actually climb?

20 April is the feast day of Zacchaeus of Jericho. We all know the account of Zacchaeus climbing a tree to see Jesus. However, it turns out not to have been a sycamore tree at all. This is the story …

Joseph Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' arrested for child molestation
Joseph Duggar of '19 Kids and Counting' arrested for child molestation

Former “19 Kids and Counting” star Joseph Duggar, whose older brother Josh Duggar is currently serving time in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography, has been arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious behavior involving unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Bangladesh Christian leaders express cautious hope under new government
Bangladesh Christian leaders express cautious hope under new government

Bangladesh’s new government has prompted cautious optimism among Christian leaders, who say recent political changes offer a potential opening for greater religious freedom even as concerns remain over security, justice and political pressure.

Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?
Scotland’s assisted suicide vote: a temporary victory?

It will be interesting to see if the Scottish government goes down the route of investing in quality palliative care, or whether Liam McArthur's defeated assisted suicide bill is simply resurrected in another form.