UK Leader Nigel Farage Calls for Parliamentary Debate on Abortion Time Limit

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has proposed that MPs consider reducing Britain's abortion limit from 24 weeks. He cites medical advancements that potentially save babies as early as 22 weeks. Farage argued at a press conference in London that parliament should allocate more time to consider matters of public interest.

"Is it appropriate to abort at 24 weeks, given that we are now able to save babies at 22 weeks?" Farage inquired. "That, in my opinion, would warrant a discussion in parliament." He emphasized that party politics should not be the driving force behind such a discussion.

His remarks were greeted with a resounding condemnation from advocates for reproductive rights. The proposal was criticized by Heidi Stewart, the chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, who stated, "Rolling back women's hard-won rights is not what people at home are interested in."

Louise McCudden of MSI Reproductive Choices emphasized that the demands to reduce abortion time limits are ideological rather than evidence-based. She observed that abortions performed at 22 weeks or later frequently arise from health hazards associated with desired pregnancies or fetal anomalies identified after 20 weeks.

Stella Creasy, a Labour MP, underscored that 90% of abortions in the United Kingdom occur before the 10th week, and late-term procedures are uncommon and associated with catastrophic circumstances.

Andrea Jenkyns, a former Conservative minister, was announced as the mayoral candidate for Lincolnshire by Reform UK, coinciding with Farage's remarks. Jenkyns, recognized for her controversial political actions, stated that her decision to join Reform UK was consistent with her pro-Brexit principles.

Advocates are advocating for the modernization of legislation rather than the imposition of new restrictions, as the proposition contributes to the ongoing discussions regarding abortion laws.

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