British Medical Association clarifies abortion guidance

Main Category: Abortion
Article Date: 22 Jun 2004 - 17:00 PDT

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In response to today's coverage on babies who survive abortion Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA (British Medical Association) Head of Science and Ethics, made the following comment:

"The debate around this issue* will be heard at the BMA's annual meeting in Llandudno next week. However it is important to clarify immediately the current BMA guidance on abortion.

As far as the BMA is aware it is extremely unlikely that a foetus would survive a termination of pregnancy procedure.

However in the very rare event that a foetus does survive, the BMA's written guidance already states that from birth, all people have the right to expect care and treatment appropriate to their needs. The clinical team would make a decision in the best interests of the baby taking account of all relevant factors.

We are not sure if the proposers of this motion are aware of the current BMA guidance or perhaps they have identified another aspect. This will be debated next week at the BMA annual meeting and we will listen to see if further guidance is needed."

Ends

Notes to editors:

* Motion by MEDICAL STUDENTS CONFERENCE: That this Meeting calls upon the MSC and BMA to work with the GMC, NHS and appropriate Royal Colleges to ensure that babies born alive as a result of termination of pregnancy procedures receive the same full neonatal care as that available to other babies.

This motion will be debated on Thursday 1 July at 11.25 am.

Press release date: Tuesday, 22 Jun 2004 (BMA London)

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