MPs vote to ban gender-based abortions

MPs have backed a bill that clarifies to doctors that pregnancies cannot be terminated on the basis of the unborn child's gender Credit: PA

A group of MPs has overwhelmingly backed the introduction of a Bill to clarify the law on gender-based abortions.

Led by Conservative MP Fiona Bruce, the cross-party group supports the introduction of the Abortion (Sex-Selection) Bill, that makes it clear to doctors that it is against the law to terminate pregnancies because of the sex of the unborn child.

MPs backed the Bill by 181 votes to one.

Moving her Bill, Ms Bruce said there is "widespread confusion" over the law.

"[The Bill] merely clarifies that nothing in section one of the Abortion Act 1967 allows a pregnancy to be terminated on the grounds of the sex of the unborn child."

Ms Bruce said the abuse threatened against women because of the gender of their unborn child should be addressed, with the Bill aiming to help them.

She asked for the Bill to be given a second reading on January 23.

It is highly unlikely to become law in its current form without Government support and parliamentary time, but will seek to influence ministers over the issue.

Labour MP Glenda Jackson (Hampstead and Kilburn) was the sole MP to vote against Ms Bruce being allowed to bring in her Bill.