Proposal to delay Guernsey abortion law reform rejected by deputies

The States of Guernsey has voted against delaying reforms to the island's abortion law.

The sursis (delaying motion), put forward by two deputies, was defeated by 28 votes to 11.

Last year, deputies agreed to update Guernsey's abortion rules, including voting to extend the time limit for abortions from 12 to 24 weeks.

However, two deputies, Carl Meerveld and Liam McKenna, sought to pause the legislation to allow for further consultation.

• Guernsey women's rights campaigners hit out at plans to delay abortion reform

It is now up to the current States to rubber stamp what was agreed.

A debate on reforming the abortion law will now start on 15 July.

The changes proposed to the current 1997 abortion legislation include:

• Removing the need for two medical practitioners to certify an abortion.

• Increasing Guernsey's gestational limits in line with those in England.

• Removing criminal sanctions relating to women in respect of ending, or attempting to end, her own pregnancy.

• Allowing early medical abortion procedures to take place at the woman's home.