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IoM abortion reform passes major stage

Dr Alex Allinson in the House of Keys today. Credit: Helen McKenna, ITV

Plans to reform abortion law on the Isle of Man have passed a major hurdle in the House of Keys.

Parliament held its second reading to discuss proposals today for reform, which would mirror the law in the UK.

Efforts to form an investigating committee - which some MHKs feared would delay the reforms for more than a year - were defeated eighteen votes to five.

It'll now go through to the amendment stage.

At present, abortions can only be carried out on the Isle of Man if a pregnancy is the result of rape or because of mental health concerns under the Termination of Pregnancy Act 1995.

Members of the House of Keys debated the decision of taking the Bill to a committee for two to three hours - Chris Robertshaw led the motion but was unsuccessful.

Let us now seize the opportunity to move forward with a piece of legislation fit for our society, our island, and our century.

– Dr Alex Allinson MHK