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Abortion and Foetal Pain: EDM 1340

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Thank you for contacting me about EDM 1340 on foetal pain and abortion. 

I very much sympathise with the points you make - who could not?

As you rightly point out, the body of knowledge relating to foetal sentience has been expanding, such that in 2019 the NHS recommended pain relief for foetuses undergoing surgery for spina bifida from 20 weeks onwards. As the EDM states, it does seem inconsistent that the same provision is not made for unborn babies. The finding that babies may well feel pain from 12 weeks strengthens the case for action on this issue. I believe it is vital that, on a matter this sensitive and important, the broadest possible scope of scientific research is examined, informing a comprehensive debate and that the capacity of the foetus for sentience and specifically sensitivity to pain is fully understood and recognised.

Given the developments in research and understanding, I have signed EDM 1340.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. 

Craig Whittaker MP

February 2021

Campaign Responses

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  • Abortion: Disability-Selective Abortions (EDM 521)
  • Abortion: 'DIY' Abortions
  • Abortion and Foetal Pain: EDM 1340
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  • Aid: Girls in Crisis
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  • China: Persecution of Uyghur Muslims
  • Cladding (McPartland Amendment)
  • Cleaner Air
  • Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill
  • Coronavirus: People with Disabilities
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  • Cycling and Walking: Update
  • Disposable Barbecues
  • Divorce Law Reform: Updated September 2020
  • Domestic Abuse Bill
  • Domestic Abuse: Migrants
  • Domestic Homicide
  • Domestic Abuse: Universal Credit
  • Duplicated Animal Tests (REACH)
  • Early Years Funding
  • Environment Bill (Updated)
  • Evictions of Palestinians in Disputed Territories (EDM 529)
  • Export of Riot Control Equipment to the US
  • Fox Hunting
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  • Gender Recognition Act: Update
  • Green and Fair Recovery
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Craig Whittaker MP MP for Calder Valley

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