Thank you for the invitation to the APPG Pro-Life event on foetal viability and the case for reducing the abortion time limit.
In response to a recent question in Parliament, my colleague Maggie Throup MP (Minister for Public Health) stated that while that officials keep evidence on foetal viability under review, there is currently no clear consensus from the medical profession that the age of viability has reduced below 24 weeks.
Ultimately, it is a question for Parliament whether to propose any changes to the law on abortion such as gestational time limits.
Personally, I would support a change in the definition of foetal viability and the abortion time limit. As you rightly point out, the body of knowledge relating to foetal viability has been expanding. Moreover, there have been significant developments in the understanding of foetal sentience and capacity to feel pain such that in 2019 the NHS recommended pain relief for foetuses undergoing surgery for spina bifida from 20 weeks onwards. 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 extent of foetal viability at different stages of gestation and the capacity of the foetus for sentience and specifically sensitivity to pain are fully understood and recognised.
Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the event due to my other parliamentary duties, but I noted the position being put forward by the speaker invited by the APPG and would be interested in more information about the evidence being presented.
Thank you gain for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
June 2022