Orders of the Day — Abortion (Amendment) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 11:34 am on 13 July 1979.

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Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Central Fife 11:34, 13 July 1979

That is true. Even in the best of circumstances within the NHS or reputable charities, or whatever it may be, the operation is messy, dangerous and unpredictable, and nobody likes it. Whatever our views, we must try to humanise and control the abuses so far as humanly possible. I believe that both Front Benches agree that Governments of all political persuasions have done their utmost to see that human conditions prevail.

It is not without significance that, with a few exceptions, this has been a party matter—[HON. MEMBERS: " No."] Very well, it has been a class matter—[HON. MEMBERS: " No."] I shall tell the House why. Wealthy ladies will not be restricted by the provisions of the Bill. It is the shop girl, the shortand typist, the factory girl, the mentally retarded girl, who will be penalised. The lady sponsors of the Bill will not be affected. They will be able to get an abortion when they like. But the working-class woman will be affected.

That is the message that we on the Labour Benches must constantly bear in mind. The Bill is an attack on women who are deprived medically, physically, financially or in any other way. They are desperately worried lest the provisions of the 1967 Act are restricted. The Bill is one of many designed for that specific purpose. It is like the Budget, because it takes care of those at the top of the social tree.