To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to issue guidance to doctors regarding the permissibility of granting an abortion by means of amending form HSA1 issued under the Abortion Regulations 1991 as governed by section 1 of the Abortion Act 1967; and, if not, why not.

The 1967 Abortion Act requires that two doctors certify in good faith that there are lawful grounds for an abortion, based on an understanding of the facts of a woman’s case. Any change to this requirement would require a change in the Abortion Act and this is a matter for Parliament.

The Department will be issuing guidance shortly to all those involved in abortion care about compliance with the Abortion Act.