Bill to ban abortions chosen because of baby's sex

This bill would make it illegal for doctors to perform abortions when the reason is the sex of the unborn baby. It would create new criminal offences for medical professionals who carry out these procedures. The bill would also require better record-keeping about why abortions happen. The government says this will prevent discrimination against female babies. Critics say it could make it harder for women to access abortion services and might discourage honest conversations between patients and doctors. The bill would apply across England, Wales and Scotland. Medical professionals could face prosecution if they knowingly perform sex-selective abortions.

• 1Makes it a criminal offence for doctors to perform abortions chosen because of the baby's sex
• 2Requires better record-keeping about the reasons for abortions
• 3Could lead to prosecution of medical professionals who break the new law
• 4Government says it will prevent discrimination against female babies
• 5Critics worry it could make abortion access harder and discourage honest patient-doctor discussions