Bill to reduce time limit for abortions

This bill would reduce the current time limit for abortions in England, Scotland and Wales. Under current law, abortions can be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy in most circumstances. The bill would lower this limit, though the exact new time limit is not specified in the available information. The government says this change would update the law to reflect medical advances since the current limit was set. Opponents argue that reducing the time limit would restrict women's access to abortion services and could force women to continue unwanted pregnancies. The bill would not change the exceptions that already exist, such as cases where there is serious risk to the mother's life or severe fetal abnormalities, where abortions can be performed after 24 weeks.

• 1Would reduce the current 24-week time limit for most abortions
• 2Would apply to England, Scotland and Wales
• 3The exact new time limit is not specified in available information
• 4Would keep existing exceptions for serious medical cases
• 5Government says it reflects medical advances since current law was made