Monday 02 March 2020
The Committee for Health & Social Care has today published a Policy Letter for consideration by the States Assembly proposing the Modernisation of the Abortion (Guernsey) Law, 1997.
The proposals follow extensive research and professional consultation which indicated overwhelming support for change. The proposals aim to provide a legal framework for abortion services that are accessible, well-regulated and safe and which support the personal choice and health and wellbeing of Islanders.
The Committee's proposals include
- Removing the requirement for two medical practitioners to certify an abortion.
- Increasing Guernsey's gestational limits in line with those in England.
- Removing criminal sanctions relating to a woman in respect of ending, or attempting to end, her own pregnancy.
An engagement session will be held on Wednesday 11th March at the Performing Arts Centre from 18:00 - 20:00 to inform the public of the changes and answer any questions. Professor Lesley Regan, past President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has kindly agreed to attend to share her expertise and give her professional opinion on the proposals. There will be also be a panel consisting of local medical professionals to discuss the Committee's proposals and an opportunity for those in attendance to ask questions.
The full policy letter and summary of proposals can be found at www.gov.gg/abortionlaw.
