Campaigners to fight on as MPs reject abortion limit cut

THE fight for lower abortion limits will continue, campaigners vowed today, after accusing MPs of ignoring overwhelming public opinion by rejecting a cut from 24 weeks.

Moves to reduce the cut-off point to anywhere between the 12th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy were resoundingly defeated last night after a highly-charged Commons debate.

Even the smallest cut, which had the personal support of Tory leader David Cameron, was comfortably rejected by 233 votes to 304, in one of a series of free votes.

Cabinet ministers Des Browne, Ruth Kelly and Paul Murphy were among Labour MPs backing the proposed change – which was personally opposed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The Government also pushed through new rules removing the need for doctors to consider the need for a father when approving fertility treatment.

But the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group coordinator Ian Lucas said: "We will continue the fight to reflect the wishes of the public."