Law discriminates against poorer women

A public meeting has heard how the Island’s abortion laws lag far behind those in the UK.

Mara Clarke, the director of the Abortion Support Network, told the PAG gathering in Douglas last night (Mon), that her organisation helps women with the expense of private procedures in the UK because Manx law rules out abortion except in very specific medical circumstances.

She said in effect the law discriminates against poorer women who can face a stark choice between paying bills or having unplanned children.

Department of Health and Social Care member Ralph Peake, who was one of two Tynwald members at the meeting, says he'd back changing the law.

These women who attended the meeting said it was time to discuss change