The Humanity and Equality in Abortion Reform (HEAR) campaign has launched a new petition addressed to new Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft MHK, calling for the principles of humanity and equality to be adopted in Manx abortion reform.

At the time of this notice has been released, the petition had already gained almost 4,000 signatures.

The petition says to Mrs. Beecroft, “in keeping with the Island’s proud history, we urge you to advocate and ensure that Manx abortion laws are reformed in a way that reflects the principles of humanity and equality that should always animate and inform our politics”. Specifically, it gives examples of policy proposals developed by HEAR:

1. Bolstering support for women in unplanned pregnancies;
2. Repealing discriminatory abortion for disability, whilst also providing the best prenatal care for parents who are given such a diagnosis for their baby;
3. Tightening conscience protections for medical professionals;
4. Strengthening mental health safeguards and provision of psychiatric care.

The Petition ends by asking Mrs. Beecroft to, “[p]lease ensure that Tynwald remains a ‘cutting edge’ Parliament, by introducing just and humane abortion reform that increases right-to-life protections for unborn children, and compassionate support for their parents”.

HEAR spokesperson Hannah Grove, said:

“Now that we have a new Government, it is imperative that everyone who wants an Isle of Man that is humane, egalitarian, and progressive, calls upon Tynwald to introduce reforms that will make our laws and medical practice better protect and serve unborn children and pregnant mothers equally.

By better recognising the humanity and equal rights of the baby in the womb, regardless of their disability or ability, and by providing full and proper support to parents in every pregnancy situation, our Island can continue to lead the way as a 21st century society in providing compassion and care for every member of the Manx, and wider human family.”

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