A blueprint of the bill proposing reformation to the Manx abortive law has been published for public discussion. The reformed bill would allow women to request termination of pregnancy whether by abortion pill kit or surgery – in the initial 14 weeks of pregnancy and loosen the restrictions of having pregnancy termination after that time limit as well.

Presently, abortions in Isle of man can only be carried out, given the pregnancy is the result of a rape or if continuing the pregnancy will jeopardize women’s mental health. In fact, less than 10 abortions happen on the island annually.

The online consultation comes after the judgement by the Manx parliament in beginning of the yearto allow reworking of the abortive laws. The Isle of Man administration stated that the bill would focus on the role of a quick non-biased counselling for all women to assist them study their choices and arrive at the right decision at an early stages of the pregnancy.

If the bill is passed, it would replace the Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1995

The new proposed abortion reform draft

The Isle of government granted leave in January for making amendments to the proposal legislation, after members voted 21 to 3 in favor to permit introduction of the bill.

The proposed improvements treat the three stages of pregnancy [ trimesters] independently –

• Up to 14 weeks of gestation – Abortion on request

Women within this gestation period are free to buy home abortion kit, i.e. medical abortion, or access aspiration or other method of abortion on request.

• From 15 weeks to 24 weeks’ pregnancy termination would be accessible for a number of social reasons:
1. If the woman’s’ life is in grave danger
2. If the growing fetus has a serious developmental defect
3. If the growing fetus has a fatal abnormality

• After 24 weeks of gestation, termination can only be carried out in exceptional cases like –

1. Where the woman’s life or health is at a serious risk
2. Where the fetus will remain seriously handicapped/ disabled if it survived birth
3. If the fetus has a fatal abnormality

The consultation document provides access to a diverse range of sources of proof regarding the present laws and situation for isle of man women seeking pregnancy termination in the UK.

The proposal also inquires whether the island should create “safety zones” around healthcare institutions to prevent any kind of protestors from causing distress to the staffs and patients.