Abortion Reform Bill gains royal assent

Legislation passes final hurdle

The Abortion Reform Bill has gained royal assent, meaning it has now passed into Manx law.

The wheels of change were set in motion two years ago, when Dr Alex Allinson MHK called upon the House of Keys to alter the legislative framework around abortion services on the Isle of Man.

At that time, it was thought more than 100 women sought terminations in the UK each year, at their own expense.

There was some public resistance to change - especially from campaign groups HEAR and Abort67 - with demonstrations from both sides wishing to put their views across.

In Tynwald today (Tues 15), the bill passed the final hurdle in the legislative process and now becomes law.

The Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation, known as CALM, says it is "delighted", adding the new law is "long overdue" and is calling the Department of Health and Social Care to enact the change as soon as possible.

The group says the Island now has "a workable law which will provide the best abortion service in the British Isles".

Manx Radio has contacted CALM for comment.