Social Developments: Abortion Flashcards
When was Abortion made legal?
1967
How many illegal abortions did there use to be a year?
100,000
What organisation originally campaigned for abortion reform in 1945?
Abortion Law Reform Association
What event massively helped the Abortion law reform campaign?
The Thalidomide Incident
What was the Thalidomide incident?
Pregnant mother’s were given certain pills by doctors to help with morning sickness but the medication made the baby not form properly
What organisation was set up opposing abortion reform? What year was this?
The Society for the protection of the unborn child. Founded 1966
What did the society fear about abortion law reform?
It would result in overwhelming abortion numbers
Which MP heavily pushed Abortion Reform forward?
David Steel, a young Scottish liberal MP. It was a private members bill
Who was a strong opponent to Steel’s Abortion reform bill?
Leo Abse
What was unusual about Leo Abse’s opposition? What did he support?
He supported other social reforms like Divorce Laws and Homosexuality laws
What did Jenkins do to help the progress of the Abortion Bill?
He gave it debating time in The House of Commons
What was significant about David Steel’s position regarding his age and his location in politics?
He was only 29 years oldHe pushed through with the reform even only running a small constituency
How much did the public debate the Abortion reform laws?
More than the homosexual law reforms
Who were 3 politicians who opposed Abortion Reform?
Leo Abse, A Labour MP Baronness Barbara Wootton Catholic Minister Shirley Williams
