Abortion time limit cuts defeated
MPs have rejected moves to cut the abortion time limit from 24 weeks after a highly-charged Commons debate.
MPs have rejected moves to cut the abortion time limit from 24 weeks after a highly-charged Commons debate.
The Government also saw off cross-party dissent to push through new rules so doctors do not have to consider the need for a father when approving fertility treatment.
Tory-led proposals, backed by some Labour MPs including Cabinet ministers, for new abortion limits of 12, 16, 20 or 22 weeks were all defeated in a series of free votes.
The 22-week proposal, which had the personal support of Tory leader David Cameron, came the closest to success but was still comfortably rejected by 233 votes to 304, majority 71.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown voted against any reduction after insisting there was no medical evidence to justify a change in the law.
Pro-life campaigners said Parliament had defied overwhelming public opinion. They vowed to continue to fight for later abortions to be outlawed.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, Defence Secretary Des Browne and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy, all Roman Catholics, voted for the lowest limit available.