Meaning of the Act
Sir: In an otherwise well-balanced piece (Liddle Britain, 25 October) Rod Liddle says ‘The intention behind David Steel’s [Abortion] Bill of 1967 was to prevent the maiming of women by back-street abortionists’.
No doubt it was, in part. But there is now a widespread notion that the Bill was a modest proposal which has gradually over four decades been broadened and misused. Yet Clause 2 of the eventual Act provides for legal termination not only if a woman’s physical health would be harmed by continuing the pregnancy, but also if her mental health would be. Obviously, ‘mental health’ can be interpreted to mean practically anything. Opponents of the Bill warned at the time that this would lead to abortion on demand, and that is exactly what has happened for 40 years. The everincreasing abortion figures Liddle quotes will appal many but should surprise no one.
M.G. Sherlock
Colwyn Bay, Wales
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