Abortion responses show wide support

Support for legal safe zones, banning protest

The responses to a nationwide consultation on reforming the Isle of Man's abortion laws will be published tomorrow (Fri).

More than three and a half thousand people - almost all of them Manx residents - gave their views during a six week survey brought forward by the Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson.

Of those who responded, 87% were in favour of legalising terminations for any reason up to 14 weeks into a pregnancy on the Island.

Almost as many believe it should be allowed beyond that point in extreme circumstances.

Two-thirds of responses agreed health workers should be allowed to opt-out of providing abortion services if they oppose it on ethical grounds.

There was also widespread support for legal 'safe zones' to be introduced banning protests outside abortion clinics.