Keys hears from abortion experts

Unusual format for sitting

Technical elements of a significant overhaul of the Island's abortion laws have dominated today's House of Keys sitting.

In an unusual move, the chamber is effectively sitting as a committee to hear testimonies from expert witnesses as the Abortion Reform Bill 2018 enters its clauses stage.

International human rights activist Jasvinder Sanghera, UK Labour peer Lord Brennan QC, retired gynaecologist Bob Fayle, and legislative drafter Howard Connell have all been giving evidence to MHKs.

Topics including sex selection and women being coerced into undergoing terminations have come under scrutiny.

The debate continues this afternoon.

You can listen for yourself via the Tynwald website.