Major step forward in abortion reform

The Isle of Man is set to radicallych an gewomen’s reproductive rights by decriminalising abortion in a “major step for ward”, the doctor spearheading the reform said.

The Abortion Reform Bill consultation received the most responses ever on the island, a self- governing crown dependency where abortion is only legal in limited circumstances.

More than 3,600 individuals and groups gave input – including one respondent who said she was filling out the form on behalf of her grandmother, who died as a result of a botched back- street abortion.

Its aim is tot akeab orti on“out of the realm of the criminal ju st ices ystem” and make it available “on request” to women in a broad range of circumstances, according to Alex Allinson, who was elected after placing the issue at the centre of his manifesto.