Mum-to-be is dropped from BBC abortion show

A PREGNANT woman was dropped from a BBC television debate on abortion after being told that she might upset others taking part.

Former nurse Sarah Costerton was interviewed as a potential panellist for a new BBC2 programme Abortion On Trial, hosted by presenter Anne Robinson.

Mrs Costerton said programmemakers had seemed keen for her to participate but after being told her pregnancy might distress other participants or restrict what they felt able to say, she was told that she would not be required.

The married mother-of-three, 43, said: ‘They were worried it would inhibit people speaking freely or cause upset; that me being pregnant would offend people who opted for a termination. That’s what was said.’

Abortion On Trial, due to be broadcast on October 16, is billed as a debate among nine people with conflicting views about terminations to mark 50 years since the passing of the Abortion Act.

The anniversary has triggered a fierce national debate over the future of the law.

Mrs Costerton, from south London, was first considered because she refused to have an abortion suggested by doctors when she found her second daughter, Beth, now four, had Down’s syndrome.

A spokesman for the BBC said: ‘Abortion On Trial marks the 50th anniversary of the Abortion Act and asks whether the legislation reflects the views of modern Britain.

‘Production spoke to a wide range of potential contributors. It’s simply not true that anyone was not included on the grounds that their story might offend.’