where I live women seeking 1sy trimester abortions are referred to the local hospital by either their GP or the C & SH service. Two signatures are not generally a problem, however there is a time delay of up to 2 weeks before they can be seen at the hospital. I believe that they should be seen at the hospital as many women are not sure of their dates, sometimes claiming to be in early pregnancy when in reality they are much further on, medical termination is not a suitable option in these cases.
Abortion is always an emotive issue and should never be undertaken lightly and proper counselling and time to consider options is essential.

Diane , Mansfield,

Every day people make choices ranging from the trivial and mundane to more complex and affirming. Having this freedom to choose is great. In a liberal democratic society, it is important and necessary that people have the right to choose how they live their lives.

However abortion is not about choosing for oneself, it's a choice that affects others: those that are concieved within the womb. It's one person's 'rights' dominating over another's. What choice does the mother's child have? Who choose's for him/her?

As for the for the argument that abortion relieves poverty and overpopulation, I find this to be nonsensical. Firstly, on this planet we live on, there is plenty food and wealth to go around. However, an unwillingness to share this wealth pushes the the gap between the rich and poor further apart. Secondly, this type of argument could also be used to justify any type of kiling, including genocide and war. 'Sorry there's not enough space in the world for us both!'

Brendan Rooney, Dublin , Ireland

I must say this will reduce the general practitioners imput in the general management of 1st trimester abortions. Most of the work and counselliing of clients who require 1st trimester abortions is carried out by the professionals at the Marie Stopes with practitioners providing the 'second signitary' for those seeking there services; this would probably suffice, it would definitely save precious GP appointments for clients who really need a phyician rather than a gynaecologist!

Dennis Okoh, London, London

I agree with taking the doctors out of the process. They have ended up effectively allowing abortion on demand, and inventing specious mental health reasons. Ironically the only women likely to be refused an abortion are the mentally ill.

This just compromises both the medical profession nd the legal system. If we are to have abortion, let's have some honesty about it.

Malcolm McLean, Bradford, UK

What about the unborn child? How can we live in a society where a human beings life is so easily destroyed? Surely the poor baby has rights also. Giving out pills as a solution to such a complex problem wont work - abortion should be a last resort and it’s unacceptable to just hand out a pill that will kill a baby. There are alternatives to abortion like giving the baby to a family that can’t produce their own children.

Morgan, Herts, UK

Where have I heard those words "perfectly safe" before? Ladies please demand the full facts before you go ahead.

Max , London,

Would you trust information from these people? They haven't yet explained why after 8 years of taking the pill, there is a hugely increased risk of cancer. We were told that the pill was 'perfectly safe' too.

Judy , Liverpool, england

I don't quite agree that it should be encouraged, however the government support of this prevents embarassement and further more discomfort of pregnant women when choosing to undertake such a procedure.

Stephen Flood, London, UK

decisions such as this are far too emotional and contextual to be decided by any sort of legality.

if someone is not prepared to bring another person into the world. then they should not be forced to do so.

its not "playing god." "god", as we are told so many times, does not interfere. therefore interfering is NOT!! playing god. end of.

danny, beckenham,

At last. Women must be able to control their own fertility.
When 'choice' is the modern mantra it's an insult to prevent women from freely making the choice as to whether they can afford to continue with a pregancy.

penelope loom, exeter,

Because abortion relieves overpopulation pressure and poverty any procedure that is not otherwise harmful to the mother should be encouraged with public funds and the full protection of the law.
sincerely
Clark Hemphill USA

Clark Hemphill, Bakersfield, USA California