Petition · past parliament
Remove the right to abort up to 40 weeks if there is a risk of disability
Closed
54 signatures
What the petition asks
It is an unethical decision in that there is not always a definite yes that the child will have a disability. Ground E specifically states ''risk''. Therefore there is also a possibility of a ''normal'' child being aborted. Ground E is seen as treating a disease. Disability is not a disease
The Abortion Act 1967 section 1(1)(d) Ground E allows a woman to terminate her pregnancy at full term (40 weeks) if there is a risk of the child having a disability. Surely the mother of the child would know of any risk factors prior to 40 weeks. The decision to abort could be made at the normal limit of 24 weeks. Healthcare professionals such as RNLD's provide and empower quality of life for people with disability. To terminate after 24 weeks due to ''risk'' of disability is discrimination.
Timeline
| 24 Nov 2015 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 24 May 2016 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
54
Status
Closed
Opened
24 Nov 2015
Closed
24 May 2016
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.