Kenilworth's MP votes against continuing 'pills by post' abortion service

By James Smith

1st Apr 2022 | Local News

Jeremy Wright MP
Jeremy Wright MP

Kenilworth's MP was not among the 72 Conservative MPs that voted down the government's plans to end a "pills by post" abortion service.

Ministers had planned to end the two-year scheme, which began during the first national lockdown, in August 2022.

But the debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon saw members vote by 215 to 188 to force the government to continue the scheme indefinitely.

The service allows women in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy to take two tablets to end a pregnancy at home rather than in a clinic or hospital.

It has already been used by about 150,000 women since it began in 2020.

Labour MPs were joined by 72 Tories in continuing the option, but MP for Kenilworth and Southam Jeremy Wright was not among them.

Speaking to Nub News Mr Wright said members had not been given enough information to make the decision.

"It is misleading to describe the last two years as a 'trial period' when considering this practice," he said.

"During the pandemic period, exceptional arrangements were made to allow abortion pills to be taken at home where that had not previously been the case and it was not suggested at the time that this would become permanent.

"I do not think we should change these rules without a full and clear understanding of the relevant arguments and certainly not assume that a controversial practice needed for the unusual circumstances of the pandemic should be adopted permanently by default after very little consideration.

"That was why I did not support making the change permanent this week."

Wales has already made the decision permanent and Scotland is also set to have a similar vote.

Warwick and Leamington's Labour MP Matt Western voted in favour of extending the scheme, whilst Warwickshire's other two Tory MPs - Craig Tracey and Nadhim Zahawi - did not vote.

     

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