Statement on Comments by Rebecca Long Bailey

With regard to recent comments made by Rebecca Long Bailey, Abortion Rights reiterates its position that abortion must be normalised, not stigmatised. 

Long Bailey, a candidate for Labour Leadership, has said that she “unequivocally supports woman’s right to choose” but does not agree with allowing abortion on the grounds of disability after the standard limit of 24 weeks, stressing this was her personal view and would not affect policy.

During an interview she gave to representatives of Salford’s Catholic cathedral during the 2019 election campaign, Long Bailey detailed her position on abortion, stating that while she “would never contemplate an abortion”, she believes there must be a discussion on what a “comprehensive, safe, properly regulated approach would be”.

Abortion Rights Chair Kerry Abel said:

“Abortion is a common medical procedure that one in three women undergo. 

“Abortions in cases of foetal abnormalities are often wanted pregnancies and often fraught decisions, with many factors at play, including the health of the woman. 

“Abortion Rights does not comment on what a good abortion or bad abortion is. The only person who can make that decision is the pregnant woman in that situation.

“Any attempt to restrict or stigmatise the decision cuts to the core of a woman’s right to choose. We’d ask Rebecca to consider her words carefully.

“I urge Rebecca to get in touch with our campaign and discuss with us the issues faced by women who make decisions about their pregnancies. This is not simply a philosophical debate about personal views.”

Ends 

Notes to Desk:

• Media contact for comment and interviews:  Kerry Abel, National Chair, Abortion Rights (07979 535242)
• Abortion Rights is the UK pro-choice campaign, working to defend and extend abortion rights and provide a pro-choice voice to the media.
• The current legal time limit for abortion in England, Scotland and Wales is 24 weeks in most circumstances.
• Read Abortion Rights full position statement on abortion and  foetal abnormality here
• Please visit our website www.abortionrights.co.uk and follow us on Twitter @Abortion_Rights