The entrenched views polarising abortion are well rehearsed, with the pro-choice and pro-life lobbies putting forward moral, ethical and religious arguments. In this article we aim to investigate in detail a small and particularly problematic aspect of abortion, that of termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality (TOPFA). The background to the growing number of TOPFA in the UK is an increasingly sensitive antenatal screening program, particularly the elements aimed at Trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome) and the widespread practice of routine ultrasound examination for structural malformations. The legal framework of the Abortion Act 1967 gives two doctors the responsibility of making the decision regarding a termination of pregnancy. However, there is a widespread perception of abortion on demand. In 2001 in England and Wales 22 per cent of all registered pregnancies were terminated,1 with 85 per cent of all TOPs undertaken in the first 12 weeks, usually within medical facilities supported by the National Health Service. Termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormality is, therefore, taking place against a background of wanted pregnancies, in which the women had the option of an earlier termination if they had wished to take this route.
展开▼
