Professor Wendy Savage, president of pro-abortion group Doctors for Choice UK, has sparked controversy with her remarks on the topic of late-term abortions. During a discussion on LBC radio about a specific case of a late-term abortion, Professor Savage seemed to suggest that the high number of baby deaths in the country justifies the deliberate ending of a viable baby’s life. Her statement has been widely criticized and branded as callous.
This is not the first time Professor Savage has faced criticism for her views. In 2017, she expressed support for sex-selective abortion, arguing that forcing a woman to go through with a pregnancy against her wishes would not be good for the child. She also called for the decriminalization of abortion.
The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), the abortion provider involved in the case being discussed, is now using the situation to lobby the government for a law change that would allow abortion up to birth. BPAS has openly stated its desire to remove all gestational time limits for abortion.
Right to Life UK, a pro-life organization, has condemned Professor Savage’s remarks and highlighted the discrepancy between her views and public opinion. A recent poll showed that 70% of women believe the current 24-week time limit for abortion should be reduced to 20 weeks or below, and only 1% of the general public believe abortion should be available up to birth. The poll also revealed strong support for explicitly banning gender-selective abortion.
Right to Life UK advocates for improved pregnancy and maternity care to help women facing difficult decisions, rather than resorting to ending the lives of babies in such circumstances. They are calling for in-person appointments before abortions to ensure gestational accuracy and are seeking a full inquiry into the BPAS for their involvement in a late-term abortion.