ABSTRACT
In the 1970s and 1980s, the BMA approved policy statements supporting the 1967 Abortion Act as a ‘practical and humane piece of legislation’ and calling for its expansion to Northern Ireland. The BMA does not consider abortion to be unethical, but as with any act having profound moral implications, the justifications must be commensurate with the consequences. The BMA’s advice to its members is to act within the boundaries of the law and of their own conscience. Patients are, however, entitled to receive objective medical advice regardless of their doctor’s personal views for or against abortion. Furthermore, a doctor could be sued for damages if, because of a failure to refer, a delay is caused which results in the woman being unable to obtain a termination.
