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Dr Kate Greasley, Lecturer at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Faculty of Laws, took part in the BBC Radio 4 programmeÌýÌýhosted by ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Laws on Monday 9 October 2017.

The programme, recorded in front of staff and students from the Faculty only, is a special edition that marks the 50^thÌýAnniversary of the Abortion Act.

The programme discussed whether it is time for abortion to be treated like any other medical procedure that is regulated by the General Medical Council.

About the programme

On one hand, since the 1967 law, under which terminations were made legal for the first time in limited circumstances, social attitudes and technology have now changed. You can now buy abortifacient pills on the internet – although it still remains illegal to take them –Ìý and many doctors support the official line of the British Medical Association which wants abortion to be decriminalised completely.

On the other hand, experts argue that the Act has been too liberally interpreted and they want the law to be tightened to protect the rights of ‘pre-born children’ and their mothers.

Dr Greasley said:

‘It was extremely interesting to observe how this topic is discussed in the public arena. The spirited discussion at the end of the event highlighted the need for clarity about the law and cogency in the ethical arguments – vitally important when reflecting on our current abortion policies.’

Dr Kate Greasley with presenter Michael Burke

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