British Section of the World Federation of Doctors Who Respect Human Life

Thursday, January 31, 2008

By Jo Steele

(Metro)

The debate over Britain's 24-week legal limit on abortions could be re-ignited after new research showed a dramatic improvement in survival rates for premature babies.

More than double the number are surviving now than 20 years ago at London's University College Hospital.

Only 32 per cent of babies born between 22 and 25 weeks survived in 1981 – that soared to 71 per cent in 2000.

On average around 50 per cent of Britain's most premature babies survive.

'This study is hugely important because it provides information on the survival rates that can be achieved with consistent levels of staffing and resources, and consistent ethical policies,' said Prof John Wyatt, of University College London.

The study also showed almost a quarter of very early babies were disabled.

When the abortion laws, introduced in 1967, were last amended 18 years ago premature babies had a survival rate of ten per cent.

Abortions may be performed up to 24 weeks if two doctors agree that continuing with the pregnancy involves a greater risk to the physical or mental health of the woman, or her existing children, than having a termination.