Washington, D.C. (20 June 2008) – In what is fast becoming known as the "abortion capital of Europe," Britain saw the number of abortions performed on girls under 14 rise by 21 percent and is considering legislation to increase the availability of contraceptives and sex education to solve the problem.
Abortion in the United Kingdom is at a record high, reaching more than 200,000 preborn children killed in 2007, according to statistics released this week by the U.K. Department of Health. Abortion has been legal in the country since 1969.
"Britain’s odious abortion record is the natural product of the U.K.’s complete disregard for the sanctity of human life," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League. "However," Brown continued, "tossing contraception and more abortion at the problem will only intensify the human pain and loss of life."
Most disturbing among the findings is the increase in abortions performed on girls 14 and younger – from 135 in 2006 to 163 in 2007.
Parliament’s response to what U.K.’s Guardian calls the failure of government sexual health strategies is more contraception, suggested mandatory sex-education in the elementary schools and easier access to abortion.
"A policy review is now under way in which Whitehall advisers are thought likely to recommend that parents should no longer be allowed to withdraw children from sex and relationship lessons. Primary schools may also be required to give sex education for the first time," the Daily Mail reports.
"Today's data suggests the government's contraception and sexual health strategies are failing," admits the Guardian.
The statistics come just a month after Parliament rejected a motion to lower the time limit on abortions from 24 weeks to 20 weeks.
"The insanity that says easier access to sex education and contraception will somehow reduce the number of abortions is based on a lie. It is in fact a recipe for disaster that will result in tragic loss of life for preborn children and agonizing regret and depression for young people," Brown said. "The United States should see a grisly vision of its future if we continue along the same deadly path as England."
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or press inquiries, please contact Katie Walker at 540.659.4942.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- Guardian: Abortions hit all-time high, with more terminations for under-16s (20 June 2008)
- The Daily Mail: Abortions for under-14 girls have soared by 21 percent (20 June 2008)
- Medical News Today: FPA Reacts to Department of Health's Abortion Statistics 2007, UK (20 June 2008)