Jeremy Hunt criticised for taking ‘cavalier approach’ to women’s needs after abortion time limit comments

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I respect the fact other people have very different views and that’s why these matters are matters for free votes in the House of Commons.” But Mr Hunt attempted to quell consternation and anger on Monday by ruling out any changes to abortion law if he becomes the next PM – telling the BBC: “No government I lead will ever seek to change the law on abortion.” Abortion providers and abortion rights activists have hit out at the politician for his views – explaining that those who seek an abortion after 12 weeks often do so because they are in a highly vulnerable position. “Before Mr Hunt suggests radically reducing time limits, we would suggest he meets some of the women and pregnant people who need second-trimester abortions. Whether it is Northern Irish citizens having to arrange travel to England for abortion care, victims of domestic abuse, or simply those who have not had pregnancy symptoms, we need to trust women to decide what is right for them.” Ms Appleton said laws and policies blocking access to safe abortion across the globe mean that each year 25 million women resort to dangerous and unsafe methods to end an unintended pregnancy. Clare Murphy, of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, the UK’s largest abortion provider, noted women often need access to abortions after 12 weeks due to receiving the “devastating news” that something is wrong with a “much wanted pregnancy”.