MPs debate NI abortion extension

The bill has proved consistently controversial during its passage

MPs are due to debate an amendment to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill later which would extend the 1967 Abortion Act to Northern Ireland.

On Monday, pro-life campaigners handed in a petition with more than 100,000 signatures to Downing Street.

Pro-choice campaigners have also travelled to Westminster to make their case for the bill.

It is thought the government might use procedural tactics, so MPs run out of time to put the proposal to a vote.

MPs have previously rejected proposals to lower the upper time limit for abortions from the current 24 weeks.

Many Labour backbenchers are sympathetic to the amendment, but it is thought the government may try to run the clock down, arguing that the amendments are not central to the main purpose of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

The reason abortion law can be dealt with at Westminster rather than Stormont is because it is considered a matter of criminal justice, which is yet to be devolved to the assembly.

Abortion is illegal in Northern Ireland except in exceptional medical circumstances, such as when the mother's health is at risk.

If approved, the bill would result in the most significant shake-up of fertility laws, including the use of stem cell research, for 20 years.