The pro-choice Handmaids Isle of Man opted to say it with cakes on their latest public appearance.

As Tuesday’s Examiner reported, the Four Handmaids, in their increasingly familiar uniform of red cloaks and veils, walked down Prospect Hill to the doors of the legislative buildings, where they delivered cakes and thank-you cards for Tynwald members, in acknowledgement of politicians’ consideration of abortion law reform.

It was a stark contrast to a controversial hard-line approach by some pro-life campaigners who sent postcards and graphic images to MHKs, warning that a vote in favour of Dr Alex Allinson’s Abortion Reform Bill could prove costly at the next election.

Several of the MHKs who were present to meet the Handmaids - whose dress code is based on Margaret Atwood’s classic novel The Handmaid’s Tale - said the different approaches had not gone unnoticed.

Garff MHK Martyn Perkins said: ’It certainly grabs the public attention.

’Some of the anti-abortion campaigners have bombarded people with postcards and pictures of aborted foetuses.

’To me, this (the Handmaids’ gesture) is probably a more effective way.’

As is the norm with Handmaids’ protests, since their first dramatic appearance at Tynwald Day, the women involved kept their anonymity.

Their spokesman said: ’This is about choice - and cheesecake.

’We would really like people to consider getting in touch with their MHKs to express their views and express why they should vote on their behalf.’

She added: ’Abortion is not suddenly going to become compulsory. It is so somebody has that option.’

Onchan MHK Rob Callister, who was also there to meet the Handmaids, said he had counted nine postcards received from opponents to reform. He said, where the sender had left contact details, he had tried to contact them.

’I think it is right that people protest how they feel, as long as it is a peaceful protest.

’Personally, I haven’t changed my opinion - the legislation is out of date.’

Douglas East MHK Clare Bettison pointed out that, although restrictive, abortion was already permitted in law.

’We are looking at reform of who that is available to.’

Consultation on Dr Allinson’s reform bill closed recently.

Up to 14 weeks, abortion would be available on request. For 15-24 weeks, it would be available if a woman’s life or health was in danger, or if the developing foetus had a fatal abnormality or a serious developmental defect.

After 24 weeks, termination would be allowed only if a termination was necessary to prevent ’grave permanent injury’ to the pregnant woman or if there was a ’substantial risk’ of the baby dying after birth or suffering a serious handicap.