A UK campaign ’We’re All Equal’ opposes the abortion law reform proposals saying it amounts to ’disability discrimination’.

It says that it would be a ’backward step’ to allow abortions up to birth if there is a substantial risk that the child would suffer mental or physical abnormalities that would result in a serious handicap.

In addition, it says that protections against disability discrimination would be weakened as only one doctor would need to be called upon to make the decision.

Disability rights campaigner and severely disabled member of the House of Lords, Kevin Shinkwin, said: ’This proposed law is dangerous and demeaning. In effect, it would say that, after birth, someone like me can be good enough for the Queen to send me to the House of Lords, but that right up to birth and because of my severe disability, I’m only good enough for the incinerator.

’Writing it into Manx law would bring shame upon the proud people of the Isle of Man. I urge anyone who believes in genuine equality to respond to the consultation and make clear that they will have nothing to do with such bigotry.’

Meanwhile, the Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) has published a YouTube video about the difficulties women living in the island face having to travel off-island for terminations.

The 105 women who are known to have travelled to the UK for an abortion in 2015 are represented by 105 pairs of shoes, donated by supporters. The real stories of women are voiced by actresses.

A spokesman said: ’We hope this film helps inform the current debate about lack of compassionate legislation surrounding this issue.’

Consultation on the Abortion Reform Bill, a private members bill from Dr Alex Allinson MHK, closes on September 18.

Visit consult.gov.im