A group that’s campaigning against abortion reform says there are a number of problems with the proposed bill on the subject.

The Humanity and Equality in Abortion Reform (HEAR) campaign’s submission to the public consultation suggests that the new law would formally introduce abortion ’on demand’, for any reason, up to 14 weeks.

This includes formally legalising sex-selective abortion, it says.

Its list of other complaints include that it:

Informally allows for abortion on demand as happens across [in England], up to 24 weeks through widely interpretable ’health’ and ’social’ grounds. This would informally enable sex-selective abortion up to the third trimester.

Worsens disability discrimination in the law, introducing abortion for disability up to birth, and enabling the informally eugenic ’screening out’ of babies with impairments.

Removes criminal penalties for women who self-abort, taking away the ability of the courts to flexibly exercise justice as well as mercy in different circumstances.

Undermines conscience protections

Removes protections for unborn babies to be born alive and cared for after late terminations.

HEAR spokesperson Sue Richardson said: ’We already have law that, while not perfect, is far better than the system across, and the inhumane and extreme proposals contained in the Bill Dr Alex Allinson MHK is putting forward.

’We call the draft Bill "regressive" because it is the opposite and antithesis of "progressive".

’t would worsen inequality and discrimination in the law, and coarsen and dehumanise our medical system. Real progress would see a greater recognition of the equal humanity and dignity of unborn children to the rest of the human family, and create greater compassionate care for women and couples who experience unplanned pregnancy and their babies.

’The Isle of Man does not need abortion on demand. That is the dark road down which Britain went, and from which we learnt. What we need is be even more the caring and compassionate society we have always been by rejecting British-style abortion, and better supporting pregnant mothers and their unborn children.

’In recognising that both lives matter, and that every life counts within the womb and without, we can express real solidarity with every member of our society.’

The government consultation about new Abortion Reform Bill got nearly 3,000 responses.

The consultation on the bill - allowing terminations in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and loosen restrictions thereafter - closed last week.

The number of responses dwarfs other consultations from government. The contentious suggestion to charge for prescriptions attracted only 270 responses.

Under the present legislation, abortions can be carried out only if a pregnancy is the result of rape or because of mental health concerns.

The consultation follows a decision in January by Tynwald to redraft abortion laws.

Campaigners on both sides of the debate have spoken up.

Malcolm Newton from pro-life group Life Isle of Man has sent ’Life Before Birth’ leaflets from anti-abortion group Life Charity to MHKs urging them to vote against the bill.

The Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) said the leaflet contains ’distressing (and inaccurate) images’ and will contact all MHKs and MLCs in due course ’not to scaremonger but to present our less emotive but just as powerful message.’