The Abortion Reform Bill would replace the 1995 Termination of Pregnancy Act, which states abortions can only be performed under limited conditions.

A termination can be carried out without time limit if it is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman or there is a substantial risk to her life or if there will be ’grave permanent injury’ to her physical or mental health.

If the pregnancy has exceeded 24 weeks, the surgeon must undertake the procedure in the manner most likely to preserve the life of the child.

Termination is legal up to 24 weeks where medical practitioners consider there is substantial risk the child will not survive birth, will die shortly afterwards or will be seriously handicapped.

Pregnancies resulting from rape, incest or sexual assault may be terminated up to 12 weeks. The woman must provide an affidavit attesting to the cause of the pregnancy.Terminations on social grounds are not allowable.

The consultation, available at www.consult.gov.im, closes on September 18.