The House of Keys needs to reflect society as well as be accountable to it.

That was the message from Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey), in his final House of Keys speech on the Abortion Reform Bill that he has successfully guided through the elected chamber, honouring an election pledge in the process.

He said: ’If this House is to retain the respect and trust of the electorate it must reflect our society as well as remain democratically accountable to it.’

Dr Allinson added: ’It is my hope that by tackling subjects such as abortion rights, equality, equal pay for equal work, sexual violence and educational opportunities Tynwald can continue to evolve and mature.

’The issues we tackle here have to be relevant to the community we serve and our deliberations and decisions should have a real positive impact.’

He said abortion reform was ’not just a feminist issue’, noting that in 2016 a sitting of Junior Tynwald had agreed a motion that the island’s abortion laws were outdated and needed to be reviewed.

’Legislation alone is not enough,’ said Dr Allinson.

’The principles of autonomy, consent and choice enshrined in this bill when passed will have to be implemented by the Department of Health and Social Care.

’Services will have to be organised and planned to provide clear access to abortion care.

’The challenge will then pass to the staff of the NHS to create a truly patient-centred system to make these words reality and these aspirations real.’