Modernisation of the Isle of Man’s abortion laws moved a step closer in the House of Keys this morning.

MHKS voted to accept amendments made by the Legislative Council to the Abortion Reform Bill.

They also agreed some additional changes lodged this morning.

These new amendments were placed by Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East) and Chief Minister Howard Quayle, but were largely technical, aiming to tighten certain parts of the bill in relation to counselling services available for women after a termination, the definition of ’treatment’, which clarifies the extent of conscientious objection, and a strengthening of the position to prevent sex-selective abortions.

Although the latest alterations were agreed unanimously, it does mean the bill has to go back to the Legislative Council next week for agreement to the final changes.

Supporters of the bill are hopeful this will not cause any delay, as it should still be possible to have it ready to go to the next sitting of Tynwald on November 20, when it will need to be signed off and sent for royal assent, before it can become law.

At this morning’s sitting, Dr Alex Allinson (Ramsey), who drafted the bill and guided it through the House of Keys, said the bill was ’a piece of law crafted by all members of Tynwald, which I believe we can be justly proud of’.

Once the bill becomes law, abortion will be permitted upon request up to 14 weeks, under specified circumstances including ’serious social grounds’ during the 15-24-week period, and in certain emergency or serious situations after 24 weeks.

Provision has also been included to create ’access zones’ around medical centres to protect women and medics from harassment.

This morning’s proceedings were watched by members of the Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation.

Spokeswoman Lynn Dawson praised Dr Allinson and thanked everyone who had supported reform.

She added: ’We know that women who’ve had abortions, for whatever reason, have been stigmatised and ignored for too long and we’re proud that our campaign has helped to make this a thing of the past.’