Some church leaders say there are ’strictly limited’ conditions when abortion may be ’morally preferable’ to any alternative.

An article on the Church of England website for the Isle of Man was published under the heading Abortion Reform Bill: A Reflection from the Diocese of Sodor and Man.

It came as MHKs consider whether to reform abortion regulations.

This week they unanimously passed the Abortion Reform Bill’s second reading.

The article stated: ’The Church of England combines strong opposition to abortion with a recognition that there can be - strictly limited - conditions under which it may be morally preferable to any available alternative.

’It bases this view on the understanding that the foundational right of every human being is the right to life, and, further, that the foetus is a human life with the potential to develop relationships, think, pray, choose and love.’

The article added: ’Every possible support, especially by church members, needs to be given to those who are pregnant in difficult circumstances, and care and compassion must be shown to all, whether or not they continue with their pregnancy.’

It called for the case for further reductions of the time limit for abortions to be ’sympathetically considered’ on the bases of advances in neo-natal care.

The article continued: ’The experience of pastoral care recognises that women facing an unwanted pregnancy realise the gravity of the decision they face and do not take it lightly: all abortions are tragedies, since they entail judging one person’s welfare against that of another (even if one is, as yet, unborn).

’More support needs to be offered, including access to information, advice, and counselling from a wide range of providers, that would enable women to make a fully informed decision.’

It urged for more money and energy to be spent tackling the root causes of unwanted pregnancies.

’This must involve strategies to avoid conception, such as positive and respectful education in relationships for both boys and girls, increasing aspirations for girls in areas of deprivation, reducing poverty, and enabling a climate of responsible relationships, rather than viewing abortion as a readily accessible solution to personal or social problems.’

It could be some time before there is a change in the law.

The Bill will next have to go through the clauses stage, where MHKs will go through the proposed law in fine detail.