Chris Robertshaw's attempt to send the Abortion Reform Bill for more scrutiny has failed.The Douglas East MHK proposed that the House of Keys should send it to committee.Such a measure would have meant the issue would not be debated for some time and the law would take longer to pass.His motion, seconded by Ayre and Michael MHK Tim Baker, won the support of five MHKs.Eighteen voted against.Earlier the Abortion Reform Bill passed its second reading.New measures won unanimous support in the House of Keys.There will be a chance for further debate when a number of amendments are expected to be tabled, at the clauses stage in a fortnight's time.During the debate, the MHK behind the Abortion Reform Bill said politicians had for years turned a ‘blind eye’ to the plight of women forced to travel off-island for an abortion.

Dr Alex Allinson urged his colleagues not to send his bill to a select committee when debate got underway this morning (Tuesday).

The bill seems almost certain be granted a second reading later today – which covers the general principle of the bill. A number of members said there would be issues they wanted to examine further when it comes to the detailed clauses stage.

Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East) will seek to have the draft bill sent to a select committee, which would be given until the end of June to report back.

But Dr Allinson said there had been full consultation and numerous briefings for Tynwald members, which meant that there was no need to send his bill to a select committee, saying everyone already had access to all evidence and opinions and the clauses stage would allow the detailed scrutiny.

He said the Isle of Man had waited long enough to act and had let down its women.

Politicians had turned a ‘blind eye’ to the plight of women travelling off-Island for an abortion.

‘We have remained silent to their feelings of shame and guilt caused by a system we have allowed to persist,’ he said.

He called on members to have the ‘courage’ to allow the bill to go to straight to the clauses stage where MHKs could pick each component apart.

Mr Robertshaw indicated he would actually vote for the second reading of the bill, but had many concerns about its contents, which was why he thought a select committee was the best option.

He rejected the suggestion that it was a delaying tactic.

But he said it was vital that all potential consequences, evidence and opinions were fully considered, and witnesses called where necessary.

‘It must be the most profound piece of legislation any of us will have to deal with,’ he said.

By the time the House of Keys adjourned for lunch, 13 MHKs had spoken on the bill, with more expected to contribute to the debate this afternoon.

Presuming the bill is granted a second reading, Mr Robertshaw will then seek to have it sent to a select committee.

Current law allows termination in the island up to 24 weeks, but only 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, but women must provide an affidavit attesting to the cause of the pregnancy.

Terminations on social grounds are not permitted,

Reform campaigners argue the rules are too restrictive and force women to travel off-island or seek abortion pills on the internet.

Dr Allinson’s bill would allow for abortion on request up to 14 weeks. Up to 24 weeks it would be allowed for serious medical reasons, in cases of rape or sexual assault, or on ‘serious social grounds’.

After 24 weeks, an abortion may be permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as risk to the life of the woman or a chance of ‘grave’ long-term injury. Other provisions include serious risk of the baby dying before or after birth or suffering ‘significant impairment’ that would limit the length or quality of the child’s life.

The bill places strict restrictions on who can prescribe or supply abortions pills, but also makes clear that a pregnant woman seeking to obtain abortion pills would not be committing an offence.