I agree with lucy.xxx

I think some people think women who abort think they use it as a form of contraception but they definitely don't!! Lots of women fall pregnant on failed contraception and if they used contraception and it failed they are more than entitled to terminate an unwanted pregnancy!

Someone commented that they should give the baby up for adoption - get real!! Do you know how hard it is physically and mentally give birth to a baby then they give the baby away because they aren't in the right position to provide for a baby emotionally and financially? Not to mention the heartache that follows that child into adulthood knowing their birth mum didn't want them?? My cousin is adopted and when he found out it destroyed him, he went off the rails, tried to find his mum and he was a mess for a long time.

12 weeks when you see your baby scan at 12 weeks it looks like a tiny baby so after than i think it shouldnt be allowed unless exceptional circumstances x

I've see how formed a baby looks at 9 weeks so I would say around 6 weeks. At 9 week a baby might be small but it's big enough to hold in your hand and know what it is.

I agree if there are medical reason at 20 week scan or there would be serious issues with the mother if the pregnancy continued but you would know that well before 20 weeks. I don't can't see why abortions after 20 weeks take place when 2-3 weeks later that baby could be removed and looked after in special care and be given to a loving family.

I think the current law is fine and should not be changed.

Me an my oh agreed that if 20 week scan showed anything majorly wrong with baby we would consider abortion. Well I hear so many stories of people being advised to terminate an everything being completly fine in the end! That scares me a lot

My SIL was told her baby had something wrong with her at 20week scan and was pushed in to aborting. Personally I think this is too late and also I think its ridiculous of doctors.

Baby is fine shes a fit and healthy 2 year old!x

Well after 7 weeks there's a heart beat so id say then really ?

For a normal termination you can't go over 12 weeks but from 12-24 they have to kill the baby and then you give birth to it which is sad really :(

I think that's way to late to even attempt it

i don't care what people think really, but I had an abortion when I was 14 weeks pregnant. I had just turned 16 and only been with my boyfriend 3 months. I was at college and he was living in a b&b. it really wasn't ideal!! at the time I didn't realise how far gone 14 weeks actually was as I didn't see the scan and had never been pregnant before! they told me at 14 weeks the baby was a tiny little blob. but after having a baby 3 years later I have seen that it's not just a blob at 14 weeks! I was young and it all happened so quick. I'm happy with the decision I made as we was definitely not ready for a baby but I do feel guilty as I was so far gone, but I had only just found out! I then made sure I took the pill everyday and didn't have anther accident until I was ready and mature enough for a baby! people moan about abortions but then they also moan when kids or alcoholics/druggies have babies and they end up in care!!

At 6 weeks they can detect a heartbeat so really I think that's a baby. I don't agree with termination unless it's for medical reasons

I wouldn't even say 12 weeks. 4-6 weeks somewhere on there. I had a miscarriage at 11 weeks and had to go through labour and have birth to a little baby boy. People tried telling me it's just a blood clot at that stage he was an actual baby all developed so I think even 11 weeks is too late. I do think a baby is a baby from conception but technically it's actually not. Doesn't have a heartbeat straight away and of I was to ever think of abortion it wouldn't happen if I was later than 4 weeks.

Parents normally find out that a baby has serious abnormalities at the 20 week scan, that's why abortion is legal until 24 weeks.

Tbh is a baby any more of a baby at 24 weeks than at 4 weeks? I don't think theres ever a 'right' time. When is a baby a baby? Some people think from conception, some people think its when theres a heart beat others think that its after birth.

Its one of those things thats down to personal choice. Could I give birth to a baby that I knew wouldn't live? Could I have an abortion? I don't know. I think anyone who has a legitimate reason for an abortion should have the right to have one.

I think the reason why there are more people getting abortions is because women have so many more rights and choices over their own bodies. We realise that we're no long living in times where women were made to put up and shut up. And I dont think there are huge numbers of when having multiple terminations either, there are some but I don't think it is a common thing.

My opinion is 8 weeks, by 12 weeks it's not a bunch of cells anymore and it's a living person. I agree there are extreme circumstances like if a child would not physically survive and it was prolonging the heartache, even in that situation I couldn't terminate if rather go through till the end and at least get to meet my baby and hold it and comfort it till that last breath. Each person is different though. But as for 24 weeks being the allowed time that's ridiculous if a woman has carried a baby that long then decides she doesn't want it she's selfish and irresponsible in my opinion. If the time limit was less then less women would be using it as a form if contraception and and actually realise the consequences of there actions xx

Exactly but I wasn't bashing your opinion just pointing out there are other choices besides abortion and you personally attacked me therefore as pp said your the closest one to bashing anyone for an opinion!!!

No I agree not all women make the choice willy nillly but now a days more do (and see it as a form of contraception) than they used to as it's much easier than it ever!!!

I wasn't talking to you hun, I was referring to Caketin comments on this post and others.

No ones bashed anyone? All I've seen is people stating their person opinions.

I haven't seen anyone say anything like "all woman who get abortions are vile etc". I actually think people have done well with the subject, I thought this would end in disaster.

The closest to bashing (unless I missed some posts) I've seen is you for not agreeing with their opinion. Ok you are pro choice we get that. They are not saying they want rules changed to bend to their views. They just personally are not comfortable with the idea if it or after a certain time period.

I personally think it is disturbing that people have such strong views over another person's choices when it comes to their body and their womb. Do you think women just decide to have a termination willy nilly - no they don't. It's heartbreaking and something that you never get over BUT that is the right decision for them. There's no sisterhood anymore, women seem to bash and judge other women all the time and that makes me sad. I'm not just talking about on bb on mean in life in general. Makes me sad.

xXxLxXx, your reply brought a tear to my eye...

I think you're all getting off the beating track here and arguing amoungst yourselves as to whether abortion should be allowed full stop, that wasn't what foulkys original question was! It's such a personal decision with so many grey areas and situations. I know for a fact that I don't want another baby now but my dr won't consider sterilising me yet. That doesn't mean I'm going to use the pill, implant, coil and make oh wear 5 condoms just to be 1000000000% sure.

I completely agree with rebecca!!

Rebecca how was I bashing your opinion I'm clearly stating that there are choices without having to kill a human being!!! No matter what you say as most have said at 12 weeks when most find out those 'cells' are already a human form!!!!

I also think there should be a limit on how many times a women can terminate a pregnancy. I used to live near a girl who had 7 in under two years. I think this is what causes more problems.... Doing it for the wrong reasons

To be completly honest I don't totally DISAGREE with abortions (in the right situation) but when it's used as a contraceptive or something like that it's totally wrong xx

i no someone who didnt find out she was pregnant till she was 24 weeks and she had been drinkin heavily and taking drugs and wanted an abortion as she didnt no who the dad was an she already has a 16 year old daughter. in this case she wasnt aloud termination but her little boy is not looked after properly, he was just left in a bouncy chair or walker when he was a baby, she has left him home ALONE while she goes out to get vodka. ive reported her so many times as it was all little things that added up like she was giving him a dummy that had mould growing inside the teat an wouldnt buy more. i looked after him on a few occassions to try to help but she asked someone else to have him after i reported her. his 19 months now an was born the day after my lg. she still gives him baby food jars for a 7 month old and he still cant walk because his leg muscles r so weak from being left in a walker all day everyday. it makes me so sad for him :( if she had been aloud a termination then that little boy wouldnt have to suffer the neglect. shes not even a trampy person and she works etc and has no money problems its all because she resents him for 'ruining' her life instead of seeing how that little man could make her life worth living. i even tried shouting at her because of the things shes said about him, nothing works.

Robyn - you've completely blown my mind. I didn't think of that!! I'm glad I'm not the one making the laws. So many gray areas!

I suppose there are a million reasons why the current cut off point is 24 weeks. I love reading people's opinions though. Thank you everyone who's commented so far.

Rebbecca they are not 'disturbing' it is just how people feel. they are not aggressively campaigning for changes in the law, they are stating an opinion on an app. They are not being malicious in stating their opinions.

No one thinks you are disturbing for being glad of this freedom of choice, which many people view as murder or do not agree with etc. It's a two way street. You may not agree but no need to make anyone feel bad for how they feel on such an intimate/personal/emotive subject.

Prior to the legalisation of abortion women often died in back door abortions in an attempt to end their pregnancies. Or were so severely injured they couldn't have children again. These untrained 'doctors' targetted young and vulnerable women for a profit. There were also cases of women commiting suicide because they felt so trapped. The cases of abandoned babies was also alot higher. And unfortunately so were the cases of infanticide. Its not something that goes away, if you make something illegal it just becomes something darker.

Josie cunninghams reasons for late abortion are rare, and the nhs would not do it. Which is why she's had such a huge reaction.

You know, some of the views on here about abortion is quite frankly disturbing. Sounds very much like some of you would be happy to live in a roman Catholic state where abortions are illegal. I thank God that we in the UK are allowed to make choices about our own bodies and lives. Personally I think there are too many babies born in this world that are unloved, unwanted and uncared for and that breaks my heart. The subject isn't black and white, it's complex and a very very personal choice.

Caketin, you seem to like to bash and judge other women (seen your comments on other posts). I will not justify my opinion - I am a feminist, a proud one and I will not judge another woman to make a LEGAL decision over her body and her womb, it's not my place to do so and it's definitely not yours either.

Rebecca you say every woman should have a choice over their womb.... Well every woman has ample opportunity to prevent unwanted pregnancies!!!! You say birth control fails well if their that sure then they would be happy to use 2 forms ie pill and condom!!!! That's safer sex plus they would be seriously unlucky for 2 to fail at once!!!! ;-) there's the choice!!!!!

Every person has their own opinion but I think women who have very good reason such as rape/health concerns ect should be aloud an abortion. I know you can fall pregnant on contraception but if you really didn't want a baby you would do everything you could to stop yourself getting pregnant. I first seen my baby at 10 weeks & he already looked like a miniature baby by then and could see him moving his tiny arms and legs and his heart beating.

I think this is a subject that everyone will have an opinion in! I personally do not agree with abortion except for the cases where the baby or mothers healthy (or life or death are at risk) or is the result of a rape! I understand that not all contraception is 100% but if you are ready to have sex surely you should be ready to face the consequences of what may become of the act? There are so many people who can not have children unfortunately and people use abortion as a contraceptive method!

You never know how you're going to react in certain situations until you're in them. Im pro choice but I personally would never have an abortion. But then you never know, I may be faced with a difficult situation.

I am pro life, but certainly wouldn't campaign infront of family planning clinics judging everyone who goes in!

I have, like a pp said, said that rape, incest or serious health issues should be the only reasons a woman could terminate. But that got me thinking that wouldn't that being a law cause a lot more 'rape' cases, potentially ruining a man's life just because a woman wants a legal abortion. Hmmm... Difficult one...

I am a MASSIVE pro choice supporter. I think that a woman has a right to make her own choices about her womb and her life. I don't think a woman should be judged for wanting to terminate a pregnancy whatever that reason may be. But I also believe that it should be before 23 weeks which is when a pregnancy is classed as viable. I know that there will be plenty of people that will disagree with my opinion though xx

It's such a tricky one. If you say before the heartbeat then that doesn't give you very long to find out you're pregnant, particularly for people like me who have incredibly irregular cycles and don't know when I'm meant to have a period from one month to the next, I can go 3 months without one at all and birth control can fail! On the other hand 12 weeks they are a proper little baby! Agree with a few pps though people do use abortion far too much as a form of contraceptive almost. Its a impossible one to answer I think x

Didn't it use to be 18 weeks?

I think anytime before they have a heartbeat! As when they have a heartbeat they are a little living baby! Xx

Most abortions are carried out within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Medical reasons is a very loose term, mental health must also be included. In the vast majority of cases abortion is not an easy decision to make, and not taken lightly. The cut off point is 24 weeks, but abortions that late are rare. And are usually due to medical reasons. Its 24 weeks so it gives parents a sufficient enough time to consider whether to continue with the pregnancy if theres an abnormality found at 20 weeks. If the cut off point was 21 weeks for example that would mean the parents only have seven days to think about it, therefore they might make a rushed decision.

I agree 12wks..possible earlier.i saw a video of ababy after a termination (not by choice before I could realise what it was I had already seen enough ?)and it really scarred me..most people find out roughly 5 6 7 wks pregnant so I don't get why people wait til there further gone that's what pisses me off!im pro choice you know sometimes contraception fails and it's not the right time etc..but don't wait til your 14 plus wks gone to do it!i reckon there should be atime frame so if you want a termination you have say 2wks..cos we all know how much ababy changes in your womb in 2wks ? x

I don't even no what is the cut of point now. I always said when I was younger if I got pregnant id get rid. But from the moment the test turned positive I couldn't even think about it. Then I mmc second time sound I was so scared to lose my baby Iv loved my baby since the moment I saw the test and even more when I got to see the hart beat and it dancing around for me. I don't think they should be aloud any time but as long as it's for a good reason each to there own I couldn't live with myself after what iv been through. I don't mean to sound mean or upset anyone.

Personally I think they should only legally be allowed if for medical reasons or trauma such as rape victims etc!!!!

Too many people use abortions as a form of contraception now a days!!!

I use to be pro choice. But since actually being pregnant my thoughts have changed. I never thought of a 12 week old baby being alive in there but that scan blew my mind. They arent just a bundle of cells an nerve endings.

But to tell a raped woman you have to carry that unwanted child an be reminded everday. I would consider that emotional stress that would fall under medical reasons. It's called mental health for a reason I guess.

Apart from medical issues I think the mother's age should be taken into consideration too and the situation i.e. what if she was raped? 12/13 year old children shouldn't be pressured into keeping a baby either just because they are 'healthy' IMO.

Btw, I'm totally aware of the fact that I'm arguing with myself here! Lol. My son is napping, my house is clean and I'm not meeting my friend till 2.30pm so I'm bored!

Yea I know what you mean foulky I don't think personally I could at 12 weeks as with my lg she was wriggling about at my 12 weeks scan & I could see her little foot X

I agree with 12 weeks too but deep down think that might even be too late as I saw my little boy putting his foot in his mouth on the 12 week scan and wriggling around and his tiny heart was beating away :-/ don't their hearts start beating at 5/6 weeks? :-(

I think before 12 weeks at the very latest X

Such a hard subject. At what point are they no longer a bundle of cells? At 12 week scan I saw her wriggling about no way I can deny that she wasn't alive, I saw her move when her heartbeat. A heartbeat is normally a definition of if something is alive or not surly?

I think it's do hard to judge. Medical reasons a whole different ball game.

But because you plain dont want the baby? I think it's to hard for me to decide, I guess where I have never had an unwanted pregnancy I've not been in the situation. Def think it's too easy to not think about actions an just use abortion as a form of contraception.

Never unless its for medical reasons or maybe due to rape/incest. X

12 weeks max

I don't know. But I do think the current limit is too late.

I would have said 12 weeks but some people don't find out their pregnant for months so things like that also need to be taken in consideration.

Personally I think before 12 weeks ( at the very latest) unless it's a medical reason xx