PASSIONS are invariably raised when the rights and wrongs of abortion are debated. It is an issue which continues to polarise opinions.
But even those who support the right of women to terminate an unwanted pregnancy should consider carefully the reservations of doctors about plans to make the procedure available in GP surgeries.
Dr Trevor Stammers, trustee of the Family Education Trust, warns: "Making it easier means we are going to have more and more women who, with hindsight, are going to have deep regrets due to a rushed decision."
More pragmatically, Dr Fiona Cornish, vice-president of the Medical Women's Federation, says that GPs are already under pressure carrying out minor surgery and asks whether to government would provide adequate funding for the latest initiative.
The Department of Health needs thoroughly to investigate the implications of these proposals before pressing ahead.