Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990

The 1990 Human Fertilisation and Embrylogy Act is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Amongst other provisions, in section 37 it amends the Abortion Act 1967, which specifies the conditions where abortion is legal.

Women who consider abortion are referred to two doctors who then advise her whether abortion is suitable based on the decision of which of four conditions apply; only when the doctors reach a unanimous decision is the woman allowed to terminate pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be terminated under one of the following circumstances, if the pregnancy:
 * 1) puts the life of the mother at risk
 * 2) poses a risk to the mental and physical health of the pregnant woman
 * 3) poses a risk to the mental and physical health of the foetus
 * 4) shows there is evidence of extreme foetal abnormality i.e. the child would be seriously physically or mentally handicapped after birth and during life.

External link

 * Text of the Act