Family Planning Association launches campaign to protect 24-week abortion limit » Communities » 24dash.com

The Family Planning Association (fpa) today launched its campaign to protect the current 24-week time limit for abortion.

The time limit is currently under attack by anti-abortion groups and MPs who want to deny women access to the procedure.

The campaign is supported by celebrities such as Jo Brand, Janet Ellis, Polly Toynbee, Beverley Turner and Dr Miriam Stoppard.

Hosted on fpa’s website, the campaign features postcards, case studies, a petition, myth busters, celebrity support and a Facebook profile.

Over 10,000 ‘Women need 24 weeks for a reason’ postcards have already gone out telling MPs why they should vote to keep the current time limit. Over a thousand people have already signed an online petition hosted by ipetitions.com.

Casting a light on the women behind the abortion statistics is the purpose of the Real Women, Real Stories section, where three women share their honest and touching accounts about having an abortion.

Other features includes Separating Fact from Fiction – the truth about abortion, details of all the scientific evidence proving why the time limit must stay the same, as well as information about late abortion, why women need it, and why their rights must be protected.

Julie Bentley, fpa Chief Executive, said: ”For the first time in eighteen years, the issue of abortion is going to be scrutinised through a Government Bill in parliament.

"The most vulnerable women needing a late abortion are the ones who stand to lose if the time limit is cut.

"In line with all the current ethical, medical and scientific thinking fpa, as proud advocates of women’s right to choose, will be fighting hard to protect the time limit from any changes.”