Disability campaigner to challenge UK abortion law in ECHR

Heidi Crowter - image SPUC

Source: CARE

Under current UK law, abortion is permitted up to birth, if a preborn baby is disabled. In November last year, campaigner Heidi Crowter challenged this legislation, but England's Court of Appeal decided against her in a ruling condemned by disability rights groups. Describing this as "downright discrimination", Heidi Crowter is now taking her case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Ross Hendry, CEO of Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) , which backs Heidi's case, said: "The fact UK law permits abortion up to birth in cases involving disability is disturbing. Would we accept legislation enshrining abortion on the grounds of race, or sex? The current approach sends a message that disabled lives are worth less.

"It's disappointing that Supreme Court judges won't hear Heidi's hugely important case, but we commend Heidi's determination to continue her fight to the ECHR. A ruling in her favour would have positive implications across Europe - not just for disabled people but the whole of society and how we respect every person equally.

"Whatever the outcome, we pray that in time, whether it is through the courts or the parliamentary process, the UK will end regressive disability abortions."

CARE provides analysis of social policy from a Christian perspective. For more information see: https://care.org.uk/