Twice in my career as an MP, I tried to push the legal limit for abortion in the UK down from 24 weeks to 20.
Both attempts were incredibly painful, not just politically but personally.
The debates were bitterly fought, and I quickly realized that a full reduction to 12 weeks, like in France and some other European countries, would never have stood a chance.
Even now, there are Labour MPs advocating for terminations up to birth.
Watching that unfold is deeply worrying, especially for someone like me, who has firsthand experience of the human consequences of late-term abortion.
A Trauma That Stays With Me
During my time as a nurse, I witnessed an aborted baby boy come into the world alive, breathe briefly, and then die.
That period in the UK allowed abortions up to 28 weeks.
Seeing that tiny life snuffed out is an image I cannot forget—it shaped my views forever.
That’s why the recent proposals in Scotland, allowing abortions for any reason, including choosing a child’s sex, left me horrified.
The reality is clear: legalizing sex-selective abortions would disproportionately end the lives of baby girls, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Vulnerable Communities at Risk
During my time as an MP in Luton, I worked with women who were isolated, restricted, and reliant on male relatives just to see a doctor.
These are exactly the kind of women who could be coerced into decisions like sex-selective abortion.
If the Scottish National Party follows the advice of some of its former leaders, it would be a deeply retrograde step.
The ripple effects could influence attitudes across the UK, emboldening pro-abortion activists in Westminster.
The Harsh Reality of Foeticide
The procedure now used for late-term abortions in the UK, called foeticide, is harrowing.
A drug is injected into the baby’s heart to ensure death before removal.
I saw a scan of this as a nurse: the tiny foetus flailed in fear as the needle approached.
It is an experience that stays with you, one that has made me deeply skeptical of pushing abortion limits even further.
If current proposals succeed, foeticide would become even more widespread, and that is a reality that must concern us all.
Scotland’s Move Signals Wider Trends
The SNP’s current consideration of abortion law changes highlights broader issues.
Assisted dying, late-term abortion, and extreme pro-abortion lobbying are pushing the boundaries of what was once unthinkable.
It is crucial to pay attention, not just for Scotland but for the rest of Britain.
A Bright Spot on TV
Amid these serious issues, there was a moment of joy: Grace Dent is taking over MasterChef in 2026.
After years of enduring John Torode and Gregg Wallace, Dent’s appointment feels refreshing and long overdue.
Her wit and knowledge promise to restore some excitement to the series.
My Reluctance to Pay for a Covid Jab
I’ve also had to make smaller, personal health choices.
Covid is still around, and three people I know were knocked out for two weeks by it.
But when I saw my local Boots offering a vaccine for £98, I decided it wasn’t worth it.
Instead, I’m relying on hand gel and caution, hoping to avoid the virus without breaking the bank.
The Exhaustion of Caring for a Child
Finally, looking after my four-year-old granddaughter for a day reminded me just how physically demanding childcare can be.
From park trips to trampolines, swimming, and bedtime stories, it left me utterly exhausted.
Managing a child that active is a full-time test of energy, patience, and stamina, and it certainly reminded me that age doesn’t lie.
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