MHKs to debate changes to Abortion Reform Bill

The House of Keys meets this morning

The House of Keys will consider a raft of amendments to the Abortion Reform Bill when it sits later this morning.

A number of members have tabled changes to clauses within Dr Alex Allinson's legislation, which could spark considerable debate. 

Meanwhile there's 23 questions in total for members to ask ministers, on topics as diverse as dolphins and driving tests.

Seven members have put forward amendments to twelves clauses in the Abortion Reform Bill 2018.

MHK Chris Robertshaw wants the limit for abortion on request moved from 14 to 12 weeks, and the overall limit for a termination reduced from 24 to 22 weeks. 

Other alterations come from the Chief Minister, the ministers for education, health, and policy and reform, as well as Lawrie Hooper and Daphne Caine.  

Pro-choice group CALM has criticised some of the proposed changes by members as 'retrograde' steps that would 'remove, restrict, and limit' choice for women.  

Turning to questions, and queries are being raised over driving test waiting times, the relocation of St Thomas's to Scoill Vallajeelt, and savings plans.

Jason Moorhouse MHK will quiz the Environment Minister Geoffrey Boot over what plans he has to protect certain marine life species in the the Island's waters.

It's also the first reading of the Anti-Money Laundering and other Financial Crime Bill 2018 and the third reading of the Data Protection Bill.

For coverage of the entire sitting, including both question time and the debate on the Abortion Reform Bill, you can tune in from 10 this morning to our AM 1368 frequency, online at manxradio.com via the AM player and via our smartphone apps.