Why doctors need not fear prosecution for gender-related abortions

This article examines whether criminal liability can arise in respect of abortions which are said to be gender related. Recent claims of abortions performed on the grounds of gender have raised questions of possible criminal liability of the medical profession. This article argues that a doctor performing an abortion would almost inevitably be able to establish a defence to any allegation of criminal activity, by relying on both the specific defences set out in the Abortion Act 1967 and the readiness of the judiciary to defend a doctor's actions where the doctor is acting responsibly and in good faith to safeguard a patient from harm.