text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill - Prospects for life of handicapped child must be given before abortion - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  The majority of MPs voted against adding a new paragraph to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill[1] which would have said:[2]
  
  :If tests of a foetus reveal that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped, a registered medical practitioner or a suitably qualified health professional expeditiously shall provide the pregnant woman with
  
  * current, scientific information in a written form concerning the life expectancy of, the expected intellectual and functional development of, and the treatment options for a foetus diagnosed with, or a child born with, the physical or mental abnormalities identified as a risk by those tests.
  * contact details for, where available, supportive service providers, including telephone help lines specific to the physical or mental abnormalities identified as a risk by those tests, and
  * the offer of a suitable opportunity to receive relevant counselling and such other information as they deem proper.
  
  Had this vote been won, it would have been illegal for a termination of pregnancy to take place without the information and offer been provided.
  
  * [1] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/070/08070.1-5.html Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill], House of Commons, 6 February 2008
  * [2] [Nick Palmer MP], House of Commons, 20 May 2008
  
  
  
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  