MP reveals 'incredibly hard decision' to have an abortion

A Conservative MP has revealed her "incredibly hard decision" to have a termination as she gave an emotional speech in the Commons.

Heidi Allen spoke of how she was ill when she made the decision to have an abortion, during a debate on reforming the law in Northern Ireland.

The South Cambridgeshire MP appeared emotional as she said: "I was ill when I made the incredibly hard decision to have a termination: I was having seizures every day, I wasn't even able to control my own body, let alone care for a new life."

She said abortion was a "hard and emotive topic", and asked: "Northern Ireland is a devolved administration, so is it our business?"

She continued: "I am a modern, progressive woman in this country and I am proud that this country is my home.

"As a woman who believes passionately in equality, in choice and an individual's right to determine their own destiny, and as a woman elected to be the Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire in the 21st Century, who stood yesterday to support (Stella Creasy's) request for this debate, because she is standing up for all the women in the UK, but mostly because I have been there, I am making it my business."

Ms Allen said the Irish referendum result spoke volumes, and asked: "How can it be that Northern Ireland will soon be the only part of Great Britain and Ireland where terminations are to all intents and purposes outlawed?"

She went on to question how rape, incest or a fatal foetal abnormality are not sufficient grounds for a woman to have the "power to decide for herself".

"Very suddenly and unexpectedly we have a window of opportunity before us," she told MPs.

Ms Allen said for the women of Northern Ireland: "This has become their moment and they will have my unequivocal support."