The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued guidance advising governments to remove all limits on abortion.

The influential organisation claims that to prevent an abortion is to violate the rights of ‘women, girls or other pregnant persons’.

It recommends that nations:

• Allow abortion under all circumstances
• Stop women requiring approval from a doctor or nurse

• Roll out ‘pills by post’ schemes Curtail medical professionals’ rights to refuse to take part in abortions

The guidance does not touch on the ethical debate around the rights of the unborn child, or take into account the high chance of survival for babies born prematurely after 22-24 weeks.

Commenting on the guidance, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Pro-Life Group, Fiona Bruce MP said any proposal to legalise abortion up to birth is ‘completely unacceptable’ and ‘shocking’.

She added: ‘A viable human being could have his or her life ended up to the point of birth. Yet a day, an hour, even moments later, similar action against a child could constitute murder.’

The current law in England and Wales allows abortion up to 24 weeks. After that, they are only legally permitted in circumstances where the mother’s life is at risk, or if the child would be born with a severe disability.