CAMPAIGNER Heidi Crowter's decision to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has been welcomed by CARE.

Ms Crowter is challenging UK legislation permitting abortion up to birth if a preborn baby is disabled, which she calls "downright discrimination".

Earlier today she said her legal team had sought permission to appeal to the ECHR after the UK Supreme Court refused to hear her case.

In November last year, England's Court of Appeal decided against Ms Crowter in a ruling condemned by disabiltiy rights groups.

Speaking today Ross Hendry, CEO of CARE, said:

"The fact UK law permits abortion up to birth in cases involving disability is disturbing. Would we accept legislation enshrining abortion on the grounds of race, or sex? The current approach sends a message that disabled lives are worth less.

“It's disappointing that Supreme Court judges won't hear Heidi's hugely important case, but we commend Heidi's determination to continue her fight to the ECHR. A ruling in her favour would have positive implications across Europe - not just for disabled people but the whole of society and how we respect every person equally.

"Whatever the outcome, we pray that in time, whether it is through the courts or the parliamentary process, the UK will end regressive disability abortions.”