News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Jacob-Rees-Mogg-main_article_image.jpg
PA
UK News

Catholic Tory MP backs reduced abortion limit

by Eno Adeogun

Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg reiterated his strict anti-abortion stance in a heated exchange with BBC's Emma Barnett.

Barnett pointed out Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said he would favour cutting the abortion limit from 24 weeks to 12 and said changes to the limit could be changed by a bill if Cabinet ministers supported a reduction.

Rees Mogg responded:" I would be in favour of the numbers of weeks being reduced, of course I would.

"By as many weeks as possible."

The MP, who some say could be a future Prime Minister, also called abortions after rape a "second wrong".

The 1967 Abortion Act came into effect 50 years ago on Friday and the anniversary has sparked a debate over whether the law should be relaxed or tightened.

Rees Mogg made his position on abortion clear during the 5 Live interview and added: "It is important to look at the number of weeks because to abort babies beyond the number of weeks at which they could live outside the womb seems to me extremely difficult to defend.

"I'm against abortion. Full stop. I would support reducing the number of weeks... Life either begins at the point of concept or moment of birth to fix a number of weeks is essentially arbitrary.

"But I would support a reduction."

 

The Brexiteer is one of many MPs that have been grilled about their religious views recently.

Rees-Mogg appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain last month about if he opposed gay marriage, if gay sex was sinful and on his views on abortion.

The Catholic MP had previously been linked to an Indonesian firm which manufacturer a pill which causes terminations.

He later dumped stock he held in a different pharmaceutical firm in India, which also sells abortion drugs.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate