Failed abortions see babies born alive

Failed abortions see babies born alive, then left to die

A new report has revealed that failed abortions in Britain mean babies are born alive and then left to die.

The official report by the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health, commissioned by the Government has disclosed that a total of 66 babies survived NHS termination attempts in one year.

The babies, intended to die at birth, were able to breath unaided with approximately half staying alive for an hour and one surviving for ten hours.

The report reveals the first figures to give an overall picture of the number of babies who survive abortion in the UK, but are left to die. Previously medical experts believed the survival was restricted to a very small number a year.

Yesterday medical professionals said the number of abortion survivors demands for new guidance for doctors, explaining how to cope.

The news has refuelled calls to lower the 24-week limit for 'social' abortions, which end healthy pregnancies.

Professor Stuart Campbell, an well-known obstetrician commented: 'It is a distressing situation when these babies are being born alive. Medical advances make it increasingly possible for even those born after just 22 weeks in the womb to survive.'