It has come to light that many of the health agencies have been offering abortion to mothers based on the gender of their unborn babies. Following the increased cases of abortion, the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, has asked the authorities concerned to launch an investigation.

The ‘sex-selection’ is completely against the law and therefore an investigation has been called for. It has been reported that the NHS doctors have been working with the private clinics to conduct the termination of the unborn baby.

It is shameful to kill an offspring just because he or she is a girl or a boy. Moreover, the practitioners involved in the illegal act have been preparing unauthentic reports to hide the abortion cases. Mr. Lansley while expressing his concern over the increased case of illegal abortion said, “I’m extremely concerned to hear about these allegations. Sex-selection is illegal and is morally wrong. I’ve asked my officials to investigate this as a matter of urgency”.

Last year, the Council of Europe suggested that the parent should not be made aware about the gender of their baby so that any illegal incidence of abortion could be avoided. It is estimated that every year about
180,000 abortions are carried out with the help of practitioners. Moreover, the abortions have been carried out in the UK over girls under the age of 20.

There could be numerous reasons behind going in for an abortion. But if the parents wish to abort a child just because of gender discrimination then such an act is punishable under the 1967 Abortion Act. However, if abortion is conducted within 24 weeks of pregnancy then it is not considered illegal. It is hoped that an action against the surging cases of abortion will be taken to ensure.