DHSC hasn't consulted medics about abortion law changes

A Freedom of Information request shows the Department of Health and Social Care hasn't asked for medical opinions about changing the Island's abortion laws in more than five years.

That's despite Minister Kate Beecroft telling Tynwald in January there's no clinical evidence to suggest a change in Manx law would help women.

3FM asked to see any consultation documents issued to medical staff by the department since Mrs Beecroft was elected in September 2011.

But the department has refused the Freedom of Information request - because it doesn't hold any such documents.

In January Mrs Beecroft said there was insufficient evidence to support changing the law as Ramsey MHK Dr Alex Allinson asked for leave to introduce a Private Member's Bill.

In the FOI request 3FM asked to see anything the DHSC has sent to doctors or nurses asking for their views on the Island's abortion laws.

But the department says it hasn't held any sort of consultation on the issue, formal or informal, asking for medical professionals' opinions.

It does, however, say the FOI answer doesn't include any personal views submitted to the department from medics.