TNAG-0977-FCO40-1196-Legislation-for-the-abortion-law-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 29

GR 180

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTI AL

FM HONG KONG Ø80739Z DEC 80

TO PRIORITY BRUSSELS

TELEGRAM NUMBER 13 OF 8 DECEMBER

TOP COPY

НСК 25412

RECEIVED IN REGISAY NO. 51

1 1 DEC 1980

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

PA

gil.n

REGISTRY Action Taken

AW "/12

AND TO PRIORITY PARIS, ROME, F C O, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DREICE LONDON.

see

ABORTION LAW

AT PRESENT AN ABORTION IS PERMITTED HERE ONLY TO SAFEGUARD

THE HEALTH OF A PREGNANT WOMAN. HOWEVER, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL DEBATE A BILL ON 17 DECEMBER TO LIBERALISE THIS LAW MARGINALLY: (A) FOR GIRLS UNDER 17, (B) IN CASES OF RAPE OR INCEST, (C) THE BIRTH OF A SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILD IS LIKELY.

2. WHILE THE ROMAN CATHOLIC LOBBY AGAINST THE BILL IS UNLIKELY TO GAIN WIDESPREAD SUPPORT, THE EXISTENCE OF COMPARABLE OR MORE LIBERAL

PROVISIONS IN WESTERN CATHOLIC COUNTRIES WILL BE A GOOD DEBATING

POINT FOR US TO INTRODUCE.

IF

3. WE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD LET US KNOW THE GROUNDS, ANY, FOR LEGAL ABORTION IN YOUR HOST COUNTRY. IN PARTICULAR ARE SOCIAL OR ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDED THEREIN? ENQUIRIES AT

CONSULATES HERE ARE INCONCLUSIVE.

4. YOUR REPLY, EN CLAIR IF NECESSARY, BY CLOSE OF PLAY ON 15

DECEMBER YOUR TIME WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED.

MACLEHOSE

MINIMAL

HK & GD

LEGAL ADVISERS

[THIS TELEGRAM WAS NOT ADVANCED)

CONFIDENTIAL

COPIES TO:

HONG KONG GOVT OFFICE, LONDON

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