TNAG-0977-FCO40-1196-Legislation-for-the-abortion-law-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 42

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with due regard to medical advice and the medical associations; relevant professional bodies should be consulted on this.

Conscientious Objectors

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The Working Group accepted that some medical practitioners object to abortions because of personal beliefs. Although section 47(A)(6) of the principal Ordinance exempts persons who have a conscientious objection from any duty to participate in abortion, the onus of proof rests on such persons in any legal proceedings against them. The Working Group recommended that the burden of proof may be discharged by such person testifying on oath or affirming that he has a conscientious objection.

Procedure for Abortion

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The Working Group was of the opinion that the procedures and facilities for legal abortions are unsatisfactory, because they do not ensure that the pregnant woman will be seen by doctors who have no conscientious objections to abortion. Its conclusions are that:

(a) this problem, as it affects the Government sector, can be overcome by administrative arrangements;

(b)

(c)

special abortion clinics should not be set up (because of location difficulties) and any stigma attaching to such facilities may deter women from utilising them; nevertheless,

all such cases should be seen at the Maternal and Child Health Centres of the Medical and Health Department.

Summary of Recommendations in the Report

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as follows:

(a)

(b)

The recommendations of the Working Group may be summarised

There should be an inter-departmental committee to organise suitable publicity to inform the public of the facilities for legal abortion.

Some post-secondary social research group should be sponsored by Government to undertake research into the problem relating to illegal abortion.

G.S. 84

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