a Conservative Party Today, the MP said he does not agree that women have an “absolute right to bodily independence” in a debate over the US abortion ban.
Danny Krueger added that British lawmakers should not “lecture” the United States on the democratic process, which has sparked mass protests across the country.
A number of politicians have raised concerns about last week’s decision to end constitutional protections for abortion that have been in place for nearly 50 years.
The decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling is expected to lead to a ban on abortion in nearly half of US states.
Mr Krueger, who represents Davis’ constituency in Wiltshire, told the House of Commons this afternoon that he was “likely to disagree” with other MPs over the US Supreme Court’s decision.
He said, “They believe that women have an absolute right to bodily autonomy in this matter, whereas in the case of abortion I think that right is restricted by the fact that there is another body involved.”
While MPs tried to talk about it, Mr. Krueger added: “I will show members trying to talk to me that this is an appropriate topic for political discussion, and my view to the front podium is that I don’t understand why we are lecturing. The United States on a ruling to return decision power on this political question to the states, to democratic decision-makers, rather than leaving it in the hands of the courts.
Conservative MP Danny Krueger said today he does not agree that women have an “absolute right to bodily independence” in a debate over the US abortion ban.
Abortion rights advocates march in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, as they protest the US Supreme Court’s recent decision to end federal protections for abortion rights.
The House was also told that far-right US groups wanting to roll back anti-abortion measures in the UK would be given “new impetus” through the resolution.
Former Labor Secretary Diana Johnson asked Secretary of State Amanda Melling: “Can the Secretary confirm that the Government will continue to support and fund reproductive health care programmes, including access to terminations worldwide, in light of this decision?
With far-right American groups already organizing to roll back the 1967 abortion law in this country, this decision will give them a new impetus to their work.
So will the government again consider protecting women who frequent abortion clinics by introducing buffer zones, as suggested (Ruba Hawke, Labor MP for Ealing Central and Acton)?
Finally, will the government confirm its commitment to women’s rights to reproductive health care – including abortion – and if the government plans to change UK human rights legislation, will it fully protect women’s rights to bodily independence.
Ms Melling said in her response: “As the Prime Minister said at the weekend, he felt – and I share his view – that this was a huge step backwards.
With regard to our position on sexual reproductive health and rights, including safe abortion, the UK is proud to advocate for and promote universal and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, which are fundamental to unleashing agency and potential freedom for women and girls.
“We will continue to press for strong supportive language at the United Nations and other international fora.”
The urgent question from Ms. Diana sought to pressure the State Department to lodge protests with the US government about ensuring that women’s rights to reproductive health care were protected.
Meanwhile, former Conservative minister Jackie Doyle-Price told the House of Commons: “Can I say to the minister that we are not in a stronger position to lecture the United States on this because we have often done the same thing.
“Isn’t it time that we lead by example and review our abortion laws that are now over 50 years old and build them around a safe framework for the termination of pregnancy for the benefit of women, rather than being branded with these ridiculous moral extremes?”
Abortion rights activists march toward the White House over the weekend in Washington, DC.
Ms Melling responded that a vote on any future abortion law reform would be a “matter of conscience”, but added: “Our policy is to ensure that women have access to health services, (it is) safe and it is a safe method and it will remain a priority, this is a key priority and we will work closely with abortion providers and other stakeholders to provide these services.
Lucy Alan Weil, a Conservative MP, also showed her opposition to Krueger’s views and tweeted this evening that he “has no right to impose his views on others”.
She wrote: “We will disagree on this—I accept Danny’s right to disagree, but he has no right to impose his opinions on others.
Do men have the right to physical independence? Do only women have this right?
Elsewhere, Ms Maria Miller called on the government to “hold the US government to account at the UN”, and to stress that “the UK government will view any change as a violation of its inalienable international obligations”.
For Labor, Shadow Secretary of State David Lammy said: ‘What’s happening in America, and it’s happening in our country, is an organized hard-right global political movement that seeks to overturn the hard-earned rights of the twentieth century. “.
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