SPUC takes legal advice in Jepson case

London, 16 March 2005 - The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) is taking legal advice about the case of an abortion for cleft lip and palate.

John Smeaton, SPUC's National Director, said: "Abortion of a baby on the grounds that the child has a cleft palate is lethal discrimination against disabled people, as is any abortion on the grounds of disability.

"We are taking legal advice on this matter. On the face of it, the appropriate legislation under which to take action would be the Human Rights Act, and we are exploring this further."

The matter has been raised and pursued by Rev Joanna Jepson, an Anglican curate in Chester.