MORE than 700 doctors are calling for the term for terminating their contracts to be shortened from 24 to 22 weeks.

The proposed change will be debated in parliament in the coming weeks and has cross-party support.

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Today, a writer and an MP Alex Lloyd give their views for and against the controversial move.

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HILARY, 52, from London, had a late-term abortion, leaving her wary of restricting access.

She says: I was just over 22 weeks pregnant, in 2012, when test results showed that the baby I was carrying had an extremely rare and serious chromosome abnormality.

I really wanted my daughter, but the doctors told me it was unlikely she would be born alive and that if she was, she would suffer for the rest of her short life.

Everyone agreed that it would be better for me to terminate my pregnancy.

That’s why I heard about the proposals to reduce abortion deadline at two weeks, to 22 weeks, I was shocked.

I don’t believe this is in the best interest of either babies or women.

The only people who do that advantages are the so-called pro-lifers, who really want to abolish abortion rights completely.

Pain and trauma

The rationale behind this proposal is that medical advances mean that more extremely premature babies are now surviving.

But British research published last year found that only 261 of 1,001 babies born alive at 22 and 23 weeks were able to leave hospital in 2020 and 2021.

The majority of these babies still die.

And being viable – surviving – means just that. It doesn’t mean you live a healthy or happy life.

Babies born after 22 weeks only survive because they are kept alive by machines, artificial nutrition and a team of specialized nurses and doctors.

They spend four months – or longer – in the hospital with 24-hour care.

A very high percentage of babies who survive and leave the hospital will suffer permanent disabilities – the sooner they are born, the more severe.

According to the charity Tommy’s, one in 10 premature babies will have a permanent disability such as lung disease, cerebral palsy, blindness or deafness. And one in two will have some kind of disability.

Lowering the abortion term will not lead to fewer abortions. Many experts think it will lead to more.

Women panicked

Women who, like me, only discover what is wrong with their baby late in pregnancy will be forced by the earlier legal deadline to make a choice about abortion before they have the full facts.

Women may panic when making decisions because they fear that doctors will not sign off on this decision once the 22 weeks have passed.

Jonathan Lord, medical director of MSI Reproductive Choices, has said that when expectant parents get bad news At the 18-20 week ultrasound they rightly want diagnostic tests and these can take some time.

I agree with him when he says, “Lowering the limit to when these tests are not ready will put pressure on this group to consider an abortion while they still can, rather than waiting for some reassurance that the test could provide.”

If I had known early on that my daughter Elodie’s condition was so serious and life-threatening, I would obviously have terminated my pregnancy sooner. It would have saved everyone so much pain and trauma.

But it took months of blood tests, invasive procedures and scans to reveal what was wrong with her. And I prayed to everyone that everything would be okay, that the doctors were wrong and that I would have a healthy baby.

Lowering the abortion term will not lead to fewer abortions. Many experts think it will lead to more

Ultimately, I opted for termination to spare her suffering. By the time it could be arranged, I was in my 24th week of pregnancy.

It was an experience I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy: first a procedure to stop my baby’s heart, then, two days later, an induction, followed by hours of labor and finally a stillbirth.

When I close my eyes, I can still see her face, just like my other daughter’s – and her little hands and feet. No woman would do this to herself without good reason.

That’s why there are so few late-term abortions in Britain. In 2021, 89 percent were under ten weeks, one percent after twenty weeks. After more than 24 weeks, the current limit, there were only 276 abortions.

A late termination is never a lifestyle choice; it is often a life-saving choice. Women who undergo late abortion do so because of a fetal abnormality, danger to their own lives or because they are extremely vulnerable.

They may have been raped and have serious psychological problems health have problems, are in an abusive relationship or have suddenly become homeless.

Not a lifestyle choice

Others only find out they are pregnant late.

It is sheer cruelty to stop these women from having an abortion, forcing them to carry a baby to term and give birth. What they need is compassion, not fear of persecution.

Changing the legal limit also means doctors will have no choice but to resuscitate all babies born after 22 weeks, even if they know they have no hope of survival and will suffer. If they do not do so, they also risk prosecution.

The abortion limit does not need to change. We shouldn’t focus on how early babies can become viable, but on women and our rights over our own bodies.

‘LAWS MUST BE ETHICAL FOR MODERN TIMES’

CAROLINE ANSELL, 53, MP for Eastbourne, has tabled an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill to reduce the abortion period from 24 to 22 weeks.

She says: Two of my youngest constituents recently celebrated an important milestone.

Twins Rocco and Franco, from Eastbourne, turned two years old after being born extremely prematurely at 23 weeks and six days.

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Not so long ago, their early birth would have meant their chances of survival were slim.

But thanks to medical advances, the survival rate of babies born after 23 weeks doubled in the decade to 2019, from two in 10 to four in 10.

This led to new guidelines from the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM), allowing doctors to intervene to save premature babies from 22 weeks’ gestation, where previously they were advised against before 24 weeks.

According to research from Leicester University and Imperial College, in 2020 and 2021, 261 babies born alive at 22 and 23 weeks survived before being discharged from hospital.

The UK upper limit of 24 weeks for abortion is now above the gestational age at which many children survive, except in limited circumstances.

It’s also much later than many of us neighbors, with an average among EU countries of twelve weeks. Doctors who support the change tell me how hospitals can have one team of medics working to save a baby’s life, while a second team terminates another – and yet both have the same gestational age.

The NHS website states that the unborn baby is “fully formed” at 12 weeks, and by 22 weeks he gets into a pattern of sleeping and waking.

But in 2021, 755 abortions were carried out after 22 or 23 weeks under ground C of the seven permitted grounds for termination in the Abortion Act 1967.

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This poses a risk of personal injury or mental health of the pregnant woman, for which the limit of 24 weeks applies, together with ground D, which covers the risk to existing children.

All reasons without this time limit are for medical reasons and are not affected by the change.

The public does not support abortion under any circumstances. A ComRes survey shows that 60 percent want the period to be reduced to twenty weeks or less.

This amendment does not even go that far and would not apply to cases where the mother’s life is in danger or there is a fetal abnormality.

It is long overdue that we need to revise our laws to take progress into account.

It is not a pro-life versus pro-choice argument, but making laws and ethical decisions that are fit for the modern age.

DRI officials, who are at the forefront of the fight against smuggling and human trafficking across international borders, have been given broad powers to tackle domestic illegal wildlife trade.

Bangalore: After arresting seven suspects from the outskirts of Bengaluru, Directorate of Revenue (DRI) officials have foiled a syndicated attempt to illegally sell elephant tusks. Three suspects were arrested in an autorickshaw on Wednesday and a large bag containing ivory tusks was found during their interrogation. The Ministry of Finance said in a statement that extra rapid action resulted in the arrest of four accomplices who helped facilitate the illegal trade.

The seven individuals arrested in connection with this illegal trade are currently in custody pending further legal proceedings. Their arrest marks an important step forward in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Post-arrest revelations

The total weight of 6.8 kg of the two elephant tusks was found and seized in accordance with Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972. The notice said the seven people have been taken into custody.

More power to protect wildlife

According to the Ministry of Finance statement, with the recent amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act coming into effect on April 1, 2023, DRI officials, who are already at the forefront of the fight against smuggling and human trafficking across international borders, have permission given enhanced powers to tackle domestic illegal wildlife trade.

DRI personnel are actively participating in efforts to intercept illegally traded wildlife products using these new facilities.

Successful operations by DRI

In the fiscal year 2023-2024 alone, six seizures of elephant tusks totaling 57.5 kg were successfully carried out by DRI units across India. The announcement further stated that DRI’s steadfast commitment to stop wildlife trafficking was further demonstrated by these operations, which were conducted in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Need for constant vigilance

Authorities have emphasized the importance of joint efforts to reduce wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species. The successful interception of this illegal elephant tusk trading operation underlines the need for continued vigilance and strong enforcement measures to protect wildlife from exploitation.

The DRI and law enforcement agencies remain committed to combating wildlife crime and enforcing the laws that protect our natural heritage. Efforts to dismantle illegal wildlife trafficking networks are critical to conserving biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for all living things.

(With inputs from ANI)

The SIT further revealed that majority of these madrasas are located in seven districts bordering Nepal, including Maharajganj, Shravasti and Bahraich.

Lucknow: In a shocking surprise, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Yogi Adityanath government on Thursday discovered around 13,000 illegal madrassas operating in the state. After making inquiries, the SIT submitted a detailed report to the state administration after investigating the state’s illegal madrasas. Moreover, the SIT has recommended closure of these madrasas.

According to Zee News TV sources, these identified illegal madrasas are located along the border with Nepal, with their construction financed through contributions from Gulf countries over the past two decades.

Moreover, the SIT’s report revealed shocking findings, including that majority of these madrasas were located in seven districts bordering Nepal, including Maharajganj, Shravasti and Bahraich.

The SIT report also states that each border district is home to more than 500 such madrasas, raising concerns about its proximity to the international border.

The research team also found financial records of these madrasas, but most have failed to provide a clear overview of their income and expenditure, fueling suspicions of a clandestine conspiracy to channel funds to terrorism through the construction of these educational institutions.

Although some madrassas claim to have been built with donations, they have failed to release the names of the contributors. Covering a total of 23,000 madrasas, the research team identified 5,000 with provisional recognition, some of which had not met accreditation standards for the past 25 years.

The development after the SIT confirmed that around 80 madrasas in border regions received funding totaling around Rs 100 crores from foreign sources. After this news was reported, the state government had directed the SIT to conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation into the activities of all madrassas in the state. The SIT was formed amid growing concerns over the possible misuse of funds, raising questions about the authenticity of the sources supporting these religious institutions.

Police have questioned nearly a dozen people suspected of selling dodgy devices used to illegally stream premium channels cheaply.

One person was arrested and ten others were interviewed under caution as part of a major crackdown on gadgets such as popular Amazon Fire TV Sticks that have been modified by criminals.

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Fire Sticks give users instant access to TV shows from a range of paid streaming apps, such as Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+.

However, people often get versions with unofficial apps on them that provide free or cheap access to premium channels.

We send a clear message that this will not be tolerated

Detective Chief Inspector Emma WarbeyLondon City Police

The City of London Police’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) has carried out a week-long campaign in partnership with anti-piracy organization FACT.

All 11 people questioned are accused of selling equipment that provides illegal access to premium TV content, such as live Premier League matches on Sky Sports.

Officers traveled to various locations including Portsmouth, Wales, Hartlepool, Middlesborough, Leeds, Manchester and Bury to conduct interviews.

Although the main police investigation focuses on sellers, those who buy custom streaming gadgets have been warned that they face several potentially devastating consequences, including data theft, fraud and malware.

“Illegal streaming is a major problem for the industry and although it may appear to be a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity,” said Police Chief Inspector Emma Warbey. Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police.

“At the same time, it can expose end users to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware.

‘By targeting grassroots sellers we are sending a clear message that this will not be tolerated.

“PIPCU will continue to work with law enforcement and industry partners to take action against those offering illegal streaming services and protect consumers from the risks associated with their use.”

All 11 people questioned by officers were given a conditional warning, requiring them to cease their activities and shut down their advertising and social media channels.

A conditional warning gives a person a record in the police system and if they do not comply with the terms of the warning they will go to court and face further prosecution.

Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, added: “The success achieved by this targeted operation is directly attributable to the excellent efforts and strong support of PIPCU.

“Implementing these measures has sent a strong message: piracy is a criminal act that is treated with the utmost seriousness.

“We remain vigilant in monitoring platforms including modified firesticks that promote and distribute illegal streams, and take decisive action against those selling illegal access to premium TV content.

“FACT and its partners are committed to disrupting these criminal operations and non-compliance will result in further law enforcement action.”

Last year, fraudster Steven Mills, 58, from Shrewsbury, was jailed for two and a half years for modified ‘Firesticks’ through a private Facebook group.

His organization received more than £1 million in five years.

A number of suspected sellers have recently received a ‘cease and desist’ letter.

President Biden and former President Trump will visit the Texas border today, both claim she are the man to tackle the unprecedented number of crossings.

Polls now show that Americans see immigration as the most important problem facing the country more than anything else.

Both candidates’ response to this crisis could likely be decisive for the 2024 elections. Here, Donald Trump makes his case… Vote in our poll to have your say…

Today I visit our wide-open southern border to witness the destruction of American sovereignty being carried out on Joe Biden’s orders.

On a last-minute trip, Biden chases me to the border, no doubt desperate to avoid blame for the catastrophe he has created.

But don’t be fooled. The abolition of US borders is Joe Biden’s policy. The mass migration of millions of illegal aliens to the United States is Joe Biden’s plan. This is Joe Biden’s invasion.

When I left office, we gave Biden the most secure border in American history.

We finished catch and release. We’ve built hundreds of miles of border wall. We have implemented Remain in Mexico, Safe Third Country Agreements with Central American countries, an asylum ban, Title 42, and expedited removals.

When I was president, illegal aliens crossing our border were captured, detained, and deported.

When Joe Biden came to power, he deliberately and purposefully destroyed every strong border policy I had put in place and launched the largest border invasion in American history.

Biden stopped building walls. He ordered an immediate suspension of the removals. He tore Remain in Mexico. He terminated my asylum agreements. He ended Title 42. He tied the hands of our ICE and Border Patrol agents behind their backs. He announced to the whole world that our border was wide open.

The very first bill Biden sent to Congress was a bill to make illegal aliens eligible to vote.

Instead of sending them back across the border, he began transporting them by plane, train, and bus to cities across the United States to resettle them in your communities.

And then he began issuing work permits to hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens, unfairly allowing them to compete with American workers.

As a direct result of this policy, at least nine million migrants have infiltrated our border in three years – and the actual number is undoubtedly much higher.

A large number are fighting older men, including from China, Venezuela, Somalia and many other countries.

In short, Joe Biden has deliberately surrendered our border to cartels, child smugglers, human traffickers, and some of the most dangerous criminals in the world – the cost to public safety, national security, and taxpayer dollars be damned.

Now our communities are crumbling under the influx and our country is overrun with crime.

Last year, 43 percent of all ICE arrests involved aliens with a criminal conviction or pending charges for approximately 33,000 assaults, 3,000 robberies, nearly 7,000 burglaries, 7,500 weapons crimes, 4,300 sex crimes, 1,600 kidnappings and 1,700 murders.

In Chicago and Miami, police have confirmed that the violent Venezuelan gang ‘Tren de Aragua’ is now active in their cities.

In New York City, NYPD officers were recently harassed and brutalized by a group of immigrant criminals.

In Michigan, gangs of migrants stalk and ransack suburban homes for valuables.

And last week in Georgia, 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley was brutally attacked and murdered on the campus of the University of Georgia.

An illegal alien migrant released into our country under Biden has been charged with murder.

Biden is ridiculously trying to blame me and Republicans in Congress for the national security and public safety disaster he has created.

He claims that Republicans should pass legislation to secure the border. But the truth is that Joe Biden doesn’t need a bill to solve the problem at the border – America needs to fire Joe Biden to solve the problem at the border.

He caused this catastrophe. At any point in the last three years he could have closed the border.

If re-elected, I will close the border and stop the invasion on day one. And we will begin the process of removing Biden’s illegal aliens from our country.

When I take office, I will restore all the strong border policies I previously had in place – and impose tough additional measures to keep out gang members, human traffickers, sadists and criminals.

Finally, I will use all tools, resources, and authority to launch the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. This is just common sense.

Americans should not fall for Biden’s border lies. He has betrayed your trust, and with his demolition of our borders he has betrayed our country.

The first step toward border security is voting Biden out of office in November.