New CCHQ Vice Chair for Women criticised over abortion stance

Dawn Butler, shadow minister for Women and Equalities has branded the appointment of Maria Caulfield as  CCHQ Vice Chair for Women “appalling”.

Caulfield had previously said decriminalisation would lead to “abortion on demand”.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), an abortion provider, also described May’s decision to appoint Caulfield to the role as incredibly disappointing.

BPAS said Caulfield was a “leading opponent” of a proposed bill – brought before parliament last May – that would change the law to put an end to the prosecution of women who end their pregnancy without permission. The bill didn’t become law.

“That the new Conservative vice chair for women believes that these women should face up to life imprisonment is appalling. Maria Caulfield has stated that she wants to be a ‘voice for the unborn child'”, BPAS said

Dawn Butler also attacked the decision as “appalling”, writing “women deserve to have the strongest advocates at the top of politics”.

Labour MP Diana Johnson also criticised the decision, tweeting

 

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