The case reported today of Sarah Catt cannot evoke much sympathy. Having overstepped the 24-week limit for an abortion, she bought a drug from India, self-aborted and disposed of the foetus, possibly within a week of term. She believed its father to be her lover and wanted to conceal it from her family. A Leeds judge, Mr Justice Cooke, sent her to prison for eight years, a minimum of four to be served.

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