Dr. Sam Coulter Smith:

I do not think I have anything new to add to what has already been said in answer to the questions. A substantial number of women travel to the UK for termination of pregnancy because of foetal anomalies. It is regrettable that this situation exists, but today's discussion is not on this area; perhaps it is a discussion for a different day. With regard to emergency interventions, we have the Medical Council guidelines but our concern is that the law as it stands says something different. We want a change in legislation to protect doctors in performing the life-saving tasks they must undertake. I entirely agree with what has been said already on the ethos of hospitals. We have evidence-based practice in this country and guidelines from our institute and from the royal college in London. I do not think this is a huge issue.