Abortion is a real wedge issue politically and a subject Guido usually avoids. It is in the news because of moves to change the legal time limit for an abortion based on the fact that medical advances mean babies can survive at earlier and earlier terms.  It seems counter to reason that unborn babies below 24 weeks are unable to feel pain.  Any mother who has been through a pregnancy will tell you that their babies react to external stimuli; light, caffeine and noise will all get a reaction from within the womb.

Yet a review by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ says foetuses are “undeveloped and sedated”. Since it is from their ranks that those who perform abortions are drawn, Guido questions the scientific objectivity of the report. It would certainly ease their consciences to believe that abortions are painless. Guido is sceptical, they would say that wouldn’t they?

UPDATE : Jessica survived despite being born at 23 weeks (pictured). Do you think she was capable of feeling pain?