PARLIAMENT may have a conscience vote on the abortion issue soon, Prime Minister Bruce Golding indicated Tuesday.

“It may very well be that it is a matter that may require a conscience vote. I am not saying it will, but it may very well be an issue in which a conscience vote may have to be considered,” the prime minister told the House of Representatives.

He was responding to Opposition MP Ronald Thwaites (Central Kingston) during Question Time. Taking a pro-life stance on the issue, Thwaites wanted Minister of Health and the Environment Ruddy Spencer to support his “simple” principle that “whenever an abortion takes place, a life is forfeited”.

He insisted that this should be the “undergirding principle” upon which any discussion on the issue is guided.

Spencer said that a report tabled by an advisory committee, appointed by the former government, would be tabled and referred to its Human Resources and Social Development Committee for review.

The prime minister supported him, pointing out that the advisory committee had submitted very specific recommendations, some requiring legislative action. He said he had “no doubt” that Thwaites would oppose some of those recommendations

Golding noted that members of the House had not seen the report and chided Thwaites for pushing the minister to a definitive statement, prematurely.

“Let’s have the committee examine it and let members express their views,” the prime minister said.