The abortion debate is set to be reignited today by the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, who has called for the government to make landmark changes to legislation.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor will urge ministers to reduce the current 24-week abortion limit during a private meeting at the Department of Health. In crucial talks with the Health Secretary, the cardinal is expected to put forward that the scientific advances made in recent years means that current abortion laws are out-dated.

However, despite a huge debate surrounding abortion rights, the British government has remained adamant that there are no plans to amend legislation.

The Catholic Church is fighting for a step-by-step reduction in the abortion limits because although the Church is completely against abortions, it realises that calling for an outright ban on abortions would not be fruitful.