Curate Wins Legal Challenge to Late Cleft-Lip Abortions ; HIGH COURT the Rev Joanna Jepson Takes on Decision by Police Not to Prosecute Doctors and Reveals How She Overcame Disfigurement

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A CURATE has won the first round in her legal battle to stop doctors performing late abortions for what she believes are cosmetic or trivial reasons.

The High Court in London cleared the way yesterday for the Rev Joanna Jepson to challenge a decision by West Mercia Police not to prosecute doctors who performed a late-stage abortion on a foetus which had been diagnosed as having a cleft lip and palate.

Lord Justice Rose and Mr Justice Jackson said the case raised important issues of public concern that needed to be argued at a full hearing. Lawyers said the challenge could lead to a reform of abortion legislation if Ms Jepson succeeded in showing that …