The decision of the American Supreme Court, in effect reversing Roe v Wade, echoed in Europe. There was debate in France as to whether the right to abortion should be written into the constitution and in Britain as to whether it should be included in a Bill of Rights. “Liberals” were much more exercised about it than conservatives because abortion on demand has been conceded, de facto if not de jure. But “liberals” need grievance, even if it is only in anticipation. The British law on abortion did not envisage abortion on demand, at least not explicitly, though it might…