MUMBAI: Creating radio broadcasting history, BBC will air a two-hour radio show live from an abortion clinic next month.

Presented by Victoria Derbyshire, the show will be aired on Radio 5 live and feature interviews with women undergoing terminations, doctors and counsellors at a clinic which is yet to be named. The programme is aimed at airing the opinions of patients and staff working in a sector that is still seen as a taboo subject in many countries including Britain.

Derbyshire said, “Our point on that day is to bring new insights into areas of British life. What we want to do is to talk to everybody involved who works in a clinic - the receptionist, the doctors, the consultants, the counsellors and if patients agree, we will talk to them. We appreciate the sensitivity around it and I would hope listeners would trust us to do it carefully.”

The show has already attracted a lot of criticism with pro-life campaigners terming it as ‘free advertising’ for abortion. However, pro-choice advocates welcomed the initiative stating that it is a chance for the topic to be presented in a way that is not ‘couched in terms of controversy’.

A BBC spokesperson said, “Victoria Derbyshire’s programme from the clinic and our coverage later that day will be robust and challenging and will offer an opportunity for both sides to discuss their views.”

MUMBAI: Creating radio broadcasting history, BBC will air a two-hour radio show live from an abortion clinic next month.

Presented by Victoria Derbyshire, the show will be aired on Radio 5 live and feature interviews with women undergoing terminations, doctors and counsellors at a clinic which is yet to be named. The programme is aimed at airing the opinions of patients and staff working in a sector that is still seen as a taboo subject in many countries including Britain.

Derbyshire said, “Our point on that day is to bring new insights into areas of British life. What we want to do is to talk to everybody involved who works in a clinic - the receptionist, the doctors, the consultants, the counsellors and if patients agree, we will talk to them. We appreciate the sensitivity around it and I would hope listeners would trust us to do it carefully.”

The show has already attracted a lot of criticism with pro-life campaigners terming it as ‘free advertising’ for abortion. However, pro-choice advocates welcomed the initiative stating that it is a chance for the topic to be presented in a way that is not ‘couched in terms of controversy’.

A BBC spokesperson said, “Victoria Derbyshire’s programme from the clinic and our coverage later that day will be robust and challenging and will offer an opportunity for both sides to discuss their views.”