Abortion on Trial: Everything you need to know about Anne Robinson’s new BBC Two documentary

It’s been 50 years since the abortion act legalised the termination of pregnancies, but despite the decades that have passed, the topic remains almost as contentious as it was at the time.

And with a referendum taking place in Ireland next year to decide whether the country’s total ban should be lifted, it's firmly fixed in the public consciousness.

Anne Robinson is set to get to grips with the issue in a new documentary for BBC Two. Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s it about?

The programme sees Robinson tackle the complex and at times controversial issue of abortion. She invites nine members of the public with a variety of views, some very extreme, to debate whether the abortion law is ‘fit for purpose in 2017’.

The presenter will also be hearing from experts and campaigners.

Who is Anne Robinson?

Robinson is a TV presenter and journalist best known for hosting quiz series the Weakest Link where she frequently gave contestants short shrift.

Why is the issue of abortion so controversial?

What those who are for and against abortion can’t agree on is whose rights are most important when it comes to abortion, those of the mother or those of the unborn child.

Those on the pro-choice side of the debate believe that the mother has the right to choose whether she wants to carry her pregnancy to term, while pro-life activists believe the foetus has the right to be allowed to survive.

The issue is controversial largely because it concerns ending the possibility of a human life. There have also been some instances of violence from anti-abortionists.

Abortion on Trial airs Monday, October 16 at 9pm on BBC Two.