Human Fertilisation Bill has been hijacked, says Health minister

Dawn Primarolo, the Public Health minister, has accused MPs campaigning for a stricter law on abortion of having a hidden agenda which aims ultimately to prevent all terminations.

As the Commons begins two days of debate on the controversial Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, Ms Primarolo claimed that supporters of curbs on abortion were trying to "hijack" the measure. Although the Bill does not propose any change to the current 24-week limit, MPs will vote on a series of amendments tomorrow night.

MPs say there could be close votes on proposals to cut the limit to 22 or 20 weeks. Gordon Brown has said he will support the 24-week limit but several ministers will vote for a lower limit in a free vote. They may include Ruth Kelly, the Transport Secretary, and Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, who are both Catholics.

Ms Primarolo said: "Those seeking to reduce the time limit have made it clear it's because they don't support abortions.I don't think this has any place in the Bill. If they are honest they are saying they don't like abortion. They want to prevent it and see gradually changing the time limit as the way to do it. This Bill is important and frankly, it's been hijacked."

Nadine Dorries, the Tory backbencher and former nurse proposing a 20-week limit, says she supports "fast, safe, free access to abortion ... My only problem is with late abortion."

There will be a heated debate over whether the limit, cut from 28 to 24 weeks in 1990, should be reduced again. David Cameron and most of the Shadow Cabinet will vote for a lower limit.

MPs will vote today on whether to allow the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos for stem cell research – which may provide a cure for diseases such as MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's – described by some church leaders as "Frankenstein science".

Mr Brown, whose son Fraser has cystic fibrosis, appealed to MPs to back the move. "The scientists I speak to are committed to what they see as an inherently moral endeavour that can save and improve the lives of thousands – and over time, millions – of people," he said.

Writing in The Observer, the Prime Minister said: "I have deep respect for those who do not agree with some of the provisions in the Bill because of religious conviction. But I believe we owe it to ourselves and future generations to introduce these measures."

There may also be a close vote on the Bill's proposal to end the rule for IVF clinics to consider "the need for a father" when providing fertility treatment and recognising same-sex couples as legal parents of children conceived through donated sperm, eggs or embryos. The Bill would also give parents the right to select children whose genetic material could help sick relatives.

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