The Government also saw off cross-party dissent to push through new rules so doctors do not have to consider the need for a father when approving fertility treatment.

Tory-led proposals, backed by some Labour MPs, including Cabinet ministers, for new abortion limits of 12, 16, 20 or 22 weeks were all defeated in a series of free votes.

Brian Binley, Conservative MP for Northampton South, voted in favour of a cut to 20 weeks and said: "When you look at the figures and see how many people are using abortion as a contraceptive, I find the need to reduce the ability for late abortions to be vital. People are simply not bothering to take any protection on the basis they could get an abortion."

Sally Keeble, Labour MP for Northampton North, voted to keep the 24-week limit as it was.

She said: "There is just not the evidence that the limit should be changed. The number of terminations that happen that late are few and far between and are difficult for everybody.

"It is really hard on women who have got real problems with their pregnancy and need a late termination and have got massive problems to contend with."

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly, Defence Secretary Des Browne and Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy – all Roman Catholics – voted for the lowest limit available.

The 22-week proposal, which had the personal support of Tory leader David Cameron, came the closest to success but was still comfortably rejected by 304 votes to 233, a majority of 71.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown voted against any reduction after insisting there was no medical evidence to justify a change in the law.

Pro-life campaigners said Parliament had defied "overwhelming public opinion".