British Cabinet Minister Liam Fox said he would support efforts to reduce the “far too high” number of abortions.

Amid tensions within the coalition over a backbench bid to change the law on counselling for women considering a termination, Dr Fox said he would back anything that made people “think twice”.

Tory MP Nadine Dorries is rallying support for an amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill which would prevent abortion providers giving advice to pregnant women.

The move would stop organisations like Marie Stopes and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service providing counselling. Ms Dorries says that, because they receive money for carrying out abortions, they have a vested interest.

Downing Street has indicated that Prime Minister David Cameron will not support the amendment, which is to be considered by the Commons this week.

He is said to be sympathetic to the need for more advice for women but is concerned about existing providers being shut out.

Health Minister Anne Milton has emailed MPs saying she and her colleagues at the Department of Health would also be voting against the amendment, if it comes down to a vote.

Dr Fox said: “I would certainly want to support any amendments that saw the number of abortions fall in the UK.

“I think the level is far too high. I would certainly welcome any restrictions which enable people to think twice and get objective advice.

“I would actually want to see what the amendments specifically are but I’m in favour of something that sees the high level of abortions in the UK reduced.”