Is ‘pills by post’ abortion set to be scrapped? System introduced at start of Covid pandemic and used by around 2,000 women a week could be axed by autumn, report says
- Over 30 royal colleges and women’s groups called to make method permanent
- Legislation, requiring video or phone consultation, due to expire at end of March
- Previously, first of two tablets could be taken only in abortion clinic or hospital
- Ministers said to be extending temporary measures for 6 months after concerns
Women should be allowed to keep taking abortion tablets at home amid reports ‘pills by post’ may be scrapped in the autumn, medical groups urged last night.
The method, relating to termination in the first ten weeks of pregnancy, is thought to be used by around 2,000 women a week.
The law allowing it was introduced at the start of the Covid pandemic.
More than 30 royal colleges and women’s groups have called on the Government to make the ‘essential service’ permanent, saying it is safe, effective and accessible.
The method, relating to termination in the first ten weeks of pregnancy, is thought to be used by around 2,000 women a week (file photo)
The legislation, requiring a video or phone consultation, is due to expire at the end of next month.
Previously the first of two tablets could be taken only in an abortion clinic or hospital.
Ministers are said to be extending the temporary measures for six months after concerns abortion clinics couldn’t cope if home abortion laws were axed.
But last night The Daily Telegraph reported that from the autumn the system will go.
The coalition of medical organisations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives and the British Medical Association, expressed their ‘deep and urgent concern’ in a letter to Boris Johnson last night.
They said scrapping the legislation would force women to turn to unregulated abortion pill providers.
The coalition of medical organisations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives and the British Medical Association, expressed their ‘deep and urgent concern’ in a letter to Boris Johnson (pictured on Wednesday)
‘To remove this service, despite the scientific and medical support it carries, would indicate a deep mistrust of women and an institutional disregard for their reproductive rights,’ the letter continued.
They added the telemedicine system has created a more equitable and quick service, which is ‘just as safe’ and a ‘more efficient’ use of NHS resources.
Throughout the pandemic, from April 2020 to February 2022, it is estimated that more than 125,000 women have accessed ‘world-leading’ telemedical abortion services in the UK.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘The current temporary measures were brought in at the start of the pandemic to allow eligible women to take both pills for early medical abortion – which goes up to 10 weeks of gestation – at home. We keep these provisions under review.’
Advertisement
