CARE welcomes end to abortion 'pills by post' scheme

NEWS that home abortion rules are to be scrapped by the UK Government has been welcomed by CARE.

The Telegraph reports that a 'pills by post' scheme introduced during the pandemic that allows women to access medical abortion after a video or telephone consultation is to be discontinued in the autumn.

Doctors had warned the framework - which took away a requirement for in person medical supervision - endangered women's health, with more than 600 medics demanding an end to the framework in a letter to the the PM last year.

A spokeswoman for CARE commented:

“The news that home abortion rules will be rolled back is welcome. These rules carry many dangers for women. There is a heightened risk of women being forced into abortion by a coercive partner. It is hard to establish meaningful and informed consent for medical abortion to take place, given the lack of in-person consultation.

“There is also the very obvious risk of dangerous medical complications occurring outside a medical setting. An investigation at the end of last year revealed more than 10,000 women who took DIY abortion pills at home needed hospital treatment to deal with the side effects between April 2020 and September 2021.

“It is a relief that the government has decided to change course and restore previous safety measures. We urge Ministers not to be dissuaded from this action as campaigners continue to lobby for permissive and dangerous home abortions to be made permanent, at the expense of women’s health.”

ENDS

CARE brings Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives across the United Kingdom.

For media inquiries, or to arrange an interview, contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk