Extension to home abortion rules puts women in greater danger

CARE has criticised the Government for making controversial home abortion rules introduced during the pandemic permanent, despite clear evidence they put women at greater risk of harm.

Earlier today, the Department for Health and Social Care announced that Women in England and Wales will be able to permanently access early medical abortions at home from 30 August.

New legislation will allow women to access pills for early medical abortion via a teleconsultation, and for both pills to be taken at home for gestation of up to nine weeks and six days.

Move ignores harms

The move comes after an investigation last year found more than 10,000 women who took abortion pills at home under the new rules required hospital treatment to deal with side effects.

In 2020, it also emerged that two women had tragically died after taking abortion pills at home, and a leaked email drafted by a senior NHS midwife warned of "escalating risks" under the new abortion rules.

A spokeswoman for CARE said:

“The decision by Ministers to make home abortion rules permanent is highly irresponsible and removes vital safeguards.

"There is clear evidence of increased harm to women and babies under the new approach. It is hard to establish meaningful and informed consent given the lack of in-person consultation. There is also a heightened risk of dangerous medical complications occuring.

“Safeguards in place before the pandemic were there for a reason. The new framework is simply incompatible with the level of care that should be expected under normal circumstances. Ministers should reverse this dangerous decision before further evidence of harm again pregnant women emerges.”

ENDS

About CARE

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) provides analysis of social policy from a Christian perspective.

For more information or to request an interview, contact Jamie Gillies | jamie.gillies@care.org.uk