The UK’s Department for Health and Social Care has announced that they plan to extend early medical abortion via telemedicine, also known as at-home abortion care, until 29th August 2022, but are not making it permanent. They have stated they will keep the decision under review.
Jonathan Lord, UK medical director for MSI Reproductive Choices, said:
“The government has announced a six-month extension for at-home early medical abortion. Although they have committed to keeping this under review, we are disappointed that this service will not be made permanent. This would be indefensible and would fly in the face of clinical evidence. The service has reduced waiting times and offered greater choice, which is particularly vital for vulnerable clients, such as women in abusive relationships or anyone else who can’t safely travel to a clinic.”
“A peer-reviewed study found that two thirds of women surveyed would choose to take their abortion pills at home regardless of COVID-19. If this service ends, everyone would be unnecessarily forced to travel to a hospital or clinic, often having to face the threat of anti-choice groups gathered outside, for the sole purpose of swallowing a tablet, which can be taken perfectly safely at home.”
“This is a pro-choice country. It’s not too late for the government to listen to women who overwhelmingly want this service to stay.”
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Notes to Editors
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About MSI Reproductive Choices
MSI Reproductive Choices is one of the world’s leading providers of sexual and reproductive healthcare. We believe that everyone should have the right to choose. From contraception to safe abortion and life-saving post-abortion care, we are committed to delivering compassionate, affordable, high-quality services for all. Our organisation has over 9,000 team members working across 37 countries, supporting over 67,000 people to access reproductive choice every day.
