| Abortion Rights welcomes Government early medical abortion pilots |
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Abortion Rights welcomes the government’s pilot studies to make early medical abortion available to women in a wider range of settings, including GP surgeries or family planning clinics. This measure would give women a real choice of procedure and increase local service provision. The Department of Health trials are in line with recommendations by the Commons Science and Technology Committee to remove unnecessary restrictions to abortion access. Early medical abortion is a very safe and increasingly common procedure, which is carried out in two stages in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. In countries such as France and the US women routinely choose to take the second tablet at home. Anne Quesney, Director of Abortion Rights said: ‘It is very encouraging that the government is taking active steps towards making early abortion access easier and working to end the unnecessary delays many women continue to face. With 68 per cent of abortion carried out at under-10 weeks this would have a hugely positive impact on many women’s lives. 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of safe, legal abortion in Britain. This should be a time for law and practice to be more in line with women’s needs.’ End |
