I have received correspondence from constituents regarding abortions and ‘abortions at home’. I completely understand what an incredibly emotive issue this is, and I appreciate the strength of feelings on both sides.
Abortion care is an essential part of care for women, and safeguarding measures are still in place. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has offered guidance on this issue which can be found here:
https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coro…
Guidelines have been issued which enable women to take both Mifepristone and Misoprostol at home for the duration of the outbreak, so that they do not have to visit a medical practice and risk exposure to the virus, and to enable doctors to prescribe medicines from home via telephone or video consultations without consulting a second practitioner, so that abortion care can be provided even in the case of staff shortages. I have been assured this alteration will last only as long as the temporary provisions enacted by the Coronavirus Act 2020 to protect women seeking care. The medicines must still be instigated prior to nine weeks and six days into the pregnancy.
I know that making a decision regarding abortion care can be an extremely difficult time. Women need to be supported to make an informed decision, taking into consideration all their options, with medical professionals offering impartial advice.