Women in England will reportedly receive abortion care at home during COVID-19

The Government will reportedly announce that it intends to publish guidance allowing women seeking an early abortion to take both pills used in the procedure at home. Up to now they have been required to take the first pill in a clinic under the supervision of two doctors, which is not deemed medically necessary. This change, campaigned for by pro-choice organisations including Humanists UK, will ease pressure on the NHS during the COVID-19 crisis.

A Department for Health and Social Care source explained, ‘we are updating our guidance so women who need an abortion up to ten weeks and can’t access a clinic can use abortion pills at home…

This measure will be on a temporary basis and must follow a telephone or e-consultation with a doctor. We will set out the next steps, including updated guidance, shortly.’
It is estimated that 44,000 women in England will need access to abortion services over the next 13 weeks, but are likely to face significant challenges in accessing care due to COVID-19 outbreak restrictions, including the closing of many abortion clinics.

In Scotland and Wales, women are able to take both pills at home already, and the situation regarding home use of abortion pills in Northern Ireland remains unclear. Regulations allowing for safe and legal access to abortion come into force tomorrow (31 March), but did not include provisions for access during the current outbreak.

Humanists UK’s Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘If reports are accurate, we welcome this announcement by the Government which recognises that abortion and women’s healthcare are essential services and cannot be delayed or overlooked in emergency situations. These provisions will help to ensure that there is an effective continuation of abortion services, by reducing needless pressure on NHS resources and the need for women to make medically unnecessary journeys to and from clinics.’

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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Press Manager Casey-Ann Seaniger at casey@humanism.org.uk or phone 07393 344293.