Abortion pill now at home in England

UK government says home use of misoprostol will be legalised by the end of 2018 Women are currently required to take both pills — mifepristone and misoprostol — at a clinic 24 to 48 hours apart

London: Women in England will be allowed to take an early abortion pill at home, under a government plan due to take effect by the end of the year. Currently, women ending a pregnancy in its first 10 weeks must take two pills at a clinic, 24 to 48 hours apart.

London: Women seeking to end early pregnancies in England soon will be allowed to take an abortion pill at home under a new government plan set to take effect by the end of the year.

Women currently have to take both pills - mifepristone and misoprostol - at a clinic, 24 to 48 hours apart, to terminate an early pregnancy ( before 10 weeks’ gestation). The new plan would allow them to take the second pill at home. Supporters said the current requirement puts women at risk of having miscarriages while they are travelling home from a clinic.

Chief Medical Officer for England Sally Davies said today the move helps ensure women “receive safe and dignified care.”

Lesley Regan, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, praised the plan for providing women compassionate care and more choice. Under the new plans, which will bring England into line with Scotland and Wales, the second pill can be taken at home.

This avoids the risk of women miscarrying while on the journey home. The announcement comes after the Scottish government’s decision to allow women to take the abortion pill in their own homes was upheld following a legal challenge by the Society for Protection of Unborn Children, Scotland.