Getting an abortion during a pandemic

Changes brought in to stop virus spread are cutting waiting times

WOMEN have been accessing abortions earlier in pregnancy during the

pandemic.

To help stop the spread of coronavirus, from March 30, the Government put in place temporary measures so eligible women and girls could take both pills for early (up to 10 weeks) medical abortion at home, following a telephone or e-consultation with a doctor.

Between January and June, 86% of abortions in England and Wales were performed at under 10 weeks, compared to 81% in January to June 2019.

That proportion has increased over the period, from 84% in January to 90% in June.

More abortions are also being carried out before seven weeks gestation - rising from 42% in January to 65% in June, compared to 39% in the first six months of 2019.

The change to telemedicine was made on a temporary basis - limited for two years, or until the pandemic is over.

The Government has committed to consulting the public on whether to make the measure permanent and women’s healthcare providers are keen to see the changes continue.

Clare Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) said: “These figures illustrate that access to abortion care has been one of the few healthcare success stories of this pandemic, with women able to access the help and support they need earlier in pregnancy.

“Abortion is considerably safer than carrying a pregnancy to term, but the earlier it can be performed once a woman is certain of her decision, the better for both her physical and mental health.”

She said telephone and e-consultations mean women don’t have to travel, sometimes considerable distances, to clinics, while juggling childcare and working commitments.

Marie Stopes UK said these types of consultation can also help women and girls who are too frightened to attend consultations in person talk more openly and privately.

It said safeguarding concerns identified have increased by 77% during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic and include major cases such as a 12-year-old being subject to rape by two relatives.

Dr Jonathan Lord, Medical Director for Marie Stopes UK, said: “Telemedicine is the single biggest enhancement in abortion care for years and has allowed tens of thousands of women across the UK, from those caring for children and elderly relatives to women at risk of violence if they leave the house, to receive the healthcare they need and deserve during the pandemic.

“Waiting times have reduced significantly, easing the distress of an unwanted pregnancy and reducing the already low complication rate even further.

“We hope the Government continues to stand with women and ensures this safe, effective and convenient service is made permanent.”