Abortions at home move may become permanent

TEMPORARY measures allowing women up to ten weeks pregnant to have abortions at home could become permanent.

The scheme was introduced in March following concerns that women could put themselves at risk of contracting coronavirus if forced to travel to a clinic to receive the two pills needed.

Since the lockdown, up to 90,000 women are reported to have taken advantage of the measures, which allow both pills to be issued following a phone consultation.

Many women have hailed the ‘pills by post’ system, which is said to have cut waiting times and helped the vulnerable.

Now Covid minister Lord Bethell has confirmed that there will be a public consultation on whether to make the scheme permanent before the coronavirus provision ends in 18 months.

Several abortion providers said they support the scheme’s continuation, but it is being challenged at a judicial review by the group Christian Concern.

It argues that the law should not have been changed to allow home abortions, citing potential hygiene risks and a record number of terminations.