Health centre abortions considered

Source: http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk

08.05.08

Women could soon be offered early-stage abortions in health centres after Government-backed research supported a relaxation of the rules on terminations.

A study supports the idea of allowing drug-induced abortions outside of traditional hospital settings across England.

The Government will now hold a consultation on its findings which could pave the way for a loosening of the rules.

At present, abortions can only be provided in licensed places - limited to NHS trusts and approved independent sector units such as private clinics.

But a section of the Abortion Act gives the Health Secretary powers to approve another class of place to perform medical abortions, which could enable them to be available in a wider range of settings. As yet this power has not been used in England but campaigners have been arguing that women should get quicker access to abortions - something the Government backs.

The study found abortions could be "safely" and "effectively" offered at community contraceptive centres, cottage hospitals and polyclinics.

Women liked the "informality" and increased availability of support from staff in non-traditional settings, it found.

Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said the Government's priority was to cut waiting times for an abortion but it was important to consult on the issue.

She said: "Our priority is to reduce the time women have to wait for an abortion at what is already a very difficult time for them. We have made considerable progress in this, with 65% of women having their abortion at under 10 weeks in 2006, up from 51% in 2002.

"We want to investigate whether patients can be more comfortable and feel as supported in a less clinical setting such as in a large community contraceptive centre. However, the safety of patients must remain paramount and we will now consult with the local NHS and patients to find out whether there is a demand for such a service and how it could best be delivered."