Legal fight for abortions to take place at home

Thursday, 13 January 2011 12:00 AM

By politics.co.uk staff

Campaigners are calling for a change in the law so that women can complete their abortion treatment at home.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) wants women to be given both sets of pills for an early medical abortion at once, so that they can take the second set at a location of their choosing.

Under current law, women must take the first set during the first appointment and then return 24 to 48 hours later for a second appointment, when they take the second set of pills.

This method of abortion is available during the first nine weeks of pregnancy.

The move would bring England, Wales and Scotland into line with many other European countries, including Sweden and France, but is opposed by the Department of Health.

The 1967 Abortion Act states that treatment must be given in a hospital or clinic. Campaigners believe 'treatment' should refer only to prescription, not treatment.

Many women experience cramps and bleeding on their way home from the appointment.

Tags: