UK Campaigns

UK CAMPAIGNS
Marie Stopes International (MSI) plays an important role in shaping UK government policy on sexual and reproductive health through its campaigns.

Easy access to emergency contraception
MSI believes easy access to emergency hormonal contraception is vital. MSI is campaigning for the continuation of over-the-counter provision in pharmacies and would like to see the scheme developed, with a reduction in cost and ease of access for young people.

Voice for Choice campaign
MSI believes the UK should fall into line with the rest of Europe and make abortion available on request in the first trimester (up to 14 weeks). At the moment, women in the UK still have to secure the approval of two doctors before they can access an abortion. Abortion on request is key to the Voice for Choice campaign, of which MSI is a member.

Voice for Choice also campaigns for:

-abortion to be available with only one doctor's approval from 15 to 24 weeks, under the criteria of the current 1967 Act

-placing a duty on doctors to declare any conscientious objection to abortion that they may have, and to refer women immediately to another doctor who does not share that view

-extending this amended act to Northern Ireland

-placing a duty on the National Health Service to provide sufficient abortion services to cover local needs.