Abortion During Covid-19
| Over the last couple of months, accessing an abortion in the UK has changed dramatically as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. When the UK lockdown first started, stories began to emerge of people struggling to access abortion services, or being forced to break self-isolation to go to a clinic; something made even harder as public transport systems shut down and people lost their jobs and income. Campaigning started for a relaxation of current abortion laws and after lots of confusion, a Government U-turn and a published then deleted DHSC paper, telemedicine for abortion care was temporarily approved in England, Wales, and Scotland. But what does this actually mean? Essentially the temporary policy allows people seeking an early medical abortion (up to 10 weeks) to have the required consultation remotely (rather than in-person at a clinic) and then receive the 2 medications via post. The same safety and eligibility criteria apply, the only difference is the removal of an unnecessary journey to and from a clinic. Whilst this is a step in the right direction for reproductive rights in the UK, we must remember that these changes are not permanent. This is a temporary policy and it will expire within the next 2 years. This pandemic shows there is no legitimate or medical reason to deny the use of telemedicine in abortion services going forward, so we must continue to campaign for permanent changes to the law that reflect the reality of abortion in 2020. |
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