Abortion Rights condemns “high street scan scam” putting women at risk

For immediate release – 3 November 2025

Abortion Rights has condemned reports that some private pregnancy scan services are endangering women’s health through unsafe and unregulated practices — describing the growing trend as a “high street scan scam.”

It follows a BBC investigation revealing that unqualified staff at certain high-street and shopping-centre clinics have provided women with false or dangerous medical information. In some cases, women were wrongly told their pregnancies were not viable or that there were serious abnormalities — only to later discover their pregnancies were healthy. The Society of Radiographers (SoR) has warned that these practices are putting lives at risk and has called for tighter regulation of those carrying out ultrasound procedures.

Kerry Abel, Chair of Abortion Rights, said:

“Being pro-choice means believing that every woman has the right to safe, accurate, and compassionate reproductive healthcare — whether she is continuing a pregnancy, considering ending one, or simply seeking reassurance about her own body.

These reports of women being given devastating, incorrect information by unqualified staff are horrifying. It’s unacceptable that anyone can open a high street clinic, operate equipment, and give what amounts to medical advice without proper regulation. This is a matter of women’s health, safety, and dignity.”

Abel said the problem reflects a broader pattern of exploitation in unregulated reproductive services, including so-called crisis pregnancy centres that mislead women seeking abortion advice.

“These high street scan scams are part of a wider issue. Just like fake ‘crisis pregnancy centres’ that trick and shame women, some of these clinics are preying on people’s vulnerability — using fear and misinformation instead of offering genuine care.

Whether it’s a misleading scan or deceptive counselling, women are being lied to. That’s not healthcare — it’s harm.”

Abortion Rights is calling on the government to introduce tighter regulation across all pregnancy-related and reproductive health services to ensure that only properly trained, qualified, and accountable professionals can provide medical or diagnostic information.

“Women deserve honesty, safety, and respect — not exploitation on the high street,” Abel added. “The government must act now to end these dangerous practices and protect women from harm.”