SPUC has launched a major new petition on abortion coercion, calling on the Health Secretary to commission research into the area of abortion coercion, and in doing so, to make this “insidious problem” a priority for health and social policy moving forward.

Alithea Williams, SPUC’s Public Policy Manager, said: “The first step in combatting abortion coercion is for proper research to be conducted, and for it to be recognised as an urgent health priority. That is why we need this petition shared as widely as possible, to effect real change.

“Highlighting the insidious problem of abortion coercion is one of SPUC’s current major campaign concerns. Already, thousands of copies of new door-to-door flyers have been ordered by supporters eager to share this message in their community.”

The problem of abortion coercion is backed up by recent research. A BBC poll found that 15% of all British women had experienced pressure or coercion to have an abortion that they did not want. In addition, 3% (33) of respondents said they had been given a substance or tablet to induce an abortion without their knowledge or consent. 5% (54 women) said they had experienced physical violence with the intent to end their pregnancy.

“Now is the time for change”

Ms Williams continued: “With the hugely significant news of the reversal of Roe vs Wade in the United States, abortion is very much in the public consciousness. Now is the time to bring these issues to the fore, and to have grown-up conversations about the state of abortion law and practise in the UK. Even those who believe in a ‘woman’s right to choose’ should agree that no woman should be forced into having an abortion she doesn’t want.

“Sadly, for many ‘pro-choice’ advocates, this is not the case. We have been accused in the media of ‘falsely inflating’ the issue of abortion coercion. The other side doesn’t want abortion coercion talked about – because it doesn’t suit the pervasive narrative of ‘choice’. We, however, are determined to speak out on behalf of the women who are damaged by this very real issue. It is precisely because of our ‘agenda’ – that every human life is precious and should be protected – that we know how devastating it is for a woman to go through an abortion she didn’t want.

“Please sign our petition, and forward it to others. Now is the time for change.”

The petition can be signed online here. Paper petitions can also be ordered to collect signatures in your community.