SPUC has welcomed the decision by the Department of Health and Social Care to scrap the dangerous DIY home abortion scheme.

The scheme, which was introduced during March 2020 in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, was intended to be a temporary measure. The scheme allows women to receive and self -administer abortion drugs without an in-person consultation. 

The Department of Health and Social Care has now confirmed that the DIY abortion scheme will be reversed, with pre-COVID regulatory requirements for the provision of chemical abortion to be reinstated. Minister Maggie Throup said: “After careful consideration, the Government’s view is that the provision of early medical abortion should return to pre-COVID arrangements. The wellbeing and safety of women requiring access to abortion services has been, and will continue to be, our first and foremost priority.”

Ministers have listened

Reacting to the announcement, Michael Robinson, SPUC Executive Director said: “The DIY home abortion scheme has inflicted untold damage to countless mothers and their babies. SPUC welcomes the decision to reverse this cruel policy which ignored the needs of women.  

“Pro-life supporters have been at the forefront of the battle to help end this abortion scheme, by responding to the Government consultation, and by contacting their MPs, urging Ministers to keep their promise and reverse the measures. SPUC is pleased that Ministers have listened to the voices that care about women and their children.”

“However, it is disappointing, given the blatant dangers of this policy, that it has been extended for another six months. Given that the Minister says that the wellbeing and safety of women is their first priority, they should end the scheme immediately.”

Dangers of DIY abortion

SPUC has been a vocal opponent of the DIY scheme since its launch, branding it a reckless and deadly measure which disregards the health and wellbeing of women.  

During the two years of the scheme’s operation, an abundance of evidence has come to light showing just how dangerous the policy is. 

 This evidence includes: 

• Freedom of Information requests made to NHS Trusts in England show that 5.9 per cent of women using abortion drugs are subsequently treated in hospital for complications arising from an incomplete abortion. A potentially life-threatening condition if not recognised and treated in time. 
• Data from NHS Ambulance Services that indicate that on average 36 women every month make 999 calls seeking medical assistance for complications arising from having taken abortion pills. 
• A mystery client investigation published by Christian Concern in 2021 also concluded that the policy is impossible to regulate. It found that pills could be obtained using false information since NHS numbers are not required and identity checks were not carried out. 

Mothers and babies deserve protection

“The decision to reverse this policy highlights that abortion drugs are dangerous for women and their unborn children. SPUC encourages ministers to continue to consider the damning effect abortion has on women, and restore full protection to them, and their unborn children” Mr Robinson concluded.