Among other things, they see the Abortion Act 1967 as irrelevant and as an impediment. In particular, they want to end the requirement for two doctors to certify an abortion because, in their view, it is:
- Paternalistic
- Opposed to patient autonomy
- Medically unnecessary
- Causes harm when conscientious objection is exercised
- Causes harm when abortion is denied
- Creates stigma when women are asked for a reason for their abortion
- Unnecessarily intrusive
- Causes delay to abortion
In reality, the increased use of abortion pills means that doctors are less involved in abortion. Many abortions are self-referrals by the woman to an abortion provider, by-passing a visit to a GP. 77% of abortions in 2021 took place in independent abortion clinics, where the clinic staff fill out the paperwork. One of Britain’s leading abortion providers, BPAS, tells women: “Your consultation and medical assessment usually takes place with a nurse or midwife over the telephone.”
SPUC’s position is that whether a doctor is involved in an abortion referral or not, an unborn baby dies and a woman is scarred in some way. However, removing doctors from the process sends a message that abortion is a safe procedure that can be easily managed by any woman.
