Welsh Government Press Release: Wales approves home abortions during Coronavirus crisis

Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced that women in Wales will have access to abortion services at home during the Coronavirus crisis.

Women and girls wanting to terminate an early pregnancy will be prescribed two pills at home instead of going to a hospital or clinic, avoiding social contact and the unnecessary risk of exposure to Coronavirus.

The prescription of medication will follow a remote consultation with a medical practitioner via video link or telephone conference.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said:

“Public safety is our number one priority as we tackle the Covid19 crisis. This temporary measure ensures that women can continue to access these key services without being exposed to unnecessary risk during these challenging times.”

 -ENDS-

 

Notes:

An early medical abortion involves taking two different drugs 24-48 hours apart. It is only possible during the first 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Currently, women are required to attend a hospital or clinic at least once to take the first medication but may take the second medication at home where they complete the treatment.

The amendment of the Abortion Act 1967 will

• allow the home of the registered medical practitioner to be approved as a class of place for treatment for the termination of pregnancy for the purpose only of prescribing the two abortion medicines known as Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
• allow the home of the pregnant woman to be a class of place where the treatment of termination of pregnancy may be carried out.