We are extremely concerned however that health trusts are being forced to refer some women and pregnant people to England, (especially those over 10 weeks gestation) and some, such as the Northern Trust are already facing the prospect of no longer being able to provide early medical abortions, due to resources being unavailable from a lack of Department of Health Commissioning.
Activists across the island call for emergency measures to include abortion telemedicine
Across the Island of Ireland, we are coming to terms with social distancing, and the huge additional burden that will be placed on our healthcare systems due to the virus. In hope of easing that burden, while also ensuring everybody can access the healthcare they require - we want to highlight the option of telemedicine abortions. Legislation to allow telemedicine and home use of both abortion medicines needs urgent consideration before our health services come under severe pressure.
Department of Health Abortion Figures Jan 2018
Many still have to seek abortion healthcare in England, despite qualifying in NI.
© E Campbell Alliance for Choice
Alliance for Choice have noted that the Department of Health released figures on the Northern Ireland termination of pregnancy statistics this week for 2016/17 and confirmed that 13 terminations were carried out under Northern Ireland’s strict guidelines.
Co-Chair Emma Campbell commented; “We are concerned that women and pregnant people who qualify for treatment here are still being forced to travel. This is due to the lack of access to appropriate NHS services in Northern Ireland, coupled with the unwillingness of the Department of Health to provide clear and concise pathways to abortion care.
PRESS RELEASE: New bpas abortion pill helpline
The abortion pills from Women on Web
bpas launch a new helpline for abortion seekers taking pills bought online.