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RCOG raises serious concerns around the National Police Chiefs’ Council guidance on Child Death Investigation

21 May 2025

The RCOG has raised serious concerns around the National Police Chiefs’ Council guidance on Child Death Investigation.

Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said:
“We are very alarmed by the increasing number of women being prosecuted for ending their own pregnancy, including women who have experienced the tragedy of an unexplained pregnancy loss being criminally investigated. This is not in the public best interest.
“The new National Police Chiefs’ Council guidance is truly shocking to read. Women in these circumstances have a right to compassionate care and to have their dignity and privacy respected, not to have their homes, phones, computers and health apps searched, or be arrested and interrogated.
“Parliamentarians now have an unmissable opportunity to decriminalise abortion, to ensure women can access abortion safely, confidentially and free from the threat of investigation and prosecution.”
  • Read the guidance here.
  • Read more about the RCOG's campaign to decriminalise abortion here
  • Policy and governance
  • Abortion
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