In response to an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill tabled by Caroline Johnson MP — which seeks to bar women from securing abortion pills for use at home without a prior in-person appointment with a doctor or appropriate medical professional — Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“Restricting telemedicine would significantly reduce women's and girls' access to an essential form of healthcare in England and Wales.
“There is a wealth of evidence to show that telemedicine for early medical abortion is safe, has enabled women to access treatment sooner, and that the service is preferred by women.
“The telemedicine pathway has removed barriers to allow women to access an essential form of sexual and reproductive healthcare, reducing inequalities for many, including those who live in rural and isolated areas and rely on public transport, women with disabilities, and those who fear detection by a coercive partner or family member.
“Abortion providers have extensive expertise and experience in the management of abortion care, of safeguarding and of the needs of patients. Abortion that happens outside of the regulations is rare and when it does, generally involves extremely vulnerable women, including victims of domestic abuse, women with a history of mental health problems, women not registered with a GP, and women who are socioeconomically disadvantaged or have difficulties accessing the health system. All of these women can face insurmountable barriers to accessing the healthcare they need. Removing access to telemedicine will only increase these barriers.”