The Welsh Goverrnment has announced that it will make at-home abortions a permanent option. The decision follows a consultation on the matter that Wales Humanists responded to. Wales Humanists has welcomed the announcement.
The option of having an at-home abortion in the early weeks of pregnancy was first introduced across Britain in 2020, as a safety measure in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the past, women had to attend a clinic to have a medical (i.e. pill-triggered) abortion. The initial introduction was temporary, for the duration of the pandemic, but the Welsh Government has now announced it will make it permanent.
Last week the UK Government announced that it will withdraw the same service in England on 29 August. Humanists UK called that decision a ‘missed opportunity to take advantage of one of the few good things to have come out of the pandemic, which is a safer and more accessible abortion system.’
Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick commented:
‘The Welsh Government has listened to doctors, nurses, women’s groups, and human rights organisations, and to the evidence which shows that at-home abortions have been a huge step forward for women’s healthcare. The evidence shows that at-home abortions has made abortion accessible to more women, sooner, without compromising on safety. For this, the Welsh Government deserves to be applauded.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick at kathy@humanists.uk or phone 07881 625 378.
Read the Welsh Government’s announcement.
Read our comment on last week’s announcement about England.
Read more about our work calling for permanent at-home abortions across the UK.
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