Early medical abortions: bid to change the law

Women having an early medical abortion should be allowed to take some of their pills at home, a charity says.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is seeking a change in the law so women can choose where they complete their treatment.

Women currently have to make two visits and are given pills each time.

The Department of Health opposes the change, which would bring England, Scotland and Wales into line with countries including Sweden and France.

Early medical abortions involve taking two sets of pills. These are taken 24 to 48 hours apart in order to induce a miscarriage.

They are available to women seeking abortion in the first nine weeks of pregnancy.

After an initial consultation, women have two appointments with a doctor and both times are given a set of pills.