Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Early Medical Abortion: Telemedicine Service

Tuesday 1 March 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government will end temporary approval of telemedicine for early medical abortion on 29 August 2022.
  • Temporary approval was put in place during the pandemic to reduce risk of COVID-19 transmission.
  • Decision aligns with pre-COVID regulatory requirements for abortion services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
NHS
Context

The question arises from the government's decision to end a temporary approval of telemedicine services during the pandemic.

Question

What plans his Department has to take steps to permanently implement the telemedicine service for early medical abortion. The temporary approval was extended until August 29, 2022, after which regulatory requirements will be reinstated as per pre-COVID standards.

Answer from Maggie Throup

The Government will end the temporary approval put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. The temporary approval has been extended for six months until midnight on 29 August 2022, after which abortion services for early medical abortion will return to pre-COVID regulatory requirements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not address any plans for permanent implementation of telemedicine services.

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Q2 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
NHS Women & Equalities
Context

In response to the decision to end telemedicine services, Caroline Nokes seeks clarification on how this aligns with previous consultations and advice from medical colleges.

Question

Can my hon. Friend explain how the decision to end telemedicine for early medical abortion supports women who responded to the Department's own consultation, how it works in line with the Royal College of General Practice, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and the Royal College of Midwives, and what the dangers are in ignoring their advice when pulling together a women's health strategy?

Answer from Maggie Throup

The temporary approval was put in place during the pandemic to address a specific and acute medical need to reduce the risk of transmission of covid-19. It was recognised that without it, significant numbers of women would not have been able to safely access abortion services. The Secretary of State has considered all risks and benefits regarding the temporary approval.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not fully address how the decision aligns with consultations or medical college advice.

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