Update from SPUC - Wales Rushing Abortions

Guidelines have been proposed by the Welsh assembly to ensure that women in Wales get faster access to abortions. Such women would be able to have an abortion within a week of asking. These proposals, which include removing the practice of having two doctors consent to an abortion, are supposed to reduce "negative psychological outcomes" associated with abortions. Dr Patricia Lohr, medical director of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said, "Being able to offer the earliest possible abortion treatment once a woman has made her decision means the procedure is less invasive for her, and it is cheaper for the NHS to provide." Anthony Ozimic, political secretary of SPUC, said, "Easier access to abortion places women under psychological pressure to have abortions, leaving them even more vulnerable" [icWales, 27 August]