Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to issue guidelines on counselling to clinics registered under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967.
Answer
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) issues guidance which is followed by abortion services. Its guideline, The Care of Women Requesting Induced Abortion, a copy of which has already been placed in the Library, highlights that abortion service professionals must be able to provide the degree of support and counselling required by each individual and identify those who require more support. For the minority of women who need formal, therapeutic counselling, services should have agreed care pathways in place, with access to trained counsellors with appropriate expertise. A new version of the RCOG guideline will be published shortly. The issue of independent abortion counselling was discussed in the House of Commons on 7 September (col. 362-388) and the Government made it clear that they intended to consult on an offer of independent abortion counselling and would be developing proposals.