Independent evaluation to assess current arrangements for medical abortion at home
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 24th June 2021
The Scottish Government is commissioning an independent evaluation to assess the effectiveness of early medical abortion at home.
The Scottish Government has published an independent analysis of responses to the consultation on Future Arrangements for Early Medical Abortion at Home (this link will take you away from our website).
The analysis shows very differing views among respondents, particularly in relation to whether the current approach is sufficiently safe. In recognition of this, and in order to ensure robust evidence is available, the Scottish Government has confirmed today that it is taking steps to commission an independent evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the current approach, including in relation to safety. Scottish Ministers will consider future arrangements once this evaluation has been completed.
The current arrangements will remain in place while this evaluation is undertaken. In March 2020, the Scottish Government made temporary provisions for telemedical early medical abortion care during COVID-19. These changes allow women to access abortion care at home without needing to travel to a clinic or hospital for an in-person appointment. The use of telemedical services across Scottish healthcare have been vital in preserving healthcare rights, while reducing exposure to COVID-19 infection.
The ALLIANCE recently signed a joint letter to Maree Todd MSP, Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport, calling for the Scottish Government to make telemedical abortion services permanent in Scotland. We believe that the temporary arrangements have had a positive impact by making access to abortion services safe, more effective and accessible.
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