As reported by the BBC, NICE has stated that abortion services in England must be more consistent
The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said that abortion services in England must be more consistent.
NICE has released its first abortion guidance which states women should be offered an appointment within a week and their termination should follow a week after.
It goes on to say that all services should accept self-referrals and not need women to see a GP first.
While many services already allow this, some hospitals still expect women to also provide a GP referral.
Two doctors still need to agree to the termination.
The NICE guidance also states that all services should offer women the option of surgical or medical abortion, or refer them to a service that can provide either.
Paul Chrisp, of NICE, said: “Choosing to terminate a pregnancy is an important part of reproductive health for many women, which is why it’s essential that providers are able to offer consistent support and advice.”
Prof Lesley Regan, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which helped to draw up the guidance, added it should “help address significant barriers that women experience”.
The proposals are out for consultation until the end of May.
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