Telemedical Abortions

Baroness Prosser Excerpts

Wednesday 12th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I certainly can confirm that, and I am grateful to the noble Lord for emphasising the point. Two doctors have to certify that in their opinion, the abortion meets the grounds of the Abortion Act. For a telemedical abortion, the doctor must also certify that in their opinion the pregnancy has not exceeded 10 weeks at the time when the first pill is taken. Let me also say that, if there are any concerns, the woman will be asked to attend an in-person appointment.

[Baroness Prosser (Lab)]

My Lords, can the Minister ensure that, whatever the umbrella of this legislation is, it will cover women in a variety of circumstances? We all know that, unfortunately, many women live in situations where they do not have much control over their own lives. There is also, of course, the circumstance where a woman might happily find herself pregnant, only to discover a couple of months later that something else has happened and it is going to be a disaster. We need to ensure that, whatever the different circumstances that women might find themselves in, the legislation will enable them to access whatever is right for them and their families.

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My Lords, I do understand the point my noble friend makes. I can indeed assure your Lordships’ House that, while the Abortion Act is at the heart of this, we have other Acts of Parliament and, as I said at the outset, it is right that Parliament makes that decision. In addition to the groups my noble friend refers to, we commissioned, for example, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to develop new safeguarding guidance for children and young people under 18 who are accessing medical abortion services, so we understand her concern and are acting on it.