Telemedical Abortions

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Wednesday 12th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I most certainly can agree with the points the noble Baroness has rightly made. There is a very clear pathway to providing safe care. The provision of telemedicine in this regard came in in 2022, and it has given safe abortions further ballast, so it is nothing other than a safe procedure, as I mentioned earlier.

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

My Lords, I associate myself and these Benches with the kind tributes paid to the noble Baroness, Lady Newlove. She was a fierce campaigner, particularly after the sad and premature death of her husband—in fact, her death could be seen as premature, and we will all miss her greatly.

As the Minister and other noble Lords have said, much of the clinical evidence shows that telemedicine is just as safe as administering medication in a clinic. However, whatever your views on abortion, there are clearly some concerns about the coercion of women. Can the Minister repeat her assurance to the House that telemedical abortion consultations will include robust safeguarding assessments carried out by trained clinicians? Can she assure us that, if there are any concerns about the safety of women, or that women may be being coerced by an abusive partner into seeking an abortion, they are referred to an in-person appointment?

[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.