Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent research her Department has undertaken into victims of sexual abuse and exploitation being forced to undergo abortions; and if she will make a statement.

Neither the Home Office nor the Department of Health and Social Care have commissioned research into coerced or forced abortions. All abortion providers must comply with legal requirements and have regard to any statutory guidance relating to safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All providers must have policies and protocols in place for dealing with these groups. Health professionals are required to be competent in child protection and are expected to participate in regular training to update their skills. All clinical staff working in abortion services should be trained to at least level 3 of the intercollegiate framework, Safeguarding Children and Young people: roles and competences for health care staff. Providers should have protocols in place for obtaining informed consent abortion including identifying women and girls who may feel coerced or endangered and enable them to raise their concerns in confidence.