Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the findings of the report from the Care Quality Commission on Marie Stopes International, published in December 2016, what steps his Department plans to put in place to ensure that fetal remains are disposed of by private abortion clinics respectfully and in accordance with the wishes of patients who have undergone abortions.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) continues to monitor the progress of Marie Stopes International (MSI) very closely and plans to inspect its centres and United Kingdom administrative offices again in the near future to ensure that ongoing improvements are made and maintained. The CQC has made clear that they will not hesitate to take further action, if necessary, in order to guarantee MSI meets the standard of care they expect and that its patients deserve. MSI is addressing the issues raised, including the management of fetal remains.

The Department continues to monitor the situation with particular regard being had to the statutory approval responsibilities of the Secretary of State.