Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, per their guidance note for completing HSA4 paper forms and guidance note for completing HSA4 electronic forms, whether or how follow-up care is provided in cases where (1) all medicine was administered in hospital or clinic, (2) one medicine was administered in hospital or clinic and one medicine was administered at the patient’s usual place of residence or home, and (3) all medicines were administered at the patient’s usual place of residence or home, so as to ensure that proper care is provided should any complications arise, and the appropriate reporting is undertaken.

The Department’s Required Standard Operating Procedures for the approval of independent sector places for termination of pregnancy in England, which all independent abortion providers must comply with, sets out that all providers should have protocols in place to support women following an abortion procedure, whether medicines are administered in the home or other approved place.

Women should be informed as early as possible of the most common physical, emotional or psychological symptoms following an abortion, including after use of pills at home for early medical abortion. Information should also include what to do in an emergency situation as well as routine follow-up.

On discharge, women must be given a letter providing sufficient information about the procedure to allow another healthcare practitioner to manage any complications and/or ongoing care. A 24-hour dedicated support line which specialises in post-abortion support and care should be offered by the abortion provider.