Abortion counselling amendment defeated in Parliament

Press release
For immediate release

London, 7 September 2011: Today, Members of Parliament have voted against a proposed amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill on abortion counselling. We are pleased it has been recognised that the counselling, provided through organisations such as ours, should continue and is independent and non-directive. Our experience of delivering reproductive health services to more than 100,000 women each year in the UK means we have a place in helping women through what can be a difficult decision.

Tracey McNeill, Vice President & Director of UK and West Europe for Marie Stopes International says, “The debate in the House of Commons raised some very important points which clarify that there is no research or evidence base for the proposed amendment, there is currently an adequate provision of counselling to women that decide they want it, and that providers such as Marie Stopes International are already regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). “We have been, and will continue, to work in partnership with the Department of Health, the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and other organisations to ensure that the counselling offered to women, irrespective of where they access it, is impartial, non-directive and regulated to ensure the highest possible quality.