Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts urges Government to make telemedical abortions permanent
Following a poll of more than 8,000 Mumsnet users, founder Justine Roberts urges the Government to make the changes that allowed early abortion pills to be taken at home during the pandemic permanent.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
Mumsnet CEO and founder Justine Roberts has today (Monday) written to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Vaccines and Public Health.
To Maggie Throup
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Vaccines and Public Health
14th February 2022
Dear Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Vaccines and Public Health,
I’m writing to urge you to allow the permanent provision of telemedical abortion services. The arrangements that were put in place during the pandemic have made us a world leader in the provision of telemedical abortion care for those seeking an early medical abortion. This means that women who struggle to attend an in-clinic appointment - because of a lack of childcare, transport issues, domestic abuse or any other reason - are able to obtain safe, timely and effective care.
I welcome reports that ministers are preparing to extend this provision, and would ask you to make the change permanent. As you may know, around 90% of Mumsnet’s 8 million users are women. When we polled them on this issue between the 28th and 31st of January, more than 8000 of them responded, with 77% of them in favour of retaining this provision permanently.
Telemedical abortion represents an important step forward for women’s health and reproductive choice. It must not be reversed.
Your sincerely
Justine Roberts CBE
