bpas Launches Helpline For Women Using Abortion Pills Bought Online

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (bpas) has launched a free telephone aftercare helpline for women who have bought abortion medication online.

The service is being offered for women in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, where access to abortion services is highly restricted.

The confidential nurse-led telephone service will offer advice to women who have obtained pills from the online not-for-profit clinics run by Women Help Women (WHW) and Women on Web (WOW) and who are concerned about any symptoms or simply want to speak to someone. bpas knows these organisations provide the same high quality, safe medications to women who are up to 10 weeks pregnant that are provided from bpas clinics. While adverse events are extremely unlikely, bpas is concerned that because they are committing an illegal act, women may not always seek help when they need it.

Women who receive treatment at bpas centres are able to call the helpline 24 hours a day, every day of the year, if they have questions or concerns. This service is now being extended to include women who have taken pills supplied by WHW and WOW in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

Ann Furedi, Chief Executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said: "What these women really need are accessible, high quality abortion services at home. They shouldn't have to make the choice between travelling to England and breaking the law by purchasing pills online. While we wait for politicians to do the right thing, bpas will provide telephone aftercare to women who have bought pills online from these two women's organisations and who want to speak to someone in confidence about what they are experiencing, or who simply need a reassuring voice at the end of the line. We will be here for these women 24 hours a day until they no longer need us."

(MH/CD)