Statement by Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and
Social Services
Today I am announcing that the temporary arrangements introduced
during the Covid-19 pandemic, which enabled women and girls to
take both pills for Early Medical Abortion (EMA) up to 9 weeks
and 6 days gestation in their own homes, following a telephone or
e-consultation with a clinician, without the need to first attend
a hospital or clinic, are being made permanent in Wales.
This is a progressive step which demonstrates Welsh Government’s
commitment to supporting women.
I am satisfied that the arrangements are safe and bring
significant benefits to women and girls who wish to access
abortion services, with reduced waiting times enabling them to
access the help they need more quickly than would have been
possible under the previous arrangements. The benefits to the NHS
are also significant, with a reduced number of appointments being
required.
Welsh Government consulted on the temporary arrangements between
December 2020 and February 2021 and I have carefully considered
the responses along with subsequent information on the safety of
abortion services under these arrangements in making this
decision.
New guidance has been developed by clinicians working along with
the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the
Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare and British Society
of Abortion Care Providers to enable the NHS in Wales to
implement the change as effectively as possible. The guidance
includes steps to ensure women accessing the service are not
subject to coercion or exploitation in line with Welsh
safeguarding protocols. The guidance also emphasises the need to
provide advice and support to women on contraception and
reproductive health.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep
members informed. Should members wish me to make a further
statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns
I would be happy to do so.
