§ 2. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recommendations he has made to regional hospital boards about facilities for out-patient abortions.
§ The Secretary of State for Social Services (Sir Keith Joseph)My Department has asked regional hospital boards to keep their gynaecological and abortion services under close review and develop them as necessary to the extent that resources permit. I intend to wait for the report of Mrs. Justice Lane's Committee before considering what further guidance is needed.
§ Mr. HuckfieldDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that in many areas, Birmingham especially, abortions of any type are extremely difficult to obtain because of the almost mediæval attitude of gynaecologists? Does not he accept that out-patient or lunch-time abortions can save a great deal of valuable money and bed space? Will not he give a clear direction to all hospital boards to increase the provision of out-patient abortion facilities?
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. While there are some hospitals which are undertaking abortions on an out-patient basis, and 1379 assessing the results, the medical profession is not fully assured that the techniques are safe for general application.