§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given to charitable and other advice to be given on alternatives to abortion.
§ Dr. VaughanA circular sent in 1977 to health authorities—HC(77)26—contained detailed guidance on arrangements for counselling of patients seeking abortion. It was also issued to all registered pregnancy advice bureaux. I am arranging for a copy of the circular to be placed in the Library.
As part of its general surveillance of the private abortion sector, the Department checks that satisfactory arrangements exist to honour the undertaking required of registered bureaux to ensure that women seeking an abortion have the opportunity of obtaining adequate counselling, which will include advice about the help that may be available if an abortion is not performed.