§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 29 March 2004,Official Report, column 1217W, on maternity services (asylum seekers) what (a) maternity and (b) antenatal services will be available to women who have had their application for asylum refused. [171398]
§ Dr. LadymanPregnant women whose application for asylum has been finally rejected will continue to be able to access National Health Service hospital antenatal and maternity services but they may be charged for any services provided, depending on how long they have been in the United Kingdom at the time their claim is turned down. In primary care settings, free treatment will be given only where, in the opinion of a health care professional, it is an emergency or is immediately necessary. In other circumstances, failed asylum seekers should be de-registered and should receive treatment (maternity medical services) only from General Practitioners practices on a private, paying basis.