§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps she has taken to ensure more adequate counselling facilities for women who are considering whether or not to terminate their pregnancies.
§ Dr. OwenWomen who are considering whether or not to continue with their pregnancies normally approach their general practitioner, health visitor or social62W worker for advice, although some do consult fee-charging organisations or voluntary bodies. A draft paper of the arrangements for the counselling of women seeking abortion has been circulated to statutory authorities, professional organisttions andw voluntary bodies concerned with counselling. In the light of their comments my right hon. Friend will consider what further steps to take.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she intends to provide or expand financial assistance to voluntary organisations such as Lifeline which provide pregnancy counselling.
§ Dr. OwenPayments are made to some voluntary organisations—such as the Family Planning Association and the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council—which provide advice on family planning and they may in the course of their work be consulted by women who are pregnant.
There are some organisations which provide counselling of a limited nature to pregnant women but they tend to concentrate on certain aspects only and the Government have not considered that financial assistance for them would be appropriate.