§ Fiona MactaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that medical abortion(a) is delivered in the most cost effective way and (b) meets women's needs; [109744]
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that women receive a choice of methods for early abortion. [109743]
§ Yvette CooperAlthough health authorities and primary care groups are responsible for service delivery, national initiatives also have a role in influencing practice and increasing choice to develop high quality services.
In October 1999 the Department introduced a new core set of principles governing approval of independent sector places carrying out abortion. A key reason for this change was to reduce barriers to introducing effective clinical practices.In addition, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists was commissioned to produce clinical guidelines on "Induced abortion". This report is due to be published in March.These issues will also be examined in the Government's Sexual Health Strategy.
§ Fiona MactaggartTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the recent report from the Family Planning Association, "Medical Abortion: Meeting Women's Needs". [109742]
§ Yvette CooperThis is a useful summary of the current situation and the points raised will be considered in the sexual health strategy currently being developed in the Department.