Press Release

2020 sees tragic rise in abortions after introduction of DIY home service

10 September 2020         Issued by: Christian Concern

Statistics released by the Department of Health and Social Care today have revealed that 2020 is set to see the highest number of abortions ever in England and Wales.

Figures show that 109,836 abortions were performed in the first half of this year; 4,296 more than in 2019.

2019 had already seen the highest number of recorded abortions ever with 209,519 performed over the whole year in England and Wales.

The significant rise coincides with the government’s introduction of a controversial DIY home abortion telemedicine service brought in on 30 March, which has reportedly been accessed by up to 90,000 women during lockdown.

The month of April, following lockdown and the introduction of the service, saw 4,500 more abortions compared to the same month in 2019.

Judicial review outcome expected

Christian Concern is imminently expecting the outcome of a judicial review challenging the government’s decision to allow the service.

At the Court of Appeal hearing in July, judges refused to consider astounding evidence that suggests women are dying and experiencing serious harm due to DIY abortion.

Evidence released at the Court of Appeal in July included full details of an undercover investigation as well as leaked internal documentation from the NHS revealing maternal deaths, murder investigations and pregnant women experiencing serious medical complications due to the service.

Abortion provider BPAS had also announced that it was investigating a further eight cases of women taking ‘DIY’ home abortion pills beyond the 10-week limit, raising questions over what checks are being used to ensure the law isn’t being broken and dangerous later-term abortions aren’t happening.

The government has announced that it will be launching a consultation on whether to end this temporary measure.

Service open to abuse

Commenting on the latest figures, Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said: “The massive increase in abortions so far this year is tragic and leaves us with many unanswered questions.

“What we do know is that there have been several cases where the service has been abused and caused illegal and late term abortions.

“Despite the statistics presenting that abortions are taking place earlier, the fact is, nobody knows. BPAS’s Pills by Post scheme has no way of verifying the age of the pre-born baby by ultrasound or even by observing the size of any bump.

“The abortion industry is also unable and unwilling to identify signs of abuse and coercion.

“These statistics demonstrate that it is time for the government to roll back this dangerous service that has been proven to cross legal boundaries.”

 

Notes for editors

Government statistics released today – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/abortion-statistics-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-january-to-june-2020/abortion-statistics-for-england-and-wales-during-the-covid-19-pandemic

NHS email leak: https://christianconcern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CC-Resource-Misc-Judicial-Review-Abortion-200729-NHS-email-2.pdf

Kevin Duffy witness statement: https://christianconcern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CC-Resource-Misc-Judicial-Review-Abortion-200728-3b-duffy-witness-statement-2.pdf

Court bundle: https://christianconcern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CC-Resource-Misc-Judicial-Review-Abortion-200728-1-core-bundle.pdf

Find out more on this case on our website: https://christianconcern.com/cccases/diy-abortions/