Crime and Policing Bill

Debate between Baroness Stroud and Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath

Report stage
Wednesday 18th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Stroud (Con)]

I am not giving way; I am sorry.

Secondly, in-person consultations protect against coercion and abuse. Far from protecting victims of abuse, as is claimed, the lack of such consultations is a traffickers’ charter, allowing traffickers and abusers to cover up the effects of sexual exploitation by coercing their victims to phone up and ask for abortion pills. In-person appointments prior to an abortion in a confidential setting mean that such abuse is more likely to be detected. The disturbing case of Stuart Worby emphasises this need.