Telemedical Abortions

Baroness Sugg Excerpts

Wednesday 12th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

My Lords, the evidence base for telemedical abortion is sound. It has been thoroughly evaluated and it is recommended as safe by the World Health Organization, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and NICE’s evidence-based guidelines. There are no plans to do what the noble Baroness has requested, and I have to say that I do not recognise the statistics she raised, although I would be interested to hear more about them. But I assure your Lordships’ House that telemedical abortion is and must be carried out in line with clinical guidelines published by the royal college.

[Baroness Sugg (Con)]

Can the Minister confirm that the changes voted in to the Crime and Policing Bill in the Commons do not extend the provision of telemedicine, and that the 10-week limit remains? The introduction of telemedicine has meant that 40% of abortions now occur at less than six weeks’ gestation, in comparison to 25% previously. Does the Minister agree that the earlier that women can access abortion, the better it is for their health and well-being?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I certainly can confirm that the changes voted into that Bill involve no change to the provision of telemedicine. To the noble Baroness’s other point, we would need to review the data, including the available data in respect of her question about health and well-being, on which I would be pleased to write to her further.