Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many abortions were refused on the grounds on coercion in the last year for which records are available.

The Department does not hold this information.

We take the issue of coercion seriously and staff working in abortion clinics are experienced and highly skilled in discussing sensitive issues with women and identifying whether there is any coercion or other risks to the woman.

Women who present for an abortion will always have the opportunity to speak to a health professional on their own at some point during the consultation. Pathways should be in place to refer women to specialised services if coercion is identified.