Chrysalis^® News

Three draft proposals have been put forward by the Department of Health (DoH) regarding the future of abortion counselling in the UK, reports The Telegraph.

The topic of reform in this area appeared to be over after parliament voted in September against legally obliging independent counsellors to talk to expectant mothers, rather than let in-house therapists from abortion providers carry out the service.

Now, the government has been presented with the choice of either leaving the system as it is, insisting on a certain standard of counselling training and introducing voluntary registration, or - most radically - barring abortion providers from offering therapy of this type.

One of the leading figures calling for reform is Conservative MP Nadine Dorries, who said: "For thousands of vulnerable women, the abortion decision is taken when overwhelming practical pressure meets emotional turmoil and this is why the offer of independent counselling is so important - as it is this group of women who will probably accept it."

IrishTimes.com reported that there is concern that British policy on the topic could have real repercussions on Irish women who visit the country for terminations, with Abortion Support Network director Mara Clarke suggesting poorer women and single mothers may struggle with the additional overnight stays that independent counselling could entail.

A DoH spokesperson stressed that no decisions have been taken yet, but that a consultation will be launched this year.