Consultation outcome

Independent abortion clinic regulation

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 22 November 2013
• Last updated: 23 May 2014 — See all updates

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Applies to England

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Independent abortion clinic regulation: government response

PDF, 182 KB, 19 pages

Detail of outcome

Over 1,400 people responded to the consultation and after considering the responses the department has clarified and strengthened the existing procedures and legal requirements independent abortion clinics must follow.

The amendments the department is making are:

• all counsellors are required to have a minimum qualification in pregnancy counselling to diploma level
• updating existing procedures to reflect changes to the Care Quality Commission’s regulatory framework
• guidance setting out the department’s interpretation of the law on abortion which all clinics must follow

The government will work alongside independent abortion clinic providers to ensure that changes to procedures are correctly implemented and that legal requirements are being met.

None of the changes represent a change in policy as changes to abortion legislation must be proposed by back benchers and are subject to free vote.

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Original consultation

Summary

Proposed changes to the procedures for the approval of independent sector places for the termination of pregnancy.

This consultation ran from
22 November 2013 to midday on 3 February 2014

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on the updated procedures that independent sector places must follow in order to be approved to carry out termination of pregnancy.

The updated procedures are designed to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and provide the best quality of care for patients.

This consultation was launched on 22 November 2013. Due to an administrative error, we are extending the deadline for responses from 17 January to 3 February 2014.

Documents

Independent sector places for the termination of pregnancy

PDF, 118 KB, 12 pages

Annex C: procedures for the approval of independent sector places for the termination of pregnancy

PDF, 167 KB, 34 pages

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Published 22 November 2013
Last updated 23 May 2014 + show all updates

1. 23 May 2014

   Government response to the consultation on changes to procedures for the approval of Independent Sector places for termination of pregnancy.

2. 15 January 2014

   Due to an administrative error the deadline for responses is being extended from 17 January to 3 February 2014.

3. 22 November 2013

   First published.