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Termination of pregnancy under the Abortion Act

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has written to Medical Directors of NHS and Primary Care Trusts, and to independent sector abortion clinics,…

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 24 February 2012

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

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has written to Medical Directors of NHS and Primary Care Trusts, and to independent sector abortion clinics, to draw attention to the conditions under which abortions can be carried out.

Those involved in the provision and commissioning treatment for termination of pregnancy need to comply with all requirements of the Abortion Act 1967. This is extremely important because if the condtions are not met then abortion remains a criminal offence under the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861.

Further information is available in the CMO’s letter which was published today.

Published 24 February 2012