Early Medical Abortion At Home - Minister Confirms Current Arrangements Will Continue

12th May 2022

Women's Health Minister Maree Todd has confirmed that early medical abortions will be able to continue at home, where it is judged clinically appropriate.

During the pandemic, women have been able to take both sets of pills required for an early medical abortion at home (EMAH).

Ms Todd said, "We have seen that current arrangements for EMAH have helped access to abortion to continue without delays during the pandemic. I am satisfied that current arrangements should continue so today I am confirming that the provision of these services to continue as part of the standard treatments available within our NHS, when clinically appropriate.

“As with all treatment in the NHS, we will continue to monitor its outcomes and any findings of the ongoing expert evaluation being carried out by health professionals and researchers."

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith said, “The arrangements put in place from March 2020 have allowed patients to take both abortion medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, at home in certain circumstances as coronavirus has been considered a serious and imminent threat to public health.

“Our primary concern is that services remain both safe and meets the needs of patients. That’s why we will ensure that any lessons from the ongoing evaluation of EMAH by NHS Lothian, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, and the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are reflected in the future.”