FSRH and RCOG welcome the publication of a National Service Specification for NHS Abortion Care

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) are delighted to endorse the publication of a new National Service Specification for NHS Abortion Care, developed by the British Society of Abortion Care Providers (BSACP). The Service Specification aims to reduce variation in the quality of care and increase the resilience of abortion services.

The National Service Specification for NHS Abortion Care is a resource for commissioners and includes latest guidance and experience from clinical experts to help ensure abortion care is commissioned using evidence-based principles, and that women can access quality services wherever they live.

It is endorsed by FSRH, RCOG, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Faculty of Public Health (FPH).

Dr Janet Barter, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, said:

“All women should be able to receive prompt access to abortion services, including good pregnancy decision-making support, access to contraception and post-abortion counselling if needed.

"It is important that healthcare professionals are equipped to provide the best possible care in in this area, based on unbiased, evidence-based information, so that women can make the best decisions about their own bodies and reproductive health.

"FSRH is delighted to see the publication of a National Service Specification for this essential aspect of healthcare and hope to see it adopted throughout the NHS.”

Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:

“RCOG welcomes the publication of the National Service Specification for NHS Abortion Care which puts women’s needs at the heart of their decision making. There have been some incredible strides taken in abortion care including the introduction of telemedicine for early medical abortion which has enabled thousands of women to access safe abortion care without the need to travel.

“We hope that the National Service Specification will provide healthcare professionals with the unbiased information that they need to be able to provide the best possible care for women.

“We would also encourage anyone looking for evidence-based support and information about abortion to speak to their doctor, sexual health clinic, or an approved NHS abortion provider such as BPAS, NUPAS or MSI Reproductive Choices.”

Read the National Service Specification for NHS Abortion Care here and the Specification template document here.