FSRH, RCOG, RCM and BSACP launch joint guidance on COVID-19 and abortion care

The new guidance by FSRH, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and British Society of Abortion Care Providers (BSACP) covers abortion care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guideline outlines an evidence-based approach to delivering best practice care using well established models that are already widely used, but may have been limited or restricted in UK practice.

The guidance proposes that to ensure safe and effective abortion care, greater use of remote consultations and medical abortion at home may be necessary, especially where women and staff may be self-isolating, or where acute hospital facilities are unavailable. 

The guidance gives the following recommendations for abortion procedures:

• Offer remote consultations via telephone or video
• Provide written information prior to consultation (e.g. via e-mail or link)
• Collect consent verbally and record in notes
• Prepare medication packs for patient to collect, which include abortion medication, any additional medication (e.g. analgesia, anti-emetic), low sensitivity pregnancy test, written advice and information, and plan for remote follow-up
• Offer remote or self-assessment of outcome using low sensitivity pregnancy test
• Offer discussion of contraception options – if appropriate include contraception in pack.

This guidance will be kept under regular review as new evidence emerges. To find the most up-to-date guidance, click here.