women in london

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Notices and Press Releases

Abortion Rights : Fall in the number of doctors performing abortions

The fall in the number of doctors performing abortions is a cause for concern, long-term jeopardising women's access to service provision. It is likely to mean more women will face unacceptable delays before they can access the procedure. It also reinforces the importance of allowing suitably trained nurses to perform early abortions

But, fewer doctors prioritising abortion as a career choice is more a product of changes is teaching structures and workload rather than a shift in opinion over the morality of abortion. Abortion Rights' recent poll indicates support for a woman's right to have an abortion remains at a huge three quarters and shows no signs of declining.

We support the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' call for abortion to be made part of the core teaching curriculum for student doctors from August to ensure abortion services continue to be seen as an integral part of women's health.

Abortion was legalised in Britain in 1967 primarily to save women's lives but, 40 years on, few doctors have faced the horrors of back-street abortion and do not always recognise the importance of providing this very necessary service.

16th April 2007