Definitions of abortion could change in the UK after a new study suggested nurses and midwives could also approve the decision. The study was commissioned by the country’s government and was intended to help update the law.
“The Abortion Act is over 50 years old. Since 1967, medical and technological advances have changed the way women access the care they need. The law needs to be updated with 21st century views and practices,” said Kaye Wellings, SACHA co-chair and research professor of sexual and reproductive health.
The topic was explored by more than 20 experts from seven countries who contributed Framing Abortion for Change (CHACHA), the UK’s largest abortion study. The document includes an analysis of more than 700 general practitioners, midwives, nurses and pharmacists and interviews with women who have recently had an abortion. Also, what is happening in countries like Australia, Canada and Sweden was also studied.
The main conclusion of the study is that regulations should be changed to allow nurses and midwives to authorize abortions, prescribe abortifacients and perform vacuum aspirations. [procedimento que utiliza uma fonte de vácuo para remover um embrião ou feto através do colo do útero]. What is happening today is that the Abortion Act of 1967 requires two more doctors to authorize an abortion.
In the study, 90% of health professionals interviewed said that the decision to have an abortion should be entirely the woman’s choice, and that anyone seeking an intervention would prefer to do so at home whenever possible. Or at a clinic, what to do and how you will receive care and support.
“Abortion is one of the most common health procedures, which one in three women may experience in their lifetime. However, in our survey, almost nine out of 10 health professionals working outside specialist abortion services said lack of training was a barrier to providing care. Abortion is a health issue and the training of health professionals There needs to be focus,” suggests Rebecca French, co-chair of Sacha and associate professor of reproductive and sexual health.
Responding to the findings, Elizabeth Barker, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health, said “there has never been a more important time to align abortion provision with modern health practice”. “I hope the government will consider how these recommendations can be reflected in abortion policy in the future.”
