Today marks the 4-year anniversary of the two-child limit.
Our research, released in December 2020, found that this cruel policy is a “significant factor” in women’s decision to end a pregnancy during the pandemic. #AllKidsCount
Even the most carefully planned families can find themselves plunged into financial difficulties due to
sudden unemployment, and women can struggle to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy.
This has never been more true than during the current pandemic. #AllKidsCount
Our polling, released in March 2021, shows more than two-thirds of adults in the UK believe the government should scrap or suspend the two child-limit – including the majority of Conservative supporters. #AllKidsCount
If the government does not want to see more women feeling forced into a corner between financial hardship or ending an otherwise wanted pregnancy, the two-child limit must be suspended as a matter of urgency.
We are concerned that discussions comparing the risks of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine with those of the contraceptive pill could pave the way to a repeat of the 1995 “Pill Scare” which led to a significant increase in unplanned pregnancies.
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Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are overall very safe for most women to take - the very small increased risk of venous thrombosis (VTE) with use of the combined pill is far lower than the risk for VTE during or after pregnancy.
A review of the risks of the combined pill by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority, @MHRAgovuk, in 2014 confirmed that the benefits of any combined hormonal contraceptive far outweigh the risk of serious side effects.
Today, the US-based anti-abortion group 40 Days for Life will begin 40 day long protests outside 14 abortion clinics across Great Britain. All but 3 of these clinics are run by BPAS. We’re targeted for speaking out against this harassment, but we’re not going to stop. #BackOff
Around half of the women we see attend a clinic at some stage in the treatment. The tactics used by these protesters may not be violent, but they’re not peaceful. Women and healthcare professionals are often left alarmed and distressed by what happens at the clinic gate. #BackOff
Women tell us they feel uncomfortable, judged, and targeted as they’re approached by members of anti-choice groups. Our clients deserve access to basic healthcare without the fear of being harassed or frightened by these groups. #BackOff
We can no longer stand by while women in #NorthernIreland are forced to travel to England for abortion care during #covidー19, despite the fact abortion is now legal in NI.
That's why today we have launched a telemedical service to send NI women abortion pills by post. #NowForNI
We will run the service in collaboration with healthcare professionals in #NorthernIreland, for women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Anyone in NI who needs our service can call 0300 500 8086 to arrange a teleconsultation with a doctor in Northern Ireland. #Pillsbypost#NowforNI
Abortion is now legal in Northern Ireland on request up to 12 weeks, but politicians have delayed commissioning services. We cannot stand by while the govt's NI Office gives reckless advice that women should travel to England for help despite #covidー19. #NowForNI
We are saddened but not surprised by the @DHSCgovuk finding that women are being denied epidurals in childbirth.
Women have told us how when they requested one they were told “labour is meant to be hard work” amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2…
#NICE guidance is clear that women should be able to have an epidural when they need one, including in early labour.
Epidurals are the most effective form of pain relief. Women should be informed that they are not associated with an increased chance of c-section (if that’s something they want to avoid) or longer term backache.
The bpas Finsbury Park clinic this morning. No problems with anti-abortion groups before and now there are 45 protesters outside. This is a direct result of @ukhomeoffice’s refusal to take action - giving the impression that harassing women outside clinics is acceptable. #BackOff
If you have come across the anti-abortion protesters in Stroud Green this morning and you want to share your experience (whether you were visiting the clinic or not), you can share your experience with us here back-off.org/share-your-exp… #BackOff@haringeycouncil@CatherineWest1
Activities we've seen today:
- shouting at women that they 'love them'
- stopping women as they leave the clinic
- approaching women repeatedly as they try to walk away
- following women
- accosting passers-by with small children
- pushing leaflets through car windows #BackOff
The #BBC says it will not include abortion information on its Action Line website - a site that provides signposting for viewers seeking support on issues covered in their programmes - because it's too "contentious".
These organisations have written to the @BBC calling on them to reverse their stance. Read our letter in full here: bpas.org/media/3103/let…
The issue emerged after an episode of #CallTheMidwife, in which a woman died from an illegal backstreet abortion. Viewers visited BBC Action Line for support but were unable to find information on abortion.