Home abortions for women up to 10 weeks pregnant are set to become permanent following their success during lockdown.
Under Covid emergency measures introduced in March, up to 90,000 women have been able to take the two pills needed after a phone consultation rather than go to a clinic.
It was the first Boris Johnson U-turn of the pandemic – the PM initially barred home terminations.
Now ministers are expected to change the law to keep the new system in place before the corona provision ends in 18 months.
Covid minister James Bethell said there will be a public consultation “on permanent home use of both pills for early medical abortion”.
Dr Jonathan Lord, of abortion provider Marie Stopes UK, said: “Thanks to telemedicine, women have been able to access the timely, high-quality care they deserve.
“Had this not been available the consequences could have been catastrophic.”
Lisa Hallgarten, of Brook sexual health charity, added: “Many will benefit from this permanent option, including those with childcare responsibilities, disabilities, who cannot travel, or are in domestic violence situations.”
And Clare Murphy, of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said: “All evidence supports the continuation of this service as in the best interests of women.
"Early abortion care at home has been one of the few healthcare success stories of the pandemic.”
Waiting times have been cut thanks to the service.
The first pill, mifepristone, stops the hormone that allows the pregnancy to continue.
The second, misoprostol, is taken 24-48 hours later to end the pregnancy by breaking down the womb’s lining.
Previously, women went to a clinic for the first pill and took the second at home.
The BPAS insists the first visit is not necessary.
It is a result of outdated laws – from the days of backstreet abortionists – which ruled terminations be carried out in a clinic.
