A leading Scots medic has voiced his opposition to the proposed extension of DIY abortions.
Since lockdown, women have been able to take both pills required for an early medical abortion at home, if it’s clinically appropriate.
These arrangements will remain as long as the virus is a risk but now the Scottish Government is considering making the current arrangements permanent.
But Isle of Harris GP and chairman of the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics, Dr Antony Latham, believes there would be an increased health risk if the procedure was done this way on a permanent basis.
Latham said: “Deciding to have or not to have an abortion is such an important moment in a woman’s life. Any decision about this must be done only after unrushed face-to-face counselling.”
He highlighted possible dangers of coercion which may not be spotted outwith a face-to-face meeting.
Latham added: “One is that the woman is under pressure to have an abortion in an abusive relationship or from relatives who will not support her.
“Another danger is she may not fully understand the trauma of having an abortion, potentially all alone, at home.”
He also fears women may be unaware of the risks involved.
He said: "Significant bleeding and sepsis are not uncommon."
And he has further concerns that without any examination women may be getting the abortion pills for a pregnancy that is more than 10 weeks gestation, which is the legal limit for such DIY abortions.
He said: "There is already a report of a case where a woman at 28 weeks gestation took the pills and delivered a baby which subsequently died."
He continued: "Anyone who examines the facts will want to ensure proper face to face counselling to support any woman who is making such a huge and life-changing decision."
