Reactions to CQC abortion clinic inspections

In a joint statement today reacting to the conclusions of the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) ‘swoop’ investigation into the processes followed by abortion providers, the UK’s leading sexual health charities Brook and FPA said:

“Although we are pleased that this set of inspections has confirmed that the vast majority of services are operating perfectly legally, we’re disappointed that such a time consuming, costly and ultimately unnecessary process was instigated at all. It was a heavy-handed, knee-jerk reaction to concerns over what is in reality a heavily regulated process.

“We hope all women are now reassured that abortion services are safe and legal and will not be deterred from seeking advice if they need it.”

-ENDS-

The CQC investigation did not find any evidence that any women had poor outcomes of care. The investiagation into 249 clinics found only 14 were found not be be carrying out paperwork procedures correctly. All were NHS (not independent ) providers. Steps including internal audits and staff training have been taken to ensure continued compliance.

For media enquiries please contact:

• Natalie Collyer, Brook: 020 7284 6062 or email press@brook.org.uk
• Rebecca Findlay, FPA: 020 7608 5265 or email rebeccaf@fpa.org.uk. Mobile 07958 921060.

Notes to editors

Brook
Brook is the UK’s leading provider of sexual health services and advice for young people under 25. The charity has over 45 years of experience working with young people and currently has services in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. Brook services provide free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and outreach and education work, reaching over 300,000 young people every year.
www.brook.org.uk. Ask Brook helpline 0808 802 1234.

FPA
The sexual health charity FPA provides straightforward information, advice and support to all people across the UK on all aspects of sexual health, sex and relationships. FPA educates, informs and supports people through our work in the community, our helpline and information service, our counselling service, our training and publications and our public awareness campaigns.
www.fpa.org.uk. FPA helpline 0845 1228690.