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The Court of Appeal is today hearing a challenge to a decision of the Secretary of State made for the purpose of facilitating early medical abortions during the pandemic.
An early medical abortion (i.e. before 10 weeks) is usually undertaken by the pregnant woman taking two medicines – Mifepristone and Misoprostol – in succession. There are strict requirements on where this treatment can be taken. Before 30 March 2020, women would have to attend a clinical setting to take Mifepristone and to obtain Misoprostol, which could then be taken at home.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular the lockdown measures announced on 23 March 2020, there was evidence that the availability of abortion services was substantially deteriorating and that women were reluctant to go to clinical settings. As a result, on 30 March 2020, the Secretary of State granted an approval, pursuant to s1(3A) of the Abortion Act 1967, to allow both medicines to be prescribed from a doctor’s home and to be taken at a woman’s home (the “Decision”). This removed the need for women to leave their houses to get an early medical abortion.
Christian Concern, a pro-life group, challenged the Decision on a number of grounds, including that: (a) it was constitutionally improper for this reform not to have been passed by Parliament; (b) it was a breach of legitimate expectations in light of previous statements that the abortion rules would not change; (c) the Decision was ultra vires the Abortion Act 1967; and, (d) the Decision was a breach of the Human Rights Act 1998.
Singh LJ and Chamberlain J dismissed the claim on all grounds finding that the Secretary of State acted within his powers in making the Decision and that it was not unlawful for any of the reasons advanced. The Divisional Court’s judgment was reported on Sky News and can be found here.
Lewison LJ granted the claimant permission to appeal on 18 June 2020.
Julia Smyth and Yaaser Vanderman continue to act for the Secretary of State.
