WOMEN in Wales will be able to access abortion services at home during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Women and girls wanting to terminate an early pregnancy will be prescribed two pills at home instead of going to a hospital or clinic, avoiding social contact and the unnecessary risk of exposure to Coronavirus.

The prescription of medication will follow a remote consultation with a medical practitioner via video link or telephone conference.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: "Public safety is our number one priority as we tackle the Covid19 crisis.

"This temporary measure ensures that women can continue to access these key services without being exposed to unnecessary risk during these challenging times."

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said they were pleased that as well as Wales, Scotland had joined England in offering remote early medical abortion care.

Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "“Giving women the option of taking both abortion pills at home following a video consultation is safe and effective and has rightly been judged as a vital and necessary step if we are to limit the spread of Covid-19. Many women will no longer be forced to make the difficult decision between leaving their home and continuing with an unwanted pregnancy.

“This change in practice will reduce pressure on the health system while limiting the unnecessary risk of infection for women, their families and health workers."

Commenting on the legal change, Janet Finch-Saunders, AM for Aberconwy, voiced her concern.

She said: “I appreciate that the Health Minister’s decision is routed in concern over Covid-19 and public safety.

“In fact, the decision will be welcome by some charities worried that women and girls with underlying health conditions would be putting themselves at risk by attending hospital for procedure.

“We do not want people turning to dangerous alternatives.

“Whilst the law will be changed so that the home of the pregnant individual will be classed as a place where the treatment of termination may be carried out, I cannot help but worry that home abortions could pose a serious risk to women and girls.

“Is the telemedicine that will be offered as strong a support as seeing medical professionals in person? What measures are in place to protect women who may be pushed into decisions by abusive partners without any consultation?

“I want to ensure that every woman and girl feeling the need to terminate an early pregnancy receives appropriate support in the right place.

“At this time, that place could be the home, but I would encourage the Welsh Government to enable access to a medical clinic or professional if any concern is raised during the prescription process”.