PRESS RELEASE
1st September 2016
BPAS PILLS HELPLINE

Alliance for Choice are delighted that the British Pregnancy Advisory Service have today officially launched helpline numbers for Northern Irish, Irish and Isle of Man abortion seekers, who may need extra support when accessing abortion pills online. Access to abortion services in these areas is currently highly restricted, meaning women who cannot travel for abortion treatment have no choice but to break the law and order pills over the internet.

Ann Furedi, chief executive of bpas has said,
“While we wait for politicians to do the right thing, bpas will provide telephone aftercare to women who have bought pills online from these two women's organisations and who want to speak to someone in confidence about what they are experiencing, or who simply need a reassuring voice at the end of the line. We will be here for these women 24 hours a day until they no longer need us."

This 24hr, 7 days a week service usually offered to people who seek treatment at bpas clinics is now being extended to include women who have taken pills supplied by Women Help Women (WHW) and Women on Web (WOW) in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. Abortion seekers in these areas are increasingly seeking online alternatives as the logistics and costs of travel, treatment and accommodation are often prohibitive. Online pills provided by WHW and WOW are a safe, effective alternative for people unable to continue their pregnancies.

WHW and WOW already provide comprehensive information about what to expect, and when to seek help. The bpas aftercare telephone line provides another option for those women who wish to speak to someone, or who need immediate help.

Emma Campbell, chair of Alliance for Choice in Belfast said this morning,
“bpas have worked with abortion seekers from Northern Ireland for decades and understand the concerns and also the restrictions that people face. The provision of this helpline offers another safety net where the NI Assembly still refuse to acknowledge the everyday health needs of pregnant people. In light of the recent prosecution it is a beacon of light for many, who will have questions and nowhere else to turn. Like the members of Alliance for Choice, bpas trust women.”

bpas aftercare helpline numbers (PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES)
From Ireland: 1800 910 049
From Northern Ireland: 0800 077 6049
From the Isle of Man: 0800 077 6049
For more information please contact the bpas press office on 0207 061 3377, 07788 725185 or press@bpas.org

Alliance for Choice contacts:
Emma Campbell Chair: 07894063965
Email: alliancechoice4@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE ENDS