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Abortion policy often develops through somewhat technical motions that can easily pass unnoticed. This year's British Medical Association (BMA) Annual Representatives Meeting (ARM) was one such moment. Here we explain what changed, what did not, and consider what healthcare professionals who support both lives in pregnancy might make of the outcome. Abortion is a recurring theme at the British Medical Association’s (BMA) main policy making meeting – the Annual Representative

In this piece, a Healthcare for Both Lives declaration signer reflects on twenty years of GP and SRH practice in Northern Ireland. As I write, it is twenty years to the day since I graduated from a Scottish university after entering medicine as a postgraduate student from Northern Ireland. For me medicine is a vocation – one shaped by faith, conscience, and a commitment to serve every person who seeks care. I completed GP training thirteen years ago, and alongside this I have

Effective, safe, and acceptable. These are the three words with which Aiken et al conclude their assessment of telemedical abortion - also known as ‘Pills by Post’ - published in 2021 in BJOG. In an accompanying editorial, Prof Lesley Regan, a past president of the RCOG (2016-19) expressed the same opinion, using the same three words – safe, effective and acceptable. The same study was quoted – five years later - by Baroness Blackstone in the House of Lords, as part of the re

Please note: This article discusses neonatal death, and perinatal palliative care, including the experiences of parents whose babies died shortly after birth. Some readers may find the content emotionally difficult. “They treated her as if she was the most important person in the world. . . .” (Quote from a mother whose baby died in neonatal care). The Healthcare for Both Lives declaration affirms the ethical and professional responsibility to care for and treat both live

Wednesday (18 March) night’s debate in the House of Lords held significant weight for healthcare professionals who are committed to healthcare that protects and values both the pregnant woman and her pre-born child. Peers voted against two significant amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill. Baroness Monckton’s amendment, which sought to remove the proposed decriminalisation of abortion up to birth, was defeated despite substantial support (185–148). Baroness Stroud’s amen

Healthcare for Both Lives seeks to support professionals who practice in line with the values in our declaration. As healthcare professionals it is important for us to understand the role of freedom of conscience, and how to considerately apply this freedom when facing issues around caring for both lives. Personal beliefs, experience and values shape how all of us see the world. This includes our vision of what healthcare should look like, and our personal role in it. Protec