Across Kent, health services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies have changed to minimise the threat of coronavirus spreading, and it is the same for abortion clinics.

Women in England can now have home abortions during the outbreak, following a Government decision last month.

Those who are under nine weeks and six days pregnant can take abortion pills at home, without having to attend a clinic.

The move will prevent thousands in England making unnecessary journeys while travel restrictions and social distancing measures are in place, according to Marie Stopes, a termination provider.

Marie Stopes run the one clinic in Kent which provides NHS-funded abortions; the Marie Stopes Maidstone Centre.

A spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway Clinic Commissioning Group explained the new processes which have been put in place since the move.

She said said: "The clinic remains open as usual during the Covid-19 pandemic, as it provides an essential healthcare service.

“In addition, the government approved the use of telemedicine for early medical abortion care to limit the spread of Covid-19.

"This means that following a screening process to check for eligibility and a full nurse-led telephone or video consultation, which includes all necessary safeguarding checks, eligible women under nine weeks six days gestation will be able to take both sets of abortion pills in the privacy of their own home, without having to attend a clinic.

“Those who wish to attend a clinic for a surgical abortion will still be able to, and at-risk women identified by Marie Stopes’ highly trained medical and clinical staff, will also continue to attend clinics to be seen by nurses and midwives for treatment."

The two sets of pills women can now take at home are Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

Jonathan Lord, Medical Director for Marie Stopes UK, said: “We know first-hand the stress, anxiety and desperation that many women seeking abortion care are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are delighted that we have been able to implement an effective service in response to the crisis.

“We are more committed than ever to ensuring women receive the high-quality abortion care they deserve and we will continue to work to the best of our ability to ensure safe and equal access to this essential healthcare service."

Pro-life campaigners have criticised the decision, arguing there will be no way of knowing if a woman is being coerced into an abortion and the vulnerable will not get the care they need.

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