Dr. Ruth Fletcher:

I will deal with the last issue first and work backwards. As with any medical procedure, people often need a chance to deliberate and think about their options. The question does not point to any concerns that apply specifically to abortion care. I guess it is a question around consent and when a decision has been made about a particular health care treatment. If the person has not had the treatment, he or she can withdraw the consent or change his or her mind at any point.

That is a normal part of engaging in health care options. The whole point of consent in health care is that one has the right to change one's mind. It is part of the deliberation counselling process and this deliberative process is supported by counselling and good information. Once the pregnant person comes to the point of making a decision and going ahead with the treatment, that is the key point at which the consent operates.