Dr. Mary Favier:

On the helpline, there are a number of models internationally. There is one in Bristol called One Call. It provides a first contact and is staffed by skilled individuals. We have a model in the Crisis Pregnancy Agency service. There is not much more to add to that. In its service, 75% of women who contact that service continue to have a termination of pregnancy but 25% do not. Those are the first type of discussions which are taking place. People are referred to in-person counselling if they wish but onto a provider if they wish, including appointments being made, if that is an appropriate thing to do.

There is no medical reason for the three-day waiting period; it is a legal or societal decision. The WHO guidelines specifically state they should be discouraged because they introduce delay and are not good for women's health. It is not a medical issue. We say that if we are to have that, the three days then should start from the very first point of contact, whether one rings the helpline or one's GP or a family planning clinic. As these are all electronic services nowadays, they can be timed. That is our suggestion.