A Daily Telegraph investigation claiming that independent clinics are providing women with the wrong advice about the health risks of abortion, has been criticised for ignoring the “very good” advice offered by the majority of such clinics.
Dr. Peter Sunders of the Christian Medical Fellowship said: “The Daily Telegraph news report highlights cases of poor practice (a grand total of two!), and ignores all counselling or centres where there is very good independent advice and counselling offered, ie. the overwhelming majority.”
He emphasised that crisis pregnancy counselling must always be professional and evidence-based, adding, “counselling clinics must provide women with unbiased information so that they can make fully informed decisions about their options.”
He highlighted that media coverage resulting from the Telegraph investigation does not explain that women referred to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) or Marie Stopes International for an NHS-funded abortion are denied access to independent counselling.
In an interview with the Telegraph, Andrea Williams of the Christian Legal Centre said that "pro-life Crisis Pregnancy Centres up and down the country rate the giving of information and the care given to the women who come through their doors as a very important and sensitive matter” and do all they can to provide the very best information possible.
Watch the full interview here >