MSI Reproductive Choices UK

Abortion is healthcare. We stand in solidarity with our partners in the US, fighting to protect the right to choose. As part of a global organisation, we will be fighting to defend reproductive rights around the world, too. Read MSI Reproductive Choices' statement on Donald Trump's re-election and the impact it could have on global reproductive health and rights 👇

"Suddenly I discovered that I was pregnant, and I was 40 years old. I had three children, the oldest of whom was 11 years old and the youngest 4 years old. I was applying for a job and studying, and I felt that the pregnancy was at the wrong time for me." A client recently got in touch with us to share their abortion story. They were 5 weeks pregnant, and decided that a medical abortion at home was the best decision for them. They explain going through the at-home medical abortion process - including using our online booking form, having a consultation, and receiving the medication in the post. "I don’t know how to thank all the staff, nurses and doctors at MSI UK enough for all the help and support they have given me." Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/emEQcKnh

Now that Safe Access Zones are finally a reality across the UK, we've been reflecting on just how far we've come in the fight to end abortion clinic harassment. In our latest blog, Louise McCudden shares the journey to national legislation. Louise covers the fight for initial, local versions of Safe Access Zones (for example, England's first ever Safe Access Zone around our clinic in Ealing) and advocacy undertaken in partnership with other providers and grassroots groups like Sister Supporter. The blog also explains the legislative timeline. Safe Access Zones were signed into law in May 2022 with cross-party support. However "the fight was not yet over" - the legislation was not commenced until October 31st, 2024. Louise comments: "We know that people have a range of different views about abortion. There are plenty of places to share those views without gathering right outside an abortion clinic." "At a time when we are seeing rollbacks on reproductive rights and on gender equality in general, most notably with the repeal of Roe v Wade in the United States, it couldn’t be more important that the UK government is on the right side of the battle lines." Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3GnJNxy

Anti-choice harassment is officially banned outside all abortion clinics in the UK 💪 As of yesterday, Safe Access Zones are now in place in England and Wales, joining Northern Ireland and Scotland in having protected areas outside abortion clinics 🥳️🎉 The support online and in the press has been huge! We're proud to have been featured across many publications, with our fantastic colleagues sharing just how important Safe Access Zones are. You can catch Louise McCudden, Head of UK External Affairs, speaking to Hugo Rifkind on Times Radio here (listen from 2:10:00) : https://lnkd.in/edQvqKWY Hear from Michaela McDaid, Operations Service Manager at our Brixton clinic, on this Sky News podcast: https://lnkd.in/eq3Mssdw Kendall Robbins, Registered Nurse at our Central London clinic, appeared on this Sky News segment on Safe Access Zones, which you can watch below 👇 We have also been featured in ABC News, The Independent, BBC News, and more. Everyone deserves to access and provide abortion care without fear of anti-choice harassment. Now, across all four nations in the UK, this will be a reality.

🥳 From today, anti-choice harassment outside abortion clinics in England and Wales is banned. 🙅 As of 31st October, 2024, Safe Access Zones have been implemented around abortion clinics in England and Wales, ending decades of harassment and intimidation of people accessing or providing abortion care. It is now an offence to influence, obstruct, or harass anyone within 150 metres of a clinic, hospital, or any premises providing services in England and Wales. It's been a long time coming - years of tireless campaigning led to parliament voting in favour of national legislation in November 2022, with the zones subsequently signed into law in May 2023. No-one deserves to be harassed whilst they are accessing essential healthcare. We're ecstatic that our clients and colleagues will now be able to attend our clinics without fear of harassment or intimidation. Join us in taking the time to celebrate this monumental moment for reproductive rights in Britain. One less thing to fear this Halloween: anti-choice judgement and harassment when you access abortion services 🎃 Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8pa-rPF #SafeAccessZones #BufferZones #ReproductiveRights #MyBodyMyChoice

Ahead of abortion clinic Safe Access Zones being implemented in England and Wales on Thursday, BBC Radio 4's Today programme visited our Brixton clinic, where our clients and colleagues have regularly faced harassment for accessing and providing healthcare. In some cases, they have been shouted at and called ‘murderer’. Speaking with interviewer Emma Barnett, Ailish McEntee, MSI UK’s Named Midwife for Safeguarding Adults and Children, said, ‘...it’s a really harrowing experience. It’s not necessary for someone to feel like that when they’re coming for a medical appointment.” From Thursday, intimidation like this will become an offence within 150 metres of a clinic. Our clients will finally be able to access healthcare -and our colleagues will be able to come to work - without being harassed. Listen to the full interview with Ailish here: https://lnkd.in/ek2hQVGV Stay tuned as we celebrate the long-awaited implementation of Safe Access Zones this week! #MyBodyMyChoiceMyFuture #ReproductiveRights #AbortionIsHealthcare

Last week, the government launched a consultation to help shape the future of the NHS over the next decade. They're collecting views, experiences and ideas from everyone, to help inform a new 10 Year Health Plan. We would encourage anyone to share their experience with abortion care, either accessing or providing services. Submit your thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/dmqrAHsZ

New role alert 🔔 We're looking for an Abortion Care Doctor to join our dedicated team. If you have experience in general practice, obstetrics and gynaecology or sexual and reproductive healthcare, are comfortable with remote work and enjoy managing a diverse caseload, then this could be for you! In this role, you'll join a national team of doctors working remotely, providing medical assessments and support for individuals seeking abortion care. You'll will be essential in our mission to support people in accessing essential reproductive healthcare. Find out more: https://buff.ly/4gNu5yi

"I can come to work and provide healthcare without being harassed." In just one week, abortion clinic Safe Access Zones will be implemented across England and Wales. It's difficult to overstate the impact Safe Access Zones will have. After decades of anti-choice activity outside clinics, everyone accessing or providing abortion care will be able to do so free from harassment and intimidation. We spoke to some of our fantastic colleagues at the MSI UK clinic in Central London to capture what Safe Access Zones will mean for providers and clients once they are implemented on the 31st October. Watch below 👇

We're committed to supporting clients at every stage of their treatment journey, including aftercare. Each person's physical and mental recovery process is unique, and it's crucial to provide them with the time and support they need. As a provider, we offer guidance on how clients can best support themselves during their recovery. Our 24-hour aftercare line is available for ongoing support from trained nurses at 0345 122 1441. Our website also offers a range of aftercare advice and support. Additionally, we offer confidential  counselling services as part of care. Our counselling team is available any time before, during and after treatment, even if the abortion was some years ago. 📞 For further resources on recovery following medical or surgical abortions, see our abortion aftercare page here: https://lnkd.in/eyvyAxJk