Written question asked by Kate Green (Labour) on Thursday, 23 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 February 2012. It was answered by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 1 March 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Pregnancy: Counselling

Question: (2) what steps his Department plans to take to ensure that the views of women are gathered during its forthcoming public consultation on pregnancy choices counselling.

Answer: The forthcoming public consultation on pregnancy counselling will be open and anyone will be able to contribute. It will canvass views from a wide range of health professionals and the public, so that their responses can then inform the Government on future policy and any subsequent regulations on this issue.The public consultation will take place over a period of 12 weeks and a notice of commencement together with a closing date will be posted on the Department's web site.The views of professional health bodies are crucial and the Department will contact key external partners to obtain their views on this issue. We also welcome the views of women particularly those who have considered or undergone an abortion or considered this option.

Secondary information