Written question asked by Fiona Bruce (Conservative) on Wednesday, 6 February 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 8 February 2019. It was answered by Jackie Doyle-Price (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 February 2019 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Abortion

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what research his Department has commissioned in the last five years into the long-term effect of abortion on (a) future miscarriages, (b) premature births, (c) suicide and (d) other health issues among women (i) under 25 and (ii) of other ages.

Answer: The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health Research. The Department has not commissioned any such studies directly concerned with the long-term effects of abortion. However, a study currently underway, aims to provide the research and practical evidence base to deliver quality improvement in preconception care, to prevent unplanned pregnancies and abortion, and to mitigate the adverse impacts of unplanned pregnancies. This study is due to report in December 2021.

Secondary information