An international abortion organization, Marie Stopes, has faced scrutiny in the UK over allegations of performing "abortion on demand."
According to UK regulators, many procedures were approved over the phone, often in conversations lasting as little as 22 seconds. These conversations were conducted by individuals who were not properly trained, and regulators have criticized the approach for showing a "lack of respect for women and the law."
In some instances, doctors allegedly approved abortion procedures for women they had never met in person. Inspectors visited the charity’s headquarters to review its practices.
Temporary Ban and Improvements ¶
A temporary ban was placed on terminations at Marie Stopes after inspectors found that the procedures were not being performed safely. Although the ban was later lifted, Marie Stopes assured regulators that necessary improvements had been made.
The organization operates 70 clinics in Britain. At one clinic in Maidstone, Kent, inspectors discovered that abortions were being signed off in bulk.
Funding and Response ¶
Marie Stopes has received over £163 million from the UK government to expand its work to countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malawi, Kenya, and Senegal.
Paul McPartlan, the managing director of Marie Stopes UK, stated, "We would like to reassure women that our services comply fully with UK abortion law."
This is not the first time Marie Stopes has been involved in a scandal.
The recovered account cited reporting by Tuko.
