Britain's first abortion telephone counselling service launched by Marie Stopes International

Marie Stopes International (MSI) is the first agency in Britain to offer abortion counselling services by telephone. The pioneering service is available to women considering an abortion as well as those who have already undergone the procedure at one of MSI’s nine UK centres.

Over 650 women received telephone counselling during a six month pilot phase. The telephone service is being offered as an alternative to face to face counselling which is still available to clients. All MSI counsellors offer an impartial, non judgemental and non directive service.

“The vast majority of women who come to MSI have already made up their minds to go through with an abortion, and many elect not to have counselling at all,” said Liz Davies MSI’s Director of UK and Western Europe.

“There are some clients, however, who are undecided and for whom being able to talk through their decision is vitally important.

“The fact that women can now talk to a counsellor outside a clinical environment, makes the service more accessible for many – both physically and psychologically. Many women find it easier to explore their emotions on the phone rather than face-to-face especially if they are within a familiar environment such as their own homes.

“Opting for telephone counselling also dramatically reduces the time a woman has to spend at a clinic which is critical, particularly for post-abortion counselling. By using the telephone counselling service, women can discuss their feelings without travelling back to the clinic where they had the procedure, which can be a difficult emotional journey.”

The new service has proved extremely popular with clients already. As one client recently commented:

“I just wanted to say how very impressed I have been by the service received at Marie Stopes International. I was there yesterday for a termination but didn’t go ahead with it in the end.

“The telephone counselling I received was excellent. It must be such a hard job giving valuable counselling over the phone to complete strangers facing difficult choices – I was doubtful it could be of much value, but I was really impressed by the focused professionalism of the counsellor and the support it gave to me”.

For further information or to arrange a consultation call: 0845 300 8090.

Tony Kerridge: tony.kerridge@mariestopes.org.uk
Tel: 020 7034 2365 / 07748 948 037
Anna Mawer: anna.mawer@mariestopes.org.uk
Tel: 020 7034 2307

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe; Abortion

03/03/2008

Britain's first abortion telephone counselling service launched by Marie Stopes International

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