Member

I turn to Amendment 461D in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Wolf of Dulwich, spoken to by the noble Baroness, Lady Falkner. Your Lordships may wish to note that this offence would apply if a woman or another person were knowingly to receive the abortifacient drug by post, even if they did not ingest it or use it to induce an abortion. In addition, abortifacient drugs are not defined in the amendment. One of the drugs prescribed in respect of early medical abortions under the Abortion Act 1967 is misoprostol. This drug is also used for purposes not related to abortion, such as preventing stomach ulcers when taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also used in miscarriage management, postpartum haemorrhage and induction of labour. This amendment would mean that individuals who are lawfully prescribed this medication for a purpose other than abortion, who received it by post, would be committing a criminal offence. It may also be helpful for your Lordships to be aware that this amendment—