Baroness O'Loan (CB)

My Lords, before I ask my supplementary, I pay tribute to the noble Baroness, Lady Newlove, who was so brave and effective in all she did in this House and in her work for victims after the murder of her beloved husband, Garry. Helen had such compassion and courage, and she really was such a lovely person that she will be sorely missed, not only by her family, to whom I am sure we all send great sympathy, but by so many of us in this House and in the world beyond. We were indeed blessed by her presence among us. I thank the Minister for her reply. It is not possible on the telephone to ensure a woman’s privacy, to ensure that she is not being coerced, or to verify that the woman seeking the medication is actually the person who will take it, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse, child abuse and trafficking. Government stats show that, since 2020, 54,000 people have been admitted to hospital in England for complications from abortion pills. Last year alone, some 12,000—over 6% of women taking such medication—required hospital treatment. To safeguard women and girls, will the Minister take action to restore the requirement for face-to-face consultations? Will she also assure the House that there will be no extension of the time limits for access to medical abortions?