To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to provide counselling for women who have had an abortion performed in a private clinic.

All independent sector abortion providers must meet the Required Standard Operating Procedures set out in the Department’s Procedures for the Approval of Independent Sector Places for the Termination of Pregnancy (Abortion). In line with these standards, all women requesting an abortion should be offered the opportunity to discuss their options and choices with, and receive therapeutic support from, a trained pregnancy counsellor. This offer should be repeated at every stage of the care pathway. Post abortion counselling should also be available for those women who require it.