Ultrasound and abortion during COVID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ultrasound in abortion care: opinions and experiences of service users treated by telemedicine during the COVID pandemic
IRAS ID
289208
Contact name
Patricia Lohr
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the standard of care in Britain that an ultrasound for gestational age determination was a routine part of a pre-abortion assessment. Since the pandemic, national guidance has advocated for abortion to be provided with a scan only if indicated, such as when the gestation cannot be estimated by the last menstrual period. Widespread implementation of this pathway has secured access to abortion care for large proportions of women during the pandemic. However, little is known about the experiences and opinions of those undergoing abortions about having or omitting an ultrasound during the care pathway. This project aims to examine this question through in-depth interviews with participants who have undergone abortion in the ‘scan as indicated’ model. Findings will be used to inform a planned government consultation on the permission to make permanent this new model of care.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0412
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion