A campaign group is asking those who have either used the island’s abortion service, or tried to, to submit evidence to a Tynwald committee before tomorrow, April 7.

The Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) group said it had received alarming feedback from those who have used the island’s abortion service.

The service was created in 2019, following Dr Alex Allinson’s successful campaign to decriminalise abortion.

The Abortion Reform Act 2019 allows abortions up to 14 weeks on request, up to 24 weeks in cases of foetal anomaly or serious social reasons, and after 24 weeks in rare circumstances where the life of the mother or baby is at risk.

However, despite this radical change in the island’s healthcare, CALM said that some women were still travelling to the UK to have abortions.

The group claimed to have also heard from women who have been told they have to pay for travel, for accommodation and for the termination, and have been sent for unnecessary scans which delayed the procedure.

Tynwald’s social affairs policy review committee is accepting written submissions from anyone who would like to comment on the Abortion Reform Act 2019, or on any of the other issues identified in by 5pm on Wednesday. Email is preferred but hard copy is accepted.

Christine Cowley from CALM said: ’We only know about those women who contacted CALM. The 2020 numbers (which are recorded by the UK Department of Health) won’t be out until June 2021 and the 2019 numbers (57) include those who travelled before May 2019.

’CALM believes only medical abortions (mifepristone and misoprostol) are carried out on the island and there is an unease about providing these after 10 weeks (despite the evidence that they are safe beyond that point). CALM understands that any termination (medical or surgical) after 10 weeks is carried out at a UK clinic, even during Covid.

’However, CALM has been assured that the "pills by post" option, up to 10 weeks, which was introduced in the UK during Covid to avoid unnecessary hospital appointments is also available on-island. Nobody has contacted CALM about this so we have to assume that it is the case.’

Ms Cowley added: ’When the Abortion Reform Act was passed it was hailed as the most progressive abortion law in Europe but without regular reviews we have no idea if that’s the case.

’Leaflets and guidance need to be readily available. For example there is very little information on the government website.

’It’s vitally important the DHSC ensures access is available to all who require it, and that they make sure people are aware that the service is discreet and private.’

The committee said it will not publish submissions relating to an individual case without the consent of the individual concerned, but might publish written evidence relating to policy matters.

Submissions can be sent by emailing [email protected].