The government announced last month that a policy enacted in response to Covid-19 to allow early medical abortions at home in England would be scrapped at the end of August.
But today MPs voted 215 to 188 in favour of an amendment to the Health and Care Bill to keep the provision.
MPs who voted for the amendment include Jess Phillips (pictured, left), who argued keeping telemedicine for abortion gives women greater choice and safety.
Opponents included Fiona Bruce (pictured, right), a member of the Evangelical Alliance council. She chairs the all-party parliamentary pro-life group and has lobbied to limit women's reproductive rights.
Campaign to keep early medical at-home abortions
In 2020 the government enabled women to receive all medication by post for abortions before 10 weeks' gestation following a telephone consultation, instead of visiting a clinic.
Calls to keep the provision were opposed by religious groups which object to abortion on principle, including the Church of England.
Last year the NSS joined medical organisations and women's rights campaigners in backing proposals to make the 'pills by post' provisions permanent.
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