Abortions

Summary

The request sought monthly abortion statistics for 2020 and details on off-island travel requirements. The authority disclosed the total number of terminations for the year and the clinical pathway for travel but withheld monthly breakdowns and specific locations to protect patient confidentiality.

Key Facts

• There were 123 terminations carried out on the Isle of Man between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020.
• The majority of these procedures occurred before 10 weeks of pregnancy.
• Monthly breakdowns and specific location data were withheld to prevent individual identification.
• Patients under 10 weeks are treated at the local Nobles Hospital clinic.
• Patients over 10 weeks or those requesting surgical abortions are referred to UK clinics to maintain confidentiality.

Data Disclosed

• 123 terminations
• 01/01/2020
• 31/12/2020
• 10 weeks
• 15 different healthcare workers

Exemptions Cited

• Section 26 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015 (Actionable breach of confidence)

Original Request

Since the 1st January 2020 how many abortions have been carried out (a) on island and (b) off island, broken down by month? Under what circumstances would a woman be required to travel off island for an abortion to be carried out.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Should advise to use the helpline number Seen by healthcare professional: GP, Midwife, GUM, EPAU, hospital OPD etc. Helpline number: 642521

Interim Chief Executive: Kathryn Magson Freedom of Information Team Crookall House Demesne Road Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3QA (01624) 642621 dhsc@foi.gov.im Website: www.gov.im/dhsc

Our ref: 1607681 13th January 2021

Dear ###

We write further to your request which was received on the 17th December 2020 and states:

Question 1: Since 1st January 2020 how many abortions have been carried out (a) on island and (b) off island, broken down by month? Question 2: Under what circumstances would a woman be required to travel off island for an abortion to be carried out?

Our response:
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is absolutely exempt under section 26 of the Act, as disclosure would constitute an actionable breach of confidence. Question 1: Since 1st January 2020 how many abortions have been carried out (a) on island and (b) off island, broken down by month? For the period 01/01/2020 to the 31/12/20 there have been 123 terminations. Of these the majority are before 10 weeks and a very small amount have had the procedure in the UK. It is not possible to break down the figures into months or locations as this would possibly make an individual identifiable and client confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Question 2: Under what circumstances would a woman be required to travel off island for an abortion to be carried out? Essentially all initial contacts should be through the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) via a local telephone number (see attached flowchart). A nurse telephone consultation is then arranged. If client is less than 10 weeks then BPAS book the client into the local weekly clinic at Nobles Hospital. If more than 10 weeks pregnant or if clients wishes surgical abortion then they would be booked into a UK clinic and travel arranged. The only reason for these off-Island appointments is to maintain client confidentiality. All documentation is stored separately from the general hospital records. There is no communication with the clients GP and it is her choice as to whom she chooses to disclose information to. Clients attending the local clinic who are subsequently found to be more than 10 weeks have the choice of going to the UK or having treatment on Island with the understanding that there are limits to our ability to maintain confidentiality. The patient pathway to theatre for a surgical termination, for example, involves interaction with at least 15 different healthcare workers who have a duty to know the patient’s identity and what procedure is to be undertaken. Please quote the reference number 1607681 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

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I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely