Move to 'update' abortion law

The UK's biggest abortion provider has asked the High Court in London to make it easier for women to complete terminations at home.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) urged a judge to rule that the 1967 Abortion Act allows women to take the second dose of tablets for an early medical abortion (EMA) without visiting medical premises.

Now, the first and second dose must be taken in a clinic or hospital under supervision. Most women go straight home after the second dose.

Nathalie Lieven QC, for BPAS, argued that "medical science has moved on a great deal" and it was safe for women to self-administer the second dose at home.

She asked Mr Justice Supperstone to rule against Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, who says the law requires all tablets to be taken on clinical premises.