Abortion services remain fully open and operational during the current Covid-19 national lockdown, and patients can self-refer without needing a GP appointment.

Abortion treatment is an essential clinical service, and it is vitally important that women are as able as ever to access abortion services during the ongoing healthcare crisis.

  • The MSI Reproductive Choices (MSI) telemedicine service is fully operational – patients who are eligible for this service can choose to have their medication delivered via post, or can collect it from one of the clinics.  This service is available for all patients, free of charge. Patients who not eligible for this service (i.e. those with safeguarding or more complex clinical needs) are still able to receive face-to-face care at a clinic of their choosing.
  • Abortion clinics in Exeter, Paignton and Plymouth are open and running as normal, offering face-to-face abortion care and support. We have robust COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures in place to keep patients and staff as safe as possible. You can find out more about these measures here. Government advice states that NHS appointments should still go ahead wherever possible.
  • The first step is to call and talk to one of the MSI team, on 0345 300 8090. This line is open 24/7 and is free to call for most people. Patients can call this line to talk through their options, book treatment or receive specialist clinical advice from their nursing team – or contact them via webchat at Msichoices.org.uk.
  • Patients do not need a referral from their GP to access the services. Patients can self-refer for treatment by calling MSI directly.
  • MSI aim to provide initial consultations within 48 hours, and have been able to maintain short waiting times with availability of appointments in all three clinics.
  • Patients can access treatment free of charge. A full list of clinic locations can be found here: Msichoices.org.uk/find-us