Commissioning abortion and sexual health services

This guidance offers best practice advice for commissioning termination of pregnancy services. It presents relevant publications including Department of Health guidance in connection with the key requirements for service provision. Commissioners are encouraged to examine their existing care pathways and contracted services to ensure that women are offered an equitable, appropriate and holistic service, which can be accessed as quickly as possible. The importance of associated services such as contraception and sexual health screening is explained. The National Service Specification for Termination of Pregnancy Services is examined in depth and key suggestions for compliance are supplied. This includes an outline of the benefits of extending the choice of service providers in conjunction with the implementation of self-referral and central booking services.