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<p>While no specific assessment has been made, all abortion providers must comply
with legal requirements and take regard of any statutory guidance related to children,
young people and vulnerable adults. All independent sector abortion providers are
inspected by the Care Quality Commission and safeguarding systems and processes are
included in its termination of pregnancy inspection framework. Providers must ensure
that all staff are trained in recognising the signs of potential abuse in adult women
and know how to respond. This includes identifying women who may require more support,
such as those who are subject to sexual violence or poor social support or where there
is evidence of coercion.</p><p>The Department commissioned the Royal College of Paediatrics
and Child Health to develop new safeguarding guidance for those aged under 18 years
old accessing telemedicine abortion services, which was published on 30 August. The
guidance will ensure there is consistency across all abortion services and providers
in the implementation of robust safeguarding pathways. All abortions performed in
England must be notified to the Chief Medical Officer within 14 days. Cases that exceed
the legal limit of 10 weeks gestation and above are identified once HSA4 abortion
notification forms are submitted by practitioners to the Chief Medical Officer. The
Department will contact the practitioner to confirm these details and the abortion
notification system is updated, if necessary.</p>
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