More advice and fewer terminations

Saturday 6th September 2008, 9:29AM BST.

THE island’s three-a-week abortion rate fell last year and now the morning-after pill is more-readily available than ever.

The Guernsey Family Planning Service, above Pound World Plus in the Pollet, has increased its opening to 23 hours a week.

The changes followed consultation that showed patients wanted easier access to the clinic. Manager Sue Le Page said the changes had already made a huge difference.

‘We can now offer more choice to patients and waiting times are now less than they have been.’ e said in the last year, 2,500 clients attended the clinic.

‘The fact that the service is now open on a Saturday and on Monday mornings means the morning-after pill has been made more readily available.’

Guernsey saw a reduction in unwanted pregnancies last year, with a decline in overall abortions in 2007.