Ref. 289976The country's largest not-for-profit abortion provider has officially opened its new premises in Swindon and hopes to carry out the operations there.

Currently, only referrals and advice are carried out by Bpas, formerly known as British Pregnancy Advisory Service, in Swindon and women have to travel to Bournemouth for terminations arranged through the charity.

Bpas's consultation centre now operates from Dammas Lane, Old Town, and is open three times a week.

Swindon South MP Julia Drown has formally opened the centre, which will provide pregnancy testing, termination advice and counselling.

If abortions are to be carried out on site, the centre will need to win approval from the National Care Standards Commission,which is due to inspect the Swindon premises next month.

Karen Bradley, centre manager, said: "At the moment the nearest Bpas centre offering abortions is in Bournemouth.

"Hopefully we will be able to offer this treatment by the summer so that if a woman does decide to terminate her pregnancy we can help her to act quickly so as not to prolong her anxiety."

Last month, Bpas saw 106 clients in Swindon.

Mrs Bradley said: "There is the misconception that most of our referrals are young girls but in fact only 15 of last month's referrals were under 18.

"A large number of referrals are aged between 19 and 24, so it isn't all reckless teenagers."

Reproductive health services ranging from family planning to chlamydia screening are also on offer.

Three staff trained in counselling skills are on hand, as well as four doctors and a lead nurse.

People may be referred through a variety of means including their GP or hospital, and abortions are carried out free on the NHS.

Mrs Bradley said: "Anyone who is registered with a GP in Swindon will receive free treatment.

"If clients come from other areas we will need to see what arrange-ments that particular area has with their Primary Care Trust.

"Some people may not wish to inform their GP and we do treat people privately."

Private terminations up to 14 weeks cost £380, from 15 to 19 weeks £590, and from 20 to 24 weeks it costs £950.

Most people will be treated within two weeks.

Ms Drown said: "I am pleased Bpas now has its own dedicated premises in Swindon.

"It's important that women who have to face the difficult decision about abortion are given the impartial advice and support they need.

"Nobody takes these decisions lightly or easily so it's important we have this local service available.

"I welcome the chlamydia screening offered by Bpas. We have seen a huge rise in chlamydia, which seriously affects people's future fertility."

www.bpas.org

Alex Emery