The policing of abortion services in England.

To cite: Rowlands S. Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2013;39:121–126. INTRODUCTION In 2012, abortion services in England came under intensive scrutiny, with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducting synchronised inspections of all abortion providers. In the light of some procedural irregularities that were found, doctors and nurses were reported to their professional bodies. A team set up by the Metropolitan Police continues to investigate possible criminal activities. This article examines the laws that may have been infringed, what brought about this reaction, the detailed findings, whether or not the inspections were justified and their knock-on effects, and ends with some proposals on what should happen next. It may be concluded that rather than contributing to an improvement in abortion services, this inspection process has undermined some positive developments.