Artificial intelligence chat bot for medical abortion services at BPAS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving at-home medical abortion experience with a digitally enabled artificial intelligence chatbot: A scoping study
IRAS ID
354673
Contact name
Patricia Lohr
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
British Pregnancy Advisory Services
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of telemedicine in the UK, medical abortion services (for pregnancies under 10 weeks) have changed a lot. Most people now take abortion pills at home, with only minimal contact with clinical staff. As a result, nurse-led telephone helplines have become much busier, leading to delays, frustration for patients, and, in some cases, people needing to call emergency services. A digital tool that answers common questions could really help by freeing up staff time for urgent cases, ensuring patients get timely care, and easing pressure on the wider health system.
In North America, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots are already being used to support abortion care and improve access to information. They’re also used in countries with strict abortion laws to help people stay safe. However, this technology hasn’t been introduced in the UK, and no research has been done to see how it could be integrated into UK abortion services.
This research project will explore how an AI chatbot could fit into BPAS’ services—a leading abortion care charity in Britain—to improve patient support and service delivery. We’ll gather feedback through online surveys, 10–15 interviews, and a one-day workshop with 5–6 people who have had a medical abortion at 10 weeks or less.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0047
Date of REC Opinion
4 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion