Charity warns of 'rogue' pregnancy counsellors

The Well Woman Centre has expressed concern at the number of women in a crisis pregnancy situation attending its services after…

The Well Woman Centre has expressed concern at the number of women in a crisis pregnancy situation attending its services after first attending a "rogue" counselling agency.

At the publication of the charity's annual report today, chief executive Alison Begas warned that rogue counsellors often use bullying and manipulation on women in vulnerable positions.

The fact that such agencies can continue to exist with impunity is hugely damaging for women in a crisis pregnancy situation
Alison Begas, Well Woman Centre

"These are agencies operating under the guise of being non-directive, who claim to offer information on all options, but in reality they employ manipulative and often bullying techniques when women seek information on abortion," she said.

"The fact that such agencies can continue to exist with impunity is hugely damaging for women in a crisis pregnancy situation."

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"It is essential that the Government moves to bring forward plans for a statutory registration body to ensure that counsellors are properly trained and qualified," Ms Begas said.

The charity's annual report also showed that nearly 10 per cent of national chlamydia cases are being detected by Well Woman. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can produce serious health complications - including infertility in women.

Last year, the charity offered chlamydia testing with all first smear tests and to clients who recently changed partners.

"Our new routine testing policy has meant that - in just 12 months - our testing rate for the infection has increased by 60 per cent," Ms Begas said.

The report also found a continued increase in the number of women using the service for cervical smear tests.