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It is "deeply concerning" that rape victims are expected to pay for abortions, according to a charity which supports survivors of sexual assault.
Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) is calling for the removal of the "financial barrier" to termination services for victims of sexual violence to "alleviate some of the burdens placed upon survivors and facilitate their paths toward healing and recovery".
In the UK, abortions are free under the NHS.
But a termination in Jersey currently costs £185 if the person receiving it is entitled to access Government health care.
For those who have not lived or worked in the island for long enough, it costs over £500.
Pictured: The NHS provides for free termination to UK residents, but this does not extend to Jersey residents.
The the high cost of abortions was one of the key concerns raised by patients responding to a consultation on potential changes to the 27-year-old law governing abortions on the island – the results of which were published this week.
Feedback from local professionals collected as part of the survey criticised the fact that women who are victims of sexual violence are still charged for a pregnancy termination.
JAAR said that they "wholeheartedly support[s] any proposed change in law that would eliminate charges for termination of pregnancy for victims of sexual violence".
"The revelation that some women who have experienced such trauma are still burdened with financial costs for essential medical services is deeply concerning and highlights an urgent need for reform," a spokesperson added.
Pictured: Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) provides free sexual trauma counselling to survivors of sexual assault.
JAAR is an independent and confidential service helping people to recover from the trauma of sexual violence.
The charity works to prevent the incidence of rape and sexual assault in Jersey by raising awareness, dispelling the myths surrounding rape, and promoting progressive thinking towards survivors of rape and sexual assault.
A JAAR spokesperson explained: "At JAAR, we witness firsthand the profound impact of sexual violence on survivors' lives, including the emotional, psychological, and financial toll it exacts.
"The additional financial burden of termination charges only compounds the trauma and injustice experienced by these individuals, further exacerbating their distress and hindering their ability to access necessary support and care.
"By removing the financial barrier to termination services for victims of sexual violence, we can alleviate some of the burdens placed upon survivors and facilitate their paths toward healing and recovery.
"It is essential that our laws and policies reflect a commitment to supporting and empowering survivors, rather than adding to their already considerable challenges."
Pictured: "It is essential that our laws and policies reflect a commitment to supporting and empowering survivors."
JAAR commended the Government's plans to update the island's abortion laws and urged them to prioritise the needs and rights of survivors in this process.
"As an organisation dedicated to providing free sexual trauma counselling to survivors of sexual assault, we stand ready to offer any assistance or input that may contribute to the development of more compassionate and inclusive policies," a spokesperson added.
The Government said that the feedback from the recent abortion survey would be used to draft an updated version of the Termination of Pregnancy (Jersey) 1997 Law.
The report and proposition will also set out whether additional funds are required to support service improvements.
Assistant Health Minister, Deputy Andy Howell, said: “I would like to thank everyone who participated in the consultation for their feedback.
"This will help inform the future of this very important issue.”
Although the abortion survey is now closed, a wider survey on the health and wellbeing needs of women and girls in Jersey is set to run until 21 May 2024.
You can find out more or complete the women's health and wellbeing survey HERE.
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