CRRC Blog

Safeguarding in abortion care poses unique complexities needing continual research to strengthen what works well and know where the gaps are. Through meaningful research and transformation, BPAS plays a vital role in ensuring people can access abortion care safely and receive the support they need.

From long waits to limited local services, 49% of women in the UK face challenges when trying to access contraception. The Local Government Association warns that fragmented services and £880 million in real-terms public health cuts since 2015 are pushing care to breaking point.

We are inviting contributors from all research disciplines to share their work and reflections.

As we start our new financial year at BPAS, we take this opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements in 2024/25. It has been an exceptional year for the Centre for Reproductive Research and Communication (CRRC), and we are proud of all we have accomplished.

Dr Patricia Lohr, Director of Research and Innovation at BPAS, shares insight into the recently launches BPAS Integrated Research and Innovation Strategy for 2025-2030.

Before joining BPAS, I developed an interest in audit and research, which grew during my time as a Telemedical Nurse/Midwife Practitioner (NMP) at BPAS and later as a Lead Nurse/Midwife (LNM). I have always been curious about how healthcare works, why things happen the way they do, and how to improve patient care and outcomes. I am Vice Chair of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Women’s Health Forum Committee, and as a group we work to identify and address gaps in women’s health. Existing research is often the foundation of these projects, but this work led to wanting to contribute to new research.