It’s a significant move but this is no time to crack out the gender rights bunting.

First, let’s consider the facts of the case.

England is already behind in approving home-based medical abortion in early pregnancy; it’s legal not only in Wales and Scotland, but also in countries as diverse as Vietnam, Sweden and the US (yes even the States, with its dubious record on reproductive rights).

Insisting that women attend a clinic to take second half of the abortion medication not only costs more, it also puts people through the pain and humiliation of potentially miscarrying on the way home, as the medication takes effect.

So, by green-lighting this legislation, our government is simply playing catch-up with other more enlightened countries and affording women the small courtesy of not miscarrying on public transport.

It’s hardly radical.

In fact, the Powers That Be would have to pretty brash *not* to approve the move, especially in the face of advice from the World Health Organisation (which clearly states at-home medical abortion is safe and effective), and a group of leading UK gynaecologists.

"Now women can take the abortion pill at home - but this is no time to celebrate"