GP clinics could in the future be used to conduct medical abortions.
The Department of Health has admitted it is conducting trials at two secret locations to assess whether GP clinics could be used for medical abortions.
An assessment of the scheme is expected to be completed early in 2008. If it is deemed successful it could be expanded to GP clinics across the country.
Critics of the scheme say it will increase the already large numbers of abortions carried out each year, currently about 200,000 annually.
The move could also threaten the liberty of some staff at GP clinics who may conscientiously object to abortion. There are also concerns that GP clinics do not have the correct emergency facilities to cope if a medical abortion goes wrong.
Currently abortions can only be carried out in hospitals or approved independent sector premises, such as private clinics. According to medical magazine Pulse, the Department wants to offer abortion services in "community-based settings."
Some politicians have criticised the move for pre-empting the anticipated Commons debate on abortion, where rival attempts both to relax and tighten the law are expected.
Bob Spink, a Conservative MP on the Science and Technology committee who has opposed a relaxation of abortion law, said: "This is an appalling development.
"To make this decision before Parliament has the opportunity to debate the Abortion Act shows the new level of arrogance. It is unsafe to carry out abortions outside hospital, and makes a mockery of the term family doctor."
