Health charges could affect victims of FGM and trafficking

CSAN, the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales has warned that new charges for migrants using the NHS could undermine the government's fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic abuse and human trafficking.

The Department of Health is proposing to strengthen the system of charging undocumented migrants, failed asylum seekers and short-term visitors, including those requiring Accident and Emergency services. Trafficking victims will not be charged but there are concerns about how they will be identified in practice.

Crossbench amendments to the Immigration Bill expected to be debated later today, would exempt patients requiring treatment for injuries sustained as a result of FGM or domestic abuse from all charges; and would require the Home Secretary to set out a strategy for identifying people who have been trafficked.

CSAN Chief Executive Helen O'Brien explained: "The government has shown a consistently strong commitment to tackling these appalling crimes, but risks undermining progress by introducing measures that could deter victims from accessing healthcare. Many migrants are already uncertain about their eligibility for medical treatment and there are difficulties identifying where exemptions do apply. It is vital to send a clear message that anyone who has suffered in this way will get the help they need."

Highlighting the wider potential consequences she added: "There is a real danger that if victims are worried about being hit with large charges for medical treatment they will simply not go to hospital. This would make it harder for the authorities to identify where abuse or criminal activities are taking place."

CSAN is the official domestic social action agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. CSAN comprises over 40 Catholic Charities including a number who work to support migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and victims of trafficking. For more information, see www.csan.org.uk

Proposals for new healthcare charges are set out in the Immigration Bill and the Department of Health document Sustaining services, ensuring fairness: Government response to the consultation on migrant access and financial contribution to NHS provision in England (December 2013)

The government currently holds no information regarding the number of FGM or domestic abuse victims whose immigration status will leave them liable for new health charges

The Immigration Bill is currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords

Amendments supported by CSAN:

Baroness Meacher
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff
Lord Alton of Liverpool
Baroness Masham of Ilton

After Clause 33
Insert the following new Clause-
"Domestic abuse and female genital mutilation
No charge may be imposed for health services-
(a) relating to injuries sustained as a result of domestic abuse as
defined in Home Office Circular 003/2013 "New government
domestic violence and abuse definition", or

(b) relating to injuries sustained as a result of female genital mutilation
as defined in the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003."
Baroness Meacher

After Clause 33
Insert the following new Clause-
"Human trafficking
(1) No charge for health services shall be imposed on victims or suspected
victims of human trafficking.
(2) The Secretary of State shall publish a strategy and procedures to ensure
that victims of human trafficking are promptly and effectively identified
for the purposes of this section."