The British government said it is considering allowing early-stage abortions in health centers and doctors' offices.

Researchers at the University of Southampton said a trial run of the program at two facilities found that early medical abortion using pills rather than surgery could be safely carried out outside of National Health Service hospitals, the Times of London said Wednesday.

The proposal has prompted furious debate by politicians on both sides of the issue. The group LIFE said the proposed change would turn health centers into quick-fix abortion providers, while Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said the priority is to reduce the time women have to wait for an abortion, the Telegraph said.

A recent study said Britain has the second highest abortion rate in Europe. (c) UPI