Women who ask for an abortion on the NHS face delays, obstacles and humiliation from their doctors, according to a series of surveys published today by campaigners who want abortion on demand.

A quarter of all women who seek an abortion in England and Wales pay to go to a private clinic.

A survey by Voice for Choice, the alliance of organisations campaigning for easier access to abortion, found that half of them had already unsuccessfully tried to get NHS treatment.

Most were put off by the long waiting time for an NHS abortion, but others were unhappy with the attitude of the NHS doctor.

Three out of 10 said the NHS doctor gave no help at all, while one in 10 said she found the doctor morally opposed to abortion or advised her to continue with the pregnancy.

The findings of this survey were backed up by a "snapshot" of calls to the family planning association helpline in September. The helpline receives 14 calls a day.