Abortion Options

Discovering that you are pregnant when you haven’t planned to be can be a very scary and confusing time no matter how old you are. But it can be especially stressful if you are a teenager or a young woman under 25 years old.

Making a decision to end or continue with an unplanned pregnancy is your decision. And this decision will remain personal to you. You should be able to make a decision without feeling under pressure from anyone, or being forced into a decision you may later regret. It is important that you feel supported by family, partners or friends at this time.

Abortion is legal up to the 24th week of pregnancy in England, Scotland and Wales (it is only legal in Northern Ireland in exceptional circumstances).  Around 190,000 abortions are carried out in the UK each year; 90% are before the 12th week of pregnancy.

There are two different abortion methods and if you are a resident in England, Scotland or Wales these can usually be paid for by the NHS.

For more detailed information about abortions, click here

Quick Guide to Abortions

Early Medical Abortion
This is more commonly known as the “Abortion Pill”.
It is available to take up to 9 weeks of the pregnancy (gestation).  It involves taking two different types of pills at two different times. Once you have taken part one you can then take part two within 6 hours, 24 hours or up to a maximum of 3 days later. The abortion pill can be taken up to 9 weeks in pregnancy.
On your first visit you will take the first type of pills, these are swallowed with water. This will stop the pregnancy.

On your second visit you will be given up to 4 pills that will be inserted into your vagina.  You can do this yourself or a nurse can do it for you.  These pills will remove the pregnancy by causing a heavy period.

Surgical Abortion
If you are more than 9 weeks pregnant you will need a surgical abortion. Or you may choose to have a surgical abortion if you are under 9 weeks and don’t like the idea of taking pills.

There are two ways to have a surgical abortion:

1) Under Local Anaesthetic – Where you are awake during the procedure.
This is available up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and is a very quick and simple procedure. Your cervix (neck of the womb) is injected with anaesthetic to reduce pain. Some discomfort or cramping can be felt during this procedure but benefits include the speed of the procedure and that your recovery time is minimal. You can also drive following the treatment and eat and drink before and after the abortion.

2) Under General Anaesthetic – Where you are asleep during the procedure.
This type of abortion is available up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. You will receive a general anaesthetic and will be asleep throughout the procedure which means you will not feel anything. Although the procedure is still quick your recovery time is longer and you must not eat for 6 hours prior to the surgery or drive for 24 hours after. With all general anaesthetics there are some health risks especially if you are overweight, have asthma or any heart condition.

Remember - the sooner you find out you are pregnant, the more choices you have.

You don’t have to go through an abortion on your own. You can take your boyfriend, friend, relative, parent or carer with you to the clinic; although they won’t be able to go with you for your treatment but they can sit and wait for you in the waiting areas.

Two doctors are required to approve the abortion and sign some legal documents; this could be your GP or family planning doctor and then the doctor at the abortion clinic. If for any reason your regular doctor doesn’t approve of abortion (this may be due to their beliefs), you have the right to see another doctor.  If you have not seen a doctor before you visit the clinic, the forms can be signed by two of the clinic’s doctors on the day of your treatment.

Who can I talk to?