Abortion
Abortion, also known as termination, is the process of ending a pregnancy. There are various methods suitable for different stages of pregnancy, and most abortions occur before 15 weeks.
In the UK, abortions are legal and can be performed up to 24 weeks into the pregnancy. They are safe procedures, available for free through the NHS, and do not affect future fertility or the ability to conceive.
How can I get an abortion?
In the UK, there are three primary ways to get an NHS-funded abortion:
- Ask your GP for a referral.
- Contact your local sexual health clinic for a referral.
- Self-refer by directly contacting an abortion provider, such as BPAS, NUPAS, or MSI Reproductive Choices
Additionally, private abortion services are available for a fee.
During your initial appointment with a GP or clinician, you’ll discuss your situation, the most suitable method of abortion, potential risks, and what to expect. The options available depend on how far along the pregnancy is. Early abortions are generally safer, so ideally, if possible, it should be done as soon as possible.
Abortion is a personal decision, and your details are kept confidential. If you’re under 16, your parents do not typically need to be informed.
- GP Referral: The abortion will be recorded in your medical records.
- Self-Referral: The service is confidential and does not add information to your health record unless you choose to inform your GP.
What are the different types of procedure?
There are two main types of procedure.
A medical abortion involves taking two types of medication, which can be obtained online or in a clinic.
- Before 10 weeks: Telemedical or at-home abortions are available. You’ll consult with a clinician by phone, and the medication will be mailed to you.
- From 10 to 24 weeks: The same medication is used, but you will need to visit a clinic and might need to stay overnight.
For a medical abortion, the procedure involves two different tablets, taken 36–48 hours apart:
- Mifepristone: this first pill blocks progesterone, causing the uterine lining to break down, without which, the womb cannot support the pregnancy. You may experience mild cramping and some bleeding at this stage.
- Misoprostol: taken two days later, this second medication induces uterine contractions, which helps your womb to expel the pregnancy. At this stage, it’s likely to be more painful and you will experience heavy bleeding. Painkillers and preparations such as sanitary pads and a hot water bottle can help manage symptoms. Most people will pass the pregnancy within 4 hours, but this does vary.
Surgical abortions are minor operations performed in a clinic and include two methods:
- Vacuum aspiration: Used between 7 and 15 weeks, this procedure uses suction to remove the pregnancy and takes 5 to 10 minutes. Sedation or anesthesia is available.
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E): Used between 15 and 24 weeks, this procedure involves dilation of the cervix and surgical removal of the pregnancy, taking 10 to 20 minutes under general anesthesia or sedation.
Post-surgical abortion, you may experience bleeding for up to 21 days and cramping, which can be managed with painkillers.
What happens to fertility after an abortion?
Abortion does not generally affect future fertility. Post-abortion, fertility returns immediately, so use contraception if you wish to avoid another pregnancy. You can resume sexual activity when you feel ready, both physically and emotionally. For pain and bleeding after an abortion, painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used, and sanitary pads are recommended over tampons until the bleeding stops.
What further support is available?
For further support, we would recommend:
- BPAS (British Pregnancy Advisory Service) – an independent charity which provides abortion, contraception, and reproductive health advice across the UK.
- MSI Reproductive Choices and Brook offer free pro-choice counselling to help you make informed decisions.