Your right to have an abortion

In England, Wales and Scotland a woman of any age can have an abortion if two doctors agree she has good reasons under the abortion laws of these countries. In Jersey, abortion is only legal up to 12 weeks. The Abortion Act does not apply to Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man.

A woman under 16 may be able to have an abortion without her parents' approval if the doctors believe she has enough understanding of the decision and it would be in her best interests to have an abortion without parental consent.

If a young woman under the age of 16 does not want an abortion she cannot be forced to have one.

Doctors who have a moral objection to abortion should make this clear to any patient who asks them for help. They should also arrange for them to see someone else who would be prepared to help.