Abortion

How do I get an abortion?

To get an abortion on the NHS, you will need to be referred by a doctor to your local hospital or clinic. Your own GP, or a doctor at a local family planning clinic, or at Brook (if you are under 25) can do this. It is important to go along as soon as possible. If you want to pay to have an abortion privately, you can refer yourself to the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) or to Marie Stopes.

I'm 13 weeks pregnant. Can I get an abortion on the NHS?

It's important you act quickly. The normal legal limit for abortion is 24 weeks of pregnancy, but it's usually easiest to get an abortion through the NHS if you are under 12 weeks pregnant. Remember, the length of a pregnancy is worked out from the first day of your last period. There is usually a waiting list of between 2-4 weeks for an abortion on the NHS, so it is easier to arrange if you are under 8 weeks pregnant when you first seek help.

Do I have to pay for it?

You will not have to pay for an NHS abortion but you will have to pay if you are ineligible for an NHS abortion or if you choose to go privately. Costs start from around £450 and go up the later it is into the pregnancy.

My doctor said it's too late for an abortion. What can I do?

Firstly we would encourage you to get a second opinion from another local doctor. If you're under 25 and live near a Brook Centre, you can see a doctor there. However, you may still be past the cut-off point in your area. If you are too late for an abortion on the NHS, but are within 24 weeks of pregnancy, you can arrange it privately.

How is an abortion performed?

Different abortion methods are used depending on the stage of the pregnancy. We would advise you to discuss your questions with the doctor who refers you or at the consultation.

Is abortion safe? Can it make me infertile?

There is very little risk associated with abortion, particularly in early pregnancy. The commonest risk is from infection after the procedure, but this can be reduced by following the instructions given by medical staff. Having an abortion should not affect a woman's fertility.

What is the abortion pill and where can I get it?

The abortion pill is a form of abortion available to women who are under 9 weeks pregnant. The woman will be given a pill to swallow and 36 to 48 hours later a tablet will be placed in her vagina. These two drugs will end most early pregnancies within the following four hours. A minimum of 2 visits to a hospital or clinic are involved.

This method is not always available on the NHS so you will need to check with the referring doctor. It is available privately.