Abortion-
Consultation and Assessment
Your
First Step
On arrival you will
be welcomed by one of our trained patient advisors. You will
be taken to a private room where the day's procedure will be explained.
We will take a medical history and your personal details,
which will remain completely confidential. After this, in
order to confirm that you are pregnant, we will either do a pregnancy
test, or if you are at one of our clinics, you may have a scan.
Once the test results
are confirmed we can discuss any concerns
you may have regarding your unplanned pregnancy and provide you
with information on the choices available to you.
All of our patient advisors are highly experienced in dealing with unplanned pregnancy; they
are friendly, sympathetic and non-judgmental.
The consultation
and assessment is completely confidential and non-directive.
We will support you
throughout your treatment and you may speak with us at any time
at our advisory centres.
First
Doctor
It is essential for
your own safety that a doctor takes a full medical history ; you
will be asked about your general health and previous obstetric
history. It is important that you tell the doctor if you are currently
taking any kind of medication. The doctor will assess your suitability
for the anaesthetic and termination of pregnancy. He or she will
discuss the decision you have reached, and record your reasons
for wanting to end your pregnancy. If satisfied that your reasons
comply with the Abortion Act the first part of the legal document
will be signed. The doctor will carry out a pelvic examination
to determine the gestation (weeks) of your pregnancy. However, if you are
attending this session at one of our treatment centres you may
have a scan to confirm
pregnancy. Your blood pressure will be taken, and a sample of blood
will also be taken for routine screening. The risks and complications of any
treatment to be provided will be explained, and you will be asked to read and sign a consent form.
Discussion
and Referral
Following consultation
with our doctor, a patient advisor will establish whether you wish
to proceed with treatment. If appropriate, they will discuss your
choice of treatment and confirm your admission date at one of
our specialist clinics/treatment centres (this is usually within
a few days as there is no waiting list). You will be given an
information booklet and we will explain what you need to take to
the clinic. Future contraception will also be discussed at this
stage.
Second
Doctor's Agreement
A second doctor will
review your case notes and will normally agree to your request for termination
of pregnancy without seeing you.
