Abortion - the UK law

When an unwanted pregnancy is ended by medical or surgical means it is called an induced abortion or termination of pregnancy.

In the UK abortions must be carried out in a place approved by the Department of Health and registered with the Healthcare Commission, who have the right to withdraw the licence for termination of pregnancy if the regulations are not strictly adhered to.

A woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy is entitled to the help of expert patient advisors and medical advice. Two doctors have to agree that her reasons for wanting to end her pregnancy comply with the 1967 Abortion Act. Note: this act does not include Northern Ireland, where abortion is still illegal, although Irish patients have the right to seek information and travel elsewhere for the procedure.

If you are considering a termination it is important to remember the time limitations. Bear in mind also that terminations are both easier and safer to perform during the earlier stages of pregnancy. Complication rates for early procedures, while low, do increase with each week of pregnancy.