About Abortion
An abortion is a medical procedure that is carried out to end a pregnancy.
There are different types of abortion, and the treatment used depends on how many weeks you have been pregnant, your medical history and personal choice. These methods include:
- Early medical (abortion pill) – available up to 9 weeks
- Surgical (with local anaesthetic) – available up to 10 weeks
- Surgical (by general anaesthetic) – available up to 20 weeks
Abortion and the Law
Abortion is legal in England, Scotland and Wales (but not Northern Ireland) under the Abortion Act 1967 and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990. The law says you can have an abortion if:
- You are less than 24 weeks pregnant
- Two doctors agree that it would cause less damage to your physical or mental health (or that of existing children) than continuing with the pregnancy
Abortions after 24 weeks are only available in exceptional circumstances.
You should not have to wait more than 3 weeks between asking for an abortion and your first appointment.
If the doctor you see does not agree with abortion then they must find you another doctor with whom you can talk through this option.
You can use SMPC services by making an appointment with us yourself or through:
- Family Planning Clinic
- Brook Advisory Service
- Your own GP
- Pregnancy Advisory Service
