An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so that it does not result in the birth of a baby. Sometimes, healthcare professionals may refer to an abortion as a 'termination of pregnancy', or as just a 'termination'.
An abortion is different from a miscarriage where the pregnancy ends without medical intervention. However, medical treatment may be needed after a miscarriage. Confusingly, healthcare professionals sometimes refer to a miscarriage as a 'spontaneous abortion'.
A difficult decision
The decision to have an abortion is a difficult one. There are many reasons why you might decide to have an abortion – for example, your personal circumstances, your health may be at risk, or there may be a high probability that the baby will have a medical condition.
Many people have strong views and opinions about abortion (both for and against), that are often based on deeply held religious, cultural or philosophical beliefs. While all of these views should be respected, the law in the UK makes it legal to have an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, provided that certain criteria are met.
The Abortion Act 1967 covers the UK mainland (England, Scotland, and Wales), but not Northern Ireland. The law states that:
- Abortions must be carried out in a hospital or a specialised licensed clinic.
- Two doctors must agree that an abortion would cause less damage to a woman's physical or mental health than continuing with the pregnancy.
NHS abortions
In order to have an abortion on the NHS, you need a referral from two doctors who have to agree that the requirements of the Abortion Act 1967 have been met. Usually, the first doctor is your GP, and the second is a doctor working at the hospital or clinic where the abortion will take place.
If you do not feel happy about approaching your GP to ask to be referred for an abortion, you can go to your local family planning clinic, or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Some doctors at these clinics are able to refer women for an NHS abortion but, if they cannot, they must refer you to another doctor. However, the law states that a doctor can refuse to certify a woman for an abortion if they have a moral objection to abortion. If this is the case, they should recommend another doctor who would be willing to help.
The funding of NHS abortion services differs in various parts of the country, with the level of NHS provision ranging from more than 90% of local demand, to less than 60. In some areas the NHS will pay for abortions to be provided by private clinics, but in other areas it may be necessary to pay for an abortion in a private clinic.
Private abortions
You can contact a private abortion clinic without being referred by a doctor. However, the NHS will not pay for this, and before the abortion can take place the agreement of two doctors is still required. The clinic will make the arrangements. Costs for abortions in private clinics vary and will depend on:
- Which organisation or company carries out the abortion.
- The stage of pregnancy (earlier abortions are usually less expensive).
- Whether an overnight stay is needed.
- The method of abortion that is used.
If you are considering having an abortion, it is important to talk to somebody about it as soon as possible.
