Abortion: your options

"Or if you’re a teenager, there are teenage drop-in clinics and Connexions centres that can put you in touch with the right services," says Dr. Coffey. 

You can find your nearest community contraceptive clinic or genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic by using the 'Services near you' search on this page. Or you cac look in your local phone directory or on the fpa website. Young people can also visit the Brook website to find your nearest Brook centre.

You can also pay for an abortion at a private clinic; the cost (around £400 or more) will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are and the type of abortion you’re having. You can contact a private clinic without seeing a GP. To find a private clinic, contact fpa, bpas, Marie Stopes or local sexual health services.

How late into the pregnancy can I have an abortion?
Abortion is legal in Great Britain at any time up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Most abortions are carried out in the first 14 weeks, and are safer and easier the earlier they are carried out, so it's important to seek advice sooner rather than later.

There are some exceptions. If the mother's life is at risk, or if the child would be born with a severe physical or mental disability, an abortion may be carried out after 24 weeks. 

"Most terminations are done during the first trimester, which is the first 14 weeks," says Dr Coffey. "Very few women these days have an abortion as late as 24 weeks."

It largely depends on how far into the pregnancy you are. A doctor can talk you through the different methods available. See Useful links to find out about the different types of abortion and when they can be carried out.

How long will I have to wait?
"Usually up to two weeks after the first visit to your GP or community contraceptive clinic," says Dr Coffey. Waiting times vary around the country but, as a rule, you shouldn’t have to wait for more than three weeks from your initial appointment to having an abortion.

Can I be refused an abortion?
It's rare for anyone to be refused an abortion. "The main criteria for having an abortion are that continuing with the pregnancy will damage you, mentally or physically, damage your existing children, or that the foetus is abnormal," says Dr Coffey.

A doctor may have moral objections to abortion, but if that’s the case they should refer you to another doctor who can help. It can be very difficult to get later abortions so the earlier you seek help the better.

By law, two doctors have to agree that you can have an abortion. Usually this is the first doctor you see and a second doctor who will perform the abortion, or one who works at the community contraceptive clinic or hospital.

Will it be confidential?
Yes, all information is kept confidential and nobody else will know about it, not even your partner or parents. You can also ask the hospital or clinic not to inform your GP. And if you’re under 16, your doctor doesn’t have to mention it to your parents. He or she will encourage you to involve your parents or another supportive adult, but you don't have to so long as the doctor believes that you're competent and can make the decision yourself.

Can I choose where to have an abortion?
Yes. "Not many people realise that you don’t have to have an abortion at your local clinic or hospital," says Dr Coffey. "So if you’re worried about someone recognising you, you can ask to have the abortion somewhere else that’s further away."

Can I get any counselling before or afterwards?
Most abortion services offer counselling if you feel you need help with any worries or feelings you're having. It's normal to experience a range of emotions after an abortion, such as relief, sadness, happiness or feelings of loss. Each woman is unique. Ask your GP or family planning doctor, or ask the doctor at the hospital or clinic what support is available in your area.