Abortion (Termination of Pregnancy)

Deciding to have an abortion (termination of pregnancy) can be one of life’s most difficult decisions. We believe that all women should have the right to choose for themselves and should you make the choice to have an abortion, we aim to make the process as straight forward as possible.

This information is for anyone who may be considering an abortion. It has information on the options available to help you decide which option to take. It tells you how and where to get support, so that you can make an informed decision.

It tells you how to get an appointment quickly with NHS abortion services in Oxfordshire.

A difficult decision

There are many reasons why you might decide to have an abortion: for example, because of your circumstances, because your health might be at risk or there is a high probability that the baby will have a medical condition.

Making a decision about whether to have an abortion is not easy. Before deciding, if at all possible, discuss your situation with family members or your partner.

The final decision is yours and you should not be pressured into doing something you don’t want to.

Considering an abortion

We provide care to women who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy they choose not to continue.

Abortion advice and treatment is free and confidential. You can make an appointment for a consultation yourself, or through a family planning clinic or your doctor can do it for you.

The service is provided by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) on behalf of NHS Oxfordshire. The staff are experienced and professional and will be able to help you without judging you.

If you are thinking of having an abortion it is important to talk to a professional about it as soon as possible. Contact us for an appointment on 08457 30 40 30. Phone lines are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You don’t have to make a decision immediately and you will be given all the information and time you need to make the right choice for you and your circumstances.

Get professional advice as early as possible

If you are considering having an abortion, it is important to talk to somebody about it as soon as possible. In the UK abortion is legal up until 24 weeks. But the earlier an abortion is carried out, the easier and safer the procedure is to perform. You will not be rushed into a decision and will be given time to consider all your options so you are as comfortable as possible with your decision. Contact us on 08457 30 40 30.

If you are under 16

If you are under 16 you can have an abortion without telling your parents. BPAS staff will make sure you fully understand what is involved and that it is your choice. They will also ensure you understand the procedure and everything that may happen. This is all part of your consultation.

You will be encouraged to involve your parents or another adult in your decision making process but if you have an abortion you have the right for it to remain confidential, regardless of your age.

What happens?

The first step is a consultation. You will have all the time you need to ask questions and discuss the options available to you. If you then decide to have an abortion you will be offered the earliest and most convenient appointment in line with your needs.

The consultation will take about an hour and a half and treatment will usually take place at a separate appointment but may also be arranged for the same day.

If you decide to have an abortion there will be a medical assessment where we will go through your medical history and carry out a few tests, which include:

  • A scan: this can be on your stomach, or if the pregnancy is early a small probe will be placed into your vagina
  • A blood test: usually just a finger prick

At this point, it may also be worth considering whether it would be appropriate to be tested for sexually transmitted infections while you are being assessed. We will discuss the tests that are available and also talk to you about contraception.

To work out how many weeks pregnant you are, the calculation is usually made from the first day of your period - an ultrasound scan will be carried out, either at your consultation appointment or before you receive treatment.

Your choice

The options available to you will all be discussed during your initial consultation. They are:

  • Continuing the pregnancy and becoming a parent
  • Continuing the pregnancy and pursuing adoption
  • Ending the pregnancy

What type of abortion can I have?

The type of abortion procedure you have depends on how many weeks pregnant you are, whether you would like to be awake or asleep and your personal choice. Any medical conditions you may have can also affect which treatment we can give you.

We will answer any questions you have and help you to choose the best treatment.

There are several types of treatment, including:

  • ‘Early medical’ termination (the abortion pill): This is available to women who are up to 9 weeks pregnant at the time of their second visit (abortion day). No surgery or anaesthetic is involved
  • Abortion pill between nine and 24 weeks of pregnancy: Two visits to the clinic are required and in some cases an overnight stay is required for the second visit
  • ‘Early surgical’ termination: You can have this type of abortion if you are less than 12 weeks pregnant. You will be offered the choice of a general anaethetic (asleep), conscious sedation (slightly sleepy but aware of what is happening) or a local anaesthetic (you will be given something to make you numb, which will help reduce any pain. You will be awake during the procedure). You will usually be well enough to go home a couple of hours after your treatment
  • ‘Surgical’ termination: Between 13 to 19 weeks pregnant. You may be offered the choice of having a general anaesthetic (asleep) or conscious sedation (drowsy). You will usually be well enough to go home a couple of hours after your treatment
  • ‘Late surgical’ termination: Between 19 to 24 weeks pregnant. You will need a general anaesthetic and might also need an overnight stay in hospital or clinic

What happens after the abortion?

You will have already discussed what method of contraception you would like to use. After your abortion it is important to start contraception immediately to prevent further pregnancies. DO NOT wait for your next period before starting contraception.

It is recommended you have a check up with your GP or local family planning services (contraception & sexual health service) two weeks after the abortion.

If you are calling to book a consultation, Tel: 08457 30 40 30

  • Please tell us about any medical conditions you may have.
  • Have your GP’s address ready to give us (they will not be contacted without your permission).
  • Please try to have the dates of your last period

Important things for you to remember for your consultation

  • If your doctor or family planning clinic gave you a letter please bring it with you.
  • Bring any medications you are taking to the consultation.
  • Try to have a full bladder as it makes it easier to see the scan clearly.
  • Please note that there are no facilities for children.
  • Only bring one person with you as there are no facilities for large groups.

The law

The law in the UK makes it legal to have an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy so long as certain criteria are met. This is that:

  • Abortions must be carried out in a hospital or 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 a pregnancy. (If you have arranged your consultation appointment yourself this will be arranged by the clinic)

The risks

No clinical procedure is entirely free from risk, but abortion poses few risks to a woman’s physical health, particularly when carried out during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

An abortion does not usually affect a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant and having normal pregnancies in future.

How to access the service

Abortion advice and treatment is free and confidential in Oxfordshire (for people eligible for NHS services). You can make an appointment by calling the number below or your GP or contraceptive service (C&SH) can make an appointment for you.

Call 08457 30 40 30 to arrange an appointment. Phone lines are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Further sources of information