…to enable choice
…to ensure rights
…to increase skills
…with compassion and care
The UK Government has agreed to cover the cost of abortion care, travel and accommodation for women from Northern Ireland who are treated in England. You can self-refer to our service and you do not need to tell your GP if you don’t want to. We will arrange your appointment and all your travel and accommodation when you contact us. We will make arrangements for a taxi to collect you from the airport and return you once you have been discharged following the procedure.
Early medical abortions (EMA) are available up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. This procedure involves you attending the clinic for an ultrasound scan to help us assess how many weeks pregnant you are and to take the oral medicines Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
The Mifepristone tablet works by blocking the action of progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the pregnancy. Misoprostol is a tablet which contains a hormone called prostaglandin which occurs naturally in the body and helps the uterus to contract. Acting together the combination of Mifepristone and the Misoprostol will bring on an abortion.
EMA has a very good safety record, however, every form of medical treatment carries some risks or side effects. Please click the LINK for information about the risks and side effects.
You must attend the clinic with an adult supporter. Once treatment is complete you can leave the clinic however you must stay overnight in a hotel and must not fly until 24 hours after you have taken the second stage treatment, this is because if you travel too soon after taking the second medication (misoprostol) you may start to have cramps and bleed heavily whilst travelling.
You should take it easy for a couple of hours. After this you may find that moving around will ease any discomfort.
The abortion usually takes place between 4 and 6 hours after taking the tablets. However, in some cases, the abortion can take place earlier or later.
This procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic, which involves an injection into the back of the hand that gently sends you off to sleep. The cervix (neck of the uterus) is gently stretched and the contents of the uterus are removed using a suction tube.
Depending on the stage of your pregnancy, you may need cervical priming. Misoprostal tablets are given orally, prior to treatment. This will soften the cervix and help to minimise the risk of damage to the cervix.
Please click the LINK for information about the risks and side effects.
Discharge times differ depending on the length of the pregnancy and also on the type of procedure you have had (EMA or surgical). An estimated time of discharge will be given to you when you make your appointment so you can make travel arrangements.
Bleeding varies from slight bleeding on and off to as much as your heaviest period. It is normal to pass small clots a few days after the operation accompanied by stomach cramps. After this time, the bleeding will reduce but you could bleed on and off for 3-4 weeks. If you are concerned, you can contact us or a local service.
You can take your normal painkillers (they must not contain aspirin) to relieve any discomfort. The nurse will discuss suitable pain relief with you before you leave the clinic.
Your first period may occur 4-6 weeks later and it may be heavier than normal.
We also advise that you avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for 2-3 weeks.
Our care doesn’t end once you leave the clinic to travel home. Our nurse-led aftercare line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on (01) 874 0097 where you can ask them any questions that are on your mind about your recovery or pregnancy tests following your abortion. We are here to support you.
You can also speak to one of our confidential specialist counsellors after you have gone back home to Ireland. We have counselling appointments available over the phone at a time that suits you. There is no time limit to you requesting a counselling appointment after your abortion, so if you decide you would like to talk to someone at a later date we can arrange this for you.
