Abortion Pill
Surgical Abortion
Booking a Consultation
What to Expect
STI Testing
Abortion Pill by Post
Contraception
Abortion Aftercare
Abortion Counselling
NHS & Private Abortion
Abortion in Northern Ireland
lnternational Patients
Termination For Medical Reasons
Advice for Partners
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow Does an Abortion Work?
What is an Abortion?
An abortion or a ‘termination of pregnancy’ is when a pregnancy is expelled using medication or surgical methods. People have abortions for many different reasons including, not wanting to be pregnant, not being able to raise a child in their current environment or situation, pregnancy complications and health risks, as well as many other reasons. Abortions are accessible in the UK up to 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Read on to learn ‘how does an abortion work?’
Abortion Options: How Does an Abortion Work?
NUPAS provide advice and support for people to learn about their options and fully understand what’s involved in abortion care before going ahead with one. We are non-judgmental and will never persuade you to make any decisions about your body. Your choice about your pregnancy is yours to make.
The type of abortion you’ll receive depends on the gestation of your pregnancy as well as personal preference. During a consultation, your nurse will discuss your options, how to take the medications and the side effects as well as aftercare. You will have an ultrasound scan appointment to date the pregnancy before your telephone or clinic consultation.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pills)
A medical abortion can be carried out either in a clinic or, if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, sometimes at home with our ‘pills by post’ service. It involves taking two medications prescribed by a doctor: mifepristone and misoprostol.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
First, you take one mifepristone tablet, wait for one to two days, and then take misoprostol, which may come as tablets that dissolve in your mouth or are inserted into your vagina. Within 4 to 6 hours after taking the second medication, the pregnancy should start to pass through the vagina. If the pregnancy is not fully expelled, an additional dose of misoprostol may be needed, which should be discussed with a doctor or nurse.
Let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pieces with water or another liquid.
Bleeding usually begins around 2 hours after taking the second pills. There will also be some pain and cramping. Most people will not bleed after taking the first pill. The abortion usually takes place between 2 - 12 hours after taking the second pills.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is typically performed after 10 weeks of pregnancy but can also be done earlier.
How Does a Surgical Abortion Work?
There are two types of surgical abortion: one uses suction to remove the pregnancy through the vagina, which is usually performed between 7 and 14 weeks and takes about 5 to 10 minutes; the other uses forceps to remove the pregnancy through the vagina, typically starting around week 15. Before the procedure, you will receive either a local anaesthetic to numb your cervix, a general anaesthetic to put you to sleep during the operation, or sedation to keep you relaxed while awake. Most patients can go home the same day. However, if you have a general anaesthetic, you should not drive and should have someone stay with you for 24 hours.
What Happens During an Abortion?
The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone from supporting the pregnancy. Afterwards, the second pills, misoprostol, cause your uterus to cramp and contract, while softening the cervix, which helps expel the uterine lining and its contents.
Where to Get an Abortion
NUPAS are one of many abortion providers in the UK that are part of the NHS, meaning all UK citizens can access our abortion care services free of charge. NUPAS have clinics across England offering several abortion care services and advice.
Get in touch with NUPAS
Give us a call:
Feel extremely grateful to be able to access such a compassionate service like this over phone. E was kind and understanding, very clear and I feel so relieved.
NUPAS Blackpool
The 2 ladies and the receptionist were extremely kind and patient which really put me at ease as I struggle a lot socially and with hospital settings.
NUPAS Bolton
Phone appointments were great, counsellor before taking pills was excellent and supportive, validating my feelings.
NUPAS Counselling
It was a wanted pregnancy, however, we decided to terminate due to trisomy 21. It was a hard time for me and D made the difficult experience tolerable and I will never forget the amazing support they gave me. She was considerate, non judgemental, very caring and empathetic.
NUPAS Contact Centre
I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to A , who did my scan and supported me during my appointment. She was so kind, gentle, and understanding. I was feeling anxious , confused and emotional, but her calm and caring approach made me feel safe and truly listened to. Her compassion meant so much to me, she didn’t judge, just supported me with warmth and respect.
Bless you, A , you’re amazing at what you do, and I’ll never forget your kindness.
NUPAS Essex
Every member of staff was so helpful, friendly and kind. Nurse Taiwo in particular went above and beyond to help me with my treatment because there was an issue with the GP reply. Very impressed.
NUPAS Woolwich
The nurse was so kind and professional, she helped me to relax and feel comfortable. Thank you so much
NUPAS Twickenham
I was very impressed with how me & my daughter were treated at the clinic.
NUPAS Stoke
I was offered a scan two hours after my phone appointment, I find it excellent.
NUPAS Reading
I had a very pleasant experience with Natalie. She was extremely kind, attentive, and professional throughout my care. She made me feel safe and heard, calmly and empathetically explaining everything she was doing. It’s clear that she truly cares about her patients and is passionate about her work. Thank you
NUPAS Preston
I spoke to Helen for my phone consultation, she was extremely helpful and kind making sure I had all the information I needed. She was very calm and comforting to speak to. I could not fault my phone consultation.
NUPAS Pills by Post
The staff at the Manchester clinic were brilliant they made me feel very at ease, if only every medical appointment had staff of this calibre! Personable, caring, kind and knowledgeable. The ladies were all great. Thank you.
NUPAS Manchester
Ade was so kind and polite with me. This process can be very overwhelming but she made sure I was okay throughout and spoke to me with no judgment, as if I was with my friend. I really appreciate this so much and I will be forever be grateful for her service and support.
NUPAS Kilburn
Thank you both the ladies who assisted me on that day. Especially the lady who did my scan she was absolutely amazing, made me feel really reassured, understood and safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
NUPAS Finchley
I honestly cannot fault this service in anyway. Each professional was very knowledgeable and kind. The process was smooth, and for someone who was very worried and feeling stressed, I felt calm and at ease throughout the whole process.
NUPAS Essex
I felt really supported by everyone at NUPAS. Everyone took my preferences into account and I was shown care throughout the process. I really appreciated small touches by the team to make sure that I was always comfortable and at ease with the situation (for example, making sure that my glasses had been put back on prior to my coming round from anaesthesia, it was a small gesture which really demonstrated the team’s duty of care to their patient).
NUPAS Bolton
Feel extremely grateful to be able to access such a compassionate service like this over phone. Emily was kind and understanding, very clear and I feel so relieved.
NUPAS Blackpool
The phone call and in-person scan were both done professionally and made me feel extremely comfortable
NUPAS Battersea
