How to Get an Abortion

How to Get an Abortion in the UK

Where Can I Get an Abortion?

NUPAS are one of three providers in the UK that provide NHS-funded abortion care and treatment. UK citizens eligible for NHS care can access an abortion free of charge, but those not eligible for NHS-funded care can access our clinics and treatment with private care. See here for international patient abortion care.

You can contact us via our online forms to receive a call back or give us a call straight away. This call will be to set up your consultation with a nurse; it can be in person at one of our clinics or over the phone for telemedicine treatment.

It is important to understand that a medical abortion is only available up to 10 weeks and 0 days of gestation, and surgical treatment up until 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Speaking with our experts will determine the best route for you. If you are having an abortion for medical reasons, such as an ectopic pregnancy, then this will require specialist care at an early pregnancy assessment unit or hospital.

Besides abortion providers, you can contact your GP, and they will refer you for abortion care services.

How to Get an Abortion if You’re Under 16

If you or someone you know is under 16 and wants an abortion, you can consent to medical treatment without the permission or guidance of a parent or carer, as long as it’s suitable for you. We also offer contraception to you during your consultation, which you are entitled to.

How to Get an Abortion Quickly

With NUPAS, you can have an appointment booked as soon as possible for abortion treatment care, as it is a time-sensitive situation. Once you have made your decision, you can receive treatment within a week or two, depending on gestation. You may require a scan so that we can date the pregnancy accurately, and this will be done before your telephone or clinic consultation. The quickest way to get the care you need is by calling us and arranging an appointment at the earliest convenience.

How to Get an Abortion at Home

NUPAS offer pills by post service to patients under 10 weeks of pregnancy for a safe way to terminate a pregnancy from the comfort of your own home. As part of the consultation we will assess whether you are suitable to have the abortion at home. Medical abortions are common and can be self-managed if you fit the requirements. The abortion pills arrive at your house within a day or two following your telephone appointment, so that you can quickly and effectively end your pregnancy. The nurse you speak to will explain the process and answer any questions you have without judgment. If you ever require more information or have concerns, our aftercare line is available to you. It is important to note that not all patients are suitable, and may need a scan. In this case we will offer you an appointment in one of our clinics.

Abortion Aftercare & Recovery

Caring for yourself during and after your abortion is important. You will experience bleeding, which is typically like a heavy period. We recommend you use sanitary towels until you have stopped bleeding, this is so you can monitor your bleeding. Sanitary towels also reduce the risk of infection. Your bleeding will be accompanied by stomach cramps, and we recommend you take pain relief for this and use a hot water bottle to soothe cramps as much as possible.

If you have had a surgical abortion with conscious sedation or general anaesthetic, you must not drive for at least 48 hours. Listen to your body and take things steadily for the next week. You will bleed or spot for several days and can experience a gush of blood even a week or two later; this is normal.

How to Get an Abortion Past 10 Weeks of Pregnancy

If your pregnancy is dated more than 10 weeks, you will likely be offered surgical abortion options, which must be carried out in one of our specialist clinics. The methods of surgical abortion offered at NUPAS are:

• Vacuum Aspiration (up to 13 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy).
• Dilatation and Evacuation (from 14 weeks – 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy).

During your consultation, you will discuss the anaesthetic options which will depend on your health, gestation and personal choice.

NUPAS Support People in Receiving Safe Abortion Care & Advice

If you or someone you know wants to know more about their options and receive advice on abortion care, get in touch with us today. We are leading abortion specialists in the UK. Read more about our services on our website and our abortion guide for detailed information on the procedures we offer.

Our abortion care services offer advice, allow you talk through your options and receive the best treatment for you. Call us on 0333 004 6666 or submit a form online.