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 QuestionsTermination of Pregnancy
What is a Termination of Pregnancy?
A termination of pregnancy, more commonly known as ‘abortion’, is the act of ending a pregnancy with the use of medication or surgery. This is a healthcare service provided in the UK by the NHS, but there are also private services that international patients can use. Abortion is different to a miscarriage as it is an intended, medical intervention.
Abortions are accessible in the UK up to 23 weeks and 6 days of a pregnancy; people choose to have abortions for many personal or medical reasons.
NUPAS are a pregnancy advisory service, offering support and abortion care for people considering a termination of pregnancy. Whether your pregnancy is unplanned, your circumstances have changed, or you don’t wish to have children, NUPAS can talk you through your options and support you in your right to decide what to do.
Termination of Pregnancy: How is it Done?
The type of termination 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 Termination of Pregnancy
A medical abortion takes place if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant. This medical procedure involves using pills provided by an abortion provider and it can usually be done in your own home. Do not buy abortion pills online, as these could be harmful.
Learn about 'abortion pills by post' here.
The medications involved are called ‘Mifepristone’ and ‘Misoprostol’ and they can only be prescribed by a doctor. Mifepristone is taken orally first, and 24-48 hours after this, you take Misoprostol either vaginally or placed by the gums in your mouth to dissolve.
During a medical abortion, you will experience vaginal bleeding to expel the pregnancy alongside cramping and potential other side effects. A medical abortion is typically completed between 2 – 12 hours after taking the second medication.
Surgical Termination of Pregnancy
A surgical abortion is usually performed after 10 weeks of gestation, but it can be chosen to terminate a pregnancy for people earlier than 10 weeks, too. A surgical termination is either done with suction to remove the pregnancy via the vagina, or with forceps in a later pregnancy.
The former procedure is usually performed between 7 and 14 weeks of gestation. For later pregnancies, around 15 weeks, forceps can be used to remove the pregnancy. Both surgical procedures use general anaesthesia or sedation, or local anaesthetic to numb the cervix.
Abortion Self-Referral
You can refer yourself to the NUPAS service by completing our online booking form or by calling 0333 004 6666. Alternatively, you can go through your GP and they will find an appropriate provider or refer you to us. Sexual health clinics can also advise you on providers for NHS abortion services.
Termination of Pregnancy Aftercare
Following a termination of pregnancy, prioritising your mental health as well as your physical health is necessary; that’s why NUPAS offer abortion counselling for patients to use should they wish. This counselling is also available before you make your decision about your pregnancy.
If you experience no bleeding, too much bleeding or you’re concerned about any side effects or symptoms, our aftercare line is available to speak with you.
If you are under 16 years old and considered able to consent to medical treatment, the law allows you to have an abortion without permission from your parent or carer. We will however need you to involve an adult for support, but we can discuss this with you at the time..
You do not need to speak to your GP for an abortion referral. You can refer yourself for abortion care by calling 0333 004 6666.
Yes, however if you need an ultrasound scan you will need to attend one of our clinics.
You can book a consultation appointment by calling 0333 004 6666.
Our services are confidential. We will not tell your parents or carers about your abortion. We will never force you to tell them. We do encourage you to tell a parent or other adult who can support you through this process. This could be a friend, family member, social worker or anyone else over 18 who you trust.
We will not tell your GP about your abortion unless you want us to.
If you tell us something that suggests you or someone else may be at risk of harm, we may have to talk to other professionals to make sure you are safe. We have a duty of care to do this. We will tell you if we need to do this and why.
No, we will never try to sway your decision, whatever that may be. Our staff are trained to listen to you, provide medical information and support. We never judge you. We respect your right to choose and are transparent and honest in all that we do.