Overview – Abortion
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An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it doesn’t result in the birth of a baby.
How to get an abortion
Abortions can only be carried out in an NHS hospital or a licensed clinic, and are usually available free of charge on the NHS.
There are three main ways to get an abortion on the NHS:
- contact an abortion provider directly – the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), Marie Stopes UK and the National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service (NUPAS) can tell you about eligibility and services in your area
- speak to your GP and ask for a referral to an abortion service – your GP should refer you to another doctor if he or she has any objections to abortion
- visit a contraception clinic, family planning clinic, sexual health clinic or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic and ask for a referral to an abortion service.
The pregnancy is ended either by taking medications or having a minor surgical procedure.
One in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime....
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