| What’s involved?
In Britain, many women each year decide to end their pregnancies by having an abortion. About half of these take place in NHS hospitals and the remainder in private clinics. Methods of abortion used vary according to the stage of pregnancy and what’s available in your area. Below is a general description of methods used at different stages, but you will need to check details with your GP or local pregnancy counselling centre. Before an abortion, you are required to sign a consent form. Two doctors also have to agree to the procedure.
Early abortion…
Before the 15th week of pregnancy, the termination is usually done under general anaesthetic, which means you are asleep. After the neck of the womb has been gently opened, a tube is inserted into the womb and the contents are removed by suction. In a few clinics, a suction abortion can be performed with a local anaesthetic, which means that you stay awake during the procedure. After an abortion, you may experience bleeding and pain similar to period pain.
RU486
This is a method of abortion which may be more widely used in future. It is only suitable for those under 35 and who are less than 9 weeks pregnant. A tablet is given orally, followed by a vaginal pessary 36-48 hours later. The abortion takes place within 4-8 hours, usually with bleeding and stomach cramps similar to a heavy period. A check-up is given 8-12 days later.
Later abortions…
Abortions after 15 weeks are either done surgically under general anaesthetic, or by induced labour and delivery. Abortion is illegal after 24 weeks of pregnancy except for foetal abnormality or if the mother’s life is in danger.
What are the risks?
In a few instances the following physical complications may occur: We have taken this information from The British Pregnancy Advisory Service leaflets:
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Infection: is the most common problem after an abortion but most can be treated with a course of antibiotics. You will be given a course of antibiotics ‘just in case’ to prevent an infection from occurring or spreading. Even if you follow this advice, there is still a small risk of infection. This if left untreated could damage your future fertility. (Taken from BPAS)
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During an abortion care is taken to make sure this is complete however some times a further operation is required. There is a slightly higher risk with a vacuum aspiration abortion. (Taken from BPAS)
Post Abortion Counselling
We receive requests on a regular basis for counselling for termination. We offer a full service that works within the clients needs enabling them to work through their own individual experiences. More information is available on our Post Abortion page.
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