Abortion - Risks

Risks-Abortion

Abortions are generally very safe and most women won't experience any problems.

But like any medical treatment, there is a small risk that something could go wrong. The risk of complications increases the later in pregnancy an abortion is carried out.

Possible complications

The main risks associated with an abortion are:

• infection of the womb – occurs in up to 1 in every 10 abortions; it can usually be treated with antibiotics
• some of the pregnancy remaining in the womb – occurs in up to 1 in every 20 abortions; further treatment may be required if this happens
• continuation of the pregnancy – occurs in less than 1 in every 100 abortions; further treatment will be needed if this happens
• excessive bleeding – occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 abortions; severe cases may require a blood transfusion
• damage of the entrance to the womb (cervix) – occurs in up to 1 in every 100 surgical abortions
• damage to the womb – occurs in 1 in every 250 to 1,000 surgical abortions and less than 1 in 1,000 medical abortions carried out at 12 to 24 weeks

Women who have an abortion are no more likely to experience mental health problems than those who continue with their pregnancy.

There is also no link between having an abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Abortion - What happens

What happens-Abortion

Abortions can only be carried out in hospitals or licensed clinics.

You won't usually need to stay in the clinic or hospital overnight, but you may need to attend several appointments on different days.

Before an abortion

Before having an abortion, you'll need to attend an assessment appointment at the hospital or clinic.

During this assessment, you may:

• discuss your reasons for considering an abortion and whether you're sure about your decision
• be offered the chance to talk things over with a trained counsellor if you think it might help
• talk to a nurse or doctor about the abortion methods available, including any associated risks and complications
• do a pregnancy test to confirm you're pregnant – an ultrasound scan may be done to check how many weeks pregnant you are
• be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), your blood type and low iron levels (anaemia)
• be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of an infection developing after the abortion

When you're sure you want to go ahead with the abortion, you'll be asked to sign a consent form and a date for the abortion will be arranged. You can change your mind at any point up to the start of the procedure.

Abortion - Overview

Abortion

Contents

1. Overview

An abortion is the medical process of ending a pregnancy so it doesn't result in the birth of a baby.

It's also sometimes known as a termination.

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.

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

Waiting times can vary, but you shouldn't have to wait more than two weeks from your initial appointment to having an abortion.

Abortions can also be paid for privately if you prefer. Costs for private abortions vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the method used to carry out the procedure.