Time Limits and Procedures for Abortion
An abortion may be performed up to the time when the foetus could survive outside the mother’s body. This means abortion is allowed up to 24 weeks. After that, an abortion is only allowed in the case of serious medical problems.
Types of Abortion Procedures
How you can terminate your pregnancy depends on how many weeks pregnant you are. You can have these procedures under local or general anaesthetic. You can get an abortion at an abortion clinic, a GP surgery or a hospital. Not every abortion clinic or hospital performs every type of procedure. Ask at the clinic or hospital what treatment options are available to you.
Medical Abortion
Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, you can have a medical abortion. This procedure involves two types of medication. First, you will get a pill to end the pregnancy. The second medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the amniotic sac. A single dose consists of several pills. If you are less than 9 weeks pregnant, you can ask your GP to prescribe pills for a medical abortion. Not all doctors offer this treatment. Ask at your GP surgery.
Surgical Abortion
If you are more than 9 weeks pregnant or if you don’t want a medical abortion, there are other methods.
Suction Abortion (Vacuum Aspiration)
Suction abortion (vacuum aspiration) is possible until 13 weeks of pregnancy. The uterus is emptied by suction.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
If you are more than 13 weeks pregnant, abortion must be performed with medical instruments. The instruments are used to remove all pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Termination of Pregnancy After 24 Weeks
After 24 weeks, a doctor may only terminate a pregnancy for serious medical reasons, for instance because the foetus has no chance of surviving after the birth.
Overview of Abortion Procedures by Gestational Age
| Gestational Age | Procedure Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 9 weeks | Medical abortion | Pills to end pregnancy and expel amniotic sac. Can be prescribed by GP. |
| Up to 13 weeks (if not medical abortion) | Suction abortion (vacuum aspiration) | Uterus emptied by suction. |
| More than 13 weeks and up to 24 weeks | Surgical abortion with instruments | Medical instruments used to remove pregnancy tissue. |
| After 24 weeks | Termination for serious medical reasons only | E.g., foetus has no chance of surviving after birth. |