One in three British women will get an abortion at some point in their life, so it’s really important we all know exactly what the deal is. Even if you don’t need a termination yourself, you could well find yourself supporting a mate who does. Additionally, contraception can sometimes fail even if you think you’re being really careful. So let's get our abortion facts straight.
Here are the 14 things you need to know to make sure you’re prepared, whatever happens:
1. If you suspect you might need an abortion, the sooner you go and see a doctor the better
The earlier in pregnancy an abortion takes place, the safer and easier it is. Doctors recommend that before 12 weeks is preferable, and before 9 weeks is most ideal.
If you’re referred through the NHS, you may have to wait up to two weeks after your initial appointment for the actual procedure to take place, so it really is best to contact a doctor as soon as you realise you may be pregnant.
2. The type of abortion you can have depends on how many weeks you've been pregnant
There are several methods of abortion, which are suitable for different stages of pregnancy. Length of pregnancy is counted from the last day of your most recent period.
Early abortions usually involve taking two tablets to induce something similar to a natural miscarriage. Between 7 and 15 weeks, a 10 minute suction procedure can be carried out under either local or general anaesthetic. Later abortions often need to be carried out surgically.
3. Abortion is legal until the 24th week of pregnancy, except in exceptional circumstances
In most cases, abortion is only allowed to be carried out in England, Scotland and Wales before 24 weeks of pregnancy. There are three possible exceptions to this:
• If it's necessary to save the woman’s life.
• To prevent serious permanent injury to the woman's physical or mental health.
• If there's a substantial risk the child would be born with physical or mental abnormalities and be seriously handicapped.
4. Your GP has the right to refuse to refer you for an abortion, but must recommend another doctor willing to do it
Under UK law, your doctor has the right to refuse to help you get an abortion because of their personal beliefs. However, if they do so they’re required to direct you to a different medical professional who is willing to help.
5. If you prefer, you can go straight to a specialist clinic instead
If you’re worried your GP might refuse to help, or you don’t want to tell them you want an abortion for another reason, you can go to a local family planning or sexual health clinic instead. Check online to find out whether the clinic offers a walk-in service or if you need to make an appointment.
6. Even if you're under-16, the clinic/hospital doesn't have to tell your parents or your GP
Many people find it helpful to talk to their family about having an abortion. However, if you don’t want your parents to know then nobody will tell them on your behalf. You don’t have to let your GP know either if you don’t want.
7. Having an abortion is free if you're referred through the NHS
In Britain, there is no charge to have an abortion on the NHS.
8. However, you'll probably have to take some time off work/uni/college
Having an abortion involves at least two hospital appointments. One initial consultation and then a second appointment, up to two weeks later, during which the procedure takes place. Medical, rather than suction or surgical, terminations involve three appointments.
The last appointment will take most of the day and there’s a chance you may need to stay overnight in some case. First and additional appointment could also take several hours. NHS appointment times don’t tend to be very flexible and usually take place during normal working hours.
9. Private abortion providers may have more flexible appointment times, but will generally charge at least £500
Having an abortion through a private provider does give you more control over timing, but it’s too expensive for most people to afford. Marie Stopes UK is one organisation which offers non-NHS terminations. More information is provided here.
10. Free post-abortion counselling services are available if you need them
If you need to discuss how you’re feeling after having a termination, there are several post-abortion counselling services available such as the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and Marie Stopes UK. The NHS also provides counselling services.
11. However, not every woman does find the experience emotionally difficult
There is no right or wrong way to feel about having an abortion. Some women don’t find the experience particularly emotionally significant, others do. All responses are totally valid.
12. Having an abortion is very unlikely to make it harder for you to get pregnant in the future
It’s statistically highly unlikely that having an abortion will affect your chances of getting pregnant. However, it does increase the chance that future pregnancies will end in premature birth. This risk is most associated with later, surgical terminations - another reason to see a doctor as soon as possible if you think you might need an abortion.
13. You can have a contraceptive implant fitted at the same time as having a termination
When you have an abortion, a doctor or nurse will ask you about which contraception you plan to use in the future. If you like, they can fit a contraceptive implant in your arm whilst the procedure takes place.
The implant is over 99% effective and doesn’t need to be replaced for three years, although you can get it removed earlier if it doesn’t suit you, or if you want to try for a baby.
14. However, you shouldn't have sex for two weeks afterwards to minimise the risk of infection
It’s really important to let your body heal after having an abortion. If you have sex in the fortnight immediately afterwards, you increase your chance of developing an infection. This could lead to internal scarring which will make it much harder to get pregnant in the future. However tempted you are, it’s just not worth the risk.
**You might also be interested in: **
So Your Friend's Getting An Abortion? Here's How To Help Her Out
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Picture: Eugenia Loli
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.