It is also sometimes known as a termination of pregnancy. The pregnancy is ended either by taking medicines or having a surgical procedure.
Abortions can only be carried out under the care of an NHS hospital or licenced clinic. This is usually available free of charge on the NHS.
Ways to get an abortion on the NHS.
Most abortions in England Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy. In very limited circumstances they can be carried out after 24 weeks.
The decision to have an abortion is yours alone, however you may want to speak to your partner friends or family, but you do not have to do so. They do not have a say in your decision.
If you are under 16, your parents do not usually need to be told. The doctor or nurse may encourage you to tell your parents, carer or other adult you trust, but they will not make you.
There are organisations, usually known as crisis pregnancy centres, that offer counselling around pregnancy. They do not refer people for abortion and may not offer balanced or accurate advice.
If you go to a place that offers pregnancy counselling and you are not sure if they will refer you for an abortion, ask if they refer people for an abortion.
