An abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy, sometimes called a termination. It has been legal in England for over 50 years.

There are two types of abortion: Medical and Surgical.

Medical abortion (or the abortion pill, as it’s sometimes called) involves taking two types of medication at different times to end a pregnancy. It is available up to 9 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.

Surgical abortion is a safe and simple procedure carried out by specialist doctors in a clinic, and involves the pregnancy being removed through the vagina using a suction method. It is available up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy.

There are more than ten clinics in Liverpool City Region that offer abortion counselling and procedures.

See NHS website for more information on How to Get an Abortion.

You can also visit the National Unplanned Pregnancy Service (NUPAS) website, or call them on 0333 004 6666. The staff are helpful, understanding, and will know all of the free appointment slots at local clinics. You’ll be able to attend the clinic that is most convenient for you. You won’t have to wait too long for a consultation – normally less than a week.

You’ll need to have an initial consultation. If the doctor or nurse confirms that an abortion will be legal and safe, a follow-up appointment for the procedure will be booked. It is possible for both appointments to take place on the same date.

Deciding what to do when you have an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult.

Confidentially talking through your options with a healthcare professional can help you to reach a decision that will be right for you. The doctors and nurses at the sexual and reproductive health clinics and abortion providers in Liverpool City Region offer impartial and unbiased information and advice about all of your pregnancy options. Abortion providers also provide counselling to support you with making your decision and also support after an abortion should you require it.

Whilst it may not be top of your list of priorities at this time they will also talk to you about STI testing and contraception methods.

If the doctor or nurse confirms that an abortion will be legal and safe, and you decide that it is the best option for you, they will explain your options and make the necessary arrangements.

Abortions can be done using medicine or surgery. The type of abortion depends upon the stage of the pregnancy and any health issues.

It may be possible to have an abortion at home by taking medicine if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant. You may be able to have a telephone consultation and have the pills posted to you to take at home. This is often referred to as a medical abortion, telecare, remote service or pills by post.

If you are considering abortion, we recommend you contact the service provider (as discussed above) as soon as you are able to do so. This ensures you get the support and time to confidentially discuss your situation and treatment options available to you.

If your residential address is in Liverpool City Region and you are registered with a Liverpool City Region GP, in most cases abortions are provided free on the NHS.

NHS website Abortion – NHS

British Pregnancy Advisory Service Abortion clinics, Information, Advice and Treatment | BPAS

National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service Abortion Clinics | Termination of Pregnancy Advice, Counselling & Treatment | NUPAS

MSI MSI Reproductive Choices UK – Your Choice, Our Support