Co-founder Dr Sarah Welsh, with over 10 years of experience in NHS obstetrics and gynaecology, is an expert in women’s health. She covers a wide range of topics, from pregnancy to contraception to sexual health. She believes in talking openly and honestly about traditionally taboo topics so that we can all advocate for our health and wellbeing. So this month, we’re talking about abortion.
TW: Please note that this article will discuss pregnancy and abortion rights.
An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy, so it does not end with the birth of the baby. It is also called a termination of pregnancy and can be done with medication or a minor surgical procedure. Whatever your opinion, one in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime, and ending a pregnancy is not an easy decision. There are physical and emotional consequences, and they vary in severity. Some women are convinced that they want an abortion, I was empowered by making this life-changing choice. Others believe it is a disastrous decision with long-lasting consequences.
Whatever your decision, there needs to be education about abortion and support for women to make that decision. Ultimately, it’s a choice and everyone has a right to say what happens to their bodies. For many women who are pregnant, parenting can be an impossible thought. Often, unplanned pregnancies leave women unable to afford to bring a child into the world, emotionally unable to care for a child, or simply unprepared for such a responsibility.
Other women have medical complications or problems that could put their lives at risk if they continue with the pregnancy, and sometimes the pregnancy is terminated because the baby is born with serious disabilities. Either way, whether you simply want to talk to someone about your options, need more information, or need help making a decision, this difficult process can be managed with the right support.
How do I get an abortion?
Only licensed clinics, either NHS or private hospitals, can perform abortions. Women in the UK can get abortions for free through the NHS, which provides over 90% of all abortions. There are a number of ways to access abortion services, including impartial advice and support, including:
- Contact Service Directly: British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), Marie Stopes UK and National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service (NUPAS).
- See your doctor Who can recommend you for the right service?
- Visit GUM Clinic for contraception and family planningc Recommendation of abortion services
what's the matter?
After you have been referred to an abortion clinic, you will discuss your decision with a specialist who will advise and support you. Termination of pregnancy can be accomplished through medical or surgical methods. Depending on how far along your pregnancy is, these options may vary slightly from hospital to hospital. Your medical history and personal preferences will be taken into consideration when deciding which method of termination of pregnancy to choose.
Most abortions in England, Wales and Scotland are carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy (counted from the first day of the last menstrual period), but in special circumstances, such as when the mother’s life is at risk or the child is born with serious disabilities, they can be carried out after 24 weeks. It is important to note that information about abortions is not recorded in medical records and all details are kept confidential.
Medical termination of pregnancy:
There are two medications that can induce a miscarriage. The first stops the pregnancy hormones and the second contracts the uterus to complete the abortion. In some cases, this method does not expel all the pregnancy tissue, and sometimes a surgical termination is required.
Surgical termination of pregnancy:
At the end of the surgical procedure, general anesthesia is administered and a small suction tube is inserted through the cervix to remove pregnancy tissue. This procedure is quick and requires no incisions or scars. However, general anesthesia always carries risks, which your doctor will discuss with you.
What are the risks?
The earlier the procedure is performed during pregnancy, the safer it is, so it is best to consult a specialist as soon as you find out you are pregnant and consider abortion. In general, abortion is very safe and causes no physical complications for most women. However, there are some risks to be aware of.
- uterine infection
- Pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus
- Excessive bleeding
- Damage to the cervix (uterine cervix) or uterus
- If complications occur, additional treatment (such as surgery) may be needed.
If you suffer from any of these complications, your doctor will support you during your recovery. The charities mentioned above are fantastic sources of support if you need to talk about your difficulties throughout the process.
What happens after that?
It will take a few days to recover from an abortion, and some vaginal bleeding and discomfort can be expected for several weeks. Although many women feel relieved after their abortion is complete, some may feel guilty or upset. Many services offer post-abortion counseling so you can talk about these feelings after the procedure. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family during what can be a difficult time.
Your chances of having a normal pregnancy are not affected after termination of pregnancy. You may become pregnant immediately after an abortion, so you should consider using birth control to avoid this. Whatever the reason, there is support and no one should go through abortion alone.