Termination of pregnancy or abortion is not a decision that is taken lightly. Although an unexpected pregnancy can be a shock for many reasons, in most cases the shock will pass and positive plans to establish or extend a family follow.
For some people however, the prospect of pregnancy and all that follows is a complicated matter and creates a dilemma for the pregnant woman and her partner.
The decision to terminate a pregnancy is likely to be a difficult choice. Although a personal choice for the woman concerned, like difficult decisions of all kinds, it can help to talk it through in a safe place with a supportive and understanding person. This could be your partner a family member or friend. It is usually a good idea to speak to your GP if you think you do not wish to continue with the pregnancy. Alternatively there are a number of Pregnancy Advisory services where you can speak in confidence to an advisor about your concerns.
Termination of pregnancy is legal in the UK up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, although most hospitals and clinics will not consider termination beyond 18 to 20 weeks. Because of this, if a woman is considering termination it is important not to delay discussing the situation with a doctor. Also, the earlier a termination is carried out, the safer it is for the woman.
Termination will require the agreement of two doctors that risk to the woman’s mental or physical health if she continues with the pregnancy is greater than if she has an abortion. Social circumstances can be taken into account when making this decision.
In the consultation the doctor will normally perform an examination to confirm how long the woman has been pregnant and explain the options for termination and the risks involved. If a decision to proceed is made, an appointment at a hospital or clinic is arranged for the termination.
Terminations are either performed medically using different forms of medication depending on how advanced the pregnancy is, or surgically.
Coping with termination
Although sadness is not an inevitable result of having a termination, many women subsequently regret the decision and experience a sense of loss or bereavement, and sad feelings connected to the loss can last for a long time. However for some women the relief at having resolved a difficult situation can help the process of adjustment and acceptance.
If you’re having trouble coming to terms with an abortion, you are not unusual, even if it happened many years ago.
Alternative contacts
British Pregnancy Advisory Service: 08457 30 40 30
Brook Advisory Centres Helpline for under 25s: 0808 802 1234 (Mon-Fri 9.00am-5.00pm)
Caledonia Youth Centres (Edinburgh & Falkirk) offer the same services as Brook Advisory Centres. Tel: 0131 229 1402
Marie Stopes 0845 300 80 90
workplacewellbeing.com assumes no responsibility for the content of linked websites.
