Our early medical termination service is a free, non-judgemental provision of care for women who have an unplanned pregnancy. The service is provided by skilled and experienced clinicians in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Our staff can offer women advice and guidance with their choice in the management of their pregnancy, along with comprehensive on-going contraceptive care and emotional support.

'Early medical termination' or ‘abortion’ is the term used when someone chooses to go through a medical process (taking prescribed tablets) to end their pregnancy. It is not the same as a miscarriage, which is where the pregnancy ends without medical intervention.

There are many reasons why a woman might decide to have an early medical termination (abortion); for example, her personal circumstances and ability to care for the child, health risks to the mother, or if there is a high chance the baby will have a serious genetic or physical abnormality.

About a third of women in the UK will have an early medical termination (abortion) by the time they are 45.

If you are unsure about your decision, you can seek advice to a healthcare professional.

Talking to your partner

If you are in a relationship, you might want to talk to your partner about your options. You may want to consider your circumstances together. But even if your partner is the person who you became pregnant with, that doesn’t mean they can tell you what decision to make. It’s your body and your choice.

What does this mean for me?

Early medical termination (abortion) is a very safe procedure. The earlier an early medical termination (abortion) is carried out, the safer it is.

Lots of studies have found that early medical termination (abortion) is unlikely to affect your chances of becoming pregnant in future.

Making your decision

The options you have will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are.

As different women will have different reasons for considering an early medical termination (abortion), it’s important to consider your unique situation. Some people are very clear about their decision whilst others find it really hard and might take some time to make up their mind.

You may find it helpful to talk to someone you trust – this might be a friend or family member, or a healthcare professional or support worker. There are lots of organisations that can give you informed, confidential advice and support (see below).

Risks

There are some risks associated with early medical terminations (abortions) to be aware of. These are rare and usually happen within a short period following the procedure:

  • haemorrhage (excessive bleeding which might require a blood transfusion) occurs in less than 1 in every 1,000 early medical terminations (abortions)
  • fewer than six in 100 women will have an incomplete abortion (will have some retained products of conception which might require an operation)
  • fewer than two in 100 women will have an unsuccessful termination and the pregnancy continues; if the pregnancy continues surgical termination would be recommended
  • fewer than one in 100 women will have an infection afterwards
  • you should seek immediate medical help after having an abortion if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain or have a high temperature.

Where to go

In most areas of England you can refer yourself. To find out if you can self-refer for NHS-funded early medical termination (abortion) care, call 0300 456 2217 if you are a Dorset resident .

Generally, an early medical termination (abortion) should be carried out as early in the pregnancy as possible, usually before 12 weeks and ideally before nine weeks where possible.

Prepare

During your first appointment a clinician will give you the opportunity to talk about your situation and which method of early medical termination (abortion) is suitable for your stage of pregnancy.

You should also be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and may be given information and advice about your contraceptive choices after the early medical termination (abortion).

Before having an early medical termination (abortion), you may also need to have an ultrasound scan and routine checks such as blood pressure and heart rate.

You will be asked to sign a consent form before the early medical termination (abortion) is carried out.

Further support

  • Abortion Talk is a new charity opening up conversations around abortion by creating spaces for anyone affected by their experience to talk and be heard.
  • Women on web questions and answers on early medical termination (abortion).