Abortion
Abortion (termination of pregnancy)
If you are thinking about having an abortion you can go to your GP or family planning /sexual health clinic or young persons’ clinic for information and support.
The nurses and doctors at the clinic/surgery are there to talk over the options with you. This includes discussing the long term implications, both physical and emotional, and considering practical matters such as what method of contraception you will use in the future. Often you will be seen on 2 separate occasions.
If a termination is agreed then the doctor will make a hospital appointment and if possible, give you the details before you leave the clinic.
If you attend an evening clinic the arrangements will be made the next day. You will be asked if you give permission for your GP to be informed. Read about confidentiality.
If it is not possible to obtain a termination under the NHS or you wish to go privately, arrangements can be made through the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) www.bpas.org.uk, or private clinics. This may be expensive depending on how far advanced the pregnancy is.
If you decide to proceed with a termination it is strongly recommended that a follow up appointment is arranged with the Family Planning Clinic or GP to discuss regular contraception if not already arranged and for additional support and counselling if you feel this is necessary.
Contact:
The Forth Valley Directory of Sexual Health Services provides details of local/national organisations offering free information and support: Forth Valley Directory of Sexual Health Services
For more information and support in relation to sexual health issues, please contact or make an appointment with one of our local services