Abortion

Overview

Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. It is a safe, legal, and common health service offered by the NHS in the United Kingdom. People choose abortion for many different reasons, and the care is confidential and provided without judgment.

Yes. Around one in three people who can become pregnant in the UK will have an abortion at some point in their life.

Abortion affects anyone who is pregnant and decides not to continue the pregnancy. This includes people of all ages, backgrounds, incomes, and relationship statuses.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pregnancy symptoms such as a missed period, nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness, or needing to urinate more often.
• If you have already had an abortion, common after-effects include light bleeding, cramping, and tender breasts.
• Bleeding after an abortion is normal and can last for up to two weeks.

Symptoms in children

• Teenagers can become pregnant and may consider abortion. They have the same rights to confidential care and should be supported with age-appropriate information.

Symptoms in older adults

• People over 40 can also have abortions. They may have additional health conditions, so it is especially important to discuss any medical history with a healthcare provider.

Causes

Main causes

• An unintended pregnancy.
• A pregnancy that causes serious physical or mental health problems for the pregnant person.
• A diagnosis during pregnancy that shows the baby has a severe or life-limiting condition.
• Personal, social, or financial reasons that make continuing the pregnancy very difficult.

Risk factors

• Difficulty accessing effective contraception.
• Being younger or older (teens and people over 40).
• Living in an area with limited sexual health services.
• Having a past history of unintended pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you think you might be pregnant and are considering abortion, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Abortion is safer and simpler the earlier it is done.
• If you have any signs of a complication after an abortion, such as heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have decided you want an abortion, you can refer yourself directly to an NHS abortion service or sexual health clinic. Your GP can also provide information and arrange an appointment.

Diagnosis

Abortion is not a condition to diagnose. Instead, a healthcare provider will confirm your pregnancy, estimate how many weeks pregnant you are, and talk through your options.

Tests that may be done

• A urine or blood pregnancy test.
• An ultrasound scan to determine the stage of pregnancy.
• A blood test to check your blood group and overall health.

What to expect at your appointment

During your consultation, you will have time to ask questions and talk about your feelings. The clinician will explain all your options, including continuing the pregnancy, abortion, and adoption or alternative parenting support. You choose what is right for you.

Treatment

Abortion care in the UK is free, confidential, and safe. The two main methods are medication abortion and surgical abortion. Which one you can have depends on how many weeks pregnant you are and your personal preference. Both methods work very well and carry low risk.

Self-care at home

• Rest for a day or two after an abortion and avoid heavy lifting.
• Use sanitary pads instead of tampons for the first few weeks.
• Take simple pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage cramping (follow the guidance you are given).
• Avoid swimming, hot baths, or intense exercise for about one week.

Medical treatments

Medication abortion is a way to end a pregnancy using two medicines taken a day or two apart. They cause the womb to empty, which can feel like a heavy, crampy period. This option is usually available in the early weeks of pregnancy. You may bleed at home or in a clinic, depending on local services.

When is surgery considered?

Surgical abortion is a safe, minor procedure performed at a clinic or hospital. It takes about five to ten minutes and can be done with local or general anaesthesia. Many people choose this method because it is quick and the procedure is over in one appointment.

Living with this condition

Your body usually recovers quickly. You may have light bleeding for up to two weeks, and your next period usually returns within four to eight weeks. You can return to your normal routine within a day or two if you feel well.

Lifestyle tips

• Use effective contraception if you want to avoid another pregnancy. Many options are available, such as an implant, intrauterine device (IUD), pill, or condom.
• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and smoking for a few days to support healing.
• Take gentle walks when you feel ready. Low-impact activity can help your recovery.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with iron-rich foods like lean meat, beans, lentils, and leafy green vegetables to help your body replace the blood you lost. Gentle walking is fine. Resume more intense exercise only when you feel comfortable.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to have a mix of feelings after an abortion, such as relief, sadness, or guilt. For most people, these feelings settle with time. If you feel persistently low, anxious, or unable to cope for more than a few weeks, reach out for support. You are not alone.

Prevention

Abortion itself cannot be 'prevented' because it is a health service people choose. However, unintended pregnancies can be reduced with effective contraception. Long-acting methods like implants and IUDs are very reliable.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for abortion. However, getting the HPV vaccine and other recommended vaccines helps protect your reproductive health, which is an important part of overall wellbeing.

Screening programmes

There is no screening test for abortion. But regular sexual health check-ups can detect and treat infections early, which supports your future fertility and general health.

Complications

If left untreated

• If complications like heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion are not treated, they can lead to serious illness, severe anaemia, or damage to the reproductive organs.
• Without timely care, a continued pregnancy after a failed abortion can also pose health risks.
• Getting medical help quickly prevents these problems and helps you recover fully.

Long-term outlook

With safe, legal abortion care, serious complications are very rare. Most people recover fully, both physically and emotionally, and many go on to have healthy pregnancies in the future if they wish. You deserve care that is kind, respectful, and tailored to you.

Find support

International organisations

• International Planned Parenthood Federation
• Women Help Women

Local organisations

• British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) · United Kingdom
• National Health Service (NHS) · United Kingdom
• MSI Reproductive Choices UK · United Kingdom

Helplines

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