Termination of Pregnancy

If you have recently found out you are pregnant and after taking into consideration all your options, which include adoption, continuing with the pregnancy etc, you have decided that a termination is the right course of action for you to take. You may experience mixed feelings of guilt or relief. This is normal, and there will be many questions that you might now have about the process.

You may be able to talk to friends and family, or you may not be able to talk to anyone. We have a highly trained Counsellor that can support you to consider your options. The service we provide is patient-centred. and you will be given sufficient time to make your decisions. If you have made your decision and want to proceed to termination of pregnancy treatment, then we will respond as quickly as we can, so that we don't cause any more undue stress.

We have tried to answer some of the questions you might have, below:

How do I make an appointment?

You can make the appointment by calling 01733 673758. Tell us if you would like a Counsellor or Assessment appointment and you will be given a date in the first instance, to go through a telephone assessment. Once two doctors have reviewed and agreed your treatment, we will either:

  • send the medicines to your home address/arrange for you to collect (if no ectopic risk factors and less than 10 weeks).
  • arrange for you to attend for an ultrasound and further discussion on treatment.

If I choose to have a Counselling appointment - what will happen?

The counsellor would offer an hour long appointment to consider your concerns, fears, circumstances and hopefully allow you to reach a decision. If you decide to continue the pregnancy we will direct you back to your GP for maternity booking. If you decide not to continue with your pregnancy we will give you an assessment appointment.

What happens at the telephone assessment appointment?

The telephone assessment will take about 30-40 minutes. Please make sure you read this leaflet before the call, to put together your questions. Make sure you are able to find somewhere private to take the call and keep a pen and paper handy to write down any notes. At the end of the telephone call, we will send you the medicines to take at home (if suitable) or book an appointment for you to come in to see us, where an ultrasound scan will carried out (you will not see or hear anything on the screen). We will complete any other investigations when you attend the Unit, and ensure you understand  the treatment options.

Legally, we cannot carry out your treatment until two different doctors have agreed that your reasons satisfy the Abortion Act. Treatment will start when both doctors have agreed and completed the Abortion Act paperwork.

What are my treatment options?

There are three different treatments for a Termination of Pregnancy: tablets (medical), a procedure in the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (where you are awake), or a procedure in the theatre (where you are asleep). Deciding what treatment is the right option for you will depend on how many weeks into the pregnancy you are, any medical problems and your personal choice.

What happens at my clinic appointment?

During your telephone consultation, the nurse will carry out a medical assessment. If the nurse feels it is appropriate, you will be asked to attend for an ultrasound scan to determine the pregnancy size as well as ensure it is in the womb. Please be assured that you will not see or hear anything during the ultrasound.

A nurse will speak with you after the scan, answer any questions and find out what you want to do next. During your visit the nurse will offer any appropriate blood or urine tests, such as Chlamydia, and if you decide to continue to treatment, she will explain consent and possible treatment risks.

If you are having tablet treatment at home, we may be able to start the first part of the treatment at this appointment. If you are having a procedure or tablets in hospital, we will arrange an appointment date and time for you to have your treatment. 

This appointment (including the ultrasound scan and the nurse consultation) may take around 1 hour 30 mins in total. 

  1. Termination of Pregnancy treatments