Q11. How do I arrange an abortion on the NHS?

A11. First of all you need to arrange an appointment with your GP. He or she will discuss abortion with you and will refer you to a hospital or an abortion clinic.

The terms of the Abortion Act state that you must be assessed for an abortion by two doctors and obtain their signatures on a legal document. Your GP will provide the first signature and the second will be provided by a doctor at the abortion clinic. This is a requirement for an NHS abortion.

Once you have obtained your signatures, a date for your initial consultation will be set. This is where you meet with the doctor and counselling staff to discuss your forthcoming treatment.

The date for your abortion will be arranged three weeks following this consultation. In some cases, you may be seen even quicker, possibly the next day.

Abortion is usually free on the NHS.

Find out more in our NHS abortion section.

FAQS Index:

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Abortion FAQs

1. My pregnancy is unplanned, should I consider an abortion?
2. Does abortion hurt?
3. Why is abortion such a controversial issue?
4. I am thinking about having an abortion; what do I need to consider?
5. Is there more than one type of abortion?
6. I am under 16; do I have to get my parents permission to have an abortion?
7. How much does an abortion cost?
8. What reasons do women give for having an abortion?
9. Should I have my abortion on the NHS or at a private clinic?
10. Does counselling help?

12. How do I arrange an abortion on the NHS?
13. How do I arrange an abortion at a private clinic?
14. What is a ‘late term abortion?’
15. How safe is an abortion?
16. Will having an abortion make me infertile?
17. What happens at the initial consultation?
18. What are the risks of an abortion?
19. What can I expect after my abortion?
20. What is the aftercare?
21. Will I be able to have a baby some point in the future even though I have had an abortion?

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