Medically induced abortion is available legally in the united kingdom up to 24 weeks, but the vast majority of terminations are carried out in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The further the pregnancy has progressed, the more risky the procedure and the more difficult it is to obtain.
Under the 1967 Abortion Act you need two doctors to certify that a termination is necessary or medical or psychological reasons. The operation will be carried out at a National Health Service hospital, at a clinic run by a charity like the British Pregnancy Advisory Service or privately.
The Decision to have an abortion is always a difficult one. Women need abortions for a number of reasons -- financial or personal, or because the f o e t u s is abnormal. Amniocentesis, the most commonly used test for f o e t a l abnormality, cannot be done until at least 14 weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period. The results take 2-5 weeks to come through, forcing parents to take a g o n i s i n g choice of having having a baby born with an abnormality or going through with a late abortion. C h o r i o n i c villus Sampling is a possible alternative to amniocentesis in some cases. It can be performed as early as eight weeks into the pregnancy and can give results in 5-12 days. It does have some risks, but it gives the woman the choice of an abortion in the first three months.
How to get an Abortion:-
If you think you may be pregnant and you're unsure whether you want to have the baby, it's important to have a pregnancy test as soon as possible. The new do-it-yourself tests are very reliable and some can actually be used as early as the day you missed your period. If you are pregnant, the first step is to visit your GP(General Practitioner). She will conform your pregnancy and discuss your options with you. If you decide on an abortion, she will arrange for you to see another doctor to certify that the termination is necessary. If you'd rather not visit your family doctor, you can go to your local Family Planning Clinic.
After an Abortion:-
You will probably feel very relieved after the abortion and be glad it's all over. You will be told at the clinic or hospital not to have intercourse for at least three weeks after the abortion and you shouldn't use tampons for about a month. You may experience some light bleeding but it's important that you see your doctor immediately if bleeding is heavy or you experience abdominal pain, vomiting or discharge. Physically, you should be over an early abortion after about a week. For a later termination, physical recovery will take about two to three weeks. You will be asked to return for a check-up after six weeks. Emotional recovery will take longer. You may feel depressed and weepy for weeks or months. If you find it hard to cope, contact the clinic or hospital. They will be able to help.
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