What is abortion?
An abortion is the deliberate ending of a pregnancy. According to statistics, one in three women will decide to have an abortion before the age of 45. bpas provides safe and legal abortion for women who decide this option is right for them.

There are two main methods of abortion. Medical abortion involves taking a combination of drugs, and surgical abortion involves a minor operation. Most abortions can be provided on a day care basis, which means you do not need to stay at a clinic overnight. For more detailed information on medical and surgical abortion at different stages of pregnancy, you can consult our client literature here.

If you decide to have an abortion at bpas, you will attend one of our consultation centres where you will have an opportunity to talk to a healthcare professional about the abortion method most suitable for you. Different factors, such as how long you have been pregnant and your general health, will influence which option is best for you. Click here and we will guide you through the options and give you information on the type of treatment you could expect to receive if you decide to go ahead.

At bpas we accept that unplanned pregnancies happen and that every woman should have the right to decide for herself how to deal with the situation. bpas has been established since 1968 and advises over 70,000 women every year. Our staff are fully trained and have chosen to work with bpas to provide a caring and non-judgemental service.

Abortion and the Law
Abortion in Great Britain is regulated by the 1967 Abortion Act (as amended by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990). In England, Wales and Scotland, abortion is legal up to the 24th week of pregnancy, and in some rare circumstances after this date. The law allows doctors to end unwanted pregnancies when they believe that continuing with the pregnancy would adversely affect the physical or mental health of the woman or her existing children, or when they believe that the abortion would be less risky than continuing the pregnancy. Two doctors must certify that the legal grounds are met, although they do not necessarily have to see the woman personally. Gaining the signatures of two doctors to an abortion is part of the consultation procedure offered by bpas.

Abortion remains illegal in Northern Ireland, where the 1967 Abortion Act does not apply. If you are living in Ireland and would like more information on the services available to you click here.

In cases where there is a substantial risk to the woman’s life, or in cases of foetal abnormality, there is no legal time limit for abortion. Abortions at this stage are conducted at NHS hospitals. The charity Antenatal Results and Choices provides information and support about fetal abnormality to visit their website click here.

What do I do now?

• Get advice on the choices available to you regarding your unplanned pregnancy.
• Find out what happens after contacting your NHS Doctor.
• Find out the location of your nearest bpas centre.
• Book an appointment.

What Happens on the Day
We recognise that for many women this may be a distressing time and we would like to give you some idea of what a typical visit to one of our centres would be like. Many women feel it can help reduce their discomfort by knowing what to expect. More...

Aftercare
bpas has a Post Treatment Support Line: 0800 247 1122
You can call this number 24 hours a day if you are worried. This page has more information about the support line and about immediate post-operative care and other issues surrounding your abortion. More...

Experiences
bpas treats all clients with dignity and respect and provides confidential, non-judgmental services. bpas also prides itself on the quality of care it provides. This is a selection of some of the comments women have made with regard to their personal experiences at bpas. More...

Frequently Asked Questions
The answers to frequently asked questions concerning abortion. More...