However careful you are in your sex life, contraception can fail, resulting in unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.

It may help to know that:
Every year tens of thousands of couples face unplanned pregnancies
Safe solutions are available
You and your partner must decide what is right for you without feeling under pressure.

Why men too?
We recognise that abortion can be difficult and emotional for men, as well as their partners. Partners are in a unique position to provide loving support not only throughout the abortion procedure but also afterwards.

What happens at the consultation appointment?
Choosing to have an abortion is one of the biggest decisions anyone can make and bpas can provide information to help make an informed decision.

The first step is for your partner to arrange to have a consultation at a bpas centre. This appointment will take up to two hours and will include an examination by a health care professional.

You will be able to stay with your partner for most of the time. However, we will need to see her alone for a private discussion.

If she decides to go ahead with an abortion, your partner will make an appointment at one of our treatment units.

What happens at the treatment appointment?
This is when the abortion will happen and we welcome partners at all our facilities. You will usually be able to stay with your partner until she is ready for treatment, if this is what she wishes.

Usually, there is no need for women to stay in the treatment unit overnight but, if this is necessary, we can provide information about local accommodation for you.

The procedure
Methods of abortion vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. Abortions are very safe and straightforward, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy. A doctor or nurse will discuss the options for treatment and any possible complications and side effects of the procedure with your partner before she makes her decision.

More information is available throughout the bpas website or by reading the information leaflets provided to your partner.

What after effects are there?
Your partner will be given a course of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. It is usual for women to experience some bleeding for several days after the treatment. Some women find that their hormone levels swing quite dramatically while their body adjusts and therefore they may feel low.

In the longer term, some women feel a sense of loss and others may feel relieved. It is perfectly natural that different individuals experience different emotions.

You are in the best position to see how your partner is feeling and give her the support and reassurance she needs. The Post Treatment Support Line offered by bpas will always be there if your partner needs medical help: 0800 247 1122