You will have the option of wearing a mask at all times in the clinic. If you do not have a mask and would like one, then we will provide you with one.
For safety, please do not attend your in person appointment at the clinic if:
If your face-to-face appointment with us is within your isolation period or you are symptomatic of COVID, please call us to rebook.
The abortion pill is a medicine that ends the pregnancy. The medical name for the abortion pill is mifepristone. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue.
The abortion pill is followed by another medicine called misoprostol, which makes the womb contract, causing cramping and bleeding similar to a miscarriage.
This method can be used up to 24 weeks of pregnancy at BPAS. What to expect depends on whether the pregnancy is less than or more than 9 weeks’ gestation.
You should plan to be at the clinic all day and potentially overnight.
Once you have checked in with the receptionist, your name and date of birth will be checked and you will be asked to go into a waiting room. A nurse will collect you and ask if you would like your support person to accompany you through this stage. The nurse will make sure that all your paperwork is complete and accurate. Your medical history will be confirmed.
This will be explained in detail during your consultation. All clients require at least 2 treatment appointments. On your first appointment you will be given the abortion pill, mifepristone to swallow while you are in the clinic – this will take around 1 and a half hours. You will go home and return for the rest of your treatment 1 or 2 days later. If your pregnancy is over 22 weeks’ gestation you may also require feticide and should expect to be in the clinic for up to 4 to 5 hours. On your second appointment you will either return to a BPAS clinic to complete your treatment and should plan to be at the clinic all day and potentially overnight.
Clients can bring one person with them to the clinic. They will be allowed into the waiting area with you but due to the size of some of our clinics they may not be able to stay with you. Please be aware that at some point during your time with us we will want to see you alone.
(Advice from 01.07.22)
Remember to bring:
A female adult of your choice can stay with you throughout your treatment and you need an adult (aged 18 or over) to take you home when it is finished - if this is difficult for you, please tell the clinic at the earliest opportunity so that your treatment can be provided safely.
You will have a BPAS support person with you throughout treatment. We will also keep your own support person up to date with your progress if you wish and you can rejoin them as quickly as possible if you prefer. More information for under 16s.
For more detailed information about this treatment option, please click here.
