When Can You Have an Abortion Due to Unwanted Pregnancy?

The laws on abortion in the UK set out why and when it is possible to have a termination for an unwanted or accidental pregnancy.

When is Abortion Allowed for an Unwanted Pregnancy?

Accidental pregnancies are fairly common. Sometimes they happen because you forgot to use contraception or something went wrong, such as the condom breaking. However, they can also happen because contraception can’t prevent all pregnancies, even when it is working properly. Although it is less common, unwanted pregnancies can also happen due to rape.

In cases when there is no physical risk to your health and no medical problem with the foetus, an abortion can be performed if continuing with the pregnancy would have a negative impact on your mental wellbeing. This could mean:

• Having the baby could trigger or worsen mental health conditions such as depression or PTSD.
• The mental or emotional impact of pregnancy, childbirth or parenthood would be harmful for you.
• Your social or financial circumstances mean that continuing with the pregnancy could have a negative impact on you.
• You would not be able to cope with looking after a child or to provide them with everything they need.
• Having another child would have a negative impact on the wellbeing of any existing children.

When Can You Have an Abortion?

If you are considering abortion for an unwanted pregnancy it is important to be aware that there are time limits for the procedure and that it is best to have the termination as early as possible. At the 132 Healthwise clinic we perform:

• Medical abortions up to 9 weeks
• Manual vacuum aspiration up to 12 weeks
• Surgical abortion between 9 and 19 weeks

Having an abortion is a very personal decision, whatever your reasons are for considering it. You will need to discuss all of the options with your doctor so that you can make the choice that feels right for you.