Here at GynaeDoctors, we are passionate about championing the decisions of women, particularly around their sexual health and fertility choices. Research by Bupa shows us that 1 in 3 women living in the UK will have an abortion by the age of 45. Therefore, education and access to the relevant services is essential.
Making abortions widely accessible is a vital part of healthcare for women. It not only ensures that women from all walks of life and economic backgrounds have access to the support they need, but also provides the opportunity to make decisions about their own bodies and wellbeing.
Women deserve the right to be informed about their bodies, about abortions and the different procedures available, as well as understanding where access to these services is available. It is our responsibility to make abortion treatments available to all women so they can make informed choices and undergo abortions safely.
What are the Different Types of Abortion?
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy and there are different methods of pregnancy termination depending on how far along a woman is in her pregnancy. Here’s a bit more information:
Medical Abortion
The first type of abortion is called a ‘medical abortion’ and it involves taking medicine in the form of a tablet to essentially trigger a miscarriage. Medical abortions are available to women who are in the early stages of pregnancy (before 12 weeks gestation).
Surgical Abortion
Despite the name, a surgical abortion does not involve surgery. It is a type of pregnancy termination for women who are over 12 weeks pregnant and involves removing the pregnancy from the womb. There are two ways this can be done:
Suction Aspiration: this involves removing the pregnancy via gentle suction. It is suitable for women who are up to 12 weeks pregnant and is typically carried out under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel anything.
Dilation and Evacuation: this involves taking medicine to dilate the cervix and then removing the pregnancy with the use of forceps. This procedure can be carried out 13 to 24 weeks into a woman’s pregnancy and will be performed under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel anything. Some women like to be awake during the procedure, while others prefer to be asleep.
What’s the Limit on Pregnancy Termination?
In the UK, it is legal to terminate a pregnancy up to the 24th week of pregnancy. However, there are cases where an abortion is permitted after this period for reasons such as, risk to the mother's life, severe foetus development issues, and significant health concerns for the mother and or the foetus.
The NHS states that women should be offered a choice of abortion method whenever possible. Of course, depending on a woman’s health, the gestation of the pregnancy, and other factors that may be discussed, having a choice in the procedure may not always be possible. This will be discussed with you, should it be something you face.
What is the Abortion Pill and How is it Different from The Morning After Pill?
The abortion pill involves taking two different tablets, 24 hours apart, to terminate a pregnancy. In comparison, the morning after pill is a form of emergency contraception. In other words, it helps to prevent pregnancy before it happens.
According to The World Health Organisation, “Emergency contraception refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. These are recommended for use within 5 days but are more effective the sooner they are used after the act of intercourse.”
So, they are very different medications and each serves a very different purpose.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
There are two abortion pills and they each have a very specific job to do. The first tablet blocks the hormone progesterone - the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterus breaks down in preparation for passing the pregnancy.
24 hours later you will take the second tablet. This tablet causes the uterus to contract, causing bleeding and the loss of the pregnancy, similar in many ways to the experience of having a miscarriage. Many women say the process of taking the abortion pill feels like a more natural end to a pregnancy when compared with surgical pregnancy termination.
How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
The abortion pill is completely free in the majority of abortion cases. The NHS covers abortion treatment, however, it does require the name and address of the patient, as well as the address of their GP.
If you would like to have an abortion carried out privately, you will need to pay for your treatment. Medical termination by post at GynaeDoctors costs £450 and includes:
- A virtual video or telephone consultation
- The discreet delivery of all medications by a signed for courier
- 24/7 aftercare
It’s a private and confidential way to have an abortion, allowing you to pass your pregnancy at home without having to attend our clinic in-person. We offer appointments within 24 hours of you contacting us. So, you won’t have long to wait to start the process.
Can I Have a Medical Abortion?
While medical pregnancy termination is widely available to women looking for an abortion, it is not suitable for everyone. A medical abortion may not be the right option if you:
- Are more than 63 days pregnant
- Decide to continue with your pregnancy
- Are taking medications that prevent or treat blood clots
- Suffer severe diseases that require you to take steroids
- Have a bleeding disorder
- Are taking steroids that reduce the effectiveness of your immune system
- Have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that has occurred outside of the uterus)
- Have epilepsy
- Have adrenal failure
- Have an infection in your pelvis
- Have an IUD (this will need to be removed before the pregnancy termination process begins)
- Are breastfeeding
- Are allergic to any of the medications used in the medical abortion process
If you’re unsure whether you’ll be permitted a medical abortion, it is worth talking with us. We’re here to answer your questions and help you access the most suitable treatment.
Pregnancy Termination Pill by Post: The Legalities
In the UK, it is illegal to give medicine that has been prescribed to you to someone else. Therefore, if you are prescribed the abortion pill, it is illegal to give that pill to someone else for their use.
If you receive your medical abortion kit by post and subsequently decide not to go through with the abortion, however, we encourage you to contact us. We will advise you on how to safely dispose of the pills. You may not keep them and use them for another pregnancy as this might not be safe.
The Medical Abortion Process: What to Expect
Here’s an overview of the medical abortion process, from beginning to end, so that you know what to expect.
Initial Consultation
When you get in touch with us regarding a medical abortion, we will carry out a consultation. This will be done virtually, either via video call or telephone.
Prescription
After you’ve had your consultation with us, you will be prescribed medication to carry out the abortion. This will be discreetly delivered to you.
Termination Process
Once your medicines arrive, they must be taken 1 to 2 days apart and they should cause the pregnancy to pass naturally through your vagina, in much the same way as a miscarriage would.
There will be detailed instructions on how to terminate your pregnancy included within your prescription pack and you can always get in touch with us if you have any questions or concerns.
Symptoms You May Experience
Within just a couple of hours of taking the first tablet, you will start experiencing cramping and bleeding. This is the womb breaking down and releasing the pregnancy. You can expect to experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Cramping and bleeding
- Passing clots and heavy bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Diarrhoea
You should find that the heavy bleeding settles after a couple of days. After which, you are likely to experience a period for 2-3 weeks. Your period should become lighter after one week or so.
When to Seek Advice from a Doctor
If you experience excessive bleeding or pain that is unmanageable, you should seek advice from your doctor.
Follow-up Appointment
Once the abortion procedure is complete, we will provide you with a follow-up appointment. This will be around 2-5 weeks after your abortion. This appointment has to be carried out in-person so that we can complete blood work and perform an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy has been terminated and you are no longer pregnant.
What if I’m Still Pregnant?
If you have a medical abortion, there is an extremely small chance that you may have a failed abortion. If this happens, get in touch with us. You might need to repeat the procedure or have the pregnancy surgically removed.
It is worth emphasising that failed abortions are extremely unlikely. It is estimated that around 1 in 100 abortions fail. So, it is very unlikely. However, if you are particularly worried about this or you have questions, get in touch. Our friendly team is available to help answer any questions you may have.
Final Words
We have shared a lot of information about medical termination by post. We hope it has been helpful to you. If you would like to explore this option further, we encourage you to get in touch with us and book a consultation. We’re here to support you.
