Abortion (Termination)
Abortion is when someone chooses to end a pregnancy and it’s sometimes called a “termination.”
People may choose to have an abortion for many reasons. Some people may not want to have children, while others may not be financially able to support a child. Some people may also have health problems that would make it difficult for them to carry a pregnancy to term.
And in certain circumstances someone may be pregnant as a result of sexual assault and will want to abort the pregnancy of an unwanted child.
It’s important to remember that abortion is a personal decision. There’s no right or wrong answer and only the person who’s pregnant can decide what’s best for them.
Abortion (Termination)
Abortion is when someone chooses to end a pregnancy and it’s sometimes called a “termination.”
People may choose to have an abortion for many reasons. Some people may not want to have children, while others may not be financially able to support a child. Some people may also have health problems that would make it difficult for them to carry a pregnancy to term.
And in certain circumstances someone may be pregnant as a result of sexual assault and will want to abort the pregnancy of an unwanted child.
It’s important to remember that abortion is a personal decision. There’s no right or wrong answer and only the person who’s pregnant can decide what’s best for them.
Need to talk?
Making the decision to end a pregnancy is a difficult one. There are many factors to consider, such as your own personal beliefs, your financial situation and your medical needs. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in making this decision and there are resources available to help you.
Some people choose to end a pregnancy because they don’t want children. They may not feel ready to be a parent or they may not have the financial resources to support a child. Others may choose to end a pregnancy because they aren’t in a stable relationship or because they have health problems which might make it difficult for them to carry a pregnancy to term.
No matter what your reasons are, it’s important to make the decision which is right for you. There is no right or wrong answer and only you can decide what is best for you.
If you’re considering ending a pregnancy, there are resources available to help you. You can talk to your doctor, a counsellor or a trusted adult. There are also many online resources that can provide information and support.
Here are some organisations that can help you:
You’re not alone.
There are people who care about you and want to help you through this decision.
FAQs
Clear answers to common questions
Contacting a sexual health service for the first time may be a little daunting, especially if you’re not keen on talking to someone. So, here are answers to some of the questions we get asked a lot.
What questions will be asked if I call the helpline?
You’ll be asked a few simple questions to understand your circumstances and the support you may need.
There is no rush, so take your time.
What support will I be offered?
We will support you in whatever way you need.
This may include talking through your situation, giving advice, helping you access things like protection or contraception, or organising a STI test.
What if I need a test?
We provide a quick and discreet STI self-testing kits for many of the most common infections.
If a different test is needed, we’ll help you with booking a confidential appointment at a local clinic.
Will I need a physical examination?
You may be invited to a confidential physical examination at one of our clinics, where a doctor will undertake any examination that’s needed.
You’ll be asked in advance if you are comfortable with the examination.
Who is told about my appointments or STI tests?
No one. Both your appointment and test result are completely confidential.
Your information is stored in a sexual health services medical record and is only shared with your GP or other professional if you agree.
How are tests taken?
If you do need to take a test, many can be taken from the comfort of your home by ordering one of our self-test kits – others may require a visit to a sexual health clinic.
You may be asked to provide either a urine or swab sample of the infected area or a blood sample may be needed in some cases. This will be explained before the test.
What if my test result is positive?
Firstly, please don’t worry, we deal with STIs all the time and almost all are now treatable.
You’ll be contacted by a professional to discuss your results and given advice on the treatment you may need.
In addition, we will offer any counselling and other forms of support you may need.
